Noel Gallagher posted on X that “due to unprecedented demand” they would play the three additional concerts in July and August next year.

Oasis will play outside of Europe in 2025

Brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher have put their infamous 15-year feud behind them for the tour.

The duo behind hit songs including “Wonderwall”, “Don’t Look Back In Anger” and “Champagne Supernova” announced on Tuesday they would play an initial 14 gigs next year in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and the Irish capital, Dublin, starting in July 2025.

They also said they plan to play in “continents outside of Europe later next year”.

The extra shows will be in Manchester, London and Edinburgh.

Tickets have not yet gone on sale for the tour.

Fans had been invited to apply for a pre-sale ballot – now closed – before Saturday’s general release.

Formed in Manchester, northwest England in 1991, Oasis are credited with helping create the Britpop era of that decade that included bands such as Blur with which there was a fierce rivalry.

Public fights

But the two brothers were notorious for their public fights which eventually came to a head during a spat at a 2009 Paris festival, when Liam broke one of Noel’s guitars.

That was the last time the two brothers played together although each has regularly played the band’s hits to sold-out crowds.

The reunion will take place 30 years after Oasis’s 1995 album “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”, which received international critical and commercial acclaim.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The band behind hit songs including “Wonderwall”, “Don’t Look Back In Anger” and “Champagne Supernova”, will play an initial 14 gigs next year in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh and the Irish capital, Dublin, starting in July.

Oasis also plan to play in “continents outside of Europe later next year,” according to a statement posted on their website.

Formed in Manchester, northwest England, in 1991 and credited with helping create the Britpop era of that decade, they will be the first Oasis gigs since 2009 after the Gallagher brothers fell out.

“The guns have fallen silent. The stars have aligned. The great wait is over. Come see. It will not be televised,” Oasis said, as it announced the reunion alongside the first details of the tour.

The announcement capped days of hints and fevered speculation the band was set to play again.

However, there was no announcement regarding the release of any new music, while Oasis will reportedly not play next year’s Glastonbury festival despite widespread speculation.

‘Hottest tickets’

“Oasis today end years of feverish speculation with the confirmation of a long-awaited run of UK and Ireland shows forming the domestic leg of their Oasis Live ’25 world tour,” the online statement added.

The tour will begin over two nights at the Principality Stadium in the Welsh capital Cardiff from July 4, 2025, followed a week later by four gigs at Heaton Park in their hometown, Manchester.

Oasis will then play London’s Wembley Stadium – on July 25 and 26 as well as August 2 and 3 – before taking to the stage over two nights at Murrayfield Stadium in the Scottish capital Edinburgh.

The UK and Ireland gigs will conclude with two performances at Dublin’s Croke Park in mid-August.

“Their only shows in Europe next year, this will be one of the biggest live moments and hottest tickets of the decade,” the statement said.

A press release said there had been “no great revelatory moment that has ignited the reunion – just the gradual realisation that the time is right”.

It promised “a set full of wall-to-wall classics”.

Tickets for the UK dates will go on sale on Saturday from 10:00 (SA time), with Dublin tickets available from 09:00 (SA time) the same day.

Social media was abuzz with the news, with the band’s post racking up hundreds of thousands of likes and fans sharing their excitement.

“Last time I saw Oasis live was 1996 Loch Lomond. Alarm set for Saturday morning,” said one fan.

‘Never say never’

Oasis has long been synonymous with ’90s Britpop music, when it enjoyed a fierce rivalry with London band Blur, co-founded by Damon Albarn.

The Manchester outfit was also notorious for public fights between Liam and Noel.

The sibling tensions came to a head during a spat at a 2009 Paris festival, when Liam broke one of Noel’s guitars.

The brothers have not played together since – but both have still regularly played the band’s hits to sold-out crowds.

Until now, they had largely communicated in public through taking swipes at each other on social media.

The brothers have teased at a reconciliation before, with Noel last year saying “never say never”.

The hints became firmer more recently, with social media accounts for the brothers and Oasis all trailing Tuesday’s much-anticipated announcement.

The now-confirmed reunion will take place 30 years after Oasis’s 1995 album “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”, which received international critical and commercial acclaim.

Meanwhile, tracks from the first recording session for its debut album “Definitely Maybe”, released a year earlier, will be put out Friday – a day after its 30th birthday – Britain’s Press Association (PA) news agency said.

Unheard versions of songs including “Live Forever”, “Cigarettes & Alcohol” and “Rock ‘N’ Roll Star” recorded then will be among them.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The Britpop band – which spectacularly broke up in 2009 after rising to fame with hit songs “Wonderwall”, “Don’t Look Back In Anger” and “Champagne Supernova” – could play a series of gigs in London and Manchester next summer according to industry insiders cited by the Sunday Times newspaper.

Oasis logo

Rumours included 10 dates being booked at London’s Wembley Stadium and a possible headline slot at Glastonbury festival as the brothers reportedly thawed their decade-long feud.

At midnight on Monday, both brothers and the official Oasis account hinted on X that an announcement would be made on Tuesday, 27 August at 09:00 (SA time), posting the same clip with the date and time flickering in the style of the Oasis logo.

The clip teasing the announcement was also shown on screens at the end of Liam’s Sunday gig at the Reading music festival, part of the younger brother’s “Definitely Maybe” tour.

Liam also replied to a link of the Sunday Times article posted on X with “See you down the front”, and in another post on X said, “I never did like that word FORMER”.

Formed in 1991 in Manchester, Oasis was credited with reviving Britpop music, keeping fans riveted with the public fights between Liam and Noel and their chart-rivalry with the London-based group Blur.

Acrimonious split

Sibling tensions came to a head during a spat in Paris during the Rock en Seine festival in 2009, when Liam broke one of Noel’s guitars.

The brothers have not played together since the acrimonious split, but both still regularly play their old band’s hits to sold-out crowds.

Until now, they had largely communicated in public through taking swipes at each other on social media.

If true, the reunion would take place 30 years after Oasis’s 1995 album “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”, which received international critical and commercial acclaim.

The brothers have teased at a reconciliation before, with Noel last year saying “never say never” about a reunion.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The guitar hero bard behind hits including “The River” has solidified much of his wealth in recent years, the financial outlet indicated, in no small part due to a blockbuster sale in 2021 of his music catalog to Sony for an estimated half-a-billion dollars.

The deal followed his wildly successful Broadway show run. Now, Springsteen is on a global tour currently set to run through 2025.

According to industry tracker Pollstar, in 2023 Springsteen sold more than 1.6 million concert tickets, raking in $380 million in revenue.

Bruce Springsteen set to be the subject of a forthcoming biopic

And the 74-year-old “Dancing in the Dark” singer shows no signs of slowing down.

For decades the “Jungleland” songwriter has penned music that focuses a sentimental lens on underdogs and the working class – and he’s sold 140 million albums globally, placing him among the all-time bestselling musicians ever.

A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee with 20 Grammys and an Oscar to his name, Springsteen is also set to be the subject of a forthcoming biopic, with Jeremy Allen White of “The Bear” fame slated to play him.

His marathon shows are the stuff of legend, with the longest clocking in at more than four hours, a performance he pulled off in Helsinki in 2012.

Other industry heavyweights who have hit the billionaire mark include Rihanna, Jay-Z and Taylor Swift.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The pioneering 31-year-old who hails from Mabopane, a township some 40km northwest of Pretoria, is the first South African woman to own and lead an all-black orchestra.

Now, she is producing a show that brings together classical music and popular South African genre, amapiano, which developed from a mix of kwaito, South Africa’s take on house music, and the more international variety.

Ofentse Pitse grew up with a family that was deeply involved in a Salvation Army church and recalls her pastor urging her to play an instrument.

At 12 years old, Pitse said she “got taught how to play C scale… and the evolution of that was my love for classical music, my love for choral and opera.”

By the age of 25, she had started her own youth choir.

Some of the musicians who were part of this first choir joined Pitse on stage last week for an opera featuring various amapiano artists such as Kabza De Small, one of the pioneers of the genre.

Speaking to AFP at a rehearsal, Pitse said De Small’s approach to music is similar to opera and that inspired the idea of creating “an amapiano opera” where she would reimagine his songs.

An elegant, unfamiliar version of “Nana Thula”, a popular song by Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa, filled the room as a choir sang softly, backed by violins and a saxophone.

The duo, who go by the name Scorpion Kings, each enjoy fame and an international following, having produced some of the most notable amapiano tracks.

“I want to do African works… imagine the juxtaposition of these classically trained musicians and these musicians who just feel by spirit, and we combine that,” an excited Pitse said of the show.

‘A gift’

As the ensemble performed some of the biggest amapiano hits, Pitse became lost in the music, dancing slightly to the beat while maintaining her poise, often with a face full of emotion.

She told AFP she steered away from being stern in her conducting and prefers to lead “with passion… to add that motherly, sensitive, very genuine” vibe.

But a career in classical music was not always her dream, rather “a gift”.

Last year, the qualified architect led a 74-piece female orchestra rendition of Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You” alongside the Grammy award-winning artist for Netflix’s “Queen Charlotte”, a spinoff of the popular “Bridgerton” televised drama.

The performance was the “greatest accomplishment of my career”, she said. “For me it was like ‘wow, so women can really create at this level?'”.

Pitse said her driving force was advancing youth opportunities and inspiring women of colour.

‘Meticulous detailing’

But success and recognition has also brought pressure, she admitted.

Being young and black in a white male-dominated industry, she said there was often someone checking to see if she really knew what she was doing.

Sometimes observers “would want to put in a sly comment that does not have anything to do with music… so you have to be overly prepared”.

Sporting flared black pants, a white jacket, and her signature braided updo, Pitse joked with the crew in between takes.

As a zealous Beyonce fan, her ultimate dream is working with the US singer whose work ethic she simulates.

“Beyonce will spend four months on dance rehearsal, another four months on band rehearsal for a two-hour show. That’s meticulous detailing,” she marvelled, adding that she approaches her own shows the same way.

Ofentse Pitse’s next move, she hopes, will be her own body of work.

“I want people to transcend, and I make music for the academics of classical music” and “those who have never been to a theatre”, she said.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The auction of the property had been scheduled to take place on Thursday but was paused by Shelby County Chancellor JoeDae Jenkins.

Presley’s granddaughter, actress Riley Keough, had filed a lawsuit seeking to block the sale of the sprawling estate in Memphis.

Collateral

A company called Naussany Investments & Private Lending was seeking to auction off Graceland, claiming that Keough’s mother, Lisa Marie Presley, had put it up as collateral in 2018 for a $3.8 million loan.

Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis’s only child, died in January 2023.

Keough, 34, who starred in “Mad Max: Fury Road” and “The Girlfriend Experience,” claimed in her lawsuit filed on May 15 that the loan documents were fraudulent.

“Lisa Marie Presley did not give a deed of trust to Graceland – or to any other property – to Naussany Investments & Private Lending,” the suit said. “These documents are forgeries.”

Jenkins said he was halting the auction until a trial can be held to determine the authenticity of the documents.

“The court will enjoin the sale as requested,” the judge said at a live-streamed court hearing.

“The real estate is considered unique under Tennessee law and, being unique, the loss of the real estate would be considered irreparable harm.”

‘Graceland will continue to operate’

Elvis Presley Enterprises Inc. welcomed the decision.

“As the court has now made clear, there was no validity to the claims,” it said in a statement.

“There will be no foreclosure.

“Graceland will continue to operate as it has for the past 42 years, ensuring that Elvis fans from around the world can continue to have a best in class experience when visiting his iconic home.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The 81-year-old’s fortune was boosted by “strong touring, a valuable back catalogue and even a little help from Beyoncé”, who covered the Beatles song “Blackbird”, said the Rich List, considered the definitive guide of the UK’s wealthy.

Paul McCartney, whose net worth was estimated at £1 billion, has bucked the trend, with the amount of billionaires in the UK falling from a peak of 177 in 2022 to 165 this year.

This is partly due to plans by the government to scrap the “non-dom tax status” from next year, the system whereby people do not pay UK tax on their overseas earnings.

King Charles III’s personal wealth grew

“Non-dom” has been a political issue for many years, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Indian wife Akshata Murty claiming the status, meaning she was not required to pay tax on her shareholding in Infosys, the Bangalore-based IT company co-founded by her father.

However, she said she would pay UK tax on that income after coming under political pressure.

That move has not hit the family’s fortune, with the couple seeing their shares grow in value by £108.8 million to nearly £590 million over the past year, giving the couple a net worth of £615 million, according to the list of 350 individuals and families.

King Charles III’s personal wealth was also estimated to have risen by £10 million to £610 million, thanks to a boost in the net worth of his properties.

Gopi Hinduja the richest in UK list

Those faring less well include chemicals tycoon Jim Ratcliffe, who bought a stake in Manchester United earlier this year, inventor James Dyson and Virgin entrepreneur Richard Branson, who all saw their multi-billion pound fortunes decrease.

The list is topped by Indian-born investor Gopi Hinduja and his family for a third successive year.

The head of the Indian conglomerate Hinduja Group has an estimated fortune of £37 billion.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

However, fans aren’t sure where he’s taking the 2024 album just yet.

‘Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?’ as the original song says.

The rumoured album is called The Death of Slim Shady and erases the pseudonymous ‘crazy’ character.

Here’s what we know about Eminem’s rumoured new album and where the Slim Shady character started.

Eminem killing off ‘Slim Shady’

Eminem created ‘Slim Shady’ for The Marshall Mathers LP (2000).

The character appears in many of Eminem’s songs, including The Real Slim Shady from the same album. Brain Damage, My Name Is, and I’m Back also mention Slim Shady’s character.

Some mentions have been controversial.

