To say that 2016 was a wild year in the world of entertainment would be a serious understatement. The year hasn't been kind - from failed celebrity marriages, public spats and the deaths of several celebrities. But through all of it, we have seen a number of rising newcomers such as South African rapper Nasty C, EmTee, Nigerian singer Korede Bello, and Tekno taking over the industry.
We've rounded up some of the most memorable entertainment moments in 2016.
This has been an impressive year for South African DJ Black Coffee. The popular DJ became the first South African to win the prestigious BET Best International Act from Africa. He's been seen hanging with U.S. rappers Sean Combs and Wiz Khalifa at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami. DJ Black Coffee was even mentioned as one of the best DJs to rock the famous U.S. music event, Coachella. Apart from scooping awards, his music have been shown love by the likes of superstar producer Swizz Beatz and wife Alicia Keys. No doubt Black Coffee is a global hit, and has definitely made South Africa proud.
Who can forget "Melanin Goddess" Senegalese model Khoudia Diop? The 19-year-old model grew up getting teased and picked on because of her dark skin. But she's embraced her beauty instead of changing her appearance to feel more accepted. These days, the self-described Melanin Goddess uses her social media accounts to showcase unconventional, healthy standards of beauty.
We've all seen so many funny memes and maybe created a few, but this year we were drawn to the story of Jake, the Ghanaian boy who became an Internet sensation. The picture of the young boy sitting at a desk, writing with a serious expression on his face, was shared thousands of times on social media. The picture was shot by a Ghanaian artist Solomon Adufah who was having an arts workshop with a group of children in Ghana. Solomon Adufah set up a fundraising campaign, hoping Jake will really inspire people to turn their likes into cash to help pay for his education, and that of the other children in the village.
Do you still remember Congolese Rumba star Koffi Olomide's assault drama. The popular singer was caught kicking one of his dancers at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Kenya. After the video went viral, the musician didn't help matters when, during his TV interview, he downplayed the evidence of him assaulting the woman as "camera tricks". He was however charged for the crime but shockingly the controversial singer was released after serving five days in jail, instead of the 18-month sentence he had been handed. His release made us wonder if the law is always on the side of celebrities.
We need to give credit where credit is due. Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong'o has been straight-up killing it on the red carpet this year. The actress has too many spot-on fashion moments to ignore - from beautiful headwraps to stunning dresses. Lupita never failed to give fans fashion and beauty inspiration.
Do you still remember when Lupita brought down the house during an appearance on Lip Sync Battle? The actress showed off her very provocative and raunchy side as she lipsynced to Salt-N-Pepa's song Whatta Man. Lupita's performance was more than good enough for the win - and more than a 1 million views on allAfrica's Facebook page. The Oscar-winning actress is set to star in Marvel's superhero movie Black Panther. We can't wait to see what 2017 will bring.
It is always a sad thing when a love story comes to an end. We were shocked when Tunji Balogun accused Tiwa Savage of cheating, and who could know the drama that would unfold. The award-winning Nigerian singer addressed the cheating rumours, and accused her husband of financial recklessness, drug addiction, and abandonment. Although the revelations shocked fans, speculation had been rife for months that the couple's marriage was in trouble since she reportedly sacked him as her manager in 2015.
Once upon a time, DJ Zinhle and rapper AKA were a couple and seemed happy when they revealed that she was pregnant. But then DJ Zinhle revealed that Bonang Matheba, television host and radio personality, was involved in a five-month long affair with AKA, which later led to their break-up. Fast-forward - and now AKA and Queen B are still together, and DJ Zinhle is happily in love with someone else.
What this year took from us
We remember the famous people who have sadly died this year and look back at their lives, careers and lasting memories they have left behind.
Sadly, this year has been full of hellos and goodbyes. The continent was shocked by the death of Congolese musician Papa Wemba. The internationally renowned popularly known as "the king of Rumba, died after collapsing on stage while performing in Abidjan. Apart from losing Papa Wemba, we also lost South African Kwaito legend Mandoza, who died after a long battle with cancer, as well as South African gospel singer Sfiso Ncwane, who died of kidney failure.
It was a bittersweet send-off for Zimbabwean Gospel Diva Joyce Simeti, Nigerian Actress Genevieve Nene, Renowned Senegalese Sculptor Ousmane Sow, Veteran Nollywood Actress Bukky Ajayi, Malawian Gospel Musician Grace Chinga, Nigerian Legendary OJB Jezreel, Kenyan Afro Jazz Musician Achieng Abura, only to mention a few. This was a huge loss to the African entertainment industry.
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Check out some of the most unforgettable moments in 2016:
Is Nigerian Musician Tiwa Savage's Marriage in Trouble?
Zimbabwean Musician Jah Prayzah Accused of Sexual Abuse
What The Hell Happened at MTV Africa Music Awards?!
Did Nigerian Musician D'Banj Secretly Wed?
Prophecy Gone Wrong - What Happened TB Joshua?
Untold Story of Miss Anambra Sex Tape Saga
Chris Brown Smashes Fan's Phone in Mombasa - Report
Kenyan Author Binyavanga Wainaina Beaten in Germany
Big Brother Africa No Show Again This Year
Popular Actor Rapulana Seiphemo in Hospital After Car Crash
Nigerian Tiwa Savage to Join Jay Z's Roc Nation Label
