Zari Hassan has pushed back against claims that she ordered Jose Chameleone to be kicked out of her 46th birthday celebration, insisting the Ugandan music star was not the person she wanted removed from the party. The socialite and businesswoman celebrated her 46th birthday at an invite-only event last week, with guests reportedly expected to follow a smart-dress code as Zari prepared for a glamorous evening.

Ugandan dancehall singer Fik Gaza says he is stepping away from unnecessary chaos and public feuds, choosing instead to focus on activities that contribute to his income. The singer, whose real name is Shafik Jjingo, told Sanyuka TV that he has changed his approach after realizing that constant drama does not necessarily translate into financial gain. “I realized that chaos and doesn’t pay.

Ugandan singer Maureen Nantume says she is no longer under pressure to constantly release new music, explaining that years of work have already given her the foundation she was looking for. Nantume has been relatively quiet musically, but the singer has now hinted at a new release—a love song she describes as particularly beautiful. Speaking to Sanyuka TV, Nantume explained that she chose to step back rather than release music simply for the sake of staying visible.

Ugandan musician Zulanda is pushing back against claims that his music career is fading, arguing that the label is often misunderstood and does not reflect the way he approaches his career. Zulanda says he does not feel compelled to respond to every opinion about him on social media because artists enter the industry with different ambitions. For him, constant visibility has never been the goal.

Ugandan singer Grace Khan has revealed that she is still single and currently has no partner, joking that she remains very much “on the market.” The singer was asked about her relationship status and whether she lives alone in the big mansion she frequently showcases on social media. Grace made it clear that the property is hers and that she pays for it herself through her work.

Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o is marking 10 years of Queen of Katwe by looking back on the Ugandan cast and filmmakers who made the Disney film special to her. Nyong’o, who portrayed Harriet Mutesi, the mother of Ugandan chess champion Phiona Mutesi, shared a tribute on Instagram as the 2016 movie reached its 10th anniversary. “Happy 10th Birthday to Queen of Katwe!

Eddy Kenzo’s longtime manager Martin Beta Muhumuza believes Gloria Bugie has one major asset that could take her across different music markets: her voice. Speaking in an interview, Martin Beta acknowledged that he does not particularly like the way Gloria Bugie handles or presents her brand, but argued that the singer’s vocal ability gives her significant potential if paired with the right strategy.

Singer Kazibwe Kapo has made an unusual public plea to any woman who believes he fathered her child: bring the child forward for a DNA test while he is still alive. Kapo says he is willing to establish paternity through DNA testing before introducing any child confirmed to be his to the children he already knows and acknowledges as his biological offspring.

Veteran Ugandan singer Stecia Mayanja says she plans to take a five-year break from releasing new music after putting out her next six songs. Stecia revealed the plan during an appearance on Shalom 256, where she reflected on the changing music industry and explained why she believes the writing behind a song is just as important as the sound itself.

WizBu Ranks is getting a major taste of viral success as his freestyle “Nabba Embwa” continues making waves across TikTok, with the catchy track finding its way into dance challenges, business adverts and comedy clips. The ghetto youth sensation says the song's popularity has also brought him a new level of attention, including a television appearance on Sanyuka TV…

Rick Ross and Maybach Music Group are facing a $261,000 lawsuit after two North Carolina concerts connected to the rapper’s Port of Miami anniversary tour were canceled. Omega14 Incorporated filed the lawsuit against Ross, MMG and his touring company over performances scheduled in Greensboro and Charlotte. The shows were part of Ross’ Port of Miami 20th Anniversary Orchestra Tour, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of his 2006 debut album, …

Lil Durk’s separate federal racketeering trial has been pushed back to August 2027, keeping the rapper in federal custody as he awaits another major court proceeding. U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald entered the new trial date Wednesday, moving the proceeding from its previously scheduled Oct. 5, 2026 date to Aug. 30, 2027. Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, remains detained while facing separate federal racketeering and firearms charges.

Jadakiss and Hasan Minhaj brought hip-hop, comedy and New York culture together for a Lower Manhattan block party celebrating their new coffee-and-chai collaboration. The rapper and comedian teamed up on Sept. 21 to promote their limited-edition “Instant Classic” bundle, drawing a crowd outside Kolkata Chai Co.’s storefront on Kenmare Street. The gathering featured several familiar names from New York’s hip-hop and entertainment scenes, including Dave East, C.J.

