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Usher Speaks For the First Time on Performing at the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show

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Usher Speaks For the First Time on Performing at the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show

Usher joined Zane Lowe in-studio on Apple Music 1 live from Paris to discuss news for the first time. He tells Apple Music about why he’s excited to perform on “the most grand stage”, getting the call from Jay-Z, growing up watching the show and joining that special legacy of artists, his connection to host city Las Vegas and what he’s learned from doing his residency there, whether fans can expect special guests during his performance, and why he’s only just getting started. 

Usher on Why He’s Excited To Perform at the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show…

It’s happening. It has happened, ladies and gentlemen!! It’s been a lot like to keep secrets from my own kids at home. Yeah. A very, very close knit group of people knew and were really excited about the entire thing. Obviously a legacy. But more than anything the fact that this is the most grand stage to ever play on, man. Those 13 minutes mean everything. Been on my bucket list for a long time. I’ve been asked many a times “what are the benchmarks or what are the things that matter the most I guess to you?” It’s obviously performing, but being able to perform on stage because so many amazing performers throughout the years have have graced it and did an amazing job. So of course the obsession of that starts. But man, just the excitement in this moment like to really be able to savor this moment. You you remember the first time you ever heard your record play on the radio. You remember the first time you ever heard your voice, you know, on a on a format or radio, Right? This is like that for me. Yes, it’s one of those….I’m very, very happy…

 

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Usher on Getting The Call From Jay-Z…

Zane: One of the big questions that everybody would want me to ask is what’s it like getting that call from Jay-Z?

Usher: Oh, man, I didn’t… Well, I mean, you know, me and the big home, we talk often. But when I got this call… he said, “it’s time, it’s magic time. You know, it’s time for you to have that moment.” I’m like, what are you talking about? He’s like “the Super Bowl.” I’m like, Oh, you ready? Absolutely. But no question. Yeah. And it was like this was destined to happen. I think that everything that led up to that moment, going to Las Vegas for my Vegas residency for the last two years. The legacy, obviously, that is the music, the celebration of entertainment in that place is the City of Lights. You know, it’s always been a place where, you know, entertainers go and find love and passion, connection to their fans. So for the Super Bowl to have made its way to Las Vegas while we were in Vegas, having such an amazing two years…

 

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Usher on the Unmatched Legacy of the Super Bowl Halftime Show…

I mean, you think about all the people who have played it and just the idea of how Jay-Z and Roc Nation have really brought a mindfulness to our culture. You know, 30 years of a career deserves this kind of moment. But to have curators like them, like Jay-Z, like Des and like Roc Nation to come in and and manage to make certain that the entire world understands our culture, understands where we come from, understands the feeling and celebrates entertainment in the way that that they do. I mean, it’s just it just feels like it was, you know, I guess if you try to create a playbook in your mind, like 30 years after you start, you potentially play the Super Bowl. Some people wait an entire lifetime, you know what I’m saying? But I don’t feel like this is my lifetime. I feel like I’m only kind of starting to really, really get comfortable.

 

Usher on Growing Up Watching the Super Bowl Halftime Show, Joining That Legacy, and Why It Will Be a Moment To Remember…

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Zane: You talked about, you know, the Super Bowl and and this new era that the Super Bowl is in of authenticity, of representation of excitement, of music, of energy. And I think about your first experience watching the Super Bowl Halftime show and what it was like as a kid and whether that was the beginning of a manifestation for you?

Usher: Yeah, I think being able to see performances from artists like Michael, you know, eventually Prince and then even, you know, more modern day artist and, and to be perfectly honest, to see artists that, you know, even started before, you know, started after I did get it, I was like, man, at some point I need to get a call with what’s going on now. But I’m really happy that I’m joining that short list of legacy artists from my genre who deserve this moment. And I’m really happy that Jay-Z and also to Roc Nation, you know, really put thought into making certain that they could bring to the world this kind of experience. It is definitely going to be a moment to remember.

