Entertainment
Shakira Faces Tax Fraud Trial In Barcelona
On Monday, Colombian superstar Shakira would be standing trial in Barcelona for a tax fraud case, with Spanish prosecutors pursuing over eight years of jail time.
The 46-year-old is accused of defrauding the Spanish state of 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) from income earned between 2012 and 2014.
Shakira denies the charges, asserting that she only relocated to Spain full time in 2015.
The focus of the case revolves around determining the time the singer, known for hits like “Hips Don’t Lie” and “Whenever, Wherever,” and the 2010 World Cup song “Waka Waka,” spent in Spain between 2012 and 2014.
Spanish authorities claim that Shakira, dubbed the Queen of Latin Pop, spent more than half of the period between 2012 and 2014 in Spain and should have paid taxes in the country.
They assert that she moved to Spain in 2011 after her relationship with former FC Barcelona star defender Gerard Pique became public. However, they argue she maintained official tax residency in the Bahamas until 2015.
According to the indictment, the prosecution alleges that Shakira “used a set of companies” based in tax havens “with the intention of not paying” tax in Spain.
Prosecutors are pushing for an eight-year and two-month jail term, along with a fine of nearly 24 million euros ($24 million) for the singer.
In defense, Shakira’s lawyers argue that until 2014, she led a “nomadic life,” primarily earning from international tours, and only permanently moved to Barcelona just before the birth of her second son in January 2015.
In a 2022 interview with Elle magazine, the singer declared, “I’ve paid everything they claimed I owed, even before they filed a lawsuit. So, as of today, I owe zero to them.”
In June 2022, Shakira announced her separation from Pique, concluding a decade-long relationship that marked one of the world’s most famous celebrity couples. In April, she relocated to Miami with their two sons, Milan and Sasha.
The high-profile trial is scheduled to commence at a Barcelona court at 10 am (0900 GMT). Anticipated to extend until December 14, the proceedings are set to involve the testimonies of nearly 120 witnesses.
During the trial’s opening session, the singer is anticipated to take the stand, but there may be a request for her absence in subsequent hearings.
The proceedings are expected to unveil details of her private life, as Spanish prosecutors conducted a thorough investigation, interviewing neighbors, monitoring social media images, examining payments at hairdressers, and even scrutinizing the health clinic she attended during pregnancy to substantiate their accusations.
Nigerian music icon Davido, popularly known as ‘OBO,’ is being celebrated across the globe as he marks his 32nd birthday today, November 21.
Fans, supporters, and friends have flooded social media with goodwill messages, prayers, and tributes to honour the Unavailable crooner.
In a heartfelt post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Davido expressed gratitude for reaching this milestone. “Big 32 soon! Omo, God is good. Happy to be alive! My eyes don see shege! But steady my fans dey shout shekpe!” he wrote, reflecting on his journey and the unwavering support of his fan base, the ‘30BG.’
Fans were quick to shower the superstar with love and admiration:
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@prettymfon wrote: “OBO baddest!!! 30BG everywhere you go!!! Happy birthday to the real GOAT, 001. God bless you more and more. May you live long to reap the fruits of your labour. Enjoy!!!”
@AbiolaBlackdiva added: “Happy birthday baba ibeji.”
@Big_Rosie_ celebrated with: “We mount and still shouting Shekpe 001 happy big 32.”
In a generous act of celebration, Davido’s wife, Chioma Adeleke, announced a giveaway of ₦40 million to 200 people, encouraging participants to subscribe to a YouTube channel as part of the entry process. She posted on X: “To celebrate Davido’s birthday today, I’ll be sharing ₦40million to 200 people. All you have to do is subscribe to the YouTube channel below and drop a screenshot as proof! Good-luck!!!”
Adding to the festivities, Mr Jay Autos LLC, an auto dealership, gifted Davido a brand-new Escalade 600 Premium Luxury. In an announcement, the company stated: “On your birthday our brand Mr Jay Autos LLC has decided to gift you this new Escalade 600 Premium Luxury. We appreciate your patronage and love for the brand. Happy birthday oriade @davido cheers to many more years.”
Davido, who has consistently dominated the Nigerian and global music scene, continues to inspire millions with his talent, resilience, and generosity. As the celebrations unfold, fans worldwide remain united in wishing the 30BG leader more success and happiness in the years to come.
Nigerian beauty queen and Miss Universe runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina has revealed her decision to step away from beauty pageants.
Speaking candidly about her future plans, she shared, “I am putting pageant to bed. I’m going to focus more on my education and establishing who Chidimma is. More into runways. So many things I would like to touch on and see where my potential can go to.”
READ MORE: Miss Universe 2024: Nigeria’s Adetshina Finishes Strong As First Runner-Up
Adetshina’s decision comes after a challenging experience during her participation in the Miss Universe competition.
Following this chapter of her life, she has chosen to shift her priorities toward her education, acting aspirations, and exploring her potential in other fields.
Having recently returned to Nigeria from South Africa, where she encountered personal hurdles, Adetshina expressed resilience and a positive outlook. “I hold no grudges,” she noted, emphasizing her focus on growth and new opportunities.
Her announcement has sparked widespread conversations, with many admirers and industry stakeholders praising her courage to redefine her journey.
As she steps into this new phase, Adetshina is determined to embrace fresh challenges and make her mark in diverse areas of interest.
Entertainment
’46 Minutes To Heaven’: Davido’s Logistics Manager, Israel DMW Celebrates First US Trip
Israel DMW, the logistics manager to renowned Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido, has expressed profound gratitude following his recent visit to the United States.
In a heartfelt post shared via his Instagram page, Israel, who secured a five-year US visa just last month, described his experience in America as otherworldly, likening it to being just “46 minutes to Heaven.”
His excitement and appreciation were evident as he thanked God, his boss Davido, his Edo community, and Nigerians at large for their support.
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“It’s 46 minutes to Heaven when you get to America. 5yrs visa shit. Thank you, God Almighty. Thank you, baba twins. Thank you, sir. Thanks to my Edo people. Thanks to all Nigerians,” he wrote.
This milestone highlights yet another chapter in Israel’s journey alongside Davido, who has been instrumental in elevating the lives of those in his circle.
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