Latest news with #oftheWorld
Daily News Egypt
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily News Egypt
Nancy Ajram: Singing in Morocco has unique magic — ‘Warana Eih' signals new chapter
On a captivating night at the Mawazine Festival – Rhythms of the World, Lebanese pop icon Nancy Ajram lit up the Nahda stage with her signature warmth and beloved voice, reaffirming her enduring place at the heart of the Arab music scene. More than just a singer, Nancy is an artistic phenomenon who carefully crafts each appearance with emotional depth and authenticity. At this year's Mawazine, she delivered an unforgettable performance that blended nostalgic hits with her latest release, 'Warana Eih,' to thunderous applause and heartfelt audience interaction. In this interview, Nancy opens up about her return to Morocco, the magic of the Mawazine crowd, her evolving musical style, and what's next in her artistic journey. Nancy, you returned to the Mawazine Festival after some time away. How did it feel to be back on that stage? My happiness was truly indescribable. I felt like I was returning to a place I hold especially close to my heart. Morocco has always been dear to me, and its audience is known for its refined artistic taste. From the moment I stepped onto the stage, I felt this beautiful, genuine energy. The audience was amazing — warm, enthusiastic, and full of love. It didn't feel like I was putting on a concert; it felt like a heartfelt reunion between me and people who mean so much to me. How did you find the Moroccan audience's interaction with you during the show? The love I received from the audience is the most valuable gift an artist could hope for — it's a true blessing, and I thank God for it. Reaching success is one thing, but staying there is the real challenge. That only happens when your audience supports you and lifts you up with their energy and confidence. At Mawazine, I felt this amazing wave of positivity. The audience sang along with me from the bottom of their hearts. It was a night I'll never forget — one that's now etched into my memory. This wasn't your first time at Mawazine. Did you notice anything different this year? That's true — I've been here before, but this year felt different in the best way. The organisation was outstanding. I've participated in many festivals over the years, but what I saw at this edition of Mawazine was truly impressive. Everything was so well-coordinated and professional. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Mr. Mostapha El Fassi and the entire team for their tremendous efforts. I also felt completely safe, which is something every artist needs to perform comfortably. You performed your new single 'Warana Eih' live at Mawazine. Was that a deliberate choice? Yes, absolutely. I was very intentional about performing 'Warana Eih' at this concert because the song reflects where I am artistically right now. It's full of positive energy and fun vibes, while still remaining true to the musical essence my audience knows me for. I was eager to see how people would react — and thank God, their response was far beyond what I had hoped. The song is still new, but the way they embraced it reassured me that I'm heading in the right direction. The track has a different arrangement than your usual work. Is this the direction your new album is taking as well? Yes, the new album is all about variety and fresh experimentation, while still staying rooted in my own musical identity. People's tastes evolve quickly these days, and the audience is more open than ever to new styles. That's why I wanted to explore different sounds and sing in multiple dialects — Lebanese, Egyptian, and perhaps even Moroccan, if I find the right song that speaks to me. During the concert, you signed a Moroccan national team jersey. Can you tell us about that moment? It was such a lovely and spontaneous gesture. A fan handed me the jersey along with a football, and I signed both with all my heart. It was one of those moments that just comes from a place of love and connection. It symbolised the mutual respect and admiration between me and the Moroccan audience. I'm so proud of what Morocco is achieving — both culturally and athletically — and I was thrilled to be part of that joyous spirit. If you had to sum up your Mawazine experience in one word, what would it be? Love. That one word truly captures everything I feel about Morocco and its people. Mawazine isn't just a music festival — it's a celebration of joy, culture, and artistic exchange. I'm honoured to have been part of it once again. Let's talk about your new album. When will it be released? I've actually finished recording it, but I've chosen to delay the release a bit due to the difficult circumstances currently affecting the Arab region. Usually, I release an album every three or four years, and I want this one to come out at a time when people are in a better place to truly enjoy and connect with it. I'm praying for peace — and when it comes, we'll return to music, joy, and hope. Will you be returning as a coach on the new season of The Voice Kids? Yes, I'll be back on the judging panel, and I'm genuinely excited to meet the next generation of talent from across the Arab world. The show is such a rich human and artistic experience. I love watching the children grow throughout the season and being part of their journeys — it's something I really cherish. You often share photos of your daughters on social media. Aren't you concerned about the evil eye? Not at all. I believe God is the ultimate protector, and I trust in Him completely. I also believe my audience is full of love — they're happy for me and share in my joy sincerely. I like to share simple, real moments from my life as a mother because that's such a core part of who I am. My audience knows how much my family means to me.
