Around the World
Buju Banton Celebrates 51st Birthday Following Sold Out Weekend Shows in New York.
He’s booked to return to New York in November but before that, renowned reggae artiste, Buju Banton will make 13 stops across the US. The Overcome Tour kicks off on August 23rd in Fort Lauderdale. The tour announcement came on the artiste’s birthday, earlier today.
Buju’s weekend double showcase at The UBS Arena has been the talk of the internet- photos and videos showing a sold out arena on both Saturday and Sunday. On stage on Saturday night, Buju – one of Jamaica’s most beloved entertainers, said God had bigger plans for him, despite being written off for a US return, by some. “They said, “you will never come back to the United States of America…” And I said to them, “let’s see what God will do.””
Buju Banton performs at UBS arena on July 13th
Online, some fans have described Buju’s performance in New York as spiritual, one person saying, “When you were ordained to do this, nobody can take it away.”
Buju returned to the US on May 2nd after six years. Prior to the weekend showcase, he had not performed in the States, in 15 years.
A media release by Destine Media confirmed a crowd of 36,000 filled the Long Island arena on the weekend. Noting the success of both shows, it was announced that Buju will now go on a multi-city tour accompanied by the Shiloh band. “The Overcomer tour will feature Billboard chart-topping special guest artiste, Fridayy,” it explained. “Known for his exceptional musical abilities, Fridayy, a Haitian American singer, songwriter, and record producer, has made waves in the music industry with his “When It Comes To You”, Stand By Me”, “Without You” and his triple Grammy nominated song “God Did” by Dj Khaled featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z and John Legend.”
In a statement regarding the milestone, Buju’s manager, represented by Joesph Budafuco, expressed great pride in the entertainer’s accomplishments. Budafuco highlighted the significance of Buju returning to tour in the US after a 15-year hiatus, emphasizing the anticipation and excitement surrounding the upcoming tour.
An artiste known for his conscious expressions, both on stage and off, Buju celebrates his 51st year of life today. He certainly has a lot to celebrate.
Around the World
Rihanna’s Net Worth Drops 29% According to Forbes.
According to Forbes, Rihanna’s net worth has taken a significant hit, dropping by 29% since 2024. The singer-turned-business mogul, who previously reached billionaire status with an estimated fortune of $1.4 billion, now holds an estimated $1 billion. Her fall in valuation was one of the most notable shifts in Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women, where she now ranks at No. 35.
The outlet notes that the decline is attributed largely to stalled growth across her business empire. Although the Fenty Beauty expanded into China last year, LVMH cited a “challenging environment” that has affected global sales.
Adding to the turbulence, the CEO of Rihanna’s lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, stepped down in August 2024 to take over at Victoria’s Secret. The departure marked a leadership shakeup during a period when profits were already under pressure.
A companion article by Forbes explored broader structural issues impacting celebrity-run brands, especially in fashion and beauty, where evolving market trends and consumer fatigue have led to tighter margins—even for mega-celebrities like Rihanna.
NEW BRIDAL LINGERIE COLLECTION LAUNCHED
The 37-year-old superstar remains focused. Savage X Fenty launched a new Bridal Collection in April 2025, and Fenty Beauty brought back its cult-favorite Body Lava luminizers just in time for summer. The brand also introduced a mascara line and a Roblox-based digital experience to expand its reach.
Beyond business, Rihanna made headlines with a personal milestone: the announcement of her third pregnancy at the 2025 Met Gala. Appearing on the red carpet with longtime partner, the singer revealed her baby bump, engaging the world, particular across social media.
THE LOSS OF HER FATHER
Tragically, Rihanna has also faced personal loss this year. Her father, Ronald Fenty, passed away recently. While she has not commented publicly, sources close to the family say the two had maintained a complicated but evolving relationship in recent years.
Despite the financial setback and personal challenges, Barbados born Rihanna continues to shape her legacy—both as a cultural icon and an entrepreneur, navigating a shifting business landscape and keeping true fans engrossed in all that she becomes involved in.
Around the World
Sean Paul Protested While on Tour. This is How He Did It.
Each time he hit the stage during his ‘Bring It’ tour, one of dancehall music’s most renowned artistes, made a very powerful statement. He protested what he felt in his heart and soul, was the continued injustice meted out to the real creators of the music listened to, and enjoyed around the world. Sean Paul is now speaking up, telling fans via social media why he chose to wear the T-shirts that he did.
On Tuesday, the ‘Gimme de Light’ singer explained that he feels the real creators of the music we all enjoy, often receive the least monetary benefit. He used the platform that he had at the time – the tour stage, to showcase his discontent with the continued injustice experienced by artistes.
“I wore t-shirts with some of my musical heroes on the front with a ‘likkle’ quote from that artist on the back,” he wrote on social media. “I feel we as the creators of the music get the least monetary benefit from it and this was just my small protest to the labels and streaming services who take so much of the pie, as well as to just big up the creators of music I revere, honoring the fight they have fought for our music throughout the years,” said Sean Paul.
Among the artistes showcased by Sean Paul were Jimmy Cliff, Ray Charles and Bob Marley.
Last year, during his appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, globally loved reggae and dancehall artiste, Buju Banton spoke out on the new music business model, lamenting that artistes receive “pennies on the dollar” for their music.
