BY GERMAINE KEWSI
Brussels, April 9, 2025 – In a significant escalation of the ongoing trade war between the United States and the European Union, EU member states have voted to impose retaliatory tariffs on $23 billion worth of U.S. goods. This decision comes in response to former President Donald Trump's 25% tariffs on imported steel and aluminum.
The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, proposed the tariffs, which will be implemented in stages starting April 15, with subsequent phases on May 15 and December 1. While the full list of affected goods has not been disclosed, some products initially considered, such as bourbon, were removed after the U.S. threatened to impose......
BY GERMAINE KWESI
Shakeil Thibou has been found guilty of the murder of Cher Maximen, who was brutally stabbed to death in front of her young daughter at the Notting Hill Carnival. The incident occurred on 25 August 2024, during the carnival's family day, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Cher Maximen, a 37-year-old mother, was enjoying the festivities with friends when she was caught in a violent altercation. Thibou, 20, inflicted a fatal 12cm deep wound on Maximen, causing severe internal bleeding. The attack took place in full view of her three-year-old daughter, adding to the horror of the event.
The court heard that Thibou had been involved in another violent incident......
BY GERMAINE KWESI
UK Government adds 60% price hike on its Electronic Travel Authourisation ETA for foreign nationals visiting the UK.
In a move that has sparked widespread outrage, the UK government announced as far back as January a significant increase in the cost of its Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, just months after its initial rollout. The fee for the ETA, which is mandatory for travellers from visa-exempt countries, has been hiked from £10 to £16—a staggering 60% increase.
The timing of this price hike has been particularly controversial. The ETA system was only fully implemented for European travellers on 2 April 2025, and within a week, the cost......
BY ESHERU KWEKU
The British media has long been heralded as a pillar of democracy, entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public, holding power to account and reflecting the full breadth of society. Yet, behind the glossy pages of national newspapers and the polished sheen of broadcast studios lies a stark reality: British media is neither diverse nor representative of the public it serves.
Despite the UK's multicultural society, the upper echelons of British media remain largely homogenous, dominated by white men and women who are overwhelmingly privately educated. According to data from the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ), as of 2022, 88% of......
BY ESHERU KWEKU
Usher's Electrifying Performance at London's O2 Arena: A Night to Remember
London was buzzing with excitement last night as Usher delivered an unforgettable performance at The O2 Arena, marking the fourth stop on his highly anticipated "Past Present Future" tour. The global superstar captivated the audience with his smooth vocals, high-energy choreography, and a setlist that spanned three decades of hits.
The night reached a crescendo when Usher surprised fans by inviting UK R&B legend Craig David to join him on stage. Craig David, fresh off his own successful Commitment arena tour, stepped into the spotlight with his iconic debut single "Fill Me In," sparking cheers......
BY ESHERU KWEKU
Cold-Blooded: Video Footage Exposes IDF Murder of Aid Workers
Rafah, Gaza Strip – Shocking video footage obtained by the New York Times and verified by Sky News has laid bare a horrifying truth: Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers systematically murdered 15 aid workers in cold blood last month. The graphic evidence directly contradicts the IDF's initial claims about the deadly incident, igniting international outrage and demands for immediate accountability.
video credit (New York Times)
The footage, filmed on March 23rd in Rafah, shows a clearly marked convoy of ambulances and a fire-fighting vehicle, all with flashing red emergency lights, traveling......
BY GERMAINE KWESI
Jamican Comedian Oliver Samuels Honoured with Golden Lifetime Award
Legendary Jamaican actor and comedian Dr. Oliver Samuels, OD, has been honoured with the prestigious Golden Lifetime Award for his remarkable 55-year career in entertainment. Samuels was also crowned the "Caribbean King of Comedy" at the 42nd International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA) on Sunday, 30 March 2025, at the Coral Springs Centre for the Arts in South Florida.
Known as Jamaica's most beloved comedian, Oliver Samuels has entertained audiences for over five decades with his sharp wit and brilliant storytelling. He rose to prominence in the 1970s with the hit Jamaican......
BY GERMAINE KWESI
Drake Gains Access to Kendrick Lamar's Contracts as Record Label Executives Profit from Black On Black Feud
In a surprising turn of events, the long-standing feud between rap titans Drake and Kendrick Lamar has escalated to new heights, with record label executives profiting significantly from the drama. Drake has now been granted court-approved access to Kendrick Lamar's contracts, a development that adds another layer of complexity to their contentious relationship.
The beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar has been simmering for years, marked by diss tracks, public jabs, and serious allegations. The rivalry, which has captivated fans and the music industry......
BY GERMAINE KWESI
- Byron Messia Malie Donn and Dejour Alexander have taken the UK by storm with their first combined European tour, delivering electrifying performances that have left fans buzzing. The tour kicked off on March 28, 2025, in Reading, followed by shows in Birmingham and London, each night more thrilling than the last.
Reading: The tour's opening night in Reading set the tone for what was to come. Fans were treated to a high-energy performance that showcased both artists' unique styles and undeniable chemistry on stage. The crowd's enthusiasm was palpable, with many taking to social media to express their excitement. "Byron and Dejour absolutely killed it tonight! Best......
BY ESHERU KWEKU
Throughout the history of the British Empire, colonial authorities systematically suppressed indigenous cultures, traditions and customs in an attempt to impose British values, language, and governance. This suppression took many forms, from banning traditional practices to criminalising native languages and religious beliefs. Ironically, those in Britain today who complain about immigrants preserving elements of their heritage fail to acknowledge the deep historical reality: the British Empire itself forcefully imposed its own culture on the nations it colonised, often violently erasing local traditions.
Banning the Drum: The Silencing of Communication and Identity
One......
