Latest news with #FootballWorldCup
Maroc
4 days ago
- Politics
- Maroc
MAP Seals Cooperation Agreements with Three Mediterranean News Agencies
Maghreb Arab Press Agency (MAP) signed three cooperation agreements in Marrakech on Thursday, with the Italian News Agency (ANSA), the Syrian News Agency (SANA) and the Bosnia-Herzegovina News Agency (FENA) respectively, as part of the 33rd General Assembly of the Alliance of Mediterranean News Agencies (AMAN). Inked by MAP Director General Fouad Arif and ANSA CEO Stefano de Alessandri, the first agreement establishes a framework for the reciprocal exchange of the two agencies' news services, and authorizes the provision of dispatches in English to enrich the respective international news offer. It also provides for the possibility of joint projects in favor of institutional and economic communication in the two agencies' respective countries. The second agreement, initialed by Arif and SANA Agency Director General Ziad Al-Mahamid, establishes a framework for the free, reciprocal exchange of multimedia content, including text, images, videos and computer graphics. The agreement further tackles direct, secure access to both agencies' editorial platforms, as well as priority given to each for coverage of events in their respective countries, in addition to facilitating correspondents missions' on the field, organizing professional visits and joint training in editorial, technical and digital fields. The third agreement, signed by Arif and FENA Managing Director Ilija Musa, focuses on free exchange of the two agencies' online content. It also includes a logistical cooperation component, facilitating joint coverage of events and official visits, as well as reciprocal access to multimedia content and likely exchanging newsletters, books, archives and professional expertise. Furthermore, this partnership encourages exchanges of visits between managers and journalists from the two agencies, as well as arranging targeted training related to their professional activities. At the 33rd General Assembly of this Mediterranean Alliance, held in Marrakech on May 28-29, MAP was elected president of AMAN for the 2025-2026 period. Held under the theme "Football and Media in the Mediterranean: Building Bridges Beyond Borders," this Assembly was an opportunity to highlight the large-scale projects implemented in Morocco, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, as part of hosting the 2030 Football World Cup. MAP: 29 mai 2025
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Amadou Bagayoko: the blind Malian musician whose joyful songs changed west African music
Amadou Bagayoko (1954-2025), iconic Malian guitarist, singer and composer of the famed duo Amadou & Mariam – known as 'the blind couple of Mali' – passed away on 4 April in Bamako. He was 70. The married singers, who met when she was 18 and he 21, took traditional Mali music and blended it with western rock and many other influences to shape a whole new sound that was both rich and playful. They would sell millions of albums for hits like Sunday in Bamako and Sabali. They would tour the world, opening the 2006 men's Football World Cup, closing the 2024 Paralympics, singing at former US president Barack Obama's Nobel Prize concert, winning awards and selling millions of albums. Despite this fame, they remained tireless activists for Africans with disabilities. They were known and admired at home for their integrity, where Amadou's passing is much lamented. As a musician and professor of music with a research focus on Mali's music, I met and interviewed Amadou several times. His passing heralds the end of an era for Mali's long-held musical dominance in the international market. Amadou and Mariam Doumbia were both dedicated promoters of the work of the Institute for the Blind in Bamako – where they had first met in the 1970s as students and went on to be music teachers. They married in 1980 and remained inseparable, forming Amadou & Mariam. Their hit songs combined the musical traditions of the southern part of Mali where they both came from – Bougouni, Sikasso – together with elements from rock, reggae, Cuban rhythms, and more – all transformed through their own ingenuity, but also, later on, by the ideas of influential producers. Read more: In fact, the surnames Bagayoko and Doumbia are both from the ancient lineage (called Boula) of blacksmiths that date back to the time of the emperor Sunjata Keita, who founded the Mali empire in 1235. The blacksmiths (numu) were often powerful kings. This shared heritage in the noble past of the blacksmiths is significant in their musical synergy. Amadou's career spanned more than five decades, beginning in the early 1970s when he played electric guitar in several influential dance bands of Mali of the time, including Les Ambassadeurs, fronted by the legendary singer Salif Keita. President Moussa Traoré's 23-year military regime from 1968 to 1991 favoured the voices of the griots. These hereditary musicians sang the praises of the people in power in a flowery, strident style. The life of these dance bands was on the wane by the late 1980s, which is when 'la grand couple aveugle du Mali' (the blind couple of Mali) were launched – at first, two simple voices accompanied by Amadou's guitar, recorded on cassette. At the end of Traore's rule, Amadou & Mariam's music responded to the new spirit of democracy that the country was hungry for. There were many things that set this duo apart from other musicians of the region. They were not griots. Their lyrics