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Apple Music Live Presents Alicia Keys’ First Ever Holiday Masquerade Ball

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Apple Music Live Presents Alicia Keys’ First Ever Holiday Masquerade Ball

Global superstar Alicia Keys’ first-ever Holiday Masquerade Ball is set to stream exclusively on Apple Music in partnership with TikTok on Wednesday, December 21st at 7:00p PST for a festive can’t miss Apple Music Live season finale. The 15-time GRAMMY® Award-winner’s epic one-night-only hometown performance at The United Palace in New York — packed with glitter and glamour to celebrate the holiday season — will be available to stream for Apple Music subscribers in over 165 countries at apple.co/aliciakeys-aml. For the first time ever, fans will also be able to tune in to the show on Apple Music’s TikTok page @AppleMusic.

Keys’ acclaimed new holiday album ‘Santa Baby’ — released last month exclusively on Apple Music in immersive Spatial Audio — debuted on Billboard’s Top Holiday Albums chart upon release. The 11-track album features soulful, raw, and fresh reimaginations of holiday classics as well as four original songs, which Keys showcases during her Apple Music Live Holiday Masquerade Ball performance, in addition to a selection of fan favorites.

During the rousing performance, Keys is joined onstage by breakout singer-songwriter and 2022 TikTok Emerging Artist JVKE for a special rendition of his hit trending single “golden hour”, which has generated more than 125k total creations on the platform. Later in the show, Academy Award-winning artist Jon Batiste joins Keys for a electric medley of covers which brings down the house, including Nina Simone‘s “Feeling Good” and Nat King Cole‘s “The Christmas Song”.

“This is THEE Holiday party of the season,” said Alicia Keys. “Im grateful to Apple Music and TikTok for helping me create a magic moment to showcase my first holiday album, in such a special way, for everyone around the world.”

“Alicia Keys is a global icon who never fails to deliver an unforgettable live show. We’re excited to welcome her to the Apple Music Live stage to kick off the holiday season and celebrate an incredible year in music,” said Ebro Darden, Apple Music’s Global Editorial Head of Hip Hop and R&B, who sat down with Keys for a new interview set to air on Apple Music 1 on Tuesday, December 20th to preview the performance.

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Alicia Keys is one of the highest performing artists of all time globally on Apple Music, having reached the top of the Daily Top 100 in 42 countries with a staggering 13 of her tracks topping the US chart, including smash hits like “My Boo”, “Girl on Fire”, and “No One”. Her music has been featured across an array of popular Apple Music editorial playlists, including R&B Now, Easy Hits, and Slow Jam Essentials and she’s broken down her craft in multiple conversations on Apple Music 1 with hosts Ebro Darden and Zane Lowe. Keys has also embraced TikTok, amassing nearly 7M followers by sharing glimpses into her life both on and off the stageDuetting fans, and jumping on trends – especially those inspired by her own music, like the #MyBooChallenge which has over 430M views on TikTok.

Apple Music Live gives the biggest stars in music a global platform to connect with audiences around the world and has previously featured exclusive live performances from Harry StylesLil DurkMary J. BligeLuke CombsBillie Eilish, and Wizkid.

Click HERE to access behind-the-scenes footage, setlist, and more exclusive content on the Shazam app after the show.

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OLATUJA RETURN WITH “IJO”

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Olatuja – the acclaimed project from bassist/composer/bandleader Michael Olatuja and renowned vocalist Alicia Olatuja – has announced today’s premiere of the new single, “Ijo,” available today via Whirlwind Recordings. Fusing the rich heritage of Michael’s Yoruba culture, the evolving popular music of West Africa, the gospel and jazz traditions that inform Alicia’s musicality, and the strong links that tie these threads together, “Ijo” heralds the duo’s long-awaited new album, Olatuja, arriving Friday, May 31. Pre-orders are available now.

“We wanted to merge our visions to create something greater than what we could create on our own,” says Alicia.

“Alicia is my longest and closest collaborator,” says Michael. “This album comes from a place of knowing and growing.”

LISTEN TO “IJO”

PRE-ORDER OLATUJA

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Michael “Leye” Olatuja and Alicia “Lisa” Olatuja have been a presence on the New York City music scene for many years, spanning the worlds of jazz, Broadway, film, and more. Born in London and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Michael is one of the most inventive and in-demand bassists in contemporary music, currently serving as US Musical Director for 5x GRAMMY® Award-winner Angelique Kidjo having previously worked and recorded with the likes of Diana Ross, Terence Blanchard, and Shakira and released his second album as a leader, Lagos Pepper Soup, in 2020. Vocalist/composer Alicia has put out two solo albums (Timeless and Intuition: Songs From the Minds of Women), appeared in operas and musical theater productions, and worked with such esteemed artists as Chris Botti, Gregory Porter, Billy Childs, and Christian McBride. Originally from St. Louis, Alicia found a global audience in 2013 when she stunned millions during the second inauguration ceremony for President Barack Obama with a soaring featured solo during the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir’s rendition of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” She currently tours the world with her own jazz band.

