Latest news with #Nasty
Calgary Herald
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Stage West whisks us back the 1980s with a tribute to pop icons
Article content The premise is that the 1980s produced some of the most iconic pop stars of all time. Because of their enduring popularity, superstars like Elton John, Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury, Whitney Houston, and Prince have all had films made about their lives and legacies. So spending a little time with their music is not just nostalgia, but a reminder of their contribution to pop music. Legends of the 80s is as much a tribute show as it is a pop concert. Article content Article content The six artist Stage West have assembled to channel these musicians weren't even born in that era, so they have definitely done their homework. It s remarkable how well they have captured the look, as well as the sound, of these icons. Article content Article content In the second half of Legends, Amanda De Freitas has a set devoted to Janet Jackson that is particularly electric. The male members of the troupe are her backup dancers and they cover songs like Nasty, Miss You Much, and What Have You Done. It's a demanding turn, yet De Freitas seems just as vibrant at the end of it as she does at the start. Article content In true diva fashion, and a whole different persona, De Freitas covers Whitey Houston. Director Lee Siegel even has her deliver Greatest Love of All at the top of a mini staircase in a shaft of light. It's what Houston, often did in her concerts with that song. De Freitas also gets to sing Houston's I Wanna Dance with Somebody, and she gives it the power and emotion that song deserves. Article content Article content De Freitas sings only What's Love Got to Do With It for Tina Turner. It really is a case of leaving the audience wanting more. Article content What Alex Smith does with George Michael is amazing. It's like watching a video of Michael, that's how exacting Smith's look and sound is. The man can really move, so he gives Ken Overbey's choreography the zing it deserves, no matter which song he's featured in. Article content Ana Persijn Alarcon shows why Gloria Estefan was called not just and entertainer but a force of nature. The stage is a whirl of energy when Alarcon covers Get On Your Feet, Rhythm is Gonna Get You and Conga. Article content Gabriel Macdonald makes a most convincing Billy Joel. There is a cheekiness about his performance that speaks volumes about Joel. His rendition of We Didn't Start the Fire gained huge applause, as did his version of Joel's signature song Piano Man. Gabriel also covers Bruce Springsteen's Dancing in the Dark, and he does the famous saunter through the audience to find a girl to dance with that Springsteen did in the video for that song 41 years ago. It was the MTV generation, so we have those moments captured for posterity.
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.
San Francisco Chronicle
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- San Francisco Chronicle
Is SoSF the Bay Area's Fyre Festival?
What was supposed to be San Francisco's hottest new Pride Weekend celebration has devolved into confusion and controversy, leaving many ticket holders frustrated and struggling to secure refunds. SoSF, a waterfront concert scheduled for Saturday, June 28, with headliner Kehlani, faced backlash earlier this month after the Oakland R&B singer withdrew from the lineup. Her exit followed a string of concert cancellations due to her outspoken support for Palestinians. DJ Adam Kraft, founder of event company Fake and Gay, and drag queen Nicki Jizz, who created the 'Reparations' drag show, subsequently dropped out, citing disagreements with the festival's stance on the issue. Organizers offered refunds to ticket holders due to the lineup changes, but mere days before the outdoor event, many report they're struggling to get their money back as promised. 'It's pretty sketchy behavior,' Jackson Bowers, 29, told the Chronicle. In the weeks that followed the lineup changes, organizers changed the event's name, switched its venue and wiped its social media presence. 'I was excited that they offered refunds but now it seems like they're just totally ghosting us.' The Cole Valley resident said that organizers sent out an email on June 5 announcing the lineup change. The event, set to take place outdoors at 900 Marin St., across the street from Pier 80's warehouse where it was originally booked, is still set to feature 'Nasty' singer Tinashe and Grammy-winning pop star Kim Petras, among others. After consulting his friends who had also purchased tickets, Bowers decided to request a refund on Thursday, June 19, via the email address provided by organizers. He said he paid a little more than $100 for one ticket. The Chronicle has reached out to SoSF organizers for comment. 'I texted my friend and I asked him, 'If we were rich, would we have fallen for Fyre Festival?' because I kind of feel like I did,' said Manuel Gallardo, referencing the disastrous luxury music festival that was meant to take place in the Bahamas in 2017 but was quickly canceled after its initial attendees lacked basic amenities. The 32-year-old Mission District resident said that he spent more than $200 for two tickets after fees, but decided to request a refund after the lineup changed and the event rebranded to Pride 2025 Block Party, sparking confusion. Like Bowers, he is waiting for his SoSF ticket refund, despite having reached out to organizers several times since June 18. 