Latest news with #Afro-pop
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Free summer events: Capoeira class, ‘Cowboy Carter' contest, and more
ROCK AND ROLL Children, adults, and dogs alike are welcome at the Kendall/MIT Open Space for a day of play. This week's Play+ event is DIY pet rocks: Organizers provide crafting materials and the activity will be guided by Open Space Programming staff. Indulge in more fresh air fun with a variety of board and lawn games, including cornhole, hopscotch, and Bananagrams. July 29, 5-7 p.m. Kendall/MIT Open Space, 292 Main St., Cambridge. Advertisement Attendees can paint pet rocks at the Kendall/MIT Open Space on Tuesday, among other activities. Noah Phoenix/MIT Open Space Programming Advertisement WORK IT OUT Working out can sometimes feel isolating — Wednesdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Speare Diamond, Huntington Avenue. NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM On the last Thursday of each month, the Harvard Art Museums stay open for a bit of after-hours fun. A DJ takes over the historic courtyard, and attendees can take part in a scavenger hunt or painting and coloring activities. If you want a more peaceful night to explore the museums further, guided tours of their 50-plus galleries will be available throughout the night. July 31, 5-9 p.m. Harvard Art Museums, 32 Quincy St., Cambridge. North End Music & Performing Arts Center holds its Jazz in the Park series on Thursdays during the summer. Benjamin Rose Photography FRESH TUNES The North End Music & Performing Arts Center presents its seasonal Jazz in the Park series, which hosts free concerts by the Boston Public Market. On Thursday, Albino Mbie, who was raised in Mozambique and graduated from Berklee, will bring his unique blend of Afro-pop and jazz infused with Mozambican influences. July 31, 6:30-8 p.m. Rose Kennedy Greenway, Cross and Hanover streets. Free performances will take place in Seven Hills Park for this year's Somer Fest. Colgan B. Johnson/1981andCo FUNK AND GAMES Right by the MBTA's Davis stop, the Seven Hills Park will be host to four music acts — funk, hip-hop, singer-songwriter, and a DJ — playing a variety of family-friendly music by artists of color. Concertgoers can also play giant Jenga, Connect Four, and cornhole, or grab a lawn chair and enjoy the show. Vendors selling Salvadoran food and Vietnamese fusion drinks will also be present. Aug. 2, 3-5 p.m. Seven Hills Park, Davis Square, Somerville. Advertisement YOUR FIRST RODEO Find some Southern hospitality south of South Boston at the third annual Family Day Rodeo Event, where you'll be greeted by a live DJ, a mechanical bull, bouncy houses, face paints, and rodeo-themed photo booths. If you're looking to show off your brims, boots, and buckles, you can compete in a runway show where Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter' is the theme. All activities and attractions are free, but Caribbean and soul food, ice cream, and lemonade will be available for purchase from food trucks on site. Aug. 3, 1-6 p.m. Reverend Loesch Family Park, 20 Wainwright St. Ryan Yau can be reached at
The South African
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
10 South African artists - and their REAL names
South Africa is home to a wealth of musical talent that has captured local and international audiences across genres ranging from Amapiano to hip-hop and gospel. While fans know them by their stage names, many may be surprised to learn their real names behind the fame. Award-winning rapper Cassper Nyovest was born Refiloe Maele Phoolo, and the late hip-hop star AKA was Kiernan Jarryd Forbes. These household names have become synonymous with South Africa's urban music explosion, yet their real identities reveal their personal roots and cultural heritage. Afro-pop sensation Makhadzi, whose energetic performances have won hearts across the continent, is officially Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona. Meanwhile, Nasty C, one of the country's biggest rap exports, was born Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo. In the realm of dance and house music, DJ Black Coffee – whose beats echo in clubs from Ibiza to New York – goes by Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo. Similarly, Master KG, known globally for the viral hit Jerusalema , is Kgaogelo Moagi. The Amapiano wave has brought new names to the forefront, including Focalistic ( Lethabo Sebetso ), Young Stunna ( Sandile Msimango ), and Lady Du ( Dudu Ngwenya ), who continue to dominate streaming platforms and local radio. On the gospel front, artists like Kelly Khumalo ( Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo ) and Nomcebo Zikode ( Nomcebo Nothule Nkwanyana ) blend spirituality with powerful vocals, contributing to the country's rich musical diversity. Cassper Nyovest – Refiloe Maele Phoolo – AKA – Kiernan Jarryd Forbes (late) – (late) Nasty C – Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo – Black Coffee – Nkosinathi Innocent Maphumulo – Makhadzi – Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona – Sho Madjozi – Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif – Boity – Boitumelo Thulo – Kwesta – Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi – Tyla – Tyla Laura Seethal – Focalistic – Lethabo Sebetso DJ Zinhle – Zinhle Jiyane – Big Zulu – Siyabonga Nene – Young Stunna – Sandile Msimango – Sjava – Jabulani Hadebe – K.O – Ntokozo Mdluli – Moonchild Sanelly – Sanelisiwe Twisha – Kelly Khumalo – Kelly Nonhlanhla Khumalo – Prince Kaybee – Kabelo Motsamai – DJ Maphorisa – Themba Sekowe – Zakes Bantwini – Zakhele Madida – Nomcebo Zikode – Nomcebo Nothule Nkwanyana – Master KG – Kgaogelo Moagi – Musa Keys – Musa Makamu – Lady Du – Dudu Ngwenya 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.
