AGP Executive Report

National Orders Roll Call: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa handed out National Orders in Pretoria, spotlighting culture and sport alongside science—Rassie Erasmus got the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold, while DJ Oskido received Ikhamanga in Silver for creating opportunities for young musicians. Public Health Cross-Border Alarm: A Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC is now raising regional nerves, with experts urging faster, coordinated support as Uganda reports imported cases and the Africa CDC tallies hundreds of suspected cases and deaths. Music & Media Spotlight: SABC1 quietly pulled its Drake “Iceman” promo after backlash from Skeem Saam fans, while South Africa’s creative scene kept moving—Zakes Bantwini’s foundation launch and more artists lined up for honours. Courtroom Win With a Catch: Shakira won a Spain tax residency fight worth over €55m, but tax authorities say they’ll appeal, meaning the payout may still be delayed. Culture Returns in Congo: In Kinshasa, the Mobutu-era “abacost” jacket is back in fashion as tailors report fresh orders.

Hospitality & Talent Moves: Broll has made fresh hotel-industry hires, snapping up two JLL executives to build out a new hospitality division—another sign Africa’s tourism and leisure property pipeline is still pulling in global expertise. Music & Culture: Shatta Wale cleaned up at the 43rd IRAWMA Awards in Florida, winning Best African Dancehall Entertainer and Concert of the Year for ShattaFest, while Zakes Bantwini’s foundation officially launched to back youth and creatives through mentorship, workshops and sports. World Cup Soundtrack: Shakira and Burna Boy dropped the official 2026 anthem “Dai Dai,” but early streaming chatter is already mixed. Public Life: Accra’s thunderstorms disrupted flights at Kotoka International Airport, and Liberia has launched a police-backed crackdown on noise pollution, with fines and speaker confiscations. Creative Economy: Spotify opened a Johannesburg office to deepen ties with African audio creators, podcasts and audiobooks.

National Orders: South African-born film composer Dr Trevor Jones is set to receive the Order of Ikhamanga in Silver from President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria on Tuesday 19 May, honoured for decades of acclaimed movie scores and for opening his London home as a refuge for liberation comrades. Power & Delivery: Eskom marked another milestone—365 days without load shedding—pointing to recovery plans and cooperation after years of disruption. Water Push: South Africa also pledged R12.3bn to boost water infrastructure, targeting bulk projects and municipal service upgrades across all provinces. Music & Culture: SABC1 deleted a Drake “Iceman” promo after backlash over perceived neglect of local artists, while South African singer Amanda Black cancelled remaining tour dates due to low ticket sales. Arts & Tech: A new push for “physical AI” hits the factory floor as humanoid robots are tested for autonomous logistics at Siemens in Germany. Regional Spotlight: Zimbabwe is urged to tell its own story in film and TV, with China’s film industry calling out Western stereotypes.

Cultural Spotlight, Zimbabwe: Harare’s internet-fuelled porn demand is surging, with street vendors openly selling adult discs as phones make access easier for young people. Arts & Community, UK: York’s free Health and Arts Mela drew thousands into the city centre for dance, food, henna and wellbeing stalls. Music & Youth, South Africa: Zakes Bantwini launched a foundation at The Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg, aiming to turn creative talent into real pathways via mentorship, skills and industry access. Tourism & Heritage, Zambia/Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls is being showcased from the Zambia side as “The Smoke That Thunders” roars through low-water season. Gospel & Live Culture, South Africa: Spirit Of Praise All Stars hit Middelburg, with a technical glitch briefly interrupting worship before the crowd carried on. Politics & Accountability, UAE/Sudan: Calls are growing for the UAE to face scrutiny for its role in Sudan’s crisis, not just Sudan’s warring parties.

World Cup Music Buzz: Shakira and Burna Boy have dropped “Dai Dai,” the official FIFA World Cup 2026 anthem—Latin pop meets Afrobeats, with verses naming players and countries, and it lands right as FIFA confirms the first-ever final halftime show headlined by Shakira, Madonna and BTS. South Africa Politics: ANC figures are pushing back hard on President Cyril Ramaphosa after Stats SA put unemployment at 32.7% in Q1, reviving calls for him to resign. Zimbabwe Health Scare: Police say they’ve busted a “backyard pharmaceutical factory” in Ruwa, seizing unlicensed medicines and equipment in a suspected fake-pill operation. Culture & Travel: A viral Morocco travel warning is going viral for one reason: Marrakech’s late-night chaos and food can “recalibrate” your expectations permanently. Arts Funding: South Africa’s Mzansi Golden Economy has approved 90 cultural and creative projects for 2026/27, with Gauteng and KZN taking the biggest slices.

