Speaking candidly on the Work in Progress podcast hosted by actress Sophia Bush, the former First Lady addressed why her absence from certain high-profile events—including Donald Trump’s inauguration and the funeral of former President Jimmy Carter—sparked whispers of a possible split from her husband of 32 years.
Without directly naming the events or explicitly denying the divorce speculation, Mrs Obama dismissed the narrative, saying: “This couldn’t be a grown woman just making a set of decisions for herself, right? But that’s what society does to us.”
She reflected on the public’s reaction to her stepping back from some traditional roles, saying it revealed a broader issue about expectations placed on women.
“People couldn’t even fathom that I was making a choice for myself—they had to assume that my husband and I are divorcing.”
Mrs Obama, who has continued to speak at major events like the Democratic National Convention and remains engaged in advocacy, including girls’ education, explained that she’s simply choosing what’s best for her.
“I chose to do what was best for me. Not what I had to do. Not what I thought other people wanted me to do,” she said.
The Obamas, who marked their 32nd wedding anniversary in October last year, have long been admired for their relationship.
In her memoir Becoming, Mrs Obama has previously acknowledged the challenges they faced, particularly during their time in the White House.
Born in Uganda, Pablo’s early passions were drama, music, and dance, but his true ambition was journalism. He admired news anchors for their storytelling abilities and believed in the power of communication.
After pursuing a degree in Mass Media, Journalism, and Creative Writing, Pablo’s dream of becoming a journalist led him to a job in entertainment journalism.
Assigned to cover theatre performances and entertainment events, Pablo found himself in front of Uganda’s National Theatre in 2003, where he was introduced to a group experimenting with comedy. Initially sent by his editor to find a “hook” for a story, Pablo ended up discovering a whole new world of comedy.
“I went to my editor and told her about a comedy group trying something new. She told me to find something more interesting, but in my search for the angle, I got hooked myself,” he recalls.
As he immersed himself in their creative process, Pablo’s wit naturally shone through. The comedy group saw his potential and invited him to join them. His transition from a passive observer to an active participant came quickly, and before long, he was on stage, sharing his humor with the audience.
Pablo’s big break came when he was asked to emcee between performances. Instead of simply announcing acts, he began offering his comedic take on current events, joking about newspaper headlines and finding humor in everyday life.
Audiences responded enthusiastically, and Pablo’s career as a stand-up comedian was born. “I didn’t even know I was doing stand-up comedy. I was just making people laugh between shows, but they called me a comedian, and I started to embrace it,” Pablo admits.
In 2009, Pablo’s comedy career took a huge leap forward when he won the Stand-Up Uganda competition, securing the title of the country’s funniest person and a prize of $10,000.
With his newfound fame, he launched Pablo Live, a platform for emerging comedians. His goal was to create opportunities for young talent, just as he had stumbled upon his own.
Pablo’s influence wasn’t limited to Uganda. He developed a strong connection with Rwanda, a country whose culture and people he greatly admired. “The people are warm, and even their language has a way of making you feel good, even when they say they don’t like you. Rwanda is surely the heartbeat of Africa,” he says.
In Rwanda, he saw a growing comedy scene and mentored many young comedians. He advised them on the importance of staying grounded and focusing on their craft, rather than letting success cloud their judgment.
Pablo recognizes the power of comedy to spark conversations about serious topics, even though it’s often tricky to find the balance. “Comedy is a funny way of being serious. We talk about important issues, but in a way that makes people laugh. It’s tricky, especially when it comes to politics,” he says.
Though Pablo has occasionally faced criticism for his jokes, particularly political ones, he has learned to take feedback and adapt. “I once cracked a political joke that I thought wasn’t offensive, but people from the system told me, ‘Pablo, there are other jokes you can tell. Leave politics out of it.’ And I understood.”
Despite these challenges, Pablo remains optimistic about the future of East African comedy. “With digital platforms, we now have the chance to reach global audiences. African comedy is growing, and it’s evolving in exciting ways.”
