World News
Why is Russia invading Ukraine?
By air, land, and sea, Russia has launched a devastating attack on Ukraine, a European democracy of 44 million people. For months President Vladimir Putin had denied he would invade his neighbour, but then he tore up a peace deal, sending forces across borders in Ukraine’s north, east and south.
As the number of dead climbs, he is now accused of shattering peace in Europe and what happens next could jeopardise the continent’s entire security structure.
Where have Russian troops attacked and why?
Airports and military headquarters were hit first, near cities across Ukraine, including the main Boryspil international airport in Kyiv.
Then tanks and troops rolled into Ukraine in the north-east, near Kharkiv, a city of 1.4 million people; in the east near Luhansk, from neighbouring Belarus in the north and Crimea in the south. Paratroops seized a key airbase just outside Kyiv and Russian troops landed in Ukraine’s big port cities of Odesa and Mariupol too.
Moments before the invasion began, President Putin went on TV declaring that Russia could not feel “safe, develop and exist” because of what he called a constant threat from modern Ukraine.
Many of his arguments were false or irrational. He claimed his goal was to protect people subjected to bullying and genocide and aim for the “demilitarisation and de-Nazification” of Ukraine. There has been no genocide in Ukraine – it is a vibrant democracy led by a president who is Jewish. “How could I be a Nazi?” said Volodymr Zelensky, who likened Russia’s onslaught to Nazi Germany’s invasion in World War Two.
President Putin has frequently accused Ukraine of being taken over by extremists, ever since its pro-Russian president, Viktor Yanukovych, was ousted in 2014 after months of protests against his rule. Russia then retaliated by seizing the southern region of Crimea and triggering a rebellion in the east, backing separatists who have fought Ukrainian forces in a war that has claimed 14,000 lives.
Late in 2021 he began deploying big numbers of Russian troops close to Ukraine’s borders. Then this week he scrapped a 2015 peace deal for the east and recognised areas under rebel control as independent.
Russia has long resisted Ukraine’s move towards the European Union and the West’s defensive military alliance Nato. Announcing Russia’s invasion, he accused Nato of threatening “our historic future as a nation”.
How far will Russia go?
Russia has refused to say if it seeks to overthrow Ukraine’s democratically elected government, although it believes that ideally Ukraine should be “freed, cleansed of the Nazis”. Mr Putin spoke of bringing to court “those who committed numerous bloody crimes against civilians”.
It was a thinly veiled hint and by invading from Belarus and seizing Antonov airport close to the outskirts of Kyiv, there is little doubt that the capital is well within his sights.
In the days before the invasion, when up to 200,000 troops were within reach of Ukraine’s borders, he had focused his attention on the east.
By recognising the Russian proxy separatist areasof Luhansk and Donetsk as independent, he had already decided they were no longer part of Ukraine. Then he revealed that he supported their claims to far more Ukrainian territory. The self-styled people’s republics cover little more than a third of the whole of Ukraine’s Luhansk and Donetsk regions but the rebels covet the rest, too.
How dangerous is this invasion for Europe?
These are terrifying times for the people of Ukraine and horrifying for the rest of the continent, witnessing a major power invading a European neighbour for the first time since World War Two.
Dozens have died already in what Germany has dubbed “Putin’s war”, both civilians and soldiers. And for Europe’s leaders this invasion has brought some of the darkest hours since the 1940s. It was, said France’s Emmanuel Macron, a turning point in Europe’s history. Recalling the Cold War days of the Soviet Union, Volodymyr Zelensky spoke of Ukraine’s bid to avoid a new iron curtain closing Russia off from the civilised world.
For the families of both armed forces there will be anxious days ahead. Ukrainians have already suffered a gruelling eight-year war with Russian proxies. The military has called up all reservists aged 18 to 60 years old. Top US military official Mark Milley said the scale of Russian forces would mean a “horrific” scenario with conflict in dense urban areas.
The invasion has knock-on effects for many other countries bordering both Russia and Ukraine. Latvia, Poland and Moldova say they are preparing for a big influx of refugees. A state of emergency has been declared in Lithuania and Moldova, where thousands of women and children have already entered.
This is not a war that Russia’s population was prepared for either, as the invasion was rubber-stamped by a largely unrepresentative upper house of parliament.
What can the West do?
Nato has put warplanes on alert but the Western alliance has made clear there are no plans to send combat troops to Ukraine itself. Instead they have offered advisers, weapons and field hospitals. Meanwhile, 5,000 Nato troops have been deployed in the Baltic states and Poland. Another 4,000 could be sent to Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Slovakia.
