Latest news with #UncleWaffles
BBC News
a day ago
- Business
- BBC News
New home for music venue Birmingham Forum after closure
Promoters have found a new home for a music venue which was unexpectedly forced to Birmingham shut when the city's Corporation Square building, which served as base to the venue, was closed by landlords in Global Venues said the closure was "devastating", describing Forum as part of Birmingham's "rich musical legacy".The company has since secured the former Roller Jam site in Digbeth and confirmed it would reopen the venue as Forum Digbeth. The site would undergo phased renovations, Global Venues said, and have a capacity of 2,000 people, along with a "raw, warehouse-style aesthetic".The D&B Audoitechnik sound system from the former Forum Birmingham has also been installed at the site and was debuted during a preview show with Uncle Waffles on 31 Chauhan of Global Venues said he was "extremely excited" about the revival, adding of future shows that there was "world-class talent" in the company has yet to confirm when the full opening of Forum Digbeth will take place. Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Lasizwe dreams big: Tyla and Bonang Matheba top his 'Awkward Dates' guest list
Among the names are TV personality Bonang Matheba, Grammy winner Tyla, viral sensation Uncle Waffles, "Shaka iLembe" lead Thembinkosi Mthembu, and former Miss Universe, Zozibini Tunzi. The YouTuber and content creator recently took to Instagram to share the famous faces he dreams of having across the table from him. Lasizwe is entering his dream guest era. With his YouTube show "Awkward Dates" becoming a fan favourite for its messy moments, flirtatious chaos, and painfully funny silences, the content creator is now manifesting his ultimate celebrity line-up, and Mzansi is eating it up. 'Manifesting to go on an 'Awkward Date' with them! Who else should I ask to go on a date with?' he wrote, tagging the stars in the post. The comment section was flooded with suggestions from fans, who threw in names like Babes Wodumo, Nomzamo Mbatha and even more unexpected picks, proving that Mzansi loves the mix of charm, cringe and randomness that the show delivers. And we get to see a different side of these celebs as they are put in these unpleasant situations. Since launching in 2022, "Awkward Dates" has become known for its unfiltered, sometimes uncomfortable questions. From his date with Pamela Mtanga where things got steamy and uncomfortable, to the episode with Nolo Seabi that had everyone choosing sides on social media – each guest brings something new to the awkward dining table. One moment it's cute flirting, the next you're nursing secondhand embarrassment. Fans have praised the show for its humour and unpredictability, a refreshing break from overly scripted content. Lasizwe keeps it real, asking the questions most wouldn't dare and somehow still making it charming. Reaching a million subscribers shows just how far he's come, from comedy skits in a pink robe to rubbing shoulders with the country's most talked-about stars. With the way things are going, seeing Tyla or Uncle Waffles across the table is not far-fetched.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Ultimate Guide to Festivals Celebrating African Music in 2025 (Updating)
Multiple music festivals across the globe are celebrating African music throughout the whole year, and Billboard is rounding up the biggest ones for you to hit up. More from Billboard The Best Music Festival Essential Is This $78 Lululemon Crossbody Bag: Shop Here Natasha Bedingfield, BigXthaPlug & Ravyn Lenae Set for Northwestern University's Dillo Day Festival The 10 Best Concert Essentials for Kids & Families For some acts, these festivals present a heartwarming, homecoming opportunity. Chxrry22, the first female artist signed to The Weeknd's XO record label, performed in her Ethiopian motherland for the first time in January 2025 during the World Afrika Festival. And come August, Doja Cat will perform in her South African motherland for the first time when she headlines Hey Neighbour. A handful of heavy hitters are headlining multiple festivals this year. Davido is in the top slot for both Afro Nation Portugal in July and AfroFuture Detroit in August, the latter of which Kaytranada is also headlining after doing the honors at Milk + Cookies Festival South Africa at the top of this year. As African acts continue performing outside the borders of their native continent, they've also been gradually filling up American festival lineups. Tyla, Rema, Amaarae and Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 performed at Coachella earlier this month. Tems has transformed into a U.S. festival mainstay by taking over Dreamville, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and Roots Picnic this spring. Come July, she'll also make history as the first African female artist to headline Afro Nation when she takes over the Lit stage in Portugal. And Ayra Starr and Asake are two of the headliners for Hot 97's Summer Jam in June. Billboard has compiled a comprehensive guide to the most significant music festivals honoring African music and/or happening on the continent this year below, in chronological order. (Editor's note: Festivals that have already passed will remain on the list as a reflection of the full calendar year's offerings of events.) Date: January 1 Place: Cape Town, South Africa Jerk x Jollof partnered with Spotify and Frequency, the streaming service's global initiative centered on celebrating Black music and culture, for its first-ever destination festival at The Ostrich in Cape Town, South Africa. Uncle Waffles, DBN Gogo and TxC took over Fly Radio with their amapiano sets, while Spinall, Sarz, 2wo Bunnies and more performed on the main stage. Akio headlined the Strictly Soul R&B Hour, and Odeal delivered the finale. And, of course, its titular Afro-Carribbean speciality of jerk chicken and jollof rice was served. Date: January 4 Place: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia World Afrika hosted its first music festival at the Ghion Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia at the top of the year, with Nigerian DJ/producer Spinall and South African DJ/producer Uncle Waffles as headliners. Chxrry22 performed in the motherland for the first time, while fellow Ethiopian artists Nhatty Man and Alemeda also took the stage as well as DJs Eden, K-Meta and more. Date: January 5 and 11 Place: Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa Kaytranada headlined the first-ever Milk + Cookies Festival in South Africa, which took place Jan. 5 at the Cape Town Ostrich Ranch and Jan. 11 at Old Park Station. DJ Kent, Zakes Bantwini, Kitty Ca$h and more were on the Cape Town lineup, while Muzi, DJ Lag, Mörda and more took the stage before Kay in Joburg. This marked the international debut of the Atlanta-based festival, which was part of the inaugural Milk + Cookies Music Week South Africa that ran from Dec. 31, 2024 to Jan. 11, 2025. The first week involved yacht parties, cultural experiences, exclusive fashion pop-ups by top local designers and performances by local artists and DJs, while the second week featured workshops, panels and networking mixers focused on developing the country's rising stars. Date: April 17-21 Place: Lagos, Nigeria HOMECOMING Festival took over Easter weekend in Lagos, Nigeria. Davido, Odumodublvck, Teni, Cruel Santino, Odunsi (The Engine), Qing Madi and more performed. On top of live performances, the five-day weekend was jam packed with football matches; fashion displays, including HOMECOMING's first brick-and-mortar store that featured limited drops from forward-thinking brands like Denim Tears, Stüssy, Cactus Plant Flea Market, Mowalola and more; and panels, workshops and masterclasses from the leading voices in sports, design, technology and music, from visual artist Gabriel Moses to football legend Jay Jay Okocha. Date: May 9-10 Place: Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa Ultra South Africa is celebrating its 10th anniversary at The Ostrich in Cape Town, South Africa and the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Johannesburg. Armin van Buuren, ISOxo, KSHMR, Martin Garrix, Massano, Mind Against and Shimza are headlining Africa's largest electronic music festival, featuring additional sets from DBN Gogo, Kabza de Small, Maphorisa, DJ Lag, Vigro Deep and more. For more information, click here. Date: June 5-9 Place: St. Paul's Bay, Malta DLT (Days Like This) Malta returns for its fourth installment at Armier Beach, UNO, Café Del Mar and Bora Bora Ibiza Malta Resort for a four-day weekend of performances by top-tier artists and DJs, exclusive boat parties and DLT's signature bottomless brunch. Asake and Latto are headlining, while BNXN, Shallipopi, TxC and more are set to perform. For more information, click here. Date: July 9-11 Place: Portimão, Portugal Afro Nation Portugal returns this summer for its fifth anniversary at the Praia da Rocha Beach in Portimão, Portugal for an unforgettable celebration of music, fashion, food and dance. Davido, Burna Boy, Tems and Chris Brown are headlining the