World News
20 Years of Lightning – Do LaB Announces Lineup for Lightning in a Bottle 2023
Today, Do LaB have announced the musical lineup for the 20th anniversary of Lightning in a Bottle, North America’s original boutique festival taking place Memorial Day Weekend at Buena Vista Lake in Southern California this May 24-29, 2023. LIB will present an array of top-tier music curation, creative art and immersive environments, and educational classes and workshops — a furthering of its 20 year mission to inspire creativity and foster interconnection.
It’s official, Do LaB is almost out of mom and dad’s house and ready to step into young-adulthood at a ripe young age of 20. They are ready to start taking life a little more seriously, if only they knew how. But let’s be real, Do LaB’s always been the fully independent, mischief loving crew of ragtag experience creators their community know and love, always pushing through adversity to deliver events that shaped the modern festival landscape. Now, Lightning in a Bottle, Do LaB’s living and breathing outpost for misfits and music lovers, creatives and experience hunters, is ready to keep goofing off and dreaming of delivering more fun, more outrageous moments and more music than ever before.
LIB’s 2023 lineup will be its largest and most ambitious to date, with its iconic Lightning stage showcasing some of electronic music’s most compelling and in-demand performers. Lightning strikes with headliners like HypnoVision label boss REZZ, playful genre-defying production duo SOFI TUKKER, and Grammy-nominated electronic producer and singer ZHU. Genre-blurring live acts include multi-instrumentalist and vocalist duo Phantogram, heartfelt Canadian composer and recording artist Caribou, the fully imaginative performance of Beats Antique, and singer-songwriter and producer Mindchatter. Flavors of R&B, soul and rap take center stage as well with appearances by Houston’s rising star Tobe Nwigwe, versatile rap and R&B vocalist 070 Shake, Zambia-born vocalist and visual artist Sampa the Great, Ozomatli w/ Chali 2na & Cut Chemist and the full original ensemble performing their first classic album, and electronic R&B live duo Drama.
The Thunder stage showcases everything from the darker shades of electronic with artists like Liquid Stranger, LSDream, and Deathpact, to electronic trio and Do LaB regulars The Glitch Mob, multi-genre producer and Young Art label head TOKiMONSTA, pioneering drum & bass legend LTJ Bukem with MC Armanni, and 90’s rave revival production duo Prospa. A diverse and representative next generation is in full force, spearheaded by influential electronic prodigy Moore Kismet, all empowering queer bass artist Wreckno, and the queen of Jersey club UNIIQU3. The strength of the Thunder lineup continues with 11-piece techno marching band MEUTE, inventive beatsmith The Polish Ambassador, comedic electronic duo The Floozies, rising South African producer Jon Casey, and more.
LIB’s colorful house and techno wonderland, the Woogie stage, is packed with international talent. Leading the charge is titanic Afterlife leaders Tale Of Usand Higher Ground and Mad Decent superstar Diplo. The depth continues with fan-favorites like German disco and house producer Purple Disco Machine, energetic DJ/producer and label head BLOND:ISH, global techno powerhouse Stephan Bodzin with a live performance, piano house queen LP Giobbi, breakout UK house and techno talent Logic1000, underground icon and Ninja Tune favorite TSHA, and Afro House sensation Layla Benitez. The melodically charged styles of artists like Berlin-based producer and live act Ben Böhmer, classically trained musician and multi-instrumentalist Giorgia Anjiuli, and accomplished mixing engineer Cassian will also be on full display. Rounding out the Woogie bill is emergent production duos Major League DJz and Sabo & Goldcap, West African DJ and producer AMÉMÉ, and a slew of next gen risers like Rinzen, Desiree, Nala, Deer Jade b2b Elif, and Mary Droppinz.