Boston Globe
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
From doo-wop to hip-hop, ‘Weird Al' Yankovic brought ludicrous range to Boston
Cool enough, at least, for the Boch Center Wang Theatre – sold out and packed to the rafters with Hawaiian shirts – to cheer at the very sight of one on Tuesday. Also extraordinary was the ludicrously wide-ranging span of musical styles covered in a single concert, from doo-wop to hip-hop, punk to funk, and boy-band to Afro-pop and Bach. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Yankovic's not-so-secret weapons have always been his own ears − not just for trends, but for sounds − and his longtime band's staggering versatility and skill. Augmented by four additional musicians who gleefully threw themselves into silliness while still showcasing their chops, the group nailed every note. Advertisement And silliness there was. Some of it was dead simple, like the 'Polkamania!' medley of recent-ish hits that provided the video image of Bruno Mars and his crew slickly dancing to a polkafied version of 'Uptown Funk,' and offered creative cat-sound workarounds to the explicit title of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's song 'WAP.' Advertisement 'Weird Al' Yankovic (right) plays the accordion alongside his touring bandmate and guitarist Jim West during'Bigger and Weirder' 2025 Tour at the Boch Center Wang Theatre on Tuesday. Ben Pennington/for The Boston Globe Other parts were a great deal more elaborate, like when the stage was covered in stormtroopers and droids for the 'Star Wars' summations 'Yoda' and 'The Saga Begins.' Neither song, strictly speaking, had many jokes, but Yankovic's instincts were sharp enough to know that straightforward retellings of the movies' events using the tunes of warhorses like 'Lola' and 'American Pie' offered plenty of comedic juice. Unfortunately for songs like 'White & Nerdy,' 'Everything You Know Is Wrong,' and 'Dare to Be Stupid' – which all relied on a breathless barrage of words and imagery – the sound mix was muddled enough that anyone who didn't already know the words by heart (which was unlikely) might have struggled to pick up on them. Though 'Mission Statement' (corporate-speak gobbledygook filtered through Crosby, Stills & Nash) and 'Word Crimes' (Robin Thicke for 'Elements Of Style' pedants) were helpfully accompanied by lyric videos. 'Weird Al' Yankovic performs 'Dare to Be Stupid' as a part of his 'Bigger and Weirder' 2025 Tour at the Boch Center Wang Theatre. Ben Pennington/for The Boston Globe A few performances seemed iffy in a modern context, none more than fooling around with 'It's All About The Pentiums' – a parody the song 'It's All About the Benjamins' – two weeks after the Sean Combs He even gave advice on how to address him in public with Paul Simon's 'You Can Call Me Al,' played dead straight by the singer and his crack band. In that moment, Yankovic was simply a guy in love with pop music. 'Weird Al' Yankovic holds his microphone toward an audience member during a performance in his 'Bigger and Weirder' 2025 Tour at the Boch Center Wang Theatre on Tuesday. Ben Pennington/for The Boston Globe 'WEIRD AL' YANKOVIC Advertisement With Puddles Pity Party. At the Boch Center Wang Theatre, Tuesday. Marc Hirsh can be reached at or on Bluesky @ Here's the setlist from Tuesday night, according to
The Citizen
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Khutsong's Lisa Dawn shines bright as a rising star in local music scene
