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Sabrina Carpenter Summer 2.0 Commences With New Single ‘Manchild': Stream It Now
Sabrina Carpenter Summer 2.0 Commences With New Single ‘Manchild': Stream It Now

Yahoo

time11-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Sabrina Carpenter Summer 2.0 Commences With New Single ‘Manchild': Stream It Now

Sabrina Carpenter's new song 'Manchild' is here, kicking off what could very well be another summer of dominance for the pop star. Following the success of hits such as 'Espresso,' 'Please Please Please' and 'Taste' on the charts last year, the pop star returned Thursday night (June 5) with a track that pokes fun at an incapable male partner. Carpenter first teased 'Manchild' a couple of days prior to its release, posting roadside billboards along Interstate 69 that read 'Hey men!' and 'I swear they choose me, I'm not choosing them.' More from Billboard Sabrina Carpenter, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa & More Sign Open Letter for LGBTQ+ Suicide Prevention Queens of the Stone Age Couldn't 'Over-Rehearse' for Paris Catacombs Concert Film: 'You Go Down There & All the Plans Are Off' Billboard & Global Venture Partners Launch Billboard Africa 'This one's about you!!' the Grammy winner wrote pointedly on Instagram as she officially announced the song Tuesday. Carpenter revealed that 'Manchild' will be accompanied by a music video dropping Friday at 10 a.m. ET. In a teaser, the musician abruptly falls out of a moving car as it barrels down a dusty road, seemingly pushed out of the vehicle by its male driver. 'STUPID, SLOW, USELESS — BUT THERE'S A CUTER WORD FOR IT, I KNOW,' reads fine print at the bottom of the frame. 'Manchild' marks Carpenter's first new music since '15 Minutes,' 'Couldn't Make It Any Harder,' 'Busy Woman' and 'Bad Reviews' dropped in February as bonus songs on her Short n' Sweet deluxe album. The original LP dropped last August at the high point of a breakthrough summer for the star, spending four weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Carpenter has since been touring in support of the album, kicking off her Short n' Sweet arena tour in September with a North American leg. This spring, she traveled across Europe on a run of dates that will pick back up with two performances at London's Hyde Park in July. Listen to 'Manchild' below. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart

Billboard launches Billboard Africa, a game-changer for the continent's music industry
Billboard launches Billboard Africa, a game-changer for the continent's music industry

TimesLIVE

time10-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • TimesLIVE

Billboard launches Billboard Africa, a game-changer for the continent's music industry

In a landmark move that underscores the global rise of African music, Billboard announced the launch of Billboard Africa during its inaugural Global Power Players event in London. The new chapter signals a bold expansion by the iconic music authority, with a mission to spotlight, celebrate and elevate the African music scene on a global stage. In collaboration with Global Venture Partners, Billboard Africa promises to be more than a regional offshoot. It will serve as a powerhouse platform, delivering a robust lineup of editorial content, real-time music charts, exclusive videos and interviews, breaking news and bespoke events all centered around Africa's rich and diverse musical tapestry. 'African music has evolved into a dynamic force with a rich cultural heritage and an undeniable impact on the world,' said Mike Van, president of Billboard. 'The new platform enables us to create meaningful opportunities for African artists to connect with a global audience, elevating their talent to unprecedented levels.' From the rhythmic heartbeats of Afrobeats and amapiano to the soulful echoes of Afro-jazz and hip-hop, Billboard Africa is poised to be the ultimate stage for the continent's best and brightest. With a dedicated team and local collaborations, the platform aims to highlight chart-topping artists, emerging talent and the stories behind the sound. 'We are thrilled to launch Billboard Africa, a pivotal step in recognisng Africa's profound contributions to global music culture,' said Josh Wilson, MD at Global Venture Partners. 'African music is a driving force that continues to reshape global music trends.' More than only recognition, the initiative is about building infrastructure. Brandon Martin, CEO of Global Venture Partners, emphasised the long-term vision: 'We're not only raising visibility for artists but laying the groundwork for an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. Billboard Africa is about amplifying potential and encouraging investment in the continent's creative economy.' At the helm of the ambitious rollout is Nkosiyati Khumalo, editor-in-chief of Billboard Africa, who brings a deep understanding of African culture and storytelling. 'Bringing Billboard's thought leadership home to Africa, and sharing more African stories with the world, is an immense honor,' said Nkosiyati. 'This is about supporting the diverse artists and professionals who drive African music forward.' From curated events to awards shows, artist spotlights to industry insights, Billboard Africa is setting the stage for a cultural and economic renaissance. As the world tunes in, the continent's musicians are ready to turn up the volume.

