Star-Studded Music and Fashion Event to Feature Recording Artist Seal,
Model Tyson Beckford and More
WASHINGTON, June 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A popular international
music and fashion festival designed to showcase the positive elements and
major improvements across the African continent will make its U.S. debut
later this summer.
THISDAY, Africa's leading daily newspaper and multi-media resource, has
boldly revolutionized the means through which awareness for African issues
is generated through the creation of its third annual star-studded music
and fashion event. Themed "Africa Rising," this year's festival will focus
on finding "sustainable solutions" rather than simply identifying the
"problems" facing Africa. Following the overwhelming success of the
festival - which performed in Africa over the past two years and is making
its UK debut this year - Nigerian media mogul Nduka Obaigbena has now
exported his brainchild event across the Atlantic. On The heels of two July
events in Nigeria, the U.S. show will unfold on Friday, August 1 at the
Kennedy Center For The Performing Arts in downtown Washington, DC. With a
star-studded lineup of performing artists and stars, this world-class
festival is designed to communicate positive images of Africa by showcasing
the renaissance of Africa's music, fashion and the arts. The continent's
culture will be on full display as patrons will live the true African
experience.
Confirmed headliners for the Kennedy Center event include Grammy Award
winning recording artist Seal along with American supermodel Tyson
Beckford. Additional A-list performers will be announced shortly for the
only North American stop in the series.
Other scheduled 2008 festival stops include Abuja, Nigeria (THISDAY
Dome, July 11th), Lagos, Nigeria (THISDAY Center, July 13th) and London
(Royal Albert Hall October 14th). Featured artists at this year's events
will include Jay-Z, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Rihanna, Fat Joe,
Naomi Campbell, Oluchi, Tyson Beckford, Youssou N'Dour, Liya Kebede, Alek
Wek, Ozwald Boateng, Chris Aire, 9ICE and Shank. Previous THISDAY events in
2006 and 2007 featured such performers as Lionel Richie, King Sunny Ade,
Diana Ross, Beyonce, Asa, Alicia Keys, P Diddy, Shakira, D'Banj, Snoop
Dogg, 2Face, John Legend, Missy Elliot, Ne-yo, Busta Rhymes, Ciara and
Kelly Rowland.
"Right now the international community seems to be dealing with the
symptoms not the problems of Africa," says Obaigbena. "The symptoms are
poverty and disease, but the problem is lack of social and physical
infrastructure. This initiative is to highlight the need to focus
sustainable solutions on the problems through massive investment in
infrastructure and microfinance in order to rebuild Africa from the ground
up. Europe is what it is today because after World War II the 'Marshall
Plan' took hold. It did not deal with poverty, it focused on rebuilding
Europe."
About "Africa Rising"
"Africa Rising" was first launched in 2006 under the direction of
THISDAY's Editor-in-Chief, Nduka Obaigbena. Its mission is not only to
reflect the culture and positive attributes of Africa's social, political
and economic progress, but also to reach out to the continent's diverse
population as well as the Diaspora and International communities.
About THISDAY
Leader's & Company Limited began trading in January 1995. Its flagship
newspaper, THISDAY, was first published on January 22, 1995. Despite
entering a crowded newspaper market, which was then home to more than 25
serious national dailies, 10 national news magazines and several
periodicals, THISDAY quickly established itself as Nigeria's premier
newspaper of record. In its first year of publication, it won the
prestigious Newspaper of the Year award, which it retained for three
consecutive years. Its editors and writers have also won several national
and international awards for news coverage, presentation and robust
commentary. Ever since its inception in 1995, THISDAY has fiercely guarded
the values of free enterprise, anchored on social justice and democracy.
Today, THISDAY has some 700 staff members in 38 offices across Nigeria.
It also maintains a bureau in Washington DC, from which it provides news on
Africa to a variety of global news organisations and agencies across all
platforms -- from online to broadcast. In Nigeria, THISDAY has a readership
of 5 million people. To learn more about THISDAY, please go to
http://www.thisdayonline.com.
See Also
Wednesday 25 June 2008
Wednesday 18 June 2008
Former Bush guitarist shepherding young band
LONDON (Billboard) - Former Bush frontman Gavin Rossdale is
not the only veteran of the British rock band with new product
on the racks.
