Chris Infotainment

A Weekend of Culture and Activity in Kigali January may not be the most obvious time for a party, but Kigali has always been a city that keeps its social calendar active. After the hustle and bustle of December, the city is slowly resetting its rhythm, offering a variety of events that bring together music, cinema, and interactive experiences. Whether you're looking for something low-key or a bit more indulgent, there's something for everyone to enjoy this weekend. KGL Cine Corner Movie Night For a relaxed start to the weekend, the KGL Cine Corner returns with its Friday movie night on January 16 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Katina’s Café, located at KG8, House 31. The film screening is "One Battle After Another," a new action epic by Paul Thomas Anderson, starring Leonardo DiCaprio alongside Chase Infiniti, Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, and Teyana Taylor. Tickets are priced at Rwf6,000. Atelier du Vibe Atelier du Vibe offers an evening of unhurried fun on Friday,...

Kigali’s January Cultural and Social Scene January may not be the most obvious time for a party, but Kigali has always had a knack for keeping its social calendar vibrant. As the remnants of December’s festivities linger, the city’s cultural offerings are steadily returning, providing a range of options for those looking to ease back into the weekend at their own pace. From movie nights to dance classes and art exhibitions, there's something for everyone in Kigali this month. KGL Cine Corner Movie Night For those who prefer a more relaxed start to the weekend, the KGL Cine Corner is hosting its Friday movie night on January 16 from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at Katina’s Café, located at KG8, House 31. The evening will feature the latest action epic from Paul Thomas Anderson, “One Battle After Another,” starring Leonardo DiCaprio alongside Chase Infiniti, Benicio Del Toro, Sean Penn, and Teyana Taylor. Admission costs Rwf6,000. Atelier du Vibe On the same evening, Atelier du Vibe off...

DJ Fabsabs leads a joyful Cantopop resurgence, Singapore does art with intention, and sun-drenched escapism beckons Hello, January! I hope you survived the first proper work week of 2026. I've been going through the avalanche that is my inbox and am barely hanging on. Luckily, this week's cover story offers a burst of energy as Hsiuwen Liu plunges into the Cantopop revival currently filling Hong Kong's dance floors. She hits the tiles at Cantomania and finds what started as an underground party is now a full-blown movement, joining a wave of Cantopop nights around town. Cantomania's DJ Fabsabs (real name Pete Sabine) is a staunch evangelist for the power of music to bring us together - and as someone who loves the dance floor, I heartily concur. The resurgence of 1980s bangers and Y2K hits might sound like pure nostalgia, but as Sabine tells us, it's something deeper. Cantomania is catharsis, community and culture preservation disguised as a dance party. "...

Experiences to Try in Hong Kong A Culinary Collaboration Between France and China Cristal Room by Anne-Sophie Pic, located in the heart of Hong Kong, recently welcomed a special guest from Beijing—Li Zhanxu of Qu Lang Yuan. This two-night residency brought together the talents of Li, whose restaurant is nestled in a tranquil courtyard in the historic Dongsi Hutong district, and Anne-Sophie Pic, the renowned French chef behind the Hong Kong outpost. The collaboration created a unique blend of French and Chinese culinary traditions, showcasing a poetic dialogue through food. The menu featured a seamless integration of techniques, with Pic’s signature comte berlingots infused with oolong tea and Alsatian venison paired with black garlic. This event was a sophisticated exploration of cross-border gastronomy, offering diners a texturally rich experience that highlighted the best of both worlds. The venue, situated on the 44th floor of Gloucester Tower in Landmark, can be booked through c...

