Latest news with #TheJourney
The Citizen
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Mlindo The Vocalist releases his long-awaited album on Mandela Day as a way of ‘giving back'
Mlindo The Vocalist released his long-awaited album 'Uhambo The Journey' on Mandela Day. Mlindo The Vocalist has released a new album, Uhambio, The Journey. Picture: Mlindo the After being unsatisfied with the mixing of two songs, Mlindo The Vocalist decided to push back the release date of his album from June to July. Mandela Day seemed the right time to give his fans the music they've long been waiting for. 'When we moved it to July I just thought since the 18th is Mandela Day, it's about giving back to the community…and people have been asking for the album, so I thought why not,' Mlindo The Vocalist tells The Citizen. The musician also went into the community to do charity work in Alexandra together with other artists, for Mandela Day. Real name Lindokuhle Mgedezi, the 29-year-old singer-songwriter released his third studio album, Uhambo The Journey. The title refers to Mlindo's past few years, during which he took a step back from the limelight to focus on himself. 'I took a break in music to focus on myself as a person because sometime you can get lost as a person in this industry,' shares Mlindo. ALSO READ: 'It's a kiss; there was no nudity': L-Tido responds after YouTube restricts episode visibility Mlindo dealing with fame Mlindo released his debut album Emakhaya in 2018. The album was certified platinum by RiSA and it racked up almost 45 million streams just under a year after its release. Emakhaya is the most-streamed album by a South African solo artist on Spotify. This saw him experience resounding success at just the age of 23, which attracted bad company, he said. At the height of his career, Mlindo had one of his lowest moments when he went viral for being drunk and struggling to perform on stage at a 2020 gig in Tshwane, where he says one of his close friends put something in his drink. 'The time when I got spiked, that was the hardest thing to deal with. It was something that was not in my control… it's like they were teaching me a lesson or something. I thought I was accepting a drink from a friend, it was out of love from my side, however, they were on another mission,' he says. Reflecting on that period of his life, he says he would have probably handled things differently if he had had a mentor. 'I think it was a mentorship thing. I didn't have the right people to advise me at the time,' he said. Mlindo received support from industry peers, such as Sjava and Somizi, during his time away, who would call to check on his well-being. 'I'm grateful for that and I wish they continue doing that for other young artists who have just come into the industry because it's not easy when you're alone.' 'I'm grown now, I've learnt my lessons. The love of music is still there…but more than anything, I have grown over the last few years.' Part of those lessons was mending his relationship with DJ Maphorisa, with whom he had a fallout. The pair's dispute stemmed from accusations of betrayal and backstabbing, with Maphorisa claiming Mlindo and his manager cut him out of a deal. 'Maphorisa and I got on a call, and we ironed things out. I told him I had no issues with him, and all that was said didn't come from me,' shares Mlindo. ALSO READ: WATCH: 'Come get me, I am not above the law' — Kelly Khumalo hits back at Advocate Teffo's Senzo Meyiwa murder claims Music Even during his sabbatical, Mlindo's debut album remained in the top ten most-streamed albums in South African. 'I'm grateful to the people who stream the music. This made me feel good about myself, that the music we made was timeless. To actually go through those years, where other people were releasing music but we're still in the top 10 most streamed albums since 2018-it really motivated me,' Mlindo said. 'The music is helping people. We don't just make music for clubs, but we make music that heals people with things they're going through.' During his adversity, Mlindo was listening to a variety of music to help him heal. 'I could say Simphiwe Dana played a role, Sjava's music and a lot of Sun-El Musician's music. Also, something that I never listened to growing up but that I stared listening to a lot was gospel music,' he shared. He adds that Dana's Zandisile album from 2004 is one he listens to a lot. 'It's been on my playlist since lockdown and it remains there.' Mlindo says listening to Zandisile inspired the direction of his new album, which has more live music. 'I was experimenting with a lot of different sounds. In terms of the message, it's still like the Mlindo that fans love, but in terms of sound, there's improvement because I was going for something with a North African feel.' NOW READ: Lauryn Hill and sons to headline 12th edition of Delicious Festival
Sharjah 24
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sharjah 24
House of Poetry in Sharjah organises a poetry evening