New York Post
23-06-2025
- New York Post
Hiker on trip with her dad survives 3 days after falling off ‘Edge of the World'
An Arizona woman fell into a canyon known as the 'Edge of the World' and managed to survive three day in the desert before she was rescued. Janelle Banda, 32, was on a father-daughter camping trip when she went for a walk and took a misstep that dropped her 400 feet into a steep canyon in Sedona, Arizona. For two and a half days, Banda suffered through the heat and cold as her family was 'very much mentally preparing for the worst,' her loved ones told The Arizona Republic. Advertisement Janelle Banda took a misstep and fell into a 400 foot canyon during a hike with her father. But Banda was ultimately saved by the Pima County sheriff's office, which airlifted her by helicopter on June 16. Her sister, Sarah Banda, 29, called the rescue 'nothing short of a miracle,' adding that she has 'an overwhelming amount of relief, joy.' Advertisement The sisters 'always had a love for the outdoors' and were seasoned hikers, but Janelle Banda's latest trip was her first trek at the Edge of the World — a popular beauty spot marked by towering rock formations and treacherous cliffs She and her father started their trip on June 11, Janelle Banda, an Etsy store owner, and her father started their trip on June 11. She then took a short walk away from their campsite on the night of June 12, when she was 'spooked by something' and lost her way in the woods, her sister said. 'If you walk the wrong way, down the wrong path, you could just end up walking and stepping where you shouldn't at the edge of the cliff,' Sarah Banda said. Advertisement Janelle Banda was found alive and rescued days after she disappeared. Coconino County Sheriff's Office via Storyful Janelle Banda made it out with two sprained ankles, cuts, bruising and some scrapes that resembled road burn. She was also extremely dehydrated when she was found. She spent one night in the hospital and is now resting with her parents, Sarah Banda said. 'She can't really move,' said Sarah Banda. 'She's in a lot of pain.' Advertisement 'There's obviously the mental toll of … the trauma of not just falling but being in the canyon alone,' she said. 'That's a different battle that she'll have to deal with.'
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Darts hero Bobby George has own amputated body part in bottle of vodka in home bar
Darts hero Bobby George has own amputated body part in bottle of vodka in home bar Bobby George, who was one of darts' most colourful characters in the 1980s and 1990s, has revealed he keeps one of his amputated toes in a bottle of booze at home Bobby George remains as eccentric as ever (Image: Dave Benett,for Fitzdares ) Darts legend Bobby George has disclosed that he keeps a toe he had amputated in a bottle of vodka. One of the sport's most flamboyant figures during the late 1970s, 80s and 90s, George was renowned for his love of extravagant jewellery, earning him the nickname 'King of Bling'. He reached the final of the BDO World Championship in 1980 and 1984 and clinched the esteemed News of the World title in 1979 and 1986. His success on the exhibition darts circuit also brought him considerable wealth, allowing him to build an 18-bedroom mansion, dubbed George Hall, on land he bought over three decades ago. Stashed amidst his collection of darts memorabilia is one of the four toes he had removed in 1999 due to a hereditary condition. While three were disposed of medically, he was permitted to keep one, which now takes pride of place in a vodka bottle at his bar. In his new autobiography, 'Still Here! The King of Bling', he wrote: "Nobody believes me, or at least they don't, until they see me without my socks on. "Or if they come to my bar in George Hall and see the evidence for themselves. There's some sort of gene in my body that has caused the toes to pop out of their socket and cross over. Article continues below George with 16-time world champion Phil Taylor (Image: Reach plc ) "It got so bad that I couldn't get my shoes on. I couldn't walk without checking my balance each step. It was so painful on some days that if I'd had a sharp enough knife, I would have chopped them off myself. "There was nothing that the medical profession could do, so it became 'Operation Toot-Toot-Tootsie Bye-Bye'." On the peculiar decision to retain one of the toes as a keepsake from the operation, he elaborated: "It didn't hurt and once the deed was done, Phil [the surgeon] showed it to me and I asked him if I could keep it. "Phil presented it to me in a little jar but said that he couldn't give me the proper stuff - formaldehyde, maybe - as it was poisonous. George proudly keeps one of his toes on display in his bar at home (Image: BBC ) Article continues below "But if I used vodka instead, that would preserve it beautifully. So I took it home and popped it in some vodka and now it has a permanent home behind the bar in George Hall. "Whenever anyone comes to the house for a drink, I whip it out and ask them if they want a cocktail or a cocktoe? It's also meant that, over the years, if I've been away from home for any length of time and my wife, Marie, is missing me, she can always suck my toe!" George, 79, remains heavily involved in the game as a pundit, working at World Seniors events in recent years. He previously worked for the BBC on the BDO World Championship.