Tinashe is finally getting the kind of recognition she once stopped chasing — and she says it is healing something much deeper than her career. The singer opened up Wednesday about her complicated journey through the music industry, reflecting on years of feeling misunderstood, marginalized and treated as the “butt of the joke” despite her persistence. Her latest album, Popstar…

Swae Lee is bringing his Mississippi roots, football obsession and signature energy to game day as Crown Royal’s first-ever “Crown Quarterback.” The Grammy-nominated artist has joined the brand’s “Royal Rituals” campaign, returning to Mississippi to spotlight the traditions, food, music and community that surround football weekends in Oxford. For Swae, the partnership was a natural fit. “Being from Mississippi, I was excited to come home and show people what makes Oxford game day so special,” Swae Lee told HOT 97.

Dwight Howard and Amy Luciani appear to be giving their marriage another shot after months of public drama, divorce filings and relationship turmoil. Luciani confirmed the reconciliation during a recent interview with Atlanta’s Streetz 94.5, where she reflected on the couple’s highly publicized marital problems and her decision to discuss them publicly. The rapper and reality television personality acknowledged that she regretted airing details about her marriage during an emotional moment.

Lil Wayne may have just taken his relationship with 23-year-old Madi Cannon to the next level — and this time, the rapper was the one putting the engagement rumors on blast. Wayne appeared in a video shared by fellow Hot Boys member B.G. on Monday, Sept. 28, as B.G. celebrated his own engagement to girlfriend Brooke Jones. While congratulating his longtime friend, Wayne suddenly turned the spotlight toward Cannon, who was standing beside him.

Ruby Rose is opening up about a deeply disturbing experience from her teenage years, saying she was labeled “Baby Killer” by classmates after discovering an injured 4-year-old who later died. The actress shared the story on Kaitlyn Bristowe’s “Off the Vine” podcast, released Tuesday, while recalling an incident that happened when she was 15. Rose said she had secretly left a party with a friend to smoke her first cigarette when they noticed an unusual shape in the bushes near a playground.

Ari Emanuel has a pretty simple answer when it comes to where Meghan Markle’s career is headed: he doesn't have to worry about it anymore. The WME Group executive chairman and Meghan's former agent was asked about the Duchess of Sussex's career direction during an interview with The Sunday Times published over the weekend. His response was brief. “Here’s the great thing: I don’t have to think about that anymore,” Emanuel said.

Tom Cruise just turned The Jennifer Hudson Show into a very sweet affair — bringing his famous coconut cake to share with the studio audience. The cake moment started when Jennifer Hudson asked Cruise how she could get on his coveted cake list. The actor is known for gifting his signature coconut cake to fellow celebrities during the holiday season.

Timothy Busfield is looking to parents of other child actors from The Cleaning Lady to support his effort to have his indictment dismissed, according to new court documents obtained by TMZ. Busfield’s defense team has identified several parents connected to child actors who worked on the series as potential witnesses. Prosecutors, however, are pushing back and asking the court to keep those witnesses from testifying at an upcoming hearing on Busfield’s motion to dismiss.

Ben Affleck says he had a frightening encounter with a pair of older boys as a teenager — and claims one of them later went to prison for killing someone with a knife. The actor shared the story while speaking with Kerry Washington on her podcast Wednesday. Washington asked Affleck whether he had ever been robbed while growing up in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Too $hort is standing by Diddy — and he already knows where he’ll be when the rap mogul gets out of federal prison. The “Blow The Whistle” rapper appeared on The TMZ Podcast and told Towanda Robinson that he plans to attend Diddy’s eventual welcome-home celebration, declaring, “I’m going to the Puff Daddy coming home party.” Too $hort’s support comes with an important distinction, though.

Sean “Diddy” Combs is reportedly headed back to solitary confinement at FCI Fort Dix as prison officials investigate reports about his alleged VIP treatment behind bars. Multiple sources told TMZ that Combs is being returned to the facility’s Special Housing Unit, commonly known as SHU, following an NBC News report detailing allegations about his life inside the federal prison. According to the report, Combs allegedly received perks that included massages, special meals, contraband alcohol and assistance from fellow inmates with everyday chores.

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 Uganda’s Kabalega International Airport in Hoima had reached 96.1% completion as of November 2024, according to the Ministry of Works and Transport, with the project expected at the time to be ready for operations by August 2025. The airport, which is intended to become Uganda’s second international airport, is being developed in the Albertine region, where it is expected to support the oil and gas industry while also serving the tourism and agricultural sectors.

