Latest news with #MPJ
IOL News
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Meet Jaydn Elle: the quadruple threat shaking up South Africa's music scene with fearless flair
Jaydn Elle aims to leave a legacy that uplifts and empowers. Image: Supplied At just 18 years old, Jaydn Elle is carving her own path in the entertainment world with an energy that's both bold and independent. Known as a quadruple threat, this dynamic young talent from Johannesburg is not merely accumulating accolades - she is redefining the landscape of singing, acting, dancing and modelling. Elle's lifelong passion for music began at the tender age of five or six, ignited by a childhood viewing of Beauty and the Beast that sparked her profound love for the performing arts. 'Theatre is my first love,' she reflected. Her impressive music career began in 2018 when she secured the lead role in 'Annie JR" at Johannesburg's People's Theatre. This pivotal moment sparked a passion for singing that has only intensified over the years. The year 2020 saw her rise to prominence in modelling when she was awarded the Public Choice Award and made it to the finals of the International Junior Miss South Africa pageant. However, her artistic pursuits didn't stop there. In 2021, she released her debut single 'Nasty', a touching reflection on bullying during the pandemic. Following that, her collaboration on 'Superwoman' with songwriter Warrick Wallace and MPJ became a viral sensation, amassing over 4.7 million streams. 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. 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. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Jaydn Elle's 'Dancin Wit U' demonstrates her evolution as an artist. Image: Supplied Her latest single, 'Dancin Wit U', further demonstrates her evolution as an artist. This upbeat track is a vibrant fusion of '70s disco and contemporary pop, designed to get listeners on their feet and hearts racing. Inspired by her daydreams of an idyllic first date, Elle described it as a song rooted in nostalgia and joy. 'At the time, I hadn't been on a real first date,' she recalled. 'But I would watch enough rom-coms, like 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' and 'The Kissing Booth', to know the kind of butterflies I wanted to feel.' Her infectious energy and style shine through as she expressed the warmth of human connection. Originally recorded in 2021, the song found new life through her partnership with Virgin Music, allowing Elle to refine and elevate it for her ever-evolving artistry. 'Songs don't have expiration dates,' she asserted. 'This one needed to come out now - and I'm so glad I waited.' 'I've never been a one-genre artist,' she explained. 'This song sets the tone for where I'm headed - playful, emotional and full of surprises.' Jaydn Elle aims to leave a legacy that uplifts and empowers. Image: Supplied The artist credits Rihanna's 'Only Girl (In The World)' as the catalyst for her musical aspirations. 'The song made me feel special, and I was obsessed with the music video,' Elle reminisced, pointing to the powerful imagery and emotion that inspired her young heart. Despite growing up in a family entrenched in sports, where music was often relegated to background noise on car rides, Elle forged her own path, allowing her creativity to flourish within a rich tapestry of South African musical influences. 'In South Africa, you can't avoid rhythm,' she said, referencing the diverse sounds that have shaped her music - from vibrant street beats to church choirs and festive family gatherings. Elle described her sound as a mix of disco-pop infused with soul: 'Think sparkly synths, funky bass and vocals that tell stories about love, freedom and self-expression. It's the kind of music you can dance to in your bedroom mirror.' Creating her music is an organic process for Elle, often sparked by melodies that materialise when she least expects them, like during study sessions. 'I'll sit down with my phone's voice notes to start building chords,' she revealed. While she sometimes collaborates with local producers, much of her work is a solo journey of experimentation and self-discovery. Drawing heavily from personal experience, Elle's songwriting encapsulates the essence of her feelings and dreams. One of the most transformative moments in her burgeoning career was filming the first season of 'Reyka', a landmark opportunity that propelled her further into the spotlight. However, the journey hasn't been without its hurdles. Elle acknowledged that self-doubt sometimes creeps in, wondering if anyone will connect with her music. Yet, she finds reassurance in conversations with friends and the knowledge that her story matters. If she could rewind time and offer herself advice at the start of her journey, it would be simple: 'Stop overthinking. Trust your instincts more.' For Elle, the key to success lies in the act of creation without waiting for the perfect moment to unveil oneself to the world. With aspirations of working alongside like-minded artists, Elle lists British singer Jorja Smith as her dream collaborator. 'Her music is so good, and I love her unique sound,' she said. As she looks to the future, Elle is brimming with ideas for her next major project - a secret concept album rooted in a coming-of-age story meant to resonate with queer youth growing up in Johannesburg. 'I want to create a musical movie soundtrack that tells their stories,' she divulges, hinting at her desire to impact lives through her art. Ultimately, Elle aims to leave a legacy that uplifts and empowers. 'I want people to feel seen and celebrated, especially girls of colour and anyone who feels like they don't fit into society's boxes,' she stated. Her music is designed to remind listeners that their joy, love and dreams are all worthy of pursuit - a message that echoes through each note she sings. 'Even if it's just a fantasy, even if it's just for a moment - that spark of joy is worth holding onto,' she concluded.
