World News
Recording Academy Announces Global Expansion Efforts in Africa and the Middle East
The Recording Academy, the organization behind the GRAMMY Awards, is embarking on a path to extend its efforts to support music creators on a global scale. The Academy has agreements with Ministries of Cultures and key stakeholders across the Middle East and Africa to collaborate on a framework to bolster the Academy’s presence and services in these rapidly growing music regions.
“This is exciting because music is one of humanity’s greatest natural resources,” said Harvey Mason jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. “It is critical that the people who dedicate themselves to creating music have support, resources and opportunities, no matter where they are from.”
For the past two years, the Academy’s leaders have traveled throughout these regions, participated in listening sessions, received high-level briefings, tours, demonstrations, and obtained insight directly from both the governmental ministries and music creators driving innovation in these markets.
The Academy is working with the Ministries of Culture in Kenya, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and Nigeria, the Department of Culture and Tourism in Abu Dhabi for the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture in South Africa. Additionally, MOUs have been signed with Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Through these collaborations, and in alignment with our mission, the Academy looks to explore several key initiatives, including:
Championing music creators at all levels, providing them with a platform and advocacy.
Empowering creators through enhanced training. Through its online learning platform, GRAMMY GO™, the Academy will look to provide educational programs and resources specifically tailored to the needs of music creators in these regions.
Producing original content that celebrates the rich musical heritage and dynamic emerging scenes of Africa and the Middle East.
Enhancing support for existing members. Cross-cultural learnings will benefit all music creators, and a presence in these rapidly growing music regions would provide numerous benefits to the Recording Academy’s current and future members.
Advocating for strong Intellectual Property (IP) legislation and protections for music creators.
Fueling the music economy by collaborating with partners to develop and strengthen the creative economy in Africa and the Middle East.
As a cornerstone of this initiative, the Academy will publish a series of reports, highlighting the Academy’s research and insights into these music markets.
“The Recording Academy is dedicated to supporting music creators around the world,” said Panos A. Panay, Recording Academy President. “Our expansion efforts into these fast-growing regions reflect our commitment to fostering a truly global music community, where creators at every stage of their careers and from every corner of the world have the resources and support they need to thrive.”
This exploration into the Middle East and Africa is only the first phase of plans to support music creators abroad and comes the same year the Academy celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Latin GRAMMY Awards®, and months after Seville hosted the Latin GRAMMY Awards, the first GRAMMY Awards show to be held overseas. Also, last year, the Recording Academy partnered with the U.S. State Department on an initiative to promote peace through music.
World News
“Lord Of The Rings” actor Ian McKellen hospitalized after falling off stage during London performance
Sir Ian McKellen has been taken to hospital after falling off stage during a performance of Player Kings at the Noël Coward theatre in London. (more…)
Police say a group of youths and teenagers injured an 8-year-old Ghanaian girl and her father in the town of Grevesmühlen in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
German officials have condemned an attack that resulted in the injury of a Ghanaian girl and her father.
Police said that an 8-year-old Ghanaian girl and her 10-year-old sister were attacked by a group of around 20 teenagers and young adults late on Friday.
The 8-year-old girl and her father sustained mild injuries and were hospitalized.
The attack occurred in the town of Grevesmühlen in the northeastern German state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Police said the attackers kicked the younger girl in the face, after which the girl’s parents intervened.
According to police reports, one of the suspected attackers continued to direct racist insults at the victims after officers arrived at the scene.
Police are investigating a breach of the peace, grievous bodily harm, incitement of hatred and verbal abuse.
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said on the platform X, formerly Twitter, that her thoughts and solidarity were with the children and their family.
“Calling children racist names and brutally attacking them is a sign of deep hatred and inconceivable inhumanity,” she said.
Grevesmühlen Mayor Lars Prahler told the German public radio station NDR 1 Radio MV that he was shocked at the incident.
“This racially motivated offense simply leaves me stunned. It shows bottomless hatred and uninhibited inhumanity and cannot be excused,” he said.
He added that the fact that some of the suspects are teenagers is no excuse for the behavior.
State Premier Manuela Schwesig condemned the attack in a post on X.
“The injured girl is 8 years old — as young as my daughter. We must not allow hatred and hate speech to poison our society and violence to threaten our children,” she declared.
Jana Michael, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Integration Commissioner, urged those in the group of youths to name the perpetrators.
“Every witness who remains silent is complicit and prevents the investigation of this disgusting violence against children,” she said.
The Ukraine Peace Summit in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, convened with the participation of 101 countries and international organizations, focusing on achieving a just and sustainable peace between Ukraine and Russia.
Russia spent 10 years convincing the world to disarm Ukraine, followed by 10 years invading Ukraine while convincing the world not to help Ukraine.
And now with 20% of the country in ruins and under Russian control and half the russian military destroyed, Putin needs a break to… pic.twitter.com/nUOUiDNItu
— Jay in Kyiv (@JayinKyiv) June 16, 2024
Key issues discussed included nuclear and food security, the release of civilian and military prisoners, and the return of deported children. A draft declaration emphasized the recognition of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, the need for Russia to hand over control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant to Ukraine, and the unacceptability of attacks on merchant vessels in the Black and Azov Seas.
Read Also: Freedom Fashion Ukraine heads to New York
President Ruto: Kenya’s position has been clear and unequivocal…Russia’s aggression against Ukraine is unlawful and unjust pic.twitter.com/oPQZVVI1FI
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) June 16, 2024
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed hope for international agreement on a peace proposal to present to Russia, while President William Ruto of Kenya and other world leaders participated in discussions aimed at addressing the conflict.
