Latest news with #GlobalPowerPlayers
TimesLIVE
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
Billboard launches Billboard Africa, a game-changer for the continent's music industry
In a landmark move that underscores the global rise of African music, Billboard announced the launch of Billboard Africa during its inaugural Global Power Players event in London. The new chapter signals a bold expansion by the iconic music authority, with a mission to spotlight, celebrate and elevate the African music scene on a global stage. In collaboration with Global Venture Partners, Billboard Africa promises to be more than a regional offshoot. It will serve as a powerhouse platform, delivering a robust lineup of editorial content, real-time music charts, exclusive videos and interviews, breaking news and bespoke events all centered around Africa's rich and diverse musical tapestry. 'African music has evolved into a dynamic force with a rich cultural heritage and an undeniable impact on the world,' said Mike Van, president of Billboard. 'The new platform enables us to create meaningful opportunities for African artists to connect with a global audience, elevating their talent to unprecedented levels.' From the rhythmic heartbeats of Afrobeats and amapiano to the soulful echoes of Afro-jazz and hip-hop, Billboard Africa is poised to be the ultimate stage for the continent's best and brightest. With a dedicated team and local collaborations, the platform aims to highlight chart-topping artists, emerging talent and the stories behind the sound. 'We are thrilled to launch Billboard Africa, a pivotal step in recognisng Africa's profound contributions to global music culture,' said Josh Wilson, MD at Global Venture Partners. 'African music is a driving force that continues to reshape global music trends.' More than only recognition, the initiative is about building infrastructure. Brandon Martin, CEO of Global Venture Partners, emphasised the long-term vision: 'We're not only raising visibility for artists but laying the groundwork for an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. Billboard Africa is about amplifying potential and encouraging investment in the continent's creative economy.' At the helm of the ambitious rollout is Nkosiyati Khumalo, editor-in-chief of Billboard Africa, who brings a deep understanding of African culture and storytelling. 'Bringing Billboard's thought leadership home to Africa, and sharing more African stories with the world, is an immense honor,' said Nkosiyati. 'This is about supporting the diverse artists and professionals who drive African music forward.' From curated events to awards shows, artist spotlights to industry insights, Billboard Africa is setting the stage for a cultural and economic renaissance. As the world tunes in, the continent's musicians are ready to turn up the volume.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
TEMS' Headlining Set & 7 Other Highlights to Watch for at Inaugural SXSW London
The performance this week by Nigerian star TEMS is one eagerly awaited moment at the inaugural SXSW London, which opens Monday (June 2) and runs through Saturday (June 7), building on the four-decade legacy of the South By Southwest music, arts, film and tech conference and festival launched by four young colleagues in Austin, Texas, in 1987. More from Billboard Marcie Jones, Lead Singer of Marcie & The Cookies, Dies at 79 Peter Murphy Cancels 2025 Tour Dates Due To Ongoing 'Health Issues' Ye Says He 'Dreams' of Apologizing to Jay-Z TEMS will headline The Stage at SXSW London on Thursday (June 5) in an exclusive concert presented by Billboard at London's iconic music venue Troxy. She was featured on the cover of the magazine's May 17 issue. London is some 4,900 air miles from Austin where, in the mid 1980s, the idea of a conference and festival, initially focused on music, was hatched by the co-founders of SXSW: Roland Swenson, Louis Jay Meyers, Louis Black and Nick Barbaro. At the first event, held in March 1987, an expected 150 registrants reached 700 on the opening day. In 2021, following the challenges of the pandemic, SXSW gained an investment partner in Penske Media Corporation (which also owns Billboard) and the film and production company MRC. Two years later, Penske took majority ownership of SXSW. Under its new owners, SXSW has gone global. The third SXSW Sydney will take place in Australia's largest city from Oct. 13-19. This first SXSW London takes place at a time when the creative industries of the United Kingdom are more vital than ever, with the music business finding global success with superstars like Dua Lipa, Charli xcx, Coldplay and others. The event also follows the publication by Billboard of its annual Global Power Players list and its first U.K. Power Players list, whose honorees will be recognized at an invitation-only gathering. Here are seven highlights to watch for at SXSW London. Organizers report that SXSW London will take place across 34 venues, galleries, clubs and spaces in and around Shoreditch, in East London, where former industrial industrial buildings have been renovated and repurposed as offices and residences. SXSW London will feature 862 conference speakers across 500 sessions, 600 performances from 500 music artists and 110 total film and TV screenings. 