Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • Galeries Lafayette Dubai celebrates Ramadan with a curated market, designers’ pop-ups

    Galeries Lafayette Dubai celebrates Ramadan with a curated market, designers’ pop-ups

    Galeries Lafayette Dubai has inaugurated an exclusive Ramadan Market, transforming its retail space into a comprehensive cultural destination for the Holy Month. This meticulously curated seasonal experience combines contemporary design with traditional elements, offering visitors a unique blend of shopping and cultural immersion.

    The centerpiece of the celebration is the Ramadan Market, featuring an extensive collection of lifestyle products, artisanal jewelry, home décor, and specialty foods specifically selected for Ramadan and Eid festivities. The market serves as a one-stop destination for seasonal essentials, masterfully integrating modern creative expressions with cultural heritage.

    Enhancing the experiential dimension, the establishment will host rotating cultural activations every Friday and Saturday throughout Ramadan. These weekly events will include live oud performances, traditional henna artistry, Arabic calligraphy demonstrations, and various interactive cultural experiences designed to create a dynamic atmosphere.

    The fashion component showcases a dedicated pop-up space highlighting emerging regional designers including Arad Ghaderian, By Febe, Dalia Al Azem, and Roula Bahnam. Their collections feature modern interpretations of traditional attire, including contemporary kaftans, abayas, and modest wear designed for Ramadan occasions. International luxury brands such as Alice + Olivia, Bouguessa, and Forte Forte complement this offering with sophisticated seasonal collections.

    The beauty department has launched a specialized seasonal focus with premium fragrance and grooming collections from prestigious houses including Guerlain, Amouage, and Creed. Curated gift sets and limited-edition products position beauty as a central gifting category for the season.

    For home entertainment, Galeries Lafayette presents a selection of artisanal tableware and decorative items from regional designers like Sisal and Tohfa Luxe, alongside international brands TANAGRA and Villeroy & Boch. These collections feature culturally inspired pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern design aesthetics, ideal for Ramadan hosting and celebrations.

    The comprehensive Ramadan experience will remain available throughout the Holy Month, offering visitors cultural engagement alongside premium shopping opportunities.

  • ‘She’s done a great job’ – Donald Trump praises Melania’s film

    ‘She’s done a great job’ – Donald Trump praises Melania’s film

    President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump made a striking appearance on the black carpet for the world premiere of a new documentary centered on the First Lady. The event showcased a rare public display of mutual admiration between the presidential couple, with President Trump openly commending his wife’s work. “She’s done a great job,” the President stated, highlighting his support for the project that offers an intimate portrayal of Melania Trump’s journey and initiatives. The premiere attracted significant media attention, serving as a high-profile platform for the First Lady’s independent ventures beyond traditional political spheres. The documentary is anticipated to provide viewers with unprecedented insights into her personal narrative and philanthropic efforts during her time in the White House.

  • A friendship built through music and travel between China and the Philadelphia Orchestra

    A friendship built through music and travel between China and the Philadelphia Orchestra

    For over half a century, the Philadelphia Orchestra has served as a remarkable cultural ambassador between the United States and China, weaving a tapestry of cross-cultural friendship through the universal language of music. This enduring relationship reached another celebratory milestone as the orchestra partnered with China’s National Tourist Office in New York to present a special Lunar New Year concert alongside tourism promotions, transforming Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts into a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture.

    The event coincided with an evocative photographic exhibition titled ‘On the Road in China — China and the Philadelphia Orchestra,’ featuring archival images documenting the orchestra’s historic tours across China. These visual narratives captured both memorable performances and intimate glimpses of Chinese cities, cultural landscapes, and daily life, tracing a journey that began in 1973 when the ensemble became the first American orchestra to perform in China.

    Audience member Eddie McKeown, a regular concertgoer, expressed his appreciation for the festive atmosphere, noting: ‘I showed up in a little bit of red myself. It’s always wonderful to see the hall decorated, and I feel like it adds to the festive nature of the concert.’

    The orchestra’s veteran violinist Davyd Booth, who has traveled to China approximately fifteen times since the inaugural visit, emphasized the growing importance of cultural exchange. ‘The world has gotten smaller and closer,’ Booth reflected, ‘and yet the tangibles of music and making sound have gotten even larger because of being able to share so much.’ He described feeling ‘fortunate’ to have witnessed China’s remarkable development and changes firsthand while performing across numerous Chinese cities.

    This ongoing musical diplomacy continues to strengthen people-to-people connections, with plans already underway for the orchestra’s next visit to China in November, further solidifying a friendship that has flourished through decades of artistic exchange and mutual appreciation.