The event was attended by poet Mohammed Abdullah Al-Buraiki, Director of the House of Poetry, along with a large audience of critics, poets, and poetry enthusiasts who filled the theater and interacted warmly with the recitations. Gratitude and Welcome Dr. Ahmed Aqili opened the evening by warmly thanking His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, for his unwavering support of Arabic language and poetry. He emphasized that under the Ruler's visionary leadership, Sharjah has become a shining beacon of culture and poetry, nurturing creativity and elevating literary expression everywhere. Spiritual Opening Reading The readings were opened by poet Mohamed Al-Mutayyam, who presented texts that soared through spiritual and self-reflective spaces. He began with a spiritual piece titled "The Journey," in which the fragrant prophetic biography was beautifully evoked, using a subtle and captivating symbolic style. Among his recitations were lines from this inspiring work. In conclusion, poet Mohammed Al Buraiki honoured the participating poets and the evening's presenter.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Classic Rock Band Releases Never-Before-Heard Live Version of Iconic Hit
Classic Rock Band Releases Never-Before-Heard Live Version of Iconic Hit originally appeared on Parade. A legendary classic rock band has released a never-before-heard version of one of their greatest hits. On Thursday, June 12, iconic British rock band The Kinks released a live version of their 1966 hit "Sunny Afternoon" that was recorded at their 1993 Royal Albert Hall show in London. It has never been released before, so unless you were there, you've never heard this version. Listen here. This live version of "Sunny Afternoon" is part of the band celebrating its 60th anniversary with a trilogy of albums called The Journey. The Journey — Part 1 and The Journey — Part 2 came out in 2023; now the final chapter in the trilogy, The Journey — Part 3, is being released on July 11, 2025, and will feature two discs of special 1 features 11 classic tracks from the band's Arista period, remastered from the original production tapes. Disc 2 is a very special release featuring recordings previously never released and discovered in the Kinks studio archive, selected from their July 11, 1993, Royal Albert Hall show. 'As far as performances go, it was a high point achievement of the Kinks,' founding member Dave Davies said of the Royal Albert Hall show. Pre-orders and pre-saves can be made here. Disc 1: Catch Me Now I'm Falling (2025 Remaster) (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman (2025 Remaster) A Rock'n'Roll Fantasy (2025 Remaster) Sleepwalker (2025 Remaster) Living On A Thin Line (2025 Remaster) Come Dancing (2025 Remaster) Around The Dial (2025 Remaster) Do It Again (2025 Remaster) Better Things (2025 Remaster) Destroyer (2025 Remaster) Low Budget (2025 Remaster) Misfits (2025 Remaster) Disc 2: One of Our DJs Is Missing (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) Till The End of The Day (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) Where Have All The Good Times Gone (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) Low Budget (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) Apeman (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) Phobia (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) Only a Dream (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) Scattered (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) Celluloid Heroes (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) I'm Not Like Everybody Else (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) Dedicated Follower of Fashion (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) The Informer (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) Death of a Clown (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) Sunny Afternoon (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) You Really Got Me (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) Days (Live at the Royal Albert Hall, 1993) 🎬 SIGN UP for Parade's Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬 Classic Rock Band Releases Never-Before-Heard Live Version of Iconic Hit first appeared on Parade on Jun 12, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Not Just Participating, Designing the Future': Manga Productions's CEO Essam Bukhary on the Saudi Studio's MIFA Debut
Saudi Arabia's long-standing fascination with Japanese anime is rapidly evolving into a full-fledged creative industry, and State-backed Manga Productions is at the center of that transformation. Led by CEO Essam Bukhary, the studio has gone from licensing beloved titles like 'Grendizer' to co-producing original content such as 'The Journey' and 'Future's Folktales' with major Japanese partners like Toei Animation. More from Variety Steph Curry, Gabrielle Union, Caleb McLaughlin Lead A-List Voice Cast for Sony's Animated Feature 'GOAT' Marvel Animation Premieres First Episode of 'Eyes of Wakanda' at France's Annecy Animation Festival L.A.'s Animation Is Film Unveils October Dates for 2025 Edition, Fest Poster (EXCLUSIVE) The company's ambitious slate of anime films, series, and video games represents more than entertainment, it reflects Saudi Arabia's broader cultural and economic diversification efforts. With a new Dragon Ball theme park underway in Qiddiya and Saudi IPs making waves at the box office and on global streaming platforms, Bukhary is not only helping shape a regional industry, he's positioning it as a serious global contender. As he puts it, 'We're not just participating, we're