Toby Chan, who won the Miss Hong Kong 2010 pageant, has left the luxurious mansion she once shared with her ex-boyfriend, businessman Benny Yeung, and is now residing in a smaller flat. Miss Hong Kong 2010 Toby Chan. Photo from Chan's Instagram According to reports, the 39-year-old moved out of the 3,000 sq.ft (279 sq.m) house in Kau To Shan earlier this month. She has since relocated to a 500 sq.ft flat in Wong Tai Sin, which she bought in 2020 for approximately HK$9 million (US$1.15 million). At a public event earlier this month, Chan confirmed that her nine-year relationship with Yeung ended three months ago. As reported by The Standard, she mentioned that the breakup was amicable, did not involve any third party, and was due to differences in values. It has been noted that Chan has embraced a more straightforward and independent way of living. This includes driving herself instead of using a chauffeur and reducing her discretionary spending. After winning the Miss Hong ...

Annalisa, a 24-year-old woman, has become the center of online controversy after allegations surfaced that she fabricated a wealthy background. She is the girlfriend of 44-year-old Singaporean singer JJ Lin, who has been in the public eye for many years. On December 29, 2025, JJ Lin shared photos on his Instagram account of himself and Annalisa celebrating his mother's 70th birthday. The post was widely interpreted as a sign that their relationship had grown serious. His management company later confirmed that he was "happy in love" but had no immediate plans to get married. According to reports from Taiwanese media, the couple met through a mutual friend in late 2023 and began dating in mid-2024. They have maintained a stable relationship since then. JJ Lin is known for being attentive to his girlfriend, often gifting her luxury items and taking her on trips to destinations such as Tokyo and New Zealand. After their relationship became public, netizens started searc...

Deportation of British Adult Film Star from Bali Bonnie Blue, a controversial British adult film star, has been deported from Indonesia’s Bali island following a series of legal issues. The deportation was confirmed by an immigration official, who stated that the process would take place early Saturday morning. Blue, whose real name is Tia Billinger, was previously fined for traffic violations, which added to the complexity of her case. The situation escalated when local police conducted a raid on a studio in Badung, a popular tourist district near Denpasar, the capital of Bali. During this operation, Blue, who is 26 years old, was detained along with three men – two Britons and an Australian. These individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of producing pornographic content. However, authorities later reported that no evidence of adult material was found during the raid. Husnan Handano, a spokesman for the immigration department at Denpasar International Airport, informed AF...

TikTok Temporarily Restricts Live Streaming in Nigeria TikTok has implemented a temporary restriction on its live-streaming feature for users in Nigeria during late-night hours. The move is part of an ongoing safety review aimed at improving user protection on the platform. The platform sent an in-app notification to creators over the weekend, explaining that the restriction is part of an internal investigation. At exactly midnight on Sunday, TikTok issued a system-wide alert stating: "TikTok LIVE Update in Nigeria: We're temporarily limiting LIVE late at night in Nigeria as part of our investigation to ensure our platform remains safe and our community stays protected." Users in Nigeria reported that live streaming was available earlier in the evening but was shut down between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. Affected accounts displayed a "No Access" message when attempting to go live. Additionally, the limitation prevented Nigerian users from viewing live broadcasts h...

Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung has denied allegations of box office failures while giving testimony in the High Court regarding a breach-of-contract lawsuit initiated by her former manager, Yu Yuxing, and his company, AEG Entertainment. Hong Kong actress Cecilia Cheung. Photo from Cecilia Cheung Studio's Weibo During the court proceedings, the judge examined a 2012 contract involving two films, which stipulated that Yu was required to pay Cheung or her management company a deposit of HK$2.76 million (US$354,491) within three days. In response, Yu presented a cheque in court, claiming the payment had been made. However, Cheung refuted this, stating she had never received the funds. Emails exchanged between Cheung’s assistant, Emily, and Yu were submitted as evidence. These included the film contract and a request to waive commission. Cheung disputed claims that she coordinated projects through her assistant, asserting that any questions about the emails should be directed to ...

