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☆ Tunde Onakoya: Nigerian chess champion breaks world record for longest chess marathon
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Ifeanyi Abraham | For Cnn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Nigerian chess champion and child education advocate Tunde Onakoya has broken the record for the longest chess marathon after playing for an extraordinary 60 hours nonstop under the bright lights of New York City’s Times Square. The Guinness World Record organization has not yet confirmed Onakoya’s attempt, which can sometimes take weeks, but for many Nigerians, the 29-year-old is already considered something of a national hero. Onakoya played against Shawn Martinez, a US chess champion, in accordance with the Guinness World Record guidelines that any attempt to break the record must be made by two players who play continuously for the duration. Onakoya founded Chess in Slums Africa, which seeks to empower children in underprivileged communities by using chess to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills, in Lagos. People celebrate as Tunde Onakoya marks 46 hours for consecutively playing a chess game in Times Square, Friday, April 19, 2024, in New York.

Persons: Tunde, Onakoya, Hallvard Haug Flatebø, Let’s, Shawn Martinez, Martinez, Davido, Adekunle, Bola Tinubu, Ajuri Ngelale, “, Tinubu, Yuki Iwamura, Solomon Passy, Russell Makofsky Organizations: CNN, New York City’s, Guinness, Nigeria’s, Champion, People, Times Locations: Nigerian, New York, Africa, Norway, Manhattan, Nigeria, Lagos, Berlin, Bulgarian, US

☆ Nigerian Fashion Moves Beyond the Catwalk
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Tariro Mzezewa | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

LAGOS, Nigeria — For the past decade, Nigeria’s best-known ambassadors have, arguably, been its musicians: Burna Boy, WizKid, Davido, Tiwa Savage Asake and Tems, who have popularized Afrobeats beyond West Africa. At a moment when music, literature, visual art and food from across the African continent continue to gain global popularity, fashion designers, particularly those from Nigeria, are ready for their industry to take center stage. There’s more variety, and people feel proud to be wearing things made by Africans.” In 2023, Alara opened a pop-up shop as part of the Brooklyn Museum’s “Africa Fashion” exhibition. “Currently the global fashion community is looking to the African continent for more than inspiration,” said Ernestine White-Mifetu, the Sills Foundation curator of African art at the Brooklyn Museum. “The fashion world at large is finally ready to pay attention.”

Persons: Nigeria’s, Burna, Tiwa Savage, Reni Folawiyo, Alara, ”, Ernestine White Organizations: Designers, “, Brooklyn, Sills Foundation, Brooklyn Museum Locations: LAGOS, Nigeria, West Africa, Lagos, ”, Africa

☆ Stonebwoy draws inspiration from Bob Marley at Tuff Gong Studios to unite the Black diaspora
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( Lauren Lee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The session was the Ghanaian’s first visit to Bob Marley’s iconic Tuff Gong Studio. I feel like I’m surrounded by the spirits of those who built here.”“Once upon a time, Bob Marley was probably sitting in the same spot that I am sitting in,” he added. Bob Marley performs onstage during a concert in Stockholm, Sweden, in the late 1970s. Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Global CitizenUniting the Black diaspora through musicFrom Afrobeats to reggae, Stonebwoy has worked with musicians including Rick Ross, Beanie Man, Shaggy, Keri Hilson, Russ, Davido, and Angelique Kidjo, shining brightest when mentoring emerging artists. Until then, he has his eyes set on making sure the sounds of the Black diaspora continue to dominate worldwide.

