Chaos swept through the United Arab Emirates as it faced the most intense rainfall in 75 years, with certain regions recording over 250 mm (approximately 10 inches) of rain within a mere 24-hour period, as per the state’s media office statement released on Wednesday, April 17. (more…)

Nelly and Ashanti are working on a special duet! (more…)

The 77th Festival de Cannes will feature an unprecedented yet self-evident pairing at the head of the Caméra d’or Jury. As rich dialogue and inspiring gaze arise from encounters, the Festival de Cannes is eager to bring together Emmanuelle Béart and Baloji to co-preside over the Jury that will honor one of the first films presented in the Festival’s Official Selection or its parallel sections.

An unprecedented pairing since French actress Emmanuelle Béart and director and songwriter Baloji, who evolves in Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have never met. She has worked with some of the world’s greatest filmmakers, dazzling both screen and stage with her incandescent performance. He is a bold, visionary creator, who made two short films before receiving the New Voice Prize at Un Certain Regard in 2023 for his acclaimed debut feature Omen.

An obvious pairing as both are free spirits with no limits, who rely on their art to achieve creative freedom. Through her impressive filmography and her humanitarian commitment, Emmanuelle Béart is forever supporting a filmmaking to be shared, to emancipate, transcend borders and help us live together. Baloji, in his first feature film with impressive aesthetic mastery, delivers a chronicle that transcends otherness through the prism of magical realism.

Delighted to be paired at the head of the Caméra d’or Jury, Baloji and Emmanuelle Béart will combine their voices to welcome the first features of filmmakers who look at the world with inspiration, tell us about it with emotion and invite us to discuss it with the conviction of beginnings. “Being a self-taught filmmaker and a filmmaker from the Congolese diaspora,” confides Baloji, “it’s a great honour to be able to witness the vitality of first-time directors, to discover their strong singularities and their inaugural work, which will have a lasting impact on the identity of their filmography.” Emmanuelle Béart declares: “A first film is about the impossibility of doing anything other than delving into the depths of one’s being to find out what we can’t keep quiet about. A deeply moving and terribly free birth: no one is waiting for you yet. We will honor our duty with wonder and respect.”

The Caméra d’or Jury has been co-chaired three times before: by actress Françoise Fabian and director Daniel Schmid in 1996, by Marthe Keller and Géraldine Chaplin in 2002, and by brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne in 2006.

In 2023, the Caméra d’Or was awarded to Pham Thien An for Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell  by the Jury presided over by French actress Anaïs Demoustier

BALOJI Co-president Advertisement Director, songwriter, artistic director

EMMANUELLE BÉART Co-president Actress, director, producer

GILLES PORTE AFC Director of photography Advertisement

PASCAL BURON FICAM DGM HR & Support at TSF

ZOÉ WITTOCK SRF Screenwriter, director   Advertisement

NATHALIE CHIFFLET SFCC Cinema and culture section editor (EBRA), Treasurer of SFCC

The Latin Recording Academy® announced today that the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® will be held in Miami at Kaseya Center on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in partnership with Miami-Dade County and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).

“Since our first awards presentation in the year 2000, the Latin GRAMMYs have provided an international spotlight for Latin music second to none and provided iconic performances that have become part of global music and pop culture history.  We are thrilled to celebrate our 25th anniversary in Miami” said Manuel Abud, CEO, The Latin Recording Academy. “Miami has evolved to become the epicenter of Latin entertainment and we are grateful for the community support and enthusiasm we have received.”

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Latin GRAMMYs the show returns to the place it calls home, where The Latin Academy’s journey commenced, and its headquarters remain.  This is the third time that the Latin GRAMMYs will be held in Miami, the first time in 2003 and the second time in 2020 when the show was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Welcome home, Latin GRAMMYs! As the cultural capital for Latinos in the United States, there’s no better place than Miami-Dade to host the best of Latin music and entertainment,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “It’s a true honor to host this incredible event once again and welcome people from all over the world to enjoy the vibrant and diverse cultural hub we call home. This event celebrates the very best in music, and we are proud to showcase Miami’s unique energy, where music and culture collide in the most spectacular way.”

The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish language media and content company in the world, and will air live on Univision, Galavisión and ViX, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT.

“We are excited to bring to life the landmark 25-year celebration of the Latin GRAMMYs from the city we call home – the city where Hispanic culture has flourished as a driving force of influence and impact globally,” said Ignacio Meyer, President of Univision Television Networks Group at TelevisaUnivision. “As the Home of Latin Music, we’re excited to deliver yet another unforgettable night of excellence in music, grounded in our passion and unwavering commitment to shining a bright light on the most culture-defining moments for Spanish-speaking audiences worldwide.”

In addition, Latin GRAMMY® Week events will take place throughout Miami-Dade County including Leading Ladies of Entertainment, the Best New Artist Showcase, Special Awards Presentation, Nominee Reception, Person of the Year and the Premiere Ceremony, preceding the telecast. More details on the week of events will be distributed in the coming months.

