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Music

AFROBEATS RISER PABRYMO UNVEILS SOPHOMORE EP ‘CITY BOY’ – A TRIBUTE TO HIS BENIN CITY ROOTS

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Introducing Cape Town based Nigerian afrobeats rising sensation PABRYMO with his highly anticipated sophomore EP titled CITY BOY. Out on August 18 via his own Woke Entertainment imprint in partnership with Dvpper Music (Omah Lay, Seyi Vibez), the City Boy EP from PaBrymo is a testament to his artistic evolution, and reveals the unique blend of passion, energy, and authenticity that he brings to the afrobeats music landscape. Featuring guest appearances from the likes of Odumodublck, Seyi Vibez, and Kida Kudz, the stellar project is packed with five dynamic tracks that are bound to captivate listeners, and showcase the rich and diverse style, sound, and culture of his hometown Benin City that has deeply influenced PaBrymo’s unique sound.

Produced by his long-time collaborators DibsTunes, Rhedi, and DwillsHarmony, the City Boy EP sees PaBrymo painting a vivid picture of his life right now, and the experiences that come with it, as well as the rich Benin City culture that has profoundly shaped his music. The City Boy EP is a promise, a statement, and an invitation: to dance, to celebrate, and to be a part of PaBrymo’s incredible journey. Unpacking the inspiration behind this new project and his determination to break barriers, PaBrymo shares, “I wanted to incorporate the highs of the lifestyle we’re living – the good and fun times, the vibes, women, and all that. I also want the entire world to hear the style, sound, and culture from Benin that has influenced my music today”.

With his unique blend of afrobeats, dancehall, and afrotrap that make him very highly recommended if you like the sound of Burna Boy, J Hus, or Popcaan, PaBrymo has quickly and effortlessly amassed a remarkable following in his burgeoning music journey, already garnering over 15 million global streams. Originally from Benin City in Nigeria, PaBrymo has lived a journey filled with creativity and resilience, two key elements that have shaped his musical style and ethos. “As a boy from Benin City, it felt surreal to imagine back then that this could be a reality,” says PaBrymo, reflecting on his humble beginnings and the dreams that have fuelled his passion for music.

From his hit tracks, ‘Odoo’ featuring Zinoleesky and ‘Overload (Kala)’ with Rexxie and T.I Blaze, PaBrymo is soaring and quickly becoming one of the standout artists in this new afrobeats class for 2023. His deep connection with the music is intricately woven with his life and experiences, and he believes that his success is in part due to the strong community he’s nurtured — building his team from his group of long-time friends who continue to support his rising career, and this love for community extends beyond personal connections. His record label Woke Entertainment is not just a business, but a mission to support the talent and community that PaBrymo cherishes deeply.

PaBrymo’s ‘City Boy’ EP is out now via Woke Entertainment / Dvpper Music

‘CITY BOY’ EP TRACKLIST

1. City Boiz (featuring Rasaqi NFG)

2. Utunu

3. Doko (featuring Minz and Kida Kudz)

4. Jajo (featuring Seyi Vibez)

5. Dey Play (featuring Odumodublck)

CONNECT WITH PABRYMO

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pabrymo

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/pabrymo

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pabrym0

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Music

GLOBAL MUSIC SUPERSTAR KIZZ DANIEL UNVEILS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM ‘MAVERICK’

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Barely days after surprising fans all around the world with his new collaboration with Latin superstar Becky G on the hit track ‘Cough’, award-winning global superstar KIZZ DANIEL has pulled another out of the hat by announcing the release of his long-awaited and highly anticipated fourth studio album titled MAVERICK. Arriving two years after his chart-topping Barnabas EP, which was released in November 2021 and led to Kizz Daniel being the most streamed artist in Africa for the first half of 2022, the Maverick album is set for release on July 28 via FlyBoy INC and EMPIRE.

Driven by his captivating dynamism, adept musical sensibilities, and creative vision, the 20-track Maverick offering sees Kizz Daniel pushing the envelope of creativity and innovation, while staying true to his signature sound, as he redefines artistic boundaries with unparalleled creativity. From the infectious hooks to the thought-provoking lyrics, each song on Maverick delivers a unique and unforgettable musical experience, with Kizz Daniel drawing upon his personal experiences to craft songs on this album that will resonate with listeners on a deeply emotional level.