Persons: CNN —, Stonebwoy, Shaggy, Sean Paul, Wyclef Jean, Bob Marley, Yohan Marley, Bob Marley’s, ”, riffing, Livingstone Etse Satekla, Ghana's Stonebwoy, ” Stonebwoy, “, Stonebwoy’s, Jemal Countess, Rick Ross, Beanie, Keri Hilson, Russ, Davido, Angelique Kidjo, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, Odumodublvck Organizations: CNN, Island Music Conference, Gong, Tuff Gong, Tuff Gong Studios, Global Citizen Festival, Getty, Global Citizen, BHIM, Burniton Music Locations: Ghanaian, Jamaica, Kingston, ”, Ghana, Africa, Caribbean, West African, Stockholm, Sweden, Hulton, Accra

☆ The Evil Eye? Not Invited.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Sadiba Hasan | Amir Hamja | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: 1 min

About four years ago, the D.J.s Malinder Tooray, Omar Ahmed and Bianca Maieli hosted a night of music and dancing in Los Angeles. Their show, “No Nazar,” attracted a wide following and filled in what many saw as a gap in the music and nightlife scene. “Nazar” is an Arabic word borrowed by many languages and cultures. It invokes the concept of “evil eye” — that is, an envious glance that can cause harm to those it falls on. The event created by Ms. Tooray, Mr. Ahmed and Ms. Maieli reflected a mood the trio was trying to create — that of an inviting and affirming environment that encourages cultural exchange through music.

Persons: Tooray, Omar Ahmed, Bianca Maieli, ”, “ Nazar ”, Ahmed, Maieli Locations: Los Angeles, Asia

At the center of that growth are newer genres of Afrobeats — the renowned blend of distinct West African music styles — and amapiano, which fuses South African kwaito with African jazz, house music and soulful vocals. The 2022 track became the first led by an African artist to hit 1 billion Spotify streams and has the record for the most weeks — 64 — spent on Billboard’s Pop Airplay chart. And some tracks meld the genres under the African music umbrella. That reach is particularly interesting considering that African music is produced for its people, embodying all aspects of their lives from their culture and experiences to their struggles, LeriQ says. The continent leads mobile device web traffic in the world, according to the U.S. International Trade Administration, translating to more market opportunities for artists.

Persons: ”, Burna Boy’s, Rema’s, Selena Gomez, —, Joey Akan, ‘, Burna, ’, Musa Keys, Boy, Istanbul's, Rema, Davido, Tina Davis, Olamide's, Angélique Kidjo, LeriQ, Nay, Mitego, Chika Anene, gatekeepers, Eric Wainaina, G’bemi Ereku, Nigeria —, Jhello, ” ___ Mureithi, Maria Sherman Organizations: FIFA, International Federation of, Phonographic Industry's, Spotify, Afrobeats Intelligence, UEFA Champions League, Pew Research, U.S . International Trade Administration, United, Afro Nation, AP Locations: ABUJA, Nigeria, Nigerian, Saharan Africa, African, South Africa, Africa, Tanzania, Abuja, Kenyan, Lagos, United States, Statista, Nairobi, Kenya, Johannesburg, Los Angeles

☆ Grammys 2024: There’s a new category for African musicians at the awards. Meet the nominees
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-31 | by ( Lamide Akintobi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Lagos, Nigeria CNN —For the first time, African music will have its own category at the Grammys. The Recording Academy will showcase three new categories for this year’s awards, including “Best African Music Performance” — featuring some of Afrobeats’ global superstars. The Nigerian singer best known as Davido is also nominated for Best Global Album and Best Global Music Performance. Burna BoyVideo Ad Feedback The night Burna Boy became a Hollywood star 03:19 - Source: CNNBurna Boy, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is up for a total of four Grammys this year for Best Global Music Album, Best Melodic Rap performance, Best Global Music Performance and Best African Music Performance — and will perform at the awards. No stranger to the awards circuit, he won the Best Global Music Album Grammy in 2021 for his album “Twice as Tall.” Burna Boy ended a historic 2023 at No.