Eminem: Killing off ‘Slim Shady’

According to USA Today, a mock death notice announcing Slim Shady’s death appeared in the Detroit Free Press.

It announces Eminem’s future album, The Death of Slim Shady.

Slim Shady’s fictional death closes the pseudonym’s story.

Slim is mentioned in famous songs, including Stan, but also during songs like Brain Damage.

Fans have been waiting years for Eminem’s rap return. However, killing Slim Shady is an unexpected move, even for him!

Are you excited to find out what happens next?

Regular contributors return for Slim Shady’s curtain call.

About Eminem

Eminem is one of the world’s best-selling rap artists. He’s created classics like Rap God and The Real Slim Shady, but also been drawn to controversy for his lyrics.

Remember that he also held the world record for the most words in a single rap song!

However, his alter-ego Slim Shady is just as famous.

The Death of Slim Shady ends the pseudonym. However, it’s not necessarily Eminem’s last studio album or performance.

What’s your favourite song?

Eminem Beef with Die Antwoord

Eminem is also referenced in Die Antwoord’s song Everything is Perfect, referring to an earlier dispute between them.

He mentions their names in Untouchable, and they subsequently mentioned him back.

According to the lyrics, Ninja would still like to collaborate with him.

Eminem also had ‘beef’ with Machine Gun Kelly in the song Killshot.

[Watch] The Real Slim Shady

You can watch the original music video for The Real Slim Shady below.

That’s a great piano introduction!

Tell us your thoughts

Tell us your thoughts about this story! Let us know what you think, and tell us your thoughts and feelings. We love hearing from our readers, and we love hearing from you. Get in touch with our team by sending an email to: info@thesouthafrican.com

Thousands of fans were already visiting the La Defense Arena 24 hours before the show just to get their hands on the merchandise as soon as possible.

A handful of superfans camped out from Tuesday to ensure they got a prime spot in the standing section.

‘Obsessed with Taylor Swift’

“I didn’t plan to, but I came to check it out and I saw the first tents and I panicked a little,” said Chris, 30.

Noah, 20, is seeing all four Paris concerts – he used 22 email addresses to get through the lottery system and secure the tickets.

Many accents in the crowd were American – the venue says a fifth of the audience has come from the United States.

Georg’Ann Daly decided to celebrate her 23rd birthday with the show in Paris. It meant flying from Nashville to Chicago to London and catching the Eurostar to Paris.

“I’ve always been obsessed with Taylor Swift,” she told AFP.

“I went to her show in Nashville and thought I’m never doing that again because it was crazy. It’s a lot of over-stimulation and I have social anxiety.

“But it’s my birthday and it’s Paris and it’s the first night of the tour, and I thought why not? It’s so worth it!”

Record-breaker

Some 42 000 people will see Taylor Swift in Paris before she heads on for dates in Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Poland and Austria.

The Eras Tour has worked its way across North and South America and Asia since starting in March 2023.

By the end of the year, it had already become the first to sell more than $1 billion in tickets and is on track to more than double that by the time it concludes in Vancouver this December.

Swifties in Paris are especially excited to hear songs off her new album, “The Tortured Poets Society”, being performed for the first time.

Many critics have derided the 31-track album as bloated and lacking in sure-fire hits.

But you won’t hear that from the devoted crowd in Paris.

“I love the new album – it’s chill, it’s fun to listen to even though it’s got a sadder vibe,” said Kelly Shrout, 40, who flew with 11 friends from Kentucky in the United States for the show.

“I hope she plays ‘Fortnight’,” she added.

Broke every streaming record

Her popularity shows no sign of dimming – the new album shifted 1.4 million copies on its first day and broke every streaming record going, reaching a billion streams on Spotify within five days.

Swift’s tell-all dissections of her love stories have been the fuel powering her global domination, and fans have been pouring over “The Tortured Poets Department” for cryptic clues about Joe Alwyn, her short-but-dramatic fling with Matty Healy (lead singer of The 1975), and her current partner, American football star Travis Kelce.

“Taylor talks about toxic relationships, impossible love, politics, mental health, and so much more – I think we can all find a song that resonates with our experiences,” said Chris as she waited by her tent for the big moment.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

“They were not on our side at all,” Alexa Fischer, 25, told AFP.

“We couldn’t even put their names on our socials because they were embarrassed to host the Swift party,” recalled her friend, Femke van Splunter.

As it turned out, their first party was an instant success – with all 200 tickets snapped up in a day.

Eighteen months later, once-reticent clubs now seek out the duo to organise Swiftie nights – having taken the full measure of the phenomenon in Europe, where the singer-songwriter kicks off the latest leg of her record-smashing Eras tour in Paris on May 9.

Devotion belittled

The trigger for the first event was the 2022 release of Swift’s hit album “Midnights”, as well as the urge to come together with like-minded fans to celebrate.

“We were like: ‘A lot of people are hyped about it but we don’t know where they are and we don’t know who to hype with’,” said van Splunter, 30.

Like the Netherlands-based pair, Portugal’s Joana Lopes said Swifties are used to having their devotion belittled: the icon herself has been dismissed for lyrics revolving heavily around her ex-lovers.

“A few years ago, we couldn’t talk about Taylor without being judged or mocked,” said Lopes.

But Swifties across Europe – all of whom will flock to see her perform this year – told AFP in a series of interviews that the sense of community is very real.

Take Fischer and van Splunter: the pair curate an eclectic mix of groups on WhatsApp, from one focused on videos of Swift’s ongoing tour to another in which Swifties get together to talk politics.

That’s just one example of the flourishing world of group chats bringing Swift fans together around much more than just music.

On the other side of Europe, in Lisbon, Lopes and her friend Ana Carmo, 29, are in a WhatsApp group with dozens of Swifties living in different cities – and which helped Lopes get tickets to see her icon perform.

Feeling ‘seen’

Beyond a sense of belonging, for many the singer has provided solace in tough times.

After Fischer – who uses the non-binary pronouns they/them – lost their father at the age of 16, they remember drawing help from a song “about Swift’s own journey with cancer and her mum”.

Her music similarly helped Lopes grieve the loss of her grandmother.

“It’s on the same day that Taylor became part of my life,” said the 33-year-old, who says Swift’s lyrics are “the thing that I value most”.

Swift makes her fans “feel seen”, summed up Clara Garcia, a Brussels-based consultant.

“It’s like this entire community, the Easter eggs, the concerts, the friendship bracelets.”

And there is little doubt this has been a key to her record-shattering success, experts say.

“Taylor has deliberately curated a community and positioned herself as someone who could be a friend to her fans,” said Georgia Carroll, a fan culture expert who said Swift is “definitely the most popular she has ever been”.

Europe’s love story

Streams of her music were up 50 percent on the Deezer music platform in Europe in the year since April 2023 – the month after she kicked off a tour that has already grossed more than any in history, $1 billion by the end of 2023.

Data from streaming giant Spotify, from just before her latest album’s release in April, showed the most enthusiasm for Swift in The Netherlands and Portugal as well as Belgium and Slovenia.

Swift’s appeal as a songwriter may not be obvious in a continent where few speak English as a first language – but that’s no obstacle to her fans.

“I started to listen to her songs, and I thought, ‘OK what the hell is she saying’,” recalled Lopes, from Portugal.

“So I started reading her lyrics and translating to understand.”

“I’m learning new words, I’m learning new meanings of things,” echoed her friend Carmo, while Brussels-based Alessia Faranna, 25, said Swift helped “a lot” with her English.

Faranna put it quite simply: “I fell in love with the way she expresses her feelings.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Swift has broken almost every record in music, and her sixth tour is no exception.

The Eras Tour, which began in March 2023, is already the first to sell more than $1 billion in tickets, and is expected to more than double that by the time it concludes in Vancouver this December.

Swifties in Paris are especially excited to hear songs off her new album, “The Tortured Poets Society”, being performed for the first time.

Unlikely to lead to a cruel summer for Taylor Swift

Many critics have derided the 31-track album as bloated and mediocre – “a rare misstep” in the words of British music mag NME.

Such blasphemy leaves her devoted fanbase seeing red – Paste magazine felt the need to keep their damning review anonymous, knowing all too well how her fans would react.

But a few bad reviews are unlikely to lead to a cruel summer for Swift – the album sold 1.4 million copies on its first day and broke every streaming record going, reaching a billion streams on Spotify within five days.

Some 42 000 people will see Swift in Paris before she heads on for dates in Sweden, Portugal, Spain, Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Poland and Austria.

Many are travelling a long way – around one in five of the Paris audience is coming from the United States, according to the La Defense Arena where she is performing.

Economic juggernaut

The 34-year-old’s tour remains a money-making machine beyond the wildest dreams of promoters and venues.

Research group QuestionPro estimated that last year’s US dates generated $5 billion for the country’s economy. The US Travel Association said the figure may have exceeded $10 billion when hotel rooms, restaurants and other indirect sales were included.

The La Defense Arena says it has doubled the previous record of merchandise-sellers across its dates.

The mere mention of a London pub, The Black Dog, on her new album was enough to send a swarm of Swifties to its doors this month, potentially saving the struggling boozer.

Fans tracked it down after realising it lay close to the home of British actor Joe Alwyn, with whom Swift had a six-year relationship that ended last summer.

Swift’s tell-all dissections of her love stories have been the fuel powering her global domination, and fans have been pouring over “The Tortured Poets Department” for cryptic clues about Alwyn, her short-but-dramatic fling with Matty Healy (lead singer of The 1975), and her current beau, American football star Travis Kelce.

“There is something in her music that captures the adolescent desire for a poetic existence, charged with passion, danger and love,” said Satu Hämeenaho-Fox, author of “Into the Taylor-Verse”.

Soukeyna, a 16-year-old fan travelling up from southwest France for opening night, said Swift gives her “the feeling of being part of a community”.

“She’s a complete artist who writes her own words, and you really have to listen to the lyrics and understand them, which is something unique,” she added.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Despite controversies, the band released new material in 2023, and toured at the beginning of 2024. Producer Lil2Hood joined the band’s tour, and might join for their December United States dates too.

Die Antwoord is Dead kick-started their resurrection, leading them to release Reanimated.

You might not like the band.

But you might also like remixes.

What about remixes?

Here are 6 Antwoord YouTube remixes.

Age of Illusion Remix

Age of Illusion is one of their latest songs, and it’s produced by Nazieg.

The YouTube video is animation-filled, created to have a unique anime feel. It’s a soft and mellow song.

YouTube user The Healer created a remix.

“Water Babies’” isn’t a cryptic lyric. It’s a reference to a children’s novel by Charles Kingsley.

Watch below:

Pitbull Terrier: Trap Remix

Die Antwoord’s Pitbull Terrier is shocking and thrilling.

Its original video features Waddy Jones dressed as a rabid pitbull terrier. It could have been from a horror movie; however, it’s just Die Antwoord making a music video.

It has been remade as trap, a house music subgenre.

See below:

Die Antwoord: Ugly Boy Metal Remix

The song Ugly Boy is from 2014.

It came with their first album; however, now it’s a remix, too.

What about Die Antwoord as a metal band?

Here’s Ugly Boy, redone as a metal song.

Die Antwoord: Enya

Enya is a multigenre artist, but how does Enya sound when she’s mixed with Die Antwoord?

Someone thought about finding out.

Enya’s Sail Away combines well with something zef.

Watch the remix below:

Die Antwoord: banana brain

Banana Brain is a song about drugs, or rather, it’s a song about staying away from drugs.

It’s fast and unique.

The song has a whole backstory. You’ll only find that by watching their original music video!

Here’s a YouTube user’s version, with the song remade as Frenchcore:

Die Antwoord: Diz iz why I’m hot Remix

Here’s a dubstep version of their song Diz Iz Why I’m Hot.

It’s one of their earlier songs.

Tell us your thoughts

Tell us your thoughts! What did you think about this story? What do you think about the band? Let us know more about your favourite songs. Send an email to info@thesouthafrican.com. We love hearing from you!

READ MORE ARTICLES BY FRANCOIS JANSEN (ALEX J. COYNE)

Iggy Pop, Suzannah Michelle, Jeff Buckley, and Mathys Roets have all covered Leonard Cohen’s music.

Leonard Cohen is a classic songwriter, who has even been sampled in some modern hip-hop songs.

Hallelujah is one of the most covered songs in history.

What’s the best cover version yet?

Here are some great YouTube covers for your playlist.

Iggy Pop: You Want It Darker [Watch]

Iggy Pop is best known for punk, rock, and darker undertones.

He’s a legendary rocker from the United Kingdom, and still going way past his seventies.

He chose the song ‘You Want It Darker’ for his cover version.

Watch the rocker’s version of the classic, darker Cohen song below.

Suzannah: Dance Me to the End of Love [Watch]

‘Dance Me to the End of Love’ was first released in 1975.

Suzannah Michelle covered this song at a performance in Arkansas. There are very few covers doing this song proper justice: this one tops it.

The piano-driven performance goes back to Leonard Cohen’s early songwriter roots.

You haven’t heard a cover song until you’ve heard this.

Watch below for an amazing performance.

Hallelujah: Jeff Buckley [Watch]

Jeff Buckley was a United States songwriter and guitarist.

He covered several songs during his lifetime, including Hallelujah: one of Cohen’s most well-known songs to date.

The song has been covered by many artists before. Many people consider Jeff Buckley’s recorded performance to be one of its best.

South African artists like Mathys Roets have also covered the song.

Watch below for Jeff Buckley’s unforgettable performance.

Famous Blue Raincoat

Famous Blue Raincoat is another classic Leonard Cohen song.

This cover takes the song to a different level – and brings it to a whole other genre at the same time.

