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Bradford City of Culture year hits half-way mark
Bradford City of Culture year hits half-way mark

BBC News

time06-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • BBC News

Bradford City of Culture year hits half-way mark

The start of July has marked the half-way point of Bradford's year as 2025 UK City of far, the city has been treated to a whole series of special events, including a live performance from hometown magician Stephen Frayne, art exhibitions across the district and a para-orchestra marching through the organisers have promised there is still much more to come in the second half of the year, including more live music, a food festival and the prestigious Turner Prize are just some of the highlights due to take place in Bradford over the coming months: The Railway Children A stage adaptation of E. Nesbit's classic novel The Railway Children will be performed at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway from 15 July until 7 heritage line runs steam and diesel trains through the countryside and became famous when it appeared in the 1970 film version of The Railway will take place twice a day between Wednesdays and Sundays, with tickets costing from £15. BBC Proms Five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo will present a special concert in Bradford as part of BBC Beninese-French singer-songwriter will perform at St George's Hall on 7 September, with standing tickets costing from £8 and those for the stalls costing from £18. World Curry Festival The UK's curry capital is hosting the World Curry Festival between 15 and 30 and and line-up will be announced soon, according to the City of Culture team. Turner Prize The Turner Prize, an annual award for contemporary visual art, is awarded to a British artist, or one working primarily in Britain, for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the preceding by the shortlisted artists – Nnena Kalu, Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami and Zadie Xa – will feature at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery from 27 September. The winner will then be announced in Bradford on 9 December. The CBeebies Panto The CBeebies annual panto be recorded at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford on 11 and 12 October. Most tickets are sold out for the production of Cinderella, but there a few seats left for the 16:30 BST show on 11 October. Other highlights Loaded Laughs have two stand-up comedy events coming up at The Beacon in July and Loading Bay in AugustBD: Festival returns for a two-day takeover in the city centre on 25 and 26 JulyShadmanny, a festival celebrating South Asian wedding culture, takes place on 10 AugustFilms such as Everybody Talks About Jamie and Sexy Beast will be at the open-air cinema at Ilkley LidoNumerous performances, including those by the likes of Bill Bailey, Rob Brydon and Jo Whiley, will take place at the new Bradford Live venue Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.

Bradford City of Culture year hits half-way mark - with more to come
Bradford City of Culture year hits half-way mark - with more to come

Yahoo

time06-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Bradford City of Culture year hits half-way mark - with more to come

The start of July has marked the half-way point of Bradford's year as 2025 UK City of Culture. So far, the city has been treated to a whole series of special events, including a live performance from hometown magician Stephen Frayne, art exhibitions across the district and a para-orchestra marching through the city. However, organisers have promised there is still much more to come in the second half of the year, including more live music, a food festival and the prestigious Turner Prize exhibition. These are just some of the highlights due to take place in Bradford over the coming months: A stage adaptation of E. Nesbit's classic novel The Railway Children will be performed at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway from 15 July until 7 September. The heritage line runs steam and diesel trains through the countryside and became famous when it appeared in the 1970 film version of The Railway Children. Performances will take place twice a day between Wednesdays and Sundays, with tickets costing from £15. Five-time Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo will present a special concert in Bradford as part of BBC Proms. The Beninese-French singer-songwriter will perform at St George's Hall on 7 September, with standing tickets costing from £8 and those for the stalls costing from £18. The UK's curry capital is hosting the World Curry Festival between 15 and 30 September. Venues and and line-up will be announced soon, according to the City of Culture team. The Turner Prize, an annual award for contemporary visual art, is awarded to a British artist, or one working primarily in Britain, for an outstanding exhibition or other presentation of their work in the preceding year. Artwork by the shortlisted artists – Nnena Kalu, Rene Matić, Mohammed Sami and Zadie Xa – will feature at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery from 27 September. The winner will then be announced in Bradford on 9 December. The CBeebies annual panto be recorded at the Alhambra Theatre in Bradford on 11 and 12 October. Most tickets are sold out for the production of Cinderella, but there a few seats left for the 16:30 BST show on 11 October. Loaded Laughs have two stand-up comedy events coming up at The Beacon in July and Loading Bay in August BD: Festival returns for a two-day takeover in the city centre on 25 and 26 July Shadmanny, a festival celebrating South Asian wedding culture, takes place on 10 August Films such as Everybody Talks About Jamie and Sexy Beast will be at the open-air cinema at Ilkley Lido Numerous performances, including those by the likes of Bill Bailey, Rob Brydon and Jo Whiley, will take place at the new Bradford Live venue Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North. 'I'm visiting Bradford for City of Culture and I'm blown away' Line-up announced for BD: Festival 2025 Statues come to life in City of Culture parade 'Landmark' tower unveiling for Bradford sculptor City of Culture unveils projects to improve health Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture

Angélique Kidjo Joins Hollywood Walk Of Fame As First Black African Musician
Angélique Kidjo Joins Hollywood Walk Of Fame As First Black African Musician