Persons: ”, Harvey Mason Jr, Arya Starr, Sarah Aderibigbe, Ayra Starr, “, Barack, Kelly Rowland, Stormzy, Tiwa Savage, ” Asake, Ahmed Ololade, Amapiano, Olamide, Tyla Tyla, John Lamparski, Musa Keys, David Adeleke’s, Davido, “ I’m Organizations: Nigeria CNN —, Recording Academy, Recording, Spotify, YouTube, Mavin Records, CNN, Vibe, Art, Olamide, Getty Images, South, Hollywood, Best Locations: Lagos, Nigeria, Los Angeles, Square , New York City, AFP, South African, Nigerian, Africa

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Taylor Swift leads the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards nominations with nine, followed closely by Jelly Roll, SZA, and 21 Savage with eight. The iHeartRadio Music Awards honor the most played artists of the year on their stations and app, and fans can vote in several categories including best lyrics, best music video, best fan army, social star award, favorite tour photographer, TikTok bop of the year, favorite tour style and two new fields: favorite on screen and favorite debut album. Social voting begins today at iHeartRadio.com/awards and will close on March 25 at 11:59 p.m. PDT for all categories. There are a total of seven new categories this year, from the two aforementioned socially-voted category to pop song of the year, pop artist of the year, K-pop artist of the year, K-pop song of the year and best new K-pop artist. It will also air on iHeartRadio stations across the U.S. and the app.

Persons: — Taylor Swift, Jelly Roll, Olivia Rodrigo, Taylor Swift's “, Selena Gomez's, ” Luke Combs, Tracey Chapman's, ” Miley Cyrus, ”, ” Morgan Wallen's “, Olivia Rodrigo's “ Organizations: ANGELES, Rema, ” Metro Boomin, Dolby Theatre, FOX Locations: Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Ten of the top albums of the year, as chosen by Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman. Instead of embracing the antiquated practice of ranking very different albums against one another, we're celebrating the best next to the best. Leading the charge is Peso Pluma, whose third studio album, “Génesis,” became the highest-charting regional Mexican album of all time. “Hackney Diamonds,” The Rolling StonesPrior to “Hackney Diamonds,” the Rolling Stones hadn’t released an album of original material in 18 years. AP's Jocelyn Noveck put it best: This album is their best new work in decades — tight, focused, full of heart and swagger.

Persons: Maria Sherman, “ Barbie, “, Carín León, ”, Pluma, Olivia Rodrigo, Rodrigo, —, Joan Didion, ” Rodrigo, “ Lucky, Megan Moroney Let’s, Morgan Wallen’s “, Luke Combs, Tracy Chapman’s, Megan Moroney, Taylor Swift, Charlie Watts, Andrew Watt, Post Malone, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, AP's Jocelyn Noveck, Raven, Kelela, Shaadi Devereaux, ” Karol G, reggaetón, Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Rauw Alejandro, Karol G's, there's, Ojos, Shakira, It’s, Carlos Niño, Rihanna, Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar’s, Arlo, Arlo Parks Organizations: ANGELES, Associated Press, banda, Tennessee, “ Hackney, Ojos Ferrari, Sun, Chicago, NFL, Carolinas, — Locations: Mexican, Mexico, Kelela, Será, Puerto Rican, Panamanian, , New York, Colombian, “ Carolina, California, Sunbeams, ”

Her voice sounds utterly guileless as she sings about lust, betrayal, revenge and healing. 3. boygenius, ‘The Record’Synergy reigns in boygenius, the alliance of the singer-songwriters Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers and Lucy Dacus. Paul Simon, ‘Seven Psalms’“Seven Psalms” comes across as a farewell album from Paul Simon, 82. Simon sings about mortality as a “great migration” and extols the presence and purpose of “The Lord,” as the biblical psalms do. The songs on her second album, “Guts,” combine pop’s concision and melody with rock’s potential to erupt.

Persons: Karol G, Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, mentorships, Paul Simon, ‘, It’s, Simon, ”, Olivia Rodrigo, Oliva Rodrigo, Feist, ’ Feist Locations: Colombian, Dominican, Afrobeats, boygenius

☆ Photographer documents the global rise of Afrobeats
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

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☆ On tour with Burna Boy to Wizkid: How Afrobeats conquered the world
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-14 | by ( Thomas Page | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

The following week the two crossed paths again and the photographer let Burna Boy know the photos were his. There was something fresh; it was something that they hadn’t seen before.”Photographer Oliver D. Akinfeleye, aka DrDrummerD, has documented Afrobeats artists in the US and Europe since 2017. Of all the artists Akinfeleye has worked with, he says his bond with Wizkid is the tightest. “Nigerian music – African music – is there to make people feel good no matter what,” he added. The world needs to feel good,” Akinfeleye argues, and that need isn’t disappearing any time soon.

