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.

talian fashion designer Roberto Cavalli, known for his animal-print designs loved by showbusiness stars, has died at the age of 83, his company said.

Cavalli, who founded his label in the early 1970s, had been ill for some time. He is survived by his six children and his partner Sandra Bergman Nilsson.

“The Roberto Cavalli company shares condolences with Mr. Cavalli’s family, his legacy remains a constant source of inspiration,” Sergio Azzolari, chief executive of Roberto Cavalli, said in a post on Instagram.

The designer died on Friday at his home in Florence, Italian news agency ANSA reported.
Cavalli, who used bright colours and patchwork effects in his often revealing creations, was an extroverted art lover who wore tinted glasses and smoked a cigar.

He expanded into real estate and often spent evenings in his popular “Just Cavalli Cafe,” a nightclub in central Milan.
Giorgio Armani said he always had “enormous respect” for Cavalli even though his vision of fashion could not have been more different.

“Roberto was a true artist, wild and wonderful in his use of prints, capable of transforming fantasy into seductive clothes,” he posted on social media platform X.

A popular image of US model Cindy Crawford in July 2000 shows her descending Rome’s Spanish steps in a Cavalli-designed long slip dress depicting a tiger face.

“You will be missed and you are loved by so many that your name will continue on, a beacon of inspiration for others, and especially for me,” said Roberto Cavalli’s creative director Fausto Puglisi.

The Florence-based fashion group is owned by Auriel Investment SA, controlled by Dubai’s Hussain Sajwani who rescued it in 2019.
Cavalli’s funeral will be held in Florence on Monday, Italian media reported.

O.J. Simpson, the former football great who was accused of and ultimately acquitted of the brutal 1994 slayings of his ex-wife and her friend, has died, according to his family. He was 76.

“On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace,” a statement from his family said.

In May 2023, Simpson posted a video on X, then known as Twitter, revealing that he had recently “caught cancer” and “had to do the whole chemo thing.” He added, “It looks like I beat it.” Simpson didn’t specify the nature of the cancer.

Then in February 2024, a Las Vegas television station reported that Simpson was again undergoing treatment for an unspecified cancer. Simpson himself posted a video on X that day, denying rumors that he was in hospice care, though he did not otherwise confirm or deny reports that he was ill. Two days later in another video update on X, Simpson thanked those people he said had reached out to him, adding “My health is good. I mean, obviously I’m dealing with some issues but I think I’m just about over it.”

Simpson, nicknamed “The Juice,” broke records as a college and professional football player, and extended his celebrity and fortune as a sportscaster, a movie and television actor, and as a corporate spokesman, most notably for Hertz rental cars.

All that changed on June 12, 1994, when Simpson’s ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, were brutally stabbed to death outside of her home in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Brentwood. Within days, police announced their intention to arrest the former football star for the murders.

Five days after the killings, 95 million Americans watched as Simpson’s white Ford Bronco – with longtime friend Al Cowlings at the wheel and Simpson in the back seat with a handgun, threatening to kill himself – led police on a 60-mile, low-speed televised chase through Los Angeles that lasted some two hours.

Simpson ultimately surrendered to police and stood trial for the murders. In October 1995, after 11 months from jury selection to verdict, Simpson was acquitted in a trial that was televised daily and became an international sensation.

Twelve years later, Simpson was arrested in September 2007 after he led a group of men into a Las Vegas hotel and casino to steal, at gunpoint, what he claims was his own sports memorabilia. Simpson was charged with a number of felony counts, including kidnapping and armed robbery. The following year, he was found guilty and sentenced to up to 33 years in prison. Simpson was released on parole on Oct. 1, 2017.

Simpson is survived by four children: Arnelle and Jason, from his first marriage, and Sydney and Justin, from his marriage to Nicole Brown Simpson.

Kato Kaelin, a houseguest of Simpson’s at the time of the murder who became a key witness during the trial, expressed his condolences Thursday to Simpson’s children and his “love and compassion” to the families of Brown Simpson and Goldman.

“Nicole was a beacon of light that burned bright. May we never forget her,” he said in a video statement posted on X.