Queen Latifah’s Biopic Is In The Works, Wizkid Extends…read More.
Queen Latifah’s biopic has officially been announced, marking the start of a series of Hip Hop-focused films produced by Flavor Unit Entertainment, Westbrook Inc., and Jesse Collins Entertainment. The collaboration, revealed on September 19, will focus on the Grammy-winning artist’s life and career. Latifah, born Dana Owens in New Jersey, has broken barriers in both the music and film industries. She will produce the biopic alongside her longtime business partner Shakim Compere, Will Smith, Jesse Collins, and Charlie Mack. Financial backing is provided by HarbourView Equity Partners, though further details about the biopic and additional projects in the series are yet to be revealed. In a joint statement, Latifah and Compere highlighted their shared history in Hip Hop and the significance of capturing these cultural stories. Will Smith praised Latifah as a legend, both in music and film, who has inspired countless people over the years.
In other music news, Nigerian Afrobeats star Wizkid has once again solidified his dominance in the global music scene. His hit song “Soco” recently achieved a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 500,000 units in the United States. This new accolade brings Wizkid’s total U.S. certifications to eight, further cementing his status as the highest-certified Nigerian artist. “Soco,” released under his Starboy label and featuring Ceeza Milli, Spotless, and Terri, became a global hit and introduced new talents to the international music scene. Wizkid’s catalog includes other multi-platinum hits like “Essence” and “One Dance,” highlighting his massive international influence and continued success in the Afrobeats genre.
Meanwhile, South Africa mourns the loss of veteran musician, actor, and director Timmy “Ngqungqumbana” Kwebulana, who passed away at the age of 83 on September 19 after a brief illness. Kwebulana was a prominent figure in the South African entertainment industry for nearly six decades. His contributions to music, film, and theater have left a lasting impact, earning him widespread admiration for his dedication to uplifting the arts. His family expressed deep sorrow over his passing while also celebrating his enduring legacy. Funeral arrangements for Kwebulana have yet to be announced.
In an exciting development for fans of classic music, Grammy Award-winning musician and filmmaker Questlove has announced that he is directing the first official documentary on the legendary band Earth Wind & Fire. The announcement, made via Instagram on September 20, comes just before the annual celebration of their iconic song “September.” The documentary will chronicle the band’s origins, their musical evolution, and their enduring influence, featuring key members such as Maurice White, Verdine White, and Philip Bailey. Questlove, who won an Oscar for his 2021 film “Summer of Soul,” will bring his storytelling skills to this highly anticipated project, with a release slated for 2025.
These key stories highlight a mix of entertainment milestones, both celebratory and somber, as influential figures in music, film, and culture make waves or leave lasting legacies.