Persons: CNN — Oliver Akinfeleye, Burna Boy’s, Burna, Akinfeleye, Wizkid, Rema, Selena Gomez, Oliver D, Aubrey, Drake, Graham, Mr Eazi, Brandon Boyd, Wiz’s DJ, DJ Tunez, ” Akinfeleye, “, ”, he’s, Afrobeats, it’s Organizations: CNN, Palladium Times, Madison, Citi Field, Tottenham Hotspur, O2, MTV, Washington DC, O2 Arena Locations: New York, American Nigerian, Queens , New York, Nigerian, Citi Field , New York, Glastonbury, London, African, Europe, Runtown, Washington, Akinfeleye, Puerto Rico

☆ PinkPantheress Leaves the Bedroom for the Wider Pop World
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-10 | by ( ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The British producer, singer and songwriter PinkPantheress, 22, emerged during the pandemic with a hushed and nostalgic play on dance music, turning canny samples from the club and beyond into intimate, original bedroom pop. With the release last year of her hit single “Boy’s a Liar,” and especially the remix with the rising rapper Ice Spice, PinkPantheress traded a growing internet cult for mainstream cachet, with billions of plays on TikTok and Spotify. For the first time, the songs also tend to exceed two minutes. Yet even while leaving the confines of her bedroom, spiritually and sonically, “Heaven Knows” feels firmly like PinkPantheress’s turf and her terms. Committed to her own personal privacy, she has maintained some anonymity and the mystique that comes with it, while sticking close to frequent collaborators like the producer Mura Masa, who touches every track.

Persons: PinkPantheress, ”, Rena, Cee, Greg Kurstin, Cash Cobain, Danny L, Mura Masa Organizations: TikTok, Spotify Locations: British

☆ The World Is Becoming More African
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Declan Walsh | Hannah Reyes Morales | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +37 min

Old World Young Africa As the world grays, Africa blooms with youth. The World Is Becoming More African Part one of a series on how the youth boom is changing the continent, and beyond. But while a handful of African countries are poised to ride the demographic wave, others risk being swamped by it. In the West, racists and right-wing nationalists stoke fears of African population growth to justify hatred, or even violence. The age gap between geriatric leaders and restless youth is “a major source of tension” in many African countries, said Simon Mulongo, a former African Union diplomat from Uganda.