 

Usher on His Connection To Super Bowl Host City Las Vegas and How His Vegas Residency Has Re-Energized Him and Allowed Him To Reconnect With His Fans…

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Zane: I wanted to ask you, you know, what you have learned from from doing these residencies in particular, your latest one, My Way out of Las Vegas residency and what is what’s how you’ve grown even as a performer after so many years of performing at the highest level. But from a Vegas point of view.

Usher: Reconnecting more than anything with my my core fans. You know, there’s a whirlwind, you know, of life experiences that lead you to the songs. And that song or those songs are the soundtrack for a lot of people’s lives. So when I look out in that audience and I see my fans who made a decision to have this be their destination with their loved ones, or either their friends and have an amazing time, it just really minded me, but also to re-energized my passion for what I do. I’ve always loved the live aspect of it more than anything. I enjoy making, you know, incredible records that touch places that I probably never go, but to literally be on the stage and perform every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday during the time that I’m there for an audience that I know came to see me, it really, really feels connected. It felt like, you know, if Vegas had ever become a place where artists came to just preserve their their past legacy, I don’t look at it as that. I’ve always looked at it as an opportunity to open new doors and new opportunities and look what happened that actually became so the idea of manifestation. I went to Las Vegas to just remind myself and remind my fans that I’m here for that I am connected, that I am still, you know, running and gunning. And I’m and I got out and I got a lot more where that came from.

 

Usher on Why He’s Excited About the 20th Anniversary of ‘Confessions’…

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Zane: That was very successful. Very successful, like 18 million albums and counting. I think so at this point. DIAMOND..,.

Usher: Well, let’s just say for, you know, the time of selling tangible copies. Obviously, we’ve now gone to a place of streaming. Yeah, You know, it’s the last Diamond album specifically in my genre for any artist.

Zane: And Diamond, by the way, for people who are watching, is…

Usher: 10 million albums sold, starting off with 1.1 million units, you know, the first week. So really excited about the 20th anniversary of Confessions.

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Usher Previews His Just-Announced New Album ‘Coming Home’…

Zane: More big news today We’re Not Done is an album that’s just been announced and is up for preorder right now on Apple Music.

Usher: Yay! Yay, yay. And it’s called Coming Home. It is a powerful statement.

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Zane: I feel like your albums have always said something. You know, your last project was Zeethoven just called. I said a lot about where your head was at and your heart was there. And it was a love letter for you to where you’re from. What does coming home mean to you?

Usher: So a love letter once again to the legacy of my of my career. You know, I’ve been coming home in a lot of different ways. The choice of music and reconnection to some of the people that I’ve worked with from my past. And I always wanted to work with writers that I’ve actually made hit number one records with. In a sense, I’m coming home because I’m in that comfortable space. When you’re at home, you’re comfortable. When you’re at home, you feel connected, elevate, rise and inspire. To me, L.A. working together once again. The the inspiration that I’m drawn from does come, you know, with a bit of complication, which is in the music that I’m going to speak of. There’s a lot of honesty. Yes. I mean, come on, man. I don’t know. I’m not lying to you. Of course. And while leave it to the people who have to listen. And if any indication of what we’ve done in the past, me in LA is a representation of what you should expect, then there you have it. But what you do know is that we’re coming together. I’m coming home. I’m back home with my team. You know, even when you see the artwork, you will understand it. When you see the peach. You get it. You understand where I’m from and what we’re doing. And also to what this means, the subtlety of that. But more than anything, it’s a celebration of music. Coming home in many other ways as you get more acclimated. When I put out more records and also to put more visuals, actually begin to really understand it. But I think that it is something to be celebrated.

 

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Usher on Whether Fans Can Expect Special Guests During His Super Bowl Halftime Performance…

Zane: Everyone’s going to ask the question, so I’m going to be the first one to get it all out on the table. Is it too soon to talk about possible guests on stage? People love the idea of it. Last year, Rihanna didn’t bring any guests in. The show didn’t need it. Sometimes people bring it because they want to embellish and celebrate and collaborate and share a moment. Have you thought about it?