What happens when you blend classic songwriting and hip-hop?

You can look forward to the below.

Here’s a ‘trip’ remix of Leonard Cohen’s classic.

What do you think?

Watch the video below.

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She’s thanked fans and supporters after a successful run opening for Die Antwoord’s EU/UK Reanimated Tour. Lil2Hood has been with the band for several albums and tours, though also performs on her own.

Performances included gigs in Budapest and London.

Here’s why the world should pay attention.

Queen of Hip-Hop: Lil2Hood Thanks Paris

Lil2Hood has thanked fans and supporters after a performance in Paris, France.

The cheeky hip-hop DJ also performed in London, Budapest, and other European locations for the tour.

According to Reddit, Lil2Hood’s set was the spectacular opening act.

Lil2Hood stands as a hip-hop queen.

She’s even created some amapiano tracks as a South African tribute.

What’s happening next?

The 2024 EU/UK Tour

The 2024 EU/UK Tour included performances in Brixton and other world locations.

Lil2Hood’s performance also headed to the Czech Republic, Paris, and Budapest. It’s an unforgettable tour, featuring an unforgettable hip-hop force.

What’s next?

She might return for the later round, taking the band and its crew to the United States. Tour dates will be announced in December, 2024.

Who is Lil2Hood?

She’s a lot more than a supporting act.

Lil2Hood is a DJ and performer from Queens, New York. She’s here to stay, and she’s been performing with headliner acts for years.

If it’s the first time you’ve heard of her, be sure that it’s not going to be the last.

Lil2Hood owned the stage for the whole EU/UK Tour, sharing rare photographs from Paris with fans.

Will she come back for the United States tour?

That’s up to time.

Why She’s the Queen Bee

What makes Lil2Hood the queen bee?

Women are owning the hip-hop scene, according to the New York Times.

She’s powerful in her performances, and she’s representing other queens with every performance.

Nothing stops her from giving her best on stage.

You can’t tie her to one genre: she’s hip-hop, amapiano, and good vibes all at once. She’s the face of modern hip-hop, and she’s about to rise up as its queen.

Catch up with more Lil2Hood at her official FlashWrldwide Linktree page.

Watch some of the footage to see Lil2Hood light up Paris.

[Watch] Queen Lil2Hood thanks Paris

Check out some of the fan footage from the Paris gig.

What do you think?

Are you ready for the Flash?

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In a Facebook post, Mutant claims he only received R2, 500.

He says other contributors received more than his share for their music.

There has been no official word from anyone about why.

DJ Ready D curated the show’s soundtrack, which also features the late rapper Angie Oeh, HemelBesem, and Isaac Mutant. It also features DJ Ready D.

Was everyone paid the same?

Here’s more about this story.

Isaac Mutant: ‘HemelBesem gave me R2, 500’

Isaac Mutant features in the Spinners soundtrack.

He features alongside late rapper Angie Oeh, HemelBesem, and other hip-hop artists. The show explores gangsterism and fast cars.

Unfortunately, Mutant says, he was paid less.

According to a Facebook post: “Hemelbesem gave me R2500. Every track on that roster received R8000 on Spinners. Apparently.”

The post is critical of his compensation.

Nobody have released an official statement after this post was made.

Isaac Mutant: About the Artist

Isaac Mutant is a Cape Town rapper and hip-hop artist.

He’s the ex-frontman of DOOKOOM, a controversially famous hip-hop act. Die Antwoord featured Isaac Mutant in their song Wie Maakie Jol Vol, alongside other prominent Cape Town rap artists.

A Spoek Mathambo documentary simply called MUTANT features the artist.

The artist is controversial, but very well known in South African music circles.

Isaac Mutant and Spinners

There are 31 total songs on the Spinners soundtrack.

DJ Ready D curated the soundtrack, and contributed some of his own material. The soundtrack features Isaac Mutant, alongside Angie Oeh, HemelBesem, DJ Ready D, and others.

The soundtrack brings homage to local South African hip-hop music.

Unfortunately, unpaid royalties could cast dark light on local entertainment.

HemelBesem: Who is Simon Witbooi?

HemelBesem is a South African writer and hip-hop artist.

He has also presented television shows like Pasella.

His music features in Spinners, alongside Isaac Mutant and others.

HemelBesem recently changed his image, wearing traditional clothing instead of his regular hip-hop outfit.

Simon Witbooi has also given TED Talks about South African hip-hop music.

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Swift announced the album’s release at the Grammys in February, a night that saw the 34-year-old billionaire win a record-breaking fourth Album of the Year prize.

And with the album set to drop in the United States at 06:00 (SA time) on Friday, the artist could be on track for a fifth.

Since her bombshell announcement, her loyal legion of Swifties have been working around the clock shelling out fan predictions – dissecting the tracklist, the guest appearances, and the hints.

The working theory is that “The Tortured Poets Department” centres on her ex, British actor Joe Alwyn, who Swift dated starting in 2016 until they broke up about a year ago.

Alwyn (“The Favourite”) and fellow actor Paul Mescal (“Normal People”) revealed in 2022 that they had a group chat entitled “The Tortured Man Club,” which also included Andrew Scott (“Fleabag,” “Ripley”).

The Swifties think their queen’s album title is a likely reference to that text circle, and the Instagram caption she wrote to go along with the initial social media promo of the record indeed implies she’s got tea to spill.

“All’s fair in love and poetry…” she wrote. “New album THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT.”

Prior to their breakup, Alwyn had songwriting credits under a pen name, William Bowery, on several of her most recent albums.

Taylor Swift already revealed the tracklist, with titles including “Down Bad,” “So Long, London,” “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)” and “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived.”

Post Malone and Florence + The Machine are among those set to make cameos on the album.

‘Shake up the world’

Swift has made an award-winning routine of eviscerating her former lovers in song, including dropping lyrical takedowns of John Mayer and Jake Gyllenhaal.

Her current beau, Super Bowl-winning NFL tight end Travis Kelce, has already praised the new album.

“I have heard some of it, yes, and it’s unbelievable,” he told reporters in February.

“I can’t wait for her to shake up the world when it finally drops.”

Swift has already had an earth-shattering past year or so, staging the first billion-dollar tour with her ongoing series of Eras concerts, breaking myriad chart records and becoming the artist with more Album of the Year Grammys than anyone, surpassing Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder and Paul Simon.

Topping the charts with Beyonce

Swift – who was born in Pennsylvania on December 13, 1989 – began writing songs professionally as a teenager, signing with Nashville’s Big Machine Records as a country artist.

After a highly publicised dispute with Big Machine executives regarding ownership of her first six albums – she’d fully embraced pop by then – she made the cunning, risky decision to re-record those early albums to own their rights.

It paid off, delighting ardent fans, bringing new Swifties into the fold, and earning her renewed respect within the industry.

With “The Tortured Poets Department,” she stands to make waves once more, although she’ll face stiff competition from the likes of Beyonce and Billie Eilish next awards season.

Beyonce recently released her honky tonk of an album “Cowboy Carter,” an electric, statement-making record that once again cemented her status as an era-defining artist.

But Queen Bey dropped that record March 29, offering a charts cushion – whether intentional or not – that would allow both her and Taylor Swift to notch wins.

The two reigning stars are often pitted against each other as rivals although they’ve never implied that themselves, instead taking steps over the years to dismiss the notion.

They will almost certainly be competing for next year’s top Grammys, as will Recording Academy darling Billie Eilish, whose third album “Hit Me Hard and Soft” is due out on May 17.

But these wildly wealthy, supremely talented and conversation-commanding artists have all emphasized that at the end of the day, it’s all about the music.

Writing her forthcoming album “kind of reminded me of why songwriting is something that actually gets me through my life,” Swift told fans at a recent show.

“I’ve never had an album where I needed songwriting more than I needed it on ‘Tortured Poets.'”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

It’s not just about the instruments or band, but also about the programmes putting everything together.

Have you ever wondered how your favourite musicians get to work?

Image-Line’s FL Studio and Apple’s GarageBand are two programmes that professionals use for music production.

You can also check out some of the programmes yourself.

YouTube can show you some of the basics. Search tutorials or shorts for more.

Here’s how programmes help turn sounds into music.

Apple GarageBand

GarageBand is software made for Mac and Apple devices.

Users can overlay different samples, add direct recordings, and export their results. It’s like having a mixing desk on your computer. Of course, it doesn’t replace the actual mixing desk. You are still encouraged to have one!

GarageBand also works on mobile.

Apple first released this in 2011.

It’s one of their most popular releases.

Users like it for quality and user-friendliness.

Software: Virtual DJ

What if you want to go more advanced than just the mixing desk?

VirtualDJ has been around for years.

You can connect VirtualDJ to your actual mixing desk, or use it to learn how. It also covers essential skills like scratching vinyl.

There’s a difference: you can import mp3 files and others.

This way, you don’t scratch any records!

It’s a great way to learn.

Software: FL Studio

FL Studio used to be called Fruity Loops.

Company Image-Line makes this and other music production software.

Professionals and amateur beatmakers use this to craft beats. It’s not free software, but it could be worth it.

Download the free trial and give it a try.

You can also find alternatives like Logic Pro.

Software: Guitar Rig

Guitar Rig is a virtual guitar amp.

You can plug a guitar directly into a computer or mixing desk. Guitar Rig takes the amp’s place.

It’s much easier than carrying around a hundred amps!

You can have the different settings all put in the same place.

Audacity

Audacity is a free, basic production programme.

Increase volume, splice parts together, reduce noise: you can do all of this with the simple free programme. You can also record direct input.

It’s great for enhancements and conversions.

However, it’s not as advanced as similar software.

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She also became the first Black woman to top Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with the 27-track second act in her “Renaissance” trilogy.

“Cowboy Carter,” which dropped on March 29, debuted with 407 000 equivalent album units earned in the United States in the week ending April 4, according to Billboard and music industry data provider Luminate.

The album has been lauded by critics

It is the best debut of 2024 so far and also the biggest since Taylor Swift dropped “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” in November 2023, Billboard said.

“Cowboy Carter” is a rowdy, wide-ranging homage to Beyonce’s southern heritage and features a constellation of music stars, from country legends Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson to current hitmakers Miley Cyrus and Post Malone.

Parton introduces the album’s take on “Jolene,” drawing parallels between her own original tale of a lover fearing betrayal with Beyonce’s personalised version, and appears with Nelson as radio hosts of a fictional broadcast.

The album, which has been lauded by critics, was already the “most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far” on Spotify.

Nashville’s gatekeepers have long tried to promote a rigid view of country music that is overwhelmingly white and male.

Shatters that notion

But Beyonce shatters that notion, taking listeners through country’s evolution from African American spirituals and fiddle tunes.

She dropped the album’s first two singles, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages” during the Super Bowl in February and announced the full album’s release date.

She also Paul McCartney’s Beatles song “Blackbiird,” stylised with the double-i spelling to match “Act II.”

“I think she does a magnificent version of it and it reinforces the civil rights message that inspired me to write the song in the first place,” McCartney said in a statement when the album debuted.

Beyonce previously topped the Billboard charts with “Dangerously in Love” (2003), “B’Day” (2006), “I Am… Sasha Fierce” (2008), “4” (2011), “Beyonce” (2013), “Lemonade” (2016) and “Renaissance” (2022).

The only women with more number ones are Swift, Barbra Streisand and Madonna, according to Billboard.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

However, confirmation of the news on Monday left a number of fans upset.

Organisers of the music festival confirmed at the same time that Calabash South Africa would now be taking place over two days in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. 

That represents a change from this year’s event which was a one-night affair in both cities.

Williams will headline what is now Night 1 in both Johannesburg (18 January 2025) and Cape Town (22 January 2025). 

The remainder of the acts on Night 1 will be announced in due course.

As previously announced, rock band Green Day will headline what is now Night 2 on 19 January 2025 in Johannesburg and 23 January 2025 in Cape Town.

Additional acts for Night 2 include The Offspring and Fokofpolisiekar.

Fans who rushed out last month to buy tickets for what they assumed was to be the only night in both Johannesburg or Cape Town, will now have to purchase a second ticket if they wish to watch Robbie Williams perform live.

Ticket prices for the popular event run into thousands of rands.

Tickets for Night 1 will go on sale on Friday, 12 April on the Ticketmaster website.

Tickets for Night 2 are already available for purchase.

Will you be buying a second ticket for Calabash South Africa?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

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Eminem’s song ‘Untouchable’ references Die Antwoord, saying that he’d ‘rather say the N-word than Die Antwoord’. They referenced Eminem back in the recent release ‘Everything is Perfect’ – apparently, Waddy Jones would still like collaboration with the artist.

Die Antwoord’s new song references popular culture and ‘haters’, but there’s a subtle reference too.

Here’s more about the song reference, and who it could be referencing.

Rapper Beef: Did someone ‘vang a pain’?

‘Everything is Perfect’ starts with a monologue about ‘a huge penis’, and leads into lyrics about Die Antwoord’s fall from grace.

According to the song, ‘fake news’ and ‘haters’ have kept the band awake for a while.

The song also states, during Yolandi’s bit: ‘hulle vang `n pyn’.

It’s an Afrikaans rapper phrase that means someone has a chip on their shoulder, beef, or an ‘issue’ with something (or someone).

Unfortunately, another singer used it first.

Rapper Beef: Die Antwoord’s ‘Everything is Perfect’

Die Antwoord is known for their collaboration with others, including Isaac Mutant, Jack Parow, Scallywag and G-Boy van Boom.

Unfortunately, most of their beloved collaboraters are in the ‘hater’ column today.