“This announcement underscores Greater Miami’s status as a global hub at the intersection of multicultural music, entertainment, events and tourism,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “On behalf of the travel and hospitality industry of Greater Miami, we are absolutely thrilled by the news that the 25th Latin GRAMMYs is returning home to Miami – bringing with it an influx of visitors eager to experience the excitement and energy of this iconic destination.”

The Latin GRAMMY Awards® are the preeminent international honor and the only peer-selected award celebrating excellence in Latin music worldwide.

Additional key dates in preparation to The Biggest Night in Latin Music® include:

• July 24, 2024-Aug. 5,2024:  First Round of Voting

• Sept. 17, 2024: Nominations Announcement

• Sept. 27, 2024–Oct. 10, 2024: Final Round of Voting

For more information regarding the current awards season visit: https://www.latingrammy.com/en/calendar-awards-department.

MTV today announced that Isle of MTV Malta will return to the island’s il-Fosos Square on Tuesday, 16th July, with headlining performances from DJ Snake and RAYE. Promising huge, open-air sets, Europe’s biggest free Summer festival is held in partnership with the Malta Tourism Authority and will broadcast on MTV DStv Channel 130 on Saturday, 14 September.

Headed to Isle of MTV Malta with a record-breaking six wins at this year’s BRIT Awards and over 3.5 billion streams to her name, double-platinum and five platinum singer-songwriter RAYE has seen a meteoric rise to global stardom over the past year. Having written for the world’s biggest artists including John Legend, Ellie Goulding, Khalid, David Guetta, Diplo, and Beyoncé, RAYE’s deeply personal debut studio album ‘My 21st Century Blues’ has been highly decorated – lead single “Escapism” catapulted to fame with hundreds of millions of cumulative streams, scoring RAYE her first UK No. 1 and several Top 10s across Australia, Norway, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands, whilst continuing to dominate international Spotify playlists with over 30 million listeners every month.

Multiple platinum record holder and Billion Stream Spotify Club member DJ Snake is one of the world’s most sought-after DJs and producers. The Parisian powerhouse is responsible for global club anthems “Turn Down For What” (feat. Lil John), “Lean On” (feat. MØ) with Major Lazer and “Let Me Love You” with Justin Bieber, whilst his follow-up single “Taki Taki” united Selena Gomez, Cardi B and Ozuna was a worldwide hit that topped the Global Spotify Chart. With a following of 89M+ fans, an upcoming Summer of back to back shows, including Coachella, and a sold-out homecoming show in Paris next Spring, DJ Snake continues to excite dancefloors around the world, soon to include Malta’s il-Fosos Square.

“Once again we’ll be throwing the party of the Summer in true MTV style, against the ever-magical backdrop of il-Fosos Square.” said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. “With the incredible talents of DJ Snake and RAYE, plus the support of our longstanding partners at the Malta Tourism Authority, fans should expect another unforgettable Isle of MTV Malta show.”

“Isle of MTV Malta paints a vivid picture of Malta as the ultimate summer destination, beckoning travellers from every corner of the world where each day is a celebration of life under the Mediterranean sky. It is also a staple event in the summer calendar of the Maltese Islands, helping drive more and more travellers to visit Malta during the best time of the year,” said Carlo Micallef, CEO of the Malta Tourism Authority.

“Isle of MTV Malta stands as a beacon of cultural vibrancy and international allure, transforming our island into a global stage where music, energy, and diversity converge. This electrifying event not only ignites the passions of music enthusiasts but also showcases Malta’s magnetic charm, captivating visitors with our rich heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. It epitomizes Malta’s commitment to being a premier destination for unforgettable experiences, where every beat resonates with the pulse of our island’s spirit,” said Dr Gavin Gulia, Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority.

“Isle of MTV Malta stands as a testament to our nation’s commitment to fostering unforgettable experiences and showcasing Malta’s dynamic appeal on the global stage. With its pulsating beats and star-studded lineup, this iconic event not only amplifies Malta’s reputation as a premier music destination but also fuels economic growth and fosters meaningful connections with visitors from around the world. It is a cornerstone of our tourism strategy, epitomizing Malta’s unwavering dedication to innovation, diversity, and excellence in the realm of cultural tourism,” said Hon. Clayton Bartolo, Minister for Tourism and Public Cleanliness of Malta.

Over its 15 editions, Isle of MTV Malta has brought tens of thousands of music fans to the square every year to enjoy show-stopping performances from the world’s biggest stars, including Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, David Guetta and Alesso.

The festival will be followed by Isle of MTV Malta Music Week, a series of club nights and parties across the hottest venues on the island with various artists including Benni Benassi, Icona Pop and more from 16 -21 July.

Additional line-up and ticketing information to follow.

Tickets for Isle of MTV Malta will be available soon. Follow @IsleOfMTV on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to keep up with the latest news from the event.