Global Pulse

分类： entertainment

  • Neil Young’s gift to Greenland: Free access to his entire music catalog

    Neil Young’s gift to Greenland: Free access to his entire music catalog

    In a striking musical diplomacy move, legendary rock musician Neil Young has announced the provision of complimentary access to his complete discography for all residents of Greenland. The unexpected gesture, revealed Tuesday through the artist’s official blog, directly addresses the geopolitical tensions surrounding Denmark’s semi-autonomous territory, which has recently emerged as a focal point in U.S.-NATO relations.

    Young framed his offering as an antidote to political strain, explicitly stating: “I hope my music and music films will ease some of the unwarranted stress and threats you are experiencing from our unpopular and hopefully temporary government.” The Canadian-born artist emphasized his desire for Greenlanders to experience his work in highest-quality audio within their “beautiful Greenland home.”

    The initiative requires applicants to possess a Greenland-registered mobile phone for verification purposes. While initially structured as a one-year arrangement, Young indicated openness to potential renewal.

    This benevolent act stands in stark opposition to Young’s recent stance toward Amazon Music, where he withdrew his catalog in protest of founder Jeff Bezos’s support for President Donald Trump. Young previously articulated his position, noting: “The president’s international policies and his support of ICE make it impossible for me to ignore his actions.”

    The rock veteran maintains a complex history with streaming platforms, having previously removed his music from Spotify in objection to COVID-19 vaccine misinformation disseminated by podcaster Joe Rogan. Though that boycott eventually concluded, it represents just one chapter in Young’s longstanding critique of audio quality and ethical standards within digital music services. His catalog remains available on most major platforms including Apple Music, notwithstanding his periodic protests.

    Neither Amazon Music representatives nor Young’s management team provided immediate commentary regarding these latest developments.

  • Ranbir Kapoor thinks Rani Mukerji is ‘one of the greatest ever’ actors

    Ranbir Kapoor thinks Rani Mukerji is ‘one of the greatest ever’ actors

    Bollywood luminary Ranbir Kapoor has publicly acclaimed veteran actress Rani Mukerji as “one of the greatest ever actors in India” during recent conversations with Variety magazine. This heartfelt tribute coincides with Mukerji’s monumental 30-year anniversary in the Indian film industry and the impending release of her latest cinematic venture, Mardaani 3.

    Kapoor, who first collaborated with Mukerji in his 2007 debut film Saawariya, reflected on their shared professional history with profound admiration. He characterized Mukerji as “one for the ages” whose selective approach to roles and projects has fundamentally transformed the portrayal of women in Indian cinema. The Animal star specifically recalled Mukerji’s encouragement during his inaugural filming experience, noting how her early confidence in his abilities provided crucial reassurance at a pivotal career juncture.

    Beyond professional respect, Kapoor expressed personal admiration for Mukerji’s enduring grace and artistic dedication, describing her as an entertainer who has devoted her life to audience satisfaction. His comments arrive as the industry collectively celebrates Mukerji’s enduring legacy, particularly through her upcoming reprisal of the fearless police inspector role in Mardaani 3.

    The third installment of the successful crime thriller franchise, directed by Abhiraj Minawala and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films, promises another gripping narrative centered on child abduction cases. Scheduled for theatrical release on January 30, 2026, the film marks Mukerji’s latest contribution to a career that has consistently redefined artistic excellence in Indian cinema.

  • Setback for Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ release as India court stays order granting censor certificate

    Setback for Vijay’s ‘Jana Nayagan’ release as India court stays order granting censor certificate

    In a significant judicial reversal, the Madras High Court has suspended the censorship clearance for Tamil superstar Vijay’s highly anticipated film ‘Jana Nayagan,’ creating substantial obstacles for the political drama’s theatrical release. A division bench led by Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G Arul Murugan overturned a previous single-judge ruling that had mandated India’s Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to issue a ‘U/A 16+’ certificate for the project.

    The judicial panel determined that the lower court had acted prematurely by not allowing adequate time for the CBFC to present its counter-affidavit regarding certification concerns. The case has now been remanded back to the single judge for renewed proceedings, with permission for the producers to modify their legal petition.

    This development represents the latest chapter in an ongoing censorship battle that has delayed the film’s scheduled January 9 release during the lucrative Pongal festival season. The CBFC had initially withheld certification, citing concerns that specific scenes might offend religious sensibilities and referring the matter to a Revising Committee for additional evaluation.

    The production team, led by producer K Venkat Narayana, had previously sought urgent judicial intervention to compel certification after the CBFC declined clearance. While the single judge initially provided temporary relief by ordering certification, the division bench subsequently stayed this order on January 9, effectively halting the release process.