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Melaka draw up plans to address flooding in Bemban state constituency
JASIN: Flooding problems that frequently affect several areas in the Bemban state constituency are expected to be resolved by next year through the implementation of short-term and long-term solutions. State Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Rais Yasin said some of the flood-prone areas identified included Kampung Asam Kumbang, Lubuk Kasau and Tehel. 'This includes various immediate measures undertaken, such as river deepening and the construction of embankments by housing developers at Sungai Asam Kumbang to ensure smoother water flow. 'The state government, through the relevant departments, will also carry out follow-up actions such as installing stone-filled wire cages in the area to reduce the risk of overflow during heavy rains and to prevent riverbank erosion,' he told reporters here today. He said this after officiating the Jasin Municipal Council (MPJ) Prihatin di Hatiku Programme in conjunction with the Bemban state constituency's 'Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat' (WRUR) programme. Meanwhile, he said the issue of renewing electronic cigarette or vape business licences in the state would be coordinated at the Melaka State Executive Council (MMKN) level soon. He said they are gathering information from all local authorities (PBT) in the state regarding vape sales premises that have not renewed their business licences.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nikola Jokić should be fantasy basketball's top pick next season — after that, not much is certain for Nuggets
The playoffs are where stars rise and weaknesses get exposed. Every defeated team leaves behind stories of promise and failure — the players who stand at the crossroads of potential and uncertainty. We're not here to dwell on the heartbreak of a postseason exit, but to sift through the aftermath, piecing together what it means for fantasy rosters and spotlighting the players who deserve your attention. For every team sent packing, we'll analyze one standout player primed for growth and one major question mark that could impact the team's fantasy value. The NBA offseason is already shaping up to be a drama-filled, rumor-laden affair. This is all about understanding what's next, not just for the teams themselves, but for the fantasy basketball managers who are getting a pulse ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Nuggets' season ended on Sunday in a blowout loss to the Thunder in Game 7 of the West semifinals. While that game wasn't competitive, the Nuggets showed constant resolve throughout the postseason. They simply ran out of gas, and that's understandable given their challenging path and the injuries that piled up along the way. But it doesn't just end there. After a campaign marred by late-season turbulence — head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth were fired three games before the postseason — the ripple effect of those decisions reverberated through the organization, and now, the direction for 2025-26 is a giant question mark. One thing, however, remains crystal clear for fantasy basketball managers: Nikola Jokić is still king. Even with the franchise's chaos, Jokić was again the best fantasy player across formats. Over 70 games, he posted a historic triple-double, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game on 57.6% shooting from the field. His unique combination of efficiency, generating gaudy counting stats and availability makes him an auto-pick at 1.01. I'm convinced he's on one of the best runs we've seen in the history of fantasy basketball. But what about the rest of the Nuggets? That's where things get murkier. Porter chipped in 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, playing in 77 contests. He finished a seventh-round value in 9-cat leagues, which is even with his ADP of 72.3. So, he did what he was supposed to do. However, MPJ's salary accounts for 25% of their payroll at $39M per year over the next two seasons — a signal that he might be the first player offered in a potential deal to shake things up. Porter Jr. is a beast for gutting out the second round with basically one arm. Still, change is necessary as this Nuggets team stalled out before the Western Conference finals once again. Jamal Murray's recent extension makes it harder to move him, and when assessing the rest of the supporting cast, MPJ seems to be the likely piece to be involved in any personnel changes. Braun was an unheralded bright spot for Denver this season. With an ADP in the 12th round, Braun went on to play 79 games and shoot an efficient 58% from the field. He was an