World News
Mike Posner To Climb Mount Everest. Raising Money For Detroit Justice Center
Mike Posner has announced he will be embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime climb of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everestthis spring. Mount Everest rises to an elevation of more than 29,000 feet and is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas, between Nepal and China.
Having spent the last year in intensive high altitude training in Colorado, the internationally acclaimed, GRAMMY nominated artist and philanthropist will make the daring climb this April and May, as revealed exclusively on CBS This Morning today. Watch the full interview HERE.
Also announced today, Posner will be raising money via corporate sponsors and a GoFundMe page for The Detroit Justice Center(DJC), a non-profit law firm working alongside communities to create economic opportunities, transform the justice system, and promote equitable and just cities. A Detroit native himself, Posner’s father Jon, who passed away in 2017, served as a criminal defense attorney in Detroit for 40 years, making this cause all the more important to Mike. For more information and to donate, please visit mikeposner.com.
Speaking about the endeavor, Posner reveals, “While my walk across America was about me finding myself, I want my climb to be about others. Before my dad died, he was a criminal defense attorney in Detroit for 40 years. I’ve decided to dedicate my climb to the Detroit Justice Center because they’re doing criminal justice reform work in my city that would make my dad beam with joy.”
Earlier this year, he released his latest track, “Momma Always Told Me” feat. Stanaj and Yung Bae, marking a new chapter for the Detroit-born and raised artist and philanthropist, who in 2019 famously walked across America. More recently, Posner closed 2020 with the surprise release of his 36-minute rap-opera Operation: Wake Up, which he used to highlight the struggles of mental illness and suicide ideation. Listen to Operation: Wake Up HERE. Following a year of writing and recording in his studio, as well as embarking on extreme mountain climbing and conditioning across the world, Mike Posner is poised to dominate the charts and shine some light into our lives once again.
In other news, the hit song “Please Don’t Go” off Posner’s debut 2010 album, 31 Minutes to Takeoff has re-emerged on TikTok recently, thanks to the #PleaseDontGo challenge, a popular transition challenge that sees people (and sometimes pets) don scarves and sunglasses, driving with the windows down while the song’s iconic chorus plays. The fun viral moment has led to the song’s unexpected ascent to the No. 1 trending sound spot on TikTok. Late last year, Mike’s debut single “Cooler Than Me” off the same album enjoyed a similar resurgence on the platform. Watch Mike participating in the #PleaseDontGo Challenge’ H
Since 2009, multi-platinum singer and songwriter Mike Posner has quietly become one of the world’s most successful and recognizable voices. From his 2016 sophomore full-length album, At Night, Alone, which included the ubiquitous RIAA 6x-platinum smash “I Took A Pill In Ibiza’ which made history as “one of Spotify’s Top 10 Most Streamed Songs of All Time” with 3 billion streams and earned Mike a 2017 Grammy® nomination for “Song of The Year.” To his most recent and fourth studio album A REAL GOOD KID and 2019 mixtape release Keep Going. Featuring special guests Logic, Wiz Khalifa, Ty Dolla $ign, Talib Kweli, Diddy, Steven Tyler, Bun B, and E-40, ‘Keep Going’ chronicled and commemorated his well-documented and celebrated 3,000-mile hike across America.
More exciting news to come!
World News
Iraqi TikTok star Om Fahad shot dead outside Baghdad home
Iraqi social media influencer Om Fahad has been shot dead outside her home in Baghdad, according to local media reports. (more…)
World News
Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi sentenced to death for protesting
Iranian Dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi has been given a death sentence for his involvement in the widespread protests that swept Iran in 2022, according to his lawyer. (more…)
Radio & TV
2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) to air LIVE on DStv
MTV has announced the 2024 “VMAs” will make its return to New York on Tuesday, September 10th at the UBS Arena. Airing LIVE on MTV, DStv Channel 130 on Wednesday, 11 September at 1:00am WAT and 2:00am CAT around the world in more than 150 countries. This year’s global fan-filled phenomenon will celebrate the best music videos of the past year with supersized performances, epic tributes, and unforgettable appearances from the world’s biggest celebrities.