A united world is a world of peace, a world that knows how to do the right thing. I thank everyone who worked for this day – every leader, all the teams and advisors of the leaders, all the countries. Our unity here proves that the very idea of international law remains alive and… pic.twitter.com/SXOR0KlPRN
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) June 16, 2024
Eid al-Adha, a significant Muslim holiday, was celebrated globally on June 16, 2024. Public figures, politicians, and sports personalities took to social media to extend their greetings and wishes to the Muslim community.
Eid Mubarak to all my Muslim brothers and sisters ❤️🤲🏼 #EidAlAdha pic.twitter.com/ldxnQQtOLd
— Mesut Özil (@M10) June 16, 2024
The messages conveyed unity, joy, and blessings, with many expressing hope for peace, prosperity, and acceptance of sacrifices made during the festival.
Read Also: Cristiano Ronaldo faces $1bn lawsuit over Binance ads
Wishing a joyous Eid al-Adha to the @ChelseaFCMuslim and our supporters celebrating across the world. Eid Mubarak! 🌙 pic.twitter.com/4suR6fBJ8j
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 16, 2024
The greetings were shared across various platforms, reflecting a global celebration of the event.
Eid Al-Adha Mubarak to all our Muslim followers. May this year bring peace, prosperity & tranquility to you and your loved ones. 🤍🕋🕌 pic.twitter.com/WQyqqx5S3P
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 16, 2024
Alicia Keys and Jay-Z are set to release a new collaboration soon, following the success of their previous hit ‘Empire State of Mind’ which recently surpassed a billion streams on Spotify.
ALICIA KEYS x JAY-Z
NEW SONG
🚨COMING SOON 🚨pic.twitter.com/WKmnJ0Yn2p
— NFR Podcast (@nfr_podcast) June 15, 2024
The announcement has sparked excitement among fans, with many expressing anticipation for the upcoming song.
“Empire State of Mind” is a song performed by American rapper Jay-Z featuring American singer Alicia Keys from the former’s 11th studio album, The Blueprint 3 (2009). It was released on October 20, 2009. Produced by Al Shux, the song features a music sample of “Love on a Two-Way Street” performed by The Moments. Angela Hunte and Janet Sewell-Ulepic originally wrote it as a tribute to their hometown, New York City.
The following month, they submitted it to Jay-Z’s label Roc Nation, whose reviews were discouraging. They later took the suggestion of an associate of EMI Music Publishing and resubmitted it to Jay-Z, who kept the “New York” singing part on the hook, changed the verses, and recorded it. The song’s title, similar to “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel and “N.Y. State of Mind” by Nas, is a wordplay and tribute to New York’s nickname “Empire State” and could also be a reference to the Empire State Building in Manhattan.
World News
Tyla, Ice Spice, Ms. Lauryn Hill & YG Marley join the performance lineup for BET Awards 2024
Afua Asantewaa Lands Phyto Science Deal
Unlocking the Power of bitwave: A Beginner’s Guide
Toastmasters International, Ghana Presents: The Toastmasters Awards and Handing Over Ceremony 2023/2024
Twellium Ghana leads in environmental sustainability with a high-tech effluent treatment plant (ETP)
Social Trends: MP Leads Ghana’s ‘Hands Off Our Hotels’ Anti-Corruption March
Afronitaaa and Abigail place 3rd in Britain’s Got Talent!
Fella Makafui’s Cover-Up: Deletes Videos from “The Spice Heaven” Instagram Page
Eric Toscar Joins Lynx Entertainment As Artists And Repertoire Manager
Team Eternity Ghana accused of copyright infringement over hit song “Defe Defe”
King Paluta is 2024 TGMA ‘New Artiste’ of the year
WATCH: Zulubwoy drops street-styled video for ‘Oh Yeah ‘
Clarion Clarkewoode releases video for “I Will Rise”
Elizabeth Turkson releases music videos for two of her songs
Ghanaian Gospel Sensation Mawusi Premiers ‘’DIVINE SELECTION” Music Video
WATCH: RichieO feat. Kuami Eugene – GOD NEVER FAILS
-
Buzz18 hours agoTeam Eternity Ghana accused of copyright infringement over hit song “Defe Defe”
-
People & Lifestyle17 hours agoA smartphone and a dream: Meet best friend influencers Gisela Amponsah and Ama Burland
-
People & Lifestyle2 days agoGerman officials decry racist attack on 8-year old Ghanaian girl and her father
-
Listen3 days agoInusa Dawuda captures the fire of ‘No Coke’ in crisp new remaster of his 2008 remake of the 90’s classic
-
Buzz1 day agoVeteran Nollywood actress Stella Ikwuegbu is dead
-
People & Lifestyle2 days agoDr. Emmanuel Bortey Borketey’s Borehole Donation Brings Hope to Nabango- Alembila Community
-
Buzz8 hours agoGeorge Britton is no longer a member of my team -Camidoh
-
Buzz18 hours agoAfronitaa and Abigail receive hero’s welcome after Britain’s Got Talent success
-
World News3 days agoSocial Trends: Alicia Keys & Jay-Z Tease New Collab
-
World News3 days agoSocial Trends: Global Leaders Unite in Eid al-Adha 2024 Celebration
-
Buzz9 hours agoI Am Happy I Left Highly Spiritual Music – Krymi
-
World News3 days agoSocial Trends: 101 Nations Unite for Ukraine Peace