He encourages young comedians to keep evolving, saying, “Comedy is like a living organism. A joke told twice isn’t as funny. You have to stay fresh and always be aware of your audience.”
Pablo’s legacy is already taking shape, seen in the success of comedians he mentored, such as Mercy and Rusine, who have become prominent voices in Rwanda’s comedy scene. “The seeds we planted years ago are now flourishing. That’s the real reward,” he reflects.
For Pablo, comedy is more than just entertainment; it’s a way to tell stories, challenge norms, and inspire change. His unplanned path from journalism to comedy is proof that life’s most rewarding journeys often come from unexpected places.
A contingent of Ugandan comedians, led by Comedy Store UG founder and CEO Alex Muhangi, arrived in Kigali on March 26, 2025. The group includes Pablo, Maulana & Reign, MC Mariachi, Madrat & Chiko and renowned Ugandan musician and Karole Kasita.
Maulana & Reign shared their excitement, saying, “It feels great to be here. Expect more fire, more fire! It’s going to catch fire today.” Alex Muhangi, a regular in Kigali, added, “I love this place. It’s calm, unlike Kampala. I always want to come back.”
Pablo, thrilled to return after the pandemic, remarked, “It’s refreshing, like coming back home. We are here to deliver laughter; which people need now more than ever.”
Rwanda’s top comedians, including Fally Merci, Pirate, Rusine, Joshua, Ambasador w’Abakonsomateri, Muhinde, Umushumba, Dudu, Kadudu, and MC Kandi & Musa, will also perform.
Karole Kasita promised a thrilling show, saying, “Expect a high-energy performance where everyone will have an amazing time.”
With excitement building, fans are urged to grab tickets priced at 10,000 RWF (general), 20,000 RWF (VIP), and 35,000 RWF (VVIP). Kigali is in for an unforgettable night of laughter and entertainment.
The couple arrived in Kigali on February 21, 2025, and while Legend headlined the concert, they also took time to explore Rwanda’s rich natural beauty.
Sharing the experience with his fans on Instagram, Legend posted a video capturing the intimate encounter with a family of gorillas, calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“While we were in Rwanda for @glblctzn #MoveAfrika, we were able to spend some time in nature. We got up close and personal with a family of gorillas in their natural habitat. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he captioned a video highlighting their trekking experience on Saturday night.
The American singer-songwriter and pianist also extended his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Rwanda for their hospitality during his first visit to the country.
“We’re so grateful to the people of Rwanda for their hospitality and loving welcome,” he added.
The “Move Afrika” concert, which John Legend headlined, is part of Global Citizen’s larger mission to develop Africa’s international touring circuit.
Meanwhile, gorilla tourism is a major revenue earner for Rwanda. Gorilla trekking in Rwanda primarily occurs in Volcanoes National Park, located in the northwest part of the country. The park is part of the larger Virunga Mountain range, which is home to the endangered mountain gorillas.
Volcanoes National Park is one of the best places in the world to go gorilla trekking, and visitors can embark on guided treks to see these incredible animals in their natural habitat. The park is famous for its stunning scenery, with its lush forests and towering volcanic mountains.
The upcoming film, expected to be released by mid-2026, promises to deliver a powerful narrative focused on a young woman’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment amidst societal expectations and hidden family secrets.
Ntihabose’s previous work, Kinyarwanda, released in 2011, received international acclaim for its powerful portrayal of unity and reconciliation during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The film highlighted acts of humanity, such as Muslims sheltering Christians in mosques and the struggles of those seeking refuge at Hôtel des Mille Collines, demonstrating the power of human connection in the face of tragedy.
The Miss of The Country follows the story of Rose, a courageous young woman who challenges traditional norms by entering a prestigious national beauty pageant. Her pursuit of the crown becomes a catalyst for uncovering long-buried family secrets and reclaiming her identity. As Rose navigates the complexities of her past, she embarks on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
The film boasts a talented cast, including renowned Rwandan actors Willy Ndahiro and Mazimpaka Jones Kennedy. Kanangire Laurene, known for her appearances in popular Rwandan music videos, will also feature prominently.
