Latest news with #NoMoreDrama


The South African
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Mary J. Blige lights up Tottenham Hotspur stadium
Mary J. Blige delivered a spectacular performance at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. She captivated the audience with her futuristic look and commanding stage presence. The legendary R&B and hip-hop soul queen embraced a bold, avant-garde style that perfectly matched the energy of the massive venue. Mary J Blige took to the stage dressed in a striking blue rhinestone-encrusted outfit by NAMILIA, which shimmered under the stadium lights. This dazzling ensemble, paired with her iconic thigh-high boots, made her look every bit the queen she is often hailed to be, according to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The outfit change came after an energetic first half of the show, where she wore a bright yellow two-piece that radiated confidence and star power. The futuristic fashion was not just a statement of style but also a symbol of her enduring influence in music and culture. The concert was part of a high-profile event that also featured hip-hop legend 50 Cent and American rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. Mary J. Blige's set was a masterclass in live performance. Mary J Blige was backed by a six-person live band, three backing singers, and four dancers, creating a rich and dynamic soundscape. Throughout her set, she performed hits like Family Affair , Share My World , and the emotional No More Drama . The singer delivered them mostly without backing tracks—a rare feat that showcased her vocal prowess and authenticity. Behind her, a giant crown symbolised her queen status, while later video clips of her past interviews and music videos added depth and nostalgia to the experience. This blend of past and present resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom have followed her career for decades. 'Performing here in London, in such a grand stadium, feels like a full-circle moment,' Blige said. 'It's about celebrating where I've been and looking forward to what's next'. The concert also highlighted the growing trend of large-scale music events in iconic stadiums, which bring significant economic benefits. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium alone contributes roughly £344 million (about R 10.3 billion) annually to the local economy. Mary J Blige's futuristic look and powerful performance at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium were a testament to her enduring legacy. She continues to evolve as an artist while honouring her roots, making her a true inspiration for music lovers worldwide. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.


What's On
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
The Mary J. Blige concert in Dubai has been cancelled
Just as excitement was building for Mary J. Blige's first Dubai show in over a decade, we got the news no one wanted to hear: the concert , meant to take place on Tuesday, June 24 has been cancelled. While the reasons have not been shared, What's On can confirm that the concert will not be taking place. Although the listing has been removed from the Coca Cola Arena's events calendar, we are hopeful that the star will be able to perform here soon. Mary J. Blige's return to the UAE stage was meant to be a milestone. Her last full concert in Dubai was more than ten years ago, and anticipation was high after her recent cameo at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and appearances around the city. The show, scheduled for next week at the Coca-Cola Arena, promised a special night filled with her timeless hits to remind everyone why she's still the queen. About Mary J. Blige Few artists have shaped hip-hop and R&B quite like Mary J. Blige. Since the early '90s, she's been mixing raw emotion with street edge, creating songs that still hit decades later. Think Family Affair , No More Drama , Real Love , Be Without You – the list goes on. With 14 albums, over 100 million records sold, nine Grammys, and an Oscar nod, her legacy speaks for itself. In 2022, Billboard crowned her an icon. Simply put: she's a legend. The venue Presented by Live Nation Middle East, the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai was set to host one of the city's biggest music events of the year. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and atmosphere, it was the perfect place for Mary J. Blige's comeback concert – a venue that matches the energy and scale of a superstar like her. Though this concert won't be happening next week, we can hold on to hope that Mary J. Blige's return to Dubai isn't over – just paused. And if you're planning your concert calendar, the UAE is stacked: Wael Kfoury at Dubai Opera on June 22, Jennifer Lopez at Etihad Arena on July 29, Lil Baby on October 18, Elissa at Dubai Opera on November 3, Enrique Iglesias in November, and Katy Perry closing the year in December. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in


