Latest news with #Ain'tNoMountainHighEnough
Daily Maverick
11-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Maverick
Standard Bank's Keep Growing campaign: A promise to embrace the journey of growth with customers
Standard Bank has launched its new 'Keep Growing' brand campaign, a powerful affirmation of the bank's purpose: 'Africa is our home, we drive her growth '. The advertising campaign, which launched with a brand advert in the South African market, champions the limitless potential of the African continent, its people and communities – recognising that every individual and every business possesses both the ability and desire to grow. As Africa's largest bank by assets with over 50,000 employees and 20 million customers, Standard Bank is uniquely positioned to drive the continent's growth as Africa's population surges towards an estimated 2.5 billion people by 2050. Standard Bank Group Chief Operating Officer Margaret Nienaber says: 'Our 163-year history on the continent gives us a deep understanding of Africa's unique context. This campaign is a statement of our unwavering commitment to the people of this continent. We want our customers to know that their dreams matter and that we're here to support them. We're not just their bank – we're their trusted partner on every step of their growth journey.' Created in partnership with M&C Saatchi Abel, part of the Up&Up Group, the campaign's creative direction captures a fundamental truth: growth transforms everything – it creates impact, unlocks opportunities, and has the extraordinary power to elevate all aspects of life, from financial prosperity to personal fulfilment and thriving communities. Diana Springer, Standard Bank's Head of Group Brand and Marketing, says: 'We wanted to ensure the message truly resonated with our markets. The creative treatment needed to be visually memorable and emotionally powerful. It was crucial for us to communicate that growth isn't always easy, but it is worth it. Our message is simple yet profound: Keep growing with Standard Bank by your side.' The Up&Up Group Chief Strategy Officer, Robert Grace, adds that: 'Instead of spotlighting the finish line, be it a new home or a thriving business, Keep Growing motivates us to focus on the climb itself. In a first for South African advertising, using the gimbal, the advertisement literally tilts the characters' environments, transforming their aspirations into a tangible, visual, uphill journey. It's an arresting image that mirrors the real-life, lived experiences of customers.' Zoe Modiga's powerful rendition of 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' brings soul and depth to the campaign – a perfect rendition for a story about resilience and growth. 'Zoe is a celebrated Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner, and her journey since receiving that recognition has been remarkable. She's become one of South Africa's most compelling voices in contemporary jazz and soul,' concludes Springer. The television commercial goes live in July 2025. DM
Time Out
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Diana Ross at London's O2 Arena: start time, tickets, potential setlist and what you need to know
After more than five decades in the music business, Diana Ross is still going strong. And in less than 24 hours, she'll be gracing the stage at London's O2 for a one-night-only legendary performance. Obviously, with the show titled 'One Legendary Voice. Decades of Hits', you can expect Diana to perform loads of her biggest songs from the past 50 years – from 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' to 'I'm Coming Out'. And if that's not enough, a live backing track will be supplied by the spectacular Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. It's her first time playing in London since 2023, and who knows when she'll be back again. So, here's everything you need to know if you've got tickets for Diana Ross at the O2 (and how you can get some last minute). When is Diana Ross playing at London's O2? Diana will be performing at the O2 with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra on Wednesday, July 2. What are the timings? According to the O2 website, doors will open at 6.30pm and the show itself will commence at 8pm. What's the setlist? So far, the setlist for Diana Ross's UK tour has looked something like this: I'm Coming Out More Today Than Yesterday (Spiral Starecase cover) You Can't Hurry Love (The Supremes song) Love Child (Diana Ross & The Supremes cover) Voice of the Heart Touch Me in the Morning The Boss Don't Explain (Billie Holiday cover) Reach Out and Touch (Somebody's Hand) Good Morning Heartache (Billie Holiday cover) Love Hangover Upside Down Ease on Down the Road (Diana Ross and Michael Jackson song) In Your Heart Count on Me If the World Just Danced Why Do Fools Fall in Love (Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers cover)Just in Case Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You're Going To) Ain't No Mountain High Enough (Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell cover) I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor cover) Thank You Is there a support act? Nope, there won't be any acts opening for Diana – the show will start and finish with her. Can you still get tickets for Diana Ross at London's O2? There are still a very limited number of tickets left for Diana Ross's O2 show on the O2 website. Prices start from £33 for general admission in restricted view seats and go all the way up to £563 for a front row view.