Lorde Says This NSFW ‘Virgin' Song ‘Destroys' Her: ‘I Can't Even Really Listen to It'
Lorde Says This NSFW ‘Virgin' Song ‘Destroys' Her: ‘I Can't Even Really Listen to It'

Yahoo

time05-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Lorde Says This NSFW ‘Virgin' Song ‘Destroys' Her: ‘I Can't Even Really Listen to It'

Lorde revealed in a new interview that she has multiple favorite songs from her upcoming album, Virgin. But on the other side of the coin, there's one that she can't even listen to because of how raw it is — and it's about a pretty NSFW topic. Speaking to Jake Shane on an episode of his Therapuss podcast posted Wednesday (June 4), the New Zealand native shared that track seven — which is named after a popular pregnancy test brand — is particularly emotional for her. 'There's a song that I love so much called 'Clearblue' that is about unprotected sex,' she began, laughing. More from Billboard Everything We Know About Lorde's 'Virgin' So Far Queens of the Stone Age Couldn't 'Over-Rehearse' for Paris Catacombs Concert Film: 'You Go Down There & All the Plans Are Off' Billboard & Global Venture Partners Launch Billboard Africa 'And just the experience of taking a pregnancy test, and like, this flood of emotions that goes through your body,' she continued, noting that the track is one of several 'slammers' on the album. 'Whatever you want to say — it's such a moment.' 'That whole song just destroys me,' Lorde added. 'I can't even really listen to it.' According to the pop star, 'Clearblue' is one of several songs on Virgin that features sexual content, despite the album's contradicting name. She explained to Shane of the title, 'It speaks to a sort of purity, but the album is quite sexual, so it wasn't sexual purity … virgin steel, virgin hair, all of these things that denote purity, but I'm also kind of always trying to take me to my teen self.' Arriving June 27, Virgin will mark Lorde's first album in four years. In the weeks leading up to its release, she's been open about how the confluence of stopping birth control, recovering from disordered eating habits and embracing her gender fluidity have shaped the project's direction. The album's subject matter and percussive, electric sound are expected to mark a distinct shift from the Grammy winner's last project, Solar Power, which peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200. That LP found Lorde singing about her gravitation toward a more peaceful, unplugged lifestyle after years of living the pop-star life following the successes of 2013 debut album Pure Heroine and 2017 follow-up Melodrama. But on Therapuss, she revealed that the concept of Solar Power doesn't really resonate with who she is today. 'I love Solar Power so much, and I truly needed to make it,' she told Shane. 'I wouldn't be here with another album if I hadn't made Solar Power, but I think it showed me that you sort of just have no choice but to be what you're supposed to be. Me sort of disappearing and being all wafty and on the beach, I was just like, 'Actually, I don't think this is me.' I just am this person that's meant to make bangers that f–k us all up … I love to vibe out. That is me to my core.' Watch Lorde's full Therapuss interview above. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart

Billboard & Global Venture Partners Launch Billboard Africa
Billboard & Global Venture Partners Launch Billboard Africa

Yahoo

time05-06-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Billboard & Global Venture Partners Launch Billboard Africa

Billboard has partnered with Global Venture Partners, a Dubai-based venture capital firm focused on fostering economic growth across Africa and the Middle East, to launch Billboard Africa. Billboard editorial director Hannah Karp first announced the news at our inaugural Global Power Players event at Shoreditch House in east London Wednesday night (June 4), while introducing incoming Billboard Africa editor Nkosiyati 'Yati' Khumalo, who presented Tems with the Diamond Award. More from Billboard Tems, Elton John & EMPIRE's Ghazi Honored at Billboard's Inaugural Global Power Players Event Queens of the Stone Age Couldn't 'Over-Rehearse' for Paris Catacombs Concert Film: 'You Go Down There & All the Plans Are Off' Here's What Fans Think of SiR Claiming Drake Had His 2024 Toronto Show Canceled 'At Billboard, we are committed to amplifying the voices of exceptional artists and sharing the stories that shape the global music landscape,' said Mike Van, CEO of Billboard. 'Billboard Africa is a pivotal step in this journey, as African music has evolved into a dynamic force with a rich cultural heritage and an undeniable impact on the world. This new platform enables us to create meaningful opportunities for African artists to connect with a global audience, elevating their talent to unprecedented levels.' Billboard Africa will be the leading hub for African music and culture featuring editorial content, charts, breaking news, videos, interviews and exclusive events, uniting artists and fans in a global celebration of the unique sounds coming out of the continent. Billboard's expansion in Africa aims to deliver both cultural and economic impact, recognizing the top artists, songs and albums from the continent while driving growth within the local music economy. 'Our investment in Billboard Africa is not just about creating a new platform; it's about recognizing and amplifying the untapped potential of the African music industry,' said Brandon Martin, CEO of Global Venture Partners. 'Africa has long been a cultural powerhouse, with music at the heart of that influence. Through Billboard Africa, we're not only raising visibility for artists but laying the groundwork for an infrastructure that supports sustainable growth. We hope this venture encourages more members of the African diaspora to see the incredible opportunities on the continent and invest in its future. By working together, we can build a vibrant ecosystem where African talent thrives, strengthens local economies and reaches every corner of the globe.' Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart

11 Trailblazing Achievements by African Artists
11 Trailblazing Achievements by African Artists

Yahoo

time05-06-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

11 Trailblazing Achievements by African Artists

Billboard is continuing to expand its global footprint with the launch of Billboard Africa, which was announced Wednesday night (June 4) at our inaugural Global Power Players event in London. More from Billboard Billboard & Global Venture Partners Launch Billboard Africa African Fresh Picks: Ayra Starr x Wizkid, Ayox x Qing Madi, Darkoo, Olamide, Seyi Vibez & More From Travis Scott to Pacers Star Pascal Siakam, Rising 'Afro Pluto' Star Shallipopi is in Everybody's Orbit In partnership with Global Venture Partners, Billboard Africa will continue Billboard's commitment to highlighting major developments within the African music industry and embracing the continent's diverse voices and rich stories through events, awards and exclusive multimedia content. The platform aims to become the leading hub for African music and culture, strengthening ties between artists and fans as well as the local music economy. 'We are thrilled to launch Billboard Africa, a pivotal step in recognizing Africa's profound contributions to global music culture,' said Josh Wilson, managing director at Global Venture Partners. 'African music is not only rich and diverse but a driving force that continues to reshape global music trends. Billboard Africa will create a space where these voices are amplified, where artists connect with new audiences, and where fans and industry professionals alike can witness the full impact of Africa's creative energy.' In honor of Billboard Africa launching, we're celebrating 11 African artists' trailblazing efforts in the global music scene. While Rema's 'Calm Down,' featuring Selena Gomez on the remix, became the first African artist-led song to hit one billion Spotify streams, he's not the only African artist in Spotify's Billions Club. Wizkid was the first African member and also one of the first members ever when Drake's 'One Dance,' also featuring Kyla, became the very first song to hit one billion streams on the streaming service in 2016. And while Wiz is also the first Nigerian artist to have a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with the same song in 2016, South African jazz legend Hugh Masekela became the first African artist to top the all-genre songs tally nearly 50 years earlier with 'Grazing in the Grass.' CKay also landed a historic No. 1 on a Billboard chart that was brand new at the time: the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart that we launched in partnership with Afro Nation in 2022, which ranks the 50 most popular Afrobeats songs in the country. Like Masekela, many African acts have paved the way for others to achieve historic firsts in their own right. Miriam Makeba, also known as 'Mama Africa,' was the first African artist to win a Grammy in 1966, and almost 60 years later, Tyla won the first Grammy in the best African music performance category that the Recording Academy introduced in 2024. And Tems, who won her second Grammy in that category earlier this year with 'Love Me JeJe,' made history in a whole different field when she became the first African-born woman to own a Major League Soccer team when she joined the San Diego FC ownership group as a club partner. From the 1960s to the 2020s, take a look back at more of the historic firsts African artists have accomplished. Miriam Makeba became the first African artist to win a Grammy in March 1966, taking home the trophy for best folk recording with her and her mentor Harry Belafonte's 1965 album An Evening with Belafonte/Makeba. Her 1965 solo album Makeba Sings! was also nominated in the same category. Hugh Masekela became the first African artist to have a No. 1 hit on the Hot 100 with 'Grazing in the Grass' in July 1968. It spent two consecutive weeks at the top. The song also reached No. 15 on Adult Contemporary and spent four weeks at No. 1 on Hot Rhythm & Blues Singles. CKay's 'Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)' became the first No. 1 hit on Billboard's U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart in March 2022. It eventually finished at No. 3 on Billboard's 2022 year-end tally. 'To be honest… it was overlooked. No one took it seriously because it wasn't a fast song,' he said in his 2021 Billboard Chartbreaker interview. The song also reached No. 26 on the Hot 100 and No. 2 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Global Excl. U.S. charts while also topping Rhythmic Airplay, Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay and Top Triller U.S. Davido became the first African artist to perform at the FIFA World Cup outside of Africa in December 2022. He performed 'Hayya Hayya (Better Together)' alongside American singer-songwriter Trinidad Cardona and Qatari singer-songwriter Aisha, which was featured on the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Soundtrack, during the closing ceremony at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar. Uncle Waffles became the first amapiano act to perform at Coachella in April 2023. 