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Morocco World
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Morocco World
Laughter Unites Casablanca at Comediablanca 2025
Casablanca's iconic Mohammed V Complex pulsed last night with energy as the Francophone Gala of Comediablanca 2025 delivered an unforgettable evening of humor, identity, and celebration. From the moment the pre-show village opened to the final applause echoing through the venue, the second edition of this bilingual festival confirmed its place at the heart of Morocco's cultural calendar. Organized by TENDANSIA, the festival offered not only two evenings of top-tier comedy but also a space where language, community, and creativity converged. Two hours before the doors officially opened, attendees poured into a colorful outdoor village built around the venue. With the sun setting over Casablanca, visitors explored coffee stands, food stalls, artisan fashion booths, and live music—transforming the space into a buzzing festival ground. Several performers arrived for interviews around 14:30 in this warm and festive atmosphere, interacting with early guests and the press while soaking in the pre-show energy. Coming to Casablanca! For the comedians set to perform, Comediablanca was not just another booking — it was a milestone. Oualas, a seasoned performer who has graced stages across Morocco, didn't downplay the challenge:'The Moroccan audience is perhaps the most difficult of all the audiences I've met. They're very demanding. If it's not funny, they don't laugh. But if you can make a Moroccan laugh, you can make the world laugh.' Coco Makmak, taking the stage in Morocco for the very first time, described the experience as both surreal and inspiring. 'All the artists tonight are big names in comedy, and I'm honored to be among them,' she said. 'I hope the audience buys into my humor and sees what makes me Coco Makmak.' Erick Baert, who offered a teaser from his full show coming to Morocco this November, shared his genuine emotion: 'The energy gave me chills from the moment I walked into the venue. This is my big premiere in Morocco, and I'm the happiest guy in the world.' The gala was hosted by Meryem Benoua, who returned to her hometown stage with pride. 'Performing here, in Casablanca, for Moroccans — it's incredible,' she tells Morocco World News. 'The public gives so much love. It's the only place where I feel truly at home.' For Mimo Lazrak, the show was deeply personal: 'There's extra pressure performing in front of your own family, your city, your people. But I'm proud — and this festival has grown into something worthy of the biggest stages.' Building cultural bridges and spotlighting Morocco as a creative hub The lineup, which included French and North African performers, offered everything from sharp stand-up to physical comedy and vocal impersonations. The audience responded with thunderous laughter, heartfelt applause, and a standing ovation that brought the night to a close on a high note. This year's edition was rescheduled to accommodate a Wydad AC football match and operated smoothly thanks to tight logistics and secure, app-based ticketing via Guichet. The seamless coordination ensured that audiences could enjoy the evening without concern, fully immersed in the experience. With its unique two-gala format — one Arabophone, one Francophone — Comediablanca continues to build cultural bridges while showcasing Morocco's position as a creative hub As Casablanca wakes up today to a quieter rhythm, the buzz around Comediablanca 2025 is still very much alive. From young debut performers to seasoned veterans, the consensus is clear: this festival matters. The success of this second edition has sparked anticipation for what's to come — more stages, more languages, and perhaps more days of programming in future years. Because if this week reminded us of anything, it's that comedy is not just entertainment — it's a shared language. And in Casablanca last night, that language brought thousands together in laughter. Tags: Casablancacomediacomediablanca
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
Minister opens 20th Plastic, Packaging Industry expo
LAHORE: Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, inaugurated the three-day 20th Plastic and Packaging Industry Exhibition at the Expo Center. The exhibition, which commenced on May 29, will run until May 31. During his visit, the provincial minister inspected the stalls set up by over 200 companies from 30 countries participating in the exhibition. Chaudhry Shafay Hussain announced that a new policy regarding industrial estates is being introduced, which will come into effect after approval from the Chief Minister of Punjab. According to him the new policy aims to promote industrialization by reducing plot prices in industrial estates. Furthermore, the government plans to eliminate land mafia, which has been involved in property businesses in industrial estates. According to the new policy, plots will be canceled if factories are not established within two years. The minister disclosed that agreements were made with major investor groups during his recent visit to China to invest in Punjab. Vivo, a Chinese mobile company, is setting up a plant in the Industrial Estate Faisalabad, and Vivo mobile phones will start manufacturing in Punjab within the next 18 months. Chaudhry Shafay Hussain emphasised the importance of tree plantation to mitigate the effects of climate change. The Punjab government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is working to promote tree plantation. The Provincial Minister also highlighted that promoting the electric vehicle sector is a top priority for the government, with efforts underway to establish electric vehicle manufacturing plants in Punjab. Foreign companies are prioritising investments in Punjab, with a Chinese company planning to set up a lithium battery plant. Pakistan's packaging industry has made significant progress, attracting foreign companies to invest in Punjab. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
NZ Herald
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
What's on this weekend in Auckland: Comedy festival, Africa Day, Darkfield and more
MOTAT is celebrating recent successes with a weekend of sports technology fun. If you're looking for reasons to pry yourself from the clutches of your couch and explore Tāmaki Makaurau this weekend, you'll almost certainly find something to do on our list. Catch a show in the last weekend of the NZ International Comedy Festival, check out the General Collective Lifestyle & Design Market or the Auckland Home & Garden Show, or experience something completely different at Darkfield. Here's our top picks for things to do in Auckland this weekend and beyond. 1) Africa Day Immerse yourself in the cultures of Africa this Saturday at Africa Day in Silo Park. The free whānau-friendly day of celebrations includes live music and dance performances, artists, fashion shows, market stalls, food vendors and good vibes. Among the performers there are the Burundian Drummers, Congolese Dance Group, Keshia, DJ Presto and more. The day celebrates the many and varied cultures of Africa and is an opportunity for the growing community of Aotearoa's African diaspora to come together and share their unique cultures with each other and the wider Auckland public. When: May 24, 10am-6pm.