underrated fantasy contributor across the board, excelling in an expanded role in a season where he should've garnered more votes for Most Improved Player. Looking ahead to next season, he's a player whose ADP will go a few rounds higher, but don't overdraft him in points leagues because the efficiency gains won't factor into his fantasy value. The Nuggets face an offseason full of uncertainty, from filling leadership vacancies to a potential roster shakeup. However, one priority should be clear to anyone watching from a fantasy or pure basketball standpoint: It's time to maximize Jokić's prime. Jokić is the kind of transcendent player who ensures Denver's competitive floor and elevates the fantasy value of nearly anyone playing with him. Despite Denver's long-term direction being in flux, Jokić will be the undisputed No. 1 pick next season, and fantasy managers should continue investing in the role players tied to him, like Braun.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nikola Jokić should be fantasy basketball's top pick next season — after that, not much is certain for Nuggets
The playoffs are where stars rise and weaknesses get exposed. Every defeated team leaves behind stories of promise and failure — the players who stand at the crossroads of potential and uncertainty. We're not here to dwell on the heartbreak of a postseason exit, but to sift through the aftermath, piecing together what it means for fantasy rosters and spotlighting the players who deserve your attention. For every team sent packing, we'll analyze one standout player primed for growth and one major question mark that could impact the team's fantasy value. The NBA offseason is already shaping up to be a drama-filled, rumor-laden affair. This is all about understanding what's next, not just for the teams themselves, but for the fantasy basketball managers who are getting a pulse ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Nuggets' season ended on Sunday in a blowout loss to the Thunder in Game 7 of the West semifinals. While that game wasn't competitive, the Nuggets showed constant resolve throughout the postseason. They simply ran out of gas, and that's understandable given their challenging path and the injuries that piled up along the way. But it doesn't just end there. After a campaign marred by late-season turbulence — head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth were fired three games before the postseason — the ripple effect of those decisions reverberated through the organization, and now, the direction for 2025-26 is a giant question mark. One thing, however, remains crystal clear for fantasy basketball managers: Nikola Jokić is still king. Even with the franchise's chaos, Jokić was again the best fantasy player across formats. Over 70 games, he posted a historic triple-double, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game on 57.6% shooting from the field. His unique combination of efficiency, generating gaudy counting stats and availability makes him an auto-pick at 1.01. I'm convinced he's on one of the best runs we've seen in the history of fantasy basketball. But what about the rest of the Nuggets? That's where things get murkier. Porter chipped in 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, playing in 77 contests. He finished a seventh-round value in 9-cat leagues, which is even with his ADP of 72.3. So, he did what he was supposed to do. However, MPJ's salary accounts for 25% of their payroll at $39M per year over the next two seasons — a signal that he might be the first player offered in a potential deal to shake things up. Porter Jr. is a beast for gutting out the second round with basically one arm. Still, change is necessary as this Nuggets team stalled out before the Western Conference finals once again. Jamal Murray's recent extension makes it harder to move him, and when assessing the rest of the supporting cast, MPJ seems to be the likely piece to be involved in any personnel changes. Braun was an unheralded bright spot for Denver this season. With an ADP in the 12th round, Braun went on to play 79 games and shoot an efficient 58% from the field. He was an underrated fantasy contributor across the board, excelling in an expanded role in a season where he should've garnered more votes for Most Improved Player. Looking ahead to next season, he's a player whose ADP will go a few rounds higher, but don't overdraft him in points leagues because the efficiency gains won't factor into his fantasy value. The Nuggets face an offseason full of uncertainty, from filling leadership vacancies to a potential roster shakeup. However, one priority should be clear to anyone watching from a fantasy or pure basketball standpoint: It's time to maximize Jokić's prime. Jokić is the kind of transcendent player who ensures Denver's competitive floor and elevates the fantasy value of nearly anyone playing with him. Despite Denver's long-term direction being in flux, Jokić will be the undisputed No. 1 pick next season, and fantasy managers should continue investing in the role players tied to him, like Braun.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nikola Jokić should be fantasy basketball's top pick next season — after that, not much is certain for Nuggets
