It’s been ten years since “Anti” came out in January 2016. It spent two weeks at number one on the Billboard 200. Ten years later, her fans are still waiting for R9. But this week, she gave them the clearest sign yet.

On February 26, 2026, Rihanna took to her Instagram and posted a day-in-the-life video. It started at 9 PM with a Savage X Fenty design meeting that stretched towards 2 AM. Before leaving, she turned to her team and said: “I still have to go to the studio after this. And I have to make a Mardi Gras costume for my son after the studio. Longest day ever.”

She followed through. By 2:30 AM she was inside the studio seen working at the mixing board, writing in a notebook, and chatting with her team. The session ran past 5 AM. At one point, someone in the room said “We in business, Kuk,” and Rihanna replied “Yes, let’s go.” Kuk is widely believed to refer to Kuk Harrell, the vocal producer behind her hits “Umbrella” and “Only Girl in the World”.

Photo Credit – Instagram

No music was heard in the clip. No release date was announced. But the video alone was enough to send the Navy into an overdrive.

This is not the first time she has hinted about her album. In December 2019, she posted an Instagram video of a dog dancing, captioned: “Update: me listening to R9 by myself and refusing to release it.” Then in May 2020, she told British Vogue she was “very aggressively working on music.”

But her most detailed update came in February 2025, in a cover story for Harper’s Bazaar. She addressed the long delay directly:

“Way off! There’s no genre now. That’s why I waited. Every time, I was just like, ‘No, it’s not me. It’s not right. It’s not matching my growth. It’s not matching my evolution. I can’t do this. I can’t stand by this. I can’t perform this for a year on tour.’ “I’ve been in the studio the whole eight years. But it didn’t hit me. I was searching for it. I went through phases of what I wanted to do. I know it’s not going to be anything that anybody expects. And it’s not going to be commercial or radio digestible. It’s going to be where my artistry deserves to be right now. I feel like I’ve finally cracked it, girl!”

She also said: “I think music is my freedom. I just came to that realization. I just cracked the code on what I really want to do for my next body of work”.

No release date. No tracklist. No official announcement. But Rihanna is in the studio, and this time the whole world will be watching.

Wunmi Mosaku attended the 79th British Academy Film Awards on February 22, 2026, in a royal blue custom gown made by Ahluwalia. Wunmi won best supporting actress for her role as Annie in “Sinners”,the supernatural thriller directed by Ryan Coogler. The film also earned multiple awards that day, including Original Screenplay and Original Score.

The look was a one-shoulder long gown crafted with layers of fringe and a thigh-high slit. The dress was specially designed by Shameelah Hicks to accommodate her pregnancy. She accessorized the outfit with silver strappy heels from Stuart Weitzman and silver statement jewelry from Moussaieff: large silver hoop earrings and rings on both fingers.

Photo Credit – karisbeau

Her makeup was done by Joyadenuga in a soft-glam look with her with teal eye shadow highlighting and complementing the royal blue of the dress, defined brows and neutral glossy lips. Her hair was styled in a structured updo with volume at the crown and sides. Her images were captured by Karisbeau.

When her name was announced as the winner, she walked up to the stage, held the BAFTA trophy carefully, and gave a warm speech. She spoke about her role in “Sinners,” she also thanked her family and shared how much the character meant to her.

Photo Credit – karisbeau

Mosaku has built a steady career with notable performances in films and series including “His House” and “Lovecraft County.” This BAFTA win recognized her role in “Sinners”. Her gown featured fringe detailing and tailored fit, paired with matching accessories and teal eye shadow.

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, the Badminton World Federation released its latest para-badminton rankings and Eniola Bolaji Mariam was at the top. The Nigerian athlete is now the Women’s SL3 World No. 1, the first African, to ever reach that position.

The ranking came after her silver medal at the 2026 World Para-Badminton Championship in Bahrain. On February 14, she played the final at the New Capital Hall and lost 2-0 to Japan’s world No. 7, Shino Kawai, with scores of 21-12 and 21-17. That silver medal, added to her gold at the Egypt International in January, her second consecutive title at that tournament, gave her enough ranking points to overtake Indonesia’s Qonitah Ikhtiar Syakuroh and move to the top spot.

Bolaji Eniola Mariam – Instagram

She is also the first African to win a silver medal at the Para-Badminton World Championship, and the first athlete under any affiliate of the National Sports Commission to reach world No. 1 in any sport.

This is not the first time Bolaji has broken a record. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, she won bronze in the women’s SL3 event, making her the first African to win a badminton medal at the Paralympics.

BFN President Francis Orbih said after the ranking was confirmed:

“This is the biggest news of the year, with History Made! Eniola Bolaji Becomes Africa’s First Para-Badminton World No. 1 Bolaji claiming the world No. 1 spot following her participation in the 2024 Paralympic Games. She would likely have attained this position earlier if she had competed in more tournaments last year. She regained full stability last season and has carried that momentum into this year with outstanding performances.”

Bolaji not winning gold in Bahrain, Orbih stated: “I know many Nigerians were expecting another gold medal, but we must recognise that other players are equally determined to dethrone her. She has now become the first African to win a silver medal at the Para-Badminton World Championship.”

Bolaji Eniola Mariam – Instagram

Orbih also credited the National Sports Commission, the Abia State Government, and GIG Logistics, saying their support had created the environment for Nigerian para-badminton players to compete and succeed at the highest level.