logo
Rihanna drops new music for ‘The Smurfs'

Rihanna drops new music for ‘The Smurfs'

The Citizen15-05-2025

The new single will be released this Friday.
While fans are still eagerly awaiting Rihanna's long-anticipated ninth studio album, the global superstar has announced a new track titled Friend of Mine.
The singer's new single was unveiled in the trailer for the upcoming Smurfs movie on Wednesday.
The film will hit cinemas on 18 July this year, with Rihanna voicing the character of Smurfette.
ALSO READ: Rapper Tory Lanez recovering after being stabbed 14 times in prison
Rihanna's first musical release since 2022
The full track of Friend of Mine, set to be released this Friday, marks Rihanna's first musical release since 2022's Lift Me Up.
Since the release of her 2016 album Anti, Rihanna has only occasionally dropped singles.
Over the years, she has shifted her focus to building her billion-dollar Fenty empire, which spans beauty, skincare, and lingerie.
The Kiss It Better hitmaker has also been focusing on growing her family with partner A$AP Rocky.
The couple, already parents to two sons, revealed they are expecting a third child at the 2025 Met Gala last week.
A source close to the couple told People that Rihanna and Rocky were thrilled to grow their family.
'Rihanna has always wanted a big family, so she couldn't be more excited. Rihanna and Rocky are thrilled to be growing their family, and they can't wait to give their boys another sibling. They wanted to have their children close together in age, so that they could grow up together and share a close bond,' the source said.
NOW READ: 'After judging us, please pray for us': Uzalo actor Vusi Mdiniso denies rumours he's homeless

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Celebrating 20 years of music: the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival
Celebrating 20 years of music: the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival

IOL News

time7 hours ago

  • IOL News

Celebrating 20 years of music: the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival

Kevin Harris whose specially commissioned work 'RESONANCE' will receive its world premiere at SICMF Image: Robert Torres The Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF) is set to captivate audiences as it celebrates its 20th anniversary with an extraordinary line-up of concerts, masterclasses, and performances from 4 to 13 July at the US Konservatorium in Stellenbosch. Among the highlights of this prestigious festival is the world premiere of "RESONANCE," an original composition by acclaimed Boston-based jazz pianist Kevin Harris, scheduled for 8 July. Harris's piece is a contemporary symphonic reflection inspired by the words and actions of anti-Apartheid activist Steve Biko, a titan of the Black Consciousness movement. Drawing from Biko's written works, Harris's composition offers a profound exploration of social justice, encouraging audiences to look beyond the surface into the stories of those often relegated to the shadows, encouraging audiences to look beyond the surface into the stories of those often relegated to the shadows. 'It's an invitation for audiences to reflect on those who suffer in the shadows while also upsetting those who comfortably benefit from status quo,' Harris explained. Kevin Harris who will pay homage to Steve Biko at the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival (SICMF Image: Robert Torres Artistic Director Nina Schumann has consistently used the SICMF platform to spotlight anti-Apartheid voices, ensuring that legacies like Biko's remain alive in the public consciousness. This year's festival is no exception; Harris's world premiere continues a commendable tradition that has previously featured the works of revered activists and artists. The SICMF has become known for commissioning compositions that resonate deeply with South African history and culture. Past premieres include poignant tributes to figures such as Denis Goldberg and Johnny Clegg. The festival strives to weave historical narratives and music into an enlightening tapestry that educates and inspires future generations. This year, Kevin Harris will be accompanied by spoken word artist Namisa Mdlalose, with a rhythm section featuring Lumanyano Biza on drums and Stephen de Souza on bass. The piece will be conducted by Xandi van Dijk, with a faculty ensemble from SICMF contributing to the rich, hybrid musical experience that brings together classical and jazz traditions. Also a dedicated educator, Harris will host workshops focusing on contemporary improvisational methods for classical performers, aiming to bridge the gap between jazz and classical disciplines. His innovative approach has shown promising results, enabling musicians trained in the European classical tradition to explore their own improvisational creativity. "RESONANCE" benefits from the generous support of the Ernst von Siemens Foundation, which has also facilitated several unique premieres on the 2025 SICMF programme, ensuring ongoing growth and diversity within the chamber music landscape. As the festival unfolds in Stellenbosch, attendees can expect not just a celebration of music, but a meaningful engagement with the histories that shape our present.