According to news reports, Die Antwoord members made filming ‘Chappie’ a nightmare on set. News reports have also criticized the band for their behaviour – and Reddit users have pointed to aggressive fans at their recent concerts.

Reddit users have also called the documentary ‘late damage control’.

Yolandi’s lyrics contain the phrase: ‘Hulle vang `n pyn.’

It’s a common saying, but unfortunately also appeared in a previous rap song… One Die Antwoord didn’t write.

G-Boy the OG

G-Boy van Boom is a Cape Town artist, collaborating with Die Antwoord on several of their songs and tours.

He’s become known for his fast lyrics and freestyles.

In February 2022, he released the song ‘Don’t Vang a Pain’ to Spotify and other platforms.

Are the band referencing one of their past collaborators?

Do you think it’s a tribute or an insult?

Listen to G-Boy’s take on the expression below.

Don’t Vang a Pain: G-Boy

Here’s the original song by G-Boy.

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It means to make up, to make amends, or to bring something to closure. People reconcile after crimes – and it’s essential to the healing and rehabilitation processes that follow prison sentences.

But what about reconciliation and fallen artists?

Die Antwoord’s Waddy Jones and Yolandi Visser have made up, according to their documentary. It’s a similar story compared to other disgraced artists.

Reconciling is a powerful thing – but why doesn’t it seem to count for abuse victims too?

Here’s why reconciling doesn’t fix fallen artists, and makes art seem less good.

Reconcilliation what it means

Reconciliation means making amends.

It means putting away differences, and moving on. It’s part of the Correctional process, which puts criminals and victims in the same room – do you both forgive one another?

Unfortunately, claiming that you’ve ‘made up’ can be a one-sided argument.

Sometimes ‘reconciling’ is used as a clever public relations stunt, while other times an apology is genuine.

The problem?

It can be very difficult to tell.

Why ‘reconciliation’ doesn’t fix fallen artists

Musician R. Kelly will be remembered for his charge sheet, and not his music. Rapper 2Pac faced rape charges, though remains a popular musician and inspirational figure. Waddy Jones is back to making pretty music – but is this good or bad?

Where do you think fans should draw their line?

‘Fallen artists’ have fallen for their crimes.

Is their music still good?

Some artists seem almost untouchable. Other artist have soared above bad publicity. Does it depend on public perception, the goodness of their art, or the truth behind their apology?

Reconciliation and acceptance

Moving on is beneficial, says SACAP, for replacing animosity with acceptance.

It’s an important part of human psychology. It lets victims move forward, and criminals rehabilitate.

However: what if it’s a one-sided deal?

Victims should have a platform to voice their thoughts

Without this, reconciling is a one-sided deal and only the offenders move on and keep selling their art.

A feature asks, ‘What do we do with the art of bad people?’

It’s not just the art that matters, but the person(s) who made it.

Sure, Eugene Terre’Blanche was an average poet – but does he deserve accolades, or to be ignored until the end of time for his crimes and racism? Adolf Hitler could paint, but who wants to remember that when his crimes are so horrifying?

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Tredget, originally from Perth, Western Australia, is aiming to become the first person to busk at every London Underground station.

With 272 stops on the network, it is a daunting task.

“It’s pretty overwhelming when I look at the map sometimes, seeing how many stations I’ve got left to complete”, he told AFP shortly after ticking off his 124th stop, Upton Park.

“But it’s also quite uplifting to know that I’m pretty close to the halfway mark.”

Tredget’s journey began in April 2023, after a guitar student of his cancelled a lesson. Wondering what to do with the free time, Tredget made a first foray into London busking.

Self-filmed clips of the session did well on social media and he decided to take the online “content game” more seriously, devising a way to boost his profile as a musician.

The initial plan was to play at “iconic” spots in the British capital, such as the London Eye and Big Ben.

But he soon realised that “the Underground itself is pretty iconic. And it’d be a great way to just get out to all corners of the city.”

Charity fundraiser

Busking inside stations is not as simple as many would imagine, with an official licencing system and fierce competition for official “pitches” to perform at.

Because of that, Tredget mainly busks on the street immediately outside the stations, playing songs by the likes of Oasis, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran.

Twenty to 30 stops in, and with earnings steadily building, he decided to turn the endeavour into a fundraiser for London homelessness charity Glass Door.

He expected the footfall around central stations like Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus would make “Zone 1” stops the most lucrative.

But in reality, he has had more luck at stops further from the centre.

“People are a bit more relaxed, maybe. They’re not rushing around in the outer zones and they’ve got a bit more time to hang around and watch for a bit, have a chat,” he said.

The most successful stop was south London’s Tooting Broadway, on the Northern Line, generating £52 (R1 240).

But that has since been overtaken by Highbury and Islington on the Victoria Line, where Tredget made £57.29 (R1 367).

On the day AFP caught up with him, he was busy making his way along the District Line, the network’s largest by number of stops.

A slow trickle of passers-by paused to offer a coin or tap a bank card outside Upton Park and Plaistow stations.

Many were curious about the task of the easy-going Australian, who admits there is still a long way to go to meet his goal of raising £10 000 (R240 000).

With a combination of street and online donations, he recently broke the £1 000 (R24 000) mark.

“It’ll be quite a push to get to the 10k mark but I’ll still make that the goal. And we’ll see how far we can get,” he said.

Tredget is already envisioning future challenges, including the possibility of extending beyond the Underground to include the Overground and the Docklands Light Railway in east London.

That would add a further 158 stations to his playlist.

The South African website wishes Dan Tredget all the very best in his fundraiser.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The Rise of Smallz

Hailing from KwaMashu, a township north of Durban, Smallz’s rise to fame was swift. Smallz’s journey in the music industry has been multifaceted. Before making it big as a solo artist, he began his career as a dancer, notably featuring alongside Mshoza in the song Hlabalingene. His transition from dancer to chart-topping artist exemplifies his resilience and dedication to his craft.

Collaborating with renowned DJs Bobo and Menace, Smallz cemented his place in the South African Kwaito scene. However, since 2011, he seems to have faded into obscurity, leaving many fans wondering, “Where is Smallz now?”

Where is Smallz Now?

Reports suggest that Smallz took a step back from the music scene to explore other ventures. Allegedly, he delved into entrepreneurship, launching his clothing line under his music label, Money Spender Entertainment. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Smallz made headlines by selling tracksuits and masks, combining his passion for music with his business acumen.

Bouncing Back to Music?

Despite his absence from the limelight, Smallz hasn’t entirely abandoned his musical roots. Recently, he resurfaced with an amapiano track titled Senzeni, featuring Gearbox Mtshali. The song, now available on YouTube, showcases his versatility and adaptability to evolving musical trends.

As fans eagerly await further developments from Smallz, his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire. Whether he’s dominating the charts or diversifying his portfolio, one thing is certain – his legacy in the South African music industry remains indelible.

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Lwa Ndlunkulu’s Move To Johannesburg

Lwa Ndlunkulu’s story is one of resilience and determination. In 2020, she made the bold decision to move to Johannesburg to pursue her music career, leaving behind her hometown of Hluhluwe in KwaZulu-Natal. Despite facing numerous challenges, Lwa remained steadfast in her pursuit of her dreams.

During her time in Johannesburg, Ndlunkulu found herself in dire circumstances, struggling to make ends meet. She took on odd jobs, including working as a waitress at a local restaurant in the bustling CBD. However, her passion for music never wavered, and she seized every opportunity to showcase her talent.

During the interview, Lwa revealed that she used to sing at night in the restaurant to attract customers. She explained that she had a dream and was determined to make it a reality.

From Homelessness to Studio Sanctuary

Despite facing homelessness, she found solace in music, seeking refuge in Big Zulu’s studio for ten months without his knowledge. Lwa’s resilience and perseverance eventually paid off. She continued to work tirelessly, using the studio as a sanctuary to record her music. Her dedication and talent caught the attention of industry insiders, leading to her breakthrough as a chart-topping artist.

Lwa Ndlunkulu’s Dedication

Reflecting on her journey, she expressed her fears and insecurities about returning to KwaZulu-Natal without achieving her goals.

“I was scared to go back to KZN because I didn’t want to appear as a failure,” she admitted. “I wanted to go back after having at least one of my songs played on TV.”

Lwa Ndlunkulu

Despite the challenges she faced, Lwa’s determination propelled her forward. She purchased her car last year, a testament to her hard work and perseverance.

Today, Lwa Ndlunkulu stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring musicians everywhere. Her story serves as a reminder that with dedication, resilience, and unwavering determination, dreams can indeed become a reality, even in the face of adversity.

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Charges have been laid against the Life and Brand Portfolio restaurant group for alledgedly failing to pay royalties.

In a press statement, Sampra says the restaurants have been playing music belonging to music artists and record companies at their establishments in a manner that violates copyright laws.

Along with Tiger’s Milk and La Parada, the Life and Brand Portfolio restaurant group also owns Harbour House, Grand Africa, Live Bait, The Lookout, Old Town Italy and Lucky Fish and Chips.

Royalties over intellectual property

“The artists whose music is used by these restaurants will not be able to earn Needletime Rights royalties even though these restaurants are making money…as a result of using [the artists’] intellectual property,” Sampra’s statement read.

In the music industry, Needletime Rights refers to the right of performers and recording companies to receive money (known as royalties) whenever a piece of their music is broadcast in public.

Sampra is a Collective Management Organisation (CMO) that administers Needletime Rights on behalf of over 40 000 music artists and 6000 record companies in South Africa.

“Over the past four years, we have been earnestly trying to negotiate with Life and Brand Portfolio to pay the licence fees due as we are aware that they are using our members’ music in their establishments,” said Pfanani Lishivha, CEO of Sampra.

“We have now opened a case against Life and Brand Portfolio for their illegal and unethical conduct as we cannot stand by and watch them exploiting the works of our recording artists. We have a duty to ensure that recording artists get what is due to them.”

Lishivna told the SABC that Life and Brand Portfolio was not disputing the fact that they owed royalties, but were still withholding them.

“What are we expected to do when somebody says, I know what the law says…and I am using your product, but I am not going to pay you?” Lishivha added.

“There is absolutely nothing else you can do other than taking legal action against such a group.”

Restaurants say music licenses are ‘costly’

Meanwhile, CEO of the Restaurant Association of South Africa, Wendy Alberts, says obtaining licences to play music at restaurants is a costly endeavour.

“It is not necessarily about the royalties that are needed to be paid back to the performers,” Alberts says. “I think it is the cost to have these licences.”

“The tariff costs on these really put on a blanket approach and does not really take into account the business models that the restaurants need to pay, it makes it unaffordable.”

“And sometimes, we need to switch the music off completely for those establishments to stay open, as opposed to getting to a negotiation with the licence organisation to get to a medium which is affordable for the restaurant to be able to participate in.”

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“Police have been told a 71-year-old man allegedly assaulted a 51-year-old man at Neutral Bay Wharf about 02:30, before leaving the location,” police spokeswoman Alicia McCumstie told AFP.

Australian police do not formally identify suspects.

However, the alleged victim – veteran photographer Ben McDonald – and a law enforcement source both identified the man accused as Swift’s father, Scott.

RELATED | Hotels, flights booked out as ‘Swift effect’ hits Singapore

McDonald said he had been taking pictures of the US pop star and her entourage on a luxury superyacht in Sydney Harbour – an apparent late-night celebration after the last of her four sellout gigs in the city.

McDonald alleges that her security detail put an umbrella in his face to prevent photographs as Swift and the group disembarked and walked down the jetty to a waiting vehicle.

He also claimed an older man confronted him and “took it further” after Swift departed.

“He punched me in the chops,” McDonald told AFP.

“It was a shock. That’s never happened to me in 26 years.”

“I didn’t know who he was,” the photographer said, adding that he initially believed it may have been an overzealous local security contractor “trying to impress the Americans”.

“But I looked at photos and saw him holding hands with Taylor, and it was her dad,” he said.

Police later said Scott Swift “has left the country” but said inquiries were continuing.

‘Free Scott Swift’

A spokesperson for Taylor Swift did not comment directly on Scott Swift’s role in the incident.

However, the representative made counter-allegations of pushing and aggression by unidentified people at the waterside.

“Two individuals were aggressively pushing their way towards Taylor, grabbing at her security personnel, and threatening to throw a female staff member into the water,” the spokesperson told AFP.

No further details of the incident were offered.

Taylor Swift is on her blockbuster worldwide Eras Tour, which is expected to be the highest-grossing musical tour of all time at more than $1 billion, according to Pollstar.

She has left Australia for Singapore, where she will play to more than 300 000 fans during six sold-out dates at the National Stadium.

Online, Swift fans rushed to her father’s defence. “Free Scott Swift,” posted social media user @Soyytv.

“Papa Swift”, as he is affectionately known, has become a fan favourite, handing out sandwiches, fruit, guitar picks and VIP passes to young members of his daughter’s audiences.

After a career as a financial adviser, Scott Swift is now a regular at his daughter’s gigs and public appearances – including this month’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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More than 300 000 fans from the city-state and neighbouring countries will attend the US superstar’s six sold-out Eras Tour shows at the National Stadium from March 2-9.

Ingrid Delgado, a fresh graduate in Manila who is travelling to Singapore for the March 4 show, said she bought a “new shimmering dress” for the occasion but had trouble finding an affordable hotel.

“A lot were booked already, so I had to book a more expensive hotel,” she said.

The Fullerton Hotels and Resorts, as well as the Fairmont Hotel, told AFP that demand for rooms during the concert period had risen.

Big spenders have taken up Marina Bay Sands’ luxury packages named after Swift’s hit songs, such as “Shake it Off” and “Stay Stay Stay”.