“We’re excited to bring this year’s VMAs to UBS Arena, one of the country’s newest and most cutting edge venues,” said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. “Celebrating one of music’s biggest nights with the incredible, robust New York area fans is something we’ve been looking forward to since the moment last year’s show ended.”
“It’s an honor to host MTV and the VMAs at UBS Arena,” said Mark Shulman, Senior Vice President of Programming, UBS Arena. “This is the culmination of bringing a world class event to a venue that offers state of the art capabilities and the best in fan amenities. We look forward to welcoming this year’s top artists, fans, and viewers worldwide to experience our arena and campus at Belmont Park.”
“We are excited to welcome back the MTV Video Music Awards to New York State,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “From its origins at Radio City Music Hall in 1984 to this September’s event at the UBS Arena, the VMAs continue to captivate millions, showcasing the very best in music video artistry. As we prepare to host this 40th anniversary event, let’s embrace the spirit of creativity and innovation that defines our state’s cultural landscape.”
The “VMAs” will air across MTV’s global footprint of linear and digital platforms in more than 150 countries and territories, reaching over 319 million households.
Additional details will be announced closer to the show. Follow @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all-things #VMAs.
World News
Major step in malaria prevention as three West African countries roll out vaccine
In a significant step forward for malaria prevention in Africa, three countries—Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone—today launched a large-scale rollout of the life-saving malaria vaccine targeting millions of children across the three West African nations. The vaccine rollout, announced on World Malaria Day, seeks to further scale up vaccine deployment in the African region.
Today’s launch brings to eight the number of countries on the continent to offer the malaria vaccine as part of the childhood immunization programmes, extending access to more comprehensive malaria prevention. Several of the more than 30 countries in the African region that have expressed interest in the vaccine are scheduled to roll it out in the next year through support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as efforts continue to widen its deployment in the region in coordination with other prevention measures such as long-lasting insecticidal nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention.
Benin, which received 215 900 doses, has added the malaria vaccine to its Expanded Programme on Immunization. The malaria vaccine should be provided in a schedule of 4 doses in children from around 5 months of age.
“The introduction of the malaria vaccine in the Expanded Programme on Immunization for our children is a major step forward in the fight against this scourge. I would like to reassure that the malaria vaccines are safe and effective and contribute to the protection of our children against this serious and fatal diseases,” said Prof Benjamin Hounkpatin, Minister of Health of Benin.
In Liberia, the vaccine was launched in the southern Rivercess County and will be rolled out afterwards in five other counties which have high malaria burden. At least 45 000 children are expected to benefit from the 112 000 doses of the available vaccine.
“For far too long, malaria has stolen the laughter and dreams of our children. But today, with this vaccine and the unwavering commitment of our communities, healthcare workers and our partners, including Gavi, UNICEF and WHO, we break the chain. We have a powerful tool that will protect them from this devastating illness and related deaths, ensuring their right to health and a brighter future. Let’s end malaria in Liberia and pave the way for a healthier, more just society,” said Dr Louise Kpoto, Liberia’s Minister of Health.
Two safe and effective vaccines — RTS,S and R21 — recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), are a breakthrough for child health and malaria control. A pilot malaria vaccine programme in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi reached over 2 million children from 2019 to 2023, showing a significant reduction in malaria illness and a 13% drop in overall child mortality and substantial reductions in hospitalizations.
In Sierra Leone, the first doses were administered to children at a health centre in Western Area Rural where the authorities kicked off the rollout of 550 000 vaccine doses. The vaccine will then be delivered in health facilities nationwide.
“With the new, safe and efficacious malaria vaccine, we now have an additional tool to fight this disease. In combination with insecticide-treated nets, effective diagnosis and treatment, and indoor spraying, no child should die from malaria infection,” said Dr Austin Demby, Minister of Health of Sierra Leone.