The long-awaited album represents a ground-breaking new chapter in Kizz Daniel’s illustrious career that showcases an evolution of his musical style, and a portrait of the artistic versatility and brilliance that made him a global superstar, while promising to be a thrilling journey for his fans and music lovers all over the world. Sonically, it comes with an eclectic yet seamless list of collaborators that includes Becky G, Not3s, Yemi Alade, Jahmiel, and Nomcebo Zikode, and an esteemed ensemble of some of West Africa’s best producers such as DJ Coublon (Oxlade, Patoranking), Blaisebeatz (Chris Brown, Wizkid), Mr Soul (Rema, Omah Lay), and M.O.G Beatz (Sarkodie, Stonebwoy).

Speaking about the inspiration behind his Maverick album, Kizz Daniel says, “A lot of things have happened over the years, and I think it’s time for me to just express myself. I don’t want to prove anything to anyone on this body of work. The only thing that kept coming to my mind when we were making this album was pretty much that I want to do me, and what I know how to do, I want to make music the way I want to make music. For ‘Maverick’, it’s my expression, and I think the music will explain itself. I want to give a piece of me that I have been hiding all this while”.

Diving deeper into his thought process for making the album and calling it Maverick, Kizz Daniel adds that, “I am very passionate about this body of work, and I want it to make sense. It’s not like there’s no ‘gbedu’ there, but then, the most part of this album is actually my journey, I even have songs for my kids on the project as well. ‘Maverick’ is someone that sticks out, someone that doesn’t go with the norm, but goes their own way. I have always seen myself as a maverick from the onset, but I feel I have been shying away from that label, so I’ve decided to embrace it on this album”.

ABOUT KIZZ DANIEL

With billions of streams under his belt, two Shazam chart-topping singles, sold-out tours across Africa, North America, and Europe, and over 25 million social media fans, Kizz Daniel is one of the leading figures at the forefront of representing afrobeats on the world stage. The enigmatic musician is the epitome of an all-round entertainer with a magnetic tone, captivating lyrics, alluring stage and screen presence, and an undeniably infectious musicality, which are just some of the irrefutable characteristics of all his songs, cutting across afrobeats, pop and R&B music, from classic cut ‘Nesesari’ to chart-topper ‘Buga’ to fan-favourite ‘Cough (Odo)’, and everything in between.

Already coming off of a very eventful 2022 that saw the global music sensation achieve huge milestones of being crowned the most streamed artist in Africa for the first two quarters of the year, releasing the biggest afrobeats song of the summer with ‘Buga’, and performing at the 2022 World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar with Diplo and Calvin Harris, 2023 is already promising to be an even bigger year for Kizz Daniel, with the success of ‘Shu-Peru’, his Essence Festival headline performance, and this new collaboration with Becky G offering just a glimpse into what listeners can expect from his highly-anticipated Maverick album via FlyBoy INC and EMPIRE.

‘MAVERICK’ ALBUM TRACKLIST

1. Red & Green

2. My G

3. Flex

4. Cough (Odo)

5. Show You Off (featuring Pryme)

6. Shu-Peru

7. Buga (Lo Lo Lo) [featuring Tekno]

8. Feran You Two (featuring Jalil and Jelani)

9. Feran Mi (featuring Johnny Drille)

10. Complicated (featuring Nomcebo Zikode, Jahmiel and Not3s)

11. E’better

12. Blood Is Thicker

13. One Dollar (featuring Blaqbonez)

14. Easy To Love (featuring Chike)

15. Pour

16. Never

17. Anchovy

18. RTID (Rich Till I Die)

19. Side Chick (featuring DJ Big N, Yemi Alade, Young Jonn)

20. Cough (featuring Becky G)

CONNECT WITH KIZZ DANIEL

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kizzdaniel

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kizzdaniel

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greatvado

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Music

CALIFORNIA EXPERIMENTAL ART POP MUSICIAN FRANNY LONDON IS DRIVEN BY DESIRE ON EXQUISITE NEW SINGLE ‘METAL’

After wrapping up last year with her critically acclaimed debut EP Cold Water on the back of being championed by the likes of NYLON, The FADER, and Flaunt Magazine, emerging California-based experimental art-pop singer, songwriter, and producer FRANNY LONDON is back with an exquisite new single titled ‘METAL’ as she begins to lay the trail for her highly anticipated sophomore EP California Poppy. ‘Metal’ was written and produced by Franny London and her longtime collaborator Sam Irving, who has also worked with BENEE, Felly, and Fran Vasilić, with additional production, live instrumentation, and engineering by Sebastian Jones (Momma, Charlie Havenick).