'SXSW London is showcasing industry leaders and emerging talent at the cutting edge of what is new and future facing, alongside some of the world's biggest talent from across music, film, tech, arts, fashion and more,' the organization states. Specifically, the conference is organized around six key themes: AI, Robotics and Automation; Humanity, Machines and the Future of AI; New Tech Frontiers; Our Future Health; Tech, Governance and the Future of Society; and Navigating Business in a Changing World. Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, will offer opening remarks at the conference. Deepak Chopra will give a talk titled 'Bridging Science & Spirituality for a Better Future.' Tina Brown will speak on 'Truth Power and the Press.' Björn Ulvaeus, co-founder of ABBA, will address 'The Future of Entertainment.' Stewart Copeland will be featured in conversation following his recent speaking tour billed as 'Have I Said Too Much? The Police, Hollywood and Other Adventures.' Bellwethers Group, which is focused on building a green economy, is the official sustainability partner of SXSW London and will host the Nature and Climate house with live panel talks and music performances. The design software company Canva is hosting a week of activations and events at its headquarters on Hoxton Square. The sportswear brand Converse is sponsoring the Strongroom Bar and supporting a week of Caribbean music, while also hosting its own music showcase on Monday (June 2). The Swedish automotive manufacturer Polestar is the official auto partner of the event and is hosting a live activation in the marketplace of Ely's Yard, where the luxury sunglass and eyeglass company Ray-Ban also is staging an activation with live music and DJs The Finish mobile game development company Supercell will host an an interactive gaming space and art gallery, along with other special events through the week. Like its counterpart in Austin, SXSW London will bring attention to groundbreaking new businesses. 'SXSW London's International Venture Spotlight Competition is for early-stage startups across life science, biotech, deep tech and creative tech,' the organizers state. 'The 20 shortlisted early stage companies includes start-ups who have developed game-changing innovations including self-healing concrete to improve the lifespan and cut carbon emissions of infrastructure, dissolvable breast implants that allow natural tissue regeneration after a mastectomy, and the world's first dexterous robot designed for minimally invasive neurosurgery.' In addition to Billboard, several Penske Media brands will contribute to SXSW London programming. Sportico will present The Sports Track, examining, among other topics, athletes as investors. The American Pavilion will bring its young Worldwide Student Program participants to the event. Luminate, which provides the data for the Billboard charts, will host a session titled 'Understanding Entertainment Trends Through Data.' Golden Globes president Helen Hoehne will engage in conversation with actor Joseph Fiennes. The Artforum Atelier series of live panel discussions will feature some of the biggest names in the art world. Deadline will bestow its Sound & Screen Impact Award to composer Anne Dudley (The Crying Game, The Full Monty and Signora Volpe, among others). Rolling Stone's Future of Music U.K. will feature two nights of buzz bands from the United Kingdom. TEMS takes The Stage at SXSW London (in the city she currently calls home) following the breakthrough success of her 2024 album, Born in the Wild. Reaching No. 56 on the Billboard 200, it is the highest charting album by a Nigerian female artist. Rolling Stone's Future of Music U.K. will draw attention to acts including the showcase headliners, the English punk-pop rock band The K's and the Afro-Caribbean-influenced indie pop trio Cassia, who hail from Macclesfield, England. Erykah Badu will perform in her persona as DJ Lo Down Loretta Brown. Among the other top names on the British scene headlining SXSW London are Mabel, Sasha Keable, NAO, Alice Glass, Lila Ike, Mono, Sinead Harnett, Mirra May and Idris. The 500 booked artists will be taking the stage at more than 30 venues in East London. Those venues, in turn, will vie to match the musical magic found through the decades in rooms like the Continental Club, Antone's and Stubb's Bar-B-Q back in Austin. Best of Billboard Diddy Judge Rejects Claim That Prosecutors Leaked Surveillance Tape of Cassie Assault Four Decades of 'Madonna': A Look Back at the Queen of Pop's Debut Album on the Charts Chart Rewind: In 1990, Madonna Was in 'Vogue' Atop the Hot 100
