Entertainment

Nigerian Singer Ayra Starr Shines As Spotify’s EQUAL Ambassador

Published

3 months ago

May 7, 2024

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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Entertainment

Iconic Rapper Snoop Dogg To Light Up Paris With Olympic Flame

Published

1 day ago

July 26, 2024

Murugi Gichovi

American rapper Snoop Dogg will carry the Olympic flame as it completes its final journey before the Paris Games’ opening ceremony on Friday, (26.07.2024).

The torch will pass through the vibrant streets of Saint-Denis, a diverse northern suburb of Paris that houses the Olympic Stadium and Aquatics Centre.

Joining Snoop Dogg as torchbearers in Saint-Denis will be renowned French actor Laetitia Casta, celebrated French rapper MC Solaar, and retired Ukrainian pole-vaulter Sergey Bubka.

The Olympic flame has been on a two-month tour across France. On Friday morning, it will pass through the athletes’ village, which spans Saint-Denis and neighbouring Saint-Ouen, before making its way to the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatics Centre just a few kilometres away.

Entertainment

Rihanna Celebrates Fenty Beauty’s Collab With Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Murugi Gichovi

Rihanna is so “proud” of Fenty’s partnership with the Olympics.

The 36-year-old singer and beauty mogul has inked a deal with the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will make Fenty a “premium partner”.

She wrote on Instagram: “tried to tell yall….we outside all 2024!!! PROUD to announce that @FentyBeauty is a premium partner of the Olympic AND Paralympic Games baby!!! #FentyxParis2024.”

The Paris Olympics will begin on Friday, July 26, and run until August 11. The Paralympics will follow on Wednesday, August 28 until Sunday, September 8.

According to ELLE US, volunteers will receive makeup kits so they can create a “designated look” using Fenty Beauty products.

600 volunteers, ranging in ages from 18 to 21, will receive kits and tutorials on how to do their makeup and Fenty will have make-up artists on site to match foundation to skin tones.

Products in the makeup kit will include the Eaze Drop’Lit All-Over Glow Enhancer, the Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer, and the Invisimatte Instant Setting and Blotting Powder.

Entertainment

Kenya Sevens: Time & Where to Watch as Shujaa Begin Olympics Campaign in Paris

Published

2 days ago

July 25, 2024

Muinde Brian

The 2024 Paris Olympics will begin competitions on Wednesday, July 24, ahead of the Opening Ceremony on July 26.

Opening Ceremony

The Opening Ceremony will take place on July 26 and It will be the first Olympic Opening Ceremony held outside a stadium, with about 10,500 athletes parading through Paris on boats along the Seine.

Shujaa, Kenya’s national rugby sevens team, will be the first Kenyan team in action at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Here’s what you need to know and how you can catch them in action at the Stade de France.

Schedule and Matches

– Wednesday, July 24

– Argentina vs Kenya (5 pm Kenyan time)

– The Argentines, who topped last season’s World Sevens Series standings, will provide a significant challenge for Kenya, who played in the second-tier Challenger Series in 2024. Historically, Argentina has had the upper hand, but Shujaa must win to avoid early elimination.

– Australia vs Samoa (8 pm Kenyan time)

– Australia finished fourth in the World Series, making this another tough match. A positive result here could boost their confidence for the final group game.

What Else to Know

The rugby sevens ranking matches and finals will take place on July 27. Per International Olympic Committee rules, no medals are awarded and no athletes are eliminated before the opening ceremony.