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 Ugandan passport holders can now apply online for permission to travel to South Africa under the country's Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, according to the South African High Commission in Kampala. The mission said the South African Government has approved the inclusion of Ugandan passport holders in the ETA regime following an expansion of the electronic travel authorisation system.

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba has said opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, popularly known as Bobi Wine, will not be allowed to contest another election in Uganda. Kainerugaba made the remarks in a post on X in which he referred to the National Unity Platform (NUP) leader as “Kabobi.” “Kabobi will never be allowed to stand in another election in Uganda again,” Kainerugaba said.

Published: October 1, 2026 Police in Buyende District have arrested a supervisor with Securex Private Security Company after a video showing a security guard being assaulted over alleged theft circulated on social media. The suspect was identified as Joseph Warom, a Securex supervisor accused of assaulting fellow security guard Ayub Mbadi, who was deployed at Kidera Sugar Works in Buyende.

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 Ireland has exempted Ugandan nationals from visa application fees, reducing the cost of applying for entry visas while maintaining the requirement to obtain a visa before travelling. Ireland’s Immigration Service Delivery lists Uganda among the nationalities exempt from visa and preclearance fees. The exemption also covers nationals of 15 other countries, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Côte d’Ivoire, Ecuador, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Montenegro, Morocco, North Macedonia, Peru, Serbia, Sri Lanka, Tunisia and Zambia.

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 A man identifying himself as a former Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) lieutenant has released video footage he claims was recorded inside a military safehouse, with clips appearing to show opposition figures Sam Mugumya and Muhammad Muwanga Kivumbi. Herbert Matanda Mabonga published the footage on social media alongside allegations of torture, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances by security personnel.

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 Uganda's HIV prevalence among people aged 15 and above remains at 5.9 per cent, according to preliminary findings from the 2025 Uganda Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (UPHIA). Health Minister Dr Chris Baryomunsi released the findings at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday, October 1, 2026. The survey estimates HIV prevalence at 7.3 per cent among women…

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 Police homicide detectives are investigating the death of a second-year Makerere University student whose body was discovered near the university's Main Library. The deceased was identified by Makerere University and Nkrumah Hall leadership as Kabuye Kelvin Charles, a Bachelor of Architecture student at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 Uganda has launched a five-day measles-rubella vaccination campaign targeting children aged nine months to five years as the Ministry of Health responds to reported measles cases and gaps in routine vaccine coverage. The campaign runs from October 1 to October 5, with parents and guardians encouraged to take eligible children to health centres and designated vaccination points established within communities.

By Wamala SipirianPublished: October 1, 2026 A 19-year-old special-hire driver has been arrested over the alleged stabbing death of a fellow driver in Central A, Nateete, in Kampala’s Lubaga Division. The suspect, identified by police as Muwonge Sinan, is accused of attacking 70-year-old Thomas Batiibwe Twase on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m. According to preliminary police information, Sinan allegedly found Twase inside a vehicle in the Central A area before attacking him with a knife and fleeing the scene.

Media personality Prima Kadarshi has taken aim at Ugandan musicians who describe themselves as stars while, in her view, struggling to attract major audiences beyond the country. Prima, who regularly shares her opinions on Uganda’s entertainment industry, argued that some artists have become too comfortable with praise and are unwilling to accept criticism about their careers and international reach.

Upcoming Ugandan musician Echoled has revealed his current top five favorite songs, with his own track “Negumya” taking the top spot ahead of music from Joshua Baraka, A Pass, Jenesis Kimera and Mbeewo. Echoled shared the list while appearing on NBS Plus, where he was asked to name the songs he is currently enjoying. At number one, the rising artist chose his own song, “Negumya,” explaining that the track holds particular meaning because it was inspired by a personal emotional experience.

Former Urban TV gossip critic Mary Luswata has admitted that she misses being on television, even though her years as an on-air personality came with significant personal and professional pressure. Luswata became a recognizable television personality during the 2010s through gossip-focused shows where her outspoken commentary about musicians and other creatives frequently attracted criticism. Looking back on that chapter of her career, Luswata says her love for television has never disappeared.