Casting is being led by Simon Iyarwema, a highly experienced industry professional whose impressive portfolio includes Shooting Dogs, Shake Hands with the Devil, Sometimes in April, Kinyarwanda, Petit Pays, Avenir, The Last King of Scotland, and Afrikanda. Additional cast members are currently being selected.
Celebrated musician Tom Close will contribute to the film’s soundtrack. Filming will take place across diverse and picturesque locations in Rwanda, including Kinigi in Musanze, Huye, and Kigali, showcasing the country’s natural beauty.
Upon completion, The Miss of The Country will be distributed on major international film networks.
Ntihabose’s return to filmmaking follows a six-year hiatus during which he pursued study and gained professional experience in Canada. He studied film and television at Collège André-Grasset and gained valuable industry experience working with Grandé Montréal (formerly Cinepool Canada), further honing his skills in international cinema.
With a compelling narrative and a talented cast and crew, The Miss of The Country promises to be another captivating film from Ishmael Ntihabose, expected to resonate with audiences worldwide.
“When the tape recorders came, the main problem was recording someone’s song on the radio and multiplying it for economic gains. Now, this technology should be able to tell us who has played my song and where, or that what you have sung belongs to another person,” President Museveni stated.
The announcement was made during a meeting held last week in Rwakitura, attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Minister of State for Gender and Culture, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo, and a delegation of musicians led by Eddy Kenzo, Senior Presidential Advisor for Creatives and President of the Uganda National Musicians Federation (UNMF).
President Museveni expressed satisfaction that the copyright management system has been developed to address emerging challenges in copyright protection and safeguard content creators’ rights.
The integrated system will allow creatives to register their works, monitor their usage, and receive payments for their content where applicable.
According to Dr. Joel Isabirye, Principal Development Economist at State House, musicians will register their songs, and licensed venues that play their music will be monitored by the system.
Businesses using music for entertainment, such as bars and hotels, will be required to contribute a fee, ensuring artists are compensated for their work.
“Every business that plays music for entertainment charges people to get entertained. If a bar plays Afrigo Band music, customers pay for the experience. The President and artists believe that musicians should receive a share of the revenue since their work is being used to generate income,” Isabirye explained.
Similarly, media houses will also be expected to compensate musicians for the value their music brings to radio and television stations.
“Stations that play 100% local music attract advertisements because audiences tune in for artists like Sheebah Karungi and Juliana Kanyomozi. Musicians don’t want all the advertising revenue, but they seek a fair percentage for their contribution,” Isabirye added.
To enforce compliance, bars and entertainment venues will be required to install a monitoring device as a licensing condition under the Ministry of Local Government.
The system will track music usage, and attempts to tamper with the device will trigger alerts. The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and Uganda Police will oversee enforcement, ensuring that all entertainment venues comply.
“This is about cooperation, and the payments will be reasonable, just a way to acknowledge that businesses use musicians’ work to generate revenue. If a bar or media house fails to comply, the system will flag them, and UCC will take action,” Isabirye noted.
For years, Ugandan musicians have struggled to benefit fairly from their work due to weak copyright laws. The new system will distribute revenue based on song play frequency rather than artist popularity.
For example, if a bar, radio, or TV station contributes Shs.1 million as a licensing fee, an artist whose song is played 60 times will receive 60% (Shs. 600,000), while the remaining Shs. 400,000 will be shared among other artists based on airplay.
“Many musicians face financial struggles when their careers decline. With this system, artists will continue to earn from their past work, even in retirement or ill health. Their families and future generations will also benefit from royalties,” Isabirye emphasized, thanking President Museveni for supporting the initiative.
The meeting was attended by UNMF members and the State House science team, led by Engineer Sheba Kyobutungi, among others.
The initiative is expected to attract compliance and collaboration from regulatory agencies, including UCC, Uganda Police, Uganda Revenue Authority, and the Ministry of Local Government.
Held in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 2, the ceremony celebrated the finest in cinema, with several stars and films setting new records in Hollywood history. From emotional speeches to milestone victories, here are the highlights of the 2025 Oscars.
