World News
Olympic stars Jessica Ennis, Serena Williams, others among favourites for Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award
Spectacular performances at the London Olympic Games have produced a string of impressive candidates for Nomination for the 2013 Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award. British heptathlon gold medal winner Jessica Ennis, one of the heroes of the home crowd in the London Olympic Stadium, is one of many contenders, including a trio of multi-medal American Olympians in Allyson Felix, Missy Franklin and Serena Williams. The Laureus World Sports Awards is recognised as the premier honours event in the international sporting calendar and the Awards Ceremony provides a high profile focus as stars of the sporting world come together to salute the finest sportsmen and sportswomen of the year. The winners will be unveiled during a globally televised Awards Ceremony in Rio de Janeiro. Proceeds from the Laureus World Sports Awards directly benefit and underpin the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which supports more than 100 community sports projects around the world that have helped to improve the lives of over one-and-a-half million young people. First on the track in the Olympic Stadium in London and carrying the hopes of the British nation, Jessica Ennis dominated the heptathlon and won the gold medal, beating Lilli Schwarzkopf by 306 pts. Her time in the 100 metres hurdles was a new British record and also the fastest in a heptathlon. She was subsequently voted European Women’s Athlete of the Year. Serena Williams made it a year to remember, recovering from a blood clot on her lung in 2011 to win both Olympic singles and doubles gold medals, with sister Venus. It made her the only player in history to have won the Career Golden Grand Slam – all four Grand Slam tournaments and an Olympic gold medal – in singles AND doubles. She also won Wimbledon for a fifth time and the US Open for a fourth time, giving her a career total of 15 Grand Slam singles titles. Allyson Felix became one of the leading performers at London 2012, when she won three gold medals at one Olympiad to match the great Wilma Rudolph and Florence Griffith-Joyner. She won the individual 200 metres, improving on silver medals in Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008, and also won gold medals in the 4 x 100 metres and the 4 x 400 metres relay. In the pool, fellow American Missy Franklin, at just 17, was one of the youngest stars of the Olympic Games, winning four gold medals – two individual in the 100 and 200 metres backstroke and two team golds in the 4 x 100 metres medley and the 4 x 200 metres freestyle. She also won a bronze medal in the 4 x 100 metres freestyle. She currently also holds the world record in the 200 metres backstroke. Among the other outstanding Olympic performers were Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the face of the Jamaican women’s sprint team. She won gold in the 100 metres and silver medals in the 200 metres and 4 x 100 metres relay to confirm her position as the fastest woman in the world.< /font> Japan’s Saori Yoshida won her third successive Olympic gold medal in London in the women’s 55kg freestyle wrestling. Ten-times world champion, Yoshida beat Canadian Tonya Lynn Verbeek in a repeat of the 2004 Athens final. To reflect her dominance in her sport and the respect with which she is held in Japan, she was chosen to be the Olympic flagbearer for Japan at both the Opening and Closing Ceremonies in London. New Zealand’s Valerie Adams showed she is the dominant shot putter in the world, taking her second straight Olympic gold, but only after Belarus’ Nadzeya Ostapchuk failed a drugs test. A formidable competitor, she is also world indoor champion and three-time world champion. Sally Pearson produced a virtuoso performance to win Australia a gold medal on the track in the 100 metres hurdles, her time of 12.35 secs breaking the Olympic record. It had been a disappointing Olympics for Australia as they failed to meet their expectations in swimming, cycling, rowing and sailing and Pearson was under enormous pressure to deliver. Christine Sinclair, captain of the Canada women’s football team, was the top scorer with six goals in the Olympic Football tournament, an Olympic record. Her hat-trick gave her side the lead three times against defending champions USA in a thrilling semi-final, though Canada eventually lost 4-3 in extra time. Aged 29, she has been a nominee as FIFA Women’s Player of the Year five times. Regarded as the outstanding gold medal winner in the first ever Olympic Games women’s boxing competition, Ireland’s Katie Taylor added the Olympic lightweight title to her European and world titles. It was Ireland’s only gold medal. A national hero in Ireland, she carried the flag for the Irish team at the Opening Ceremony. Away from the Olympic Games, one of the outstanding performers was American skier Lindsey Vonn, who won her fourth overall women’s World Cup skiing title in five years. In a dominant year, Vonn also won Downhill, Super G and Combined titles. It was the fifth straight year she has