    The significance of ‘Jana Nayagan’ extends beyond entertainment circles, as industry observers note this marks Vijay’s final cinematic project before his full transition into politics through his recently established Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party. The continued postponement represents both commercial and symbolic setbacks for the actor-politician’s carefully orchestrated career transition.

  • Kanye West apologises for antisemitic remarks, says brain injury affected mental health

    Kanye West apologises for antisemitic remarks, says brain injury affected mental health

    In an extraordinary public mea culpa, music icon Kanye West (now known as Ye) has issued a formal apology for his history of antisemitic remarks and controversial behavior through a full-page advertisement in The Wall Street Journal. The rapper revealed previously undisclosed medical information that provides context for his erratic public conduct in recent years.

    The artist disclosed that a severe car accident twenty-five years ago resulted in an undiagnosed traumatic brain injury affecting his right frontal lobe. While immediate attention focused on his broken jaw and visible injuries, comprehensive neurological evaluation was overlooked at the time. This medical oversight, West explained, went undetected until proper diagnosis in 2023, significantly impacting his mental health and contributing to his bipolar type-1 diagnosis.

    West described experiencing a ‘four-month-long manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behavior’ in 2025, during which he ‘lost touch with reality’ and gravitated toward ‘the most destructive symbols’ – including selling T-shirts bearing swastikas. He expressed particular remorse for how his actions affected loved ones, acknowledging they ‘endured fear, confusion, humiliation, and the exhaustion of trying to have someone who was, at times, unrecognizable.’

    The artist explicitly distanced himself from antisemitic ideologies, stating: ‘It does not excuse what I did, though. I am not a Nazi or an antisemite. I love Jewish people.’ He credited his wife, Bianca Censori, with encouraging him to seek professional help during his mental health crisis.

    West concluded his apology by outlining his recovery regimen involving medication, therapy, exercise, and clean living, which has provided him ‘newfound, much-needed clarity.’ He pledged to channel his energy into ‘positive, meaningful art: music, clothing, design, and other new ideas to help the world’ while seeking forgiveness from fans and those affected by his past actions.

  • ‘One Battle After Another’ leads the pack in nominations for UK’s BAFTA film awards

    ‘One Battle After Another’ leads the pack in nominations for UK’s BAFTA film awards

    LONDON — The British Academy of Film and Television Arts unveiled its nominations for the 2026 awards season, positioning Paul Thomas Anderson’s politically charged action thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ as the frontrunner with an impressive 14 nominations. The film received recognition across major categories, including five acting nods for its ensemble cast.

    Ryan Coogler’s blues-infused vampire epic ‘Sinners’ followed closely with 13 nominations, while Chloé Zhao’s Shakespearean family tragedy ‘Hamnet’ and Josh Safdie’s ping-pong odyssey ‘Marty Supreme’ each secured 11 nominations. The Norwegian family drama ‘Sentimental Value’ rounded out the Best Film category alongside these contenders.

    In the competitive Best Leading Actor category, Robert Aramayo garnered recognition for his portrayal of a man with Tourette’s syndrome in ‘I Swear,’ competing against Timothée Chalamet (‘Marty Supreme’), Leonardo DiCaprio (‘One Battle After Another’), Ethan Hawke (‘Blue Moon’), Michael B. Jordan (‘Sinners’), and Jesse Plemons (‘Bugonia’).

    The Leading Actress race features favorite Jessie Buckley (‘Hamnet’) against Rose Byrne (‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’), Kate Hudson (‘Song Sung Blue’), Chase Infiniti (‘One Battle After Another’), Renate Reinsve (‘Sentimental Value’), and Emma Stone (‘Bugonia’).

    Notably, The Associated Press received a nomination in the Best Documentary category for Mstyslav Chernov’s harrowing Ukraine war portrait ‘2000 Meters to Andriivka,’ co-produced by AP and PBS Frontline.

    The awards ceremony, scheduled for February 22 in London with actor Alan Cumming hosting, traditionally serves as a significant indicator for Hollywood’s Academy Awards on March 15. This year presents an unusual sequence with Oscar nominations announced first, where ‘Sinners’ set a record with 16 nominations followed by ‘One Battle After Another’ with 13.

    The British academy demonstrated its distinctive perspective by recognizing several performers overlooked by the Oscars, including supporting actor nominees Paul Mescal (‘Hamnet’) and Odessa A’zion (‘Marty Supreme’). The BAFTAs maintain their British focus through a separate category for Best British Film, with nominees including ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island,’ ‘Pillion,’ ‘I Swear,’ and ‘Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy.’

    Voting procedures involve 8,500 U.K. industry professionals selecting most winners, while the Rising Star Award remains determined by public vote from a shortlist featuring Infiniti, Aramayo, ‘Sinners’ star Miles Caton, and British actors Archie Madekwe and Posy Sterling.