Bush lead guitarist Nigel Pulsford, who exited in 2002, is
back as producer, arranger and occasional guitarist for U.K.
alt-rock outfit Furlined. The band issued its debut album,
"Love Comes in Canisters," in the U.K. in April, and is now
playing British clubs.
Bristol-based Furlined was formed by Pulsford's longtime
friend, singer/songwriter Neil Crossley, and classically
trained cellist Tegan Thomas in 2004, subsequently adding
bassist Graham Dalzell and drummer Greg White.
Despite having a producer whose band's U.S. sales are close
to 11 million albums, Crossley found record company interest
hard to attract. "I did approach a couple," he says, "but the
people I contacted were so negative." As a result he set up his
own label, Concave, and is also handling the band's management
and booking.
"To give yourself a chance in this business, you need to be
obsessive," Pulsford says. "When we started Bush, Gavin and I
worked so hard -- that's what Neil's had to do too."
Rossdale, meanwhile, released his debut solo album
"Wanderlust" last week.
Reuters/Billboard
not the only veteran of the British rock band with new product
on the racks.
Bush lead guitarist Nigel Pulsford, who exited in 2002, is
back as producer, arranger and occasional guitarist for U.K.
alt-rock outfit Furlined. The band issued its debut album,
"Love Comes in Canisters," in the U.K. in April, and is now
playing British clubs.
Bristol-based Furlined was formed by Pulsford's longtime
friend, singer/songwriter Neil Crossley, and classically
trained cellist Tegan Thomas in 2004, subsequently adding
bassist Graham Dalzell and drummer Greg White.
Despite having a producer whose band's U.S. sales are close
to 11 million albums, Crossley found record company interest
hard to attract. "I did approach a couple," he says, "but the
people I contacted were so negative." As a result he set up his
own label, Concave, and is also handling the band's management
and booking.
"To give yourself a chance in this business, you need to be
obsessive," Pulsford says. "When we started Bush, Gavin and I
worked so hard -- that's what Neil's had to do too."
Rossdale, meanwhile, released his debut solo album
"Wanderlust" last week.
Reuters/Billboard
Tuesday 17 June 2008
Shania Twain - Shania Tells Fans She Needs To Heal Broken Heart
Shania Twain has told her fans she needs time to mend her "broken heart" after her marriage to producer husband Robert 'Mutt' Lange ended.
The Man! I Feel Like A Woman star and her legendary producer husband were married in 1993, only six months after first meeting and are parents to Eja D'Angelo, their six-year-old son.
But a statement issued to People magazine confirmed they were to split, with subsequent rumours suggesting that Lange had been involved in an affair with Marie-Anne Thiebaud, a friend of Twain's, though these reports have been denied by both parties.
In a posting on her website, the country megastar has opened up about the pain of the split.
"As I am sure you have seen or heard; I am going through a rough time personally in my life," she wrote.
"I wanted you all to know that I could not be getting through this without you. Your letters, emails and words of encouragement give me strength."
She also thanked fans for their support which "reminds me to smile, no matter how deep the pain and to always be grateful for all the beautiful blessings in my life".
Twain, 42, achieved the third biggest-selling album ever with her 1997 effort Come On Over - produced by her husband - and is the only female artists to have three albums with sales of more than ten million copies, according to the Recording Industry Association of America.
Lange, 17 years Twain's senior, is one of the most successful rock music producers of all time, having worked with artists such as the Cars, Foreigner, Def Leppard and AC/DC, for whom he produced Back in Black, the fifth biggest-selling album of all time.
"I have so much to say but I know the best way for me to speak is through my music," she continued in her web posting.
"This is my therapy, my passion, and my love. I look forward to sharing it with all of you as I begin this new journey.
"I need some time to heal this broken heart but make no mistake; I will be back and hopefully stronger than ever. Thank you my friends, from the bottom of my heart."