'The sound deserves to be on stages this big,' she told Billboard before her set. She returned to the desert earlier this year to perform at REVOLVE Festival. 'I'm so excited to be bringing the sound to the world. I know a lot of people, they probably won't know what amapiano is, but I'm excited to be their first experience. I hope everyone loves it after they get to see me,' she told Billboard. Burna Boy became the first Nigerian artist to headline and sell out a U.S. stadium during his show at NYC's Citi Field in July 2023. The historic stop was part of his Love, Damini world tour and fell on the first anniversary of his album Love, Damini, which peaked at No. 2 on World Albums and earned a 2023 Grammy nomination for best global music album. The previous April, he became the first Nigerian artist to headline and sell out NYC's Madison Square Garden. 'It's like I'm better at [performing] than making music. And that says a lot because I'm really good at making music,' he said in his 2022 Billboard cover story. 'You see how with Christ, there's B.C. and A.D.? I feel like that's how it is for me with performing. There's going to be a 'Before Burna Came' and 'After Burna's Death' time period in the performing arts world. That's my legacy.' Rema's 'Calm Down,' featuring Selena Gomez, became the first African-artist led song to hit one billion Spotify streams in September 2023. 'It's a blessing. It's not just a big win for me, my team and family, it's also a big one for the culture. I feel really happy and I'm really proud of the fans as well for going back to the song and putting people on the song. Shout out to the DJs and everyone who made this possible,' he said in a press statement. The song also reached No. 3 on the Hot 100 and hit No. 1 on the following Billboard charts: U.S. Afrobeats Songs (for a record 59 weeks), World Digital Song Sales (32 weeks), Pop Airplay (five weeks), Rhythmic Airplay (four weeks) and Adult Pop Airplay (two weeks). Black Coffee became the first South African DJ to headline and sell out NYC's Madison Square Garden in October 2023. 'It's always been one of my biggest dreams to take this music and sound to the highest level possible and to expose it to the largest audience imaginable and so I've dreamt of my @thegarden debut for many years — it's finally a reality!' he wrote on X while sharing the concert flyer. The previous April, he became the South African DJ/producer to win the Grammy for best dance/electronic album with his 2021 album Subconsciously, which was ranked No. 3 on Billboard staff's best dance albums of 2021 list. Tyla won her first Grammy and the first Grammy in the augural best African music performance category for her 2023 smash 'Water' in February 2024. 'It's something that a lot of people strive toward and want to win at least once in their lifetime. And I'm so blessed to have received one so early in my career,' she said in her Billboard cover story last year. 'That category is something that was introduced in my lifetime, and I was the first person to win it. And I'm able to bring it home back to South Africa. The South African genre of amapiano just started bubbling, and I'm so proud that South Africa has a genre that people are enjoying and paying attention to. I'm super proud of my country and where our sound has gone.' The Hot 100 No. 7 hit also won top Afrobeats song at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards and best Afrobeats video at the MTV Video Music Awards. Tems became the first African-born woman to own an MLS team when she joined the San Diego FC ownership group as a club partner in February 2025. 'I grew up around my uncles and brother watching matches, and because they're so loud, I'm forced to pay attention. I always wondered about being able to be in the business of it because it's a man's world,' she said in her Billboard cover story this year. She works closely with the Right to Dream Academy, a youth association football academy that started in Ghana has a U.S. branch in San Diego. 'That's something that piqued my interest, being able to build other Africans up, build other children up and give them more opportunities that they wouldn't have otherwise seen.' The music video for Aya Nakamura's 2018 hit 'Djadja' became the first video by an African female artist to hit one billion YouTube views in February 2025. Seven years ago, shortly after its release, the song made history in the Netherlands by becoming the first French-language song to hit No. 1 since Édith Piaf's 'Non, je ne regrette rien' in 1961. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart

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