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Billboard & Global Venture Partners Launch Billboard Africa
Billboard has partnered with Global Venture Partners, a Dubai-based venture capital firm focused on fostering economic growth across Africa and the Middle East, to launch Billboard Africa. Billboard editorial director Hannah Karp first announced the news at our inaugural Global Power Players event at Shoreditch House in east London Wednesday night (June 4), while introducing incoming Billboard Africa editor Nkosiyati 'Yati' Khumalo, who presented Tems with the Diamond Award. More from Billboard Tems, Elton John & EMPIRE's Ghazi Honored at Billboard's Inaugural Global Power Players Event Queens of the Stone Age Couldn't 'Over-Rehearse' for Paris Catacombs Concert Film: 'You Go Down There & All the Plans Are Off' Here's What Fans Think of SiR Claiming Drake Had His 2024 Toronto Show Canceled 'At Billboard, we are committed to amplifying the voices of exceptional artists and sharing the stories that shape the global music landscape,' said Mike Van, CEO of Billboard. 'Billboard Africa is a pivotal step in this journey, as African music has evolved into a dynamic force with a rich cultural heritage and an undeniable impact on the world. This new platform enables us to create meaningful opportunities for African artists to connect with a global audience, elevating their talent to unprecedented levels.' Billboard Africa will be the leading hub for African music and culture featuring editorial content, charts, breaking news, videos, interviews and exclusive events, uniting artists and fans in a global celebration of the unique sounds coming out of the continent. Billboard's expansion in Africa aims to deliver both cultural and economic impact, recognizing the top artists, songs and albums from the continent while driving growth within the local music economy. 'Our investment in Billboard Africa is not just about creating a new platform; it's about recognizing and amplifying the untapped potential of the African music industry,' said Brandon Martin, CEO of Global Venture Partners. 'Africa has long been a cultural powerhouse, with music at the heart of that influence. Through Billboard Africa, we're not only raising visibility for artists but laying the groundwork for an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. We hope this venture encourages more members of the African diaspora to see the incredible opportunities on the continent and invest in its future. By working together, we can build a vibrant ecosystem where African talent thrives, strengthens local economies and reaches every corner of the globe.' 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
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
11 Trailblazing Achievements by African Artists
Billboard is continuing to expand its global footprint with the launch of Billboard Africa, which was announced Wednesday night (June 4) at our inaugural Global Power Players event in London. More from Billboard Billboard & Global Venture Partners Launch Billboard Africa African Fresh Picks: Ayra Starr x Wizkid, Ayox x Qing Madi, Darkoo, Olamide, Seyi Vibez & More From Travis Scott to Pacers Star Pascal Siakam, Rising 'Afro Pluto' Star Shallipopi is in Everybody's Orbit In partnership with Global Venture Partners, Billboard Africa will continue Billboard's commitment to highlighting major developments within the African music industry and embracing the continent's diverse voices and rich stories through events, awards and exclusive multimedia content. The platform aims to become the leading hub for African music and culture, strengthening ties between artists and fans as well as the local music economy. 'We are thrilled to launch Billboard Africa, a pivotal step in recognizing Africa's profound contributions to global music culture,' said Josh Wilson, managing director at Global Venture Partners. 