The hotel’s SG$50,000 ($37 230) “Wildest Dreams” package includes VIP tickets, fine dining, a hotel suite, limousine transfers and passes to tourist attractions.

The hotel told AFP all its packages were sold out.

Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines said there had been increased demand for Singapore-bound flights but could not say whether it was solely due to the “Swift Effect”.

A large contingent of Malaysian Swifties will be crossing into neighbouring Singapore.

“It’s a dream come true. I feel excited and nervous,” said Harith Arsat, a 20-year-old student who will be making his first overseas trip from Kuala Lumpur.

In the Philippines, budget carrier Cebu Pacific has changed its usual flight number for Singapore-bound planes to “1989” – the year Swift was born and the title of her fifth album – for the March 1-9 period.

Red carpet

However, not everyone was happy when Swift’s only Southeast Asia stop was announced, including fans and governments in some of Singapore’s neighbours.

Travelling to Singapore is expensive for many in the region due to high currency exchanges, to say nothing of ritzy hotel packages.

Some were also unhappy because Singapore provided a grant to help secure Swift’s record-breaking tour for the city-state.

Officials from the culture ministry and Singapore Tourism Board, citing business confidentiality, declined to say last week how much was paid, or whether an exclusivity deal had been signed to make Singapore Swift’s sole Southeast Asian stop.

That followed reports that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin had told a business forum in Bangkok that Singapore had indeed made such a deal.

The Singapore officials did not address Srettha’s comments directly but said Swift’s shows were “likely to generate significant benefits to the Singapore economy”.

Singapore has been rolling out the red carpet for many international artists, such as Blackpink, Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran, since ending its Covid-19 pandemic curbs.

Coldplay performed six sold-out shows in January and upcoming acts include Bruno Mars, Sum 41 and Jerry Seinfeld.

“Singapore started to open faster than others after the pandemic and its first-mover advantage and concerted efforts to bring in acts, events and conventions has helped,” Song Seng Wun, economic adviser for CGS International, told AFP.

“That momentum has been building up.”

‘Don’t lose money swiftly’

Millions scrambled for tickets when they went on sale last year, which led to a rise in online scams targeting desperate Swifties.

Singapore police even released a social media video with the tagline: “Don’t lose money swiftly, buy your tickets safely.”

Regardless of the dangers, Ericko Dimas Pamungkas, 25, in Jakarta logged in to three devices to get a ticket queue number.

“I got very lucky. I feel like this concert is one of the most important moments for me,” he said.

Swift has evolved from a singer with relatable lyrics into a canny businesswoman and the world’s biggest pop star, and fans believe there is plenty to learn from the 34-year-old.

“I appreciate Taylor’s candidness and what she stands for such as rights, generosity and compassion,” said Spencer Ler, a Singaporean pilot who queued for 22 hours to get tickets for his daughter and her friends.

“It’s something the girls can learn from.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Christie’s auction house is running a series of eight sales, both in person and online, through February 28 for the collection of the 76-year-old’s belongings, including an ivory and gold glam rock jumpsuit from the early 1970s designed by Annie Reavey, which sold for $12 600.

As enthusiastic collectors made bids, John’s grand piano fetched over $200 000, while a pair of sunglasses, a key element of the singer’s signature look, found a buyer for $22 680, 10 times more than the initial estimate.

Most of the items come from the artist’s luxury home in Atlanta, Georgia, which had served as a base for his American tours, and which he recently sold.

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The legendary musician, known for hits like “Your Song,” “Rocket Man,” and “Sacrifice,” for flamboyant costumes and a commitment to the fight against HIV/AIDS, wrapped up his farewell tour last year.

John bought the Atlanta home shortly after getting sober in 1990, Christie’s said, as the singer found “solace and support in the warm community and recovery facilities” there.

With works by artists Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe and Richard Avedon, the collection, which he built together with his husband David Furnish, shows the couple’s taste in contemporary art.

The personal collections of pop culture icons have become a regular feature at the world’s top auction houses.

Last September, thousands of items that belonged to late Queen frontman Freddie Mercury sold for $50.4 million, Sotheby’s said.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Tickets will go on general sale on Friday, 23 February at 10:00 (12:00 SA time) via Ticketmaster, Ticketek and the RFU.

Twickenham last staged a match between the two sides during the 2015 World Cup, when the Springboks won a tense quarter-final 23-19.

South Africa play Ireland twice in July, in Pretoria and Durban, while Wales travel to Australia for a two-Test series.

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“We are thrilled to return to Twickenham in what will mark our first Test since the Rugby World Cup final in France,” said South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus.

“We may be playing on foreign territory, but we enjoy fantastic support from the expat community in London and its surrounds, as we saw last year where most of the supporters donned green and gold, so we are really looking forward to the match.”

Wales coach Warren Gatland, whose side have lost their opening two Six Nations fixtures, said he was “excited about the fixture list”.

“To have the opportunity for our young squad to test itself against the world champions at a neutral venue is an extremely important experience, and something that we will relish,” he said.

The Barbarians will play Fiji later on the same day at Twickenham.

Playing either game in Cardiff was not an option, given American pop star Swift’s ‘Eras Tour’ continues at the Principality on June 18 followed by a Foo Fighters concert the following week.

Springboks v Wales ticket information

General admission tickets go on sale from Friday, 23 February at 10:00 – visit  Ticketmaster, Ticketek or RFU to secure your seat.

Each ticket will cover entry for both South Africa vs Wales and Barbarians vs Fiji on Saturday, 22 June, starting from just £55* for adults and £28* for Under-16s.

For a 10% discount on groups of 10 or more, please visit www.eticketing.co.uk/rfu/events.

Hospitality packages are also available now, starting from £179 per person – visit www.twickenhamstadium.com to purchase now. 

* booking fees apply and match is “subject to World Rugby approval”

MUST SEE | Inside Taylor Swift’s penthouse retreat in Melbourne

In a joint statement, the culture ministry and the Singapore Tourism Board said authorities had worked directly with the concert organisers.

The statement follows reports that Thai premier Srettha Thavisin last week alleged the city-state had made an exclusive deal for Swift to perform only in Singapore and not in any other Southeast Asian countries.

Singapore declined to reveal the grant amount and did not say if an exclusive deal had been reached, citing business confidentiality.

Eras Tour likely to make $2 billion

It did not make direct reference to the allegations but said Swift’s shows were “likely to generate significant benefits to the Singapore economy.”

A veteran in the entertainment business who did not want to be named told AFP that exclusive deals “are not unusual to request but not so usual for artists to accede to the request”.

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“Some of the bigger organisers could have more sway.”

Since culling pandemic curbs, Singapore has attracted many international artists, including Blackpink, Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay.

Swift will perform six sold-out shows at the National Stadium in Singapore in early March with more than 300 000 fans expected to attend.

After Singapore, Swift will head to Europe on her tour that is predicted to make a staggering estimated $2 billion.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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She nabbed the prize – recognising overall performance of a song – for her hit single “Flowers,” which spent eight weeks at number one on the Billboard top songs chart last year.

“This award is amazing but I really hope it doesn’t change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday,” Cyrus said onstage as she accepted he award.

“Not everyone in the world will get a Grammy, but everyone in this world is spectacular, so please don’t think that this is important.”

The 31-year-old rocked an 80s look as she delivered one of the most memorable live performances at the Grammys.

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The tune also earned the 31-year-old Cyrus a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year, which honours songwriting. She also earned a nod for Album of the Year.

She won her first Grammy of the day for Best Pop Solo Performance, also for “Flowers.”

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“Flowers” was the lead single off Cyrus’ eighth studio album “Endless Summer Vacation,” which she released to critical praise, particularly for her vocals and its commercial appeal.

The dance-pop album also incorporates some country and rock elements, a nod to Cyrus’ roots in Tennessee, where she grew up outside of Nashville.

The pop star, whose father is country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, first gained fame as a teen idol, after breaking out on the hit Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana.”

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As she reached adulthood, Cyrus broke away from her alter ego and created a more provocative image, including youthful exploits that served as tabloid catnip.

Miley Cyrus has had a number of hit singles including “Party In the USA” and “Wrecking Ball” under her belt, and is praised for her versatility and cover songs.

“I don’t think I forgot anyone,” she said as she left the stage, but not before quipping: “But I might have forgotten underwear.”

© Agence France-Presse

ALSO READ | ‘You need to calm down’: Taylor Swift-mania hits Australia

The GoFundMe page was set up one day prior, aiming to raise $75 000 for the family of Elizabeth Lopez-Galvan, who died in the shooting that also left 22 people injured, including several children.

“Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences in the wake of your devastating loss. With love, Taylor Swift, read a message next to a $50 000 donation to the cause. A second donation in the same amount was deposited minutes later.

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A Swift’s aide confirmed to Variety magazine that the donations on the page were in fact the singer’s.

Along with Taylor Swift, more than 2 000 people have donated to the page, which has raised more than $200 000.

Police said the shooting on Wednesday was the result of a “dispute” and two juveniles were among those detained.

Taylor Swift dating Travis Kelce

Up to a million jubilant fans had gathered for the parade of NFL champions on Wednesday afternoon when shots rang out.

Mass shootings are common in the United States, where there are more guns than people, and about a third of adults own a firearm.

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The Chiefs were celebrating their third Super Bowl title in five seasons after beating the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Swift is dating the tight end of the Chiefs, Travis Kelce, and was a regular presence at games throughout the season including the championship Sunday.

The megastar is currently in Australia as part of her blockbuster Eras world tour.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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The 34-year-old megastar kicks off seven Australia shows on Friday, with three stadium gigs in Melbourne, before heading to Sydney for four more sell-out dates.

“The Eras Tour”, which takes fans through the Swift discography, is the highest-grossing musical tour of all time, netting about $1 billion in ticket sales, according to Pollstar, a trade publication.

“The main thing that got me into her was probably the lyrics and how I can relate them to so many different situations,” said 21-year-old Australian fan Kendra Harris, who has been waiting months to see her hero in the flesh.

“I also love how she’s so communicative with fans. She posts a lot of things on her social media and will comment on people’s TikToks, so it feels like she truly knows you,” Harris added.

“I know she used to invite fans to her house to listen to the album early, so I feel like doing things like that just shows how much she cares.”

With many fans coming from overseas or other states and tickets hard to come by, hotel groups are offering ticket-and-lodging packages that run into the thousands of dollars.

Australia’s consumer protection agency has warned that hundreds of fans have been scammed into buying fake tickets, with losses estimated to be in the tens of thousands of dollars.

Surprise songs

Fans were gearing up for the concerts by creating Swift-themed friendship bracelets, preparing outfits and learning “fan chants” to belt out during performances.

Bead kits have reportedly sold out in some Melbourne and Sydney stores, as fans have rushed to make the bracelets, which are traded before shows.

“I’ve made like six or seven, but I would like to make a few more before the concert… You trade them with people and I think people just give them if you don’t have any,” Harris said.

Many concert outfits will be inspired by Swift’s self-described “Eras”, her transformation through a range of musical genres, from country to pop.

Following last year’s re-release of her album “1989”, Swift has made around $500 million from streaming royalties and music purchases, according to Billboard.

Much to fans’ delight, Swift, whose hits include “Shake It Off”, “Blank Space” and “You Need to Calm Down”, also performs an acoustic set on piano and guitar featuring two surprise songs not on the official setlist.

Promotion for the tour has been as carefully choreographed as the performance on stage, and helped by Swift recently scooping her fourth “Album of the Year” prize at the Grammys, followed by a much-hyped appearance at the Super Bowl, where she cheered on boyfriend Travis Kelce of the winning Kansas City Chiefs.

The power of Taylor Swift has even seeped into academia, with the University of Melbourne holding a “Swiftposium” to discuss her influence across a range of disciplines.

“Fans view her a lot more as the friend-next-door than they do as a billionaire superpower, which is the reality of what she is,” sociologist Georgia Carroll told the gathering.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

VIDEO | Taylor Swift downs a drink at Super Bowl – WATCH

Fans clad in red Kansas City Chiefs jerseys began taking up positions before dawn on the two-mile parade route which will wind its way through Kansas City before finishing with a victory rally.

The Kansas City Chiefs are celebrating their third Super Bowl title in five seasons after beating the San Francisco 49ers in overtime in Las Vegas on Sunday to cement the team’s dynasty status.

Unseasonably warm weather in the Missouri city could see Wednesday’s crowd eclipse the more than one million who turned out at last year’s rally, city officials told local media.

But the team’s most famous fan – music superstar Taylor Swift, who is dating Kansas City Chiefs icon Travis Kelce – will not be part of the triumphant celebrations, according to reports.

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The singer, whose relationship this season with Kelce became a cultural phenomenon, sprinted back to the United States on Saturday from the latest leg of her money-spinning world tour in order to watch Sunday’s Super Bowl in the Nevada gambling hub.

Taylor Swift en route to Australia

However multiple media reports on Wednesday said Swift would play no part in the Kansas City Chiefs parade, saying the star was now en route to Australia where she is due to perform in Melbourne on Friday.

Kansas City mayor Quinton Lucas late on Tuesday denied a New York Post report that Taylor Swift had been asked to stay away by local officials for security reasons.

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“Not true at all,” Lucas wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

“Just had a great chat with (Kansas City Missouri Police Department) Chief (Stacey) Graves. We’re enchanted to welcome everyone to tomorrow’s parade and the women and men of our police department are prepared to keep all safe.”

The Kansas City Chiefs meanwhile were gearing up for another mammoth celebration as fans took to the streets on Valentine’s Day to shower love on the back-to-back NFL champions.

The parade was due to get under way in Kansas City at 11:00 local time, and will last approximately two hours before concluding with a rally.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took to social media on Tuesday to rally fans to turn out.