designing the future.' Bukhary is attending the Annecy Animation Festival for the first time this year. The executive met with Variety ahead of the event to discuss his insights into the Kingdom's growing role in the global animation market, Manga Productions' distribution strategy and how homegrown talent is being nurtured through national training programs and international collaborations. Why is anime so deeply rooted in Saudi culture? It all began in the early 1980s. My generation grew up watching Japanese anime on television. That exposure created a lifelong connection. Even today, my 14-year-old daughter watched 'Haikyuu!!' and was inspired to play volleyball. Anime has had a tangible impact on our lives, and continues to do so. In 2024 alone, Saudi Arabia had around 15 million anime viewers, which was nearly a quarter of all anime viewership in the Arab world. Manga Productions is producing original content now, but the Kingdom has traditionally been an importer of media. How important is it for you to flip that script? It's essential. We've been importing stories for decades, but now it's time to export our own. A Saudi story, told with authenticity, has the power to resonate globally. Our film 'The Journey' is a good example. It was the first Arab movie to premiere at the Chinese Theatre in Hollywood and has been distributed in over 50 platforms worldwide. It even won awards at the Septimius Awards. We're proving that Saudi stories can compete on the world stage. For new IPs like 'The Journey' and 'Future's Folktales,' are they fully Saudi productions, or are you working with international partners? They're co-productions. I don't say 'made in Saudi' or 'made in Japan.' I say 'made with.' These projects reflect collaboration. We're also working with American companies like Telltale Games on co-developing titles. So yes, we're very open to international co-productions. That's where the future of IP creation lies. How is Saudi Arabia's animation boom impacting the broader economy? It's part of a larger IP economy. Take 'Grendizer,' we didn't just distribute the anime; we licensed it for games and merchandising and even built a 33-meter statue that earned a Guinness World Record. This drove tourism and created a 360-degree revenue model. This is bigger than screens, it's about creating ecosystems that include entertainment, retail, hospitality and beyond. Distribution is a major hurdle for many animation studios. How does having in-house distribution change the game for you? It's a massive advantage. Many creators finish their work and then struggle to find an audience. At Manga, we start distribution planning early, at the concept stage. It helps with financing and exposure. We've built global partnerships and are actively managing IP across multiple platforms, not just producing content. For a young Saudi artist dreaming of working in animation, what opportunities exist today that didn't a few years ago? A lot. We've partnered with the Ministry of Education to offer free online manga classes to 3.5 million students. We run national manga contests. We've brought in Japanese professionals for in-person training, and we send top students to Japan for internships. It's about investing in 'brainware,' creative thinking and storytelling. Many of our current team members started through these programs. What's on the schedule for Manga Productions at Annecy this year? This is my first time attending the Annecy Festival itself, though I've visited the city before. I'm excited to network, explore future trends and showcase Manga Productions' work. Annecy is the perfect place to listen, learn and build partnerships for the future. Do you envision Saudi Arabia hosting its own industry-focused animation festival or market one day? That's the dream. We've already sponsored Anime Japan in Tokyo and are working on bringing Japanese IPs to events like Riyadh Season. We're not just participating—we're designing the future. We regularly host anime directors and producers in Saudi to engage with youth. Building an industry event here is a natural next step. What are you most proud of since launching Manga Productions in 2017? The team. We started with nothing, no staff, no office, no studio. Today, we have 80 employees across Riyadh and Tokyo, many of whom came through our training programs. One of our interns from 2018 is now directing episodes of 'Future's Folktales.' That's the real success: empowering the next generation of Saudi creators. Best of Variety All the Godzilla Movies Ranked Final Oscar Predictions: International Feature – United Kingdom to Win Its First Statuette With 'The Zone of Interest' 'Game of Thrones' Filming Locations in Northern Ireland to Open as Tourist Attractions
Time of India
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
I never thought I can't be a part of this world because I'm an outsider: Shah Rukh Khan on insider-outsider debate