won the Downhill, the fourth year she has won Super G and the third year she has won Combined. At the end of the 2011/12 season, she had 53 World Cup wins and was closing in on Annemarie Moser-Proll with 62 and Vreni Schneider with 55. Another American Stacy Lewis almost single-handedly defied the Far East takeover of the Ladies PGA Tour, winning three tournaments – the Mobile Bay Classic, Shoprite Classic and Navistar Classic – and reaching second in the moneylist just behind Korea’s Inbee Park, who won just one tournament. The Laureus World Sports Awards recognise sporting achievement during 2012. The names of the six Nominees for the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year Award, as voted by the Laureus Media Selection Panel, comprising leading sports editors, sports writers, broadcasters and online journalists from around the world, will be announced in Rio de Janeiro on December 13. The eventual winner w ill then be chosen from this shortlist by the 46 members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, the living legends of sport honouring the greatest athletes of today. Laureus World Sports Academy Member Nadia Comaneci, who achieved the perfect ten score in gymnastics in the 1976 Montreal Olympics, said: ‘It is always fascinating in an Olympic year to try to pick out which athletes have achieved the most. The London Olympics certainly produced some outstanding performances across the board – on the track, in the pool, in the sports hall and on the tennis court. You have to be amazed at the ability of Serena Williams to keep coming back after injuries to produce one of her best years, both inside and outside the Olympics, but there were some great gold medal winning displays in all sports. It is going to be difficult for the media to choose just six of these great at hletes.” The 2013 and 2014 Awards Ceremonies, which will be attended by the greatest names in sport, past and present, and broadcast to a worldwide TV audience, will be staged at the famous Theatro Municipal, a spectacular venue in the heart of Rio de Janeiro, which stages gala performances by international dancers and musicians and which also hosted events at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio +20. Rio is the birthplace of sport and culture in Brazil, a state of vibrant energy and natural beauty that has become a showcase of the country to the world. The beaches, the legendary Maracanã Stadium and the unique Sambódromo samba stadium will play a significant role in the staging of the Laureus World Sports Awards.
Amon g the winners who have received Awards at previous Awards Ceremonies have been Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Alex Ferguson, Lewis Hamilton, Rafael Nadal, Pele, Oscar Pistorius, Steve Redgrave, Ronaldo, Michael Schumacher, Kelly Slater, Serena Williams and Zinedine Zidane. Guests attending the Awards Ceremony have included His Majesty King Juan Carlos of Spain, HSH Prince Albert of Monaco, David and Victoria Beckham, Sean Connery, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Morgan Freeman, Teri Hatcher, Eva Longoria, Gwyneth Paltrow and Kevin Spacey,Members of the Laureus World Sports Academy volunteer their time to act as global ambassadors for the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, whose mission is to use sport as the means to combat some of the world’s toughest social challenges facing young people today such as juvenile crime, gangs, HIV/Aids, discrimination, social exclusion, landmines awareness, education and health problems such as obesity. Since its inception Laureus has raised over €55 million to support projects around the world.
World News
MICHAEL MCINTYRE CONFIRMS SOUTH AFRICAN DATES FOR HIS “MACNIFICENT” COMEDY TOUR
Michael McIntyre remains one of the top-selling comedy tours ever in SA and will perform September 2024, on Thursday 12th at Sunbet Arena at Times Square, Menlyn and Friday 13th at GrandWest, Cape Town.
Much has happened in the five years since his last tour and Michael will be making mirth from the madness of it all. Michael is the host of two of the BBC’s most successful entertainment shows, the BAFTA-winning Michael McIntyre’s Big Show and The Wheel, which he devised and also hosts for NBC in America. His previous tours have sold over four million tickets and broken box-office records around the world. Michael’s return to stand-up is not to be missed!
Age restriction: STRICTLY 14+. Children younger than this will not be admitted even if accompanied by an adult Tickets available at TicketPro.co.za.
Pre-sales from 10 am THURSDAY 28th March.
General Public on sale from 11am Tues 2nd April – i.e. no code required
World News
Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju) Movie Premiere: Where Cinema Meets Couture
On Sunday, March 25, 2024, the Nollywood industry saw a historic moment as the much-awaited debut of Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju) took center stage at Film House Cinemas, Circle Mall, Lekki. The film’s grand premiere, which was produced by Eniola Ajao in association with Anthill Studios, was a momentous occasion in the history of epic blockbuster movies.
Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju) had its much-awaited debut attracting a star-studded cast of industry professionals. A bit of star power was added to the premiere by the presence of well-known people like Toyin Abraham, Mercy Aigbe, Odunlade Adekola, Femi Adebayo, Iyabo Ojo, Yomi Fash-Lanso, Gbenga Adeyinka, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, Denrele Edun, Rukayat Lawal, Wasila Coded, Wumi Toriola, Phyna, Peju Ogunmola, Dayo Amusa, Iyabo Ojo, Antar Laniyan, and others.
Beast of Two Worlds (Ajakaju) opened with a grandiose fashion show that went above and beyond the usual moviegoing experience. The red carpet was a glistening display of avant-garde and opulent looks that added even more excitement to the evening’s festivities.
Directed by Odunlade Adekola and Adebayo Tijani, “Beast of Two Worlds” looks at the life of a desperate king facing banishment due to his three wives’ inability to produce a son, he takes a new wife from another world who promises him an heir but her arrival brings unforeseen chaos to the kingdom forcing the king to confront his fears and fight to secure his dynasty future.
The cast includes Odunlade Adekola, Eniola Ajao, Sola Sobowale, Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, Mercy Aigbe, Bimbo Akintola, Fathia Balogun, Ibrahim Chatta, amongst others.
Beast of Two Worlds is set to show nationwide in cinemas from March 29, 2024, and distributed by Film One.
Watch the trailer here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17aQ8ibDXVg
About Beast of Two Worlds
Beast of Two Worlds looks at the life of a desperate king facing banishment due to his three wives’ inability to produce a son, he takes a new wife from another world who promises him an heir but her arrival brings unforeseen chaos to the kingdom forcing the king to confront his fears and fight to secure his dynasty future.
World News
Electric Forest Announces Additional Artists for Sold Out 2024 Edition
New Additions Feature Seven Lions, Sara Landry, G Jones, Hiatus Kaiyote, ODD MOB & OMNOM present HYPERBEAM, Layton Giordani, Boogie T, Cannabliss, Levity, Chaos in the CBD, Emo Nite, Brandi Cyrus + Many More
Taking Place June 20-23 in Rothbury, Michigan
Limited Wristbands Back On Sale Friday, March 29
https://www.electricforest.com
Today, Electric Forest announces 40+ additional artists joining the lineup for its sold out 2024 edition. Taking place June 20-23 in Rothbury, Michigan, Electric Forest remains one of the world’s most interactive festivals, fostering an immersive atmosphere of connection and discovery upheld by the pillars of community, creation, and inclusion.
Electric Forest’s new lineup additions include melodic bass maestro Seven Lions, experimental bass veteran G Jones, high priestess of hard techno Sara Landry, and Grammy-nominated band Hiatus Kaiyote. The billing expands with techno new school selector Layton Giordani, post-punk revivalists Emo Nite,Nashville’s Brandi Cyrus, Kiwi brother-duo Chaos in the CBD, multi-instrumentalist live legend Boogie T, Chicago’s rising electronic trio Levity, and the new collaborative project of tech house sensations ODD MOB & OMNOM present HYPERBEAM.
Electric Forest’s latest additions join a stacked roster of headliners including Forest favorite Pretty Lights, the bone-rattling sounds of Excision, and Cyclops Recordings founder Subtronics. A variety of rare collaborative artist sets are also on deck, including EVERYTHING ALWAYS (Dom Dolla + John Summit), LSZEE (CloZee + LSDREAM), and Big Gigantic and NGHTMRE teaming up for their Gigantic NGHTMRE project.
Jam fans can rejoice as The String Cheese Incident returns to perform two Incidents, plus sets from fellow torchbearers of the genre The Disco Biscuits and Umphrey’s McGee. Some of the more unexpected names on the lineup include Grammy-winning singer Nelly Furtado and famed Atlanta hip-hop artist Ludacris, each bringing their iconic sounds to the forest. The list of headliners is rounded out by Belgian techno queen Charlotte de Witte, a solo set from John Summit, and performances by Black Tiger Sex Machine, Ben Böhmer, and Knock2.