“ChiefsKingdom let’s do it big tomorrow!!” he wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“See yall at the parade!”

Head coach Andy Reid meanwhile told players to keep the celebrations under control.

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“It’s great to have fun but be smart,” Reid said in a video press conference with reporters on Tuesday.

His warning followed rowdy celebrations in last season’s parade which saw rookie cornerback Jaylen Watson end up leaving the event in a wheelchair.

Mahomes poked fun at his team-mate on Tuesday in a tweet related to the parade.

“You going to make it this year bro?” Mahomes said.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The superstar singer was repeatedly shown on the big screens of Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium and the cameras caught her winning what appeared to be a beer-chugging contest, prompting cheers – and boos – from the crowd.

ALSO READ | Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl flight from Japan covered by Spiritus

The 14-time Grammy winner cuddled with Blake Lively during Post Malone’s performance of America The Beautiful after she flew halfway around the world to see Kelce, and his Kansa City Chiefs team-mates face off against the San Francisco 49ers.

The Chiefs beat the 49ers 25-22 in overtime.

ALSO READ | Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl flight from Japan covered by Spiritus

The TMZ.com entertainment news website said the singer touched down in Los Angeles on a private jet from Tokyo, where she had performed on the latest leg of her money-spinning Eras tour.

The website published a grainy photograph of the pop icon – almost completely obscured by a light blue umbrella – as she clambered into a waiting SUV to be whisked away in a presidential-style motorcade.

It capped a day of breathless speculation on social media about the precise whereabouts of Swift, whose relationship with Kansas City Chiefs star Kelce has taken the NFL by storm this season.

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Flight-tracking internet sleuths on X, formerly Twitter, posted regular updates about the status of a jet believed to be carrying Swift which left Tokyo on Saturday.

The plane – dubbed the “Football Era” on the Flightradar24 flight tracking website – touched down in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon.

Others, however, said Swift was on another jet altogether.

Meanwhile Gracie Hunt, daughter of Kansas City Chiefs chairperson Clark Hunt, could scarcely contain her excitement about the 34-year-old’s imminent arrival.

“She’s coming! She’s coming! We’re excited,” Gracie said at a red carpet event in Las Vegas.

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Swift’s 5 530-mile (8 900km) trans-Pacific dash across the international dateline means she will be in Vegas in good time to watch Sunday’s Super Bowl, which kicks off at 15:30 local time (01:30 SA time on Monday).

It was not immediately clear when she would travel on to Las Vegas.

The pop culture icon’s relationship with Kelce has captivated fans this season, and is believed to be behind a sharp increase in female viewership of games involving Kansas City.

ALSO SEE | Taylor Swift mania hits Tokyo as pop icon resumes tour before Super Bowl

Swift has regularly appeared in a private box at Kansas City games to watch Kelce, and her appearance at Sunday’s Super Bowl in ‘Sin City’ could help set a television ratings record for the NFL showpiece, the biggest event on the US sporting calendar.

The charismatic Kelce, meanwhile, says he is relishing the attention that his celebrity romance has brought, and joked this week that he feels under pressure to win on Sunday after Swift’s record-breaking fourth Album of the Year award at last weekend’s Grammys.

“She’s unbelievable,” Kelce said of Swift.

“She’s rewriting the history books.

“I told her I need to hold up my end of the bargain and bring home some hardware, too.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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The 34-year-old Kansas City Chiefs tight end has found himself in the eye of a pop culture hurricane this season due to his relationship with the Grammy-winning music superstar.

It has swept the two-time Super Bowl champion’s profile into a whole new dimension, meaning Kelce is just as likely to lead entertainment news headlines as much as sports bulletins.

Unsurprisingly, the larger-than-life Kelce is loving every second of it, not for a moment resenting the inevitable attention that comes with dating one of the highest profile entertainers on the planet.

ALSO SEE | Taylor Swift mania hits Tokyo as pop icon resumes tour before Super Bowl

“I think it’s fair,” Kelce said of the attention on Wednesday.

“Everybody’s having fun with it, and it’s not like you guys are up here teeing off on me left and right.

“Everybody’s having a good time with it so how could I be upset about it?”

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Kelce admits though that he is still adjusting to the attention.

“Being worldwide is way different than just being famous in Kansas City,” he quipped.

“I got it all figured out, I think.”

And there is zero chance that Kelce will allow the hoop-la surrounding his personal life to deflect from the task in hand this weekend.

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Beneath the affable, down-to-earth exterior is a ferocious competitor who is widely regarded as one of the best tight ends to ever pull on an NFL helmet.

Sunday’s test against the San Francisco 49ers will be Kelce’s fourth Super Bowl, and comes a year after he lined up against elder brother Jason in the Chiefs’ victory over the Philadelphia Eagles to claim his second NFL championship. Kelce says that Super Bowl showdown remains his favorite memory shared with his brother.

“Probably isn’t his favorite memory, but it’s being on the mountain top and playing in the Super Bowl with him,” Kelce said Wednesday.

Chasing a dynasty

Growing up in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, there was never much doubt the Kelce brothers would forge careers in sport.

The 6-foot-5, 250 pound Kelce recalled WWE-style wrestling matches with his brother in the living room of the family’s home – with sometimes destructive consequences.

“I got power bombed through my living room floor as a kid and we broke the wooden floor and slid the couch over it,” Kelce said.

“My mom was vacuuming like two weeks later and figured it out and sure enough, we got in trouble for it. Growing up in the 90s I feel like you had no choice but to emulate wrestlers on the playground at recess, or in the living room and the backyard.”

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Kelce says he is determined to help the Chiefs win back-to-back titles, an achievement he believes will elevate Kansas City into the dynasty ranks.

“Three is a lucky number,” Kelce said. “Three is when you solidify yourself as a dynasty.”

Winning this season would also mean more for Kelce. The Chiefs struggled during the regular season but built impressive momentum through the playoffs with back-to-back road wins against Buffalo and Baltimore.

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“I think we’ve gone through a lot of ups and downs,” Kelce said.

“A lot of guys have been challenged to step up in big moments, and they have. And you just love to see that.

“You want it that much more for a guy when people are counting them out and he finds a way to persevere through that.

“This team is as special as a team that I’ve ever been on. And it just makes you want it that much more for the rest of the world. We’re in the moment.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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Hundreds of excited fans queued in the cold from morning to buy merchandise at Tokyo Dome before the four shows, part of the megastar’s Eras Tour – the first billion-dollar-tour ever.

“It’s us, hi! We are Swifties from Taiwan!” read a huge fabric banner featuring 10 pictures of Swift’s face, held up by a group of fans outside the 55,000-capacity arena.

Results of a hotly contested ticket lottery for Swift’s Japan dates were announced in July, with some fans travelling to Tokyo – even if the tour was coming to them.

“We came just for the concert as we couldn’t get tickets in Australia,” laughed 18-year-old Ebony Donohue.

“I’m so excited to finally see her. All her music is so different. She’s so relatable, and strong and amazing.”

Others wearing Taylor Swift T-shirts and miniskirts snapped pictures, while those in a long line for branded goods said they had been waiting years for this moment.

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“I’ve been listening to her songs since I was in middle school, about 10 years. This is the first time I’ll see her in concert, and I’ve been so excited since the moment we were able to get tickets,” 25-year-old Saya Matsuo told AFP.

“She is someone who can grab people’s hearts, make people sing and dance. I love her personality.”

Hikari Oka and Honoka Shimabara, both 18-year-old students, had been waiting since before 9 am for the merchandise stall that opened at midday.

“When I listen to her songs I feel energised, and it also gives me confidence,” Oka said.

Swift-mania has reached fever pitch worldwide after the 34-year-old on Sunday scooped her fourth Album of the Year prize at the Grammys on Sunday.

That is the most held by any artist and breaks the joint record of three previously held by Swift and the likes of Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder.

Super Bowl dash

Straight after her last Tokyo concert wraps up on Saturday, Swift will make a pit stop at this weekend’s Super Bowl, where she is expected to cheer on her current beau Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs from the VIP suites.

The pop icon will then play dates in Australia and Singapore before heading to Europe on the tour that is predicted to make a staggering estimated $2 billion.

An influx of fans to the concerts has been shown to create a so-called “Swift effect” on local economies.

Travel technology company Amadeus reported an “extraordinary increase in interest” in search traffic for travel to cities in the Asia-Pacific region visited on the Eras Tour.

Swift is not even the only global superstar in Tokyo this week.

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Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami is facing Vissel Kobe in a pre-season friendly at Tokyo’s National Stadium on Wednesday night, but it was still uncertain whether the injured Argentina great would play.

With hundreds of millions of social media followers and a staunchly loyal fan base, politicos – and conspiracy theorists – have even opined on Swift’s potential impact on the upcoming US presidential election.

Some right-wing critics have floated the baseless theory that the pop icon’s burgeoning romance with Kelce is evidence of a “deep-state” plot to rig the Super Bowl and help get US President Joe Biden reelected.

But NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has dismissed such conspiracy theories as “nonsense”.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

RECORD BREAKER | Taylor Swift makes Grammy Awards history at star-studded gala

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She nabbed the prize – recognizing overall performance of a song – for her hit single “Flowers,” which spent eight weeks at number one on the Billboard top songs chart last year.

“This award is amazing but I really hope it doesn’t change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday,” Cyrus said onstage as she accepted he award.

“Not everyone in the world will get a Grammy, but everyone in this world is spectacular, so please don’t think that this is important.”

Miley Cyrus also won Best Pop Solo Performance

The tune also earned the 31-year-old Cyrus a Grammy nomination for Song of the Year, which honours songwriting. She also earned a nod for Album of the Year.

She won her first Grammy of the day for Best Pop Solo Performance, also for “Flowers.”

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“Flowers” was the lead single off Cyrus’ eighth studio album “Endless Summer Vacation,” which she released to critical praise, particularly for her vocals and its commercial appeal.

The dance-pop album also incorporates some country and rock elements, a nod to Cyrus’ roots in Tennessee, where she grew up outside of Nashville.

The pop star, whose father is country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, first gained fame as a teen idol, after breaking out on the hit Disney Channel series “Hannah Montana.”

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As she reached adulthood, Cyrus broke away from her alter ego and created a more provocative image, including youthful exploits that served as tabloid catnip.

Miley Cyrus has had a number of hit singles including “Party In the USA” and “Wrecking Ball” under her belt, and is praised for her versatility and cover songs.

“I don’t think I forgot anyone,” she said as she left the stage, but not before quipping: “But I might have forgotten underwear.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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Here is a look at the unforgettable moments of music’s biggest night in Los Angeles:

Surprise guest: Celine Dion

For the final award of the night, organizers of the gala had a big surprise: pop diva Celine Dion, who has been battling the rare neurological disorder Stiff-Person Syndrome, emerged from backstage to a standing ovation.

“When I say that I’m happy to be here, I really mean it from my heart,” Dion said, to more applause.

“Those who have been blessed enough to be here at the Grammy Awards must never take for granted the tremendous love and joy that music brings to our lives and to people all around the world.”

She then presented the Album of the Year award to Taylor Swift for “Midnights” – a history-making fourth for the 34-year-old pop artist.

Dion, 55, has been forced to cancel a string of shows over her condition, a progressive disorder for which there is no cure. Symptoms include stiff muscles in the torso, arms and legs, with noise or emotional distress known to trigger spasms.

Joni, Tracy, Billy

Joni Mitchell brought the room to tears as she performed her beloved track “Both Sides Now,” fresh off a win for Best Folk Album for her live record “Joni Mitchell at Newport.”

Stars including Meryl Streep and Beyonce swayed to the music as Mitchell performed from an armchair – a literal throne – surrounded by famous collaborators including Brandi Carlile, who hailed the icon as “the matriarch of imagination, a true Renaissance woman, my hero and yours.”

“We all know she’s timeless. If we are so lucky that history remembers any of us, one thing I know for sure is that it will remember that we lived in the time of Joni Mitchell,” Carlile said.

Tracy Chapman delivered a moving rendition of her 1988 classic “Fast Car” with country star Luke Combs, who found streaming success with a cover of the track.

It was a rare public appearance from Chapman, whose crystal-clear vocals had many audience members swaying and singing along, including Swift.

And “Piano Man” Billy Joel closed the night with the first live performance of his first original single in nearly two decades, “Turn The Lights Back On.”

Striking performances

The gala opened with electrifying sets from Dua Lipa, who wore skimpy black leather as a troupe of dancers writhed in an onstage cage, while triple winner SZA offered a revenge fantasy for her darkly humorous track “Kill Bill.”

Miley Cyrus, who won two prizes, showed off her vocal range as she belted out “Flowers” in a shimmering dress with revealing cutouts and fringe.

Fellow winner Billie Eilish gave a soft but powerful performance of her award-winning “What Was I Made For?” and Nigerian superstar Burna Boy made history by bringing Afrobeats to the Grammys stage for the first time.

Stevie Wonder opened the In Memoriam segment honoring those the industry has lost, including the crooner Tony Bennett.

“Tony, I’m going to miss you forever,” Wonder said, calling it a blessing that “God allowed us to have you and have us in this time and space in our lives.”

Annie Lennox was brought to tears as she delivered a sparse, heart-wrenching performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” the late Sinead O’Connor’s most famous song.

She raised her fist and urged “Artists for Ceasefire,” a call and clear reference to O’Connor’s long history of advocating for Palestinian rights.

And Oprah Winfrey paid tribute to her longtime friend Tina Turner, who was honored by a rollicking performance of the classic “Proud Mary” by Fantasia.

Jay-Z

Jay-Z accepted The Dr. Dre Global Impact Award, which he received alongside his eldest daughter, Blue Ivy, as a cowboy hat-sporting Beyonce proudly looked on from the audience.