06/06/2008 15:05:36
See Also
Harmonica University Opens Its Doors to English-Speaking Students
A big hit in China, this online harmonica instruction program now gives
emerging musicians worldwide a new way to learn
SYDNEY, Australia, June 3 -- When Tony Eyers, Ph.D. was
teaching at China's Zhengzhou University two years ago, he noticed a
serious problem: There was a major lack of music teaching resources but a
substantial market for learning. Motivated to fill the void, the
world-renowned harmonica player and instructor teamed up with a colleague
to translate harmonica lessons, music and information to the Mandarin
language.
With that material, Eyers created an online music instruction program
called Harmonica University. Today, the course serves 17,000 Chinese
members and has been such a hit that Eyers just launched "Harmonica
University" in English. Now open for enrollment, Harmonica University
(http://www.harmonicauniversity.com) offers beginner, intermediate and
advanced harmonica instruction with its freshman- through senior-level
courses.
"It's blown me away just how successful the Chinese version of
Harmonica University has been, and I'm thrilled to debut this concept in
English," Eyers says. "Considering that much of the world has Internet
access and speaks English, Harmonica University fills the gap for a
comprehensive online harmonica course in this language. It's now available
to virtually everyone, no matter a person's interest or skill level."
Structured like a four-year college, Harmonica University offers online
enrollment, an 81-lesson program, and an online graduation exam that's
challenging even for expert musicians. It's also unique in that it allows
students to learn at their pace and study the music of their choosing.
While many harmonica courses are limited to learning through blues music
only, Harmonica University offers instruction and practicing opportunities
in many genres -- everything from bluegrass to hip hop. Also, each course
offers strength-building exercises, much like weight training at a gym.
What's more, Harmonica University has online high-tech audio players with a
"hear it, then play it" approach and features 1,000+ audio tracks.
"With its cutting-edge technology, user-friendly experience and diverse
coursework, Harmonica University is attractive to people of all ages, types
and learning styles," Eyers says. "You can even 'play' with bands before
doing so in real life, thanks to special backing tracks that simulate
playing alongside others."
Enrolled members receive a free download of the Tony Eyers CD, "Black
Mountain Harmonica." For more information, visit
http://www.harmonicauniversity.com.
About Harmonica University
Harmonica University offers multimedia online harmonica instruction,
music and information in English. It's designed for beginner through
advanced learners using a familiar university format of freshman- through
senior-level courses.
The brainchild of Tony Eyers, an Australian native, a harmonica
instructor and world-renowned musician, Harmonica University was founded in
China, where Eyers successfully launched a Mandarin-language version of his
online program. With an electronics undergraduate degree from Yale
University, an education diploma, a telecommunications-engineering
doctorate, and an extensive background in harmonica playing and
instruction, Eyers has applied his expert skills to create Harmonica
University. This cutting-edge website provides harmonica instruction
virtually anywhere in the world.
Contact:
Tony Eyers
Founder, Harmonica University
Sydney, Australia
61.2.9086.9098
tony.eyers@harmonicauniversity.com
This release was issued through eReleases (TM). For more information,
visit http://www.ereleases.com.
See Also
emerging musicians worldwide a new way to learn
SYDNEY, Australia, June 3 -- When Tony Eyers, Ph.D. was
teaching at China's Zhengzhou University two years ago, he noticed a
serious problem: There was a major lack of music teaching resources but a
substantial market for learning. Motivated to fill the void, the
world-renowned harmonica player and instructor teamed up with a colleague
to translate harmonica lessons, music and information to the Mandarin
language.
With that material, Eyers created an online music instruction program
called Harmonica University. Today, the course serves 17,000 Chinese
members and has been such a hit that Eyers just launched "Harmonica
University" in English. Now open for enrollment, Harmonica University
(http://www.harmonicauniversity.com) offers beginner, intermediate and
advanced harmonica instruction with its freshman- through senior-level
courses.
"It's blown me away just how successful the Chinese version of
Harmonica University has been, and I'm thrilled to debut this concept in
English," Eyers says. "Considering that much of the world has Internet
access and speaks English, Harmonica University fills the gap for a
comprehensive online harmonica course in this language. It's now available
to virtually everyone, no matter a person's interest or skill level."
Structured like a four-year college, Harmonica University offers online
enrollment, an 81-lesson program, and an online graduation exam that's
challenging even for expert musicians. It's also unique in that it allows
students to learn at their pace and study the music of their choosing.
