Latest news with #Afrobeat
Associated Press
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
New Music Alert Heart On Fire from Afrobeat Pop and Electronic Artist Mr Chichi
Track Title: Heart On Fire Genre: Afrobeat, Pop, EDM Launch Date: Out Now! ISRC Code: TCAJN2595159 GERMANY, June 2, 2025 / / -- International artist Mr. Chichi is quickly making a name for himself with his electrifying fusion of Afrobeat rhythms and electronic dance energy that delivers a fresh, global sound. Born in Nigeria and now based in Germany, Mr. Chichi draws deeply from his cultural roots while embracing the dynamic influences of his new environment. Sound Train pulses with the infectious energy of African beats, seamlessly woven with Western dance music elements to create a rhythm that is both vibrant and irresistible. Known for his dynamic blend of Afrobeat, pop, and electronic styles, Mr. Chichi infuses every track with authentic storytelling and a passion for cross-cultural connection. With catchy melodies, high-energy beats, and a message that transcends borders, his first single, Sound Train is crafted to bring people together on the dance floor—and beyond. Building on the momentum of Sound Train, is Mr. Chichi's highly anticipated second single, Heart on Fire. This track delivers an even deeper emotional connection, blending heartfelt lyrics with his signature Afrobeat and electronic fusion. Heart on Fire showcases Mr. Chichi's evolving artistry and his commitment to creating music that resonates on a global scale, setting the stage for the next exciting chapter of his career. Emerging from a rich cultural heritage, Mr. Chichi is on a mission to share Afrobeat with the world, fusing tradition with innovation to create a sound that resonates with global audiences. From the lively streets of Nigeria to the vibrant music scenes of Germany, he is building an international fan base that connects with his genre-blending style and universal spirit. With Sound Train and the upcoming Heart on Fire, Mr. Chichi raises the bar for Afrobeat fusion, inviting listeners everywhere to join him on a journey of rhythm, unity, and freedom. Experience the sound lighting up dance floors and playlists worldwide from Mr. Chichi! Contact Mr Chichi at [email protected] and please mention Radio Pluggers! David Wiltsher Radio Pluggers + +44 7552 531612 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
How Beéle's Caribbean Aura Turned Him Into Colombia's Breakout Star
Beéle was 12 years old when he discovered 'Aye' by Nigerian-American artist Davido — a song he says immediately connected him with the Afrobeat genre. 'I felt the vibe and started writing notes and poems,' he tells Billboard. 'It was my way of disconnecting from the world. I preferred doing that and practicing my guitar to going out and playing with my friends.' More from Billboard Zak Starkey Rubbishes Reports He Retired from The Who, Insists He Was 'Fired' Lorde Makes Surprise Appearance at Aotearoa Music Awards Bone Thugs-N-Harmony Perform 1996 Hit 'Tha Crossroads' on 'Everybody's Live' His native Barranquilla — located on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, and which is also home to Shakira and Joe Arroyo — has also influenced the Latin Afrobeat and pop-dancehall sound he's known for today. 'I grew up in a family where salsa, champeta, and African music from the 80s and 90s were heavily influenced,' he explains. 'I grew up surrounded by that culture and by a working-class neighborhood in Barranquilla, where I found my place over time. I understood that everything that made me proud of where I come from and the freedom to express myself perfectly reflects my personality and who I truly am.' At 16, the artist born Brandon de Jesús López Orozco (Beéle is the pronunciation of his initials BL), released his debut single 'Loco' under Hear This Music — a feel-good, suave Afrobeats groove backed by his deep, melodic vocals. Its remix, featuring Farruko, Natti Natasha, and Manuel Turizo — and released in the midst of the 2020 pandemic — earned the emerging act his first Billboard chart entry, reaching No. 18 on the Latin Digital Song Sales chart. Since then, the Colombian artist has carved his sound path in the industry by teaming up with artists such as Feid, Rauw Alejandro, Myke Towers, Maluma and Piso 21. His 2023 collaboration with Sebastian Yatra and Manuel Turizo, 'Vagabundo,' marked his first No. 1 hit on both the Latin Airplay and Latin Pop Airplay charts. This year, 'Mi Refe' with Ovy on the Drums peaked at No. 8 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart and 'La Plena (W Sound 05)' with W Sound and Ovy on the Drums gave him his first No. 1 on the Billboard Argentina Hot 100 chart. 'One day in the studio, I stopped, looked in the mirror to see who I was, and from there I said, I love this,' he expresses. 