The Hindu
18-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Organic mango mela evokes overwhelming response
The Mango Mela organised by the 'Goadharitha Prakruthi Vyavasayadharula Cooperative Society' has received overwhelming response on the second day of the event at BVK College in Visalakshi Nagar on Sunday. Being a Sunday, a large number of mango lovers flocked the mela, to procure different types of organic mangoes. Farmers from various places have brought their mango varieties for the mela. Rare varieties of organically grown mangoes including Panchadara Kalasa, Panduri Mamidi, Kothapalli Kobbari, Swagatham, Amrutham, Nagulapalli Rasalu, Haider Saibu, Jahangir, Pedda Rasalu, Chinna Rasalu, Banganapalli, Suvarna Rekha, Kobbari Antu, Muntha Mamidi, Sannakulu, Dondakaya, Imam Pasand, among others, displayed in the stalls. 'Mangoes are seen available at full stock in the city this year. But when we bought at some places, we did not get that taste which we used to get some years ago. This is probably due to use of chemicals. So, I wanted to buy some organically grown mangoes,' said R Sridhar, a resident of Visalakshi Nagar. 'Though the price of mangoes here is a bit high than the city markets, the price and quality seems to be very good Such melas used to be organised some years ago at Rythu Bazaars and it is good that they are back,' said N Venkata Lakshmi, a retired government teacher from MVP Colony. People were seen not just purchasing the mangoes, but many were seen enquiring about the types of mangoes, their taste, where are they specifically grown etc.
7NEWS
13-05-2025
- Sport
- 7NEWS
Racing rocked by two deaths, much-loved stablehand Fiona Ralph and Newcastle trainer Ben Smith
The racing world i s heartbroken after the tragic death of a much-loved stablehand. 58-year-old Fiona Ralph worked at Bendigo Racecourse and last week was involved in a freak accident in the tie-up stalls which ultimately caused her death. It is believed Ralph fell and in the process suffered a serious head injury. She was treated by the on-course medical team and then airlifted to the Royal Melbourne Hospital where she underwent emergency surgery. However, on Monday afternoon Racing Victoria and the Bendigo Jockey Club (BJC) issued a joint statement, saying Ralph's condition deteriorated and she was 'unable to be saved'. Ralph was first registered as a stablehand in 2016 but took time out before renewing her registration in January 2024. She then teamed up with Bendigo trainer Toby Lake. 'We are shocked and saddened at the news of Fiona's passing after what appears to be a tragic accident on raceday at Bendigo,' RV chief Aaron Morrison said. 'On behalf of all within the Victorian racing industry, I would like to extend our prayers and heartfelt condolences to Fiona's family and friends at this incredibly tough time. 'Our thoughts are also with trainer Toby Lake and his staff, along with the team at the Bendigo Jockey Club who are equally shocked at Fiona's passing. 'Fiona had an incredible love of animals, whether they flew, swam or ran. She grew up alongside horses and she got to combine her passion for animals with her work at the Lake stables. 'In this tough time, her family have taken comfort knowing that she got to spend her last day watching two of her favourite racehorses at the track. 'The racing community is a big family who share a common love of the horse and I know that this sad news will be felt by all, regardless of whether they knew Fiona. 'In particular, we're thinking of all of the stable staff across the state who are providing care for the horses every day, just as Fiona did, and are the unsung heroes of our sport. 'Together with others in the industry, we are providing all the support we can to Fiona's family and the Bendigo racing community to assist them in dealing with this tragic outcome.' Bendigo Jockey Club chief Paul Scullie said the local racing community had been 'devastated' but the loss of a 'beloved friend and colleague'. 'Her passing in such tragic circumstances is a shock to us all and one that will take time to overcome.' The Newcastle racing community is also dealing with the shattering news that trainer Ben Smith has died. Smith was 42 and had been a controversial figure in the industry after he was hit with a ban (of almost four years) for doping in 2019. Smith was found guilty of cobalt offences and conduct charges by Racing NSW stewards. Smith returned to training in late 2022 but again struck trouble with stewards and was hit with a 13-month ban in May last year, when he was found guilty of two separate offences relating to banned substances. As a result, one of his horses (Arale) was stripped of victory when it was found to have meloxicam in her system. Smith's second ban was about to end. Police have said there are no suspicious circumstances about his death, but are investigating the cause.