A Guide to Hong Kong’s Festive Season: Events and Takeaway Menus As the year draws to a close, Hong Kong is alive with a variety of events and culinary delights that promise to make the holiday season unforgettable. From traditional feasts to unconventional twists on classic dishes, there's something for everyone this festive season. Cultural Celebrations and Artistic Displays One of the highlights of the season is the "Simple Gifts of Joy" celebration at Tai Kwun, which runs until January 4. This event features "Circus Plays," a program that brings in high-caliber international circus acts. Among the performances are the Asia premiere of The Genesis from Denmark and the Hong Kong premiere of Spiral Slide from the United States. In a more philanthropic twist, Upper House has partnered with artist Cj Hendry and auction house Phillips to create an art-led tree. The installation consists of 200 oversized plush green "juju" toys, each "adoptabl...

A Unique Commemorative Gift Captivates Online Communities An abalone cushion, a special gift offered by the "Hometown Love Donation System" in Wando County, South Jeolla Province, has sparked widespread online discussion due to its remarkably realistic design that closely mirrors a real abalone. The item has captured the attention of many, with users expressing both surprise and admiration for its lifelike appearance. A user shared their experience on X (formerly known as Twitter) on the 10th, detailing how they donated to Wando County through the Hometown Love Donation System and received the abalone cushion as a gift. In their post, the user wrote, “It’s more realistic than I expected,” and included photos that showcased the cushion. These images quickly drew attention for their striking resemblance to an actual abalone. The photos reveal a shell-like surface that appears to glisten as if water droplets have formed on it. The abalone's distinct color and texture are...

Disney is taking a bold step into the AI era — and letting fans play with some of its most famous characters in a way never seen before. The entertainment giant has struck a landmark deal with OpenAI that will allow its new video tool, Sora, to generate short Disney-themed clips on demand. Fans will be able to type in a prompt and instantly produce videos featuring more than 200 characters from the Disney, Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars franchises. Disney is plowing $1 billion into OpenAI, marking the first time a major Hollywood studio has opened its vault to generative video technology. Mickey Mouse, Ariel, Simba, Baymax, Black Panther, Loki, Darth Vader and Stormtroopers are among the figures allowed into the AI playground. Costumes, props, ships, castles and planets are also included. Users will not be able to unlock real actors' faces or voices, as only 'animated, masked and creature characters' are part of the deal. Fans can play with animated versions of characters p...

A Legacy of Light and Tradition One of the city's most prolific festive light designers recalls his career spent illuminating the Hong Kong skyline. It was December 1990, and he was four years old. Hong Kong then got much colder than it does today, but standing to his mother's right as they took in the Christmas lights, his younger brother to her left, the cold seemed to melt away. Wide-eyed and clutching his mother's hand, he gazed upon the illuminated towers and parapets of a snow-white castle. Angels perched on the battlements, haloes aglow. Fairy lights festooned the winter scene on the waterfront by Harbour City, in Tsim Sha Tsui. Hong Kong's ascent was written in Christmas lights. Mirroring the emergence of a booming economy and a burgeoning middle class, the annual citywide illuminations have marked a tradition for many families in the former British colony since the 1950s. Our own family's ritual had begun in the 60s, when my mother, Clara Chung Lo-ling, w...

December’s supermoon, the last of three consecutive events in 2025, illuminated the night sky as the moon reached its closest point to Earth, appearing larger and brighter than usual. The phenomenon produced vivid nighttime views captured in various locations, including Sarıkamış in Kars. Residents admired the bright lunar display, which briefly lit up the landscape. Supermoons occur in clusters when the moon passes through the closest part of its elliptical orbit, and this one marked the year’s final occurrence. What is a Supermoon? A supermoon is a term used to describe a full moon that occurs when the moon is at or near its closest point to Earth in its orbit. This event results in the moon appearing significantly larger and brighter in the sky compared to a typical full moon. The term "supermoon" was coined by astrologer Richard Nolle in 1979, though it has since gained popularity among astronomers and the general public alike. Supermoons are not rare occurrences...