The playoffs are where stars rise and weaknesses get exposed. Every defeated team leaves behind stories of promise and failure — the players who stand at the crossroads of potential and uncertainty. We're not here to dwell on the heartbreak of a postseason exit, but to sift through the aftermath, piecing together what it means for fantasy rosters and spotlighting the players who deserve your attention. For every team sent packing, we'll analyze one standout player primed for growth and one major question mark that could impact the team's fantasy value. Advertisement The NBA offseason is already shaping up to be a drama-filled, rumor-laden affair. This is all about understanding what's next, not just for the teams themselves, but for the fantasy basketball managers who are getting a pulse ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Nuggets' season ended on Sunday in a blowout loss to the Thunder in Game 7 of the West semifinals. While that game wasn't competitive, the Nuggets showed constant resolve throughout the postseason. They simply ran out of gas, and that's understandable given their challenging path and the injuries that piled up along the way. But it doesn't just end there. After a campaign marred by late-season turbulence — head coach Michael Malone and GM Calvin Booth were fired three games before the postseason — the ripple effect of those decisions reverberated through the organization, and now, the direction for 2025-26 is a giant question mark. One thing, however, remains crystal clear for fantasy basketball managers: Nikola Jokić is still king. Jokić reigns supreme Even with the franchise's chaos, Jokić was again the best fantasy player across formats. Over 70 games, he posted a historic triple-double, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists per game on 57.6% shooting from the field. His unique combination of efficiency, generating gaudy counting stats and availability makes him an auto-pick at 1.01. Advertisement I'm convinced he's on one of the best runs we've seen in the history of fantasy basketball. But what about the rest of the Nuggets? That's where things get murkier. Is Michael Porter Jr. heading to the trade block? Porter chipped in 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds per game, playing in 77 contests. He finished a seventh-round value in 9-cat leagues, which is even with his ADP of 72.3. So, he did what he was supposed to do. However, MPJ's salary accounts for 25% of their payroll at $39M per year over the next two seasons — a signal that he might be the first player offered in a potential deal to shake things up. Advertisement Porter Jr. is a beast for gutting out the second round with basically one arm. Still, change is necessary as this Nuggets team stalled out before the Western Conference finals once again. Jamal Murray's recent extension makes it harder to move him, and when assessing the rest of the supporting cast, MPJ seems to be the likely piece to be involved in any personnel changes. Christian Braun's efficiency shines Braun was an unheralded bright spot for Denver this season. With an ADP in the 12th round, Braun went on to play 79 games and shoot an efficient 58% from the field. He was an underrated fantasy contributor across the board, excelling in an expanded role in a season where he should've garnered more votes for Most Improved Player. Looking ahead to next season, he's a player whose ADP will go a few rounds higher, but don't overdraft him in points leagues because the efficiency gains won't factor into his fantasy value. Advertisement Looking ahead The Nuggets face an offseason full of uncertainty, from filling leadership vacancies to potential roster shakeups. However, one priority should be clear to anyone watching from a fantasy or pure basketball standpoint: it's time to maximize Jokić's prime. Jokić is the kind of transcendent player who ensures Denver's competitive floor and elevates the fantasy value of nearly anyone playing with him. Despite Denver's long-term direction being in flux, Jokić will be the undisputed No. 1 pick next season, and fantasy managers should continue investing in the role players tied to him, like Christian Braun.
