Latest news with #AriLennox
IOL News
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
This week's entertainment buzz: CTIJF 2025 highlights and Minnie Dlamini's spotlight steal
American R&B sensation Ari Lennox serenaded the crowd at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Faud Esack and Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers It has been another exciting week in the world of entertainment, with celebrities gracing the stages, screens and headlines. There has been no shortage of glamour and talent on display. In this week's round-up, we bring you the highlights from the world of celebrities. 1. Cape Town International Jazz Festival highlights The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) continued to solidify its status as Africa's premier music showcase for the 22nd time, offering an immersive experience of world-class music, fine dining and luxury hospitality. Held on April 25 and 26 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, the 2025 edition featured international acts like Masego, who brought his unique trap jazz sound, and American R&B singer Ari Lenox, who serenaded the crowd with her powerful and soulful voice. Local powerhouse Lira also shone, making a powerful return to the stage following a stroke that had sidelined her from performing for several years. The festival-goers showered the South African songbird with love as she took on the Kippies stage. The buzz of the weekend carried into the week. The 2025 edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival featured international acts like Masego and R&B sensation Ari Lennox. Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers 2. Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter Tour kicks off with glamour and heart Beyoncé's highly anticipated Cowboy Carter Tour officially debuted on Monday, April 28, at the Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles, bringing the house down with its Texas Cowboy glam theme. Queen Bey delivered a stunning performance, showcasing her latest album and belting out classic hits from her previous albums. One of the most memorable moments came when her seven-year-old daughter Rumi Carter joined her on stage, along with Blue Ivy, during a heartfelt performance of 'Protector'. The adorable moment melted fans' hearts, with Beyoncé gushing over her daughter's cuteness. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Multi-award winning artist Beyoncé has fans and the internet buzzing as she kicks off the Cowboy Carter tour. Image: X 3. Inside Chloe Bailey's two-month film adventure in South Africa Hollywood star Chloe Bailey has been making waves in South Africa, and it's not just for a vacation. The talented artist recently revealed on Instagram that she has been in the country for two months, filming a movie. Bailey wrapped up production and expressed her excitement to share the project with her fans. She poured her heart and soul into the film, dedicating herself to the character. Chloe Bailey shares insights from her two-month filming in South Africa. Image: Instagram 4. Minnie Dlamini reclaims her aura after split with ex-boyfriend Brian Monaisa After parting ways with celebrity plastic surgeon Doctor Brian Monaisa, Minnie Dlamini is back on the singles list and reclaiming her aura. The South African personality is focusing on herself and her career, emphasising that her relationship status will never define her. Dlamini reminded her fans that she was a talented individual before her relationship and will continue to shine long after. 'My 'anti-bride' era … My career has never been, and will never be, defined by my relationship status. I was Minnie before marriage, and I will be Minnie long after my divorce,' she shared on X. Minnie Dlamini has stepped into her 'anti-bride' era with confidence following her breakup with celebrity plastic surgeon. Image: X/@MinnieDlamini 5. Rachel Kolisis's home spared in Cape Town wildfires Rachel Kolisi breathed a sigh of relief after the devastating wildfires swept through Cape Town's Table Mountain National Park over the weekend. Thankfully, her home was spared from the destruction. She took to Instagram to share the good news, commending the brave firefighters and the community for their prompt assistance. Rachel Kolisi expressed her relief that her home was not affected and commended the firefighters and community for their assistance. Image: Instagram 6. Beloved drag queen Jiggly Caliente dies at 44 and family asks for financial support The drag community is mourning the loss of Bianca Castro-Arabejo, fondly known as Jiggly Caliente, a talented performer known for her performance on RuPaul's Drag Race. The reality television star died on Sunday, April 27 at the age of 44 due to complications from a serious infection that required leg amputation surgery. Her family has announced her passing and is seeking financial support to cover funeral expenses, medical bills, and other related costs. Drag performer Bianca Castro-Arabejo, who was known as reality television star Jiggly Caliente on 'RuPaul's Drag Race' died on Sunday, April 27 at age 44. Image: Instagram. 