The two uniquely gifted musical talents first met as students at NYC’s prestigious Manhattan School Of Music. They soon married, and in 2011, joined forces as Olatuja Project to create The Promise, an innovative collection hailed by NPR for “combining Yoruba vocals and talking drums with familiar and funky Western music languages.”

However, as time passed their relationship evolved. No longer husband and wife, but still close friends, each pursued their separate musical careers, and each succeeded in establishing themselves at the highest level of their respective professions. Now, after a more than decade, they have reunited creatively as Olatuja.

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Their first new album together in more than a decade had its genesis during the global pandemic in 2020 as Alicia found solace in listening to The Promise for the first time in years. She reached out to Michael and floated the idea of making new music together, asking, “We’ve gone through so much, we’ve learned so much, grown so much, worked with so many incredible greats – what do we have to say now, with this new, evolved rendition of who we are?”

The two began writing together and their collaboration swiftly blossomed into the new Olatuja, a thrilling progression that picks up where their distinctive sound and storytelling left off.

“We talked for hours about what was on our minds, our hearts, what we’re observing,” says Alicia, who writes the bulk of the lyrics and melodies. “Getting it back to that truth and how we create music that’s going to speak to people.”

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“Our previous album touched Afrobeats and jazzy soul and gospel,” Michael says. “We created a certain way of blending those sounds, and I wanted to explore that and take it further.”

With an A-list supporting cast including drummers Obed Calvaire and Joshua Keitt, guitarists Femi Temowo and David Rosenthal, percussionist Magatte Sow and GRAMMY® Award-nominated pianist Christian Sands, Olatuja is at once cinematic in scope and intimate and personal in its message of trust, joy, and the power of honest communication. Michael’s Nigerian heritage deeply informs songs like the irresistibly joyous, talking drum-driven groove of “Ijo” and “Bright Side,” the latter sung in Yoruba and inspired by a visit the couple took to London to see Michael’s family. Indeed, all of the Olatujas’ many musical associations and adventures contribute to the ambition and growth revealed on the new album. Though born from a time of unprecedented alienation and disconnection, Olatuja stands as a tribute to the accumulated wisdom and maturity of two remarkable musicians, a way for friends and artists with a long history and wide range of experience to move themselves and their work forward.

“Working with some people, one plus one equals two,” says Alicia. “But working with Michael, it feels like a multiplication, so together we are more than the sum of our parts. Together we are a crowd.”

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HEADIE ONE X STORMZY RELEASE “CRY NO MORE” – FIRST SINGLE FROM HEADIE ONE’S NEW ALBUM

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Today UK Drill pioneer Headie One releases his first single of the year, “Cry No More” ft. Stormzy.  The song is taken from his forthcoming new album The Last One, set for release June 2024.

Stream “Cry No More” ft. Stormzy HERE and pre-order The Last One HERE.

Produced by Tay Keith (Travis Scott, Drake), Tommy Parker (Ariana Grande, 21 Savage) and Pooh Beatz (Jack Harlow, DaBaby), “Cry No More” features Stormzy (who featured on Headie’s UK #2 hit “Ain’t It Different”) and sees Headie in a reflective mood: “Sometimes you gotta lose the battle, just so you can win the war, you gotta go back and forth, from the court to the roads to the court.”

The accompanying music video, directed by RAWTAPE (Keshi, Kasabian, NTS) shows both artists on the streets of their hometown, portraying the good, the bad and the ugly side of London life with Stormzy rapping, “I just laugh when they say that I can’t go higher, I’m a frequent flyer, my last albums cold but my new ones fire, I might call it Maya.”

Headie One says of the track and video: “This is one of my favorites from the album. I loved the sample and 808s straight away when Tay (Keith) and Pooh (Beatz) played it in the studio. Stormzy went crazy on it, too.”

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“The video concept was to show people that everyone has struggles they have to deal with daily. That’s no different to myself and Stormzy, regardless of what people think we’ve achieved in our careers. We still have things in life we have to deal with like everyone else.”

Watch the music video for “Cry No More” ft. Stormzy HERE.

The Last One is Headie’s second album following his debut, Edna in 2020 which reached #1 on the UK album chart, making history as the first drill album to achieve the milestone.

The new album completes the narrative of Headie’s story that began with his 2018 The One mixtape: from pain and regret to progression and finally, a new chapter and a new beginning. He has touched on some of the subjects and circumstances in previous projects but the lyrics on The Last One aim to dig deeper. The artwork also signifies the arrival at a destination. One where he now stands alone, free from the oppression of his past and on the horizon of a new life.

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K.Ytee Drops “Life” As He Rebrands

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K.Ytee Drops "Life" As He Rebrands
Budding Hip-hop Act Emmanuel Gyimah, formerly known as Ferrari Boy releases his first single of the year featuring Joey Blaq.
Dubbed “Life”, talks about life struggles and his personal experience as young artist in Ghana.
K.Ytee, born Emmanuel Gyimah, is a vibrant and talented musician hailing from Spintex a.k.a the Bank city in Ghana . Born in April 2002, K.Ytee’s journey into the music world came at an early age. Drawing inspiration from some of the greats like Sarkodie, J.Cole , Kendrick Lamar & Dave.