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
American choir prepares to join young local musicians in Stirling charity concert
Voices from the Heart, from New Hampshire, are singing alongside the community chorus from Big Noise Raploch. An American women's choir has raised more than £18,000 in support of Scotland's music and social change charity, Sistema Scotland, as it prepares to perform in the historic heart of Scotland. Voices from the Heart, from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, are singing alongside the community chorus from Big Noise Raploch in a special concert at the historic church of the Holy Rude in Stirling on Friday, June 27. The 200-strong choir is known for its mix of soulful music from different traditions and its community work and some 80 members will travel to Scotland to perform later this month. Founded in 1995, it brings together women from New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts to rehearse, perform and share the joy of music. The choir, based in New Hampshire, organises trips abroad combined with support for communities in the places they visit. They previously raised money for youth charity Friends Forever and for organisations tackling domestic abuse in Ireland for a trip in 2001, and fundraising to clear a minefield in Croatia in 2007. They have also supported aid projects in Cuba and South Africa. The 2025 tour of Scotland is in support of Sistema Scotland and its six Big Noise projects that support children, young people and communities through music and nurturing relationships in the areas of greatest need in the country. Since starting in Raploch in 2008, the programme has grown to support around 4,000 children and young people in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Stirling. So far, the choir has raised $25,000 (£18,526) and money is still coming in. The choir raised money from individual donations, and through events such as a community song night, raffles and selling handmade crafts. The concert takes place at the historic church of the Holy Rude in Stirling, the site of James VI's coronation in 1567, on June 27. Tickets are free and the choir will perform a mix of traditional American music, including African American spirituals, Native American pieces and modern classics such as Ain't No Mountain High Enough. They will also perform Scottish pieces including The Skye Boat Song, Flower of Scotland and Caledonia. The choir will also sing at Iona Abbey on Iona, the Rockfield Centre in Oban, Greyfriars Church in Edinburgh, and the Portree and Brocadale Free Church of Scotland on Skye. Joanne Connolly, Voices from the Heart director, said: 'Our music is upbeat, joyful and positive. 'We look for organisations to support that fit with our mission. Sistema Scotland empower women and children and build community through music. Their work is a wonderful fit. I looked at the website and I saw a picture of a little girl playing the violin. It really moved me because I am a violinist and my grandparents put a violin in my hand – and it is Sistema who put a violin in her hand. 'They also talk about how children from different schools and different neighbourhoods come together in the community. We think it is so important for children to have these different communities to link up to. 'Our group is amazing. We have 200 members who have done so much to raise money for Big Noise – everyone joined together to raise funds.' Vicky Williams, Sistema Scotland Chief Executive said: 'The power of music to bring people together, celebrate the human spirit and lift people's feelings is well know, and we are delighted to share this special concert with Voices from the Heart. 'We are incredibly grateful to them for choosing us as their charity this year, and for inviting our community choir in Raploch to perform alongside them. Not only will the money raised help young people across Scotland reach their potential through music, but the concert itself will celebrate our shared values and beliefs in music as a force for good in our society.'
New York Post
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Mets star Francisco Lindor hits fatherhood and fashion out of the park
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. Francisco Lindor has a lot to smile about. The dynamo Mets shortstop joins Alexa on Zoom after breakfast on a sunny spring morning. He's coming off one of countless memorable games this season at Citi Field; last night's, against the Arizona Diamondbacks, saw him hitting a two-run homer that spawned a clip of Tom Hanks celebrating in the stands. So how is Lindor, a k a Mr. Smile, this morning? 'Fantastic!' he says with that signature grin. But he's not dwelling on the memories of the game, he says. That's part of a deliberate, mindful approach that keeps his eye on the ball — literally and otherwise — and his performance famously consistent. After a game, he allows himself to process what happened before he moves on. 'I spend time on the field trying to, not meditate exactly, but just thinking about all the stuff that happened in the game,' he shares. 'So then that's off my brain. And I can go on and focus on recovery.' Advertisement (Our interview took place a few weeks before the star player suffered a broken pinky toe, but still managed to play all nine innings, in a tough loss against the LA Dodgers.) Lindor displays that even-keeled leadership on the field, even after a thunderous hit. His secret? 