world's largest Afrobeats festival, while Mary J. Blige is delivering a special sunset set on the beach. Booba, Amaarae, Odeal, Qing Madi and more are also performing on the main Lit Stage. Scorpion Kings, Uncle Waffles, DBN Gogo and more will take over the Piano People Stage. For more information, click here. Date: July 17-20, 22-24 and 25-27 Place: Okinawa, Osaka and Tokyo, Japan Afro Jam Festival will make history this summer as Japan's first-ever Afrobeats festival. Jason Derulo, Saweetie, Shenseea, Ruger and Rema are headlining the Okinawa, Osaka and Tokyo portions, which will be held from July 17-20 at the Okinawa Arena, July 22-24 at the Ookini Arena Maishima and July 25-27 at the Musashino Forest Sport Plaza. Gyakie, TitoM and Yuppe and more are set to perform. For more information, click here. Date: July 19 Place: Seattle, Washington BLASTFEST returns for its third edition at the Seattle Center in Seattle, Washington. Omah Lay, Fireboy DML and Odumodublvck are headlining the Pacific Northwest's premiere Afrobeats festival, while Wande Coal, Moliy and more are set to perform. For more information, click here. Date: July 26 – Aug. 2 Place: Kigali, Rwanda Giants of Africa, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, is hosting its third festival at BK Arena, Amahoro National Stadium, Petit Stade and Paralympic Gymnasium in Kigali, Rwanda. Uncle Waffles, Sherrie Silver and Kevin Kade are performing at the opening show, which kicks off the week-long celebration of community, culture, basketball, education and entertainment. The festival will also host the grand opening of Zaria Court — a mixed-use sports, entertainment and cultural district featuring a hotel, sports bar, basketball court, event space, retail outlets, gym, football pitch and outdoor public areas — and the inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show, which will spotlight new collections from three fashion designers: Cameroon's Hortense Mbea, Niger's Alia Baré and Rwanda and South Africa's Nyambo. Kizz Daniel and Timaya will wrap up the festivities with a closing concert. 'Like these kids, I grew up on the continent,' said Masai Ujiri, founder of Giants of Africa and vice chairman/president of the Toronto Raptors, in a press release. 'As Africans, we know the landscape of what the kids go through. We know they dream just like we did and it really inspires me because, those kids have so much more talent and intelligence, they have ways to communicate now that we didn't. This festival is about showing them there is a path. We want them to never stop dreaming.' For more information, click here. Date: Aug. 16-17 Place: Detroit, Michigan AfroFuture will debut in the U.S. this summer with AfroFuture Detroit at Bedrock's Douglass Site. Davido, Kaytranada, Ludmilla and Tee Grizzley are headlining. Lojay, Gims and more are also performing on the main stage. DBN Gogo, Juls, TxC and more are DJing the Culture Stage, which will also host party sets from Jerk x Jollof, Days Like This (DLT), Obi's House and Toasted Life. The inaugural U.S. event will also spotlight dynamic art installations and a marketplace celebrating the continent's creativity. 'As a cultural and musical powerhouse, Detroit is the perfect city to launch this transformative experience. By connecting African excellence with Detroit's rich heritage, we're bridging the diaspora across borders and oceans through the universal language of music. This is more than just a typical festival – it's a moment of unity and a celebration of the power of Africa,' said AfroFuture CEO/co-founder Abdul Karim Abdullah in a statement. For more information, click here. Date: Aug. 22 Place: London, England Piano People in the Park returns for its second edition in Southwark Park in London, England. The 'King of Amapiano' Kabza de Small is headlining the U.K.'s premiere amapiano festival, featuring additional sets from DBN Gogo, Kelvin Momo, MDU AKA TRP, Felo Le Tee b2b Scotts Maphuma and more. 'Amapiano has truly found a home in London, and this festival is a celebration of that; where fans, artists, and the entire community unite for something special. This is more than just a festival; it's a movement,' Piano People organizers said in a press release. For more information, click here. Date: Aug. 29-31 Place: Pretoria, South Africa Hey Neighbour returns for its second edition at Legends Adventure Farm in Pretoria, South Africa. Doja Cat is headlining, marking the star's first time performing in her motherland. For more information, click here. Date: Oct. 2-5 Place: Cape Town, South Africa Rocking the Daisies is celebrating its 20th anniversary at the Cloof Wine Estate in Cape Town, South Africa. Summer Walker is headlining, marking her first time performing in the country. For more information, click here. 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