Growing up, K.Ytee was exposed to a diverse range of musical genres that permeated the Local sense. His unique style puts him on top of the list for up and coming acts who could go on to become greats. Within his music you’ll hear the experience he’s outlived whether it’s rap songs, love songs , drill songs he’s got something for everybody in his discography.

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UNCLE WAFFLES RELEASES NEW SINGLE “WADIBUSA”

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UNCLE WAFFLES RELEASES NEW SINGLE “WADIBUSA”

Today, multi-platinum international DJ-producer Uncle Waffles released her first single of 2024, “Wadibusa.” In this new song featuring Royal MusiQ, Ohp Sage, PCEE, and Djy Biza, Waffles returns with the iconic upbeat dance rhythms that propelled her into stardom.

LISTEN HERE

Hailed as the “Princess of Amapiano,” Uncle Waffles is back with the ultimate summertime banger as Amapaino continues its meteoric rise within the music scene. Following the weekly cadence of teasers Waffles began to deliver across her social media platforms, fans anxiously awaited the official release of the single, yearning to finally indulge in the full track.

The song begins with a steady tempo of traditional Amapiano sounds as vocals seamlessly blend in over Waffles’ euphoric and buoyant production. Her iconic tribal beats culminate in a melody of drums, cymbals, distant sounds of alarms, and swift reverbs.

World-renowned DJ-producer Uncle Waffles is taking over the music scene by bringing the South African Amapiano genre to the forefront. Often referred to as the “Princess of Amapiano,” Uncle Waffles has been making her rounds with international tours/performances and most recently performed at Coachella and Cannes this year. Despite being only 24-years-old, Waffles has solidified her position in the industry in a way that hasn’t been done before. Last year, she was nominated for a BET AWARD, nominated for a Headies Award, honored as the first Amapiano artist to perform at Coachella 2023, garnered nearly 2.4M followers on Instagram and over 2M followers on TikTok, and has amassed over 100K+ subscribers on YouTube. Since the beginning of her musical journey, she’s garnered major cosigns from top artists including Drake, Beyonce, Ciara, and more.

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LaaMi: A Vocal Powerhouse Making Waves

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Born Rauhel Halidu Yakubu, LaaMi emerges as a notable Ghanaian singer, renowned for her commanding voice, exceptional vocal range, and unwavering passion for catalyzing positive change.

Her musical odyssey began on the grand stages of some of Ghana and Nigeria’s premier reality shows, including Stars of the Future 5, TV3 Mentor 6, and MTN PROJECT FAME WEST AFRICA 7.0. Swiftly rising as a distinguished alumna of these competitions, LaaMi has graced events hosted by industry giants like MTN and GTV, alongside captivating audiences at esteemed lounges and weddings nationwide.

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LaaMi’s musical repertoire boasts her latest single, “Izan Bakasaniba,” showcasing her dynamic talent. Collaborating with esteemed Ghanaian artists such as Okyeame Kwame, Iwan, and Blakk Rasta, she continues to elevate her craft and inspire audiences far and wide.

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Beyond her musical prowess, LaaMi’s multifaceted abilities encompass crafting, culinary arts, content development, and beyond. With a fervent dedication to effecting change, particularly among the youth, she harnesses her music and diverse skills as potent instruments for societal transformation.

Her melodies not only captivate but also convey poignant messages that resonate with individuals from diverse backgrounds, making her a beacon of inspiration in the Ghanaian music scene.

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Wrench Kidd Enlists Gaffi for His New Single “Going Up”

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Wrench Kidd Enlists Gaffi for His New Single "Going Up"

Hailing from Umtata,Eastern Cape, Wrench Kidd emerged as a dynamic force in both music and fashion. Born on December 17, 2004, his creative journey began to flourish in 2019 when he delved into the realm of music. After honing his craft, he seized the stage at various talent shows in his hometown of Tsolo, culminating in a standout performance in January 2021.

It was on this auspicious occasion that he unveiled his inaugural body of work, the “Escape Puzzle of Fear” EP, crafted alongside collaborator Yung Potion. This debut release not only garnered local acclaim but also caught the attention of international figures such as Kiki X Chucky, Thxbi, Tru Crack, Logical Rhythms, and Lil Ivy, who praised his distinctive sound and vision.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Wrench Kidd achieved a significant milestone by completing his Matric in the same year, underscoring his commitment to both his education and his passion for creativity. With his multifaceted talents and unwavering dedication, Wrench Kidd continues to captivate audiences and leave an indelible mark on the global cultural landscape.

Recently, Wrench Kidd teamed up with the hard-hitting Eastern Cape rapper Gaffi to drop his latest single, “Goin Up.” This track serves as a testament to his relentless ambition and drive to thrive in the music industry. Through compelling lyrics and infectious beats, “Goin Up” captures Wrench Kidd’s determination to ascend to new heights and make his mark on the musical landscape. With this powerful collaboration, Wrench Kidd continues to push boundaries and solidify his position as an emerging force in the industry.

Stream Wrench Kidd – Going Up (feat. Gaffi) here

Note to editor 

Social Media 

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Wrenchkiddthebully

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wrench_kidd/

 

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