A TikTok video by The Source shows R&B legend Brandy delivering a powerhouse performance at the 2026 NBA All-Star weekend, reaffirming her title as the “Vocal Bible.” Her rendition of the national anthem and a medley of her hits set the tone for the star-studded event, which featured both sports icons and entertainment royalty.
The performance has gone viral for its technical precision, with vocal coaches on social media breaking down her signature riffs. Brandy’s appearance comes amid a resurgence of 90s Soul and R&B culture, which has seen her collaborate with younger artists like Ty Dolla $ign and Victoria Monét.
The All-Star game also served as a backdrop for major fashion moments, with Brandy wearing a custom avant-garde piece that mirrored the “monochrome luxury” trends seen at recent Paris Fashion Week showcases. Her presence bridged the gap between old-school Soul and the modern NBA-meets-Hollywood lifestyle.
As the NBA explores a permanent European league, these high-production All-Star events are being used as a blueprint for global entertainment expansion.
* KCRW 89.9FM: “Brandy delivered a standout moment at the 2026 NBA All-Star Game… setting the tone for featured News Exclusives.”
* TMZ: “Brandy and D’Angelo celebrate Mardi Gras anthems and love jams… as Brandy steals the show at the NBA festivities.”
Echotitbits take: Brandy’s relevance 30 years into her career is a testament to pure talent. In an era of “vibes” over vocals, her All-Star performance reminds everyone why she is the blueprint for modern R&B. Expect a “Brandy-inspired” vocal trend to hit TikTok this week.
Source: Revolt — https://www.revolt.tv/article/15-times-brandy-earned-her-nickname-the-vocal-bible#:~:text=Brandy’s%20background%20vocals%20are%20one,celebration%20of%20Black%20Music%20Month. February 16, 2026
Photo Credit: Revolt
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Brandy Stuns at NBA All-Star Game Amid “Vocal Bible” Praise
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Premier League Managerial Crisis: Eight Bosses Out This Season
A report by The Guardian reveals that the 2025/26 Premier League season has become a “graveyard for managers,” with eight head coaches already losing their jobs. The latest casualties, Thomas Frank (formerly of Tottenham) and Sean Dyche (formerly of Nottingham Forest), highlight a growing lack of patience among club owners as relegation fears and European qualification pressures mount.
The data shows a significant increase in mid-season sackings compared to the league’s early years. Analysts suggest that the massive financial stakes of the 2026 World Cup year and new broadcasting deals have made owners more “trigger-happy.” With four more managers—including Marco Silva and Andoni Iraola—nearing the end of their contracts, the league is bracing for a summer of total overhaul.
Fans are voicing their frustration on TikTok and X, with “Manager Sacked” trending nearly every weekend. The “revolving door” culture is being criticized for destroying long-term club stability, though supporters of struggling teams often demand these immediate changes.
Meanwhile, Manchester City and Liverpool continue to provide the only semblance of coaching stability at the top of the table, as the rest of the league descends into tactical chaos.
* Insider Sport: “NBA issues record fines for tanking as Premier League clubs’ revenues plummet… eight managers to leave their jobs this season.”
* Football London: “Thomas Frank’s departure from Spurs marks a new low in managerial longevity this season.”
Echotitbits take: The “managerial merry-go-round” has reached a fever pitch. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, clubs are desperate to ensure their players are in stable environments, yet they are doing the exact opposite by firing coaches every few months. Watch for a “big name” like Thomas Tuchel or even a returning legend to fill the Spurs vacancy.
Source: Goal — https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/four-managers-one-season-sean-dyche-sacking-twist-nottingham-forest-ex-arsenal-chief-edu-most-blame-relegation/blt17eb51e0cb1285a0 February 16, 2026
Photo Credit: Goal -
Rita Dominic Receives Luxury Valentine’s Surprise from Husband
According to Legit.ng, veteran Nollywood icon Rita Dominic was left speechless after her husband, Fidelis Anosike, surprised her with a brand-new Range Rover for Valentine’s Day. The actress shared the emotional moment on social media, sparking a wave of “swoon-worthy” reactions from fans and colleagues alike.
The gift comes as the couple continues to be a fan favorite for their mature and private approach to marriage. Rita, a style icon in the Nigerian film industry, expressed her gratitude for the “lavish and thoughtful” gesture. The video of the unveiling has since gone viral, with many using it as a benchmark for “Black Love” in the entertainment industry.
