World News
2021 MTV Video Music Awards: see the complete list of nominees
The nominations for the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, which will take place in New York City on Sunday, September 12, have been announced.
Justin Bieber is the most nominated person this year with seven nods, while rapper Megan Thee Stallion follows closely behind with six nominations.
Billie Eilish, BTS, Doja Cat, Drake, Lil Nas X, Olivia Rodrigo and Giveon each are tied with five nominations for an array of music videos, including “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” and “Kiss Me More.”
Africa was not left out as Ghanaian dancehall artiste Shatta Wale bagged a nominated for ‘Best Art Direction’ for his appearance in Beyoncé’s “Already. Nigeria’s Wizkid also got a nomination in the categories of ‘Best Cinematography’ and ‘Best R&B’ for his feature on Beyonce‘s “Brown Skin Girl.”
The VMAs, which had been delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic, will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the first time in seven years.
See the full list of nominations below:
Video of the Year
- “WAP” – Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion, Atlantic Records
- “Popstar” – DJ Khaled ft. Drake (starring Justin Bieber) OVO / We The Best / Epic Records
- “Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat ft. SZA, Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
- “Bad Habits” – Ed Sheeran, Atlantic Records
- “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X, Columbia Records
- “Save Your Tears” – The Weeknd, XO / Republic Records
Artist of the Year
- Ariana Grande, Republic Records
- Doja Cat, Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
- Justin Bieber, Def Jam
- Megan Thee Stallion, 300 Entertainment
- Olivia Rodrigo, Geffen Records
- Taylor Swift, Republic Records
Song of the Year
- “Mood” – 24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior, Records LLC / Columbia Records
- “Leave the Door Open” – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, Aftermath Entertainment / Atlantic Records
- “Dynamite” – BTS, Bighit Music
- “WAP” – Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion, Atlantic Records
- “Levitating” – Dua Lipa, Warner Records
- “Drivers License” – Olivia Rodrigo, Geffen Records
Best New Artist
- 24kGoldn, Records LLC / Columbia Records
- Giveon, Epic Records / Not So Fast
- The Kid Laroi, Columbia Records
- Olivia Rodrigo, Geffen Records
- Polo G, Columbia Records
- Saweetie, Warner Records
Push Performance of the Year
- “Are You Bored Yet?” – Wallows, Atlantic Records
- “Daisy” – Ashnikko, Warner Records
- “Gorgeous” – Saint Jhn, Godd Complexx / HITCO
- “Coco” – 24kGoldn, Records LLC / Columbia Records
- “Break My Heart” – JC Stewart, Elektra Music Group
- “Sex Lies” – Latto, RCA Records
- “Selfish” – Madison Beer, Epic Records / Sing It Loud
- “Without You” – The Kid Laroi, Columbia Records
- “Drivers License” – Olivia Rodrigo, Geffen Records
- “Serotonin” – Girl in Red, World in Red / AWAL
- “My Slime” – Fousheé, RCA Records
- “Think About Me” – Jxdn, DTA Records / Elektra Music Group
Best Collaboration
- “Mood” – 24kGoldn ft. Iann Dior, Records LLC / Columbia Records
- “WAP” – Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion, Atlantic Records
- “Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat ft. SZA, Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
- “Laugh Now Cry Later” – Drake ft. Lil Durk, OVO / Republic Records
- “Peaches” – Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon, Def Jam
- “Prisoner” – Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa, RCA Records
Best Pop
- “Positions” – Ariana Grande, Republic Records