Ugandan singer Tracy Melon has opened up about a difficult period in her life, revealing that ongoing health complications have kept her in and out of hospitals and contributed to a 13-kilogram weight loss. The singer addressed her recent absence from the music scene during an interview with Galaxy FM, saying her struggles have been largely beyond her control. Tracy said her health journey this year has been particularly difficult, describing it as a rollercoaster that has left her emotional when discussing what she has experienced.

Ugandan vocalist Naava Grey has opened up about a series of extraordinary childhood experiences involving her grandfather, whom she said the family believed possessed unusual supernatural abilities. The singer recalled stories of her grandfather seemingly appearing in places before the rest of the family, communicating with snakes and even commanding trees to bend so he could reach their fruit. One of the memories that stayed with Naava involved a family trip to Mbale.

Stevie Wonder just opened the vault — 50 years after recording four songs that never made it onto Songs in the Key of Life. The music legend surprise-released Songs in the Key of Life 50: The EP on Sept. 29, featuring four previously unheard studio recordings from the sessions for his landmark 1976 double album. The tracks are “

Sylvester Stallone is opening up about a decades-long struggle with severe anxiety, revealing that the episodes first began when he was in his 30s and still affect him today. In a candid interview with The New York Times, the Rocky star recalled experiencing his first episode when he was 36 and watching daily footage from a film project. Stallone said the moment came without warning.

Brad Pitt’s daughter Zahara has officially dropped her famous father’s last name. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, a Los Angeles Superior Court hearing was held Tuesday on Zahara’s request to legally remove “Pitt” from her name. The request was approved after no objections were filed. The 21-year-old had previously petitioned the court to change her legal name from Zahara Jolie-Pitt, but her filing did not state why she wanted to remove her father’s surname.

Chris Brown just got a major break in his legal battle with his former housekeeper over a 2020 dog attack — but the $12.9 million jury award isn't automatically going away. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, a Los Angeles County Superior Court judge granted Brown’s request for a new trial on damages, but only if Maria Avila does not agree to reduce her award from $12.9 million to $9.5 million.

Tyrese Gibson is asking a judge to issue an arrest warrant for his ex-wife, Samantha Lee Gibson, accusing her of interfering with his custody and visitation rights. According to court documents obtained by TMZ, Tyrese claims Samantha removed their minor daughter from the state and failed to facilitate his scheduled visitation. The alleged incident took place in September 2025 in Atlanta, according to the filing.

Howie Mandel isn’t sure whether America’s Got Talent will remain in Los Angeles — and he has an even more immediate question about his own future on the show. The comedian told TMZ Tuesday that he has not yet been offered a contract for the next season of AGT, meaning his return to the NBC competition series is not guaranteed at this point.

Ithaca Mayor Robert Cantelmo is seeking to halt city permits for Cornell University student events, including Greek life gatherings, as scrutiny intensifies over the university’s handling of allegations stemming from a 2024 fraternity incident. Cantelmo announced the proposed moratorium Monday, Sept. 28, calling for an immediate pause on “all student event and special event permits,” including events organized by Greek organizations and other student groups.

Diego Sarabia is no longer employed by Wells Fargo as prosecutors reopen a criminal investigation into allegations stemming from a 2024 incident involving Cornell University fraternity members, TMZ has learned. Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ Sarabia is no longer working at the Wells Fargo branch in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he had reportedly been employed since 2022. The sources say the employment decision was directly connected to the Tompkins County District Attorney’s announcement that prosecutors are reconsidering potential criminal charges in the case.

Diddy is reportedly getting some unusual perks behind bars — including massages, special meals and access to contraband alcohol — according to a new NBC News report. The report, based on photos, videos and interviews with anonymous sources familiar with the situation, describes an alleged VIP-style existence for Sean “Diddy” Combs inside the federal prison at Fort Dix, New Jersey.

Chad Lowe and his wife, Kim Painter, are mourning the devastating loss of their 13-year-old daughter, Fiona. The family confirmed Fiona’s death to TMZ, describing the teenager as a loving, smart and creative young girl who loved to dance. “We are deeply heartbroken by the loss of our beloved Fiona,” the family said in a statement.

Dennis Haskins, best known for playing Principal Richard Belding on Saved by the Bell, has died at 75. Haskins’ agent, Jay Schachter, confirmed the actor’s death to TMZ, describing it as a “tragic loss” and remembering his longtime client and friend as someone who deeply loved his fans. “He was a great person, and he loved, I mean absolutely LOVED his fans,” Schachter said.