Nollywood stars including Genevieve Nnaji and Ini Edo have flooded the actress’s comment section with celebratory messages. This public display of affection is a rare move for the typically reserved couple, making it one of the most talked-about romantic moments of the 2026 Valentine season.
The event has also boosted interest in Rita’s upcoming film projects, as she remains one of the most bankable and respected figures in African cinema.
* Naija News: “Rita Dominic overjoyed as husband Fidelis Anosike surprises her with brand new Range Rover… marking a lavish Valentine’s Day.”
* Olori Supergal: “Nollywood’s sweetheart Rita Dominic gets the ultimate Valentine’s gift; a luxury ride from her hubby.”
Echotitbits take: Rita Dominic is the “Big Sister” of Nollywood, and seeing her get her flowers—and a luxury SUV—is a feel-good story that balances out the usual industry drama. It reinforces the “soft life” aspirational brand that many veteran actresses are pivoting toward. It’s a 100% credible, wholesome viral moment.
Source: Legit.ng — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1697263-rita-dominics-husband-fidelis-anosike-surprises-range-rover-valentines-day/ February 16, 2026
Photo Credit: Legit.ng -
Megan Thee Stallion Confirms Romance with NBA Star Klay Thompson
According to The Source, Megan Thee Stallion has officially entered her “Lover Girl” era, confirming her relationship with NBA veteran Klay Thompson. The Houston rapper, who just celebrated her 31st birthday, opened up about the romance, signaling a shift from her previous private stance on her dating life.
The news comes after weeks of speculation following sightings of the pair at high-profile events. Megan’s fans, known as the Hotties, have embraced the pairing, especially as she prepares to release new music that reportedly explores themes of newfound love and stability. Klay Thompson, currently a key figure in the NBA’s global expansion discussions, has been supportive of Megan’s recent business ventures.
This “power couple” status is already making waves in both the hip-hop and sports worlds. Megan’s birthday post, which featured glimpses of her celebration, hinted at the happiness she’s found. The relationship marks a major pop culture crossover between the WNBA/NBA culture and mainstream rap.
The “Lover Girl” era isn’t just about romance; Megan is also focusing on her brand expansions, including her haircare line and fitness initiatives. Fans are watching closely to see if Klay will make an appearance in her upcoming music videos.
* TMZ: “Megan Thee Stallion ‘Savage’ Hot Shots To Kick Off Her 31st!!! …Megan opens up about ‘Lover Girl’ era and relationship with Klay Thompson.”
* Olori Supergal: “The hip-hop star is officially off the market as she confirms her romance with the NBA star, much to the delight of fans worldwide.”
Echotitbits take: This is the wholesome crossover we didn’t know we needed. Megan has had a tumultuous few years in the public eye, and this pivot to a “Lover Girl” persona feels like a strategic and personal rebrand. For Klay, it adds a layer of “cool” as he nears the twilight of his basketball career. This is 100% credible and set to dominate US-Naija pop culture discourse for weeks.
Source: BillBoard — http://billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/megan-thee-stallion-finding-love-klay-thompson-1236180114/ February 16, 2026
Photo Credit: Rolling Stone -
Toke Makinwa Swaps Church Tithes for Charity Support
In a video shared by The Eagle Online, popular media personality Toke Makinwa has sparked a heated religious debate by revealing she has ceased paying traditional monthly tithes. Makinwa explained that she now prefers to redirect those funds directly to individuals in need, such as widows and patients with unpaid hospital bills. She argued that many established churches are already financially buoyant and “untaxed.”
Makinwa clarified that while she no longer gives the standard 10% to religious institutions, she still participates in church offerings and supports specific programs. Her stance is centered on the belief that “the church is a business,” citing the hereditary nature of pastoral leadership in many Nigerian mega-churches.
The announcement, made during a podcast session, has divided her followers. Some applaud her transparency and “direct-impact” philanthropy, while others view it as a deviation from biblical mandates. This move follows a growing trend of Nigerian celebrities questioning traditional religious financial obligations.
The conversation has since moved to TikTok, where “Tithes vs. Charity” challenges are trending. Makinwa remains firm, stating that seeing the immediate relief on the faces of people she helps provides more spiritual fulfillment than her previous tithing routine.
* Vanguard Nigeria: “I kind of stopped paying tithe to the church because all the churches I know are rich. I would rather go to hospitals, widows’ homes.”
* Legit.ng: “Makinwa stressed that she has stopped paying regular tithes directly to religious institutions, choosing instead to channel it to charitable causes.”
