NEWS

Race To The White House: Facebook’s Co- Founder Donates $20 Million To Clinton, Democrates.

Published

8 years ago

September 9, 2016

A co-founder of Facebook is donating $20 million of his fortune to Democratic coffers in a late and likely consequential move to help defeat Republican candidate Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.

The funds are a surprising infusion of cash from an individual who has never before been active in politics.

Dustin Moskovitz, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur with a net worth of more than $10 billion, announced early Friday that he and his wife would make a historically large donation to a half-dozen Democratic groups, including those backing Hillary Clinton. The donations, once issued, will make Moskovitz the third most generous donor in the 2016 elections.

“This decision was not easy, particularly because we have reservations about anyone using large amounts of money to influence elections,” Moskovitz and his wife, Cari Tuna, said. “We hope these efforts make it a little more likely that Secretary Clinton is able to pursue the agenda she’s outlined, and serve as a signal to the Republican Party that by running this kind of campaign — one built on fear and hostility — and supporting this kind of candidate, they compel people to act in response.”

Moskovitz said $5 million would go to a super PAC run by the League of Conservation Voters, an environmentalist group running advertising and canvassing campaigns; and another $5 million to For Our Future PAC, an effort by organized labor and environmentalists to run a consolidated, high-powered field program.

Other donations will be split between a joint fundraising committee for Hillary Clinton; the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee; the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee; a political arm of MoveOn.Org; Color of Change PAC; and “several nonpartisan voter registration and GOTV efforts.”

Though Democratic groups are not hurting for cash, the September gifts could potentially open new avenues for Democratic groups looking to recapture control of Congress or defeat Trump. And the sheer size of the gift will make the 32-year-old one of the most sought-after and unlikeliest donors in the 2016 campaign.

Moskovitz, a college roommate of Facebook chief Mark Zuckerberg, has not been particularly active in politics. He has only cut two checks before to candidates — both to New York congressional candidate Sean Eldridge, the husband of another Facebook co-founder — that amounted to $5,200.

“Cari and I have dedicated our lives to figuring out how to do the most good we can with the resources we’ve been given. Until now, those efforts have not included making endorsements or contributions in presidential elections,” Moskovitz wrote. “The Republican Party, and Donald Trump in particular, is running on a zero-sum vision, stressing a false contest between their constituency and the rest of the world.”

The $20 million will give new life to several Democratic groups, though Moskovitz’s list notably omits Priorities USA, the principal super PAC supporting Clinton’s campaign.

Moskovitz told CNN that he was not ruling out a donation to Priorities USA and that his giving could eclipse the initial $20 million pledge. “No further donations have been decided. We will say more if that changes.”

Moskovitz will only be out punched as a donor by Tom Steyer, the California billionaire and Democratic activist who has given more than $30 million to his groups in the 2016 cycle; and Bob Mercer, a major Trump supporter who has given just a drop more than Moskovitz’s $20 million to Republican groups in this election.

Steyer has also made a major donation to For Our Future PAC, which is aiming to raise $50 million to back the Democratic ticket. The largest donor so far to the League of Conservation Voters is a British investor, who gave a total of $2.5 million this summer.

Source: CNNpolitics

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MUSIC

Tems Debut Album Ranks #2 On Billboard’s R&B List Of 2024

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

Tems debut album hits #2 on Billboard's R&B list of 2024 | fab.ng

Tems’ Global Impact: A Billboard Recognition

Tems, a global music sensation, has solidified her position as one of Africa’s most successful artists, with her album captivating millions of fans worldwide and garnering numerous prestigious awards.

In a recent testament to her talent, her debut album secured the second spot on Billboard’s list of the best R&B albums of 2025.

This remarkable achievement places Tems alongside renowned artists such as Chris Brown, PartyNextDoor, Muni Long, and Bryson Tiller.

Furthermore, Billboard has praised Tems’ music for transcending the boundaries of Afrobeats, resonating with audiences across the globe.

“The Nigerian star finds her footing in the global spotlight and stands firmly in her purpose on her dazzling debut album Born in the Wild.

“She opens up about surviving her mental wilderness and learning to thrive in it on the opening acoustic ballad that shares the album’s title.

“And on the mid-tempo standout “Burning,” Tems confronts the trappings of her newfound stardom but finds comfort in the collective struggle. As someone who’s studied Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey and dreamt of making soul-stirring songs that send people into their feelings, Tems succeeded with aplomb.