'Live in the moment,' he says. 'When we're not in the moment anymore, that's when we start getting too hyper, too amped up. I have moments that create anxiety for me, and there's moments I start dwelling on things, but I have worked at staying in the moment when I'm playing: Now I'm a hitter. Now I'm a base runner. I enjoy the moment, and then I'm in the dugout, and somebody else hit it. Now it's their moment.' Advertisement Lindor's philosophy also applies to his home life with his wife Katia, their two young daughters, Kalina and Amapola, and their newest team addition, son Koa, born in March. 'Now I'm a dad; now I'm a husband; now I'm a friend to my wife: What does she need? That's how I navigate life,' he says. Koa's arrival may have inspired Lindor to add a new walk-up song alongside his crowd-pleaser 'My Girl,' which unfailingly gets the whole stadium singing. Now he alternates it with 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough,' another '60s classic that channels his can-do spirit and acknowledges this life shift: 'The biggest change is that I don't just say 'my girls, my girls' — now there's a boy!' When we speak, his wife and kids are in Orlando, Fla. 'We have a lot of family there, we're blessed,' says the 31-year old Lindor, who admits he's missing them like crazy. 'My cousin, he's got two little girls too, so they all get to hang out. So I think they're better off there right now.' (An adorable clip of the girls being reunited with their dad has gone viral.) 6 Tommy Hilfiger trench coat, $490, shirt, $230, and shorts, $230; Tank top, necklace, earrings (worn throughout) and rings (worn throughout), Lindor's own Photo by Eduardo Rezende for Alexa Magazine Advertisement Lindor's shoot with Alexa took place in beautiful Lake Nona, Fla., not far from his family in Orlando. 'Right after one of the spring training days we drove down there,' he says. 'There were a lot of good pieces I enjoyed wearing. From the pants to the tops to the shoes, it was out there — but at the same time, it was clean looks. I liked that.' The shortstop has become a style icon who's always changing up his look. This season, he says, 'I'm gravitating toward a lot of creams and browns, more neutral colors. They're speaking to me. It could be, like, a crop top, or baggy pants and a baggy shirt.' He hasn't completely abandoned a splash of brightness, though: 'I still force myself to wear colors. But I find myself more in the neutrals.' When your style is a priority, dressing on the road seems like it could be limiting. But Lindor says it's the opposite. 'At home, it's a little more difficult, because I have all the pieces. On the road, I plan it. I say, okay, I've got seven outfits. So now I know if I wear this today, I can't wear it tomorrow. I can wear it four or five days after, but not the day after.' 6 Tyndell shirt, $495 at Le Pere; Jalisco shorts, price upon request at Willy Chavarria; LV Diplomat Mary Janes, $1,420 at Louis Vuitton, 6 E. 57 St.; Socks, $12 at Happy Socks Photo by Eduardo Rezende for Alexa Magazine Advertisement He's been a clotheshorse since he was a kid. 'I grew up with girls, two sisters, who liked to dress up. And they wouldn't let me leave the house if I didn't look good! I've always loved Christmastime, because that was the opportunity for my mom to buy us clothes. In the summer, we just wore whatever. So I've always enjoyed that time of year, because it meant we were going to go pick up a nice outfit. 'As I got older,' he continues, 'my taste got a little more refined. I work with a style coach, and I've learned from him how to put different materials together, and that's helped a lot.' Lindor's love of fashion doesn't stop with his street style. As Mets fans know, he's famous for his eye-catching personalized baseball gloves. On Jackie Robinson Day this April, he debuted a glove honoring the legend, writing in an Instagram post: 'Thank you Jackie for breaking barriers and inspiring generations. We play with purpose because of you #42.' He says every new glove gives him an energy burst: 'I'm like a kid. I have something new in my hand. It's very cool.' Lindor works with Rawlings to design the gloves, which the company sells in limited batches after their appearance on the field. 6 Top and pants, both price upon request at Sergio Hudson Photo by Eduardo Rezende for Alexa Magazine Lindor's also long been known for his generous support of other players; he offers advice to younger teammates, and has been lauded for his welcoming reception to new star outfielder Juan Soto. 'I talk a lot of s–t,' he joked in an interview with Foul Territory TV, going on to say that 'I try to be the one that talks and also push the players to be better, and be there for them and back them up whenever they need to be backed up.' Not every player wants his help, he says, and that's fine. For the ones who do, he tells us, 'they're going to come and talk to me, and I'll guide them, and then off they go. We all have a different path.' He's also adamant about putting time into his schedule — and reaching into his bank account — to help inspire the next generation, from aspiring players to artistic dreamers. 