Effortlessly crafted by Franny, Sam, and Sebastian, despite being across two different coasts in LA and New York, ‘Metal’ is led by driving drum patterns, lush synths, and harmonic guitar arrangements, over which Franny London exudes the strong lure of desire and a delirious crush. The captivating pop offering is held together by Franny’s beautiful vocal performance, infectious melodies, and her layered songwriting. Described by Franny as “always shades of blue when I was conceiving it – turquoise, cobalt, and ultramarine blue”, ‘Metal’ is a true pop song made for the evening, for driving on Mulholland drive, for spy movie chase scenes, for driving on the coastline listening as loud as you can.

Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Metal’, Franny London says, “‘Metal’ is inspired by desire, it is about the impermanence of desire. It is about the ways in which we fall seamlessly in and out of love, in and out of the chase. Power dynamics are always in shift, never static. It is about the continuous, rise and fall of time, and the constant rebirth and mischief that comes with fresh love. It was inspired by the push and pull of love. By the games we play to actually connect. It’s the best kind of love. I wrote it through the lens of a chase scene in a dark city, but with a jovial quality. The sexy, spy-movie version of a chase scene where you emerge from the smoke better for the fight”.

Already with over 1.5 million plays online, Franny London is an exciting talent with her own unique experimental art-pop sound that is both sprawling and precise. Having been playing music since she was 7-years old, Franny London is doing what she has always wanted to do, and now at 23-years-old, the multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, producer, and performer comes with an alternative sound that is at the forefront of pop music’s new expression. Highly recommended if you like the sounds of St. Vincent, Florence + The Machine, or Caroline Polachek, Franny London invites you into her glittering labyrinthine musical universe, centred around attentive songwriting and textured soundscapes.

CONNECT WITH FRANNY LONDON

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frannylondon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frannylondonmusic

Website: https://www.frannylondon.com

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Music

Rema’s Stellar Rise: Conquering the Global Stage with Michael Jordan in ‘JUMPMAN 23’.

Afrobeats sensation Rema has taken the internet by storm once again as photos of him linking up with NBA legend Michael Jordan surfaced in a star-studded commercial for the iconic “JUMPMAN 23” brand. 

The 23-year-old rising star, known for his breakout hit “Dumebi,” has been making waves in the music industry and is no stranger to basketball, having headlined the NBA All-Star Game halftime show earlier in the year with fellow Nigerian artists Burna Boy and Tems.

In the recently unveiled “JUMPMAN 23” commercial, Rema joins forces with Michael Jordan and a lineup of NBA stars, including Luka Doncic, Gabby Williams, Teyana Taylor, Ryota Brown, Zion Williamson, and Jayson Tatum. 

The collaboration showcases the convergence of music and sports on a global stage, transcending geographical boundaries and celebrating culture and talent.

The partnership with Michael Jordan represents another milestone in Rema’s rapid rise to stardom. Hailing from Nigeria, he has been a driving force in popularizing Afrobeats, a music genre that has been captivating audiences worldwide with its infectious rhythms and danceable melodies. 

His debut album, “Rave & Roses,” received critical acclaim and firmly established him as a leading figure in the new generation of Nigerian pop music.

The “JUMPMAN 23” commercial serves not only as a creative and commercial venture but also as a symbol of cultural exchange. Rema’s music embodies the vibrancy and richness of African culture, resonating with fans across the globe and bridging the gap between different cultural spheres.

As the commercial was released on 21 July, Rema’s collaboration with Michael Jordan showcases the power of music and sports in uniting people and breaking barriers. It is a testament to the unifying nature of art, highlighting the talent and potential of young artists like Rema.

With each new endeavor, Rema continues to make history and leave an indelible mark on the global cultural landscape. As the world watches his star continues to rise, the collaboration with Michael Jordan is a reminder of the potential that lies in the fusion of music, sports, and culture, proving that talent knows no boundaries.

In a celebration of artistry, talent, and cultural exchange, Rema’s journey serves as a symbol of hope for the future, where collaborations like “JUMPMAN 23” can bring people together and inspire the next generation of artists and athletes to make their mark on the world.