Forbes

time05-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Forbes

Angélique Kidjo Joins Hollywood Walk Of Fame As First Black African Musician

GLASGOW, UNITED KINGDOM - JANUARY 17: Angelique Kidjo performs on stage at Celtic Connections ... More Festival at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall on January 17, 2015 in Glasgow, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ross Gilmore/Redferns via Getty Images) The African diaspora and admirers of the cultural potency that stems from the socioculture are celebrating the latest accolade granted unto legendary Afroworld fusion artist, Angélique Kidjo. On Wednesday, July 2, the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce held a live press conference with Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Steven Nissen and actor Eugenio Derbez and radio personality Richard Blade, also Walk of Famers, announcing the honorees encompassing the 2026 Class of Walk of Famers. Blade announced Kidjo's honor which deemed her as Africa's 'premiere diva,' which is moreover alluding to her Mama Africa aesthetic. Kidjo's coming into the Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2026 stands as a historic moment, making Kidjo the first African artist to receive a star on the acclaimed California cement. Kidjo is receiving the honor as part of the Recording category where she joins the legendary gospel group The Clark Sisters, iconic hip-hop Cleveland collective Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Afro Brazilian percussionist Paulinho da Costa, Miley Cyrus, Zapata Mexican band Grupo Intocable, legendary Australian soft-rock Air Supply, Josh Groban, and Grammy award winning country artist and actor Lyle Lovett. Angélique Kidjo's four-decade career has been marked by an unapologetic grace and global acclaim, with her 2025 Grammy nomination standing as a testament to the enduring success of authentic African artistry in the professional music world. During our exclusive interview at Carnegie Hall last year, Kidjo reflected on her remarkable journey and shared, "Music gave me the strength to talk about anything. My music is steeped in the story of resilience, love, and what you can accomplish with very little." Her words resonated deeply, encapsulating the essence of her four-decade-long career that has seamlessly blended African traditions with global influences. NEW YORK, NY - August 12: MANDATORY CREDITAngélique Kidjo performing on ... More August 12th, 1996 in New York City. (Photo by) With roots in Benin through her Nigerian mother and Beninese father, Kidjo's impact transcends her celebrated music and distinctive Mama Africa persona. She has become a bridge between generations, uplifting rising and seasoned African artists alike. Over the course of her remarkable 40-year career, Kidjo has earned 15 Grammy nominations, securing six wins along the way. In 1995, she received her first Grammy nomination for 'Agolo,' which was recognized in the Best Music Video category. The visual is heralded for its vibrant celebration of Benin culture featuring showcases of Fá deities, costumes adorned with ileke beads, Yoruba-style gele headwraps, and mesmerizing dance routines inspired by the Fon cultural dance, Zinli. The 'Wombo Lombo' songstress swiftly solidified her place on the music globe with subsequent nods for her sixth album Oremi in 1999 and following album, Black Ivory Soul, her 7th in 2003. Her first Grammy win came in 2007 for Best Contemporary World Music Album with Djin Djin, her ninth studio release. The album featured a groundbreaking fusion of African rhythms and Western influences, exemplified by her collaboration with Alicia Keys on the title track. She went on to win Best World Music Album for Eve in 2014, Sings in 2015, and Celia in 2019 and 2020. Most recently, she clinched the Best Global Music Album award for Mother Nature in 2022. Beyond her wins, Kidjo's collaborations with icons like Burna Boy, Yo-Yo Ma, and the Soweto Gospel Choir have also earned her Grammy nods, reflecting her unparalleled ability to bridge generations and cultures through music. In the early 1980s, Angélique Kidjo found herself at a crossroads, grappling with the oppressive political regime in her homeland of Benin. After releasing her debut album, Pretty, in 1981—a project that gained traction across West Africa thanks to Cameroonian producer, Ekambi Brilliant—Kidjo began touring the region. Beninese Jazz musician Lionel Loueke (left) plays guitar as he performs onstage, with his trio, at ... More Carnegie Hall's Zankel Hall, New York, New York, December 13, 2019. Pictured with Loueke are trio-member, Swedish-Italian-American musician Massimo Biolcati (in grey), on upright acoustic bass, and special guest, Beninese Jazz and World Music singer Angelique Kidjo. (Photo by) Speaking with Kidjo during her Carnegie Hall stint last year, she recalled, "I did my first album in 1981. And it becomes a success because the producer was from Cameroon, so I went to Cameroon to do a show. And I started touring in the region." However, her growing prominence couldn't shield her from the pressures of censorship. Musicians were expected to toe the line of propaganda, a reality her father had warned her about: "When you're an artist, you cannot be affiliated with any political party because they come, and they go. Don't be involved." Kidjo's 40-year career and counting proves that African authenticity can lead to sustained success in the music industry—cementing her Mama Africa persona.

Angélique Kidjo becomes first black African selected to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star
Angélique Kidjo becomes first black African selected to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star

News24

time04-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • News24

Angélique Kidjo becomes first black African selected to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star

Benin-born musician Angélique Kidjo has become the first black African selected to get a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Kidjo is a widely celebrated musician; she has won five Grammy awards and received critical praise for her studio albums, such as her cover of Talking Heads' Remain in Light. On Wednesday, the 64-year-old singer was one of the 35 stars announced to receive a star. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the other names include Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Emily Blunt, Rachel McAdams, Gordon Ramsey, Rami Malek and Stanley Tucci. Kidjo published her full-length debut in 1981 and since then has released more than 15 albums. Her music has been influenced by a range of sounds, including Fon music, pop, Afro-funk, jazz and R&B. She was raised in Benin but moved to Paris in 1983. South African actor Charlize Theron previously received a star in 2005 and was also the first South African to win an Oscar for Best Actress. The Hollywood Walk of Fame has more than 2700 stars. The date when Kidjo's star will be installed has not been announced yet. A Walk of Fame star selection comes with an $85 000 sponsorship fee, which pays for the creation, installation, and maintenance of the star.

Tributes pour in for Hollywood actor Michael Madsen
Tributes pour in for Hollywood actor Michael Madsen

France 24

time04-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • France 24

Tributes pour in for Hollywood actor Michael Madsen

Culture Editor Eve Jackson looks back on the career of the prolific star Michael Madsen, best known for his roles in Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs", "Kill Bill: Vol. 2", "The Hateful Eight" and "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood". The American actor died suddenly on Thursday at the age of 67. Eve also covers the long-awaited Oasis reunion tour kicking off this Friday and celebrates musical icon Angélique Kidjo, who has become the first Black African singer to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

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