Entertainment
Netherlands Clears Embattled Rapper Kanye West for June Concerts Despite Antisemitism Controversy
Controversial American rapper and musician Kanye West, known professionally as Ye, has been given the green light to perform two concerts in the Netherlands next month, Dutch authorities confirmed on Friday.
The 48-year-old artist will take the stage at the GelreDome stadium in Arnhem on June 6 and June 8, 2026. These shows mark his first appearances in the country in over a decade and his first European performances since 2014.
The decision comes amid significant backlash and protests from Dutch lawmakers, Jewish activists, and antisemitism watchdogs, who have highlighted West’s history of antisemitic remarks, including statements glorifying Adolf Hitler and other inflammatory comments. Several other European countries, including the UK and France, have barred or restricted him from performing.
Despite the pressure, Dutch officials determined there were insufficient legal grounds to deny West entry or cancel the events. Arnhem Mayor Ahmed Marcouch granted the necessary permits, describing some of West’s past statements as “reprehensible” but emphasizing that the law did not provide a basis for prohibition.
Migration authorities echoed this stance, stating that West’s previous comments do not currently meet the threshold for an entry ban or public order threat.
Promoters have already begun selling tickets for the high-profile shows, which are expected to draw significant attention from fans and critics alike.
West has faced widespread professional repercussions in recent years due to his controversial public behavior, including lost partnerships with major brands and canceled appearances. The Netherlands’ decision positions it as one of the few European nations willing to host him at this time.
Entertainment
2026 BET awards: Cardi B, Teyana Taylor, Kendrick Lamar takes home biggest awards
• Teyana Taylor
American actress and singer Teyana Taylor and hip-hop duo Clipse emerged as the biggest winners at the 2026 Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards, taking home three awards each during the ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The event, hosted by comedian Druski and broadcast live on BET, also saw Kendrick Lamar and Kehlani secure two awards apiece, according to a post on Billboard.
Taylor capped off a remarkable year by winning Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and the newly introduced Fashion Vanguard Award.
She was also honoured with the prestigious Icon of the Year award, one of three honorary recognitions presented during the ceremony.
Clipse dominated the music categories, winning Album of the Year for Let God Sort ‘Em Out, Best Group and Best Collaboration for “Chains & Whips,” their hit collaboration with Kendrick.
Lamar added to his impressive BET Awards record by winning Best Male Hip Hop Artist for a ninth time, further extending his lead as the most decorated artiste in the category.
Kehlani claimed her first Best Female R&B/Pop Artist award, ending SZA’s three-year reign in the category, and also won Video of the Year for her hit song “Folded.
British singer Olivia Dean, who earlier won Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards, replicated the feat at the BET Awards, becoming only the fifth artiste to win the category at both ceremonies.
Entertainment
Davido to release new single ‘I Know Who I Be’ June 26
Before the latest announcement, Davido’s last solo release was Be There Still, which dropped in March 2025.
Nigerian singer Davido has announced the release of a new song titled ‘I Know Who I Be’, marking his return with fresh music after a period of limited solo releases.
The track, which features Jazzwrld and GL_Ceejay, is scheduled to be released on June 26.
Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, is one of Africa’s most celebrated music stars.
He rose to fame in 2012 with the hit song Dami Duro and later founded DMW, a record label that has produced several successful artistes.
The singer made the announcement on his X page on Monday, telling fans that “the journey to the throne begins” as he unveiled plans for the forthcoming release.
He further disclosed that “my next single I Know Who I Be releases June 26th,” while sharing promotional photographs for the project.
The announcement has generated excitement among fans, particularly because the singer had revealed in May that he would be taking a temporary break from making music.
Before the latest announcement, Davido’s last solo release was Be There Still, which dropped in March 2025. He most recently appeared as a featured artiste on TxC’s track Nakupenda.
VANGUARD
Entertainment
Michelle hosts Tems at new Obama presidential centre
Michelle Obama also told the participants that the Centre was created as a space for young people to explore their talents and find their voices, adding that she and former President Barack Obama envisioned it as a long-term creative hub.
Image : Tems with former United States President, First Lady, Barack and Michelle Obama. Photo credit: Tems
Grammy-winning Afrobeats star Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has met with former United States First Lady Michelle Obama at the newly opened Media Suite of the Obama Presidential Centre in Chicago, where both figures engaged young aspiring artists in a conversation on confidence, creativity and self-expression.
The meeting, which was shared in a video posted by Michelle Obama on X on Monday, formed part of activities at the Obama Presidential Centre’s creative hub in Jackson Park.
The Centre, which opened just days earlier during its June 18–21, 2026 launch events, includes a Media Suite designed to give young people access to tools for music production, podcasting and other creative training.
In her post accompanying the video, Michelle Obama wrote: “Tems and I met with some aspiring artists at the Obama Presidential Centre’s new Media Suite! Barack and I hope this Media Suite will become a place where young people can find their voice, learn about music, and make beautiful art.
”Inside the session, Tems expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the participants, while also highlighting the importance of authenticity in building confidence as an artist.
“I got a chance to meet these beautiful, talented girls, and I’m so grateful to the Obama Centre and to Michelle Obama for inviting me,” she said.
Michelle Obama also told the participants that the Centre was created as a space for young people to explore their talents and find their voices, adding that she and former President Barack Obama envisioned it as a long-term creative hub.
In a response to a student’s question about stage confidence, Michelle Obama emphasised consistency and practice, noting that self-assurance is developed over time through experience.
Tems, in her own contribution, encouraged the young artists to embrace individuality and creative honesty. She said:“You have to do things that bring more of you out, like that, make you more authentic. That helps with confidence…. I really believe in what these guys are doing here, which is also why I started the Leading Vibe initiative, who supports young women in music in every way
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