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Music

AFROBEATS STAR BELLA SHMURDA DOESN’T WANT TO BE DISTURBED ON GLORIOUS NEW EP ‘DND’

Led by the recently released title track ‘DND’ featuring Lil Kesh, which has already amassed three million plays online, independent afrobeats superstar and Dangbana Republik president BELLA SHMURDA is set to release his glorious new EP DND on July 26 via his own label in partnership with ONErpm. The DND EP marks the beginning of a unique new musical universe for Bella Shmurda shaped by his frame of mind for 2023, which has been described by the man himself as his “do not disturb mode”. Bella’s DND EP comes less than a year on from the massive success of his acclaimed debut album Hypertension, which garnered over 250 million global streams.

The DND EP sees Bella Shmurda linking up with long-time collaborator and producer LarryLanes (Odumodublvck, Santi, ZInoleesky) on ‘In Charge’ and ‘Ara’ to open up the 6-track project, before joining forces with afrobeats queen Tiwa Savage and producer Krizbeatz (Popcaan, Mr Eazi, Yemi Alade) on ‘NSV’, while afropop sensation Lil Kesh and producer Rewardbeatz (Davido, Kizz Daniel) come on board for the title track. The EP closes out with a stellar collaboration with super producer Pheelz (Fireboy DML, BNXN, French Montana) on ‘Bankruptcy’, and ‘Jojo’, which sees Bella and African music legend Olamide working together to write the Eskeez-produced EP curtain call.

Originally created as an avenue to give his teeming fans some new music while he works on his next album, Bella Shmurda’s DND project quickly took on a life of its own to capture Bella’s headspace of “do not disturb” right now. As the afrobeats star puts it, “there’s a lot of good music out there, but I don’t want to be carried away by different trends and different new sounds. Everywhere is saturated, but in the midst of that, I want to remain tuned into my own vibrations. I’m just in that ‘do not disturb’ mood right now, where I want to get myself together, without too many external influences. Self-control is important for my approach to music, so trying to be in my own headspace is key”.

The project opens with the braggadocious ‘In Charge’, which sees Bella Shmurda letting us know that he is still charge, doing his own thing, and still the boss of his own, while the joyful dance track ‘Ara’ sees Bella Shmurda in a prayerful mood as he thanks God for supporting his ventures and blessing all that he does. ‘NSV’ is pure vibes on a track as the title ‘Non-Stop Vibes’ suggests, and ‘Bankruptcy’ sees Bella waxing lyrical about spending all his money on his leading lady, with the project coming to a close on the infectious afrobeats track ‘Jojo’ with its groovy dancehall sensibilities.

Talking us through how the songs on the DND EP came together, Bella Shmurda says, “For ‘Ara’, my producer LarryLanes came through with a beat he knew I would love, so we just had to make that song, shout out to LarryLanes, while for ‘NSV’, I went over to Tiwa’s studio to play her a couple of songs, and she loved ‘NSV’ so we created space for her to get on it, and the outcome was amazing. With ‘Bankruptcy’, Pheelz and I linked up at my studio and we made like three songs that night, and as for making ‘Jojo’, Baddo (Olamide) wrote the song out for me, and we made the song together – he is one of the industry’s greatest songwriters, so the song is definitely one I wanted on ‘DND’”.

ABOUT BELLA SHMURDA

BELLA SHMURDA is a multiple award-winning Nigerian singer, songwriter and musician that is dedicated to speaking the truth against all odds. Often hailed as ‘The New Voice of the Street’, the independent afrobeats musician grew up on fuji music, and began his journey into the performing arts as early as his primary school days. His teenage years exposed him to life on the street, and despite his mother’s encouragements to focus on his studies, Bella Shmurda had other plans. However, it was his entry into Lagos State University that opened up his possibilities for music, with the freedom of his new environment allowing him to fully explore his musical creativity, and develop his unique sound.

Bella Shmurda soon shot to fame with the breakout single ‘Vision 2020’ – the success of which led to his cult-classic debut EP High Tension in 2020, and things haven’t been the same since. He followed up that project with the well-received High Tension 2.0 EP in 2021, and last year’s critically acclaimed debut album Hypertension. Over these past few years, Bella Shmurda has not stopped working, and already boasts a catalogue of over 50 songs, and fan-favourite collaborations with the likes of Wizkid, Popcaan, Davido, and BackRoad Gee. His discography has amassed over 1.2 billion global streams, while his followership is nearing 10 million social media fans and counting.

