This week in Big Brother’s house is one for the books, literally the week of firsts. Not only did we see Faith step up as the most influential housemate and Head of House, but for the first time ever, someone actually cracked Biggie’s ultimate challenge, the Red Envelope hunt.

If you’ve been following the season, you already know that every Monday, Biggie scatters those mysterious red envelopes across the house, each one rumoured to carry immunity. But week after week, housemates have turned the house upside down, digging through couches and corners only to be greeted with the heartbreaking line “Better luck next time.”

Well, luck finally switched sides. Mensan pulled it off, making history as the first housemate to find the real immunity card tucked inside the elusive Red Envelope. Just like that, he’s untouchable this week.

Using his Head of House power in combination with the Tree of Trinkets, Faith chose to save Zita and grant her immunity. This move places Zita in the elite circle alongside Mensan and Faith himself, making three housemates completely safe while the rest of the house braces for possible eviction.

With three housemates off the chopping block, the heat just got unbearable for everyone else. Who’s going to face Biggie’s eviction hammer this weekend?

One thing is clear: every single vote counts. Your faves are counting on you, and time is running out. Voting closes Thursday at 10 PM. Don’t let your guard down now.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Global streaming platform, Spotify, has launched Global Afrobeats Playlist, designed to celebrate the sound that has moved from the club to the charts and beyond.

According to data from Spotify, between 2020 and 2025, the number of user-generated playlists that use Afrobeats grew by 135 per cent.

The top three playlists shaping Gen Z listening in the genre’s birthplace are Hot Hits Naija, Gbedu, and Street Energy, capturing the raw, street-driven pulse of Nigerian youth culture. The Afro Adura playlist, for instance, saw its average monthly plays jump by 51 per cent, a clear sign that the genre’s appeal is both broad and deep.

The growing influence of this sound from Africa inspired Spotify to amplify Afrobeats’ status as a global powerhouse by creating the new Global Afrobeats Playlist.

Beyond Africa, Afrobeats is seeing a massive increase in Asia, with Indonesia, India, the Philippines, and Thailand becoming major hotspots.

In 2020, these markets experienced significant growth: Indonesia at a 4,530 per cent increase, India at 1,650 per cent, the Philippines at 1,492 per cent, and Thailand at 1,370 per cent. The genre’s popularity in the Latin America region has also seen a remarkable 183 per cent year-on-year growth in 2025, underscoring its broad and international appeal.

“The launch of our Global Afrobeats Playlist isn’t about Spotify leading the charge, it’s about us following the fans.

“The data shows a wave of listener-driven curation, and this playlist is our way of celebrating that momentum.

“We are simply giving due recognition to the voices of a new generation who have made Afrobeats a global force, and we are thrilled to provide a definitive home for this vibrant and ever-evolving genre,” the Senior Music Editor for Sub-Saharan Africa at Spotify, Benewaah Boateng, stated.

By Stephen Manzini

A delegate from South African will be at the upcoming BRICS+ Fashion Summit, a major international platform shaping the future of the global fashion industry, taking place in Moscow, Russia, from Thursday, August 28 to 30, 2025.

The delegation includes Stephen Manzini, Founder and CEO of Soweto Fashion Week & SA Fashion Association; Vusi Ngobeni, Head of Design at National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture; Tinyiko Baloyi, Lecturer at University of Johannesburg. Leaders from fashion associations, textile and manufacturing companies, industry experts, designers, and buyers from more than 60 countries will gather for the event.

Over the past three years, the BRICS+ Fashion Summit has showcased emerging fashion industries from more than 90 countries, amid the rapid expansion of Moscow’s own fashion sector. From Brazil and Ecuador to the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, South Africa, India, and China, this vibrant platform encourages meaningful collaboration among designers and fashion associations from a variety of geographical locations, opening up new growth prospects and strengthening global alliances. Moscow’s role continues to evolve as both a thriving creative economy and a pivotal player on the global fashion stage.

The Summit’s Business Program will focus on key strategic themes such as sustainable production, creativity and innovation, professional education, expansion of international trade relations, and the challenges faced by BRICS+ nations and the wider global community.

Members of the delegation will share key insights and bring extensive expertise to the Summit. Their participation highlights the Summit’s commitment to fostering long-term cooperation, cultural exchange, and empowering talented local brands from emerging regions.

“For Africa and other emerging economies, collaboration in the fashion sector is vital. It allows us to share resources, open new markets, and amplify our cultural narratives on a global stage. By working together, we strengthen our position in the global value chain, reduce reliance on traditional fashion capitals, and promote trade within the Global South.

Fashion becomes more than just clothing it becomes a tool for economic empowerment, cultural exchange, and storytelling. Through platforms like BRICS+ Fashion Summit, we can showcase the richness of African design while forging partnerships that drive sustainable growth across our industries,” shares Stephen Manzini.

Alongside the BRICS+ Fashion Summit, all eyes will be on Moscow Fashion Week, running from August 28 to September 2. The event will feature Russian designers alongside brands from 10 countries – including Brazil, China, India, and Spain. In addition, South African designer David Tlale will present his collection at Moscow Fashion Week. This diverse lineup shows that we’re witnessing the rise of a new multicultural fashion community in the heart of Russia.

Stephen Manzini is the founder and CEO of Soweto Fashion Week & SA Fashion Association