Individuals attempting to access Facebook discovered that their accounts were locked, and following widespread outages on Tuesday afternoon, features on Instagram ceased to function properly.
Users of Instagram, Facebook, Messenger, and Threads experienced numerous issues on Tuesday afternoon, including account lockouts and improper page loads.
Just before 3 p.m., Facebook outages were reported on Down Detector, with over 300,000 issues recorded.
The website, which compiles status reports from various sources, including users, also reported more than 25,000 Instagram outages.
Some users were unable to log in due to Facebook issues, while others were logged out and unable to access their accounts or reset their passwords.
Meanwhile, Instagram users struggled to load timelines, stories and comments.
According to their parent company, Meta, the social media platforms were back up and running by six o’clock.
The issues did not seem to affect Meta’s other company, WhatsApp.
Unfortunately, this content is not available as this is a limited edition of the story.
According to London-based Netblocks, an internet monitoring company, the four Meta platforms encountered login problems in “multiple countries” on X formerly twitter.
Earlier today, a technical issue caused people to have difficulty accessing some of our services. We resolved the issue as quickly as possible for everyone who was impacted, and we apologize for any inconvenience. https://t.co/ybyyAZNAMn
However, the organisation, which supports unrestricted access to the internet, claimed that there was no indication of “country-level internet disruptions or filtering,” which are generally enforced by governments.
Legendary Ghanaian musician Rex Owusu Marfo, better known by his stage name Rex Omar, has stated that he is prepared for a possible political appointment.
The well-known musician, who has a significant influence in the music business, has made indications that he would like to play a political role in his country’s development.
On Saturday, March 3, 2024, the crooner and ardent supporter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Kwame Dadzie, stated in an interview with Joy FM’s Showbiz A-Z that he would be happy to accept the appointment provided it falls within his purview.
“I will accept a political appointment because now I think I am of age and I think if I am given any appointment that is within my capacity, I will be able to contribute positively to the development of this country,” he said.
The “Abiba” hitmaker responded, “When we get to that road, we will cross it because at the end of the day all these positions are political appointments and so long as you are smart and intelligent and you know what is going on in this country, wherever they put you, you can deliver if you really want to,” when asked if he would want to hold a position at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture.
The renowned singer expressed his views on the state of Ghanaian democracy and said that a review of the presidential term would improve national governance. He contends that no government can meaningfully affect the economy in the current four-year term.
“Because America holds elections every four years, we also jump on the bandwagon but the question is, America’s democracy is over 200 years. We just started, okay. So look at our situation,” he said.
He went on to say that a six-year term would allow the current administration to function admirably.
“I think [the four years] is too much. I would have wished for six years in one term. Because if you are given six years you use one year or one and half years to set up your government. If four years, five years you are not able to do anything it means you can’t do anything. There is no need for you to go for a second term.
”The whole situation is, look at our scenario. After the election, the first year is now that the government is being formed, the appointments and all these things. By the time the government settles to actually start to roll out its programme, you are getting to two years,” he added.
In 2023, Dubai Mall saw a record 105 million visitors—a 19% increase over the 88 million visitors seen in the previous year—and sales were very strong.
Twenty million people visited the mall in just the first two months of this year, according to new data the mall released today. 2024 is predicted to be another record-breaking year.
“These numbers reflect Dubai Mall’s impressive status and mirrors the forward-thinking leadership and strong economy of Dubai. Our mall embodies the city’s vibrant spirit and dedication to excellence, turning the leadership’s vision into a reality. Being an integral part of Dubai’s economic fabric, we play a crucial role in the city’s success and innovation,” said Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar.
The updated statistics also demonstrate how the mall has grown to be a global attraction, drawing tourists from all over the world.
“This wide range of nationalities not only underscored the mall’s worldwide charm but also reflected the cosmopolitan culture of Dubai itself,” Alabbar added.
Global Retail and Leisure Icon
The mall’s foot traffic was significantly influenced by its events and promotions in 2023 and the first part of 2024, as well as by important holidays and global celebrations. The mall’s capacity to attract and engage large crowds was further demonstrated by notable events like the highly regarded 3 Day Super Sale, the Dubai Food Festival, and the Dubai Shopping Festival.