Instead, the West is targeting Russia’s economy, industry and individuals.
The EU has promised to restrict Russian access to capital markets and cut off its industry from latest technology. It has already imposed sanctions on 351 MPs who backed Russia’s recognition of the rebel-held regions
Germany has halted approval on Russia’s Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, a major investment by both Russia and European companies
The US says it will cut off Russia’s government from Western financial institutions and target high-ranking “elites”
The UK says all major Russian banks would have their assets frozen, with 100 individuals and entities targeted; and Russia’s national airline Aeroflot will also be banned from landing in the UK.
Ukraine has urged its allies to stop buying Russian oil and gas. The three Baltic states have called on the whole international community to disconnect Russia’s banking system from the international Swift payment system. That could badly impact the US and European economies.
The Russian city of St Petersburg will no longer be able to host this year’s Champions League final for security reasons. Europe’s football governing body Uefa is also planning further measures.
By Paul Kirby
BBC News
World News
Baloji and Emmanuelle Béart will co-preside over the Caméra d’or Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes
The 77th Festival de Cannes will feature an unprecedented yet self-evident pairing at the head of the Caméra d’or Jury. As rich dialogue and inspiring gaze arise from encounters, the Festival de Cannes is eager to bring together Emmanuelle Béart and Baloji to co-preside over the Jury that will honor one of the first films presented in the Festival’s Official Selection or its parallel sections.
An unprecedented pairing since French actress Emmanuelle Béart and director and songwriter Baloji, who evolves in Belgium and the Democratic Republic of Congo, have never met. She has worked with some of the world’s greatest filmmakers, dazzling both screen and stage with her incandescent performance. He is a bold, visionary creator, who made two short films before receiving the New Voice Prize at Un Certain Regard in 2023 for his acclaimed debut feature Omen.
An obvious pairing as both are free spirits with no limits, who rely on their art to achieve creative freedom. Through her impressive filmography and her humanitarian commitment, Emmanuelle Béart is forever supporting a filmmaking to be shared, to emancipate, transcend borders and help us live together. Baloji, in his first feature film with impressive aesthetic mastery, delivers a chronicle that transcends otherness through the prism of magical realism.
Delighted to be paired at the head of the Caméra d’or Jury, Baloji and Emmanuelle Béart will combine their voices to welcome the first features of filmmakers who look at the world with inspiration, tell us about it with emotion and invite us to discuss it with the conviction of beginnings. “Being a self-taught filmmaker and a filmmaker from the Congolese diaspora,” confides Baloji, “it’s a great honour to be able to witness the vitality of first-time directors, to discover their strong singularities and their inaugural work, which will have a lasting impact on the identity of their filmography.” Emmanuelle Béart declares: “A first film is about the impossibility of doing anything other than delving into the depths of one’s being to find out what we can’t keep quiet about. A deeply moving and terribly free birth: no one is waiting for you yet. We will honor our duty with wonder and respect.”
The Caméra d’or Jury has been co-chaired three times before: by actress Françoise Fabian and director Daniel Schmid in 1996, by Marthe Keller and Géraldine Chaplin in 2002, and by brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenne in 2006.
In 2023, the Caméra d’Or was awarded to Pham Thien An for Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell by the Jury presided over by French actress Anaïs Demoustier
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
World News
25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards Returns to Miami
The Latin Recording Academy® announced today that the 25th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards® will be held in Miami at Kaseya Center on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, in partnership with Miami-Dade County and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB).
“Since our first awards presentation in the year 2000, the Latin GRAMMYs have provided an international spotlight for Latin music second to none and provided iconic performances that have become part of global music and pop culture history. We are thrilled to celebrate our 25th anniversary in Miami” said Manuel Abud, CEO, The Latin Recording Academy. “Miami has evolved to become the epicenter of Latin entertainment and we are grateful for the community support and enthusiasm we have received.”
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of The Latin GRAMMYs the show returns to the place it calls home, where The Latin Academy’s journey commenced, and its headquarters remain. This is the third time that the Latin GRAMMYs will be held in Miami, the first time in 2003 and the second time in 2020 when the show was closed to the public due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Welcome home, Latin GRAMMYs! As the cultural capital for Latinos in the United States, there’s no better place than Miami-Dade to host the best of Latin music and entertainment,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “It’s a true honor to host this incredible event once again and welcome people from all over the world to enjoy the vibrant and diverse cultural hub we call home. This event celebrates the very best in music, and we are proud to showcase Miami’s unique energy, where music and culture collide in the most spectacular way.”