'What I wanted to show the world is that beyond being an artist, I want them to feel what I feel. From then on, my career has been created by that musical and diverse explosion that defines me. All along, I've tried not to look like anyone else.' Earlier this month, Beéle released his debut studio album Borondo (5020 Records), home to 26 tracks, including 'Dios Me Oyó' with Marc Anthony. The set marked the artist's debut on the Billboard album charts, bowing at No. 10 on Top Latin Albums and No. 4 on Top Latin Rhythm Albums on the lists dated May 31. 'My encounter with music has always been unexpected,' he says. 'For me, music is a connection to my everyday life. I've had to live the way I live to be able to make the songs I'm making. I express myself. My heart speaks, my emotions speak, and they connect with the audience. I don't just make music, I make art.' Below, learn more about May's Billboard Latin Artist on the Rise: Name: Brandon de Jesús López Orozco Age: 22 Recommended Song: 'Mi Refe' Biggest Accomplishment: 'Since I started making music, I've achieved everything I've wanted, in my own way. My greatest achievement, truly, professionally speaking, has been making my first album, because I've always prayed for it and asked God that my music would connect with hearts the way his words connect with mine. I've been able to achieve something in this life that would make my children proud.' What's Next: 'People think that after making this album, I'm going to stop for a while, but there are some really beautiful collaborations coming this summer. That way people can continue enjoying Beéle.' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
Int'l Business Times
26-05-2025
- Int'l Business Times
Discarded Protest Art Preserves George Floyd Legacy
Kenda Zellner-Smith hauled up a corrugated metal door to reveal hundreds of wooden boards covered with graffiti, each telling a story of the protests that followed George Floyd's killing by a US police officer. The 28-year-old has collected and archived the panels that once protected businesses from rioting in Minneapolis, aiming to preserve the legacy of the 2020 murder that shocked the United States. Five years on, Zellner-Smith said the boards -- kept in a storage unit by an industrial site two miles (three kilometers) from where Floyd died -- still evoke powerful emotions. They range from blank plywood with text reading "I can't breathe" -- the final words Floyd said as Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on his neck -- to colorful murals depicting rainbows and love hearts. "Every time I look at them there's something different I notice," she told AFP. "They reignite an energy or a fire that was felt years ago during the uprising." Then a university graduate in Minneapolis, Zellner-Smith was among millions of Americans who joined the Black Lives Matter rallies in 2020 that swept US cities. The threat of vandalism saw many businesses protect themselves with wooden boards -- which became canvases for protesters' slogans and drawings demanding justice. Zellner-Smith said she decided to start collecting the boards after seeing one taken down after the protests and thinking "'Oh my god, these are going to disappear just as fast as they showed up.'" "Every single day after work, I'd grab my dad's pickup truck and I would just drive around searching for boards," said Zellner-Smith, who searched alleyways and dumpsters. Today, her project called "Save the Boards" counts over 600 in its collection, with each stacked vertically in a pair of storage units measuring 10 by 30 feet (three by nine meters). But with Floyd's legacy under the spotlight on the fifth anniversary of his death as many hoped-for reforms to address racism have not been met, she said the boards are crucial to sustaining the protest movement. "Art serves as a form of resistance and storytelling, and it speaks to real, lived experiences, and that's what these are," Zellner-Smith said. Her next challenge is finding a long-term home for the boards as grants that covered storage costs are running dry. A handful are already being exhibited -- including in a building restored after it was damaged by arson during the 2020 protests -- and most have been photographed to be archived online. "My biggest push is just to make sure they're still seen. The stories they have to tell are still heard, and that people understand there's still a lot of work to be done," Zellner-Smith said. Her initiative is similar to another, more expansive one in Minneapolis called Memorialize the Movement. That nonprofit exhibited around 50 boards during a memorial event held Sunday on a recreation ground near George Floyd Square, the name given to the area where the 46-year-old was killed. With Afrobeat music booming from speakers, dozens of people scanned the display that included one piece with squares of black and brown, each filled with phrases like "We matter" and "Protect us." Another mostly bare wooden board had just a black love heart with "No justice, no peace" written in the middle. "I think it is absolutely vital that these murals and this story that they tell are preserved for future