Persons: Lauren Leatherby, ”, Jean, Patrick Niambé, Hilton, Edward Paice, “, Keziah Keya, Keya, Paul R, Ehrlich, stoke, Lauren Leatherby “, Carlos Lopes, Burna, Weeks, “ It’s, Laolu Senbanjo, Tems, Toulaye Sy, Pritzker, Abdulrazak Gurnah, “ Africa’s, ” Long, exotica, Mulendema, Hannah O’Leary, “ We’re, Sipho Dlamini, Dlamini, Moawad, Optimists, Mo Ibrahim, Aubrey Hruby, birthrates, India’s, China’s, Akinwumi Adesina, States —, William Ruto, Paul Biya of, Biya, Wole Soyinka, Paul Kagame of, Nourdine, Nigeriens, Awade, Ali Bongo Ondimba, Simon Mulongo, Nuha Abdelgadir, Abdelgadir, gesturing, “ We’ve, ” Weeks, Abdelgadir’s, Modu Ali, Young, Saidu, Habiba Mohammed, Ms, Ha, Joon Chang, Nobody, Chang, Ibrahim, Touré Organizations: Young, United Nations, Southern, Northern, Western Asia Northern, United, Ivory Coast, African Union, Group, European Union ., Suisse, Africa Research Institute, Nigeria Mozambique Kenya “, Russia Canada Germany United, Russia Canada Germany United States Japan China Iran Egypt India Mexico Nigeria Ethiopia Ethiopia Dem, Russia Germany, China Egypt India Nigeria D.R.C, Russia Canada Germany United States Japan China Iran Egypt India Mexico Nigeria Ethiopia Dem, Bank, Nations, International, Bryn Mawr College, Angola, Angola Ivory Coast, Angola Ivory Coast Cameroon Dem, Africa Middle Africa Southern, Economic Commission, New, Citi, Spotify, Cannes Film, Burkina Faso, UNESCO, Disney, Amazon Prime, Netflix, “, Apple, Cape Town, Microsoft, Google, Infrastructure, McKinsey & Company, Pew Research Center, African Development Bank, Greek Coast Guard, Saudi, Africa Climate, Young Voters, Freedom House, University of Denver, United Arab, Japan Cuba Vatican City, Netherlands South Korea Belgium U.A.E, Islamic, Global, Center for Girls Education, School of Oriental, Studies Locations: grays, Africa, India, China, United States, Southern Asia, Asia, America, Caribbean, Northern America, Western Asia, Western Asia Northern America, Europe, London, New York, West Africa, Ivory, Abidjan, Russia, Turkey, Gulf, Nairobi, Nigeria Mozambique Kenya, Italy, Japan, Russia Canada Germany United States Japan China Iran Egypt India Mexico Nigeria Ethiopia Ethiopia, Congo Indonesia Brazil Australia South Africa Argentina, Russia Germany U.S, China Egypt India Nigeria, Brazil South Africa Australia, Russia Canada Germany United States Japan China Iran Egypt India Mexico Nigeria, Nigeria, Africa’s, Young, South Africa, Somalia, Mozambique, Mali, Gabon, Niger, Mozambique Nigeria Kenya, Kenya, Pennsylvania, Angola Ivory, Angola Ivory Coast Cameroon, Congo Algeria Egypt, Ghana Kenya Madagascar Mozambique Niger Nigeria, Tanzania Uganda South Africa, Northern Africa Eastern Africa, Africa Middle Africa, Africa Middle Africa Southern Africa, Guinea, Bissau, African, Qatar, Nigerian, Brooklyn, Target, French, Senegalese, Paris, Milan, Venice, Burkina, Tanzania, Saharan Africa, Nigeria Kenya Senegal In Lagos, Dakar, Zambia, South Korea, Sotheby’s, Lagos, Zimbabwe, Watford, Cape, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Cairo, Morocco, East Africa, Nigeria Mozambique Morocco, Sudanese, North Africa, East Asia, Thailand, Rwanda, Ivory Coast, States, Namibia, Kenyan, Paul Biya of Cameroon, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, United Arab Emirates, United States France Turkey, Germany, Russia India, Brazil, Japan Cuba, Japan Cuba Vatican City Spain Italy Saudi Arabia Qatar, Netherlands South Korea Belgium, Iran Canada, Niger’s, Niamey, Senegal Kenya Kenya, X’s, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Senegal, Uganda, Khartoum, Sudan, Ethiopia, Al Qaeda, Islamic State, Chad, Burkina Faso, Nigeria Nigeria Morocco, hijabs, Zaria, American, Korea, South, England

☆ The Afrobeats star on a mission to raise the profile of African art
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Natty Kasambala | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

London CNN —It was a painting in the lobby of a Benin hotel last year that changed the way Afrobeats star Mr Eazi thought about art. The works will also be exhibited in galleries internationally — in Accra, Lagos, London (where they will be displayed as part of a “listening experience” the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair between October 12—15) and in New York. “One of the most exciting things for me is that art represents an opportunity to discover people without a pre-bias… it’s exerting soft power,” said Mr Eazi. “It’s an ecosystem,” Mr Eazi summarises. “African music should be in African film and African art with African music… That’s culture, that’s the flood.