Delivering on conscious and relatable afrobeats music that leans into his love for philosophy and religion, and his unique ability to tap into the pain of the street and educate listeners on their hardships, Bella Shmurda is on a mission to impact the world with his music, and this is just the start. Among his many career achievement and milestones in just three years, the Dangbana Republik president is a YouTube Foundry alumni, Global Music Awards Africa winner, Headies Award nominee, and the second most streamed African artist on Audiomack, with sold-out tours across Africa, Europe and America, and critical acclaim from the likes of CNN, Variety, MTV, and the BBC, among others.

CONNECT WITH BELLA SHMURDA

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/bella_shmurda

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/bellashmurda

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bella_shmurda

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Music

EMERGING ATLANTA ALTERNATIVE R&B SONGSTRESS ARYEÈ THE GEM UNVEILS GLORIOUS NEW SINGLE ‘MIRROR’

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‘MIRROR’ is the glorious new offering from multi-faceted Atlanta-based singer, songwriter, and vocal producer ARYEÈ THE GEM as she continues to tease towards her highly anticipated debut solo EP arriving later this year via independent label Saint & Citizen Music. To be released on August 4, ‘Mirror’ comes on the back of the success of Aryeè The Gem’s last single ‘To It’, which has nearly amassed one million plays online, and garnered critical acclaim from the likes of Earmilk, Apple Music, ThisIsRnB, Notion Magazine, SoulTracks, and Metal Magazine, among others.

Written by Aryeè The Gem, with production coming from her longtime collaborators Trakmatik (Snoh Aalegra, Keyshia Cole, August Alsina) and Hvstle, ‘Mirror’ sees Aryeè waxing lyrical about getting out of your own way enough to trust yourself and others, and being open to reciprocity and new beginnings. The poignant and emotive track is driven by infectious drum patterns, synth keys, and lush bass guitar arrangements, over which Aryeè shines bright with her beautiful vocal display, rich harmonies and melodies, and captivating songwriting about growth, resilience, and freedom.

Speaking about the inspiration behind ‘Mirror’, Aryeè says, “This song was inspired by the process of growth and development, it reflects my growth, resilience, and newfound freedom. With this song, I honed in on knowing myself and trusting in the path that I’m taking. As I’m moving forward, I’m releasing a lot of things that no longer serve me, and calling in a reflection of love through another person. My intention for this song is to amplify the energy of new beginnings in love and life, while trusting that everything that is unfolding is for my highest good”.

Recommended if you like the sounds of Victoria Monet, Syd, Ari Lennox, or Solange, Milwaukee native Aryeè The Gem comes with a strong passion and love for music that started from a very young age, having been immersed in choirs from elementary school all the way to the collegiate level. With early influences coming from black music legends such as Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott, and Brandy, Aryeè The Gem beautifully merges R&B, soul, hip-hop and indie elements to deliver an eclectic high frequency sound that intersects art and healing through musical expression.

CONNECT WITH ARYEÈ THE GEM

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aryeethegem

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aryeethegem

Website: https://www.aryeethegem.com

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Music

AFROPOP RISING STAR CHEQUE RETURNS WITH HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SOPHOMORE EP ‘CHEQUEMATE’

After establishing himself as one of the fastest rising afropop stars on the continent with his ground-breaking debut album Bravo, which garnered nearly 200 million plays online, on the back of viral hit singles including ‘Body’, ‘Dangerous’ featuring Ayra Starr, and ‘LOML’ with Olamide, and saw the versatile rapper, singer, songwriter and musician receive international acclaim from the likes of Highsnobiety, Wonderland, Grungecake, and PAUSE Magazine, global music enthusiasts have eagerly been anticipating what CHEQUE will do next.

Cheque’s debut album Bravo, bolstered by top-charting hits such as ‘Dangerous’ featuring Ayra Starr, ‘Call Me Baby’, and ‘LOML’ with Olamide, amassed nearly 200 million streams, cementing his emerging superstar credentials. Notably revered for his versatile style and captivating music, Cheque has etched a significant domestic impact in West Africa, and is now keen to broaden his international reach. His latest EP Chequemate – out now via Penthauze and EMPIRE – underscores his artistic evolution, encapsulating his journey in a compelling afropop narrative.