Time Out Dubai
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Dubai
Mary J Blige to play Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai: Dates, tickets and more
One of the most iconic names in hip-hop and soul is bringing her live show to Dubai. Mary J Blige is set to return to the UAE for the first time in over a decade when she takes to the stage in the emirate this summer. The 'Queen of Hip-Hop Soul' will perform at the Coca-Cola Arena in City Walk on Tuesday June 24. Tickets to see the nine-time Grammy award winner go on sale from Friday May 2 at 4pm but prices are yet to be revealed. Fans can expect to hear hits from a back catalogue spanning over three decades during her Coca-Cola Arena show, including the likes of Real Love, No More Drama and Family Affair. Blige, known for her deeply personal and emotionally charged performances, has become a cultural icon with a career that has defined generations. Since her debut in 1992 with the groundbreaking album What's the 411?, Mary J. Blige has released 14 studio albums, sold over 100 million records worldwide, and earned countless accolades including an Emmy Award, and 2 Academy Award nominations for acting and original music. She was also inducted into the Apollo Theatre Walk of Fame and honoured with the Billboard Icon Award. The Mary J Blige show is the latest big gig coming to the UAE with the likes of Katy Perry, P-pop group BINI and 90s nu-metal legend Limp Bizkit on the way later this year. If you're heading to Coca-Cola Arena then we've got all the recommendations on what to do before and after the gig. There are countless restaurants, shops and attractions around the arena to make your night extra special. We've put together an ultimate guide on where to grab a bite before, where to carry on the party afterwards and everything in between. Tickets TBC. Tue Jun 24. Coca-Cola Arena, City Walk. Looking for more music in Dubai? All the best concerts and gigs coming to Dubai next month and beyond There's a show for every taste The most nostalgic gigs coming soon to Dubai Let's throw it right back Where to watch live music in Dubai Soak up some melodies in bars and clubs across the city


What's On
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Mary J. Blige is coming to Dubai this June
The queen returns… If you grew up on hip-hop and R&B, you already know – this one's not to be missed. Mary J. Blige is heading to Dubai for her first live show here in over ten years. She'll take over Coca-Cola Arena on June 24 to perform the anthems that shaped a generation – expect hit after hit and a crowd singing every word back to her. A voice that changed the game Mary J. isn't just another name in music – she's the blueprint. Since dropping her debut album What's the 411? back in 1992, she's been mixing raw emotion with hip-hop attitude in a way that no one else quite has. Few artists have shaped hip-hop and R&B quite like Mary J. Blige. Since the early '90s, she's been creating songs that still hit decades later. Think Family Affair, No More Drama, Real Love, Be Without You – the list goes on. With 14 albums, over 100 million records sold, nine Grammys, and an Oscar nod, her legacy speaks for itself. In 2022, Billboard crowned her an icon. Simply put: she's a legend. About the show Presented by Live Nation Middle East, this concert marks Mary's long-awaited return to the UAE stage. The last time fans saw her here was over a decade ago, but she made a cameo at last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, turning heads at the opening of Brooklyn Chop House. Now, she's back – centre stage, mic in hand, ready to own the night at Coca-Cola Arena. Tickets Mary J. Blige Tickets go on sale from 4pm on Friday, May 2 at . More big names If you're planning your concert calendar, the UAE is stacked: Kygo hits Coca-Cola Arena on May 30, Jennifer Lopez at Etihad Arena on July 29, Lil Baby on October 18, Enrique Iglesias in November, and Katy Perry closing the year in December. Images: Instagram > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in


Boston Globe
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Boston Globe
Mary J. Blige brings royal show to Boston
Blige opened Monday night's show with 'Take Me As I Am,' a gently grooving cut that laid out her modus operandi: 'Put my life all up in these songs, just so you can feel me (so you get the real me),' she sings at one point. Over her three-plus-decade career, audiences have watched Blige grow fully into herself and turn the lessons she's learned into barn-burning songs that double as moments of connection. 'No More Drama,' released in 2001, flips the deliberate piano chords of the 'The Young and The Restless' theme into a rhythm for striding away from troublemakers; the simmering 'Good Morning Gorgeous,' from her 2022 album of the same name, is a reminder to treat oneself tenderly, even when self-hatred is eating away at the soul. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Mary J. Blige performed at TD Garden on Monday. Brent Goldman Advertisement Blige has a powerful voice that can hit the high notes in winning fashion, and it was the centerpiece of Monday night's show. Her lyrics often have a conversational immediacy that fuels her bond with her listeners, but there are also points where the big emotions she's describing can only be matched by showcases of her vocal prowess. When she reached the climactic moment of the piano-led ballad 'Be Without You,' pyrotechnics rained from above, putting an exclamation point on her intensity. Near the end of the 1995 kiss-off 'Not Gon' Cry,' she bellowed 'he wasn't worth me' with a fervency that could have caused explosions of its own. Monday's fast-moving set included more than 30 songs from across Blige's catalog and was capped by the confidently celebratory 'Family Affair.' Blige has named her current arena run 'The For My Fans Tour,' and appropriately enough, she thanked the assembled profusely — for coming to the show, for singing along, and for supporting her throughout the years. 'I just wrote down what I felt, what I was going through,' Blige said in a videotaped interlude near the show's outset. She was talking about her debut album, but in the years since its release, that honesty, combined with her considerable talent and undeniable charisma, has helped Blige become one of pop royalty's most down-to-earth members. Mary J. Blige performed at TD Garden on Monday. Brent Goldman MARY J. BLIGE: THE FOR MY FANS TOUR With Ne-Yo, Mario At TD Garden, Monday