- “Therefore I Am” – Billie Eilish, Darkroom / Interscope Records
- “Butter” – BTS, Bighit Music
- “Treat People With Kindness” – Harry Styles, Columbia Records
- “Peaches” – Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon, Def Jam
- “Good 4 U” – Olivia Rodrigo, Geffen Records
- “Wonder” – Shawn Mendes, Island Records
- “Willow” – Taylor Swift, Republic Records
Best Hip-Hop
- “WAP” – Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion, Atlantic Records
- “Laugh Now Cry Later” – Drake ft. Lil Durk, OVO / Republic Records
- “On Me (remix)” – Lil Baby ft. Megan Thee Stallion, Quality Control / Motown
- “Said Sum” – Moneybagg Yo, N-Less Entertainment / Interscope Records
- “Rapstar” – Polo G, Columbia Records
- “Franchise” – Travis Scott ft. Young Thug & M.I.A., Cactus Jack / Epic Records
Best Rock
- “Use My Voice” – Evanescence, BMG
- “Shame Shame” – Foo Fighters, Roswell Records / RCA Records
- “Last Train Home” – John Mayer, Columbia Records
- “My Own Soul’s Warning” – The Killers, Island
- “The Bandit” – Kings Of Leon, RCA Records
- “Raise Vibration” – Lenny Kravitz, Roxie Records / BMG
Best Alternative
- “Stop Making This Hurt” – Bleachers, RCA Records
- “Heat Waves” – Glass Animals, Republic Records
- “Follow You” – Imagine Dragons, Kidinakorner / Interscope Records
- “My Ex’s Best Friend” – Machine Gun Kelly ft. Blackbear, Bad Boy / Interscope Records
- “Shy Away” – Twenty One Pilots, Fueled By Ramen
- “Transparent Soul” – Willow ft. Travis Barker, MSFTSMusic / Roc Nation
Best Latin
- “Dákiti” – Bad Bunny x Jhay Cortez, The Orchard
- “Lo Vas A Olvidar” – Billie Eilish & Rosalía, Darkroom / Interscope Records
- “Girl Like Me” – Black Eyed Peas and Shakira, Epic Records
- “Un Die (One Day)” – Balvin, Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, Tainy, Universal Music Latino / Neon16
- “Bichota” – Karol G, Universal Music Latino
- “Hawái” – Maluma, Sony Music US Latin
Best R&B
- “Brown Skin Girl” – Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, Saint Jhn, WizKid, Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records
- “Leave the Door Open” – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, Aftermath Entertainment / Atlantic Records
- “Go Crazy” – Chris Brown and Young Thug, Chris Brown Entertainment/RCA Records
- “Heartbreak Anniversary” – Giveon, Epic Records / Not So Fast
- “Come Through” – H.E.R. ft. Chris Brown, MBK Entertainment / RCA Records
- “Good Days” – SZA, Top Dawg Entertainment / RCA Records
Best K-pop
- “Dumdi Dumdi” – G)I-DLE, Republic Records
- “Ice Cream” – Blackpink and Selena Gomez, YG Entertainment / Interscope Records
- “Butter” – BTS, Bighit Music
- “Gambler” – Monsta X, Starship Entertainment
- “Ready to love” – Seventeen, Pledis Entertainment
- “Alcohol-Free” – Twice, JYP Entertainment Company
Video For Good
- “Your Power” – Billie Eilish, Darkroom / Interscope Records
- “Dancing With the Devil” – Demi Lovato, Island
- “Fight For You” – H.E.R., MBK Entertainment / RCA Records
- “Worldwide Beautiful” – Kane Brown, Sony Music Nashville / RCA Records
- “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X, Columbia Records
- “Entrepreneur” – Pharrell Williams ft. Jay-Z, Columbia Records
Best Direction
- “Your Power” – Billie Eilish, Directed by: Billie Eilish, Darkroom / Interscope Records
- “Popstar (starring Justin Bieber)” – DJ Khaled ft. Drake, Directed by: Julien Christian Lutz aka Director X, OVO / We The Best / Epic Records
- “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X directed by: Lil Nas X and Tanu Muino, Columbia Records
- “Willow” – Taylor Swift, Directed by: Taylor Swift, Republic Records
- “Franchise” – Travis Scott ft. Young Thug & M.I.A, Directed by: Travis Scott, Cactus Jack / Epic Records
