Soul singer Ray BLK has topped the BBC’s Sound Of 2017 list, which aims to predict the most exciting new music for the year ahead. It is the first time an unsigned artist has won the honour – which has previously gone to Adele and Sam Smith. “I can’t believe this is happening,” said the 23-year-old, from south London. “It’s ...

The US has identified the Russian agents behind alleged hacking ahead of the presidential election won by Donald Trump in November, reports say. The agents, whose names have not been released, are alleged to have sent stolen Democratic emails to WikiLeaks to try to swing the vote for Mr Trump. Russia denies any involvement and WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange says Moscow ...

A Constitution making expert Simon Kabanda has launched a vigorous campaign for a referendum to amend the bill of rights. Mr. Kabanda says even as yesterday marked exactly one year since President Edgar Lungu assented to the amended constitutions, Zambians cannot celebrate because they need a whole lot new constitution as well as the bill of rights which did not ...

The Pensions and Insurance Authority (PIA) has advised the general public to ignore the information circulating in the media purporting to an increase in premiums on compulsory motor third party liability insurance for private and commercial vehicles by 100%. PIA Communications Manager Doreen Silungwi says the insurance hike was illegal and such a general adjustment in premiums would have been ...

The drafting of the Social Health Insurance Bill by government to set up the first ever national Social Health Scheme has reached an advanced stage. Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya has disclosed that the drafting process of the Bill is in fact a few days away to being completed. Dr. Chilufya says once the Bill has been drafted it will be ...

The Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC) has arrested 90 people countrywide for various offences contrary to the Laws of Zambia. The Commission in Central Province arrested and jointly charged Davy Sikaonga, 41, a Businessman of Luangwa Township in Kitwe, and Bernard Sinyenga, 43, a Driver of House No. 28/67 John Laing in Lusaka for trafficking in loose cannabis weighing 860.2 kg. ...

Veteran Indian actor Om Puri, star of British hit East is East, has died aged 66, a family member told the BBC. Puri suffered a heart attack at his residence in Mumbai early on Friday, reports say. Om Puri, who acted in both mainstream and art films, was known for his gritty performances in a number of landmark Indian films ...

Mario Balotelli was handed a two-match ban on Thursday after being sent off for an off-the-ball incident in last month’s 0-0 draw at Bordeaux, his club Nice said. The Italian striker and team-mate Younes Belhanda — who was given a one-match ban — were dismissed in the dying seconds as Bordeaux frustrated the Ligue 1 leaders before the winter break. ...

The Judiciary has been praised for its resolve to expose off Gender Based Violence (GBV) related cases at a quicker pace saying this will help in the fight against GBV in the country. The Advocacy against Child Abuse and Gender Based Violence is pleased with the Kafue Magistrates’ Court’s fast pace in convicting and sentencing a DJ to five years ...

US Vice-President Joe Biden has told President-elect Donald Trump to “grow up” and criticised his attacks on the intelligence community. On Friday, Mr Trump will be briefed on allegations Russia meddled in November’s US presidential election. But Mr Trump has cast doubt on claims of Russian involvement, and criticised the intelligence community in tweets. Mr Biden said it was “absolutely ...