Persons: Eazi, “, …, Oluwole, ”, Patricorel, Eazi —, —, Eazi’s, Tammy Sinclair's, OLÚWA, Tammy Sinclair, I’m, ” Eazi, don’t, Sinclair, “ Mandela, Foli, Mr Eazi, Mr Eazi’s, ” Tesprit, undiluted Organizations: London CNN, CNN, Fair, Banku, US, Alpha Locations: Benin, Accra, Lagos, London, New York, Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Togo, Cameroon, Senegal, Kenya, Ghanaian, Kenyan, Togolese, Togo’s, Lomé, Cape Town , South Africa, ”

Here are the meanings of the 10 hardest words that have also been used in Times articles. (Dec. 23, 2020)6. tomtit — any of several small birds that frequently elude Spelling Bee players:The Audubon Society would file a complaint in defense of tomtit virility. But, such is the state of Massenet’s reputation, I doubt that many sophisticated operagoers would rush to defend him. Barclays declined to comment on its arrangement with A.I.G., which is known as a “novation” in the world of derivatives, Reuters said. in Derivatives Deals (Feb. 5, 2010)The list of the week’s easiest words:

Persons: nunhood, “, Genji, Jakucho, monomania, ” Jacobs, ”, colcannon —, Patrick’s, Melissa Clark’s, colcannon, Cook, callaloo, Mr, Bates, cloaca, tomtit, Spelling, Massenet — Minor, pinniped, dognap —, Twilly, McGuinn, Naija, dey, —, novation, — Barclays Said Organizations: St, Audubon Society, Barclays, Reuters, — Barclays Locations: Japan, Frederick, Africa

☆ How Asake developed a boundary-pushing sound that’s changing Afrobeats as we know it
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Lauren Lee | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Nigerian singer and songwriter Asake is creating a new Afrobeats sound that is deeply African and completely global. But to me, I think I do a lot of things because, you know, I love to come with the vibe. It’s just like a bit of Amapiano, a bit of Afrobeat, a bit of Fuji, a bit of R&B, a bit of hip hop, just to make Asake. I think I’m going to be somebody who puts on a show’? I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but the most important thing for me is to keep going.

Persons: Asake, Mr, “ Mr, Larry Madowo, I’m, Fela, Kuti, ‘, Paras Griffin, I’m Ahmed Ololade, Olamide, what’s Organizations: CNN, YBNL, Vibe, Barclays Center, Fuji Locations: Nigerian, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, New York, Miami, Dubai, London, Africa, Atlanta , Georgia

☆ Taylor Swift racks up trophies at MTV's Video Music Awards
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Lisa Richwine | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Sept 12 (Reuters) - Pop superstar Taylor Swift dominated MTV's annual Video Music Awards on Tuesday, adding nine trophies to her collection as she claimed the top prize for her smash hit song "Anti-Hero". [1/6]Taylor Swift receives the Best Pop award during the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, U.S., September 12, 2023. Stray Kids, a band put together through a reality show, won the best K-pop award, and SZA scored best R&B video for "Shirt". Colombian pop singer Shakira was honored with the Video Vanguard Award for her 20-year career. Later, she and fellow Colombian singer Karol G won best collaboration for "TQG".

Persons: Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Swift, NSYNC, Lance Bass, Justin Timberlake, it's, Brendan Mcdermid, Spice, SZA, Rema, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Lil Wayne, Olivia Rodrigo, Nicki Minaj, Sean, Diddy, Combs, Minaj, Grandmaster Flash, Shakira, Karol G, Lisa Richwine, Shri Navaratnam Organizations: Swift, VMA, MTV, Prudential Center, REUTERS, Video, Thomson Locations: Newark , New Jersey, U.S, Colombian

☆ MTV VMAs 2023: See the full list of winners
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Alli Rosenbloom | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards were presented on Tuesday. Beyoncé, Doja, Karol G, Minaj and Shakira joined Swift as artist of the year nominees, marking the first time since the category was introduced in 2017 that all artist of the year nominees are women. Shakira received the Video Vanguard Award. The night also welcomed brand new category Best Afrobeats. Demi Lovato, Shakira, Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi B with Megan Thee Stallion, Diddy, Lil Wayne, Doja Cat and Fall Out Boy, among others, all performed during the ceremony.

