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Nigerian Singer Ayra Starr Shines As Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador

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Nigerian Afrobeats luminary Ayra Starr, celebrated for her chart-topping hits such as “Rush,” “Sability,” and “Rhythm & Blues,” recently stepped into the limelight as the focal point of Spotify’s esteemed EQUAL Africa and EQUAL Global initiative throughout May.

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This recognition places her alongside the illustrious Tiwa Savage, solidifying her status as one of Africa’s foremost musical talents to garner both regional and global acclaim.

In the words of Monica Kemoli-Savanne, Spotify’s Senior Artist & Label Partnerships Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, this initiative resonates with the platform’s unwavering commitment to championing women within the music industry, fostering an environment of inclusivity and empowerment. Ayra Starr’s ascendancy on the global stage serves as a poignant testament to Africa’s rich reservoir of talent, underscoring the transformative power of providing a platform for burgeoning artists.

Spotify’s EQUAL program has emerged as a catalyst for change, hosting 15 impactful activations and catalyzing over 14.8 million artist discoveries through its curated playlists in the preceding year alone. Notably, EQUAL artists received a staggering 11,800 editorial playlist additions, indicative of the program’s far-reaching influence and ability to amplify underrepresented voices.

Ayra Starr, whose latest offering “Commas” has already amassed a staggering 35 million streams on Spotify since its February release, reflects on her distinctive musical style, attributing her success to her ability to carve out a distinctive niche within the industry. Her selection as Spotify’s EQUAL artist embodies a profound sense of gratitude and responsibility, as she endeavors to represent not only women in Afrobeats but African women at large on the global stage.

In her own words, Ayra Starr articulates the significance of her ambassadorship, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female artists within the genre. As the EQUAL program continues to champion diversity and inclusivity, Ayra Starr stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the musical landscape, igniting a wave of empowerment and artistic innovation for generations to come.

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Singer Jennifer Lopez Files For Divorce From Ben Affleck

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Jennifer Lopez has reportedly filed for divorce from Ben Affleck, marking the end of their two-year marriage.

The pop icon, 55, and the Hollywood actor, 52, were previously engaged in the early 2000s, but parted ways before reconciling in 2021. Despite rekindling their romance, the couple has now decided to separate.

According to documents obtained by TMZ, Lopez filed the legal papers on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, in L.A. County Superior Court without legal representation. Interestingly, this date coincides with the second anniversary of their elaborate Georgia wedding, which took place just two months after their initial Las Vegas ceremony.

The legal filings indicate that the couple separated on April 26, 2024. Although the divorce documents reportedly do not mention a prenuptial agreement, TMZ sources claim there was never one in place.

Rumors of trouble between the pair have circulated for some time, but Lopez, who shares 16-year-old twins Max and Emme with ex-husband Marc Anthony and is stepmother to Affleck’s children with Jennifer Garner—Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12—has remained silent on the matter. As recently as a few months ago, Lopez emphasized the “real, true love” that existed between her and Affleck, making the split all the more surprising.

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R&B Singer H.E.R To Perform At The Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony

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R&B sensation H.E.R. is set to bring her soulful voice to the world stage as she performs the U.S. national anthem during the Closing Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics.

The 27-year-old Grammy-winning artist will play a significant role in the festivities at the Stade de France on Sunday, August 11, 2024. Her performance will be part of the handover ceremony to the 2028 Los Angeles Games, adding a touch of American culture to the grand finale of this year’s competition.

H.E.R.’s participation adds to the excitement surrounding the Closing Ceremony, which will also feature a breathtaking stunt by Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise.

According to sources, the 62-year-old actor will descend from the top of the Stade de France, carrying the official Olympic flag. The stunt, which will be televised, is expected to be one of the highlights of the ceremony.

As part of the event, the broadcast will transition to a pre-recorded film showing Cruise’s journey from Paris to Los Angeles. The film will capture the actor skydiving down to the iconic Hollywood sign before passing the Olympic flag to a group of athletes, including a cyclist, a volleyball player, and a skateboarder, as they make their way through the City of Angels.

The Los Angeles segment of the stunt was filmed in March, with insiders revealing that the production team managed to keep the shoot under wraps despite the potential for leaks. However, logistics for the French portion of the stunt are still being finalized, with the possibility that Cruise might use a stunt double for the actual descent.

In addition to these high-profile performances, it was recently announced that Team USA gold medalists Katie Ledecky and Nick Mead will have the honor of serving as flag bearers during the ceremony.

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Konshens Drops Afro-Latin Infused Dancehall Anthem ‘Shek It’

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Jamaican dancehall sensation Konshens is back with a new single, “Shek It,” a vibrant track that blends Afro-Latin rhythms with his signature dancehall flair.

Produced by Costa Rica’s BomboCat, the song is accompanied by a dynamic, movie-style music video directed by Rizzy, adding suspense and a fresh twist to the genre.

Speaking on the release, Konshens says, “This marks the return of Dancehall to its glory days, all about fun and the dance floor.” He also shares a heartfelt message to his African fans: “Thank you for the love you’ve shown me, Dancehall, and Jamaican culture. The feeling is mutual, and I hope you enjoy this one!”

The inspiration behind “Shek It” is particularly special to Konshens, as he recorded the track in Kenya during an after-party, capturing the energy and excitement of the moment.

This single follows his recent success with “Look Good” and is the lead track from his upcoming studio project, expected later in 2024.

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