The mall’s online presence grew dramatically, and it currently has 1.3 million Instagram followers.
The high average customer satisfaction scores (4.6) attest to the mall’s dedication to providing excellent customer service, as reported by thousands of satisfied patrons.
Elevating Shopping to an Art Form
In 2023, Dubai Mall redefined luxury retail. Top-tier brands collaborated with the “Retail Relation” programme to produce immersive shopping experiences. The spectacular holiday displays by Dior, Cartier, and Carolina Herrera awed visitors, and the Ramadan installation showcased designer collections from Chloe and Fendi. The mall’s reputation as a luxury shopping destination was further cemented by high-profile events like the launch of Louis Vuitton’s Pharrell Williams collection and the exclusive Watches and Wonders.
About Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall, which opened its doors in 2008, is the hub of contemporary shopping and entertainment in Dubai. At 1.2 million square metres, it is the second largest shopping mall in the world. In addition to more than 200 international dining options, it boasts more than 1,200 retail locations, including Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s, two major department stores. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Reel Cinema’s spectacular 24-screen movie theatre, KidZania Dubai, Play DXB, Dubai Ice Rink, Ekart, and Zabeel Sports District are just a few of the many leisure and entertainment options available there. The addition of these attractions to Fashion Avenue, which opened its doors in 2018, strengthens the standing of Dubai Mall as a symbol of luxury and innovation and enhances Dubai’s standing as a top travel destination around the world.
About Emaar Malls Management (LLC)
Emaar Malls
The world’s most visited mall, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Hills Mall, the premier lifestyle destination in Dubai Hills Estate, are among the renowned malls, entertainment venues, and community-integrated retail centres that Management (LLC) oversees.
In addition, Souk Al Bahar, an Arabesque-style dining and entertainment complex in Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina Mall, a lifestyle shopping centre for locals and guests of Dubai Marina, and Gold & Diamond Park, a gold and jewelry-focused shopping destination, are all managed by Emaar Malls Management (LLC) (Emaar Malls). Arabian Ranches, Springs Souk, Meadows Village Meadows Souk, and a few more Emaar community malls are also nearby.
Due to their strategic location in important areas of Dubai that benefit from favourable socioeconomic demographics and rising tourism, management assets are developed as an essential component of Emaar Properties’ master plan developments.
Rapper AY Poyoo, from Ghana, has shockingly revealed that, in the three years since he broke into the industry, he has only earned $100 from music.
Emmanuel Yeboah, better known by his stage name AY Poyoo, is a well-known humorist who frequently uses comic antics to interact with his audience in his music videos.
He became well-known in 2020 after his song “GOAT” was released. The song after its release has gotten huge attention, topped both local and international charts. “GOAT” has accumulated over 2,000,000 views on YouTube and doing extremely well on other music streaming platforms.
“Swimming Pool” and “Richest Rapper in Africa” are two of his other well-known songs.
Even with his success on the internet, AY Poyoo says he has not made much money. The GOAT rapper revealed in a video that has gone viral so far that a single performance has only brought in $100 for his music career.
Salis Nasir, 25, was rushed to Dr. Kofi Boateng Memorial Hospital in Kasoa, near Accra, in a taxi, fighting for his life following a vicious attack by his Muslim brothers on the grounds that he was gay. The scene was chaotic.
Security personnel intervened with a warning shot to disperse the furious mob after Nasir’s childhood friends attacked him and his “lover” when they found out.
After stabilising at the hospital, Nasir muses over telling the police about the incident in hopes of receiving justice and protection.
“I was there for antenatal care when they brought him to the hospital reception. It was a really bad sight. I don’t know what could have happened if he had not been rescued early,” a pregnant woman who was an eyewitness recounted.
“Now that LGBQT has been declared illegal by the law, it is only right that we report any suspects to the police rather than continue this barbaric act of instant justice. It most often leads to attacking innocent people,” one of the doctors advised.
The recent anti-gay bill has made the Ghanaian community’s view of homosexuality—which is considered abomination—even worse.
The Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima, has voiced grave concerns regarding Ghana’s adoption of the anti-gay legislation, nevertheless.
In a statement, UNAIDS expressed concern that if passed, the law might incite violence, obstruct access to life-saving care, and violate basic liberties, all of which could impede Ghana’s progress towards development.
Byanyima stressed the detrimental effects on public health in general and the fight against AIDS in particular.
The statement emphasised the possible harm that such laws could do to people’s freedoms and to more general attempts to address health issues.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports announced that following the 2023 African Games, the recently constructed Borteyman Sports Complex will be transformed into a University for Sports Development.
According to Sector Minister Mustapha Ussif, the action is intended to guarantee that the Complex’s amenities are kept in good condition.
During his Monday, February 4, 2024, media briefing, the Minister made this statement regarding the arrangements for the African Games, which will take place in Ghana from March 8 to March 23.
He claims that after the Games are over, the Borteyman Sports Complex will be transformed into a University for Sports Development.
“To ensure the facilities are well maintained for the continuous benefits of the good people of our country, the facilities at Borteyman will be converted to the University for Sports Development after the Games…to ensure sustainability and legacy of these Games.”
Currently, the multi-million dollar Borteyman Sports Complex houses a number of amenities, such as football fields, dormitories, a cafeteria, and a medical centre.
The total cost of infrastructure for the games according to the minister is $USD195 million.
The Sports Minister noted that “this will attract local and foreign sports federations to camp in Ghana and prepare for various competitions.”
Establishing a Sports Development University out of the existing facilities will, according to Mustapha Ussif, “position Ghana as a sports hub within the West African sub-region.”
The Borteyman Sports Complex will be the venue for sports like triathlons, table tennis, handball, volleyball, swimming, and badminton.
The Musician’s Union of Ghana (MUSIGA) is organising a grand musical showcase on March 6, 2024, a night dedicated to emerging musicians.
This was announced by Union President Bessa Simons on Joy FM Ghana Month launch.
“We are collaborating with the Akwaaba Festival to have a show at the forecourt of the National Theatre and what we are doing is, the young, up and coming musicians who don’t normally have big stages, light, Facebook thing for them, they will come and showcase their talents,” he stated.
This is an effort to provide young people with a stage on which to demonstrate their potential, according to Bessa Simons. He revealed the association’s dedication to identifying and developing young talent and giving them a stage on which to flourish.
In the words of the Bessa, “We are inviting the managers, corporate world, just look at them and see if you can do business with them, because these are the future the we have,”
More specifically, the music legened stated that the Accra Tourist Information Centre will host a workshop on music and tourism as well as a health screening for musicians on March 5, 2024.
In an effort to revive interest in Ghanaian music, MUSIGA also plans to launch a project titled Let us play Ghana Music on March 11, 2024. He mentioned that on March 30, 2024, a different concert will be held at the Gold Coast Restaurant to support the highlife.
Renowned Ghanaian actor Christopher Keith Nii Attoh, better known by his stage name Chris Attoh, recently spoke candidly about his choice to focus more on the Nigerian film industry.
In an exclusive interview with 3Music TV, the actor revealed that he chose to work in the Nigerian film industry due to its wider audience base. He continued by describing how Nigeria had a thriving film industry that provided more chances for partnerships.
“At the time, the necessity was that you had to be in the Nigerian space if you wanted a bigger market or a bigger audience. Ghana was great, but the truth is Ghana is small, and if you are trying to get the attention of players beyond Ghana, not just Nigeria, you have to expand.
“And Nigeria has numbers, Nigeria is making films every single day. I’m always looking forward to where we are collaborating instead of being separated,” he said.
Speaking about the current state of the Ghanaian film industry and its lack of advancement, he bemoaned the absence of mentorship and direction for artists in the field, adding that he was not raised by the right people who could have guided him in his development.
“I don’t think it’s a matter of not wanting to push ourselves. Growing up, we didn’t have the right mentors. We didn’t have people who brought us up and would take your hand and say this is the way. And it becomes a thing that’s heavy on my heart,” he bemoaned.
A video purporting to capture one of the last moments of veteran Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, has surfaced. Okafor passed away on Saturday.
