Entertainment
The End Of An Era: Quincy Jones, Master Producer And Composer, Dies At 91
Quincy Jones, the iconic music producer whose groundbreaking work with Michael Jackson on Thriller reshaped the music industry, has passed away at the age of 91.
His death on Sunday, November 3, 2024, was confirmed by his publicist Arnold Robinson, who stated that Jones passed peacefully surrounded by his family.
In a heartfelt statement, his loved ones said, “With full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. While we feel the weight of this profound loss, we celebrate the incredible life he lived and know that there will never be another like him.”
A trailblazer in the music world, Jones’ career spanned more than seven decades, earning him a staggering 28 Grammy Awards out of 80 nominations. His legacy extends far beyond Thriller—he also produced Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall and Bad, and worked with an unparalleled roster of legends including Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Donna Summer, George Benson, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Jones was instrumental in the creation of the iconic charity single We Are The World, co-writing and producing the track that became a global anthem. His contributions also extended to film, where he composed memorable scores and was nominated for seven Academy Awards. In 1968, he became the first African American nominated for Best Original Song at the Oscars for The Eyes of Love from the film Banning.
Beyond music, Jones was a successful entrepreneur. In 1990, he founded a TV and film production company, Qwest Productions, and went on to create iconic shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and The Color Purple. In 2017, he launched Qwest TV, an on-demand music streaming service, further cementing his influence in the entertainment industry.
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones’ early life was shaped by music. He moved to Washington State with his father after his parents’ divorce, and by 14, he was playing in a band with a young Ray Charles. His musical journey led him to New York, where he worked as a trumpet player for Elvis Presley and later as an arranger and producer for Mercury Records.
A survivor in more ways than one, Jones narrowly escaped being murdered by Charles Manson’s cult in 1969. He had planned to visit Sharon Tate’s home the night of the infamous killings but forgot and stayed home. In 1974, he also overcame a life-threatening brain aneurysm, continuing to work and create music in the decades that followed.
Jones’ personal life was as storied as his professional one. He was married three times: first to high-school sweetheart Jeri Caldwell, with whom he had daughter Jolie, then to Swedish model Ulla Andersson, with whom he had two children, Quincy Jr. and Martina. His third marriage to actress Peggy Lipton produced two daughters, Rashida and Kidada. He also had children from relationships with Carol Reynolds and Nastassja Kinski.
Quincy Jones’ impact on music, film, and popular culture is immeasurable. His contributions continue to inspire and influence generations of artists, and his legacy will live on through the timeless records and groundbreaking projects he leaves behind.
Entertainment
Fave Takes the Spotlight As Spotify’s Equal Africa Artist For November
Spotify has named Nigerian music sensation FAVE as its EQUAL Africa Artist of the Month for November 2024.
With her soulful voice, captivating lyrics, and unique rhythmic style, FAVE has become one of Nigeria’s most influential musical figures, gaining international recognition.
FAVE’s breakthrough came in 2020 with the viral hit “N.B.U.,” followed by her debut EP Riddim 5. She has since collaborated with top Nigerian artists like Olamide, Simi, Phyno, and Davido. Notably, her feature on Davido’s “Kante” from the Timeless album was one of Spotify’s most-streamed tracks in Nigeria in 2023.
Reflecting on her journey, FAVE shared, “Being a woman in the music industry can be challenging, but it’s made me more determined. The EQUAL program is vital because it amplifies women’s voices and promotes balance in the industry.”
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, praised FAVE’s global appeal, saying, “FAVE represents the incredible talent coming out of Africa, and we’re proud to celebrate her as part of the EQUAL Africa program. She’s an inspiration for future artists.”
She recently released a new track titled Dutty Love on November 7.
Entertainment
Kenyan Music Producer DTX Encourages Listeners To Get ‘High’ On Life’s Wins With New Single
Kenyan music producer and songwriter DTX is set to make waves with the release of his newest single, High.
Known for his dynamic production style that seamlessly blends a wide array of genres—including pop, electronic, hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, afrobeat, trap, drill, dubstep, and EDM—DTX continues to push boundaries in Kenya’s music scene. This versatility is on full display in High, a track that promises to resonate with music lovers everywhere.
High is an energizing, celebratory track that encapsulates the pure joy of life’s victories. Whether it’s a milestone, a special moment, or a burst of confidence, the song is a call to revel in life’s highs, whatever they may be. Through this single, DTX creates a universal message aimed at inspiring happiness and self-assurance across all walks of life.
“I made this track so people can embrace and cherish their highs, whatever form they take,” says DTX. “Whether it’s love, success, career achievements, or personal growth, I want listeners to celebrate themselves and feel proud.”
DTX has earned acclaim for producing some of Kenya’s most beloved tracks, including Sauti Sol’s Rhumba Japani, Savara’s Balance, and Nyashinski’s Silencer. His unique touch and dedication to innovation have cemented his reputation as one of Kenya’s leading music producers.
With High, DTX invites fans to reflect on their accomplishments, big or small, and add a soundtrack to their personal triumphs. The track is a reminder to take a moment, let loose, and enjoy life’s special moments with unbridled joy.
Entertainment
Pop Star Ariana Grande Slows Down Music To Embrace Musical Theatre Roots
Ariana Grande recently shared her plans to slow down her music career, a move she knows might surprise her fans.
Speaking on the ‘Las Culturistas’ podcast, the 31-year-old pop star revealed how playing Glinda the Good Witch in the upcoming Wicked film adaptation has reignited her love for musical theatre. While she promised not to abandon music entirely, Grande explained she no longer envisions keeping up her intense pop music pace.
“It is my heart,” she said, adding, “I’m always going to make music and perform, but not at the rate I have been for the past 10 years.”
Grande, whose career began with the Broadway musical 13 at age 15, reflected on the joy of returning to her roots. “Reconnecting with this part of myself and finding roles to use my comedy and musical theatre background has been healing,” she shared, emphasizing the emotional importance of this shift.
The former Victorious star acknowledged the mixed reactions to her casting as Glinda, admitting on the ‘Sentimental Man’ podcast that she felt the need to prove herself. “It has to be earned,” she said, highlighting the training she undertook to prepare.
Grande aims to balance her love for theatre with continued work in music—at a pace that feels more sustainable for her future.
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