Echotitbits take: Toke’s “unfiltered” brand strikes again, tapping into a simmering sentiment among young Nigerians regarding church accountability. While the theological debate will rage on, her move reflects a shift toward “socially conscious” spirituality where followers want to see the receipts of their contributions. Expect more public figures to weigh in on this “Direct Giving” model.
Source: PM News — https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/02/16/why-i-stopped-paying-tithes-in-church-toke-makinwa/?amp=1 February 16, 2026
Photo Credit: Vanguard -
Rema Faces Fan Backlash After Billboard One-Hit Wonder Label
According to YNaija, the Nigerian music community is currently in an uproar following a recent article by the international publication Billboard. The outlet listed Afrobeats superstar Rema as a “one-hit wonder,” citing his global smash “Calm Down” as his only significant contribution to the charts. Fans have labeled the move as a disregard for the artist’s extensive discography and multiple hits across the continent and beyond.
The backlash intensified as music critics pointed out that Rema has consistently dominated charts with tracks like “Holiday,” “Charm,” and “Soweto (Remix).” The narrative that he is a one-hit wonder is being challenged as a reductive view of Afrobeats’ global impact. This development comes at a time when the genre is seeking more nuanced recognition from Western institutions.
Social media platforms, particularly X and TikTok, have seen a surge of “Rema Defense” posts. Fans are sharing his streaming milestones and sold-out tour dates to debunk the “one-hit” tag. The sentiment across the Nigerian digital space remains one of frustration with how African success is measured by US-centric metrics.
Billboard’s ranking has sparked a broader conversation about the criteria used to define “hits” in the streaming era. While “Calm Down” achieved unprecedented Diamond status, the artist’s core fanbase maintains that his influence transcends a single viral moment.
* The Punch (Newspaper): “The article has received backlash from Nigerians who have called the article by Billboard a racist action, especially as the afrobeat singer has had multiple hits.”
* Legit.ng (Online News): “Fans raise alarm… noting that Rema has broken several records including being the longest-charting African album on Billboard World Albums.”
Echotitbits take: This controversy highlights the persistent disconnect between global streaming reality and traditional Western chart labels. By labeling an artist with Rema’s stats as a “one-hit wonder,” Billboard risks losing credibility with the African audience. Watch for Rema to potentially address this in an upcoming track or interview—he’s never been one to shy away from asserting his “Prince of Afrobeats” status.
Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/billboard-faces-backlash-over-one-hit-wonder-tag-on-rema/ February 16, 2026
Photo Credit: Bella Naija -
FIFA Set to Deliver Crucial Verdict on Nigeria’s World Cup Appeal Today
In an update published by The Guardian, millions of Nigerians are in a state of high anxiety as FIFA is expected to deliver its ruling today, February 16, regarding a petition filed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). The appeal challenges the eligibility of several players fielded by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Nigeria alleges that nine Congolese players violated domestic nationality laws that prohibit dual citizenship, making their participation in the playoff final fraudulent.
If FIFA rules in favor of Nigeria, the Super Eagles could be sensationally reinstated into the Intercontinental Play-off scheduled for next month in Mexico. NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed confidence in the case, stating that the federation has provided “verifiable documentation” of the violations. The outcome of this verdict will determine if Nigeria’s dream of appearing at the 2026 World Cup in North America is revived or permanently extinguished.
Vanguard and Daily Post have also highlighted the tension, with Vanguard quoting Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko: “We believe the law is on our side.” Daily Post noted that “Nigerian fans have taken to social media in a massive show of support, hoping for a ‘Morocco miracle’ in reverse.”
Echotitbits take: This is the ultimate “Hail Mary” for Nigerian football. A favorable ruling would not only be a massive sporting boost but a significant PR win for the NFF. However, FIFA rarely overturns match results on citizenship grounds unless the breach is egregious. Keep an eye on the official FIFA portal this afternoon.
Source: Vanguard – vanguardngr.com/2026/02/fifa-rules-monday-on-nigerias-2026-world-cup-petition-against-dr-congo/, February 16, 2026
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Nigeria Proposes Radical New Tax Framework for Multinational Enterprises in 2026
Information released by Bloomberg Tax and echoed in local briefings indicates that Nigeria has implemented a significant overhaul of its tax laws specifically targeting multinational enterprises (MNEs). The new Nigeria Tax Act (NTA) expands the “tax nexus,” ensuring that foreign companies deriving income from Nigeria through digital platforms or services are subject to taxation, even without a physical presence. The law also introduces a minimum profit margin for nonresident companies to prevent profit-shifting to lower-tax jurisdictions.
