Will Smith, aged 55, debuted his latest single, “You Can Make It,” during a powerful performance at the BET Awards in Los Angeles on June 30th. The song had just been released on June 28th and marked Smith’s return to the music scene after his last single, “Get Lit,” in 2017 and his album “Lost and Found” back in 2005.

The performance was characterized by Smith’s dramatic entrance amidst a burning fire pit, where he addressed the audience with uplifting words: “I don’t know who needs to hear this right now but whatever’s going on in your life, I’m here to tell you, you can make it.” This segued seamlessly into his new track, which features poignant lyrics such as “Don’t give up on me, I need you to hold on / Know you’re deep up in the storm / But I know you can face it.”

Days before the BET Awards, Smith shared a personal moment on Instagram, playing the song on piano and reflecting on the role of music during his toughest times: “Through some of my darkest moments, music has always been there for me – to lift me and help me grow. It’s my humble wish that it can do the same for you and bring you all the joy and light you deserve.”

During his BET performance, Smith was joined by Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, and the Sunday Service choir, enhancing the emotional impact of the song with an onstage rainstorm. This heartfelt performance underscored Smith’s enduring musical legacy, which includes four Grammy awards, notably for the 1988 hit “Parents Just Don’t Understand” with DJ Jazzy Jeff.

Smith’s return to music coincides with continued success in film, exemplified by the box office triumph of “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” which grossed $56.5 million domestically. Amidst this success, Smith has faced scrutiny, including a controversial incident at the 2022 Oscars. Despite this, producer Jerry Bruckheimer expressed support for Smith’s talents, emphasizing his acting prowess and predicting future collaborations.

Will Smith’s multifaceted career continues to evolve, showcasing his resilience and artistic versatility across music and film, making a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

In other news – Zambia to criminalize the use of US Dollars in local economy

Zambia’s central bank has announced intentions to outlaw the use of foreign currency within the country’s economy, coinciding with the strongest surge in the kwacha in four months. The nation in southern Africa has grappled with significant currency instability over the past five years, driving up import costs and contributing to inflation, which reached its highest level in two and a half years this month.

Many businesses, from car dealers to shopping mall operators and hotels, frequently quote prices in dollars, preferring foreign currency over the local kwacha. According to a preliminary document disclosed by the Bank of Zambia on Saturday, individuals caught utilizing foreign currency for domestic transactions could potentially face penalties of up to 10 years imprisonment or fines. Read More