'African music is not only rich and diverse but a driving force that continues to reshape global music trends. Billboard Africa will create a space where these voices are amplified, where artists connect with new audiences, and where fans and industry professionals alike can witness the full impact of Africa's creative energy.' In honor of Billboard Africa launching, we're celebrating 11 African artists' trailblazing efforts in the global music scene. While Rema's 'Calm Down,' featuring Selena Gomez on the remix, became the first African artist-led song to hit one billion Spotify streams, he's not the only African artist in Spotify's Billions Club. Wizkid was the first African member and also one of the first members ever when Drake's 'One Dance,' also featuring Kyla, became the very first song to hit one billion streams on the streaming service in 2016. And while Wiz is also the first Nigerian artist to have a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with the same song in 2016, South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela became the first African artist to top the all-genre songs tally nearly 50 years earlier with 'Grazing in the Grass.' CKay also landed a historic No. 1 on a Billboard chart that was brand new at the time: the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart that we launched in partnership with Afro Nation in 2022, which ranks the 50 most popular Afrobeats songs in the country. Like Masekela, many African acts have paved the way for others to achieve historic firsts in their own right. Miriam Makeba, also known as 'Mama Africa,' was the first African artist to win a Grammy in 1966, and almost 60 years later, Tyla won the first Grammy in the best African music performance category that the Recording Academy introduced in 2024. And Tems, who won her second Grammy in that category earlier this year with 'Love Me JeJe,' made history in a whole different field when she became the first African-born woman to own a Major League Soccer team when she joined the San Diego FC ownership group as a club partner. From the 1960s to the 2020s, take a look back at more of the historic firsts African artists have accomplished. Miriam Makeba became the first African artist to win a Grammy in March 1966, taking home the trophy for best folk recording with her and her mentor Harry Belafonte's 1965 album An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba. Her 1965 solo album Makeba Sings! was also nominated in the same category. Hugh Masekela became the first African artist to have a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 with 'Grazing in the Grass' in July 1968. It spent two consecutive weeks at the top. The song also reached No. 15 on Adult Contemporary and spent four weeks at No. 1 on Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles. CKay's 'Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)' became the first No. 1 hit on Billboard's U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart in March 2022. It eventually finished at No. 3 on Billboard's 2022 year-end tally. 'To be honest… it was overlooked. No one took it seriously because it wasn't a fast song,' he said in his 2021 Billboard Chartbreaker interview. The song also reached No. 26 on the Hot 100 and No. 2 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts while also topping Rhythmic Airplay, Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Top Triller U.S. Davido became the first African artist to perform at the FIFA World Cup outside of Africa in December 2022. He performed 'Hayya Hayya (Better Together)' alongside American singer-songwriter Trinidad Cardona and Qatari singer-songwriter Aisha, which was featured on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Soundtrack, during the closing ceremony at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Uncle Waffles became the first amapiano act to perform at Coachella in April 2023. 'The sound deserves to be on stages this big,' she told Billboard before her set. She returned to the desert earlier this year to perform at REVOLVE Festival. 'I'm so excited to be bringing the sound to the world. I know a lot of people, they probably won't know what amapiano is, but I'm excited to be their first experience. I hope everyone loves it after they get to see me,' she told Billboard. Burna Boy became the first Nigerian artist to headline and sell out a U.S. stadium during his show at NYC's Citi Field in July 2023. The historic stop was part of his Love, Damini world tour and fell on the first anniversary of his album Love, Damini, which peaked at No. 2 on World Albums and earned a 2023 Grammy nomination for best global music album. The previous April, he became the first Nigerian artist to headline and sell out NYC's Madison Square Garden. 'It's like I'm better at [performing] than making music. And that says a lot because I'm really good at making music,' he said in his 2022 Billboard cover story. 'You see how with Christ, there's B.C. and A.D.? I feel like that's how it is for me with performing. There's going to be a 'Before Burna Came' and 'After Burna's Death' time period in the performing arts world. That's my legacy.' Rema's 'Calm Down,' featuring Selena Gomez, became the first African-artist led song to hit one billion Spotify streams in September 2023. 