North Coast teacher makes global debut in local film
North Coast teacher makes global debut in local film

The Citizen

time20 hours ago

  • The Citizen

North Coast teacher makes global debut in local film

Lloyd Primary School teacher Sfiso Fakazi (51) has made an international breakthrough from the classroom to the silverscreen with the local film Treasure Hunt. The film will be screened at the American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in Miami Beach, Florida, from June 11-15. Before his leap onto the international stage, Sfiso had been dedicated to teaching Creative Arts since 2007. His passion for the arts has opened doors to acting roles in some of South Africa's most popular TV shows, including Uzalo, Imbewu, Sibongile and Dlamini and Disaster Holiday (now streaming on Netflix). In Treasure Hunt, he plays a supporting role as a jewellery shop owner who encounters a young thug attempting to sell a stolen necklace. Treasure Hunt, written and directed by filmmaker Chim Onyebilanma, follows the gripping journey of a reformed ex-convict who discovers a stash of jewellery hidden in a rubbish bin – only to find himself pursued by dangerous criminals. Shot in Embo, a small township nestled within the Valley of a Thousand Hills in KwaZulu-Natal, the film captures the tension and texture of township life while telling a story with universal appeal. The film features some of South Africa's top talent, including Moopi Mothibeli, Muzi Mthabela, Trevor Gumbi, Zane Meas and Samukele Mkhize, with cinematography by renowned international filmmaker Isaac Alongi. Beyond acting, Sfiso also serves as a co-ordinator for the KwaDukuza circuit's quiz, drama and indigenous competitions. He sees this opportunity as a beacon of hope for his pupils, to show them that thier dreams are within reach. 'I am beyond excited to rub shoulders with acting giants in the film industry and to be an example to the pupils I teach. You can do it all if you set your mind to it. Working hard and training hard is the way to go,' he said. Sfiso spent about a month on set, managing the delicate balance between his responsibilities as a teacher and the demands of filming. Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news. Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you're on desktop, scan the QR code below. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading! Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here

Hollywood star Jared Leto under fire for misconduct allegations
Hollywood star Jared Leto under fire for misconduct allegations

The South African

time4 days ago

  • The South African

Hollywood star Jared Leto under fire for misconduct allegations

Hollywood actor Jared Leto, known for his roles in films like House of Gucci and Suicide Squad , now finds himself at the centre of serious allegations. Nine women have come forward accusing the 53-year-old star of predatory and inappropriate behaviour. Some are even claiming the incidents occurred when they were minors. The controversy reignited recently after Los Angeles DJ Allie Teilz shared a decade-old Facebook post on Instagram. She alleged that Leto tried to force himself on her backstage when she was just 17. 'He knew my age and didn't care,' Teilz said. 'What he did was predatory, terrifying and unacceptable.' She described the encounter vividly: 'You're not really in L.A. until Jared Leto tries to force himself on you… in a kilt and a snow hat'. Model Laura La Rue also spoke out, recounting an unsettling experience from 2008 when she was 16. She said Leto asked her age and, despite knowing she was underage, asked for her phone number, according to People. La Rue recalled visiting his Los Angeles home in 2009, where he allegedly flirted and teased her. She also claimed that when she was 17, Jared Leto once walked out of a room completely naked. 'I thought maybe that's just what grown men did,' she said. Another woman described a disturbing incident where Leto, during a visit to his home, exposed himself and masturbated in front of her after she turned 18. He reportedly grabbed her hand and asked her to spit on him. The woman also said their relationship began with flirty texts while she was still underage. Leto's representatives have strongly denied all allegations. A spokesperson said the communications with La Rue 'contain nothing sexual or inappropriate' and claimed she later applied to be Leto's assistant, which La Rue denies. Regarding Teilz's accusations, the rep called them 'demonstrably false.' The actor himself has yet to comment publicly on the matter. One anonymous accuser told Air Mail , 'It's been an open secret for a long time.' The flood of claims against Jared Leto underscores the need for deeper scrutiny and justice in Hollywood and beyond. As this story develops, it will be crucial to watch how the actor responds and what legal or industry actions follow. Meanwhile, the voices of these women demand attention and respect, urging a culture of transparency and safety for all. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store