Regina Ho, who was the first runner-up in the 2017 Miss Hong Kong pageant, has been enjoying a fulfilling family life with her wealthy husband. Once criticized for being a “gold digger,” she now lives comfortably and is often seen sharing glimpses of her happy life on social media. Miss Hong Kong 2017 first runner-up Regina Ho at her wedding in Bali, Indonesia, in 2023. Photo from Ho's Instagram Ho recently shared photos from her daughter’s 180-day celebration, which showcased a lavish party with elegant decor and designer outfits worn by her and her husband. The posts received positive feedback on Instagram, with many followers commenting on her radiant appearance and evident happiness. According to reports, 31-year-old Ho now leads a peaceful life, having been pampered by her husband since their wedding two years ago in Bali. The couple resides in a luxurious HK$30 million (US$3.9 million) apartment located in the upscale Harbour View Residences in Hong Kong’s Hung Hom neig...

Harper Grace Burtka-Harris Shines at Wicked: For Good Premiere At the New York premiere of Jon M. Chu's Wicked: For Good , the theme was Emerald City Elegance, and Hollywood's elite made a stunning appearance in line with the dress code. The main cast, including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jonathan Bailey, all turned heads with their fashion choices. However, one young starlet ultimately captured the spotlight. Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka’s 15-year-old daughter, Harper Grace Burtka-Harris, dazzled in a sea green sequinned dress alongside her father, Burtka, who opted for a glossy coat. Sharing photos from the event on Instagram, the Broadway star described his “gorgeous date,” adding, “I am so proud of her; she is a dynamic kid.” A Twin Brother and a Unique Bond Harper and her fraternal twin brother, Gideon Scott Burtka-Harris, were born via surrogate on October 12, 2010. Their personalities seem to contrast sharply. In an interview with People magazine sho...

Paul Wong, the founder and chairman of Mega Star Arena in Kuala Lumpur, passed away at the age of 56 following a car accident in Thailand. A photo of Malaysian entertainment tycoon Paul Wong was shared on his official Facebook page alongside his obituary. Wong’s family announced his passing on November 22 through an obituary posted on his official Facebook page. The statement read: "By the grace of God, we announce the passing of Mr. Paul Wong Chee Meng, founder and chairman of Mega Star Arena Kuala Lumpur and Mega Group, a highly respected pioneer in Malaysia’s entertainment industry, who passed away in Thailand on November 22, 2025, due to an accident." "Mr. Paul Wong was not only a driving force in the entertainment world but also a visionary leader and a devoted family man. He breathed new life into Malaysia’s entertainment landscape and helped nurture countless outstanding projects and talents." Wong is survived by his wife Fanny Chia and their four...

An innovative and immersive exhibition is now open at London’s Excel Waterfront, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the ancient city of Pompeii through cutting-edge technology. The exhibition, titled "The Last Days of Pompeii," combines virtual reality, large-scale projections, and historical installations to transport guests back in time to the fateful day when Mount Vesuvius erupted. The exhibition officially opened on 14 November and spans an impressive 3,000 square metres. It features over ten distinct galleries, each designed to provide a different perspective on life in Pompeii before the disaster. Among the highlights are genuine relics that have been carefully preserved and displayed for public viewing. Visitors can engage with 360-degree scenes that recreate the daily life of the city's inhabitants, allowing them to explore streets, homes, and public spaces as they once were. One of the most captivating areas is the large metaverse hall, whi...

The Enigmatic Role of Dorothy in Wicked: For Good The eagerly awaited second part to Jon M. Chu's film adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked —titled Wicked: For Good —has set new box office records in its opening week. According to reports, Wicked: For Good opened to US$147 million in North America and a total of US$223 million worldwide, surpassing the domestic opening week performance of the previous year’s Wicked . It is the biggest-ever start for a Broadway adaptation. Led by Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, the sequel features additions to the cast including Colman Domingo as the Cowardly Lion and Bethany Weaver as the iconic Dorothy Gale. Although Dorothy has no dialogue in the film and is only seen from behind or far away, the actress took to Instagram this week to celebrate her role and share some behind-the-scenes photos. "What an honour it has been to walk on the yellow brick road with my fellow Witch Hunters [Jona...