Latest news with #Afrobeats
Japan Today
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Japan Today
King Charles' musical sage Errollyn Wallen blazes new path
Errollyn Wallen, Master of the King's Music, was told as a child she would never belong in the world of classical music, but has risen to become the composer to King Charles III and the first person of colour in the historic role By James PHEBY Told she would never belong in the world of classical music, Errollyn Wallen has risen to become the composer to King Charles III and the first person of color in the historic role. The 67-year-old became the Master of the King's Music last year, a 400-year-old post and one of the classical world's top honours that involves composing works for landmark events and advising the king on musical matters for royal occasions. "He's very musical, which everybody's really thrilled about," Wallen told AFP. "He likes listening to music and he is curious about it -- he has broad tastes, which is really wonderful," added Wallen, who premiered her "funky" new composition "Elements" at the first night of the renowned Proms music festival in London on Friday. Charles showed a lighter side in March when he shared his favorite songs from around the Commonwealth in an Apple podcast, revealing a surprising appreciation of disco, reggae and Afrobeats and including hits from such artists as Kylie Minogue and Diana Ross. In a sign of his musical conviction, Charles sought advice from Wallen -- "but in the end the king chose his own" songs, she said. "It was important for him to choose tracks that brought back personal memories to him and that's the power of music," said the pianist, violinist and singer. "Think of the people he's met, all the great musicians. It's incredible," added the self-confessed cake fanatic. Wallen was born in the former British colony of Belize in 1958, and soon showed signs of a precocious talent. "My parents said that as a baby, I didn't cry, but I was always singing." She moved to London aged two and her mother and father then relocated to New York, leaving her and her siblings, one of whom is the jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen, in the care of her aunt and uncle. "I was always making up songs for any boring chore," she recalled. Wallen credits a junior school teacher for setting her on her current path. "I was very lucky that at school, all of us nine-year-olds were taught to read and write music, but also introduced to orchestral music." However, she received little encouragement to pursue a career as a composer. "I love my family, but I think there was the idea that you wouldn't step out of the ordinary," she explained. Another early memory is of a non-music teacher telling her "you know, little girl, classical music isn't for you". "These subtle messages going in that I might be good at music, but I wouldn't belong to that world. But I was so curious and passionate about music... I think the negative messages didn't go in deeply." Indeed, taking the road less travelled only strengthened her conviction and "led me into other paths of music making which has stood me in great stead. "I was a keyboard player and I played music in the community and care homes -- it opened my eyes to how music can touch people." It was at boarding school that the classical bug really took hold, and it was later nurtured at Goldsmiths', King's College London and King's College, Cambridge. Wallen also appeared as a backing artist for the 1990s girl group "Eternal" and performed as a tap dancer, having trained as a dancer in London and New York. She had her own recording studio, and her work includes 22 operas and a range of orchestral, chamber and vocal compositions. Her arrangement of Hubert Parry's "Jerusalem" was performed at the Last Night of the Proms in 2020, and she also composed a piece for the Paralympics Opening Ceremony in 2012. But she still admitted to being "so shocked" when the palace called last July, generating headlines about her being the first black woman to assume the role. "I had to remind the palace, I'm the first black person, full stop. There's never been a person of colour in this role, since 1626." Charles I created the role to take charge of his personal band, but today it mainly entails advising and composing. "I wrote something for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey earlier in the year... and I did say to the palace my main objective is to be a kind of music ambassador," she said, adding that "children are my priority". She aims to get for "children some of the things that so many of us had for free" when it comes to a musical education. © 2025 AFP
Cision Canada
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Cision Canada
Gunna, Asake to Headline Afro+ Fest--D.C.'s First Festival for Global Black Music, Aug 31