{{History-making wins
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{{Paul Tazewell becomes the first black man to win for costume design
}}
American costume designer Paul Tazewell claimed the Oscar for Best Costume Design for his work in Wicked. Previously nominated for West Side Story, Tazewell used his acceptance speech to acknowledge the historical significance of his win: “I am the first Black man to receive the Oscar for costume design, and I am so proud of this.”
He went on to thank the Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, who gave him a standing ovation.
{{Zoe Saldaña breaks barriers
}}
Zoe Saldaña won Best Supporting Actress for her role in Emilia Pérez, making her the first American of Dominican origin to win an Oscar.
In her heartfelt speech, she paid tribute to her family’s immigrant journey, stating, “I am the proud child of immigrant parents with dreams, dignity, and hardworking hands, and I am the first American of Dominican origin to accept an Academy Award. And I know I will not be the last.”
{{Adrien Brody sets a unique record
}}
American actor Adrien Brody secured his second Oscar for Best Actor with his performance in The Brutalist. He is now the first person to win two Best Actor Oscars from just two nominations. Brody’s first win came in 2003 for The Pianist, a role that made him the youngest ever Best Actor winner.
In a fascinating parallel, both roles saw him portraying Holocaust survivors.
{{Sean Baker dominates the night
}}
American filmmaker Sean Baker made Oscars history by becoming the first person to win four Academy Awards in a single year for the same film. His film Anora was the biggest winner of the night, securing Best Picture, Best Actress for Mikey Madison, and Best Film Editing.
Baker himself won Best Original Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Director, and Best Picture.
Mikey Madison, 25, shocked the audience by becoming one of the youngest best actress winners in Academy history, over presumed front-runner Demi Moore.
{{Latvia wins its first Oscar
}}
The animated feature Flow made history by becoming the first Latvian film to win an Oscar, triumphing in the Best Animated Feature category. The visually striking, dialogue-free film, which features a cat as its protagonist, also became the first independent film to win in the category.
The win gave Latvian filmmaker Gints Zilbalodis his first Academy Award.
{{Brazil clinches its first Oscar
}}
After five previous nominations, Brazil finally won its first Oscar for Best International Feature with I’m Still Here. The film, which tells the story of Eunice Paiva and her family’s struggle during the country’s military dictatorship, has resonated with audiences for its powerful narrative.
The film’s lead, Fernanda Torres, was also nominated for Best Actress, though the award ultimately went to Mikey Madison for Anora.
{{Other notable winners
}}
-* Dune: Part Two dominated the technical categories, securing wins for Best Visual Effects and Best Sound.
-* No Other Land, a powerful documentary shedding light on Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank, won Best Documentary Feature.
-* Kieran Culkin earned the Best Supporting Actor award for his performance in A Real Pain.
-* Wicked took home multiple awards, winning Best Production Design, in addition to Paul Tazewell’s historic win for Best Costume Design.
A section of netizens had called on the EGOT-winning artist to cancel his show in Kigali, where he headlined the second edition of Move Afrika, citing the ongoing stand-off between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the root causes of the conflict in eastern Congo.
“I’m aware of what’s happening, and I’m aware of the calls for me not to do this show, but I really believe that the mission of Move Afrika is still important,” Legend said in a recent interview with the BBC.
He noted that fans should not suffer because of disagreements between leaders.
“It’s still important to bring international touring to Rwanda and to other places around the continent, and I didn’t want to abandon that mission just because I may not agree with everything that the leader of the country does. I don’t agree with everything the leader of my country does,” he remarked.
He added, “I don’t believe that we should punish the people of Rwanda and the people of other countries when we disagree with their leaders.”
Congolese authorities have long accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group. Rwanda has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that M23 fighters are Congolese citizens fighting against decades of marginalisation and persecution of Kinyarwanda-speaking nationals.
Additionally, Rwanda has dismissed claims that it has mineral interests in the DRC, instead arguing that Congolese leadership is using the accusations to divert attention from governance and mismanagement issues.