are often about the power of love – not a straight forward topic in a country where polygyny (up to four wives, as permitted by Islam) is the norm. Their presence on stage as a blind couple, looking affectionate and mutually supportive – with their chic coordinated attire – also raised the profile of people with disabilities. Their melodies were catchy and upbeat. Sorting through my research recently I came across a photo I took of them on my old slides, buried in my archives. It was a revelation to see it again. I took the photo, with their permission, when I first met Amadou and Mariam in 1992 in Bamako. It was at the recording studio that is now known as Bogolan, where they were hoping, at the time, to make some recordings. It shows Amadou and Mariam in their youth with pride and dignity, values that remained constant for them in later years. On that first encounter, I was struck by their graciousness, their belief in their musical project, and their determination to bring it to a wider public. I wished at the time that I had the contacts in the record industry to help them. But they did not give up and they slowly built up their career, building on their sound and image which was and remains unique within the variety of Malian music. Against all the odds, with their conviction, talent, strong melodies and good production, Amadou & Mariam became hugely successful in the early 2000s. The album that really launched their international career was Dimanches à Bamako (Sundays in Bamako) brilliantly produced by French-Spanish singer-songwriter Manu Chao, who had had a big international hit with his creative and catchy album Clandestino in 1998. He brought some of those production values into Amadou & Mariam's songs. Dimanches à Bamako celebrates the vibrant culture of wedding parties held in the streets of Bamako on Sundays, (a day when civil marriage ceremonies are free). 'Dimanches à Bamako' was the first of several successful albums by Amadou & Mariam that were produced by European producers such as Damon Albarn, with songs like Tie ni Mousso (Husband and Wife) that played on the charming and iconic stage presence of Amadou & Mariam as a devoted husband and wife. The songs were accessible and appealing but still delivered pop punch. After that first meeting in 1992, we met up again many times, frequently for radio. Amadou was a much respected and admired musician whose music reached out to audiences around the world. He was hugely loved and appreciated both at home and abroad not just for his talent and musical creativity as an excellent guitarist and song writer – but also for the iconic image that he and Mariam created on stage. Together hey will be remembered and respected for the values they represent in their music: equality, love, perseverance against disability, and truth. My condolences to Mariam. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Lucy Durán, SOAS, University of London Read more: If a child has extra needs, support can be hard to find. This new approach can help make it easier and quicker 'Curiosity-driven research' led to a recent major medical breakthrough. But it's under threat Tunisia's rap revolution: 5 women who are redefining hip-hop Lucy Durán does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Amadou Bagayoko: the blind Malian musician whose joyful songs changed west African music
Amadou Bagayoko (1954-2025), iconic Malian guitarist, singer and composer of the famed duo Amadou & Mariam – known as 'the blind couple of Mali' – passed away on 4 April in Bamako. He was 70. The married singers, who met when she was 18 and he 21, took traditional Mali music and blended it with western rock and many other influences to shape a whole new sound that was both rich and playful. They would sell millions of albums for hits like Sunday in Bamako and Sabali. They would tour the world, opening the 2006 men's Football World Cup, closing the 2024 Paralympics, singing at former US president Barack Obama's Nobel Prize concert, winning awards and selling millions of albums. Despite this fame, they remained tireless activists for Africans with disabilities. They were known and admired at home for their integrity, where Amadou's passing is much lamented. As a musician and professor of music with a research focus on Mali's music, I met and interviewed Amadou several times. His passing heralds the end of an era for Mali's long-held musical dominance in the international market. Amadou and Mariam Doumbia were both dedicated promoters of the work of the Institute for the Blind in Bamako – where they had first met in the 1970s as students and went on to be music teachers. They married in 1980 and remained inseparable, forming Amadou & Mariam. Their hit songs combined the musical traditions of the southern part of Mali where they both came from – Bougouni, Sikasso – together with elements from rock, reggae, Cuban rhythms, and more – all transformed through their own ingenuity, but also, later on, by the ideas of influential producers. Read more: In fact, the surnames Bagayoko and Doumbia are both from the ancient lineage (called Boula) of blacksmiths that date back to the time of the emperor Sunjata Keita, who founded the Mali empire in 1235. The blacksmiths (numu) were often powerful kings. This shared heritage in the noble past of the blacksmiths is significant in their musical synergy. Amadou's career spanned more than five decades, beginning in the early 1970s when he played electric guitar in several influential dance bands of Mali of the time, including Les