The three-hour telecast will be produced by TelevisaUnivision, the leading Spanish language media and content company in the world, and will air live on Univision, Galavisión and ViX, beginning at 8 p.m. ET/PT (7 p.m. Central), preceded by a one-hour pre-show starting at 7 p.m. ET/PT.
“We are excited to bring to life the landmark 25-year celebration of the Latin GRAMMYs from the city we call home – the city where Hispanic culture has flourished as a driving force of influence and impact globally,” said Ignacio Meyer, President of Univision Television Networks Group at TelevisaUnivision. “As the Home of Latin Music, we’re excited to deliver yet another unforgettable night of excellence in music, grounded in our passion and unwavering commitment to shining a bright light on the most culture-defining moments for Spanish-speaking audiences worldwide.”
In addition, Latin GRAMMY® Week events will take place throughout Miami-Dade County including Leading Ladies of Entertainment, the Best New Artist Showcase, Special Awards Presentation, Nominee Reception, Person of the Year and the Premiere Ceremony, preceding the telecast. More details on the week of events will be distributed in the coming months.
“This announcement underscores Greater Miami’s status as a global hub at the intersection of multicultural music, entertainment, events and tourism,” said David Whitaker, president and CEO of The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau. “On behalf of the travel and hospitality industry of Greater Miami, we are absolutely thrilled by the news that the 25th Latin GRAMMYs is returning home to Miami – bringing with it an influx of visitors eager to experience the excitement and energy of this iconic destination.”
The Latin GRAMMY Awards® are the preeminent international honor and the only peer-selected award celebrating excellence in Latin music worldwide.
Additional key dates in preparation to The Biggest Night in Latin Music® include:
July 24, 2024-Aug. 5,2024: First Round of Voting
Sept. 17, 2024: Nominations Announcement
Sept. 27, 2024–Oct. 10, 2024: Final Round of Voting
For more information regarding the current awards season visit: https://www.latingrammy.com/
World News
Raye and DJ Snake to headline Isle of MTV Malta 2024
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.
World News
Coachella 2024: Billie Eilish & Friends, Kaskade, and Adriatique B2B BLOND:ISH Play Surprise Sets at Do LaB Stage on Saturday, April 13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
World News
Coachella 2024: Goldenvoice Surf Club ft. Bicep, Barry Can’t Swim, salute, Mia Moretti on Saturday, April 13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
World News
Iconic fashion designer Roberto Cavalli dies aged 83
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.
EIB Network issues statement on Serwaa Amihere’s leaked video controversy
Practically, marriage is not beneficial to men – Kojo Yankson asserts
Nigerian dancer Korra Obidi attacked with Knife and acid during live stream
Ghana’s entertainment industry mourns death of DJ Isaac Cool
Medikal confirms separation from Fella Makafui; offers to perform at her future wedding
Georgetown University Researchers, Mika and Omar, Engage with Nigerian Music Icons at Exclusive Dinner Hosted By Oil Mogul, Jack Rich
How to Register and Play at Mozzart Casino
What Every Rider Should Know About Motorcycle Safety
Baloji and Emmanuelle Béart will co-preside over the Caméra d’or Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes
BlacVolta team spotlights African culture, arts and entertainment at Johns Hopkins University
Buzz1 week agoEIB Network issues statement on Serwaa Amihere’s leaked video controversy
Buzz6 days agoNigerian dancer Korra Obidi attacked with Knife and acid during live stream
Buzz5 days agoGhana’s entertainment industry mourns death of DJ Isaac Cool
Buzz6 days agoMedikal confirms separation from Fella Makafui; offers to perform at her future wedding
Buzz5 days agoStonebwoy inks new deal with Warner Music’s ADA Worldwide
Buzz1 week agoAlways be prepared to satisfactorily explain your wealth – BoG to account holders
Radio & TV1 week agoDStv Delivers Choice and Value for Exciting Entertainment Moments In April
Buzz1 week agoUpdate: Junior Pope not dead – AGN President
Buzz6 days agoSelly Galley suffered five miscarriages – Praye Tietia reveals
Buzz1 week agoMen still want me at 59 – Rita Edochie
Buzz1 week agoMy tigers are still with me; I feed them with a cow every 3 days – Cheddar
Buzz1 week agoSarkodie should watch out for Amerado and Strongman; they are his strongest rap ‘competitors’ – Fredyma