After weeks of teasing new music on social media, Superboy Cheque, as he is fondly called by his fans and contemporaries, is finally ready to share his glorious new EP titled CHEQUEMATE with the world. Out today (July 28) via Penthauze and EMPIRE, the highly anticipated project reveals Cheque at his versatile and captivating best, as he skilfully weaves a genre-melding sonic tapestry of afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, dancehall and everything in between, all held together by his magical voice, irresistible flow, relatable songwriting, and vibrant performance prowess.

For his Chequemate project, Cheque has tapped into the creative genius of producers like Ozedikus (Rema, BNXN), Hitsound (Ayra Starr, Joeboy), and 10ten (Blaqbonez, Candy Bleakz) to bring his vibrant musical visions to life. The EP also sees Cheque reuniting with his childhood friend Fireboy DML on a new track titled ‘Hustler’, following their chart-topping track ‘History’ from the Bravo album. The only other feature is the Mavin Records prodigy, Crayon, who joins forces with Cheque for the captivating ‘Sunflawa’ track, further enriching the 6-track EP.

Speaking about the inspiration behind his Chequemate EP, Cheque says, “This EP is born out of my life’s journey in recent years – the relentless hustle and cycle of striving to achieve something bigger and more impactful. I just want to help and inspire others through my music, and if you listen to ‘Shine’, which opens the EP, you’ll hear how I’m intent on motivating people to overcome tough times, because I myself was going through similar adversities. There’s a lot of hate in this world, but some love and motivation might just be what we need to make things better”.

ABOUT CHEQUE

Cheque is a vibrant luminary in the African pop music landscape, who has been making his mark since signing with African rap icon Phyno via his Penthauze imprint in 2019. His diverse musical repertoire effortlessly fuses afrobeats, R&B, hip-hop, dancehall, and pop music to great effect, with his lyricism and entrancing melodies distinguishing him as a rising global star. His 2020 debut EP Razor served as a springboard, with the breakout single ‘Zoom’ spawning a bigger remix with afrobeats legend Davido and Grammy-nominated rap star Wale.

‘CHEQUEMATE’ EP TRACKLIST

1. Shine

2. Hustler (featuring Fireboy DML)

3. Way Too Young

4. LPD

5. Sunflawa (featuring Crayon)

6. God Bless Me

CONNECT WITH CHEQUE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superboycheque

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/superboycheque

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/superboycheque

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Music

Stormzy and RAYE team up for ‘The Weekend’

Stormzy and RAYE have teamed up for their sultry and 2000s-reminiscent single, ‘The Weekend.’ The track’s music video, directed by Omar Jones, features nostalgic elements reminiscent of Nelly’s ‘Hot In Here.’ Stormzy explained how his approach to songwriting has evolved with maturity.

‘The Weekend’ is Stormzy’s second single this year, while it marks RAYE’s third single. Stormzy is already working on new music, despite releasing his third studio album, ‘This Is What I Mean,’ in November last year. Meanwhile, RAYE’s debut album ‘My 21st Century Blues’ has received critical acclaim.

In other news, Stormzy and Wilfried Zaha are reportedly set to purchase AFC Croydon, and RAYE delivered an emotional speech about label troubles and sexual assault during her performance at this year’s Glastonbury.

Check out ‘The Weekend’ video below:

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Events Featured Music

Glastonbury Festival 2023: The Highlights

The 53-year-old event, dubbed “UK’s biggest musical festival,” was filled with drama, stage shocks, and huge surprises. Glastonbury’s gate flung open on Wednesday, 21 June 2023, and welcomed over 210,000 people who trooped into Somerset’s Worthy Farm to experience the anticipated occasion’s glitz, glam, and glory. 

Here are seven highlights from the event before the curtains closed on Sunday, 25 June 2023.

The Churnups? What The Hell!

Mystery band, The Churnups were announced as headliners, leaving speculations on their identity. But the atmosphere roared with life when Dave Grohl came on stage and revealed The Foo Men as the missing piece of the puzzle. The band’s frontman dedicated their last song on the setlist, Everlong, to their deceased drummer, Taylor Hawkins, and introduced Josh Freese as his replacement. Friday night also saw performances from Arctic Monkeys, Kelis, and Guns N’ Roses.

