Day: November 12, 2025

• Prison Terms: 20 years each for Sylvia Bongo (convicted of concealment, money laundering, and incitement to falsification) and Noureddin Bongo (convicted of embezzlement, impersonation, and criminal association).
• Fines and Damages: Both fined 100 million CFA francs (approximately $177,000). Noureddin Bongo was additionally ordered to pay 1.2 trillion CFA francs ($2.1 billion) in restitution to the Gabonese state, with the pair jointly liable for 1 trillion CFA francs ($1.7 billion) in moral damages.
• Trial Context: The proceedings exposed a network of graft involving enormous sums, with witnesses describing Noureddin as the de facto power broker at the presidential palace post-stroke. Ten former Bongo allies, accused of complicity, remain on trial, with hearings set to continue through Friday.

 

Prosecutor Eddy Minang described the scheme as a “system of diverting public funds for the benefit of private interests,” citing testimonies from co-defendants and witnesses that revealed manipulated contracts and illicit transfers during the final years of the Bongo regime.

Los Angeles / Johannesburg – 11 November 2025:

South African comedian, author and narrator Trevor Noah has received a nomination for the 68th Annual 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards in the category Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording for his children’s audiobook Into the Uncut Grass.

A Milestone in a Creative Journey

Noah’s nod is a notable extension of his expanding storytelling repertoire. Long known for his stand-up comedy, his authorship of the bestselling memoir Born a Crime and his tenure as host of The Daily Show, this new recognition places him among creators operating in the audio-narration space.

The nomination marks his fourth total GRAMMY nod; this time he steps beyond his previous nominations (in comedy album categories) into a narrative audio format.

About Into the Uncut Grass

Co-created with illustrator Sabina Hahn, Into the Uncut Grass is described as a fable for listeners of all ages, exploring imagination, empathy and connection.

In the story:

A young boy, seeking adventure beyond his chores, journeys into a field of uncut grass with his toy bear, Walter.

They encounter a gnome who challenges their assumptions, impressing upon them that every person can be an obstacle unless one tries to understand them—even a parent.

What appears as a children’s tale carries deeper themes that resonate with adults: conflict resolution, understanding, imaginative problem-solving.

Noah has said the audiobook was made to be heard as well as read, so his own narration adds warmth, humour and sincerity to the production.

Significance & Impact

For Noah personally: the nomination acknowledges his progression from comedian and memoirist into a creator of audio-narrative works for a broad audience.

For South Africa & African creators: his global recognition reinforces that stories rooted in African imagination and voice can compete at the highest international levels.

For the audiobook format: as consumption of audio-books and narrated storytelling grows globally, such nominations shine a light on how voice, performance and production converge.

Crossover appeal: While designed as a children’s story, the fable’s themes invite family listening, demonstrating how a title can bridge age groups and experiences.

What Comes Next

The winners will be announced at the GRAMMY ceremony on Sunday, February 1 2026, in Los Angeles.

Whether he wins or not, the nomination itself opens doors: increased visibility, likely uptick in audio-sales/streams of Into the Uncut Grass, and renewed interest in his voice work.

From a PR perspective, this is an opportunity to develop narrative around Noah’s storytelling brand: emphasising themes like imagination, empathy, and global reach.

Quotes & Commentary

On the nomination, Industry announcements (via Penguin Random House Audio) noted:

“Trevor Noah’s Into the Uncut Grass and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Lovely One audiobooks have earned 2026 GRAMMY® Award nominations in the Best Audio Book, Narration, and Storytelling Recording category.”

And Noah himself previously reflected that:

“When I thought about writing Into the Uncut Grass, I wanted to create something that parents and children could enjoy together… I love the idea of a story that can be read aloud and shared, where both kids and adults take away their own insights.”

Closing Thoughts

This nomination reaffirms that storytelling is a versatile craft—not confined to one medium or age-group. With Into the Uncut Grass, Trevor Noah demonstrates how a simple fable can carry rich meaning, and how voice matters as much as words. As the awards season advances, fans, publishers and creators alike will be watching to see if the journey into the “uncut grass” yields the gold statuette.

LAGOS, NIGERIA , November 12, 2025 The Nigerian music scene is abuzz with excitement as the son of global Afrobeats superstar Wizkid steps into the spotlight with the release of his debut EP, “Champion’s Arrival.” The project, released under Starboy Entertainment, marks the official entry of a new generation into the family’s musical legacy.

The young artist ,whose stage name is being kept under wraps pending his first major performance ,has already garnered industry attention for his confident delivery, lyrical maturity, and genre-fluid sound that blends Afrobeats, R&B, and contemporary pop influences.

“Music runs in my veins. I’ve watched greatness up close my whole life, but this is my story, my sound,” the rising star said during a private listening session in Lagos on Tuesday evening.

A Fresh Voice, Rooted in Legacy

The five-track EP, “Champion’s Arrival,” showcases a mix of youthful energy and seasoned production. With standout tracks like “Legacy Lane,” “One Day,” and the title track “Champion’s Arrival,” the project reflects themes of ambition, self-belief, and the pressures of living up to a famous name.

Each song features a carefully curated soundscape, with contributions from some of Nigeria’s most promising producers, including Pheelz, LeriQ, and London — a frequent Wizkid collaborator.

Music critics have described the EP as “a confident first step and a sign that the Starboy dynasty is here to stay.”

Industry and Fan Reactions

Since its release on major streaming platforms, “Champion’s Arrival” has been trending across Nigerian social media, with fans praising the young artist’s sound and charisma.

Entertainment journalist Tola Adebayo commented, “It’s refreshing to see him come out with a solid project that stands on its own merit. He’s not riding on his father’s fame — he’s building something authentic.”

Meanwhile, Wizkid himself shared a brief but heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter), writing:

“Proud of you, champ. The world is yours.”

Launch Event and What’s Next

A global launch event is reportedly being planned in London later this month, featuring guest performances from Afrobeats heavyweights and an exclusive preview of the official music video for “Champion’s Arrival.”

Industry insiders hint that the young artist has already been approached for several international collaborations, underscoring his growing potential beyond the Nigerian music scene.

With a debut that’s both bold and deeply personal, “Champion’s Arrival” signals not just the birth of a new artist, but the continuation of a powerful musical legacy.