- “Lumberjack” – Tyler, The Creator, Directed by: Wolf Haley, Columbia Records
Best Cinematography
- “Brown Skin Girl” – Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, SAINt JHN, WizKid, Cinematography by: Benoit Soler, Malik H. Sayeed, Mohammaed Atta Ahmed, Santiago Gonzalez, Ryan Helfant, Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records
- “Therefore I Am” – Billie Eilish, Cinematography by: Rob Witt, Darkroom / Interscope Records
- “Shame Shame” – Foo Fighters, Cinematography by: Santiago Gonzalez, Roswell Records / RCA Records
- “Holy” – Justin Bieber ft. Chance The Rapper, Cinematography by: Elias Talbot, RBMG / Def Jam
- “911” – Lady Gaga, Cinematography by: Jeff Cronenweth, Interscope Records
- “Solar Power” – Lorde, Cinematography by: Andrew Stroud, LAVA/Republic Records
Best Art Direction
- “Already” – Beyoncé, Shatta Wale, Major Lazer, Art Direction by: Susan Linns, Gerard Santos, Parkwood Entertainment / Columbia Records
- “Bad Habits” – Ed Sheeran, Art Direction by: Alison Dominitz, Atlantic Records
- “911” – Lady Gaga, Art Direction by: Tom Foden, Peter Andrus, Interscope Records
- “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X, Art Direction by: John Richoux, Columbia Records
- “Best Friend” – Saweetie ft. Doja Cat, Art Direction by: Art Haynes, Warner Records
- “Willow” – Taylor Swift, Art Direction by: Ethan Tobman, Regina Fernandez, Republic Records
Best Visual Effects
- “Build a Bitch” – Bella Poarch, Visual Effects by: Andrew Donoho, Denhov Visuals, Denis Strahhov, Rein Jakobson, Vahur Kuusk, Tatjana Pavlik, Yekaterina Vetrova, Warner Records
- “Higher Power” – Coldplay, Visual Effects by: Mathematic, Atlantic Records
- “You Right” – Doja Cat & The Weeknd, Visual Effects by: La Pac, Anthony Lestremau, Julien Missaire, Petr Shkolniy, Alexi Bailla, Micha Sher, Antoine Hache, Mikros MPC, Nicolas Huget, Guillaume Ho Tsong Fang, Benjamin Lenfant, Stephane Pivron, MPC Bangalore, Chanakya Chander, Raju Ganesh, David Rouxel, Kemosabe Records / RCA Records
- “Tangerine” – Glass Animals, Visual Effects by: Ronan Fourreau, Republic Records
- “Montero (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X, Visual Effects by: Mathematic, Columbia Records
- “All I Know So Far” – P!nk, Visual Effects by: BUF, VFX Supervisors: Dominique Vidal & Geoffrey Niquet, VFX Producers: Annabelle Zoellin & Camille Gibrat, RCA Records
Best Choreography
- “34+35” – Ariana Grande, Choreography by: Brian Nicholson & Scott Nicholson, Republic Records
- “Butter” – BTS, Choreography by: Son Sung with BHM Performance Directing Team, Bighit Music
- “Bad Habits” – Ed Sheeran, Choreography by: Natricia Bernard, Atlantic Records
- “Shame Shame” – Foo Fighters, Choreography by: Nina McNeely, Roswell Records / RCA Records
- “Treat People With Kindness” – Harry Styles, Columbia Records
- “Be Kind” – Marshmello & Halsey, Choreography by: Dani Vitale, Astralwerks / Capitol Records
Best Editing
- “Leave the Door Open” – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, Editing by: Troy Charbonnet, Aftermath Entertainment/Atlantic Records
- “Butter” – BTS, Editing by: Yong Seok Choi from Lumpens, Bighit Music
- “What’s Next” – Drake, Editing by: Noah Kendal, OVO / Republic Records
- “Treat People With Kindness” – Harry Styles, Columbia Records
- “Peaches” – Justin Bieber ft. Daniel Caesar, Giveon, Def Jam
- “Prisoner” – Miley Cyrus ft. Dua Lipa, RCA Records
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…)
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Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi sentenced to death for protesting
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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.
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