This move is part of a broader “Revenue Mobilization and Fiscal Transparency” strategy for the 2026 fiscal year. The Federal Government aims to use these reforms to position Nigeria as a premier destination for long-term foreign direct investment while ensuring that the domestic economy benefits from the digital economy. The law specifically targets income from services provided to Nigerian residents and insurance premiums received by foreign firms.
The Nation and Proshare have validated these details, with Proshare noting that “the Federal Ministry of Finance is anchoring this on a Growth Acceleration strategy.” The Nation cited the CBN’s 2026 outlook, which predicts that “improved tax collection from the non-oil sector will be a major driver of the projected 4.49% GDP growth.”
Echotitbits take: This is Nigeria’s “Digital Tax” moment. By following OECD models while adding local flavor, the government is trying to capture revenue from global tech and service giants. The challenge will be enforcement; watch for how the FIRS handles potential disputes with multinational corporations over these new “nexus” rules.
Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/business-economy/article/nigerias-15-effective-tax-rate-reshapes-investment-landscape/, February 16, 2026
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Controversy Erupts as Sprinter Favour Ashe Switches Allegiance to Qatar
In an update published by Vanguard, Nigeria has lost one of its premier track talents as sprinter Favour Ashe officially transferred his international allegiance to Qatar. Ashe, who is the seventh-fastest Nigerian in history with a personal best of 9.94 seconds, cited poor treatment by Nigerian sports officials and substandard training facilities as the primary drivers for his exit. The athlete revealed he had been training in Qatar for five months and expressed confidence in helping the Qatari 4x100m relay team achieve global dominance.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has reacted with surprise, with President Tonobok Okowa stating they were not formally notified of the switch. Ashe’s departure highlights a growing trend of “talent drain” in Nigerian sports, where elite athletes seek better welfare packages and world-class infrastructure in Gulf nations. Ashe lamented that his career felt like it was in a “setback” while training on local tracks following his graduation from the United States.
Premium Times and Leadership have also covered the story, with Leadership quoting a source within the sports ministry saying, “This loss is a wake-up call for our athlete management systems.” Premium Times noted that “Ashe is one of many young Nigerian athletes currently training in Qatar, signaling a potential mass exodus.”
Echotitbits take: Ashe’s departure is a massive blow to Nigeria’s 2028 Olympic prospects. While the AFN “investigates,” the reality is that Qatar offers financial security and facilities Nigeria currently cannot match. This story will likely force a heated debate in the National Assembly regarding sports funding and athlete welfare.
Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/afn-unaware-of-ashes-qatar-switch-begins-probe/?utm_source=auto-read-also&utm_medium=web, February 16, 2026
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Presidency Slams El-Rufai Over Alleged Smear Campaign and Corruption Deflection
Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the Presidency has launched a sharp verbal offensive against former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, accusing him of attempting to create national tension to evade accountability. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Temitope Ajayi, stated that El-Rufai’s recent criticisms of the administration are a “deliberate misinformation” tactic designed to project him as a victim of political persecution. The Presidency claims the former governor is attempting to “nationalize his personal problems” related to corruption allegations in his home state.
The friction reached a boiling point following El-Rufai’s return to Nigeria, where he reportedly slammed the APC-led Federal Government during a television interview. This was followed by a reported attempt by the Department of State Services (DSS) to intercept him at the Abuja airport, an incident that has sparked intense debate among political observers regarding the limits of executive power and the rights of former officials.
The Punch and Channels TV have followed the brewing crisis closely. The Punch reported that “the National Security Adviser and El-Rufai are at loggerheads over allegations of toxic chemical procurement,” while Channels TV noted that “the former governor has officially asked for clarification on reports involving the NSA’s office.”
Echotitbits take: The gloves are off in the battle between the Presidency and El-Rufai. This is more than just a war of words; it’s a high-stakes political chess game ahead of the 2027 cycle. Watch if the EFCC or DSS formalizes charges soon, as this will determine if El-Rufai remains a free political agent or a sidelined defendant.
Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/goldmyntv/posts/presidency-el-rufai-stirring-tension-to-dodge-432bn-corruption-probethe-presiden/1355881949886954/?_rdc=1&_rdr#, February 16, 2026
hoto credit: Facebook