While many harmonica courses are limited to learning through blues music
only, Harmonica University offers instruction and practicing opportunities
in many genres -- everything from bluegrass to hip hop. Also, each course
offers strength-building exercises, much like weight training at a gym.
What's more, Harmonica University has online high-tech audio players with a
"hear it, then play it" approach and features 1,000+ audio tracks.
"With its cutting-edge technology, user-friendly experience and diverse
coursework, Harmonica University is attractive to people of all ages, types
and learning styles," Eyers says. "You can even 'play' with bands before
doing so in real life, thanks to special backing tracks that simulate
playing alongside others."
Enrolled members receive a free download of the Tony Eyers CD, "Black
Mountain Harmonica." For more information, visit
http://www.harmonicauniversity.com.
About Harmonica University
Harmonica University offers multimedia online harmonica instruction,
music and information in English. It's designed for beginner through
advanced learners using a familiar university format of freshman- through
senior-level courses.
The brainchild of Tony Eyers, an Australian native, a harmonica
instructor and world-renowned musician, Harmonica University was founded in
China, where Eyers successfully launched a Mandarin-language version of his
online program. With an electronics undergraduate degree from Yale
University, an education diploma, a telecommunications-engineering
doctorate, and an extensive background in harmonica playing and
instruction, Eyers has applied his expert skills to create Harmonica
University. This cutting-edge website provides harmonica instruction
virtually anywhere in the world.
Contact:
Tony Eyers
Founder, Harmonica University
Sydney, Australia
61.2.9086.9098
tony.eyers@harmonicauniversity.com
This release was issued through eReleases (TM). For more information,
visit http://www.ereleases.com.
See Also
The Game Drops New Album LAX July 22
Featuring: Lil' Wayne, Kanye West, Common, Ne-Yo, Ludacris, Ice Cube
SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 16 -- Platinum-selling rapper
and West Coast champion The Game is set to release his third major-label
album LAX on July 22nd on Geffen Records. The first single "Game's Pain"
featuring Keyshia Cole has already stormed the charts; the video directed
by Rage reached #1 on BET's 106 & Park countdown. "Game's Pain" is the
artist at his observant, insightful best: surveying hip-hop's landscape
from his lyrical peak. Keyshia Cole's uplifting vocals soar over production
fire from Knobody and Dahoud.
The Game returns to the cracked pavement, the album's street single,
"Dope Boys," with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker showing off his own trap
work on the track. The song is produced by rising L.A. stars 1500 or
Nothin'. An accompanying video is in the works.
Elsewhere, LAX shows off The Game's best talents. Lil' Wayne checks in
on "My Life," produced by Cool & Dre. Chicago stands up on "Angel" with
Kanye West at the helm and Common on the mic. Meanwhile, Ne-Yo blesses a
pair of songs: "Camera Phone" also from Cool & Dre, as well as J.R. Rotem's
"A Thug and a Gentleman." Scott Storch cooks up two summer sizzlers: "Let
Us Live" featuring Chrissette Michelle and "Put Ya Hands Up" with Busta
Rhymes.
Hip-hop greats Ice Cube -- "State of Emergency" by J.R.Rotem -- and
Raekwon -- Jellyroll's "Bulletproof Diaries" -- likewise weigh in. R&B is
equally well represented: Bilal on "Cali Sunshine," produced by Nottz, and
Raheem DeVaughn on "Touchdown." Nottz also lays the licks for loudmouth
Ludacris on the appropriately titled "Ya Heard." Other songs of note
include "Nice" by Irv Gotti, "House of Pain" by anthemic Atlantan DJ Toomp,
and "Letter to the King" produced by Hi-Tek.
Quite a mouthful. But that's the Game's specialty: giving the audience
more than it can possibly handle. Come July 22, LAX is set to raise the
bar. Again. The Game is most definitely on.
See Also
SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 16 -- Platinum-selling rapper
and West Coast champion The Game is set to release his third major-label
album LAX on July 22nd on Geffen Records. The first single "Game's Pain"
featuring Keyshia Cole has already stormed the charts; the video directed
by Rage reached #1 on BET's 106 & Park countdown. "Game's Pain" is the
artist at his observant, insightful best: surveying hip-hop's landscape
from his lyrical peak. Keyshia Cole's uplifting vocals soar over production
fire from Knobody and Dahoud.