LINK TO ASSETS WASHINGTON, July 22, 2025 /CNW/ -- Afro+ Fest, the East Coast's first large‑scale festival celebrating the full spectrum of global Black music and culture, will debut Sunday, August 31, 2025, at RFK Festival Grounds in Washington, D.C. The inaugural lineup features superstar headliners Gunna and Asake, leading a cross‑continental roster of A‑list talent for an expected crowd of 20,000 fans. Powered by the ethos "Africa, plus more," Afro+ Fest offers a one‑day, all‑ages experience that honors both the future and the legacy of Black music—hip‑hop, Afrobeats, soca, dancehall, R&B and amapiano—alongside immersive art installations, global cuisine, fashion activations and a marketplace of Black‑owned brands and local creators. 2025 Lineup Highlights Gunna Asake (closing the festival) Gabzy DJ Tunez Foggie Raw Machel Montano Ricky Platinum Shatta Wale Shenseea TXC Uncle Waffles Wande Coal Special Guest: Shy Glizzy (D.C.'s own hometown hero) A Founder's Vision "This is the block party we've dreamed about for a decade," said founder and executive producer Michael Awosanya. "With the support of Mayor Muriel Bowser and Events DC, Afro+ Fest is bringing the full diaspora to RFK—music, food, culture—driven by the people and sounds that shape us." What began as a college dream has grown into a cultural movement—created by and for the communities that have defined Black music worldwide. On August 31, Afro+ Fest is set to become Washington, D.C.'s boldest new tradition. "The festival's impact will be felt not only through the music, but in the real opportunities it creates for local businesses and visionaries," Awosanya added. Festival Details PRESS & MEDIA CREDENTIALS For all media inquiries, including requests for press credentials, hi-res images, artist bios, site maps, and sponsor materials, accredited journalists and creators are invited to contact Asma Amani of Asma Amani PR at [email protected] or +1 (703) 286-9084. About Afro+ Fest Afro+ Fest is the East Coast's first large-scale festival dedicated to the full spectrum of global Black music and culture. Founded by DMV-area creatives and community leaders, Afro+ Fest aims to amplify Black sounds, unite the diaspora, and foster economic and creative opportunity through music, art, and entrepreneurship. It is a gathering where every member of the diaspora—and every ally who loves Black creativity—can come together in joyful celebration.
Business Insider
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Inside West Africa's SMM boom: How Nigerian and Ghanaian creators are using panels like The Kclaut to faster and smarter
The digital revolution sweeping across West Africa has birthed a new generation of savvy content creators who refuse to play by old rules. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the vibrant neighborhoods of Accra, Nigerian and Ghanaian creators are rewriting the playbook on social media growth, and platforms like TheKclaut are their secret weapons. Gone are the days when building a substantial social media following required years of grinding in obscurity. Today's West African digital entrepreneurs have discovered the power of SMM panels – sophisticated platforms that deliver authentic engagement at lightning speed, transforming unknown accounts into influential brands overnight. The West African Creator Renaissance Within the modern digital economy, visibility equals viability – a truth that West African creators have mastered brilliantly. The region's creative economy is exploding, with Nigeria's entertainment industry alone valued at over $6.4 billion. Ghanaian creators and their Nigerian counterparts have positioned themselves at the forefront of this transformation, driving innovation and setting new standards for digital influence. From Afrobeats artists breaking into global charts to fashion influencers setting trends that ripple across continents, these creators leverage this fundamental understanding to build powerful digital empires.. TheKclaut stands out as exactly that kind of strategic partner – the cheapest SMM panel in Africa that truly understands West African creators' ambitions. By democratizing access to professional-grade social media growth tools that were once reserved for major brands with massive budgets. This accessibility has leveled the playing field, allowing talented creators from Kano to Kumasi to compete with established international influencers. You can also see ' how How theKclaut Became a Powerhouse in Social Media Marketing' here The platform's fully integrated API means creators can automate their growth strategies, focusing their energy on what matters most – creating compelling content that resonates with their audiences. Whether it's a Lagos-based fashion designer showcasing traditional Nigerian textiles with contemporary twists, or a Ghanaian musician blending highlife with modern trap beats, these creators are leveraging technology to amplify their authentic voices. Smart Scaling Strategies That Actually Work The most successful West African creators aren't buying followers randomly but are implementing sophisticated strategies that maximize their return on investment. TheKclaut's mass order feature has become particularly popular among creators managing multiple campaigns simultaneously, allowing them to orchestrate complex growth strategies across various platforms. Take the example of rising Afrobeats sensation Kwame Asante (not his real name), a Ghanaian artist who used TheKclaut to strategically boost his TikTok presence just before releasing his debut single. By timing his TikTok likes purchases with his content drops, he created a snowball effect that caught the algorithm's attention. Within three months, his organic reach increased by 400%, leading to a record deal with a major African label. Nigerian creators are particularly innovative in their approach to Instagram followers acquisition. Rather than purchasing followers in bulk, many successful influencers use TheKclaut's single order feature to gradually build their audience, maintaining healthy engagement rates that keep the Instagram algorithm happy. The child panel feature has sparked an entirely new entrepreneurial ecosystem, with tech-savvy creators in cities like Abuja and Tema launching their own SMM reseller businesses, creating