Malaria remains a huge health challenge in the African region, which is home to 11 countries that carry approximately 70% of the global burden of malaria. The region accounted for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of all malaria deaths in 2022, according to the World Malaria Report.
“The African region is taking positive steps in scaling up the rollout of the malaria vaccine – a game-changer in our fight against this deadly disease,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Working with our partners, we’re committed to supporting the ongoing efforts to protect, save the lives of young children and lower the malaria burden in the region.”
Aurelia Nguyen, Chief Programme Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, noted: “Today we celebrate more children gaining access to a new lifesaving tool to fight one of Africa’s deadliest diseases. This introduction of malaria vaccines into routine programmes in Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone alongside other proven interventions will help save lives and offer relief to families, communities and hard-pressed health systems.”
Progress against malaria has stalled in these high-burden African countries since 2017 due to factors including climate change, humanitarian crises, low access to and insufficient quality of health services, gender-related barriers, biological threats such as insecticide and drug resistance and global economic crises. Fragile health systems and critical gaps in data and surveillance have compounded the challenge.
To put malaria progress back on track, WHO recommends robust commitment to malaria responses at all levels, particularly in high-burden countries; greater domestic and international funding; science and data-driven malaria responses; urgent action on the health impacts of climate change; harnessing research and innovation; as well as strong partnerships for coordinated responses. WHO is also calling attention to addressing delays in malaria programme implementation.
World News
Kid Cudi cancels tour after breaking foot at Coachella
Kid Cudi has been forced to cancel his tour after breaking his foot at Coachella over the weekend. During the fest’s Weekend Two on Sunday night, the rapper went to the hospital with a broken foot after jumping off the stage at the Sahara Tent. (more…)
World News
The Un Certain Regard Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes
The Canadian actor, director, screenwriter and producer Xavier Dolan will be the President of the Un Certain Regard Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes. He will be joined by French-Senegalese screenwriter and director Maïmouna Doucouré, Moroccan director, screenwriter and producer Asmae El Moudir, German-Luxembourg actress Vicky Krieps, and American film critic, director, and writer Todd McCarthy. They will be in charge of awarding prizes for the Un Certain Regard section, which showcases art and discovery films by young auteurs.
This year, 18 films have been selected, including 8 first films. The 2023 Un Certain Regard top prize went to director Molly Manning Walker’s debut feature How to Have Sex.
When the light breaks by Rúnar Rúnarsson will open the Un Certain Regard section on Wednesday May 15, 2024.
|
|
|
|
|
- Buzz3 days ago
I underestimated the extent of my influence – Serwaa Amihere apologizes
- Buzz1 week ago
Afronita’s mum was against me managing Endurance Grand alongside her daughter – Quables
- People & Lifestyle6 days ago
REPORT: Dulcie Boateng’s Porials Pitch leads to arrests over ‘unregistered products’
- Gossip7 days ago
WATCH: Irene Logan sings ‘At Last’ as she dances with her husband at their wedding reception
- Buzz5 days ago
Kofi Kinaata Credits Samini’s High Grade Family for Musical Breakthrough
- Buzz3 days ago
Why single mothers struggle to find partners – Joselyn Dumas
- World News4 days ago
Kanye West reportedly planning to launch porn studio
- Gossip6 days ago
Gospel singer KODA passes on, after reportedly battling a kidney disease
- People & Lifestyle4 days ago
Why Ghanaians question the authenticity of King Promise’s alleged wedding
- People & Lifestyle1 week ago
Eva Newlove heeds her regal call to become Awo Yaa Manubea I, the new Mawerehemaa of Kyekyewere
- Buzz5 days ago
Sarkodie’s Nigeria performance sparks social media buzz
- Buzz5 days ago
One half of the Mitch Brothers was arrested at Dulcie Boateng’s Porials Pitch event