A powerful new voice is emerging from the heart of Khutsong township. At just 24 years old, Nthabiseng Diratsagae, known on stage as Lisa Dawn, is quickly gaining attention as one of the most promising young talents in the local entertainment scene. The name 'Lisa Dawn' has a special meaning for the singer-songwriter. 'It started from a primary school play where I played a character named Elizabeth,' she shared. 'Everyone called me Lisa, and later I added 'Dawn' because I believe I bring light—just like the morning dawn.' Raised in the North West, Lisa describes her childhood as vibrant and creative. She was actively involved in sports such as netball and sang in both her church and school choir. 'I used to sing during Sunday school and would lead songs during school assembly. Music has always been a part of me,' she said with a smile. Lisa began writing her own songs in high school around 2018 after meeting rapper Sean Blunt at a school event. He introduced her to a local recording studio, marking the beginning of her professional music journey. 'It was tough at first. The studio setup was new, and I was still discovering my own style,' she admitted. 'I'm an R&B singer at heart, but I love exploring different genres.' After a brief hiatus from recording due to feeling stuck in her progress, Lisa continued performing live and eventually returned to the studio. She collaborated on an Afro-pop track with Mgani The Vocalist, which received enthusiastic feedback from her local community. She later formed a trio called Soul Healers, recording more songs, but after a creative conflict within the group, Lisa felt rejected and decided to relocate to Carletonville in 2022. There, her music journey flourished once again. She began working with Johannesburg-based producer Wizi Beats and was featured by an artist known as Finest. Her growing network also led her to collaborate with Carletonville singer King Much Luv, who featured her in a music video that aired on national television—a major milestone in her budding career. Lisa is currently working on her debut album and plans to release several singles in the coming months. She is not only a passionate singer and songwriter but also aspires to become a successful businesswoman. Her message to young girls who dream of entering the music industry is one of self-belief: 'Be authentic, choose a platform where you feel safe to express yourself, and always listen to your inner voice,' she says. 'And above all—pray.' Lisa was recently recognized at the Merafong City Music Awards for her dedication and contribution to the local music industry. Connect with Lisa Dawn: 📱 Facebook: Nthabiseng Lisa 📸 Instagram: @lisa_dawn090 At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Afro-pop singer AllOver I reveals musical inspirations and his new project
Afro-pop sensation Mxolisi Ngcobo, better known by his stage name AllOver I, is making waves in the local music scene with his heartfelt and socially conscious sound. The rising star recently opened up about the musical influences that shaped his journey and the powerful message behind his latest project. Speaking to TshisaLIVE, AllOver I revealed that his passion for music was sparked by international hip-hop icon 50 Cent. 'Growing up, 50 Cent's resilience and his come-up story spoke to me. His confidence and how he turned his pain into power inspired me to do the same with my story,' he said. On the home front, he draws influence from kwaito legend Zola 7, who is widely celebrated for using music as a tool for empowerment and storytelling. 'Zola 7 was that voice for the voiceless. He made us believe that no matter where you come from, your story matters. That stayed with me.' AllOver I's latest project Ukubona Abantu Abacindezelwa explores the struggles faced by everyday South Africans. The title, which loosely translates to 'seeing the oppressed people,' reflects a core theme of resilience and hope. 'The inspiration came from seeing people who are constantly beaten down by life — by poverty, by unemployment, by personal loss — but somehow they rise. Bouncing back, sophumelela as if akaze kwabheda (they succeed as if things were never bad),' he said. Blending smooth Afro-pop melodies with lyrical depth, AllOver I hopes his music will uplift listeners and spark conversations about healing and survival. 'This is for the people who keep going even when life doesn't make it easy. I want them to know I see them, and they're not alone.' With an ever-growing fan base and authentic storytelling at the heart of his music, AllOver I is a name to watch in the Afro-pop landscape.