This year, Electric Forest will continue its offering of elevated culinary experience add-ons. Highlights include breakfast with a side of sass at the Drag Brunch, a four course meal inspired by the Forest, seasonal produce, and mystical creatures at Forest Feast, Buena Vida, an Agave spirits interactive cocktail tasting experience, and Wig Out Pig Out, a wig wearing authentic BBQ. Additional offerings include Brie Our Guest, Champagne French Fry, The Gouda Life, Forest Food Tour, and Good Life Brunch with Chef Sarah.
Fans will also be able to purchase exclusive guided tour experiences, allowing them to explore Sherwood Forest or experience the Dream Emporium before festival gates officially open. The exclusive tours will give fans an exclusive sneak peek at the new art, installations, and surprises the Forest has to offer while learning about the artists, history, and production process of the festival directly from the Electric Forest team. Sherwood Forest tours will conclude at TheWoodlands Bar for happy hour and are extremely limited capacity.
Electric Forest also recently announced the full programming for its beloved Plug In Programs, offering fans the unique opportunity to contribute and collaborate directly with the festival’s production teams. Highlights include the Art Installation Sponsorship Program, allowing artists to bring their creations to life in the forest, The Brainery which offers educational workshops and classes, The Wish Machine which grants a wish in exchange for inspirational and charitable deeds done in the community, and the Electric Forest Radio On Air ExtraordinAIRE Program for aspiring radio personalities, show hosts, behind-the-scenes technicians, fan interviewers, and more.
Since 2011, Electric Forest has remained committed to the constant reimagination of what a festival experience can be. It’s this thoughtful and innovative approach to production and programming that has helped foster one of the world’s most dedicated festival communities. It’s a place where acceptance, safety, and self-expression are the most valuable currency, surprise and wonder hide around every corner, and no two journeys are the same.
Wristbands for Electric Forest 2024 are currently sold-out, but limited wristbands will go back on sale this Friday, March 29 at 12pm EST. More information can be found at ElectricForest.com. Add-Ons, Vehicle Passes, Early Arrival, Group Camping, Shuttles, Lockers, and more can be found here.
The complete list of Electric Forest 2024 artists is available below.
Electric Forest 2024 Lineup (A-Z)
ACRAZE
ALLEYCVT
ATLiens
AYYBO
Baggi
Barclay Crenshaw
Ben Böhmer
Black Tiger Sex Machine
Boogie T
Brandi Cyrus
Calussa
Cannabliss
Cannons
Caspa
Cassian
Chaos in the CBD
Charlotte De Witte
Chase & Status
Coco & Breezy
Cuco (DJ Set)
Dimension
Dirtwire
Dixon’s Violin
DJ Susan
DJ Tennis
DRAMA
Dumpstaphunk
Eggy
Emo Nite
Equanimous
EVERYTHING ALWAYS (Dom Dolla + John Summit)
Excision
G Jones
Gigantic NGHTMRE
Green Velvet
Hamdi
Hiatus Kaiyote
INZO
it’s murph
Jenna Shaw
JJUUJJUU
John Summit
Juelz
Kenny Beats
Kiltro
Knock2
Layton Giordani
Levity
Le Youth
Lettuce
LEVEL UP
Levity
Libianca
Little Stranger
LP Giobbi
LSZEE (CloZee + LSDREAM)
Luci
Ludacris
LYNY
Maddy O’Neal
MÆSØNIC
Major League Djz
Mascolo
Marsh
Matroda
Mau P
Michaël Brun
Mojave Grey
NEIL FRANCES
Nelly Furtado
Neoma
ODD MOB & OMNOM present HYPERBEAM
ODEN & Fatzo
Only Fire
PAPERWATER
Peach Tree Rascals
Polyrhythmics
Pretty Lights
Próxima Parada
Ranger Trucco
Rawayana
Redrum
Sammy Virji
Sara Landry
Seven Lions
Shae District
Slayyyter
Subtronics
Sultan + Shepard
Super Future
SWAYLÓ
The Disco Biscuits
The String Cheese Incident
Thought Process
Tripp St.
TSHA
Umphrey’s McGee
Unusual Demont
venbee
Vini Vici
VNSSA B2B Nala
Westend
Whyte Fang
Will Clarke
Wooli
Zen Selekta
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