additional revenue streams while helping other creators scale. The Technology Behind the Movement What sets TheKclaut Social media Panel apart from countless competitors comes down to sophisticated technology powering the platform. The fully integrated API allows creators to seamlessly incorporate social media growth into their broader digital marketing strategies, while the user-friendly interface ensures that even creators without technical backgrounds can harness its power. The platform's commitment to delivering authentic followers has earned it a reputation as a trusted SMM panel among West Africa's most discerning creators. Unlike platforms that rely on bot networks, TheKclaut focuses on real engagement from actual users, ensuring that growth translates into meaningful business results. Security remains paramount, with robust data protection measures ensuring that creators' accounts and sensitive information remain safe. This reliability has made it the top SMM panel in Nigeria/Africa, with creators confidently scaling their presence without fear of account suspensions or data breaches. The numbers tell a compelling story. Creators using TheKclaut report average engagement increases of 300% within their first month, with many achieving viral status within weeks of implementing strategic growth campaigns. But beyond the metrics lies something more profound – the democratization of influence in West Africa. Young entrepreneurs who once needed connections in traditional media industries can now build their own platforms, reaching global audiences directly. A Ghanaian fashion designer can showcase her creations to fashion enthusiasts in New York, while a Nigerian comedian can build an international following from his bedroom in Port Harcourt. Twitter followers acquisition has proven particularly valuable for thought leaders and business executives looking to establish their professional presence. Many successful West African entrepreneurs credit their early Twitter growth, facilitated by platforms like TheKcalut, with opening doors to international partnerships and investment opportunities. The Future of West African Digital Influence As we look ahead, the trajectory is clear: West Africa's creator economy will continue its explosive growth, with SMM panels like TheKclaut serving as crucial infrastructure supporting this digital renaissance. The combination of authentic talent, strategic technology use, and platforms that understand the unique needs of African creators creates a perfect storm for continued innovation. The most exciting developments lie ahead. As 5G networks expand across the region and smartphone penetration reaches new heights, the potential for West African creators to influence global culture will only intensify. TheKclaut's position as the cheapest and most reliable SMM panel in the region ensures it will remain central to this transformation. For aspiring creators across Nigeria, Ghana, and beyond, the opportunity has never been clearer. TheKclaut offers the complete arsenal needed to dominate every major platform: Instagram followers that build credibility overnight, TikTok likes that trigger viral momentum, and Twitter followers that establish thought leadership across industries. Whether you're launching your first campaign with a single order or scaling multiple accounts through mass orders, the platform's streamlined approach means you can focus on creating while your numbers grow strategically. The child panel option even allows successful creators to build their own SMM businesses, turning their growth expertise into additional revenue streams. West African creators leading this transformation understand that platforms like TheKclaut serve as powerful amplifiers for authentic talent. The cheapest SMM panel in Ghana doesn't mean compromising on quality – it means democratizing access to professional-grade growth tools that were once exclusive to major brands. Your authentic voice combined with TheKclaut's strategic boost creates an unstoppable formula. In West Africa's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the creators seizing these opportunities today are building tomorrow's cultural empires.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Recorder
King's musical sage Errollyn Wallen blazes new path
LONDON: Told she would never belong in the world of classical music, Errollyn Wallen has risen to become the composer to King Charles III and the first person of colour in the historic role. The 67-year-old became the Master of the King's Music last year, a 400-year-old post and one of the classical world's top honours that involves composing works for landmark events and advising the king on musical matters for royal occasions. 'He's very musical, which everybody's really thrilled about,' Wallen told AFP. 'He likes listening to music and he is curious about it – he has broad tastes, which is really wonderful,' added Wallen, who premiered her 'funky' new composition 'Elements' at the first night of the renowned Proms music festival in London on Friday. Charles showed a lighter side in March when he shared his favourite songs from around the Commonwealth in an Apple podcast, revealing a surprising appreciation of disco, reggae and Afrobeats and including hits from such artists as Kylie Minogue and Diana Ross. In a sign of his musical conviction, Charles sought advice from Wallen – 'but in the end the king chose his own' songs, she said. 'It was important for him to choose tracks that brought back personal memories to him and that's the power of music,' said the pianist, violinist and singer. 