Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
US – Kendrick Lamar will headline the 2025 Super Bowl halftime show in New Orleans on 9 February. Apple Music and the NFL announced this on Instagram. Lamar, 37, shared a video of himself on a football field. He’s excited to represent rap, calling it “the most impactful genre”. NFL music head Seth Dudowsky praised Lamar’s influence, and Jay-Z called him a “once-in-a-generation” artist.
Nigeria – At least 48 people died in Niger State, Nigeria, when a fuel truck crashed into a lorry carrying people and cows. The accident, which caused a big explosion, happened early on Sunday. Other vehicles were also involved. Rescue teams found burnt bodies and dead animals. Governor Umaru Bago expressed regret at the mass funeral. Fuel truck accidents often happen in Nigeria because of bad roads.
Israel – Ezz El-Din, 14, and his siblings collect rubble from destroyed buildings in southern Gaza to help their injured father. They use stones to build graves in the cemetery where they live. Ezz says, “Children in the world are studying in schools and we are working”. Gaza’s schools have been badly damaged by Israeli attacks. Most schools need major repairs, and 625,000 kids have missed almost a year of school.
UK – Idris Elba has joined the UK Prime Minister to start a new anti-knife crime group at Downing Street. He attended the first knife crime meeting with top politicians. Elba works with community groups and victims’ families to change policies. His charity is part of the group trying to reduce knife crime by half over 10 years. The government is banning some knives and changing online knife sale laws. The group includes community leaders, tech companies, sports groups, and the NHS. Elba also met with King Charles about youth violence and started his own campaign called “Don’t Stop Your Future”.
Pictured above: Kendrick Lamar.
Source: Instagram