  • Music legend Fela Kuti becomes first African to get Grammys Lifetime Achievement Award

    Music legend Fela Kuti becomes first African to get Grammys Lifetime Achievement Award

    In a landmark recognition of African musical excellence, the Recording Academy will posthumously honor Nigerian icon Fela Kuti with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award—marking the first time an African artist receives this prestigious accolade. The announcement comes nearly three decades after the Afrobeat creator’s death in 1997, signaling a transformative moment in the global music industry’s engagement with African artistry.

    Fela Kuti’s musical legacy, characterized by its fusion of West African rhythms, jazz, and politically charged lyricism, has experienced a global resurgence through the contemporary Afrobeats movement. His son, musician Seun Kuti, described the recognition as “a double victory” that brings “balance to the Fela story.” Longtime manager Rikki Stein echoed this sentiment, noting that while “Africa hasn’t in the past rated very highly in their interests,” the Grammys’ evolving perspective reflects meaningful progress.

    The honor arrives alongside the Grammys’ introduction of the Best African Music Performance category in 2024, acknowledging the genre’s explosive global popularity. Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, whose work carries clear influences of Fela’s pioneering sound, also receives a nomination in the Best Global Music Album category this year.

    Beyond his musical innovations, Fela Kuti emerges as a figure of profound cultural and political significance. His performances at Lagos’ legendary Afrika Shrine blended musical spectacle with political rally and spiritual ceremony, creating immersive experiences where “nobody applauded” because “the audience wasn’t separate—they were part of it,” according to Stein.

    Fela’s activism came at tremendous personal cost. His 1977 album “Zombie,” which satirized Nigeria’s military regime, triggered a violent raid on his Kalakuta Republic compound that resulted in his mother’s death from sustained injuries. Rather than retreat, Fela transformed his grief into protest, delivering her coffin to government offices and releasing the incendiary “Coffin for Head of State.”

    His musical evolution was shaped by West African cultural exchange, particularly Ghana’s highlife tradition. Artists like E.T. Mensah and Ebo Taylor provided the melodic foundation that Fela would fuse with jazz, funk, and Yoruba rhythms to create Afrobeat’s distinctive sound.

    Today, Fela’s influence resonates through artists from Burna Boy to Kendrick Lamar and Idris Elba, who recently curated a vinyl box set of Fela’s work. Elba has compared his unique artistry to icons like Sade and Frank Sinatra while emphasizing its irreducible originality.

    The award ceremony will see Fela’s family, friends, and collaborators accepting the honor on his behalf—not merely as a personal tribute but as recognition of what Seun Kuti describes as a broader human tapestry: “The global human tapestry needs this, not just because it’s my father.”

  • Ted Lasso Season 4: Jason Sudeikis returns as the beloved coach in summer 2026

    Ted Lasso Season 4: Jason Sudeikis returns as the beloved coach in summer 2026

    Apple TV+ has officially announced the summer 2026 premiere of the highly anticipated fourth season of its Emmy-winning comedy series ‘Ted Lasso,’ with star and executive producer Jason Sudeikis returning as the beloved American football coach. The streaming platform released exclusive first-look images revealing the new narrative direction for the acclaimed series.

    The upcoming season will follow Ted Lasso’s return to Richmond, where he faces his most challenging coaching assignment yet: leading a second-division women’s football team. Production images showcase Sudeikis alongside returning cast member Brendan Hunt as Coach Beard, joined by new addition Tanya Reynolds as a fresh-faced assistant coach.

    Significant casting changes include Grant Feely assuming the role of Ted’s son Henry, following a recasting decision prior to production. Authentic scenes captured at Mae Green’s iconic Crown & Anchor pub in London depict heartfelt moments between father and son.

    Narrative continuity will bridge the geographical divide between Kansas, where Season 3 concluded with Ted’s homecoming, and his subsequent return to London accompanied by Henry. Initial filming commenced in July throughout Kansas City, Sudeikis’ hometown, adding authentic Midwestern backdrop to the series’ signature transatlantic charm.

    The series continues to blend heartfelt storytelling with comedic excellence, maintaining its reputation for character-driven narratives that explore themes of personal growth, cultural adaptation, and the universal language of sportsmanship.

  • The stars and styles from Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

    The stars and styles from Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

    Paris Haute Couture Week Spring/Summer 2026 transformed the French capital into an epicenter of sartorial innovation, where legendary fashion houses unveiled visionary new directions under fresh creative leadership. The exclusive four-day event, featuring only 13 select houses, became a stage for both debut collections and poignant tributes, witnessed by front rows filled with international celebrities including Dua Lipa, Nicole Kidman, Rihanna, and the Beckhams.

    Chanel’s newly appointed chief designer Matthieu Blazy presented his highly anticipated debut collection within the glass-domed Grand Palais, transformed into an enchanted forest with pink weeping willows and oversized toadstools. The Franco-Belgian designer embarked on a conceptual journey to ‘probe and explore the heart of Chanel,’ deliberately stripping away iconic signatures like tweed and jeweled buttons. Instead, Blazy introduced innovative fabrics and treatments while establishing feathers as a unifying motif throughout the collection. His show notes revealed avian inspiration ranging from common pigeons to rare roseate spoonbills, creating what he described as magical appearances of ‘all kinds of birds.’