Blimey! Is that Cate Blanchett?

Two-time Oscar award-winning actress Cate Blanchett got the crowd wild on Friday night when she appeared on stage with US pop duo Sparks. Glastonbury has a reputation for pulling off surprises, but no one was ready for the 54-year-old Australian superstar dressed in a yellow suit and buzzing with vigour. Sparks performed “This Girl Is Crying In Her Latte” while Cate replicated her energetic dance routine in the song’s music video. 

Confession Time With Lewis Capaldi

Scottish singer Lewis Capaldi announced his struggles with Tourette’s syndrome in September 2022. While singing his final song, the worldwide hit “Someone You Loved,” on Saturday, the 26-year-old pop artiste lost his voice in an emotional atmosphere. He took the backseat, allowing the crowd to fill in for him as his band played the outro, signifying an end to his one-hour set. On Tuesday, the singer announced an indefinite break from touring to focus on his health. 

Headliner Lana Del Rey Cut Short On Set

Lana Del Rey’s performance at the Glastonbury Festival got cut short after she arrived 30 minutes late on Saturday. The technical crew muted the 38-year-old’s mic before she could perform anticipated tracks like “Summertime Sadness.” But the fans protested and sang “Video Games” a capella, while the critically acclaimed American songwriter joined them just in time before security led her off stage. 

Jacob Collier Brings The Church To Town 

English multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier led the audience at the West Holts Stage on a soulful rendition of Queen’s “Somebody To Love.” He split the crowd of 30,000 into various sections and directed them to sing in different harmonies, waving his hands like a skilful choir director to signify unison, change in keys, and up and down scales. The 28-year-old Jazz singer was left dumbfounded at the magical result and thanked the audience for being unbelievable and surreal.

Debbie Harry Shows Up In Style

On Sunday, the 77-year-old lead vocalist of the ‘70s band Blondie rocked the Glastonbury Festival in an all-black mini dress. Debbie Harry paired the dress with a black jacket and a black inner t-shirt. She also wore dark visor sunglasses to match her striking outfit and started her performance with the band’s smash hit “One Way Or Another.” However, some online and onsite viewers complained that they couldn’t hear the American rock legend.

Elton John Bows Out Gracefully 

On Sunday, Sir Elton John came out in a gold suit and delivered an impeccable performance on what may be his last gig at Glastonbury. With hits upon hits like “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer,” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road,” the 76-year-old British legend didn’t disappoint, taking the audience on a nostalgic ride into every era of his 50-plus-year career. 

John was joined on stage by Brandon Flowers, Stephen Sanchez, Jacob Lusk, and movie debutante Rina Sawayama. The Beatles legend Paul McCartney watched from the wings as the singer dedicated his single “Don’t Go Down On Me” to his deceased friend, British legend George Michael who would have turned 60 on Sunday. 

These were the memorable events of the just concluded festival. Early this week, organisers Michael and Emily Eavis confirmed that there would be Glastonbury 2024 when they shared a picture on Twitter with the words “See you in 366 days”. Although the dates are not confirmed, we look forward to more surprises as we anticipate next year’s event. 

Categories
Music

Bea Anderson: Artist On The Rise

Bea Anderson’s talent and dedication as an R&B singer-songwriter have propelled her to new heights in the music industry. From her early love of music in South East London to attending The BRIT School and studying Music Management with Studio Production at Buckinghamshire New University, Bea’s journey has been one of passion and perseverance.

Despite personal challenges, including her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, Bea Anderson has remained committed to using music as a tool for good. She has set up studios to provide a space for young people to create music and has visited referral units across London to spread positivity through music.

Bea Anderson's talent and dedication as an R&B singer-songwriter

Bea’s debut single ‘Easy’ was released in February 2021 and has surpassed one million streams in less than nine months. Her EP ‘Eden,’ released in May 2021, showcases her authentic, unapologetic, stripped-back R&B sound with a catchy ingredient. ‘Easy’ was featured on Spotify’s editorial cover of ‘Fresh Finds,’ cementing Bea’s place as an emerging artist to watch. ‘The Eden Project’ represents the opening chapter of Bea’s music career, symbolizing hope and new beginnings. With her impressive skill set, drive, and devotion to inspiring others through her music, Bea Anderson is poised to shape the music world profoundly for many years to come.

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