    The nominations reflect ongoing diversity initiatives implemented after 2020, when no women were nominated for Best Director for the seventh consecutive year and all 20 acting nominees were white. Currently, Zhao stands as the sole female nominee in the Best Director category alongside Anderson, Safdie, Coogler, Yorgos Lanthimos (‘Bugonia’), and Joachim Trier (‘Sentimental Value’). Across all categories including documentaries and shorts, 25% of directing nominees are women.

  • Streamer IShowSpeed samples food and learns traditional dances in African tour

    Streamer IShowSpeed samples food and learns traditional dances in African tour

    DAKAR, Senegal — American streaming sensation IShowSpeed has embarked on an unprecedented 28-day pilgrimage across Africa, systematically dismantling preconceived notions about the continent through his groundbreaking ‘Speed Does Africa’ series. The digital influencer, born Darren Watkins Jr., has traversed 19 nations from southern to northern Africa, creating a cultural bridge between the diaspora and the mother continent.

    The journey commenced in Angola during late December, culminating in a spectacular itinerary that included witnessing the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco on January 18th. Watkins’ experiences ranged from celebrating Senegal’s national soccer victory with ecstatic fans to marking his 21st birthday in Nigeria while simultaneously surpassing 50 million YouTube subscribers. His Ghanaian visit proved particularly poignant as he discovered ancestral roots, declaring ‘I am back home’ while sampling jollof rice and receiving traditional honors.

    Watkins’ marathon live streams, sometimes extending beyond nine hours, have featured immersive cultural exchanges including culinary adventures, traditional dance lessons, and athletic challenges. His uncontainable enthusiasm has drawn massive crowds at every destination, creating both celebration and logistical challenges.

    The tour has ignited passionate discussions across digital platforms. Many African American viewers have expressed profound emotional connections to Watkins’ journey, particularly his symbolic visit to Gorée Island’s House of Slaves—a powerful reminder of the transatlantic slave trade that connects African and Black American histories.

    However, the reception hasn’t been universally positive. Prominent Beninese influencer Nelly Mbaa (known online as Afro Chronik) criticized Watkins as embodying Western expectations that value Black male performers for spectacle rather than substance. She argued that his success relies on ‘an absurd, exaggerated and grotesque character’ rather than intellectual content.

    With over 50 million YouTube subscribers and comparable followings on Instagram and TikTok, IShowSpeed has built his brand on hyper-energetic reactions that have occasionally sparked controversy, including past bans from gaming competitions and platform suspensions for inappropriate behavior.

    Despite these criticisms, Watkins maintains that this African expedition represents a personal transformation: ‘I’ve done so many incredible things in my life, but this trip opened my eyes. Africa is not what I thought.’ His journey continues to challenge stereotypes while raising complex questions about cultural representation in the digital age.

  • ‘Come more often!’ Mexico leader urges K-pop stars BTS on sold-out tour

    ‘Come more often!’ Mexico leader urges K-pop stars BTS on sold-out tour

    In an unprecedented move highlighting the cultural phenomenon of K-pop, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has personally intervened following the instantaneous sell-out of BTS’s upcoming concert dates in Mexico City. The massive ticket demand—with nearly one million fans competing for just 150,000 seats—prompted the president to appeal directly to South Korean leadership for increased cultural exchanges.

    The frenzy began when tickets for the three May performances vanished within minutes of going on sale last weekend, leaving hundreds of thousands of disappointed fans. This overwhelming response demonstrates Mexico’s deepening fascination with South Korean culture, which has expanded dramatically from television dramas and cuisine to dominate the music scene through K-pop’s global influence.

    President Sheinbaum revealed she formally requested South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to facilitate more frequent visits by the “acclaimed K-pop artists” to accommodate Mexico’s enormous fanbase. Additionally, her administration approached event promoter Ocesa regarding potential additional shows, though organizers indicated no possibilities for expanding the current schedule.

    The Mexican government’s engagement with BTS isn’t new—Economy Secretary Marcelo Ebrard, a self-professed fan, previously welcomed band member Jin via TikTok video when the tour was first announced. This official enthusiasm reflects strategic efforts to capitalize on the economic and cultural benefits of Korea’s entertainment exports.

    BTS will launch their global comeback tour in April, marking their return after a four-year hiatus during which all members completed mandatory military service. The group’s label announced a new album for March preceding what promises to be one of the year’s most extensive concert tours, spanning 34 cities worldwide.

  • Sly Dunbar, prolific legend of reggae, dies aged 73

    Sly Dunbar, prolific legend of reggae, dies aged 73

    The music world mourns the loss of reggae icon Lowell ‘Sly’ Dunbar, who passed away at age 73. The legendary drummer, celebrated for his revolutionary contributions to music, was found unresponsive by his wife Thelma on the morning of January 26th.