The Game returns to the cracked pavement, the album's street single,
"Dope Boys," with Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker showing off his own trap
work on the track. The song is produced by rising L.A. stars 1500 or
Nothin'. An accompanying video is in the works.
Elsewhere, LAX shows off The Game's best talents. Lil' Wayne checks in
on "My Life," produced by Cool & Dre. Chicago stands up on "Angel" with
Kanye West at the helm and Common on the mic. Meanwhile, Ne-Yo blesses a
pair of songs: "Camera Phone" also from Cool & Dre, as well as J.R. Rotem's
"A Thug and a Gentleman." Scott Storch cooks up two summer sizzlers: "Let
Us Live" featuring Chrissette Michelle and "Put Ya Hands Up" with Busta
Rhymes.
Hip-hop greats Ice Cube -- "State of Emergency" by J.R.Rotem -- and
Raekwon -- Jellyroll's "Bulletproof Diaries" -- likewise weigh in. R&B is
equally well represented: Bilal on "Cali Sunshine," produced by Nottz, and
Raheem DeVaughn on "Touchdown." Nottz also lays the licks for loudmouth
Ludacris on the appropriately titled "Ya Heard." Other songs of note
include "Nice" by Irv Gotti, "House of Pain" by anthemic Atlantan DJ Toomp,
and "Letter to the King" produced by Hi-Tek.
Quite a mouthful. But that's the Game's specialty: giving the audience
more than it can possibly handle. Come July 22, LAX is set to raise the
bar. Again. The Game is most definitely on.
See Also
The Alarm
Artist: The Alarm
Genre(s):
Rock
Discography:
The Best Of The Alarm
Year: 2006
Tracks: 18
In The Poppy Fields
Year: 2004
Tracks: 12
Miley Cyrus - Cyrus Scraps Gig
George Carlin to receive Mark Twain humour prize
WASHINGTON - George Carlin will be awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts said Tuesday that Carlin will be honoured for his 50-year career as a Grammy-winning standup comedian, writer and actor. He will be the 11th recipient of the award.
It will be presented Nov. 10 at a tribute performance that will be televised by PBS.
Kennedy Center chairman Stephen Schwarzman says Carlin makes people laugh but also makes them think.
Carlin has released 22 solo albums and three bestselling books. He starred in a variety of TV and movie roles and is famous for his "Seven Dirty Words" routine.
Past recipients of the prize include Billy Crystal, Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Martin and Neil Simon.
See Also
Axwell, Laidback Luke, Angello, Ingrosso
Artist: Axwell, Laidback Luke, Angello, Ingrosso
Genre(s):
House
Discography:
Get Dumb
Year: 2007
Tracks: 3
Tina Turner unveils first concert tour in 8 years
Numina and Caul
Artist: Numina and Caul
Genre(s):
Ambient
Discography:
Inside The Hollow Realm
Year: 2004
Tracks: 12
Oasis confirm new album release
Oasis have confirmed that their new album will be out in the autumn.
Although no official date has been set for the release Noel Gallagher told Russell Brand's Radio 2 show that the band will be releasing their as-yet-untitled-album in September.
The Oasis guitarist refused to be drawn on the exact date, claiming "his manager" would tell him off for messing up the launch by letting the date just slip out.
As previously reported on NME.COM three songs reportedly from the new album were leaked online.
Links to downloads of 'I Wanna Live A Dream (In My Record Machine)', 'Nothin On Me' and Stop The Clocks appeared on messageboards, fansites and YouTube earlier this month.
Although no official date has been set for the release Noel Gallagher told Russell Brand's Radio 2 show that the band will be releasing their as-yet-untitled-album in September.
The Oasis guitarist refused to be drawn on the exact date, claiming "his manager" would tell him off for messing up the launch by letting the date just slip out.
As previously reported on NME.COM three songs reportedly from the new album were leaked online.
Links to downloads of 'I Wanna Live A Dream (In My Record Machine)', 'Nothin On Me' and Stop The Clocks appeared on messageboards, fansites and YouTube earlier this month.
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