Zawya
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Masai Ujiri's Giants of Africa Announces Giants of Africa Festival 2025
Giants of Africa ( a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering African youth through basketball, alongside its founder Masai Ujiri, Vice-Chairman and President of the Toronto Raptors, has announced Giants of Africa Festival 2025. Returning to the vibrant city of Kigali, Rwanda from July 26-August 2, the event will bring together 320 young athletes from 20 African nations, and more than 20,000 spectators for a week of community, culture, basketball, education, and entertainment. The festival will unite communities, spark potential, and drive transformative change across the continent. 'Like these kids, I grew up on the continent,' says Ujiri. 'As Africans, we know the landscape of what the kids go through. We know they dream just like we did and it really inspires me because, those kids have so much more talent and intelligence, they have ways to communicate now that we didn't. This festival is about showing them there is a path. We want them to never stop dreaming.' Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will begin with an exhilarating Opening Show, as the athletes unite in an inspiring parade to kick off the weeklong celebration. South African international DJ sensation Uncle Waffles, MTV Video Music Award-winning choreographer Sherrie Silver, and Rwandan singer and songwriter, Kevin Kade will bring electrifying performances as Ujiri and special guests welcome all to the festivities. The awe-inspiring event will mark the beginning of life-changing journeys for Africa's leaders of tomorrow. Taking place across Kigali Sports City's BK Arena, Amahoro National Stadium, Petit Stade, and Paralympic Gymnasium, the festival will showcase the full potential of Africa's sports and entertainment ecosystem, highlighting its social and economic value for the next generation and the continent at large. Giants of Africa Festival 2025 will also serve as the grand opening of Zaria Court. Founded by Ujiri, the new mixed-use sports, entertainment, and cultural district includes an 80-room hotel, sports bar, basketball court, event space, retail outlets, gym, five-a-side football pitch, and outdoor public areas. The festival will conclude with a spectacular Closing Concert featuring performances from Nigerian Afrobeats artist Kizz Daniel and award-winning Nigerian singer/songwriter Timaya. Celebrity guests in attendance throughout the week will include Chris Tucker, Candace Parker, Robin Roberts, Chiney Ogwumike, Didier Drogba, Michael Blackson, Boris Kodjoe and more. Additional performers for both the Opening Show and Closing Concert will be announced in the coming weeks. Since 2003, Giants of Africa has empowered youth through basketball, hosting camps and building courts across 20 African countries. The foundation not only teaches game fundamentals but connects young people with inspirational mentors who show how determination, leadership, and integrity can transform dreams into reality. Also central to their mission is basketball's unique power to transcend barriers and unite diverse communities. The Giants of Africa Festival is a culmination of this vision, featuring a weeklong youth basketball camp and tournament that brings together young men and women from 20 nations. Youth campers will represent Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Benin, Gabon, Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, Tanzania, D.R. Congo, Somalia, Ethiopia, Morocco, Botswana, and South Africa. Giants of Africa and NBA/WNBA coaches and personnel will lead training sessions, with assistance from local coaches from the participating countries. A round-robin tournament will determine which countries and players will compete in the festival's championship and all-star games. This year, Giants of Africa will also present its inaugural Threads of Africa Fashion Show, celebrating culture, fashion, and design from across Africa. The show will spotlight the work of three talented fashion designers, each from a different region of the continent. Cameroon's Hortense Mbea (Afropian: Niger's Alia Baré (Alia: and Rwanda and South Africa's Nyambo (Masa Mara: will each present their new collections, and come together for a