'The kids are the future, and it's the best way we can impact the world,' he says, 'by passing on knowledge and hopefully being a good example.' Lindor was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, and moved to Florida at age 12 to attend Montverde Academy, known for its athletics programs. Drafted by Cleveland in 2011, he made his major league debut in 2015 before being traded to the Mets in 2021 and then signing a 10-year extension for $341 million, the third highest in league history at the time. He's donated regularly to his school, which named a building after him in 2013. 'I'm all about education,' he says. 'Each year I feel like I grow mentally and I gain more knowledge. We're trying to create something where we help young musicians, young designers. Everybody wants to get a little bit smarter.' Advertisement At Citi Field, he's been hosting 'Lindor Smile Tuesdays,' where kids come to meet their hero and learn about how he keeps his pearly whites so dazzling. 'It's really cool,' he raves. 'It's an opportunity to gather a group of kids and tell them the story of my smile, and then I have a dentist with me; he's more from the educating side, obviously.' Turns out this is a man who is seriously interested in teeth. 'I've always said if I wasn't a baseball player, I would want to be a dentist,' he says. 'I just love teeth and smiles. I feel like smiling's infectious. If you're having a tough day and someone smiles at you, you might smile back, and if you smile back it might turn your day around.' He'll be bringing his million-dollar smile to the 2026 World Baseball Classic, where he's just been named Puerto Rico's captain for the second time. 'It's a privilege to represent the island,' he says. 'I'm excited! I'm blessed.' He and his family try to get back to Puerto Rico four or five times a year. Whenever they go, his arrival is, shall we say, noted. 'It's crazy, it's like a carnival!' he says. 'Hopefully, that's where we end up. When the kids are older, I would love to go back so they can have some of what their mom and I did growing up. To understand the culture.' 6 Shirt, $3,300, and shorts, $830, both at Gucci, 725 Fifth Ave.; Watch, Lindor's own (worn throughout) Photo by Eduardo Rezende for Alexa Magazine Advertisement Given the breakneck pace of his life right now, when he gets back home, Lindor is mostly into hanging out at the homestead — or wherever his family leads him. 'I'm a very, like, in-house type person,' he says with a laugh. 'Katia is the one that takes me out. Whatever they decide to do, I go and do it. I'm perfectly fine doing all the things that they want me to do, but if it was for me, I'll just sit by the pool and hang out.' Meanwhile, the World Series looms large; the Mets have had a strong season opening, with Lindor delivering electrifying home runs. 'I would love to win it all. We have a good team,' he says. But with his characteristic balanced approach, he adds, 'having a good team doesn't promise anything!' Photographer: Eduardo Rezende; Editor: Serena French; Stylist: Anahita Moussavian; Photo Editor: Jessica Hober; Talent Booker: Patty Adams Martinez; Groomer: Casey Cheek for ABTP; Fashion Assistant: Jena Beck, Photo Assistant: Heribeth Rojas Ramos, Videographer: Matthew McDermott
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
Mets star Francisco Lindor has a new walk-up song to go with `My Girl'
NEW YORK -- After more than 11 months and hundreds of singalongs, 'My Girl' finally has some company atop the charts at Citi Field. New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, whose pivot to The Temptations' 'My Girl' as his walk-up song last May coincided with a turnaround in fortunes for Lindor and his teammates, added 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough' — the 1967 duet by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell — to his rotation prior to his second at-bat in Friday's 7-2 win over the Chicago Cubs. 'It's the vibes — the vibes I'm in right now,' Lindor said with a grin Friday night. 'I think it's a fantastic song. Hopefully the fans can vibe to it, too.' Lindor's success with 'My Girl' and the accompanying pop culture sensation made his pivot a surprise to the 41,243 fans in attendance Friday, if not his teammates. Lindor was batting .210 and the Mets were 22-30 when he debuted 'My Girl' last May 28, but Lindor hit .306 the rest of the way and finished second in NL MVP balloting as New York made it to the National League Championship Series. The Temptations performed the song, along with the national anthem, prior to Game 5 of the NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lindor hit a leadoff homer for the first-place Mets on Friday — his 34th round-tripper in 137 games since introducing 'My Girl.' 'There were some fans that yelled at me,' Lindor said. 'But there were some other ones that were singing.' Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who is walking up to Eric Clapton's 'Layla' this year after using Rush's 'Working Man' and Don McLean's 'American Pie' in previous seasons, said Lindor hinted at the change during the just-concluded road trip to St. Louis and Arizona. 'He said he was going to do it and no one believed him,' Alonso said Saturday. 'I think it's a good one — that's a great walk-up song.' Lindor acknowledged some teammates wanted him to stick with 'My Girl' and said he'd alternate the songs in hopes his new selection grows in popularity. 'Man, the movie 'Remember The Titans' — who doesn't know that?' Lindor said, referring to the song's usage in the 2000 film. 'It's a great song. So we'll see if it catches on. If it doesn't catch on — since I got pushback from some people — they're still going to get 'My Girl.''