Unity Push in Guyana: President Irfaan Ali opened Guyana Festival 2026 at the National Stadium, urging young people to reject division and treat the country’s 60th independence anniversary as a turning point for healing and inclusion. South Africa Music Spotlight: After nearly 16 years away, Soweto kwela-jazz outfit Kwelatebza is back, carrying township heritage and youth memory into a new era. SABC Under Fire: South Africa’s public broadcaster has launched legal action to recover over R2.4m linked to a “music legends” project approved during Hlaudi Motsoeneng’s tenure. Tax Tussle in Jazz: Sars has issued a final demand to jazz musician Nduduzo Makhathini over a disputed VAT debt exceeding R553k. Culture on the Move: Bulawayo will host its first Amatshitshi Festival on August 29, while Accra’s Marine Drive Project is being revised after a pause in updates.

World Cup Music Drops: Shakira and Burna Boy just unveiled “Dai Dai,” the official 2026 FIFA anthem—Latin rhythms, Afrobeats energy, and multilingual vocals—while FIFA tees up its first-ever final halftime show with Shakira, Madonna and BTS in New Jersey, tied to a big education push. Culture Under Pressure: In Zimbabwe, the Bokola Film Festival returns May 30 at Studio Moto with “Hold the Line: Between Collapse and Becoming,” betting on cinema, music and art to spotlight survival amid economic strain. Arts & Belonging: Nairobi’s Africa Forward summit wrapped with high-level diplomacy, while across the diaspora Garifuna Arts Month and Africa Day celebrations keep culture front and centre. Sports Stakes: In rugby, Connacht’s URC playoff spot is set, but Champions Cup qualification still hangs on Saturday’s final-round results. Entertainment Pulse: Bongeziwe Mabandla previews healing and hope with “Walila,” and DJ Slim Jerry heats up summer with “Abonteen.”

World Cup Music Shock: Shakira and Burna Boy just dropped “Dai Dai,” the official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem—Afrobeats meets Latin pop, multilingual and packed with football references. Big Stage, Big Cause: FIFA says royalties will fund the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, aiming to raise $100m for kids’ education and soccer, and the track’s profits are set to be donated. Halftime Show Buzz: The release lands right after FIFA confirmed a first-ever World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, headlined by Madonna, Shakira and BTS, with the lineup curated by Chris Martin. Culture Under Pressure: In Zimbabwe, the Bokola Film Festival returns May 30 under “Hold the Line,” using film and art to explore survival amid economic strain. Human Stories: “Congo Boy,” a refugee rap film from Central African Republic director Rafiki Fariala, premiered to cheers at Cannes, blending survival with music.

Liberia–Morocco Boost: Morocco has laid out a phased cooperation agenda with Liberia ahead of its May 24 National Day, focusing on water security, agriculture, maritime ties, and cultural diplomacy. World Cup Music Moment: Shakira and Burna Boy have officially dropped “Dai Dai,” the 2026 FIFA World Cup song, with FIFA saying royalties will support its Global Citizen Education Fund. BRICS Sanctions Push: BRICS foreign ministers condemned unilateral economic sanctions not backed by the UN Security Council, even as they differed on West Asia. China–Africa Spotlight: A viral workers’ track, “Chambishi Copper Mine,” from a Zambia copper operation—made with AI music tools—is turning mining into mainstream culture. South Africa Culture: Jacaranda FM marks 40 years as a feel-good broadcaster, highlighting its community drive through Good Morning Angels. Wildlife Warning: Endangered Species Day spotlights conservation wins alongside mounting losses for threatened animals.

World Cup Culture Shock: FIFA has locked in a Super Bowl-style final halftime show: Madonna, Shakira and BTS will perform at MetLife Stadium on July 19, with the Muppets (including Kermit and Miss Piggy) joining to push the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund message. Music & Identity: Shakira and Burna Boy’s official World Cup anthem “Dai Dai” drops, blending Afrobeats, dance-pop and reggaetón with a motivational, multilingual chorus. Local Jobs Push (Nigeria): Lagos State Employment Trust Fund says it placed 2,127 Lagosians into jobs after training 3,456 people, plus loans and grants to MSMEs. Arts & Heritage (Ghana): Otumfuo Osei Tutu II honours eight artists and signals momentum on Asante restitution talks, including a planned London exhibition on Asante gold regalia. Human Stories: Bulawayo Afro-jazz vocalist Bongayi Moyo turns disability into music of hope, while South Africa’s Vusi Mahlasela is celebrated for decades of using song to diagnose social problems.

World Cup Pop Explosion: FIFA has confirmed the first-ever Super Bowl-style halftime show at the 2026 final on 19 July at MetLife Stadium, with Madonna, Shakira and BTS headlining, curated by Chris Martin and produced with Global Citizen to back an education fund. Shakira is also set to unveil the official anthem “Dai Dai” featuring Burna Boy, building on the “Waka Waka” legacy. Music Money & Reach: Spotify says South African artists earned R504m in royalties in 2025 (up 28%), with most earnings coming from international listeners—proof local sounds are going global. Ghana Fashion Debate: TGMA red-carpet chatter is turning into a culture fight, with commentators pushing back on “worst dressed” culture and praising standout looks instead. UK Diaspora Culture: Zimfest is moving to Delapré Abbey, Northamptonshire for 2026, aiming for better access and a smoother experience. South Africa Arts Loss: Tributes continue for cultural force Maria McCloy, who died at 50.