    Simultaneously, Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson made his couture debut for Dior with an equally nature-inspired presentation at the Rodin Museum. Anderson confronted the intimidation of working against ‘people who are in the history books’ by rejecting formulaic approaches, stating ‘My Dior is never going to be a formula, because my brain doesn’t work like that.’ His collection featured floaty silhouettes under a canopy of flowers, with models navigating a mirrored runway while wearing floral earrings and carrying nature-themed accessories including a ladybird-shaped bag and a clutch sprouting artificial grass. The palette centered on monochrome designs punctuated by bursts of orange, ice blue, and pink.

    The week also featured emotionally significant moments, including Armani Privé’s first presentation since the passing of founder Giorgio Armani. Overseen by his niece Silvana, the collection maintained classic Armani aesthetics with ‘a touch of originality’ through dreamy pastels in mint green and baby pink, featuring bejewelled satin trouser suits and sparkling evening gowns.

    Valentino presented a particularly bold collection just days after the death of its founder, Valentino Garavani. Creative director Alessandro Michele created a high-concept experience where guests observed designs through a ‘kaiserpanorama’ viewing station, peeking into an alternative universe featuring signature batwing gowns in the house’s iconic red from sixty years prior. The collection emphasized lace, feathers, and embellishments with models styled as showgirls.

    Lebanese designer Elie Saab returned to his roots with ‘Golden Summer Nights of ’71,’ offering warmth against the Parisian chill through a palette of blush pinks, bronzes, and desert tones. The maximalist presentation featured excessive beading, ball gowns, and metallic fabrics reflecting Saab’s Beirut heritage.

    The event also recognized fashion contributions through ceremonies, including Victoria Beckham being awarded Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters, attended by three of her children and Anna Wintour. Throughout the week, the Vogue global editorial director joined celebrities including Tilda Swinton and John Galliano on front rows, observing how new creative voices are redefining fashion’s most prestigious houses while honoring their legacies.

  • Arijit Singh’s exit is not the end of an era, says Shreya Ghosal

    Arijit Singh’s exit is not the end of an era, says Shreya Ghosal

    The Indian music industry was stirred this week by playback singing phenomenon Arijit Singh’s announcement of his departure from professional singing commitments. His decision, shared via Instagram, resonated deeply with millions who have considered his voice the defining soundtrack of contemporary Bollywood narratives, accompanying countless moments of romance, heartbreak, and daily life.

    Rather than viewing this as a conclusion, celebrated collaborator and fellow singing icon Shreya Ghoshal framed the move as the commencement of an exciting new artistic phase. Responding directly to Singh’s post, Ghoshal expressed profound enthusiasm for the future creations of whom she described as a ‘genius.’ Her commentary rejected the notion that this departure signifies an endpoint, emphasizing that an artist of Singh’s extraordinary caliber transcends conventional boundaries and predefined formulas. She extended support for his journey toward even greater creative heights.

    Singh’s initial statement conveyed gratitude toward his global audience for their sustained affection throughout his career. He formally declared his intention to cease accepting new playback singing projects, characterizing his journey as ‘wonderful’ while signaling a definitive shift in his professional focus.

    The artist first entered the public consciousness through the 2005 reality competition ‘Fame Gurukul,’ later achieving mainstream recognition with his 2011 debut in ‘Murder 2.’ His status was cemented by the monumental success of ‘Tum Hi Ho’ from the 2013 film ‘Aashiqui 2,’ which propelled him to household name status and was followed by a prolific output of chart-topping hits.

  • Nicki Minaj calls herself Trump’s ‘number one fan’ and shows off gold card visa

    Nicki Minaj calls herself Trump’s ‘number one fan’ and shows off gold card visa

    In a remarkable political pivot, Trinidad-born rap superstar Nicki Minaj publicly proclaimed herself as former President Donald Trump’s “number one fan” during a Washington DC appearance. The controversial endorsement occurred at the US Treasury Department’s Trump Accounts Summit, where Minaj displayed her exclusive “Trump gold card” visa—a premium immigration pathway offering residency and citizenship opportunities for wealthy applicants.

    The artist, known for hits like “Super Bass,” shared details about her immigration journey, revealing she initially entered the United States as an undocumented child immigrant. This stance marks a significant departure from her previous criticisms of Trump’s hardline immigration policies, particularly the family-separation approach she condemned in 2018 Facebook posts.

    Minaj enthusiastically showcased her gold card—featuring Trump’s likeness—on social media platform X, captioning the image simply “Welp.” She confirmed completing citizenship paperwork under what she described as her “wonderful, gracious, charming president’s” initiative, noting the card arrived “free of charge” despite its typical $1 million investment requirement plus $15,000 processing fee.