Ambition, hunger, pain, problems – those are just lofty words. We just need to be determined – yehi meri duniya hai, aur mujhe yahan pe kaam karna hai ,' said , brushing aside the insider-outsider debate. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The industry, he said, welcomed him 'like a new sun on Marine Drive.' The thought was shared by his co-panelist , who recalling her early days, said that when Om Shanti Om happened, she was simply allowed to thrive, to make mistakes, to learn – and was never made to feel like a newcomer, let alone an outsider. At the WAVES summit, both the stars admitted that parties still make them feel like misfits. 'We are just two awkward people,' Deepika said. '(At parties), I feel like an outsider,' Shah Rukh said, adding, 'She is so tall, so I just hide behind her' As the two stars spoke at the session, The Journey: From Outsider to Ruler on the inaugural day of the WAVES summit in Mumbai, they both recalled their beginning in the industry. While SRK spoke about the power of resolve and the importance of never letting failure define you – what matters, he said, is remaining true to oneself – Deepika spoke about her journey into motherhood. Excerpts from the session. The Pathaan co-stars, Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone, in a session moderated by , spoke at length about the insider-outsider debate in showbiz. Emphasising the need for economical cinema tickets, SRK said, 'I still believe the call of the day is a lot more theaters, small theaters in small towns, cheaper theaters so that we can show more films to people in every corner of the country' 'This world does not give a damn about you. You're insignificant' SRK called out the romanticised notion of struggle and said, 'Ambition, hunger, pain, problems – they're just lofty words. It's wonderful to describe yourself as ' Haan main bahut bhooka tha aur maine bahut mehnat ki' … but these are lofty words. I don't believe in them.' Dismissing the outsider-insider debate, he added, 'I have a problem with the distinction between the outsider and the insider. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now I think it's not important ki aap kis jagah se aaye ho aur kis world mein basna chahte ho. What is important is jo bhi world aap choose karo – business, films, politics – a ap usmein apni jagah kaise banana chahte ho.' Too often, he argued, people convince themselves that a lack of legacy or connection is a barrier to entry. 'What happens is that most people start thinking, 'Oh! I'm from the outside world; only the privileged will get a chance. I don't have such a distinguished background.' If you start falling into self-pity and start thinking these things, you will never give your full energy to make a space for yourself in the world that you want to be in. This world does not give a damn about you. You're insignificant. Unko koi farq nahi padta Deepika kahan se aayi, Shah Rukh kahan se aaya, Karan kahan se aaya. Jab main yahan par aaya tha , I never thought I cannot be part of this world because I'm an outsider. I believed – yehi meri duniya hai, aur mujhe yehi karna hai. From day one, everybody in the film industry embraced me like the new sun on Marine Drive.' 'I feel failures twice as much because I feel I let down lots of people' When Karan Johar asked if Shah Rukh Khan had ever considered stepping back, the conversation turned towards handling failure. 'Whenever I fail, I always feel the failure twice as much – ki meri film flop ho gayi, mera kaam kharab ho gaya. I feel that I let down lots of people. I know in 35 years, bahut saare log dil mein chaah rakh kar meri film dekhne aate hain. Jab main gandi picture banata hoon toh main bahut zyada personally leta hoon. It really bogs me down,' he said. SRK added that he refuses to 'feel defeated'. 'I've never felt ki main gir gaya, ab uth nahi sakta. Dukh bahut hota hai, rona bhi bahut aata hai, pareshani bhi bahut hoti hai, ek do baar maine cooking bhi seekh li – acting chhor ke chef ban jata hoon, lekin haarta nahi hoon. I don't allow defeat to overtake me,' he said. Karan brought up SRK's old claim that he could romance a tree, leading Deepika to challenge SRK to romance a bottle. King K didn't miss a beat, he picked up the bottle next to him, and recited the 'teri aankhon ki namkeen mastiyaan' dialogue from Jab Tak Hai Jaan, leaving the room in splits 'I was never made to feel like an outsider' For Deepika, the idea of being an outsider was never something she internalised. She said, 'When I began, it was a new world. I was a 17-year-old who came from Bangalore, and Farah Khan took interest in casting me. She didn't even audition me.' She remembered her earliest days and said she focused on the things within her control – dedication, discipline, and hard work. While working on Om Shanti Om, Deepika said she was given the space to grow. 'I was just allowed to thrive, make mistakes. I was never made to feel like a newcomer or an outsider,' she said, calling the film a rare moment of generosity – a double role for a newcomer opposite the country's biggest star. 'Call it destiny, hard work, whatever, but the point is that it felt comfortable. I could make mistakes,' she added. 'I'm now navigating what life as a mom is going to be' Talking about taking a new role as a mother, Deepika said, 'The minute you have a child, you're now responsible for another human being. In this industry especially, where everything is about you, suddenly, you're caring for this little thing that is dependent on you for everything. It's just about being responsible for another person, and that person comes before you. I'm navigating that, and I don't think I've found the answer to that yet.'