He took the moment to acknowledge his fraught history with the Recording Academy, who he has long accused of marginalizing Black artists.

The hip-hop mogul specifically noted that his wife has won more Grammys than any other artist – but never the prestigious Album of the Year despite a smattering of nominations.

“Think about that, most Grammys, not one Album of the Year – that does not work,” he said.

“Some of you are going to go home tonight and feel like you have been robbed. Some of you may get robbed,” he continued to laughter.

He then laid in with a final dig: “Some of you don’t belong in the category.”

New Taylor Album

One of the night’s viral moments had nothing to do with the Grammy Awards themselves: in accepting her first trophy of the night, Swift announced a whole new body of work was on the way.

“I want to say thank you to the fans by telling you a secret that I have been keeping from you for the last two years, which is that my brand new album comes out April 19th.”

She said it was called “The Tortured Poets Department,” and told the audience, “I’m going to go and post the cover right now backstage.”

The cover art hit social media, and the moment immediately went viral.

“Thank you, I love you! Thank you!” said Swift, by far one of the world’s most bankable stars.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

ALSO READ | Taylor Swift makes Grammy Awards history at star-studded gala

The 22-year-old Mzansi singer was awarded for her song Water, the lead single from her eponymous debut studio album, Tyla.

Labelled by the singer as popiano, the track fuses elements from pop and amapiano, a South African subgenre of house music.

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Tyla beat Burna Boy, Davido, Asake, Olamide and Ayra Starr to the award, as well as fellow South African Musa Keys, who was nominated alongside Davido for Unavailable.

Tyla’s Water started with a TikTok dance challenge

“What? Oh my gosh, guys, this is crazy! I never thought I’d say I won a Grammy at 22-years-old,” Tyla said in her acceptance speech.

“If you don’t know me, my name is Tyla and I’m from South Africa, and last year God decided to change my whole life, thank you so much to God, to my team, my family.

“I know my mum is crying somewhere in here. Thank you to The Recording Academy for this category. It’s so important. I know I’m forgetting some things, but I won a Grammy!”

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Water had been making waves on social media, starting with a TikTok dance challenge in July.

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In taking home the honour at the 66th annual Grammys in Los Angeles, Swift surpassed the likes of Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder, industry greats she previously had been tied with.

It’s a cherry on top for the 34-year-old, who is already one of music’s blockbuster stars.

“For me, the award is the work,” Swift said, who earlier in the night announced she would drop a new album on April 19.

“I love it so much.”

“It makes me unbelievably blown away that it makes some people happy who voted for this award too.”

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Taylor Swift however lost two other top prizes she was up for.

Record of the Year honors went to Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” and the prize for Song of the Year, which honors songwriting, went to Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell for “What Was I Made For?” from the “Barbie” soundtrack.

“This award is amazing but I really hope it doesn’t change anything because my life was beautiful yesterday,” Cyrus said onstage as she accepted her prize, her second of the evening – and the second of her career.

“Not everyone in the world will get a Grammy, but everyone in this world is spectacular, so please don’t think that this is important.”

The already decorated Eilish was equally humble in accepting her prize, saying: “I just want to say everyone in this category, like – that was a crazy list of incredible people, incredible artists, incredible music!”

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And Victoria Monet won the coveted Grammy for Best New Artist, her third prize of the evening.

Monet entered the night with seven nominations, including one for Record of the Year, after her debut studio album “Jaguar II” sparked a commercial breakthrough following years in the industry.

“Thank you to the champagne servers of tonight. That’s my first thank you,” Monet told the audience, also thanking her mother.

‘Feel very seen’

A clean sweep of the top awards for women was a triumph for the Recording Academy, which has been working for years against criticism that it heavily favours white men.

“As a woman, it feels a lot of the time like you’re not being seen… this makes me feel very seen,” Eilish told journalists backstage, when asked what the banner year for women meant to her going forward.

“Sometimes it feels really good to, like, have somebody telling you ‘good job’.”

This year, just one man, the jazz polymath Jon Batiste, was up for Album and Record of the Year; he left the gala empty-handed.

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Top nominee SZA, who entered the night with nine nods, seized three total prizes, including Best R&B Song, Best Progressive R&B Album and Best Pop Duo or Group Performance with Phoebe Bridgers.

She burst onto the stage in a fluster to claim her Best R&B Song prize, telling the crowd she had just finished changing following her sizzling performance.

“I’m just really overwhelmed,” she said.

“You don’t really understand, I came really, really far and I can’t believe this is happening.”

Karol G won the prize for Best Musica Urbana Album for “Manana Sera Bonito” – recognition that some industry watchers said wasn’t enough given that Latinos were excluded this year from the major categories.

Joni, Tracy deliver classic performances

The broadcast gala – in which just nine competitive awards were presented – followed the hours-long pre-show, in which the vast majority of the more than 90 gramophones were distributed.

The supergroup boygenius cleaned up in the rock categories.

Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker – the members of boygenius – were giddy with delight as they ran onstage to accept three trophies.

Music from the film “Barbie” had 11 chances at Grammy gold, and ultimately took home three, two of them thanks to Eilish.

The rapper Killer Mike won big in the rap categories, taking home three trophies for music off his album “Michael.”

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“I consciously set out to tell the story of a young Black boy growing up on the west side of Atlanta so that the world can see that our narrative isn’t just victimization and losing, but we can win, we can thrive and prosper,” he told journalists backstage.

But his wins were overshadowed by his reported detention at the venue. The Los Angeles Police Department did not immediately respond to a query from AFP about the situation.

Joni Mitchell beamed as she accepted the honor for best folk album for “Joni Mitchell At Newport,” a live recording of her performance at the storied festival that came just years after an aneurysm led to fears she might never play again.

Along with Tracy Chapman’s moving performance of her 1988 classic “Fast Car” with Luke Combs, Mitchell delivered one of the most moving performances of the night, bringing some in the audience to tears with her rendition of “Both Sides Now.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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Sweden-based Spotify did not provide financial terms of the deal, but said a Wall Street Journal report that the agreement was worth as much as $250 million was “incorrect.”

It described the agreement as a “multi-year partnership.”

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Rogan signed his first exclusive contract with Spotify in May 2020, which the Journal valued at around $200 million.

“The Joe Rogan Experience” topped the list of the world’s most listened-to podcasts on Spotify in 2023, for the fourth year running.

Spotify also announced the podcast would once again be available on other platforms, including Apple, Amazon and YouTube, ending four years of exclusivity on its streaming application.

Early adopter

Rogan was an early adopter of the podcasting format in 2009, and built up a loyal fan base that is still unrivaled in its size and enthusiasm.

“The Joe Rogan Experience” is a loosely structured show, often lasting for more than three hours, during which Rogan hosts a freewheeling and informal conversation with guests.

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Over the years, Rogan – an atypical character who is part comedian, part former kickbox and taekwondo champion – has hosted prominent guests including Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Bernie Sanders, along with doctors, martial arts fighters, comedians and mathematicians.

He has been repeatedly accused of giving a platform to conspiracy theories, notably around Covid-19 and vaccines.

In early 2022, several musicians requested that their tracks be removed from Spotify in protest at its support for Rogan, including American-Canadian artist Neil Young and the American singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell.

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In response to the outpouring of criticism, Spotify added mentions and links guiding users to factual, scientifically sourced information.

A few days later, Rogan was made to issue a public apology after using a racial slur repeatedly on his show.

However, the multiple controversies have failed to dampen enthusiasm for “The Joe Rogan Experience,” which remains more popular than ever.

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Spotify’s 2020 deal with Rogan was part of a podcast offensive designed to consolidate its position as the world’s leading audio content platform.

According to the company, podcast consumption has increased by more than 230 percent since then.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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The 66th edition of music’s most prestigious awards ceremony marks a historic year for women, queer and gender fluid artists up for the night’s major trophies.

But whether they’ll actually win is anyone’s guess, and there’s always room for eyebrow-raises and quirky choices across the evening’s more than 90 competitive fields.

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Here’s a guide to Sunday’s gala in Los Angeles:

Taylor Swift eyes history, no Travis Kelce

Swift is up for six gramophones this year, including for Album of the Year for her most recent new volume of work, “Midnights.”

If she wins the prestigious trophy, it would be her fourth – the most of any artist, breaking the tie she is currently in with Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder.

Her high-profile relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is among the myriad reasons Swift’s name is headline catnip these days, but the NFL superstar is not set to attend Sunday’s gala with her.

Kelce will be busy preparing to play in next weekend’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas, in which the Chiefs will face the San Francisco 49ers.

“I wish I can go and support Taylor at the Grammys and watch her win every award that she is nominated for,” Kelce said in a recent interview.

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Tracy Chapman returns?

The Recording Academy hands out most of its dozens of awards prior to the more than three-hour, performance-heavy main broadcast, to air on US network CBS.

Expected on stage is Luke Combs, the country singer whose omission from the evening’s major prizes was a surprise.

Combs dropped a cover of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 classic “Fast Car” to resounding success, earning a single nod in the country categories.

It is rumored that Combs’ performance will include Chapman herself, who rarely appears in public.

Viewers can also look forward to a set from Billy Joel, who just released a new single, his first original music in nearly two decades.

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Joni Mitchell takes the stage

Icon Joni Mitchell also will serenade the gala, her first Grammy performance ever despite a half-century relationship with the Academy.

The 80-year-old received a folk album nomination for her live record “Joni Mitchell at Newport,” when she delivered a set just years after an aneurysm led to fears she might never play again.

Mitchell isn’t the only OG up for a prize: two compilations from Bob Dylan and the late Lou Reed are in the running for Best Historical Album.

The winner of that prize will go to the albums’ producers and engineers, rather than the artist, but the name recognition could boost their chances.

The same goes for a music video set to “I’m Only Sleeping” by The Beatles.

The Fab Four aren’t up for the award themselves – the video’s director and producers are – but their appearance on a shortlist that includes Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler Childers and Troye Sivan was a little far-out.

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Barbie Girls

Women have more representation than ever at this year’s Grammys, with SZA earning nine nods followed closely by the likes of Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and supergroup boygenius.

But it’s our girl Barbie who raked in the most chances at Grammy gold, with 11.

The eclectic, star-powered soundtrack to the billion-dollar summer blockbuster earned nominations for songs performed by Eilish, Dua Lipa, Best New Artist favorite Ice Spice and the Oscar contender Ryan Gosling.

Eilish won a Golden Globe last month for her spare, wrenching ballad “What Was I Made For?” which earned her Grammy nominations for both Best Song and Best Record – and could also see her win an Oscar next month.

It’s a rare hit that wins both a Song of the Year Grammy and an Academy Award for Best Original Song: others to accomplish the feat are Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were” and Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.”

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And the Grammy goes to… Bernie?

Bernie Sanders – yes, that Bernie Sanders – has a second chance to win a Grammy in the audiobook and narration category.

The leftist senator’s reading of “It’s Ok to Be Angry About Capitalism” is up against efforts by Michelle Obama, Meryl Streep, William Shatner and Rick Rubin in one of the night’s quirkier categories.

If former first lady Obama wins, it would be her second audiobook victory; her husband Barack has two already.

Also in contention is Trevor Noah, the comedian hosting the gala for the fourth consecutive year.

Noah lost the Best Comedy Album honor in 2020 to Dave Chappelle, one year before he began his stint as Grammy master of ceremonies.

Speaking to People recently, Noah joked that his hosting gig is just a campaign to win: “It’s all been a long con.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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Angsty fans have been speculating for days over how pop music icon Taylor Swift could do it all next weekend: perform a concert as part of her record-smashing Eras Tour in Tokyo, and hours later support star tight end Kelce as the Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas.

But the Japanese embassy in Washington moved decisively to reassure the public, while revealing its staff are also fans who are not above punning on Swift songs in public statements.

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“Despite the 12-hour flight and 17-hour time difference, the Embassy can confidently Speak Now to say that if she departs Tokyo in the evening after her concert, she should comfortably arrive in Las Vegas before the Super Bowl begins,” a post on the embassy’s account on X, formerly Twitter, read.

“We know that many people in Japan are excited to experience Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, so we wanted to confirm that anyone concerned can be Fearless in knowing that this talented performer can wow Japanese audiences and still make it to Las Vegas to support the Chiefs when they take the field for the Super Bowl wearing Red.”

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The post was met with both excitement and bemusement by social media users.

“Somewhere in Japan’s U.S. embassy, there’s a Swiftie working in comms who had the best day at the office they’ve ever had,” commented one.

Swift’s presence would pump up the volume on what is already one of the biggest annual events on the US calendar.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce in blossoming romance

She has smashed industry records this year with her tour that is estimated to bring in almost $2 billion, along with a film of the musical cavalcade. On Sunday she could break the record for most Album of the Year wins at the Grammys.

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Amid her blossoming romance with Kelce, she has also attended a string of NFL games, bringing America’s most popular spectator sport a new wave of fans as her hundreds of millions of social media followers trace her every move.

Fascination peaked this weekend when the Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens to book their berth in the Super Bowl and, in the midst of celebrations, Swift descended onto the field to embrace Kelce, fresh from playing one of the best games of his life.

But the couple’s global star power has also drawn right-wing conspiracy theorists who claim their romance is really a plot to rig the Super Bowl and get President Joe Biden reelected.

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Swift endorsed Biden in his successful 2020 bid to unseat Trump and flexed her muscles again last September by urging fans to register to vote — tens of thousands did.

Kelce has become an unlikely target of the right himself after promoting Covid vaccines and, now, for being the boyfriend of an even bigger female celebrity.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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The two rock icons had the crowd on its feet for rollicking renditions of Bon Jovi’s hit “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” and Springsteen’s “The Promised Land.”