'Think of the people he's met, all the great musicians. It's incredible,' added the self-confessed cake fanatic. Teacher inspiration Wallen was born in the former British colony of Belize in 1958, and soon showed signs of a precocious talent. 'My parents said that as a baby, I didn't cry, but I was always singing.' She moved to London aged two and her mother and father then relocated to New York, leaving her and her siblings, one of whom is the jazz trumpeter Byron Wallen, in the care of her aunt and uncle. 'I was always making up songs for any boring chore,' she recalled. Wallen credits a junior school teacher for setting her on her current path. 'I was very lucky that at school, all of us nine-year-olds were taught to read and write music, but also introduced to orchestral music.' However, she received little encouragement to pursue a career as a composer. 'I love my family, but I think there was the idea that you wouldn't step out of the ordinary,' she explained. Another early memory is of a non-music teacher telling her 'you know, little girl, classical music isn't for you'. 'These subtle messages going in that I might be good at music, but I wouldn't belong to that world. Netflix says it used GenAI in Argentine TV series 'But I was so curious and passionate about music… I think the negative messages didn't go in deeply.' 'So shocked' Indeed, taking the road less travelled only strengthed her conviction and 'led me into other paths of music making which has stood me in great stead'. 'I was a keyboard player and I played music in the community and care homes – it opened my eyes to how music can touch people.' It was at boarding school that the classical bug really took hold, and it was later nurtured at Goldsmiths', King's College London and King's College, Cambridge. Wallen also appeared as a backing artist for the 1990s girl group 'Eternal' and performed as a tap dancer, having trained as a dancer in London and New York. She had her own recording studio, and her work includes 22 operas and a range of orchestral, chamber and vocal compositions. Her arrangement of Hubert Parry's 'Jerusalem' was performed at the Last Night of the Proms in 2020, and she also composed a piece for the Paralympics Opening Ceremony in 2012. But she still admitted to being 'so shocked' when the palace called last July, generating headlines about her being the first black woman to assume the role. 'I had to remind the palace, I'm the first black person, full stop. There's never been a person of colour in this role, since 1626.' Charles I created the role to take charge of his personal band, but today it mainly entails advising and composing. 'I wrote something for the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey earlier in the year… and I did say to the palace my main objective is to be a kind of music ambassador,' she said, adding that 'children are my priority'. She aims to get for 'children some of the things that so many of us had for free' when it comes to a musical education.
Economic Times
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy announces Australia tour this October; check cities, dates, and how to get tickets
Synopsis Nigerian singer Burna Boy is set to tour Australia in October. He will promote his new album, 'No Sign of Weakness'. The tour begins in Melbourne on October 16 and concludes in Perth on October 24. He will also perform in Sydney and Brisbane. Tickets will be available soon. Burna Boy is known for blending Afrobeats with other genres. Nigerian singer and GRAMMY Award winner Burna Boy will bring his world tour to Australia this October. The tour will promote his eighth studio album No Sign of Weakness, which was released on July 11. ADVERTISEMENT The Australian leg will kick off in Melbourne on October 16 and wrap up in Perth on October 24. He will also perform in Sydney and Brisbane. October 16 – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne – Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne October 18 – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney – Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney October 20 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane October 24 – RAC Arena, Perth Tickets go on sale to the general public on Thursday, July 24 at 12 PM local time via Ticketek and TEG. Pre-sales begin Tuesday, July 22 at 9 am Sign of Weakness blends Afrobeats, pop, R&B, hip-hop, and reggae. It features tracks like 'TaTaTa' with Travis Scott, 'Sweet Love,' 'Update,' and 'Bundle by Bundle.' ADVERTISEMENT Burna Boy, born Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer known for popularising Afrobeats on the global stage. He rose to fame with his 2012 single Like to Party and gained international recognition with albums like African Giant and Twice as Tall. His music blends African rhythms with pop, reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop, creating a sound that is both modern and deeply rooted in his heritage. ADVERTISEMENT Burna Boy has received 11 GRAMMY nominations and four BET Awards for Best International Act. He was the first African artist to win the BET honour three years in a row. He also made history by becoming the first African artist with two albums crossing 1 billion Spotify streams With global hits and collaborations with artists such as Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, and Travis Scott, Burna Boy has become one of the most influential African musicians of his generation. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates. NEXT STORY