Usher: Well, one thing I can say is I’ve, you know, collaborated with a lot of incredible artists throughout the years. If anything, I like the socially engaged the world, you know what I’m saying? I like to hear who you think, you know, would would be a great guest, great guest to complement this.

Zane: You’re not asking me that.

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Usher: You’re absolutely. I will put you on the spot. You going to put me on? I can’t put you on. So we leave that one on the takeover. So, by the way, by the way, there’ll be many more Sundays to talk about this leading up to the Grand Sunday of all. Yeah. And I’m so happy that we were able to, you know, launch it today.

 

Usher on the Secrets To His Youth and Longevity…

Zane: What is the secret to you for longevity? What is that? What is that secret? On the secret to it?

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Usher: I don’t know. I don’t know. I think I’ve just been happy in my worst moments. And I think that I’ve been grateful, you know, to. To be fortunate enough to just stay passionate. You know, I think that’s it. I think if you stay motivated and you stay focused on the work and not the stress when there are stressful moments, don’t completely give all the way into it. Of course, you should be mindful. Of course you should be. You know, you should learn. But I guess it’s staying creative. Something about this journey has been about never arriving. Mm hmm. It’s just really been about the journey. You know, the journey is the destination, so.

VIDEO | Usher Speaks For the First Time on Performing at the Apple Music Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show, Getting The Call From Jay-Z, New Album, and More

Watch: https://youtu.be/S_aQ5T-bm-g?si=9tQ9ar1vil8Vt1tS

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People & Lifestyle

Bolt Food Couriers Take Pledge to Uphold Highest Standards of Safety, Hygiene, and Food Handling

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In a move to enhance food delivery standards, Bolt Food couriers across Ghana have collectively taken a pledge to uphold the highest standards of safety, hygiene, and food handling. This follows an intensive training in partnership with the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) to reinforce the importance of these practices in ensuring the delivery of safe and hygienic food to customers.

The pledge taken by the couriers underscores Bolt Food’s unwavering commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. With a focus on maintaining the integrity of food from preparation to delivery, couriers have vowed to adhere to strict protocols designed to protect both themselves and their customers.

The Acting Regulatory and Policy Head for Africa at Bolt, Weyinmi Aghadiuno, said: “Bolt Food as market leaders committed to best practices and standards in food delivery, launched this initiative to  equip couriers on the platform with essential knowledge and tools for excellence in food delivery. It is our collective responsibility as stakeholders in the food service ecosystem to ensure food reaches customers safely and in an hygienic manner. By adhering to these best practices of food delivery, we are not only protecting the public health of Ghanaians but also contributing to the overall well-being of our communities.”

Through this specialized training, couriers gained invaluable insights into food hygiene, safety practices, and proper handling techniques, reinforcing our dedication to the health and safety of the communities we serve.” She added.

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The workshop addressed a pressing need in the rapidly expanding online food delivery sector, where maintaining food safety and quality is crucial. Recognizing the rise in online food businesses, the FDA partnered with Bolt Food to enhance food safety measures across the industry.

Chief Regulatory Officer at the FDA, Dr. Edward Archer emphasized the importance for courier operators to understand the impact of food safety measures on their operations.

“The FDA is collaborating with various stakeholders, including courier services, to ensure they receive training in food safety. This training equips them to integrate food safety principles into their work, thereby reducing food safety-related complaints and illnesses,” Dr. Archer stated.

During the workshop, couriers were educated on several key aspects of food safety. The training covered personal hygiene practices, the importance of maintaining appropriate food temperatures during delivery, and protocols for handling food to prevent contamination. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that hot food stays hot and cold food stays cold, with timely delivery being a critical component of the process.

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Maserati Repair & Maintenance Tips in Dubai

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We all know Maserati cars demand special attention to keep them running smoothly and looking their best. Whether it is regular maintenance or timely check-ups, taking care & visiting a trusted car service Dubai for your Maserati is crucial to ensure its long life and performance.

 

In this post, we’ll explore some essential tips for Maserati repair and maintenance in Dubai.

