Davido Announced Fifth Album “5ive” & Released His Latest Single “Funds” with Odumodublvck & Chike

Wanjiru Waweru, Jadetimes Staff

W. Waweru is a Jadetimes News Reporter Covering Entertainment News

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Image Source: Tosin Gbadamosi

Nigerian singer Davido announced on December 5 that his fifth upcoming studio album, “5ive,” would be released in 2025.

“This one is straight from the heart – my story, my truth, my growth,” said the global Afrobeat superstar via Instagram. Davido released “Funds” on December 9, 2024. Odumodublvck & Chike. He made a statement: “This one’s for the dreamers, the go getters, and everyone chasing what’s theirs! Thank you for riding with me. Let’s make history again!!!”

Rolling Stone says, “‘Funds’ samples South African singer/songwriter Brenda Fassie’s 1997 classic “Vuli Ndlela.” He performed the then-unreleased track alongside Odumodublvck during his birthday concert at his Atlanta hometown’s State Farm Arena.”

Davison gave an interview in Rolling Stone Magazine about the inspiration behind the lyrics of “Funds” and the sense of collaboration between these two rising stars.

“‘Funds’ is a celebration of the hustle and the journey,” said Davido. “Working with Odumodublvck and Chike on this track was magic. They brought their own unique energy, and together we created something special. This song isn’t just about money – it’s about the mindset, the struggle, and the rewards that come with staying true to your grind. It’s a vibe that resonates across cultures. And with 5ive on the way, I’m bringing that same energy – African pride, global sound. We’re just getting started.”

5ive would be published two years after his previous album “Timeless” which was published on March 31, 2023, via Davido Music Worldwide, Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment.

Image Source: Twitter

Mozambique Prison Break Highlights Rising Political Tensions Amid Election Protests

By G. Mudalige, Jadetimes Staff

G. Mudalige is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Technology & Innovation

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Image Source : AFP

Mozambique is grappling with escalating political unrest following disputed election results, culminating in the dramatic escape of over 1,500 prisoners from a facility in the capital, Maputo. The chaos unfolded as protesters clashed with police near the prison, allowing inmates to breach a wall and flee. The incident has deepened concerns about the country’s stability as it endures its worst unrest since the ruling Frelimo party first rose to power in 1975.

Police chief Bernardino Rafael reported that 33 individuals were killed, and 15 were injured during the prison break. Authorities have since recaptured approximately 150 of the fugitives, but the majority remain at large, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement. The prison break reflects the volatile atmosphere in Mozambique, where political tensions have escalated dramatically following the October presidential elections.

The protests began after Mozambique's highest court upheld the official election results, declaring Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo the winner. However, the court also revised his victory margin downward, adding fuel to allegations of election irregularities. Initial tallies in October indicated that Chapo had secured 71% of the vote compared to 20% for his main rival, Venâncio Mondlane. The constitutional court later adjusted these figures to 65% for Chapo and 24% for Mondlane, further inflaming opposition claims of a rigged election.

Unrest erupted nationwide as demonstrators accused Frelimo of undermining democratic processes. In Maputo, the protests turned the city into a near ghost town by Christmas Eve, with businesses shuttered and residents staying indoors to avoid violent clashes. Across the country, Frelimo offices, police stations, banks, and factories have been looted, vandalized, or set ablaze, underscoring the widespread dissatisfaction with the election results.

At least 21 people have been killed in the recent wave of protests, according to Mozambique’s interior minister. These fatalities add to the 150 lives lost in three months of post-election unrest, painting a grim picture of the country’s political landscape. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who has since fled the country, has called on his supporters to challenge the results through demonstrations. In a weekend social media statement, Mondlane warned of a potential “new popular uprising” if the election outcome is not overturned.

The deteriorating security situation has sparked international concern, with observers urging dialogue and transparency to address the growing crisis. The prison break, emblematic of Mozambique’s instability, highlights the urgent need for robust measures to restore order and prevent further violence. The unrest threatens to derail Mozambique’s progress and stability, drawing attention to the importance of credible elections and effective governance in maintaining peace.