Ambassadeurs, fronted by the legendary singer Salif Keita. President Moussa Traoré's 23-year military regime from 1968 to 1991 favoured the voices of the griots. These hereditary musicians sang the praises of the people in power in a flowery, strident style. The life of these dance bands was on the wane by the late 1980s, which is when 'la grand couple aveugle du Mali' (the blind couple of Mali) were launched – at first, two simple voices accompanied by Amadou's guitar, recorded on cassette. At the end of Traore's rule, Amadou & Mariam's music responded to the new spirit of democracy that the country was hungry for. There were many things that set this duo apart from other musicians of the region. They were not griots. Their lyrics are often about the power of love – not a straight forward topic in a country where polygyny (up to four wives, as permitted by Islam) is the norm. Their presence on stage as a blind couple, looking affectionate and mutually supportive – with their chic coordinated attire – also raised the profile of people with disabilities. Their melodies were catchy and upbeat. Sorting through my research recently I came across a photo I took of them on my old slides, buried in my archives. It was a revelation to see it again. I took the photo, with their permission, when I first met Amadou and Mariam in 1992 in Bamako. It was at the recording studio that is now known as Bogolan, where they were hoping, at the time, to make some recordings. It shows Amadou and Mariam in their youth with pride and dignity, values that remained constant for them in later years. On that first encounter, I was struck by their graciousness, their belief in their musical project, and their determination to bring it to a wider public. I wished at the time that I had the contacts in the record industry to help them. But they did not give up and they slowly built up their career, building on their sound and image which was and remains unique within the variety of Malian music. Against all the odds, with their conviction, talent, strong melodies and good production, Amadou & Mariam became hugely successful in the early 2000s. The album that really launched their international career was Dimanches à Bamako (Sundays in Bamako) brilliantly produced by French-Spanish singer-songwriter Manu Chao, who had had a big international hit with his creative and catchy album Clandestino in 1998. He brought some of those production values into Amadou & Mariam's songs. Dimanches à Bamako celebrates the vibrant culture of wedding parties held in the streets of Bamako on Sundays, (a day when civil marriage ceremonies are free). 'Dimanches à Bamako' was the first of several successful albums by Amadou & Mariam that were produced by European producers such as Damon Albarn, with songs like Tie ni Mousso (Husband and Wife) that played on the charming and iconic stage presence of Amadou & Mariam as a devoted husband and wife. The songs were accessible and appealing but still delivered pop punch. After that first meeting in 1992, we met up again many times, frequently for radio. Amadou was a much respected and admired musician whose music reached out to audiences around the world. He was hugely loved and appreciated both at home and abroad not just for his talent and musical creativity as an excellent guitarist and song writer – but also for the iconic image that he and Mariam created on stage. Together hey will be remembered and respected for the values they represent in their music: equality, love, perseverance against disability, and truth. My condolences to Mariam. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Lucy Durán, SOAS, University of London Read more: If a child has extra needs, support can be hard to find. This new approach can help make it easier and quicker 'Curiosity-driven research' led to a recent major medical breakthrough. But it's under threat Tunisia's rap revolution: 5 women who are redefining hip-hop Lucy Durán does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Telegraph
21-02-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Joseph Parker vs Martin Bakole: When is the fight, how to watch and why Daniel Dubois pulled out
Daniel Dubois has pulled out of his IBF world heavyweight title defence against New Zealand's Joseph Parker 48 hours before the bout because of illness. The British fighter, who dismantled Anthony Joshua at Wembley four months ago, has been replaced at extremely short notice by Martin Bakole, ranked No 7 in the world, a Congo-born Scotland-based 6ft 6in heavyweight. It is the opportunity of a lifetime for Bakole, who has a professional record of 21 wins and one defeat with 16 KOs, and the two will now fight for Parker's WBO interim title as the co-main event on Riyadh Season's 'The Last Crescendo' card. The night is stacked with seven separate title bouts, including an Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol rematch for the undisputed light heavyweight title in the night's final contest. When is Parker vs Bakole? The fight will take place on Saturday, February 22. The schedule for the ring walks is yet to be confirmed, but they are expected to start at around 10pm UK time. Beterbiev and Bivol are expected to begin ring walks for their bout around an hour later at 11pm. Where is Parker vs Bakole taking place? The fight will be the latest major boxing event to be held at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, following Usyk vs Fury II last December. The card is part of Saudi Arabia's Riyadh Season series, which also sponsored Dubois' September bout against Joshua. Speaking to Telegraph Sport last year, Beterbiev's promoter Bob Arum described Saudi Arabia as the new Las Vegas for heavyweight boxing. Critics say that the kingdom's obsession with funding and promoting elite sport is sportswashing. They have recently won the right to host the 2034 Football World Cup. Where to watch Parker vs Bakole in the UK Viewers in the UK can watch the event through DAZN pay-per-view, at a cost of £19.99 for the full evening of boxing. Is Parker vs Bakole on the radio? Talksport is providing radio coverage of Dubois-Parker, as it has done with other bouts promoted as part of Riyadh Season. What are the other fights on the Parker vs Bakole bill? Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol (for the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO and The Ring light-heavyweight titles) In the co-main event and final fight of the evening, Beterbiev and Bivol will clash in their anticipated rematch. Beterbiev won their fight in October, taking his opponent's World Boxing Association title to unify the belts and become the undisputed world champion of the light-heavyweight division. Both fighters went into that contest with perfect records, but it was Beterbiev who prevailed through a close majority decision from the judges, marking the first time that he has been taken the distance in his 21-fight career. Bivol will be out for revenge having come so close, with their headline clash looking almost too tight to call this time around. Beterbiev holds a slight advantage with bookmakers. Shakur Stevenson vs Josh Padley (for the WBC lightweight title) Shakur Stevenson will defend his World Boxing Council lightweight title against 29-year old Josh Padley, an electrician by trade from Doncaster in South Yorkshire who was a late call-up to replace 22-year-old Floyd Schofield. Stevenson is one of the biggest faces in United States boxing, but his opponent is almost unknown on the global stage, having made himself available for the fight on Wednesday after finishing a shift at work in England after Stevenson's expected opponent, Floyd Schofield pulled out with illness after he, too, stepped in for William Zepeda, who suffered an arm injury. Stevenson's superior experience and profile has him as a strong favourite, but Padley is unbeaten in his 15 bouts even if he ahs fought outside the UK only once. A shock win could propel the Yorkshire 'sparky' into the stratosphere. Carlos Adames vs Hamzah Sheeraz (for the WBC middleweight title) Briton Hamzah Sheeraz will take on Dominican Carlos Adames for his WBC middleweight title, with the challenger the odds-on favourite. Sheeraz, 25, boasts 17 knockouts in his 21 wins, having stopped four of his past five fights within two rounds, and is without a loss in his career so far. Adames will be undeterred by Sheeraz's ruthlessness, having lost only one of his 25 fights, and going unblemished for the past five years. The 30-year-old is in his prime and is well positioned to put up a fight against the up-and-coming challenger, but Sheeraz's famously quick hands could prove too much for the title-holder. Vergil Ortiz Jnr vs Israil Madrimov (for the WBC interim super welterweight title) American Vergil Ortiz Jnr will defend his WBC interim super welterweight title for the first time after defeating Serhii Bohachuk in Las Vegas last August. That contest was the first time Ortiz had been taken the distance, securing knockouts in all 21 of his other fights, making this bout one to watch for a potential show-stopper. He will be challenged by Uzbek Israil Madrimov in his first fight since he lost his perfect record against US star Terence Crawford in August. Madrimov will face a big test of character in trying to regain his momentum after that setback with a win in Riyadh. Zhilei Zhang vs Agit Kabayel (for the WBC interim heavyweight title) China's Zhilei Zhang is looking to capitalise on his victory over Wilder last year as he takes on Agit Kabayel for the vacant WBC interim heavyweight title. The 41-year-old suffered a defeat against headliner Parker last year, but his surprise fifth round TKO against Wilder in June put him back in contention to challenge at the top of the heavyweight division. Kabayel is undefeated in his 25 career fights, and ended two perfect records in his past two appearances. However, the German is yet to fight anyone of Zhang's calibre, making this bout a real test of his world-class credentials. Joshua Buatsi vs Callum Smith (for the WBO interim light heavyweight title) Londoner Joshua Buatsi will defend his World Boxing Organisation interim light-heavyweight title against Callum Smith in the card's only all British bout. Buatsi won the title last September against Willy Hutchinson on the undercard of Dubois' victory over Joshua at Wembley, extending his perfect record to 19-0 in the process. His challenger comes in the form of Liverpudlian Callum Smith, who has lost two of his past five bouts despite holding a perfect 27-0 record up to that point. Smith is Buatsi's biggest challenge yet, and whoever wins will find themselves in prime position to challenge the winner of the co-main event in Beterbiev or Bivol. What are Parker and Bakole's career records? Joseph Parker v Martin Bakole Nationality: New Zealand vs Congo Age: 33 v 33 Height: 6ft 4in v 6ft 6in Reach: 76in v 77in Total fights: 38 v 22 Record: 35-3 (23 KOs) v 21-1 (16 KOs) What are the odds? Parker to win: 4/6 Bakole to win: 7/5 Draw: 20/1 Betting on the boxing? Here are free bets you can use on fight night.