Regular Maintenance

Central to maintaining your Maserati’s best state is regular servicing at a trusted Maserati service center. Among the factors that might be responsible for preventing potential problems and lengthening the duration of parts in a car include normal oil change activities, examination of fluids, and tire rotation processes.

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In addition, this makes it possible to discover if there are any chances for further development on issues by sticking to instructions concerning service schedules as directed by makers.

Finding the Right Maserati Repair Shop

Picking the appropriate service center for your vehicle is important when it needs Maserati repair. You should find a reputable car service center focusing on Maserati cars that have mechanics who are Maserati experienced technicians, who know how to handle these expensive vehicles well.

 

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A well-established Maserati repair shop is equipped with the right tools, diagnostic machines, and original Maserati parts to give your car the best care it deserves.

Common Maserati Repair Issues

Even with proper maintenance, Maserati may encounter certain repair issues over time. Some common problems include:

 

1. Electrical System Glitches: Maserati automobiles are famed for having top-of-the-line electrical systems, some of which can sometimes stutter or fail in their operations. To avoid more trouble, it is important to tackle such problems promptly.

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2. Transmission Problems: Your Maserati’s performance will be considerably affected by things like rough shifting or leakages associated with the transmission, hence the need for a Maserati service professional to handle this car transmission repair.

 

3. Brake System Repairs: Brakes are a critical safety feature, and any issues with brake pads, rotors, or calipers should be repaired immediately by a professional Maserati repair shop.

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Preventive Maintenance

There are several preventive measures you can take to maximize the lifespan of your Maserati:

 

1. Driving Habits: Smooth acceleration, gentle braking, and avoiding excessive idling can reduce wear and tear on your Maserati’s components.

 

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2. Protecting the Exterior: Regularly washing your Maserati can help protect the paint and prevent premature fading or oxidation. Take your car for regular car washes and park it in a shade in Dubai’s heat.

Choose Munich Motor Works for a Comprehensive Car Check

Maserati repair and maintenance is something that Munich Motor Works has a good reputation for in Dubai. Munich Motor Works makes sure that your car is taken care of in the right way through their experienced team of professionals and modern technology garage coupled with the use of authentic Maserati parts.

 

If you want any type of service such as routine service, complex replacements, or a complete vehicle check-up then consider bringing it here because they will offer you all these services without any disappointments in the end.

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To maintain the value of your Maserati for years to come while driving it on the roads in Dubai, proper maintenance coupled with timely repairs is imperative. Doing the following shall ensure that you enjoy driving a Maserati car and get the best service at Munich Motor Works.

 

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Sharaf Mahama holds health screening and walk in Tamale on June 29

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Sharaf Mahama is set to organise a massive health walk and health screening for the teeming youth of Tamale in the Northern Region. In attendance will be the NDC Regional Executives, all MPs and PCs, the National Youth Organizer, other dignitaries and Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, who doubles as the Special Guest.

The event is anticipated to attract young individuals from diverse backgrounds including students, young professionals and community leaders.

“I humbly invite you to join us on Saturday 29th June for a Health Walk and Health Screening. This move is part of activities to help drive home the message for a 24-hour economy and building the Ghana we want,” Sharaf Mahama said in a statement announcing the walk and health screening.

The event, he added will provide free regular health check-ups and screening. Additionally, the health walk will foster community spirit and solidarity, allowing participants to engage with local leaders, healthcare professionals, and fellow community members, thereby promoting unity and collective effort towards common goals.

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Mr. Mahama has a proven track record of similar initiatives in the areas of education and sports, which he uses as an avenue to empower young minds to do better for themselves and improve their potential. This health walk and screening like previous events is expected to attract thousands of young people from Tamale and surrounding communities.

 

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Samsung begins pre-order deals for AI TVs in Ghana

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Samsung has announced a new era of AI TVs with the launch of its Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K and OLED TVs at the Unbox & Discover event, with an amazing pre-order offer. Samsung, the Global Number 1 TV brand for 18 years, sets the benchmark for video innovation, with the ultimate embodiment of next-level AI TV technology and excellence designed to upscale every moment at home.