Persons: Taylor Swift, ”, Doja, Karol G, Minaj, Shakira, Swift, Demi Lovato, Olivia Rodrigo, Cardi, Megan Thee, Lil Wayne, Miley Cyrus –, Nicki Minaj –, Olivia Rodrigo –, Sam Smith, Kim Petras, Bill ” Taylor Swift, Karol, Nicki Minaj Shakira Taylor, Cyrus –, Rema, Selena Gomez, Steve Lacy –, PinkPantheress Reneé Rapp, Saucy Santana –, Booty, Stephen Sanchez – “, Flo Milli, Conceited, Reneé Rapp – “, Sam Ryder –, Armani, GOATED, Fletcher –, Diana ”, FLO –, Lauren Spencer Smith, David Guetta, Bebe Rexha, Post Malone, Bryson Tiller, Yung Miami, Shakira –, Savage, Diddy, Lovato, ” Ed Sheeran, ” Taylor Swift, DJ Khaled, Lil Baby –, Swizz Beatz, ” Nicki Minaj –, Alicia Keys, Chris Brown –, Toosii –, ” Yung Bleu, Nicki Minaj, Metallica, “, –, Ella Baila Sola, Despechá, Starr – “, Musa Keys, ” Rema, Ayra Starr – Organizations: CNN, Metro Boomin, NK – Locations: Reneé Rapp – “ Colorado, Lipa

☆ Pirelli calendar 2024: Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell and Angela Bassett top latest edition
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-07 | by ( Ayanda Ntuli | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —Featuring Idris Elba, Angela Bassett and Naomi Campbell, the latest edition of the prestigious Pirelli calendar is the first to have been shot by a Black photographer in its more than half-century history. Known as “The Cal,” the Pirelli calendar started in 1964. Until the 2024 edition, no Black photographer had been selected for the commission. Prince Gyasi directs actor Angela Bassett for the 2024 Pirelli calendar. Alessandro ScottiGyasi chose to shoot some of his subjects for the 50th Pirelli calendar in Ghana, where some of them have ties.

Persons: CNN —, Idris Elba, Angela Bassett, Naomi Campbell, Prince Gyasi, ”, Tiwa Savage, Amanda Gorman, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asante, supermodels Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, Cindy Crawford, Campbell, Patrick Demarchelier, Nick Knight, Annie Leibovitz, risqué photoshoots, Terence Donovan, Edward Enninful, Tim Walker, Alessandro Scotti Gyasi, Burna, “ I’m, “, “ They’ve, ” Gyasi, “ We’ve, you’re, Alessandro Scotti, ” Pirelli Organizations: CNN, Pirelli, Cal, Black, Black British Vogue, Puma, Apple, Converse, Balmain, GQ, Idris Elba braves Locations: Ghanaian, Ghana, West African, Black British, White, Accra, Kumasi, Ashanti Region, Elba

☆ Burna Boy is ‘thrilled and humbled’ after making UK chart history with latest album
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-06 | by ( Earl Nurse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Grammy-winning Nigerian recording artist Burna Boy has become the first-ever international Afrobeats artist to earn the No. 1 spot on the official weekly UK album chart, published on September 1. The achievement is for Burna’s latest album, “I Told Them…” – his fourth album to make the UK charts and the follow-up to his 2022 “Love, Damini,” which peaked at No. “I’m absolutely thrilled and humbled by the incredible support and love that ‘I Told Them…’ has received from fans in the UK,” Burna Boy told CNN in a statement provided by his publicist. “Thank you to everyone who made this possible.”In pictures: Afrobeats artists enjoying historic year in 2023It has been a historic summer for Burna Boy, 32, whose real name is Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu.

Persons: Burna Boy, “, –, “ I’m, ‘, ’, Boy, ” Organizations: CNN, Citi Locations: New York, Johannesburg, South Africa

☆ Chibuike Ifedilichukwu: Nigerian upcycling artist creates portraits from waste
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Aneta Felix | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

But where others see trash, 37-year-old Nigerian artist Chibuike Ifedilichukwu sees opportunity. He creates portraits of celebrities from discarded aluminum cans, making a bold statement about waste management in the country. One day in 2021, while accompanying his wife to an antenatal clinic, Ifedilichukwu says he stumbled upon a pile of dumped plastic strips. I found that nobody does this pattern of art,” Ifedilichukwu told CNN. Although he wears gloves when he works, he says he’s been cut many times by sharp-edged cans, craft knives, scissors, needles and steel wire.