    Dunbar’s extraordinary career spanned decades and genres, establishing him as one of the most prolific session musicians in history. Industry estimates suggest his distinctive drumming appears on over 200,000 recordings, cementing his status as a foundational force in popular music.

    Alongside bassist Robbie Shakespeare, Dunbar formed the groundbreaking production duo Sly & Robbie, which became synonymous with innovation in reggae and beyond. Their pioneering ‘rockers’ rhythm introduced unprecedented syncopation and energy to the genre, creating a seismic shift in musical expression that diverged from the melody-rich compositions of contemporaries like Bob Marley.

    The partnership’s influence extended far beyond reggae, with their thunderous beats powering Grace Jones’s seminal 1981 album ‘Nightclubbing’ and collaborations with music titans including Bob Dylan, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, and Sinead O’Connor.

    In 1980, the duo established Taxi Records, nurturing generations of Jamaican talent including Shaggy, Shabba Ranks, and Beenie Man. Their later work with Chaka Demus & Pliers in the early 1990s produced dancehall classics like ‘Tease Me’ and ‘Murder She Wrote,’ demonstrating their enduring creative evolution.

    British DJ David Rodigan led tributes, honoring Dunbar as ‘a true icon’ and ‘one of the greatest drummers of all time.’ Producer Brian Eno once remarked that ‘when you buy a reggae record, there’s a 90% chance the drummer is Sly Dunbar,’ testament to his ubiquitous yet distinctive presence in music.

    While no official cause of death has been disclosed, Dunbar had reportedly been ill for some time. His passing marks the end of an era for musical innovation and cross-genre collaboration, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy that continues to influence artists worldwide.

  • This musician’s GRAMMY at 70 is a reminder that it’s never too late to begin

    This musician’s GRAMMY at 70 is a reminder that it’s never too late to begin

    Chandrika Tandon’s remarkable trajectory from corporate leadership to Grammy-winning musician stands as a powerful testament to lifelong creative potential. At age 70, Tandon secured music’s highest honor for her album ‘Triveni’ – a meditative fusion of Vedic chants with classical instrumentation that represents her decades-long musical journey pursued alongside an illustrious business career.

    Speaking during her appearance at Dubai’s Global Fusion event, the former McKinsey partner revealed how music became her anchor during a spiritual crisis twenty-five years ago. ‘The happiest moments of my life were often tied to music,’ Tandon reflected. ‘Through music, I found stillness, healing, and discovered more beautiful parts of myself.’

    Her Grammy victory, while personally meaningful, represents something far greater than individual achievement. Tandon emphasizes that her artistic pursuit was never about awards but about sharing music’s transformative power. ‘The Grammy provides a platform to amplify my message of music and healing,’ she noted, acknowledging how the recognition facilitates broader collaboration and connection.

    In an industry often obsessed with technical complexity, Tandon champions artistic simplicity and spiritual accessibility. ‘I don’t make music to show off virtuosity,’ she explained. ‘I want people to listen so it moves something deep within them and allows them to find their own music.’

    Performing in Dubai held particular significance for Tandon, who described the city as ‘a perfect melting pot of multiple cultures’ that welcomes fusion and celebrates differences. The collaboration with musicians from diverse backgrounds exemplified music’s unifying power across cultures.

    While often identified as former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi’s sister, Tandon has carved a distinct legacy spanning business, philanthropy, and now music. Her philosophy centers on daily impact rather than lasting legacy: ‘I want each day to count, empowering people both economically through STEM education and emotionally through music.’

    Tandon’s story challenges conventional narratives about creative expiration dates, demonstrating that artistic fulfillment and recognition can arrive at any stage of life when pursued with genuine purpose and spiritual intention.

  • Short videos highlight the beauty of Hebei

    Short videos highlight the beauty of Hebei

    The Hebei Photographers Association has unveiled a captivating visual project titled “Beautiful Hebei,” transforming curated photographs into dynamic short video presentations. This multimedia initiative showcases the province’s diverse attractions through three distinct thematic lenses: breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage sites, and impressive modern urban development.

    Drawing from the association’s extensive image archives supplemented by a recently concluded themed photography competition, the project represents a concerted effort to present Hebei’s multifaceted beauty in easily digestible digital format. The timing of this release aligns strategically with the approaching Spring Festival holiday period, serving as an open invitation for both domestic and international travelers to explore the region’s offerings firsthand.

    Through these visually stunning compilations, the association aims to provide virtual tourists with an immersive preview of experiences awaiting them in Hebei. The videos highlight not only picturesque destinations but also emphasize opportunities to engage with local traditions and cultural practices that gain special significance during the festive season. This innovative approach to regional promotion demonstrates how photographic artistry can be enhanced through motion and sequencing to create compelling narrative content for digital audiences.