'It's a blessing. It's not just a big win for me, my team and family, it's also a big one for the culture. I feel really happy and I'm really proud of the fans as well for going back to the song and putting people on the song. Shout out to the DJs and everyone who made this possible,' he said in a press statement. The song also reached No. 3 on the Hot 100 and hit No. 1 on the following Billboard charts: U.S. Afrobeats Songs (for a record 59 weeks), World Digital Song Sales (32 weeks), Pop Airplay (five weeks), Rhythmic Airplay (four weeks) and Adult Pop Airplay (two weeks). Black Coffee became the first South African DJ to headline and sell out NYC's Madison Square Garden in October 2023. 'It's always been one of my biggest dreams to take this music and sound to the highest level possible and to expose it to the largest audience imaginable and so I've dreamt of my @thegarden debut for many years — it's finally a reality!' he wrote on X while sharing the concert flyer. The previous April, he became the South African DJ/producer to win the Grammy for best dance/electronic album with his 2021 album Subconsciously, which was ranked No. 3 on Billboard staff's best dance albums of 2021 list. Tyla won her first Grammy and the first Grammy in the augural best African music performance category for her 2023 smash 'Water' in February 2024. 'It's something that a lot of people strive toward and want to win at least once in their lifetime. And I'm so blessed to have received one so early in my career,' she said in her Billboard cover story last year. 'That category is something that was introduced in my lifetime, and I was the first person to win it. And I'm able to bring it home back to South Africa. The South African genre of amapiano just started bubbling, and I'm so proud that South Africa has a genre that people are enjoying and paying attention to. I'm super proud of my country and where our sound has gone.' The Hot 100 No. 7 hit also won top Afrobeats song at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards and best Afrobeats video at the MTV Video Music Awards. Tems became the first African-born woman to own an MLS team when she joined the San Diego FC ownership group as a club partner in February 2025. 'I grew up around my uncles and brother watching matches, and because they're so loud, I'm forced to pay attention. I always wondered about being able to be in the business of it because it's a man's world,' she said in her Billboard cover story this year. She works closely with the Right to Dream Academy, a youth association football academy that started in Ghana has a U.S. branch in San Diego. 'That's something that piqued my interest, being able to build other Africans up, build other children up and give them more opportunities that they wouldn't have otherwise seen.' The music video for Aya Nakamura's 2018 hit 'Djadja' became the first video by an African female artist to hit one billion YouTube views in February 2025. Seven years ago, shortly after its release, the song made history in the Netherlands by becoming the first French-language song to hit No. 1 since Édith Piaf's 'Non, je ne regrette rien' in 1961. 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
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Elton John Fans Impressed With Honor, Battle Against AI: ‘Keep Fighting the Good Fight!'
Elton John Fans Impressed With Honor, Battle Against AI: 'Keep Fighting the Good Fight!' originally appeared on Parade. was honored with the Creators' Champion Award on Wednesday, June 4 in London at Billboard's Global Power Players event. The pop music icon was joined by his manager/husband when he accepted the award for calling for fair use and protection for musicians' work in relation to AI use. 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 John, 78, posted his speech, in which he addressed the data bill currently being debated in the British government, on his official Instagram account. 'The onus is now on the government to do the right thing and have transparency added to the bill. We've asked them so many times to come to us. We've had so many meetings with them saying that we wanted to work with you,' John said in his speech. 'Copyright has to be transparent and seek permission,' he added. 'These two principles are the bedrock of the industry and they must be included in the data bill as a backstop. Let's be clear: We want to work with the government, we want our government to work with us. We are not anti-AI and we are not anti-Big Tech.'Fans on Instagram applauded the 'Rocket Man' singer for receiving the award and battling for what he believes in. 'Keep fighting the good fight!' one fan posted. 'So Amazing 😍❤️❤️❤️Young people need support to build a better worldCongratulations 😊🙌💖💖💖💖💖🌟,' another one added. 'Elton John is a living legend 🎹✨Hits, heart, and more flair than anyone—no one does it like him. Still iconic after all these years! 🌟,' another fan wrote. Elton John Fans Impressed With Honor, Battle Against AI: 'Keep Fighting the Good Fight!' first appeared on Parade on Jun 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
