World News
Jaafar Jackson’s to release ‘Got Me Singing’ in the US in honour of Michael Jackson’s Birthday
Jaafar Jackson – rising singer, songwriter and entertainer in Los Angeles, son of Jermaine Jackson and nephew of the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson.
The beautiful harmonies and impressive dancing abilities embedded in the Jackson genes did not skip Jaafar as the singer’s style and flow remarkably resembles that of his uncle – mixed with modern influences and his own unique twist. In honor of Michael Jackson’s birthday on August 29th, Jaafar will be dropping his latest single in the Us – ‘Got Me Singing’ , also to be featured on his upcoming album Famous in which Jaafar creatively depicts and reflect son his experiences growing up as a member of the legendary Jackson family.
Nephew of Michael Jackson and son of Jermaine Jackson, music has always been in Jaafar’s genes but hadn’t always been his passion. Growing up, Jaafar was into golf and wanted to become a professional golfer. He began competing in tournaments when he was just 9. It wasn’t until he was 13, when his father, Jermaine Jackson, gave him the Jackson 5 song “Touch” to learn and perform in front of him. That fateful debut lead to time in the studio with his father, soaking up the process of creating a song from scratch, a process he fell in love with. “From then on I started to put all my focus into music,” says the now 23-year old Jaafar, “I taught myself how to play piano, started taking vocal lessons, dancing, and studying other great artists.” Jaafar started collaborating with different writers and producers at the age of 15. “I was going to a lot of different sessions just to be able to create and see where it leads,” recalls Jackson, “It doesn’t happen overnight where you find a sound for yourself. It took awhile until I felt comfortable with what I was creating and being proud of it.”
Jackson met Hardy Indiigo through a mutual friend. They worked on a song together and then 4 years passed. He reached back out and they completed 2 new songs. These songs were the catalyst to booking the 3-month studio lockout which resulted in the creation of his upcoming album. Recording the Famous album was not even the goal of his 3-month studio lockout rather, the goal was simply to create as much as he, and producer / friend Hardy Indiigo, could come up with. The chemistry, energy and creativity of Jaafar’s Afro-Latin heritage (he is half Colombian), and Hardy’s African French musical influences, birthed 20 records, and amongst those, the body of work that would become Famous.“Being in the studio for 3 months everyday was an amazing experience for me. If I’m not comfortable or if the energy feels off, it’s hard for me to create and be my complete self. The chemistry we all had in the studio was great.”
Jackson credits his father as being a tremendous help with advice to better himself and taking
the music to another level. “I would send him copies of the songs and he’d send back his
honest opinion and notes on how it could be better” says Jackson, “I’m beyond thankful I have
that great support from him.” But Jaafar isn’t riding anyone’s coattails. He knows his name
may open some doors, but his talent has to measure up. “‘Famous’ is one of my favorite
songs on the album because it’s the most in depth song that speaks about the things I’ve had
to go through growing up with my last name.”
“Got Me Singing” maintains an up-tempo beat infused with South American elements such as Brazilian’s Baile Funk and 90s house chords. The music video from the Vidigal Favelas of Rio de Janeiro has been viewed more than 2.5 million times in the first month of its upload.
Keep Up With Jaafar On Social Media:
Instagram: @JaafarJackson
Twitter: @JaafarJackson
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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