“Born in the Wild became her highest-charting project on Top R&B Albums (reaching No. 5) and marked her career-first entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 56.

“And while Born in the Wild and “Love Me JeJe” earned Tems 2025 Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance, respectively, her best R&B song nod for “Burning” further reinforced the rich diversity of her music– and the notion that African artists like Tems cannot be bound to the catchall “Afrobeats” term, as their music has traveled well past the borders of the continent. – H.M.”

Tems’ debut album, “Born In The Wild,” received critical acclaim in the United States.

Indeed, the album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album.

Additionally, her single “Burning” broke records by securing a nomination for Best R&B Song. Meanwhile, “Love Me Jeje” received a nomination for Best African Music Performance.

Check out more music updates here.

MUSIC

Adekunle Gold Reveals The Role Pheelz Played In Getting Him Signed To YBNL

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

Adekunle Gold credits Pheelz for his YBNL signing | fab.ng

Adekunle Gold marks a significant milestone this December 2024 as he celebrates 10 years since releasing his breakthrough single ‘Sade.’

This debut track, which creatively reimagined One Direction’s ‘Story Of My Life,’ catapulted him into Nigeria’s mainstream music consciousness in December 2014.

The artist recently shared compelling details about his journey to stardom in an industry interview, particularly highlighting his unique path to signing with YBNL.

Before his musical breakthrough, Adekunle Gold cultivated a professional relationship with Olamide through his work as YBNL’s graphic designer, creating cover art for the label’s artists, including Lil Kesh and Viktor.

The pivotal moment in his career arrived when producer Pheelz discovered ‘Sade’ and advocated for Gold’s signing to Olamide, leading to a transformative partnership with YBNL.

Under the label’s guidance, Gold released his debut album, ‘Gold,’ which produced standout hits like ‘Orente’ and ‘Pick Up,’ earning both critical acclaim and commercial success.

AG Baby, as fans affectionately call him, has demonstrated remarkable artistic versatility throughout his decade-long career.

He began his journey by crafting a distinctive urban interpretation of folk and traditional Yoruba music, later evolving into a dynamic pop star with the release of ‘Afro-pop Vol 1.’ His musical portfolio now spans five albums, each showcasing his growth and artistic range.

The singer-songwriter has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished artists, earning recognition for his exceptional songwriting abilities and commanding stage presence.

His performances continue to captivate audiences across Africa, solidifying his position as a leading figure in the continent’s music scene.

Gold’s journey from a graphic designer to a celebrated musician exemplifies his artistic versatility and dedication to his craft, marking him as one of Africa’s most sought-after performers.

Check out more updates here.

FOREIGN

Beyoncé Achieves Historic Milestone As Most Certified Female Artist

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Reporter

Beyoncé is most RIAA certified female artist of all time | fab.ng

Renowned singer Beyoncé has solidified her position as the most certified female artist of all time, a distinction bestowed upon her by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Her recent surge in song certifications has propelled her to an impressive total of 103 RIAA-certified titles, surpassing all other female artists in this category.

The RIAA celebrated this monumental achievement in a post on X on Tuesday.

“Crowning achievement! Congratulations to @Beyonce, who now holds the record for the most certified titles for a female artist in RIAA history, including her first two Diamond singles! @parkwood @columbiarecords,” RIAA announced in a post on X on Tuesday.

👑 Crowning achievement! Congratulations to @Beyonce, who now holds the record for the most certified titles for a female artist in RIAA history, including her first two Diamond singles! 💎🐝✨ @parkwood @columbiarecords pic.twitter.com/L86gwGkzQN

— RIAA (@RIAA) December 17, 2024

Among her numerous accolades are Diamond certifications for two iconic singles: “Halo” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” These certifications signify extraordinary sales and streaming figures.

Additionally, Beyoncé boasts a string of impressive certifications for her albums. “Renaissance” has achieved 2x Platinum status, “Lemonade” has attained 4x Platinum, and both “Sasha Fierce” and “Dangerously In Love” have earned 7x Platinum certifications.

This latest milestone further solidifies Beyoncé’s legacy as one of the most influential and successful artists of all time.

Her ability to consistently deliver groundbreaking music that resonates with audiences worldwide has undoubtedly contributed to her unparalleled success.

Check out more music updates here.