    The endorsement event featured unusual camaraderie, with Trump joking about growing his nails to emulate Minaj’s signature style before holding hands with her on stage. Minaj asserted criticism only strengthened her support, stating she wouldn’t allow opponents to “get away with bullying him” and claiming divine protection for the billionaire politician.

    This celebrity endorsement contrasts sharply with mounting criticism from other music industry figures. Bruce Springsteen released an anti-ICE protest song titled “Streets Of Minneapolis,” memorializing citizens killed in separate incidents. Artists including Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Ariana Grande have voiced opposition to ICE operations, with Eilish directly challenging fellow celebrities to speak out against agency actions.

    The gold card program itself faces scrutiny for emerging alongside intensified crackdowns on illegal immigration, creating a two-tiered system that privileges wealthy applicants while restricting others.

  • South Africa drops ‘Melania’ just ahead of release

    South Africa drops ‘Melania’ just ahead of release

    Major South African cinema chains have made a last-minute decision to cancel the theatrical release of a documentary focusing on U.S. First Lady Melania Trump. The film, titled ‘Melania,’ was scheduled for international debut on January 30 but has been unexpectedly withdrawn from South African screens.

    Both Nu Metro and Ster Kinekor, the country’s leading theater chains, removed all listings for the documentary from their websites on Thursday, just one day before its planned release. The sudden cancellation was initiated by the local distributor Filmfinity, which holds the regional rights to the film.

    Thobashan Govindarajulu, Filmfinity’s Head of Marketing, cited ‘the current climate’ as the reason for pulling the documentary, though no specific details were provided regarding what this climate entails. Representatives from Nu Metro confirmed to AFP that they had complied with Filmfinity’s request to withdraw the film, stating ‘The rights sit with Filmfinity, and it’s at their request that we are not releasing it.’

    The decision comes against a backdrop of increasingly strained relations between the South African government and the Trump administration. President Donald Trump has repeatedly made controversial statements regarding South Africa’s domestic policies, including unfounded claims about ‘genocide’ against white Afrikaans farmers, whom he has invited to seek refuge in the United States. These diplomatic tensions appear to have influenced the commercial decision regarding the First Lady’s documentary, though no official connection has been confirmed.

  • Indians pay tribute after Arijit Singh retires at 38 as Bollywood singer

    Indians pay tribute after Arijit Singh retires at 38 as Bollywood singer

    In a seismic shift for India’s music industry, Bollywood’s most recognizable voice has announced his departure from playback singing. Arijit Singh, whose emotionally resonant vocals have defined contemporary Indian cinema for over a decade, declared via Instagram that he would no longer accept new film singing assignments, effectively ending an era in Bollywood music.

    The 38-year-old vocalist, whose collaborations span from Ed Sheeran to AR Rahman, characterized his journey as “wonderful” while providing no specific reasons for his departure. Industry reports indicate Singh will honor existing commitments while pivoting toward independent musical projects beyond commercial cinema.

    Singh’s decision comes at an unprecedented career peak—fresh from sold-out performances at London’s Wembley Arena, a rare achievement for Indian playback artists. His distinctive bruised-yet-buttery vocal quality became the auditory backdrop for millions, articulating heartbreak, longing, and reconciliation through chart-topping soundtracks.

    The artist’s relationship with fame has always been complex. Despite commercial dominance, Singh consistently avoided celebrity culture—rarely granting interviews, skipping award ceremonies, and maintaining residence in his West Bengal hometown rather than industry hubs. His public appearances typically feature hoodie-concealed anonymity, a stark contrast to his stadium-filling celebrity.

    Singh’s musical origins trace to Jiaganj, where born into a family of classical musicians, he received early training in tabla and vocals. His first teacher, Birendra Prasad Hazari, recalled extraordinary talent evident even in toddlerhood. Despite an early setback on reality show Fame Gurukul in 2005, Singh persisted through years of industry marginalia before achieving explosive success with 2013’s “Tum Hi Ho” from Aashiqui 2.

    That ballad revolutionized Bollywood romance music, replacing spectacle with vulnerability and becoming a national phenomenon that transcended its source film. The subsequent years brought record-breaking output across multiple languages and collaborations with every major composer, though recent criticism noted vocal homogeneity across projects.

    Singh had previously acknowledged reducing his workload, expressing discomfort with ubiquitous playback and noting artistic exhaustion from recording hundreds of annual songs. His selective recent output and focus on independent work foreshadowed this transition.

    Fans now speculate whether this move reflects artistic evolution, rejection of commercial pressures, or personal rediscovery. Regardless, Singh’s voice remains indelibly woven into India’s cultural fabric—a testament to an artist who redefined Bollywood music while remaining profoundly ambivalent about the fame it brought.