World Cup music goes official: Shakira has released “Dai Dai” for FIFA World Cup 2026, teaming up with Burna Boy—fans are already buzzing about the lyrics and the Maracanã visuals. FIFA spectacle, multi-country: FIFA says there will be separate opening ceremonies in the US, Mexico and Canada, with Katy Perry, Future, Anitta, Shakira, LISA, Rema and Tyla headlining the Los Angeles show on June 12. Ghana music industry talk: Veteran rapper Edem warns artists not to treat TikTok virality as a destination, urging deeper craft that can survive beyond the hype. Zimbabwe music education: The Zimbabwe College of Music marks its 17th graduation with a push for inclusive programmes and new graduates ready to build the industry. Zambia-China spotlight: A song from the Chambishi Copper Mine’s Chinese-run smelter project has gone viral in China, praised for its uplifting message. Culture on the move: Ghana’s GoldBlock Party launches “Purple,” a new festival brand built around African dance music and diaspora connections.

Africa-France Diplomacy: The Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi wrapped with a sweeping “Nairobi Declaration,” pushing a “third path” on AI—African-led data and open-source building blocks—alongside pledges on security, agriculture, and debt reform. South Africa Media Loss: Johannesburg’s creative scene mourns Maria McCloy, a revered publicist, DJ and fashion pioneer, who died at 50 after heart failure. BRICS in Focus: South Africa’s Ronald Lamola is in New Delhi for BRICS foreign ministers’ talks, urging de-escalation and stronger multilateral cooperation. Tech & Commerce: Naked Insurance says it’s the first SA insurer to offer a binding car-insurance quote inside ChatGPT. Sports & Culture: Accra opened the 24th African Senior Athletics Championships with performances by Edem and Stonebwoy. Entertainment: Don Jazzy makes his first trip to Sierra Leone, while Nigerian actor Alex Ekubo dies at 40 after a reported kidney-cancer battle.

Uganda’s Power Continuity: Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for a seventh term on May 12, extending a four-decade grip after winning January’s vote with 71.65% as Bobi Wine took 24.72%. Sports Meets Showbiz: Ghanaian rapper Edem electrified the African Senior Athletics Championships opening ceremony in Accra, performing live hits like “Volta V/I” to kick off the stadium buzz. Energy Reality Check: Nigeria’s solar push is growing fast, but cost and policy hurdles still slow wider adoption despite more people ditching unreliable generators. Culture Spotlight: London topped a global culture ranking for 2026, while the Smithsonian’s salsa exhibit puts Afro-Cuban rhythm and Celia Cruz’s legacy on display. Internet Disruption: South Africans reported widespread connectivity issues across major providers and apps, with Telkom saying teams were working to restore service. SanParks Crackdown: After viral reckless driving in Kruger, SANParks says it’s hunting the driver and may also punish gate officials seen encouraging the stunt.

Pope & AI: Pope Leo XIV is set to publish his first encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, with guidance on how the Church should respond to artificial intelligence. South Africa Crime & Culture: Amapiano star Sykes says he survived a stabbing during an attempted hijacking in Johannesburg, warning fans to stay alert. Viral Showbiz: Cape Town tycoon MySol offered R50K for a specific song request during a birthday set—sparking debate over flashy wealth. Kenya Aviation: Kenya Airways signed an MoU to build Africa’s first dedicated sustainable aviation fuel refinery, targeting 32,000 tonnes capacity. Music & Fashion: AMVCA 2026’s red carpet is still buzzing over design theft allegations and copyright fights. Uganda Politics: Heavy security is reported ahead of President Museveni’s swearing-in for a seventh term. Ghana Tourism: Ghana opened submissions for December in GH 2026, aiming to turn the festive season into a multi-city cultural tourism push.

Crisis in Haiti: Fresh gang attacks in the Lower Artibonite region have killed at least eight people and forced Doctors Without Borders to evacuate and suspend operations at its Port-au-Prince hospital, as residents flee and the UN warns staff to avoid roads near the airport. Central Africa Arms Control: Cameroon Youths and Students Forum for Peace (CAMYOSFOP) is pushing a harmonised small-arms blueprint across ECCAS states, aiming to align national action plans and improve cross-border accountability. Tourism Push in South Africa: Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille is set to co-open Africa’s Travel Indaba 2026 in Durban with President Ramaphosa, betting on hotels and precinct development to turn visitor growth into real economic lift. Nigeria Tourism & Creative Infrastructure: Nigeria’s government is floating 7-star hotels, a major entertainment arena, and museum upgrades via public-private partnerships—plus Netflix-linked film training—to close infrastructure gaps. Phala Phala Fallout: A forensic review says more money was stolen from Ramaphosa’s farm than he initially claimed, reigniting questions over what was reported and when. World Cup Culture Wave: FIFA confirmed three opening ceremonies for the 2026 World Cup, with music stars including Tyla and Rema among the headline performers.