generations," said Leesa Kelly, who has collected over 1,000 pieces while running Memorialize the Movement. Asked what drove her to start the project, the 32-year-old replied: "I didn't do this because I was motivated or inspired, I did it because I was experiencing trauma." "A Black man was killed. The murals gave me hope," said Kelly, who also collected many of the boards herself during the 2020 protests. Darnella Thompson, 43, was one of those looking at the boards on a warm, sunny day, stopping to take a photo in front of one saying "Speak up" and "Hope." "It's overwhelming," she told AFP. "As a person of color who has experienced quite a bit here in this country, it definitely resonates very much with me." "It brings up more so sadness than anything because this is continuous," Thompson added. The preserved boards range from simple graffiti to colorful murals AFP Around 50 protest art boards were exhibited at a memorial event near George Floyd Square in Minneapolis AFP
France 24
26-05-2025
- France 24
Discarded protest art preserves George Floyd legacy
The 28-year-old has collected and archived the panels that once protected businesses from rioting in Minneapolis, aiming to preserve the legacy of the 2020 murder that shocked the United States. Five years on, Zellner-Smith said the boards -- kept in a storage unit by an industrial site two miles (three kilometers) from where Floyd died -- still evoke powerful emotions. They range from blank plywood with text reading "I can't breathe" -- the final words Floyd said as Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, knelt on his neck -- to colorful murals depicting rainbows and love hearts. "Every time I look at them there's something different I notice," she told AFP. "They reignite an energy or a fire that was felt years ago during the uprising." Then a university graduate in Minneapolis, Zellner-Smith was among millions of Americans who joined the Black Lives Matter rallies in 2020 that swept US cities. The threat of vandalism saw many businesses protect themselves with wooden boards -- which became canvases for protesters' slogans and drawings demanding justice. 'Resistance' Zellner-Smith said she decided to start collecting the boards after seeing one taken down after the protests and thinking "'Oh my god, these are going to disappear just as fast as they showed up.'" "Every single day after work, I'd grab my dad's pickup truck and I would just drive around searching for boards," said Zellner-Smith, who searched alleyways and dumpsters. Today, her project called "Save the Boards" counts over 600 in its collection, with each stacked vertically in a pair of storage units measuring 10 by 30 feet (three by nine meters). But with Floyd's legacy under the spotlight on the fifth anniversary of his death as many hoped-for reforms to address racism have not been met, she said the boards are crucial to sustaining the protest movement. "Art serves as a form of resistance and storytelling, and it speaks to real, lived experiences, and that's what these are," Zellner-Smith said. Her next challenge is finding a long-term home for the boards as grants that covered storage costs are running dry. A handful are already being exhibited -- including in a building restored after it was damaged by arson during the 2020 protests -- and most have been photographed to be archived online. "My biggest push is just to make sure they're still seen. The stories they have to tell are still heard, and that people understand there's still a lot of work to be done," Zellner-Smith said. 'Murals gave me hope' Her initiative is similar to another, more expansive one in Minneapolis called Memorialize the Movement. That nonprofit exhibited around 50 boards during a memorial event held Sunday on a recreation ground near George Floyd Square, the name given to the area where the 46-year-old was killed. With Afrobeat music booming from speakers, dozens of people scanned the display that included one piece with squares of black and brown, each filled with phrases like "We matter" and "Protect us." Another mostly bare wooden board had just a black love heart with "No justice, no peace" written in the middle. "I think it is absolutely vital that these murals and this story that they tell are preserved for future generations," said Leesa Kelly, who has collected over 1,000 pieces while running Memorialize the Movement. Asked what drove her to start the project, the 32-year-old replied: "I didn't do this because I was motivated or inspired, I did it because I was experiencing trauma." "A Black man was killed. The murals gave me hope," said Kelly, who also collected many of the boards herself during the 2020 protests. Darnella Thompson, 43, was one of those looking at the boards on a warm, sunny day, stopping to take a photo in front of one saying "Speak up" and "Hope." "It's overwhelming," she told AFP. "As a person of color who has experienced quite a bit here in this country, it definitely resonates very much with me."
