Afropop Connect

Rihanna Reaches a New Spotify Peak

Rihanna has surpassed 114 million monthly listeners on Spotify, marking a new career high on the platform. 🎧

The milestone comes more than a decade after the release of her last studio album, ANTI, in January 2016. Rihanna had already returned to the top among female artists on Spotify earlier this year, showing the continued streaming strength of a catalogue filled with hits such as “Umbrella,” “Diamonds” and “Work.”

Which Rihanna era do you think has aged the best?

Tyler James Williams Wants Solange in ‘Abbott Elementary’

Tyler James Williams has a dream guest star in mind for Abbott Elementary: Solange Knowles.

Speaking to PEOPLE in 2024, Williams said, “I would love to see Solange as a cousin. I feel like we look alike.” He even joked about expanding the resemblance into a TV family, mentioning Orlando Jones as the dad.

Solange joining the Abbott Elementary universe as part of Gregory Eddie’s family would certainly be an interesting casting choice.

Could you see Solange playing Gregory’s cousin on the show?

Jarvis Says She and Her Husband Are Both Under the Weather

TikToker Jarvis says she has been feeling unusually tired while dealing with a cough and catarrh, adding that her husband is experiencing similar symptoms.

She also joked that there was one upside to him being sick too: he now gets to understand what she has been going through.

It’s a simple married-life moment many couples can probably relate to. 😅

Do you think sharing the same experience makes partners more understanding of each other?

Jada Pinkett Smith’s mom, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, is 72 and still looking like she’s in her 40s. Aging like fine wine! ❤️

24 Years Later, “Dilemma” Still Stands Tall

On August 17, 2002, Nelly and Kelly Rowland’s “Dilemma” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, beginning a 10-week run at the top.

The collaboration gave Rowland her first Hot 100 No. 1 outside Destiny’s Child and made her the first member of the group to achieve the milestone as a solo artist. “Dilemma” later won the Grammy for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

More than two decades later, where does “Dilemma” rank among the best R&B and hip-hop collaborations of the 2000s?

Angela Bassett’s ‘9-1-1’ Salary Made TV History

Angela Bassett secured a landmark TV deal when she was reportedly paid more than $450,000 per episode for Season 5 of 9-1-1.

The 2021 deal was described as potentially the highest salary ever for an actress of color on a broadcast drama series. Bassett’s compensation also covered her work as an executive producer.

They're claims that she has earned more than $50 million from 9-1-1.

What does Bassett’s longevity and negotiating power say about how Hollywood values veteran Black actresses?

Shakira Extends Her Spotify Global Run

Shakira’s “Dai Dai” with Burna Boy has become one of 2026’s biggest Spotify hits.

Verified reports confirmed “Dai Dai” had already spent at least 17 days at No. 1 on Spotify Global, setting the longest run of 2026 for a female artist at that point.

How long do you think “Dai Dai” can keep its global momentum?

Ayra Starr’s ‘Stargirl’ Posts Strong Spotify Debut

Ayra Starr’s album "Stargirl" earned 3,941,409 global streams on Spotify in its first 24 hours.

That figure ranks as the second-biggest debut for an album by an African female artist on the platform so far in 2026.

The opening-day numbers reflect continued growth in international listening for her music and add to a year of visible momentum for African women on major streaming services.

How do you see this kind of debut shaping opportunities for African female artists going forward?

Rihanna out in Barbados yesterday. 🇧🇧

Beyoncé Turns 45 in 20 Days

Beyoncé will celebrate her 45th birthday on September 4, marking another milestone in a career that has lasted nearly three decades.

Her longevity stands out in an industry where women often face increased scrutiny as they age. Yet Beyoncé continues to compete at the highest level. Her Cowboy Carter Tour grossed $407.6 million from 32 shows, becoming the highest-grossing country tour in Billboard Boxscore history.

At 45, Beyoncé isn’t simply maintaining her career. She remains one of music’s biggest touring artists.

What do you think has been the key to Beyoncé’s longevity?