Daily News Egypt
01-06-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Madinet Masr launches ‘Cities of the World' in UAE to drive regional expansion
Madinet Masr, one of Egypt's leading real estate developers, has announced the establishment of a wholly owned subsidiary in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under the name 'Cities of the World.' The new entity will serve as the company's regional arm, responsible for managing all Madinet Masr projects outside Egypt. This strategic move marks a major step in the company's broader expansion plan, aimed at strengthening its presence across the region and tapping into new real estate markets. Through 'Cities of the World,' Madinet Masr seeks to export its proven development model and contribute to shaping sustainable, modern communities throughout the Middle East and beyond. Abdallah Sallam, President and CEO of Madinet Masr, commented: 'The launch of 'Cities of the World' is a key milestone in executing our vision for regional growth. It reflects our commitment to extending Madinet Masr's legacy beyond Egypt's borders and positioning ourselves as a leading player in the wider real estate landscape. We believe this step will unlock high-potential markets and create new opportunities aligned with our long-term goals.' As part of the announcement, Madinet Masr revealed its intention to appoint Mohamed Lashien, the company's Senior Vice President of Product Development, as Managing Director of 'Cities of the World' upon its official establishment. The decision highlights Lashien's extensive experience and successful track record in leading several of Madinet Masr's landmark developments. The move underscores Madinet Masr's ambition to evolve into a regional powerhouse while staying true to its core values and legacy. With over 60 years of history in Egypt's real estate market, the company continues to build on its foundation of quality, innovation, and community-focused development.
Alalam24
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Alalam24
Mawazine Turns 20.. A Moroccan Masterpiece of Music, Culture, and World-Class Organisation
As the curtain rises on the 2025 edition of Mawazine – Rhythms of the World, anticipation is reaching new heights across cultural circles. This year's festival doesn't merely mark two decades of existence; it redefines them, positioning Mawazine as not only a musical spectacle, but a global cultural institution that reflects Morocco's vibrant identity and its enduring openness to the world. According to exclusive insights obtained by Le Journal Alalam 24, the 20th anniversary edition—set to unfold from June 20 to 28 in Rabat—promises to be the most ambitious yet. Organisers are aiming higher than ever, assembling a formidable lineup of international superstars, iconic regional voices, and emerging Moroccan talent. Each element is carefully curated to deliver an unprecedented sonic journey across continents and genres. This landmark edition is being framed as both a tribute to Mawazine's rich history and a leap into its future. After two decades of exponential growth, the festival is being revitalised as a platform not just for performance, but for cultural storytelling on a global scale. Sources close to the organising committee report a massive mobilisation of resources to deliver a production that meets—and in many aspects surpasses—international festival standards. Stages will feature cutting-edge audio, lighting, and immersive technologies designed to elevate every performance into a full sensory experience. A robust media and communications strategy is also in motion, ensuring the festival resonates beyond Morocco's borders through comprehensive local and international coverage. The artistic program, set to be officially revealed in the coming weeks, is being hailed as the most eclectic in Mawazine's history. Festivalgoers can expect a sonic tapestry that spans pop, Latin, raï, Afrobeat, rap, hip-hop, classical, and Moroccan folklore—including the deep, trance-like rhythms of the Rif. This diversity is no accident. Mawazine's artistic philosophy has always rested on the belief that music is a universal language—capable of bridging cultures, fostering dialogue, and offering a shared emotional space in an increasingly divided world. But this year, the experience goes beyond the music. Organisers are implementing major upgrades to infrastructure and audience services, including expanded venues, streamlined accessibility, enhanced safety protocols, and the launch of an intuitive mobile app that allows users to navigate the schedule, locate stages, and book tickets in real time. In an era marked by social fractures and geopolitical tension, Mawazine is once again offering something radical: a vision of global unity through cultural exchange. From the heart of Rabat, the festival is set to broadcast Morocco's message of connection, tolerance, and artistic excellence to the world. Mawazine 2025 is not just a celebration—it is a statement. One that echoes far beyond the stage.