7. JoJo Siwa's relationship drama unfolds JoJo Siwa's appearance on "Celebrity Big Brother UK" has sparked controversy surrounding her relationship with Australian influencer Kath Ebbs. The two had been Instagram official since January but it seems as if things have fallen apart after Siwa's connection with US sports presenter Chris Hughes on the reality show where the two were seen displaying more than just a friendly connection. In a now-deleted video, Ebbs opened up announcing the breakup, revealing their hurt after watching the show and over the fact that they flew across the world in support of their partner but Siwa dumped them at the show's after party with Hughes in the next room, ouch! Jojo Siwa and Kath Ebbs have ended their relationship following speculation about Siwa's involvement with Chris Hughes. Image: Instagram 8. Podcast and Chill's MacG faces backlash for controversial comments about Minnie Dlamini Known for his controversial and provocative comments, podcaster MacG, whose real name is Macgyver Mukwevho, is facing intense backlash for his recent comments about TV presenter Minnie Dlamini on his podcast show 'Podcast and Chill'. MacG sparked outrage by making derogatory remarks about Dlamini's recent split from Doctor Brian Monaisa, suggesting that there is 'something wrong with her' and even making a crude comment about her personal hygiene, saying 'maybe her coochie smells'. Social media erupted in criticism, with users accusing him of misogyny and demanding that the popular South African podcast be shut down. Podcast and Chill host MacG is facing backlash for his crude comments about TV personality Minnie Dlamini. Image: Instagram 9. Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley share romantic post after going public Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley have taken their romance to social media, sharing sweet moments from their relationship just days after going public. The couple made their relationship Instagram official over the Easter weekend, posting a romantic photo of the two sharing a tender moment. In the photo, Cyrus affectionately kissed Hurley on the cheek, showcasing their love. In a recent interview, Cyrus opened up about their relationship, revealing that Hurley unexpectedly reached out during a rough patch in his life. This marked the beginning of their romance, coming after Cyrus's short-lived marriage to Australian singer Johanna Rose Hodges, whose stage name is Firerose, which ended in divorce after just seven months. Billy Ray Cyrus and Elizabeth Hurley share a glimpse of their romance with fans, a few days after going public with their relationship. Image: Instagram
IOL News
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
LOOK: Global sensation Ari Lennox' debut at CTIJF 2025 leaves the crowds breathless
A night to remember with Ari Lennox and the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Image: Armand Hough A force of nature in the global scene, US-born R&B singer-songwriter sensation Ari Lennox, made her highly anticipated debut at the Cape Town International Jazz festival's finale night last night to the applause of a packed venue. It was intimacy amplified, as she took the audience on a journey with the highs and lows of her velvety voice. Earlier in the week, Lennox enjoyed all the touristy attraction of Cape Town, soaking up the sun on Clifton Fourth Beach and visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium. Her performance, on the Kippies stage, comes fresh on the news that Lennox has officially parted ways with Dreamville Records months after blasting the label on social media. According to reports, Lennox's departure has been handled quietly and she will now be releasing music solely through Interscope Records. Interscope are the sole label credited on Lennox's latest single 'Soft Girl Era'. The crowd was left wanting more: The sensational Ari Lennox wowed audiences at the CTIJF 2025's final night. Image: Fuad Esack Ari Lennox in action. Image: Fuad Esack. If her performance last night was a precursor to what fans can expect from her next chapter, hold on tight: it is nothing short of sensational. Lennox on stage is pure, unfiltered magic - a blend of soulful power, effortless charm and intoxicating authenticity. Bringing her signature blend of sultry vocals, soulful melodies and raw storytelling to the festival stage, Lennox had the crowds singing and dancing along. She was on the Kippies stage with the venue full to capacity. Screams of adoration echoed through the venue as she sang all the songs the world knows and have come to love her for. Ari Lennox moved the crowd at the CTIJF in her performance on the final night. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers And the crowds at the CTIJF 2025 final night went mad about Ari Lennox. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, her rich, honeyed vocals wrapped around the audience like a warm embrace - they were now in Lennox's world and it wasn't one they wanted to leave anytime soon. Lennox describes her own voice as "vulnerable but soulful; imperfect but pretty", and it is all this and much more. Her sassy vibe and soulful - interspersed with a bit of humour - stage presence left audiences at the CTIJF wanting more. Lennox has said in multiple interviews that she is inspired by 90s and 2000s R&B singers such as Mariah Carey, Erykah Badu, D'Angelo, Whitney Houston, Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill, Mary J Blige and Toni Braxton, among many others. Ari Lennox. Ari Lennox's soulful presence on stage at the final night of the CTIJF moved the crowd. Sensational Ari Lennox. Ari Lennox on Kippies stage. Ari Lennox. In 2019, Lennox swiftly rose to fame with the release of her highly respected debut album titled Shea Butter Baby. Globally known for her contributions to RNB, Lennox has collaborated with Hip-Hop heavyweights such as Spillage Village, reggae musician Skip Marley, and featured on unforgettable songs with 6lack and Kiana Ledé. The year 2022 marked another milestone when Lennox released her next project. Titled Age/Sex/Location, the body of work features 12 songs with appearances from Lucky Daye, Chlöe, and Summer Walker. With a total run time of 41 minutes and 28 seconds, the album is filled with experiences that only Lennox knows how to share. This year, she released her latest song, Soft Girl Era, which marks the beginning of a new chapter for the RNB singer and songwriter. Freshly split from her former label, Dreamville, Ari is ready to take the next step in her career and from what we saw last night, the world has been waiting for this move of the strong, vital RnB singer. Enjoying Clifton Fourth Beach, Ari Lennox. Image: Instagram
IOL News
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Ari Lennox's 'soft girl era' in Clifton, Cape Town ahead of her debut CTIJF performance
Ari Lennox on Clifton fourth beach in Cape Town ahead of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2025. She will be performing on stage tonight. A force of nature in the global scene, US-born R&B singer-songwriter sensation Ari Lennox, will make her highly anticipated debut at the Cape Town International Jazz festival's finale tonight... but not before she had some downtime on Clifton fourth beach earlier this week. In a stunning soft pink bikini, with the classic Clifton beach homes in the background, Lennox posed on the white sands as the crystal blue ocean shimmers closeby as her song Soft Girl Era - released this year - plays. She posted it on her Instagram account yesterday simply with the hashtag #softgirlera with her song playing in the background. The photo comes fresh on the news that Lennox has officially parted ways with Dreamville Records months after blasting the label on social media.
Black America Web
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Ari Lennox Officially Parts Ways With Dreamville Records
Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE Source: Prince Williams / Getty Ari Lennox has officially left J. Cole's Dreamville Records. Sources confirmed that the soulful songstress known for her authentic artistry and velvety voice has parted ways after years of label struggles. Read more inside. TMZ confirmed on April 23, 2025 that the D.C.-bred singer is no longer signed to the label that helped launch her career, marking the end of an era for one of Dreamville's standout stars. In a statement shared with TMZ, a rep said the split was mutual, describing it as 'amicable' and with 'deep respect on both sides.' The departure, while seemingly smooth on the surface, follows years of tension and public expressions of dissatisfaction from Lennox regarding her label situation. As early as 2022, the 'Shea Butter Baby' artist voiced frustrations over the way her career was being managed. In 2022, Bossip reported that Lennox opened up about feeling creatively stifled and unsupported. 'I want to be dropped from the labels. I'm done and tired,' she tweeted during a moment of visible frustration. The article noted her grievances stemmed from lack of control over her artistry and an unclear rollout strategy for her sophomore album. Though Dreamville gave Ari Lennox her first major platform and helped her find a devoted fan base with hits like 'Pressure' and 'BMO,' the artist's relationship with the label had become strained. Her critically acclaimed debut album Shea Butter Baby (2019) introduced her as one of R&B's most promising voices, but fans have long speculated that label politics may have slowed her momentum. TMZ reports that despite the split, Ari is planning to release new music independently and remains focused on her artistic journey. 'She's excited to explore new opportunities and have more creative freedom,' the rep added. Lennox's exit raises questions about Dreamville's future roster and the larger conversation about artist-label relationships in the music industry. J. Cole, who co-founded Dreamville under Interscope Records, has yet to publicly comment on her departure. Still, Ari's fans have expressed support for her reclaiming her career on her own terms. As the industry continues to evolve, Ari Lennox's departure from Dreamville reflects a broader trend of artists seeking autonomy and ownership. For Lennox, this new chapter may finally offer the artistic freedom she's been yearning for since she first spoke out about her struggles. We have a theory that with Jermaine Dupri's So So Def Recordings signing a new distribution partnership with Scooter Braun's HYBE America, Ari could find herself a new home with one of R&B's notable producers. Check out his post below: Comment your thoughts on Ari Lennox's newfound freedom. Where will the songstress go next? SEE ALSO Ari Lennox Officially Parts Ways With Dreamville Records was originally published on