As Mozambique continues to grapple with this crisis, the path forward remains uncertain. The government faces the dual challenge of addressing the political grievances fueling the protests and managing the security risks posed by the escaped prisoners. With tensions running high and calls for accountability growing louder, Mozambique’s leadership must navigate this delicate moment to prevent further destabilization and chart a course toward reconciliation and reform.

NASA Achieves Historic Milestone with Closest-Ever Approach to the Sun

Vithanage Erandi Kawshalya Madhushani Jade Times Staff

V.E.K. Madhushani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Innovation.

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Image Source : Nasa

Parker Solar Probe's Record-Breaking Journey

NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has achieved an extraordinary feat by becoming the first spacecraft to survive the closest-ever encounter with the Sun. On Christmas Eve, the probe ventured into the Sun's outer atmosphere, known as the corona, coming within 3.8 million miles (6.1 million kilometers) of its surface a record-breaking proximity that promises groundbreaking insights into the mysteries of our star.

After enduring intense heat and radiation, NASA confirmed just before midnight EST on December 28 that the probe was "safe" and operating normally, following several days of communication blackout during the daring fly-by. 

Surviving Extreme Conditions

Traveling at a staggering speed of 430,000 mph (692,000 kph) the fastest any human made object has ever moved—the Parker Solar Probe faced temperatures of up to 1,800°F (980°C). It was shielded from this hostile environment by an advanced 4.5-inch thick carbon-composite heat shield, which allowed it to protect its delicate instruments while gathering crucial data. 

Dr. Nicola Fox, NASA’s head of science, emphasized the importance of this mission: 

"For centuries, people have studied the Sun, but you don't experience the atmosphere of a place until you actually go [and] visit it." 

Unraveling Solar Mysteries

The mission’s primary objective is to answer longstanding questions about the Sun’s outer atmosphere and its phenomena: 

1. Corona's Extreme Heat: The Sun’s surface is about 6,000°C, but its corona further away from the core reaches millions of degrees. Scientists are baffled by this paradox and hope the Parker Solar Probe will uncover the mechanisms driving this immense heat. 

2. Solar Wind: The spacecraft is studying the charged particles constantly streaming from the Sun’s corona. These solar winds interact with Earth’s magnetic field, creating dazzling auroras but also posing risks to power grids, electronics, and communication systems. 

Astronomer Dr. Jenifer Millard explained: 

"Understanding the Sun, its activity, space weather, and the solar wind is so important to our everyday lives on Earth." 

Record-Breaking Proximity

At its closest approach, the Parker Solar Probe was only 3.8 million miles from the Sun’s surface. To put this into perspective, the Earth is 93 million miles away. According to Dr. Fox, "If I put the Sun and the Earth one meter apart, Parker Solar Probe is just 4 cm from the Sun." 

The incredible speed and proximity were made possible by the immense gravitational pull of the Sun, which the probe used to accelerate. The daring mission marks its 22nd fly-by, with each approach bringing it closer to the Sun than any spacecraft before. 

Christmas Anxieties and Triumphs

The days following the fly-by were tense for NASA scientists, as the probe remained out of communication while navigating the Sun’s harsh environment. Dr. Fox described the anticipation, sharing that she awaited confirmation of the spacecraft's safety via a simple "green heart" text from her team. 

Despite the nervous wait, Dr. Fox expressed confidence in the probe's robust design: 

"We really have designed it to withstand all of these brutal, brutal conditions. It's a tough, tough little spacecraft." 

Implications for the Future

The Parker Solar Probe’s groundbreaking mission is expected to reshape our understanding of the Sun. By providing insights into the mechanisms of the corona’s extreme heat and the dynamics of solar wind, the data will enhance our ability to predict space weather and mitigate its impact on Earth’s technologies. 

As the spacecraft continues its journey into the heart of our solar system, scientists anticipate even more historic discoveries that will illuminate the complex nature of our star and its influence on the solar system. 

This mission stands as a testament to human ingenuity and the unyielding pursuit of knowledge, reminding us that the Sun while a source of life is still a realm filled with untapped mysteries.