The star-studded gala in Los Angeles is an annual pre-Grammy tradition from MusiCares, the charitable wing of the Recording Academy that raises money to help musicians in need.

Past honorees include Dolly Parton and Joni Mitchell as well as Springsteen and McCartney.

In accepting the award, Bon Jovi heralded his friend The Boss, including to acknowledge the death of Springsteen’s mother earlier this week.

“He wanted to be here tonight for me, and I’m forever grateful to you,” Bon Jovi, 61, told Springsteen.

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Comedian and actor Jim Gaffigan hosted the event, which was brimming with riffs on short shorts and big hair, a look elemental to Bon Jovi’s rise in his heady hair band days.

At one point, Gaffigan even donned a teased wig and denim cutoffs, telling the audience: “When most people see Jon or me they see a piece of ass – but that’s not fair to Jon or me. There’s many more dimensions.”

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Sporting a sparkling blazer and cowboy hat, nineties rocker Melissa Etheridge harnessed her powerful vocals for a performance of the bluesy “Blaze of Glory” in honor of the artist she told journalists on the red carpet she has “loved for years.”

“Just seeing him and the band, you know for decades, just making music and keeping relevant, keeping singing the songs we love, and just, you know, being cool.”

‘Friend for life’

Jelly Roll, the rapper turned country singer in the running for a Best New Artist Grammy, gave a spot-on performance of the glam arena rock favorite “Bad Medicine” that drew resounding applause.

Also up for Best New Artist are the husband-and-wife duo The War and Treaty, a country and blues act who brought the crowd to their feet with a heartstring-pulling duet of “I’ll Be There For You.”

Country-pop legend Shania Twain performed the power ballad “Bed of Roses,” while Lainey Wilson, the country artist up for two awards on Sunday, staged a twangified version of “We Weren’t Born To Follow.”

And fellow Grammy nominee Jason Isbell smashed his performance of Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead Or Alive.”

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The Goo Goo Dolls, who have toured extensively with Bon Jovi, performed “This House is Not For Sale,” including a power solo worthy of any guitar hero.

“He’s always been generous and open, and those are the people that I admire most in this business,” said Goo Goo Dolls’ John Rzeznik of Bon Jovi.

“I think he truly deserves it, he’s genuine about what he does, and he’s always given back a lot. And I think that helps keep you sane, and it makes this worthwhile.”

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The night ended with an ensemble performance of the smash “Livin’ On A Prayer,” after Bon Jovi delivered a speech heralding the “gift” that is music.

“Every time that I strum my guitar, I’m reminded that I have a best friend for life. That instrument will never let you down,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if you’re eight or if you’re 80, if you’re playing in a bedroom or at the local stadium.”

“Tonight, and every night, I know how blessed I’ve been.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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SZA will arrive at the star-studded event in Los Angeles as the evening’s top nominee with nine, while Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo and Miley Cyrus are also in the running for the show’s top prizes.

With her sophomore album “SOS,” SZA explored an eclectic blend of styles and genre including pop, rock and jazz, with dreamy electro inflections that scored her the most nominations of any artist.

And supergroup boygenius – Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus – are up for six Grammys.

The trio met as up-and-comers in the indie music scene and, tired of constant comparisons to each other as “women in rock,” decided to collaborate while also continuing to produce solo work.

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Bridgers has a seventh nomination for her collaboration with SZA.

Janelle Monae and Lana Del Rey are in the mix for Album of the Year, while Victoria Monet is a contender for Record of the Year.

So it’s highly likely a female act will win the top awards – unless Grammys darling Jon Batiste does.

The piano virtuoso is the sole man up for the two major prizes, two years after he bested pop’s royalty to dominate the proceedings.

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It will be a particularly poignant evening for Batiste, whose triumph in 2022 was paired with immense personal struggle behind the scenes as his wife, the writer Suleika Jaouad, was receiving treatment for a recurrence of leukemia.

This time around, she will be able to join the party as her partner contends for some of music’s most prestigious honors.

Among his accolades, Batiste is up for the top songwriting prize for “Butterfly,” written for Jaouad while she was in hospital.

“For us to be able to celebrate the album and that song, and to also be at the Grammys again, with her this time? That’s what my favorite part of this is,” Batiste told AFP in an interview late last year.

“It’s full circle.”

Another day, another Taylor Swift record

If Swift’s “Midnights” wins Album of the Year, it would be a record-breaking fourth win of the prize for the 34-year-old, who’s already the toast of the music world, making headlines with every breath.

She is currently tied in elite company with Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon and Stevie Wonder at three top album honours.

Swift’s in-demand producer Jack Antonoff scored six nominations for his work, notably with her and Del Rey, the baroque pop singer whose album “Did you know there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” earned her five nominations.

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And the soundtrack of the blockbuster film “Barbie” could also clean up: music from the effervescent summer smash earned 11 nods thanks to performances including from Eilish as well as Dua Lipa, rapper Nicki Minaj and the movie’s sleeper standout… Oscar-nominated actor Ryan Gosling.

Bubbly Bronx rapper Ice Spice is also up for an award for her work on “Barbie” as well as the prize for Best New Artist, which industry watchers predict she could take home after a banner year that saw her go totally viral.

Joni, Billy, U2 set to perform

The vast majority of the more than 90 competitive trophies are doled out prior to the Grammys gala broadcast, which is heavy on spectacle: many of the top nominees, including SZA, Eilish and Rodrigo are on deck to perform.

Nigerian sensation Burna Boy, country singer Luke Combs and rapper Travis Scott will also deliver sets.

And the legendary Joni Mitchell will take the stage in her first ever performance at the Grammy Awards.

The 80-year-old – who has nine competitive Grammys and a Lifetime Achievement Award – is in the running for best folk album for her live record entitled “Joni Mitchell at Newport.”

She won her first Grammy for “Clouds” more than half a century ago.

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“Piano Man” Billy Joel also will perform on the heels of releasing his new single “Turn The Lights Back On” – his first original music in 17 years – on Thursday.

And U2 will make a special remote appearance from Las Vegas, where the rockers have a residency at the new Sphere arena.

The main Grammys gala airs on Sunday at 17:00 local time (03:00 SA time on Monday) on US network CBS.

Comedian Trevor Noah, who’s up for best comedy album, will host for the fourth consecutive year.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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SZA led all contenders with nine nominations, as women including Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, Victoria Monet and Phoebe Bridgers along with the group boygenius ruled the slate.

When it comes to the night’s most prestigious top album prize, a woman will win – or jazzman Jon Batiste, the only man in the running for it.

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Album of the Year

“World Music Radio” – Jon Batiste

“the record” – boygenius

“Endless Summer Vacation” – Miley Cyrus

“Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd” – Lana Del Rey

“The Age of Pleasure” – Janelle Monae

“GUTS” – Olivia Rodrigo

“Midnights” – Taylor Swift

“SOS” – SZA

Record of the Year, recognising overall performance on a song

“Worship” – Jon Batiste

“Not Strong Enough” – boygenius

“Flowers” – Miley Cyrus

“What Was I Made For?” (From The Motion Picture ‘Barbie’) – Billie Eilish

“On My Mama” – Victoria Monet

“Vampire” – Olivia Rodrigo

“Anti-Hero” – Taylor Swift

“Kill Bill” – SZA

Song of the Year, recognising songwriting

“A&W” – Jack Antonoff, Lana Del Rey & Sam Dew, songwriters (Lana Del Rey)

“Anti-Hero” – Jack Antonoff & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)

“Butterfly” – Jon Batiste & Dan Wilson, songwriters (Jon Batiste)

“Dance The Night” (From “Barbie The Album”) – Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Dua Lipa)

“Flowers” – Miley Cyrus, Gregory Aldae Hein & Michael Pollack, songwriters (Miley Cyrus)

“Kill Bill” – Rob Bisel, Carter Lang & SZA, songwriters (SZA)

“Vampire” – Daniel Nigro & Olivia Rodrigo, songwriters (Olivia Rodrigo)

“What Was I Made For?” (From The Motion Picture ‘Barbie’) – Billie Eilish & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)

Best New Artist

Gracie Abrams

Fred Again..

Ice Spice

Jelly Roll

Coco Jones

Noah Kahan

Victoria Monet

The War and Treaty

Best Pop Solo Performance

“Flowers” – Miley Cyrus

“Paint The Town Red” – Doja Cat

“What Was I Made For?” (From The Motion Picture ‘Barbie’) – Billie Eilish

“Vampire” – Olivia Rodrigo

“Anti-Hero” – Taylor Swift

Best Pop Vocal Album

“Chemistry” – Kelly Clarkson

“Endless Summer Vacation” – Miley Cyrus

“GUTS” – Olivia Rodrigo

“- (Subtract)” – Ed Sheeran

“Midnights” – Taylor Swift

Best Music Video

“I’m Only Sleeping” – The Beatles

“In Your Love” – Tyler Childers

“What Was I Made For?” (From The Motion Picture ‘Barbie’) – Billie Eilish

“Count Me Out” – Kendrick Lamar

“Rush” – Troye Sivan

Best Rap Album

“Her Loss” – Drake & 21 Savage

“Michael” – Killer Mike

“Heroes & Villains” – Metro Boomin

“King’s Disease III” – Nas

“Utopia” – Travis Scott

Best Rock Album

“But Here We Are” – Foo Fighters

“Starcatcher” – Greta Van Fleet

“72 Seasons” – Metallica

“This Is Why” – Paramore

“In Times New Roman…” – Queens Of The Stone Age

Best Global Music Album

“Epifanias” – Susana Baca

“History” – Bokante

“I Told Them…” – Burna Boy

“Timeless” – Davido

“This Moment” – Shakti

Artists with most nominations

SZA – 9

Phoebe Bridgers – 7

Serban Ghenea – 7

Victoria Monet – 7

Taylor Swift – 6

Miley Cyrus – 6

Billie Eilish – 6

Jack Antonoff – 6

Jon Batiste – 6

boygenius – 6

Brandy Clark – 6

Olivia Rodrigo – 6

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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The original 1959 Les Paul Standard that Knopfler acquired from Bobby Tench of The Jeff Beck Group comes with a guide price of £500 000 at Christie’s auctioneers in London.

It would need to fetch a lot more, though, to match some other famous guitars that have sold for millions of dollars.

Here are the four most expensive ever sold at auction:

$6 million: Kurt Cobain’s Martin

The guitar that grunge-rock icon Cobain played during his legendary 1993 “MTV Unplugged” performance was sold in June 2020 in Los Angeles for $6 million, the record for a guitar.

It went to Peter Freedman, founder of RODE Microphones after a bidding war.

The retro acoustic-electric 1959 Martin D-18E took centre stage during Nirvana’s “Unplugged” gig, which was turned into one of rock’s greatest live albums.

Just five months later Nirvana frontman Cobain committed suicide at the age of 27.

$4.7 million: Cobain’s Fender Mustang

Cobain also owned the second-most expensive guitar, a Fender Mustang used in the video of “Smells Lke Teen Spirit” in 1991.

Nirvana’s breakout song, which became a mosh pit classic, was an anthem for a generation of disaffected teenagers.

The guitar was snapped up in May 2022 for $4.7 million by the owner of the Indianapolis Colts football team, Jim Irsay, joining a collection that includes guitars by Jimi Hendrix and Prince, among others.

$4 million: David Gilmour’s Fender Stratocaster

A Fender Stratocaster dubbed “Black Strat” that was used by Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour on “The Dark Side of the Moon” sold for nearly $4 million in June 2019, a record at the time.

It was sold, also to Irsay, at a charity sale at Christie’s that netted $21.5 million for the environmental NGO ClientEarth.

$3.9 million: Eddie Van Halen’s Kramer

Eddie Van Halen’s custom-made Kramer electric guitar, which featured in the iconic music video for Van Halen’s “Hot For Teacher”, sold for $3.9 million at Sotheby’s in April 2023.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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The rapper and MC who was hired as the Creative Director of DJ Zinhle’s brand, Era in 2022, is now looking to shift her focus back to her music career. 

Also read: ‘Fighting back tears’: SA reacts to Moozlie’s breakup announcement

Moozlie is back in studio and can’t wait to share her music with the world again 

In an interview with TshisaLIVE, Moozlie shared that she has a few dope collaborations on the cards, and is excited about what’s to come. 

“It’s going to Baby Boy and Blanco. I’m back in the studio. I’m super thrilled. I’m sounding f**king crazy too if I can say so myself. 

I’m looking forward to collaborating. That’s how I’m going to get into this new year because my network is crazy. I could call anyone so I’m excited for what’s to come.”

Also read: ‘Competing with 2ks’: Clip of Moozlie twerking slammed

Working for Era has given her skills on another level 

The 31-year old says she plans to grow and evolve in 2024, and wants whatever she’s doing to be bigger than her. 

Moozlie doesn’t regret taking some time away from music to work on Era, saying she learnt so much about retail, the industry and marketing in the process. 

“I’ve always been an independent artist so I need to just take things one day at a time. 

Being a black female independent artist, ownership has been the most important thing for me and has taught me so much, especially having that tag in a male-dominated space in a world that’s so unfairly screwed towards females. 

As you grow and you evolve, you always want what you do to be bigger than you. 

With this I’ve been able to learn about retail on another level. I’ve been able to learn about marketing and that’s bigger than me.

I definitely have my days where I just want to be recognised as an equal, because I’m just a rapper, but nine days out of 10 I would rather you call me a female rapper, because being that, is what has given me a competitive edge and flair and I hope that young girls coming into the game don’t grow tired of it, because that’s what makes you different.”

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