Imagine a world where your viewing experience is always extraordinary no matter the content! Thanks to the 2024 Samsung Neo QLED 8K AI TV powered by the NQ8 AI Gen2 Processor with built-in 8K AI Upscaling Pro Technology, the TV offers quantum leaps in performance by transforming any content into 8K resolution, even your old videos. You will see these videos transform into looking so clear and real, it is like bringing the past right into your living room with sizes ranging from 65 to 85 inches.

The 2024 Neo QLED 4K AI TV comes with cutting-edge innovations and elevates the viewing experience with groundbreaking features powered by the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor. Enhanced by Real Depth Enhancer Pro and Quantum Matrix Technology, the screen ensures impeccable contrast even in complex scenes. With the world’s first Pantone Validated display for color accuracy and Dolby Atmos for an immersive audio experience, Neo QLED 4K sets the bar. Neo QLED 4K will be available in sizes ranging from 55 to 85 inches.

Made for more than just watching, the 2024 Samsung OLED AI TV ensures peak performance for ultimate gaming experiences. Samsung is also introducing the world’s first glare-free OLED, eliminating unnecessary reflection while preserving deep blacks and clear images under any lighting condition. Powered by the same formidable NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor as the Neo QLED 4K lineup, Samsung’s OLED TVs boast features like the Real Depth Enhancer and OLED HDR Pro, bringing picture quality to new heights from 65 to 83 inches.

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Pre-Order Offer

The 2024 AI TVs will be available for pre-order with exclusive premium freebies until 27th June 2024 in all Electroland Ghana Limited and CompuGhana Limited showrooms. Pre-order a Samsung AI TV now to receive a Soundbar, Freestyle Smart Projector, and Galaxy Fit3 with free delivery and installation.

 

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Soulful Songstress Emeli Sandé Scores “Roots” for The Macallan’s Bicentennial Celebration

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Internationally renowned singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé takes a surprising turn, crafting a stirring soundtrack titled “Roots” for the esteemed single malt Scotch whisky, The Macallan. This poignant composition marks a unique collaboration as The Macallan celebrates its momentous 200th anniversary.

Sandé, known for her soulful vocals and impactful lyrics, delivers a heartfelt ode to The Macallan’s enduring legacy. Her Scottish roots lend a special resonance to the project, mirroring The Macallan’s deep connection to the land and its unwavering commitment to exceptional craftsmanship.

Just as Ghanaians cherish the rich heritage of Highlife and Afrobeats passed down through generations, The Macallan honors its meticulous craftsmanship and centuries-old legacy with the collaboration.

“Roots” perfectly captures the essence of The Macallan’s enduring spirit. Sandé’s lyrics, “Time will bring its changes, but our roots they will remain,” resonate deeply, reflecting the brand’s commitment to tradition while embracing innovation.

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According to Emeli Sandé, “Roots means legacy. You have your roots and they spread so far around the surrounding ground. You have your trunk and that’s your journey through life – the branches can go here, and there, but at the end of the day, everything is coming from the same point.”

The celebration extends beyond music. A captivating film by Jérémie Rozan accompanies the soundtrack, taking viewers on a mesmerizing journey through The Macallan’s past, present, and future. The film showcases the enduring connection that binds generations who have stewarded this iconic brand.

This unexpected collaboration between Emeli Sandé and The Macallan promises a powerful exploration of heritage,artistry, and the pursuit of excellence.

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Founding Partner and CEO of the Fearless Fund Arian Simone visits Ghana Presidency

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In a delegation led by Pan African company Ifactorylive CCO Michael Djaba with Dora Whittley managing partner of Whittley Agency.

Arian Simone had discussions about Fearless Fund and Fearless fund foundation Africa.


Fearless fund have invested over 27 million US dollars in women of color businesses,Additionally, they have Invested over $850,000 USD in African-founded businesses and provided grants in Côte d’Ivoire.

Follow @fearless.fund for more information

#FearlessFeardom
#ArianSimone

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