Scotsman
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
GenZ sensation and gospel musician Joel Baraza electrifies the crowd at the Aberdeen Fashion Show, taking home Outstanding Artistic Contribution Award.
Aberdeen radiated more than the glow of its famed granite skyline—pulsing with innovation, artistry, and the collective heartbeat of a city uniting for fashion, culture, and change. It was the 15th annual Aberdeen Fashion Show, orchestrated by the visionary Dr. Lydia Kemunto Cutler and the Fashion Art Media Group. This was not just a runway spectacle—it was a movement! Proving that style is not just seen, but it can transform in the way it is felt and lived. Since its inception in 2010, the Aberdeen Fashion Show has stood as a beacon for young, underrepresented designers, offering them a voice, a future, and a launchpad into the national spotlight. Over the years, this vibrant initiative has evolved into a nationwide platform, drawing creators, thinkers, and dreamers from across the UK, while remaining steadfast in its mission of empowerment, diversity, and inclusion. This year's mesmerising showcase was a testament to that vision. A venue alive with bold artistic installations and immersive lighting set the scene for collections spanning avant-garde innovation, Afro-futurism, streetwear rebellion, and sustainable couture. Designers from London, Birmingham, Glasgow, and beyond brought their finest works—but beyond the exquisite craftsmanship, it was the stories woven into the fabric that resonated most. One of the evening's defining moments came from Joel Baraza, a young gospel musician and student at St Helens College in Merseyside, who made his fashion show debut with an electrifying performance. Blending Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary gospel, his voice—powerful, evocative, and unshakably sincere—turned a musical set into an emotionally charged journey that left the audience spellbound. Joel's performance transcended entertainment—it was a message, a declaration of hope, perseverance, and artistic resilience. His original song carried themes of triumph, resonating deeply with the diverse crowd . As his final note faded, the thunderous applause was not just for his talent, but for the spirit he embodied. Recognising his impact, the Fashion Art Media Group honoured Joel with an award for Outstanding Artistic Contribution. Reflecting on his unforgettable performance, Dr. Cutler said, Joel represents everything this platform is about—undiscovered brilliance, unshakable determination, and the power of art to uplift and inspire. His journey is only beginning, but already, it is lighting the way for others. Joel's journey, indeed, is gaining momentum. His Aberdeen performance has sparked invitations to cultural events across Coventry, Slough, and other hubs with thriving African and Kenyan communities. His story is now more than his own—it is a call to action for other young artists who may lack conventional opportunities but possess boundless talent. Beyond fashion and music, this year's event championed dialogue. A riveting panel discussion, 'Fashion as a Tool for Social Change' brought industry leaders, educators, and youth advocates together to explore fashion's role in addressing inequality, promoting sustainability, and fostering cultural unity. The message was clear! Fashion is more than fabric:- it is identity, expression, and empowerment. Backstage, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement and possibility. First-time models, once unsure, now radiated confidence and newfound purpose. Stylists, designers, and passionate volunteers worked in unison ensuring every detail reflected collaboration and community spirit . As the final model graced the runway and the lights dimmed, one thing was undeniable—this was not just a fashion show – it was a revolution in creativity, a movement of purpose and inclusion, and a testament to the power of art to inspire real change. Looking ahead, Dr. Cutler and her team are already preparing for the 16th edition. One that promises to be bigger, better, and bolder. 'We want to expand—more cities, more collaborations, more young talents discovering their voices. If even one person walks away believing in their potential, then we've succeeded.' For GenZ Joel Baraza and countless other artists who stepped onto Aberdeen's transformative stage, that belief is already becoming part of their reality and personality. For the world watching, the Aberdeen Fashion Show reminds us of one undeniable truth—when fashion meets purpose, the results are nothing short of extraordinary. 1 . Contributed Joel posing with his certificate - so deserved. Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed Aberdeen Fashion Show, organiser Dr. Lydia Kemunto Cutler Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Joel Baraza and his award for Outstanding Artistic Contribution. Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed Joel posing with his award - so deserved. Photo: Submitted Photo Sales Related topics: AberdeenCommunity