'I don't have very strong feelings about the political arguments that are being made, but I think that the response to Kehlani's political stance was offputting to me,' he said. 'It's a bummer that the event didn't really seem that it had its attendees top of mind or made us feel very good about going.' Oakland resident Julie F. was similarly bothered by the way organizers responded to the 'After Hours' singer's politics, and said that she and her partner requested refunds to ensure that they're 'standing in solidarity with what we feel is the deplatforming of Kehlani.' She declined to share her full last name due to safety concerns regarding her political opinions. While Julie's partner reached out at the beginning of the month and received a refund on June 11, she is still awaiting a response after sending her own request on June 15, plus several follow-ups. Jeshua John, 31, also received a refund on June 11 after submitting his request on June 8. The Haight-Ashbury resident said he decided not to support the event because it didn't align with his values, and he wanted to respect the local artists who had voiced concerns. 'I think it's important to not just have your ear to the ground but also be able to take cues from local artists that we all know and respect,' he said. 'I just feel better about myself knowing where my dollars are going.' John said that he was already skeptical of organizers when they announced the lineup change on Instagram, and screenshotted the post in which they asserted that all ticket holders would be eligible for a refund. The post has since been deleted. 'It's been frustrating but not necessarily surprising,' Julie, 27, said. 'They haven't really been very forward about what to do, what the process is, and also applying an unfair standard for people based on when they had the capacity to process refunds.' She said she paid $95.61 for her ticket by using a discount code, and has attempted to cancel her transaction directly through her credit card, though the process typically takes a few weeks. Even if their refunds aren't issued before Saturday, Julie, Bowers and Gallardo all said that they don't plan to attend. Instead, Bowers plans to hang out in Dolores Park, while Gallardo says he'll check out a different event. Julie doesn't have anything lined up yet. Gallardo noted that he was particularly disappointed by the SoSF shakeup because he wanted to support the revitalization of San Francisco's party scene. 'I just feel like with nightlife kind of coming back in the city after the pandemic I was wanting to support something that was gonna be new,' he said. Bowers also noted he was looking forward to something different. 'It's a shame since everything has unfolded since then,' he said.
Hans India
07-06-2025
- Hans India
Man arrested, 670 e-cigarettes worth Rs 21 lakh seized
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Commissioner's Task Force, Central Zone Team, along with Saifabad Police apprehended a 28-year-old man involved in the illegal sale of banned electronic cigarettes and seized 670 e-cigarettes worth Rs 21 lakh from his possession. The police raided a flat located in Prinstancode Apartments, Adarsh Nagar, under the jurisdiction of Saifabad Police Station. During the operation, Akash Sinde was arrested and e-cigarettes of various brands such as Elfbar, Elux, Raya D1, Nasty, and Shisha were seized. According to police, Akash, originally a resident of Mangalhat, was employed as a caretaker by one Vishesh Agarwal at Prinstancode Apartments, located opposite Grand Bazar, Adarsh Nagar, on a monthly salary basis. Task Force DCP YVS Sudheendra said that in pursuit of easy and illegal profits, Akash began procuring banned e-cigarettes at low cost from Delhi through a network of agents. He then transported them to Hyderabad, stored them at the said premises, and sold them clandestinely to known and needy customers, primarily targeting college students, teenagers, and youth. Electronic cigarettes contain Nicotine and harmful chemical-laced flavors, making them highly addictive and injurious to health. The easy availability and appeal of these products are leading to increased consumption among the younger demographic. The accused, along with the seized material, has been handed over to the Saifabad Police for further legal action.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- The Hindu
Man held for hawking e-cigarettes, contraband worth ₹21 lakh seized
HYDERABAD The Commissioner's Task Force (Central Zone) and the Saifabad Police on Wednesday busted an illegal electronic cigarette racket operating out of a residential flat in Adarsh Nagar, seizing 670 vapes worth nearly ₹21 lakh. Acting on a tip-off, a joint team raided a flat opposite Grand Bazar in Saifabad and apprehended Akash Sinde, 28, who was found storing and selling banned e-cigarettes under the guise of working as a caretaker. The seized vapes include brands such as Elfbar, Elux, Raya D1, Nasty, and Shisha. Sinde, originally from Mangalhat, had been employed by one Vishesh Agarwal on a monthly salary but soon began using the premises for illicit trade. The probe revealed that he sourced the contraband from Delhi through a network of agents and sold them in Hyderabad, targeting college students and teenagers. 'E-cigarettes are not only banned but also laced with harmful chemicals and nicotine, posing a serious health threat, especially to the youth,' a police officer from the task force said. The accused and the seized items have been handed over to the Saifabad Police for further legal action.
