By MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Rihanna’s Diamond Ball shined in its fourth year and continued to make a name as one of the industry’s white-hot and must-attend parties — all while raising money for charity. The pop star, fashionista and makeup mogul held the black-tie gala for her Clara Lionel […]
Author Archives: Mesfin Fekadu
Associated Press
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, Music
Janet Jackson, Daddy Yankee Celebrate Release of New Song
By MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Janet Jackson’s fans were so energetic at an event Friday for her new single that one fan chimed in so the icon could speak without interruption. “Everybody, be quiet. We can’t hear her,” a girl yelled, as Jackson and the rest of the packed room […]
Posted inAfro Briefs, Arts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, National News, NEWS
Aretha Franklin’s Funeral Set for Aug. 31 in Detroit
By MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Aretha Franklin’s funeral will be held Aug. 31 in her hometown of Detroit. The late singer’s publicist, Gwendolyn Quinn, said Friday that the funeral, to be held at Greater Grace Temple, is limited to the Queen of Soul’s family and friends. This Jan. 14, 2012 […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, Music
Despite Bad Weather, Beyonce and Jay-Z Headline Fiery Show
By MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Even severe weather couldn’t stop Beyonce and Jay-Z from performing an explosive two-hour-plus concert for their feverish fans. After bad weather forced concertgoers at the MetLife Stadium inside for close to an hour Thursday night, Beyonce and Jay-Z hit the stage at 11:08 p.m. […]
Posted inArts & Culture, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, Music
Anita Baker to be Honored at BET Awards, Jamie Foxx to Host
By MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer Legendary singer Anita Baker will be honored at the 2018 BET Awards, which will be hosted Sunday by Jamie Foxx and feature performances by Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg and Migos. DJ Khaled is the leading nominee with six at the show, kicking off at 8 p.m. Eastern from the […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT, ENTERTAINMENT, Music
AP Source: J. Cole to Perform at BET Awards
By MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer NEW YORK (AP) — J. Cole is set to perform at Sunday’s BET Awards. A person familiar with the awards show, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the person was not allowed to discuss the plans publicly, tells The Associated Press on Friday that the rapper will […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Nina Simone, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, to be Inducted into Rock Hall of Fame
By MESFIN FEKADU, AP Music Writer CLEVELAND (AP) — Bon Jovi, the Cars and four first-time nominees, including Nina Simone, will be inducted Saturday night as the 2018 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame class. Dire Straits, The Moody Blues and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, who died in 1973, will also earn the prestigious honor at […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
You Won’t Believe Who Hasn’t Ever Won a Grammy Award
NEW YORK CITY (AP) — Remember when the cast of the TV series “Glee” earned a Grammy nomination for their version of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” at the 2011 Grammys, pitting them against Sade, Maroon 5 and Paramore? It’s fair that you don’t recall that moment — but guess who never earned a nomination for […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
2017 Breakthrough: Singer SZA is Sizzling in Music Industry
NEW YORK (AP) — Yes, SZA is easily in the running for best new act of 2017. But her uber-successful year really puts her in the running for female artist of the year: She’s had multiple songs chart in the Top 40 in a year when male acts overwhelming dominated, and she’s the most nominated […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
New Jimi Hendrix Album with Unreleased Songs Coming in March
NEW YORK (AP) — Unreleased songs recorded by Jimi Hendrix between 1968 and 1970 will be released next year. Experience Hendrix and Legacy Recordings announced Wednesday that they will release Hendrix’s “Both Sides of the Sky” on March 9, 2018. The 13-track album includes 10 songs that have never been released. FILE – In this […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Jay-Z Leads Grammy Noms with 8 as Rap, R&B Take Center Stage
NEW YORK (AP) — Jay-Z is the leader of the 2018 Grammy Award nominations in a year where the top four categories are heavily dominated by rap and R&B artists, giving the often overlooked genres a strong chance of winning big. FILE – In this Oct. 13, 2017, file photo, Jay-Z performs at the Austin […]
Posted inARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Jay-Z Dedicates Song to Colin Kaepernick at NYC Concert
NEW YORK (AP) — Jay-Z performed his first headlining concert in three years in his hometown of New York City on Friday, a show that featured his popular hits and a dedication to outspoken NFL player Colin Kaepernick. Jay Z performs during The Meadows Music and Arts Festival at Citi Field on Friday, Sept. 15, […]