Persons: Chibuike Ifedilichukwu, Ifedilichukwu, “, ” Ifedilichukwu, Chibuike, ”, Cardi, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Don Jazzy, Greta Thunberg, Leonardo di Caprio, Davido, Ifedilichukwu Ifedilichukwu, he’s, “ It’s Organizations: CNN —, CNN, Ifedilichukwu Locations: Nigeria, Anambra, Awka

☆ Nigerian producer pumps out AI-powered Afrobeats
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Vining Ogu | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LAGOS, Aug 8 (Reuters) - When artificial intelligence (AI) apps started spreading in Nigeria's music industry, Eclipse Nkasi thought his days as a producer were numbered. It gives people a new experience ... and that's how I believe AI is really going to shake things," Nkasi told Reuters. Nkasi and three friends switched on OpenAI's ChatGPT programme and set it to work helping them create the nine-track album "Infinite Echoes". "There are certain things that will become obsolete" due to AI, Nkasi said. But it should also create opportunities for artists to reinvent themselves and do their work better and quicker, he added.

Persons: Nkasi, Omotolani Alake, MacDonald Dzirutwe, Andrew Heavens Organizations: Reuters, Thomson Locations: LAGOS, Lagos

☆ Wizkid becomes latest Afrobeats star to make history with sold-out stadium show in London
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-03 | by ( Samantha Bresnahan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

☆ 5 cold-email templates for landing your dream clients and brand partnerships, from business owners who've used them
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-18 | by ( Ella Hopkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

Schlabs also reached out to clients she wanted to work with on social media. I am reaching out to see if you are in need of product photography and/or social media content creation. I know how overwhelming it can be to constantly need new content for social media and ads. He said he starts by compiling a list of 50 dream clients and gets their contact details from social media or their website. He suggested freelancers build their profiles on social media and Google before cold-emailing and prepare a "brief, simple, and straightforward" positioning statement to describe what they do.

Persons: they've, they're, Deirdre Schlabs Deidre Schlabs, Schlabs, She'd, Christian Di Bratto, Di Bratto, YouTuber Justin Escalona, Tommy Schoenith, Gal Akbari, Read, who's, Spaudo, Jenny Rose Spaudo Jenny Rose Spaudo, Hunter, Jenny Rose, she'd, Boye, Matthew Boye Matthew Boye, Kamaru Usman, hadn't, he's, I've, you've, Glantz, Jen Glantz Jen Glantz Organizations: Boston, influencers, Google, Hire Locations: Instagram, Toronto, Nigerian

☆ Africa Walk 2023: Africa's creative industry takes center stage
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( Nimi Princewill | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Themed “Unleashing the potential and value of the African Creative Industry,” the continent’s billion-dollar creative industry will be at the center of conversations at the event, which aims to shine a spotlight on the possibilities and untapped value that the industry holds. Courtesy Platform CapitalAs an advocate for the continent’s cultural potential, Akindele is passionate about changing misconceptions surrounding the African creative industry at Africa Walk. “There’s a myth about the creative industry (in Africa) - that it is not structured and that you cannot put money in there,” he said. Similar to the oil industry’s success, the creative industry requires a lot of refineries to produce the finest oil product. The same refining is highly needed for our creative industry now,” said the singer whose real name is Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo.

Persons: ”, Lehle Balde, Akintoye Akindele, ” Akindele, Lai Mohammed, Renee Yao, “, Nollywood, Party ”, Afrobeats, Kunle Remi, D’banj, creatives, “ I’ve, Daniel Oyebanjo, Oyebanjo, Riyah Abdul, ” Abdul Organizations: Nigeria CNN, Capital, CNN, African Creative Industry, Nigerian Information, Global Healthcare, Nvidia, Party, Africa Locations: Abuja, Nigeria, Africa, Senegal, Dakar, Lagos, Europe, North America, Asia, South Africa, Kenya

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