In line with LIB’s 20th anniversary, it’s only right that some of the community’s longtime favorites return for this milestone edition. In addition to aforementioned artists like The Glitch Mob, TOKiMONSTA, Beats Antique, and The Polish Ambassador, fans can expect the return of the psychedelic and sonically diverse productions of Random Rab, Argentinian bass sensation El Papachango, live electronic duo Dimond Saints, pioneering bass producer David Starfire, and a special performance by William Close & The Earth Harp Experience.
LIB 2023’s truly five-day experience will be kicked off by a variety of programming on the festival’s opening days. Interactive yoga and movement classes will take place both Wednesday and Thursday, along with talks and workshops at the Compass and Learning Kitchen on Thursday. Fans can also expect the iconic 80s Prom to make its return. Music programming will begin on the Woogie Stage on Thursday afternoon, giving attendees a full extra day to get a first look at the immersive stage’s new design. Additional opening music programming includes a special performance from lineup artist LSDream under his project Lightcode, more details to come.
LIB has been long renowned for its ever-evolving immersive stage design and the world-class artist lineups and musical styles that occupy them. For the 2023 edition, Lightning and Woogie stages will return with brand new designs along with a revamped Thunder design. There will also be a new Grand Artique stage this year, which is a unique environment known for its blend of wild west aesthetics, unconventional activity programming, and eclectic live acts with an Americano twist.
All of these elements combine to complement the event’s multi-decade commitment to bringing together forward-thinking music across many distinct stages, educational and cause-driven discussions and activities at The Compass, and intriguing programming from favorites like the interactive townscape of Bark Kitten, the Jive Joint, Unicorn Palace, The Mixtape, the Rink-a-Dink Roller Rink, Big Leroy’s Karaoke, and so much more.
For those looking for the joy of a camping festival with an elevated experience, LIB will return VIP offerings first introduced during the 2022 edition. VIP pass holders can find reprieve in backstage lounges at Lightning, Thunder, and Woogie, grab refreshments in these areas at exclusive bars, enjoy special pop-up interactive experiences, take advantage of access to the Atlaswyld Beach Club & Bar, and watch headlining performances at the elevated Lightning Stage or enclosed Thunder Stage viewing areas. For more info on VIP tickets, visit https://www.libfestival.org/tickets.
20 years ago, a lightning bolt struck and sparked something far greater than anyone could have ever anticipated. Do LaB have created a legacy from the ground up since – one with a loyal community of free spirits chasing the imaginative, boundary-breaking rush felt at its very first celebration. Now it’s time to come together to set the tone for the next 20 years.
LIGHTNING
REZZ
SOFI TUKKER
ZHU
Phantogram
Tobe Nwigwe
070 Shake
Caribou
Drama
Sampa the Great
Mindchatter
Uncle Waffles
Beats Antique
Ozomatli w/ Chali 2na & Cut Chemist
Rochelle Jordan
Sad Night Dynamite
Moontricks
My Baby
Dimond Saints
Special Performance By: William Close & The Earth Harp Experience
THUNDER
Liquid Stranger
LSDream
TOKiMONSTA
The Glitch Mob
LTJ Bukem w/ Armanni
MEUTE
Deathpact
The Polish Ambassador
The Floozies
Prospa
Mersiv
Wreckno
Moore Kismet
Daily Bread
Zingara
Ahee
UNIIQU3
Random Rab
Bambii
Balkan Bump
David Starfire
Hamdi
Canabliss
Jon Casey
Zen Selekta
El Papachango
Andreas One
WOOGIE
Tale Of Us
Diplo
Purple Disco Machine
Ben Böhmer
Stephan Bodzin (Live)
BLOND:ISH
LP Giobbi
Giorgia Angiuli
TSHA
AMÉMÉ
Cassian
Major League DJz
Logic1000
Nico Stojan
Sabo & Goldcap
Layla Benitez
Desiree
Rinzen
Sam Shure
Nala
Deer Jade b2b Elif
Mary Droppinz
Nii Tei
Sinca
Baby Weight
Zach Walker
Eda
Shawni
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.
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