Just hours before he passed away, the late actor was seen in the social media video on his hospital bed thanking P-Square musician Rudeboy.
Aww This is so emotional ♥️🥺
Late Mr ibu showing gratitude to Rude boy psquare few hours before he passed on pic.twitter.com/E7z2sRkApR
Global sensation RAYE achieved a historic feat last night at the BRIT Awards when she won an astounding six awards, setting a record for the most wins in a single year. This was the biggest night in British music history for the independent singer-songwriter.
She not only became the first female to win Songwriter of the Year, but she also won Best New Artist, Best R&B Act, Album of the Year, Song of the Year (“Escapism”), and Artist of the Year. A medley of songs from her highly regarded debut album, My 21st Century Blues, including hits like “Escapism” and “Ice Cream Man,” was performed by RAYE during the ceremony, setting off a career-defining moment for her. Following that, on April 13 and 20, RAYE will make her Coachella debut.
RAYE led the charge last night, taking home the title of most nominated artist in a single BRITs year with a record-breaking seven nominations overall. This is a first for any artist since the BRITs began in 1977, surpassing the previous record of six nominations held by Gorillaz (2002), Craig David (2001), and Robbie Williams (1999). With her six award wins tonight, RAYE breaks the record for most wins in a single night at the BRIT Awards, beating the previous record of four set by Blur (1995), Adele (2016), and Harry Styles (2023).
RAYE said she was “so honored and blown away” to be receiving her first BRIT Award as Songwriter of the Year. “I will treasure this trophy very much,” the London-born musician added. “I am so grateful to be recognized as a songwriter as this is a craft I am so passionate about and have been since I started my journey as a musician, and I’m very grateful to those who voted for me to have this award.”
About RAYE
With eight Top 20 UK hits, five billion Spotify streams worldwide, an Ivor Novello Award, and a history of penning songs for the biggest names in the business, British singer-songwriter RAYE is undeniably one of the biggest stars in the music business today. Raye’s rise to fame since her debut in 2014 has been incredible. Her eagerly anticipated independent debut album My 21st Century Blues took off, earning her an unprecedented seven BRIT Award nominations in 2024—the most for any artist in a single year. As a welcome result of her self-fulfilling work, RAYE unknowingly created the song that became synonymous with 2023.
In addition to becoming the best-selling single by a female British artist in 2023, the worldwide hit “Escapism” also gave RAYE her first #1 in the UK and an entry on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it has since been certified Platinum. RAYE performed 130 headline shows, including a thrilling set at Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage, after supporting tours with Lewis Capaldi, Kali Uchis, and SZA. Her momentous performance at Royal Albert Hall, complete with a gospel choir and a 50-piece orchestra, was captured on camera for a once-in-a-lifetime BBC special. Reviewers hailed RAYE as “the most talented artist since Adele and Amy Winehouse” (The Telegraph). Prior to making her Coachella debut this year, she is getting ready to perform her “My 21st Century Symphony” to a sold-out crowd of 20,000 at The O2 Arena.
She has appeared in numerous publications over the past year, including The New York Times, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Pitchfork, V Magazine, NPR Music, People, Vulture, and many more. She has also graced the covers of magazines like GQ, Cosmopolitan, Wonderland, Bricks, Euphoria, Time Out, and DIY. In addition to a career-defining appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series, RAYE’s season of high-profile television appearances this year includes appearances on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Good Morning America, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Later… with Jools Holland, and The Graham Norton Show, all across the world. Along with Pink Panther, Ice Spice, and Nessa Barrett, RAYE was also included in Kim Kardashian’s SKIMS Shapewear collection campaign. Currently, she is part of H&M’s global Move campaign, which is being viewed in 76 countries.
RAYE was born in Tooting, London, to an English father originally from Yorkshire and a Ghanaian-Swiss mother who works as a mental health worker. Raye’s middle name ‘Agatha’ is also the name of her grandmother. She grew up singing gospel music in a church where her mother was a choir member and her father served as the musical director. The 2024 iHeartRadio Music Award nominee will make her Coachella debut on April 13 and 20, 2024, so stay tuned for more from her.