moderated discussion. Additionally, festival highlights include the International Youth Day Forum, presented in partnership with the Imbuto Foundation, Ministry of Youth and Arts and ALX, bringing together over 2,000 Rwandan youth and festival campers to hear from esteemed leaders. The Women's Community Outreach Program will take place in Rwanda and across all 20 represented countries, offering leadership and education sessions in local communities to empower women and girls with knowledge, resources, and inspiration. Giants of Africa Festival 2025 follows the inaugural Giants of Africa Festival ( which took place in Kigali in 2023 in celebration of the non-profit's 20th anniversary. The event united over 250 youth basketball players from 16 African nations, drew in over 14,000 spectators, and saw an estimated $1.5M invested into Kigali's local economy. The festival culminated in a closing concert featuring performances from Afrobeats icon Davido, Queen of Afrobeats Tiwa Savage, Rwanda's own Bruce Melodie, and South African superstar Tyla. It was a beacon of unity, inspiration, and transformation that ignited the continent. Building upon their bold ambitions, Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa are poised to make an even more powerful statement in 2025. Tickets for Giants of Africa Festival 2025's Opening Show and Closing Concert will go on sale beginning Thursday, May 8 at 3:00PM Central Africa Time. To learn more about the festival, its other initiatives and to purchase tickets or VIP and corporate packages, please visit or email info@ Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Giants of Africa. For the festival launch video and still images: For more information, please contact: Tamara Kamaka - Giants of Africa tamara@ Emmanuel Ainamani - SRC Agency emmanuel@ Social Media: Instagram: Facebook: X: YouTube: About Masai Ujiri and Giants of Africa: Masai Ujiri, an award-winning and barrier-breaking NBA executive, is the founder of Giants of Africa. Started in 2003, Giants of Africa draws upon Ujiri's unique basketball journey to achieve its goal of uplifting African youth with programs focused on empowerment and leadership. As the first African general manager in North American professional sports who was named NBA Executive of the Year in 2013, Ujiri's ascent to the top of the basketball world began in his native Nigeria and took him around the world as a player, scout and executive, culminating in 2019 when he served as the architect of a Toronto Raptors team that became the first franchise outside the United States to be crowned NBA champions. Ultimately, he believes his work with Giants of Africa will prove to be the most meaningful and rewarding of his life. Partners: Giants of Africa Festival 2025 would like to express its gratitude to all sponsors and partners who have contributed to making this event possible: ● The Lake Family's All One Fund ● RwandAir ● ALX Africa ● Kensington ● Sport Court International, LLC ● BK Arena ● DHL Express Canada ● Imbuto Foundation ● Ministry of Sports ● Visit Rwanda ● Volkswagen Move ● Zaria Court ● Bralirwa PLC ● Toronto Raptors ● Marriott
News24
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Heels on decks with Uncle Waffles
Uncle Waffles isn't just turning tables, she's turning heads. The Swazi-born DJ and producer, known for setting global stages on fire, has also been serving serious heel game. From fierce boots to stilettos, she's proving that the decks aren't the only place she brings the heat. Take a look at some of our favourite heel moments from the ever-iconic Wadibusa and Peacock queen. 1. Lethal in lace These heels bring the drama without saying a word. With a sleek pointed toe, delicate ankle strap, and a stiletto, they add instant edge to the lace fit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Waffles (@unclewaffles_) 2. Hot pink power play This fun pair has attitude, like your favourite playlist turned into shoes. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Waffles (@unclewaffles_) 3. Zebra nights in motion Animal print says untamed energy. Paired with neon and confidence, they're made for fashion rebels. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Waffles (@unclewaffles_) 4. Classic red-soled elegance You cant go wrong with a classic red-bottom sole. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Waffles (@unclewaffles_) 5. Furry platform glam boots The thick fur trim delivers a cozy aesthetic while maintaining high-fashion energy. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Waffles (@unclewaffles_)
