Back in 2008 at age 62, Dolly Parton released a single proclaiming she was “just a backwoods Barbie, too much makeup, too much hair.” In her six decades recording and defining country music, she was so much more. The American singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman and philanthropist didn’t seem to mind being mistaken for a ditzy blonde all […]
Category: English Entertainment
Europe’s gaming bash kicks off as industry eyes ‘Grand Theft’ boost
Europe’s biggest video games show Gamescom opens its doors Tuesday in Cologne with the industry hoping that the coming blockbuster “Grand Theft Auto VI” can provide a much-needed boost, as studios cut jobs amid fierce competition. Fans and professionals will get a first glimpse at scores of new titles at a sold-out opening ceremony that […]
Malian songbird keeps age-old sounds alive at 88
At the age of 88, barefoot and cinched into a belt of cowrie shells, renowned singer Mariam Bagayoko still sweeps across the stage with infectious energy, dazzling wide-eyed fans with the rhythms of a bygone Mali. Beloved at home and abroad, the “Nightingale of Beledougou” has spent a lifetime carrying the traditional music far beyond […]
Australia’s top music charts ban AI songs
Music made by artificial intelligence will be banned from Australia’s top charts under new guidelines aimed at protecting “the human nature of artistry”, an industry body said Tuesday. Under new rules in force from Friday, music must be “substantially human made” in order to be eligible for the charts, the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) […]
Saudi Arabia to invest $7 bn in theme parks near Paris
France and Saudi Arabia on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding for a six-billion-euro ($7-billion) Saudi investment to create three theme parks near Paris, including one expected to be manga-themed, the office of the French president said. The agreement for the “colossal” project was signed during a two-day visit to France by Saudi Arabia’s de […]
British PM Burnham hits a chord on Kyiv visit
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Monday strummed on a guitar and also went to a shopping mall destroyed by a Russian strike as he visited Kyiv to show his country’s support for Ukraine. The walk-around occurred as he was in the capital for Ukraine’s Independence Day and to attend a meeting of allies backing […]
Dutch say won’t participate in ‘no longer’ neutral Eurovision
The Netherlands will not participate in next year’s Eurovision Song Contest, its broadcaster said Monday, saying the event can “no longer be considered neutral” given divisions over the Gaza war.”It is undeniable that international conflicts are increasingly affecting the Contest, undermining its neutral character. The Eurovision Song Contest has therefore become a platform for division,” […]
Kenyans get creative to join manga cosplay craze
Cosplay has taken hold in Kenya, where fans must often get creative to dress up as their fantasy heroes. Thousands attended the latest edition of the Otamatsuri anime and manga convention in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, this weekend — one of the largest in Africa — with many in extravagant costumes inspired by hits like “One […]
Trump takes starring role at Washington’s IndyCar debut
US President Donald Trump rode a ceremonial lap in his armored limousine and waved the green flag to start Sunday’s IndyCar race through the streets of Washington, capping celebrations of America’s 250th birthday. Trump, who created the Freedom 250 Grand Prix by executive order for the United States anniversary commemoration, had a prime view of […]