John Legend [performed in Kigali->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/john-legend-fires-up-kigali-in-thrilling-move-afrika-concert-photos-video] on February 21, 2025, despite the pressure, unlike Grammy-winning singer Tems, whose recent cancellation over the same conflict drew criticism from Rwandan fans.
Tems was scheduled to perform in Kigali on 22 March 2025 as part of her Born in the Wild world tour, which includes stops in major African cities such as Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Accra, and Addis Ababa. Her decision to pull out of the event sparked criticism from Rwandan fans.
Concerns over the lack of international tours in Africa have persisted for years, with some attributing it to inadequate entertainment infrastructure. Addressing this issue, John Legend emphasised the need for development in the sector.
“I think there does need to be more development when it comes to making it possible for more acts to come and tour here.”
Move Afrika, a pioneering music touring circuit by Global Citizen, aims to drive economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurship across Africa through world-class entertainment events.
The 2025 tour will expand from East to West Africa, with Nigeria as the next host country.
The project also seeks to set a new gold standard for entertainment events, boosting demand for international and regional artists to tour Africa.
Legend touched down in Kigali this morning, along with his wife, celebrated model Chrissy Teigen and is set to perform at the at BK Arena.
Anticipation is high as fans look forward to experiencing live renditions of iconic songs such as “All of Me,” “Ordinary People,” and “Tonight.” These tracks have left a significant mark on the R&B and jazz music scenes worldwide.
“John Legend blends jazz, soul, and R&B flawlessly. This concert will showcase a unique musical experience for everyone,” said excited fan Valens Nduwayo.
A 12-time Grammy Award winner, John Legend is renowned for his smooth vocals and heartfelt stage presence. His global influence has seen him perform at prestigious venues, and this concert will also feature Rwandan artist Bwiza and popular DJ Toxxyk.
“Having John Legend perform in Kigali is more than entertainment; it’s a chance to highlight our city I believe the lineup will create an unforgettable show.” Said Josephine Mbabazi, another music enthusiast.
The event, organized by Global Citizen and Kendrick Lamar’s pgLang in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board, aims to create economic opportunities for African youth through live music.
After Kigali, the tour will continue to Lagos, Nigeria, where John Legend will perform with local stars Simi and DJ Consequence on February 25.
“John Legend’s songs resonate deeply. I expect a truly special night filled with energy and emotion as fans from across East Africa unite for this unforgettable concert,” said Mbabazi.
In December 2024, Chameleone was rushed to Nakasero Hospital in Kampala after experiencing excruciating abdominal pain. His condition quickly escalated, prompting doctors to place him under intensive care for 11 days.
Medical experts advised that he needed specialized treatment abroad to prevent further complications.
Taking this advice seriously, Chameleone was discharged on December 23, 2024, and immediately made arrangements to fly to the United States.
His medical evacuation was spearheaded by Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Juliet Zawedde, who covered his medical and travel expenses.
Upon arrival in the U.S., he was admitted to Allina Health Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, where he has been receiving specialized care ever since. His brother and fellow musician, Weasel Manizo, has been by his side throughout the ordeal.
With just hours left before the operation, fans across the globe are sending their prayers and support. In a January 3, 2025, interview with NTV’s The Beat, Chameleone reassured his supporters that he remains optimistic about his recovery.
“This has been a tough journey, but I’m staying strong. I miss my fans, and I promise to come back stronger than ever,” he stated.
Despite his health struggles, the legendary singer has been plotting his comeback, using his recovery time to reflect on his career and plan new projects.
As the countdown to surgery begins, Uganda, and the entire African music scene waits anxiously, hopeful that the Mama Mia hitmaker will emerge from this battle victorious. Ugandans online wished a quick recovery to talented singer after Reports of him being hospitalized again emerged.
Joseph Mayanja alias Jose Chameleon is a famous Ugandan singer known for his versatile music style that includes Reggae, Dancehall and Afro beats. He has won numerous awards throughout his career including the prestigious MTV Africa Music Award.
