Lamar launching initiative in Africa
Rapper Kendrick Lamar will headline Move Afrika: A Global Citizen Experience, a new initiative to establish an international touring circuit on the continent of Africa, launching with a Dec. 6 concert in Kigali, Rwanda.
Global Citizen CEO Hugh Evans said Lamar’s show will be financed with a mix of philanthropic donations and corporate funding in hopes the Pulitzer-winning rapper will show the opportunities for artists who appeal to Africa’s booming generation of young people.
African artists — including Burna Boy, Rema and Davido — have had recent hits around the world. MTV added the Best Afrobeats Video category to this year’s Video Music Awards. The Grammys plan to add an award for Best African Music Performance for next year.
Kweku Mandela, Global Citizen’s chief vision o cer, said Africans should be able to experience the biggest concerts in the world just like everyone else. “The reason that is so often given is that there’s a lack of infrastructure, lack of technical crews,” Mandela said. “The reality is, there’s just a lack of will, because we’ve seen some of the biggest artists come to this continent over the last few decades.”
In addition to Lamar, Move Afrika: Rwanda will feature other regional artists, curated by Lamar and filmmaker Dave Free’s creative services company pgLang, and an advocacy campaign urging world leaders to take action on issues a ecting Africa.
“Hopefully, this will send a message to the entire industry that not only is there huge, huge opportunity on the continent for them to engage with and embrace, but ultimately, that this is something that is necessary considering where we’re going as a society and as humanity,” Mandela said.
Ruck OK after crash:
Alan Ruck is doing fine after his truck crashed into a Los Angeles pizzeria Monday.
The actor was spotted Thursday leaving a convenience store in LA and graciously answered a few questions about the crash.
“I’m OK,” Ruck said. “I’m fine, and thank God nobody was killed.”
Los Angeles Police Department public information o cer Matthew Cruz said Friday that “there was no crime involved in this incident, and there was no arrest.”
Ruck, 67, acknowledged to paparazzi that he had been limping and wore a brace on his left knee. However, they were not related to the crash.
“This isn’t from the accident,” he said. “This is because I’m getting old.”
Wiggles ‘disappointed’ by use of song:
Australian kids band the Wiggles are unhappy their song “Hot Potato” was used to discourage unhoused people from gathering in a public area near Perth.
“The Wiggles’ music is created to bring joy and happiness to children and families around the world,” the band said. “We are deeply disappointed to hear that it is being used in any other way.”
The song had played for months, but was reportedly turned o Thursday.
Nov. 4 birthdays: Actor Loretta Swit is 86. Singer Harry Elston is 85. Singer Kim Forester is 63. Comedian Kathy Gri n is 63. Actor Ralph Macchio is 62. Actor Matthew McConaughey is 54. Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs is 54. TV personality Bethenny Frankel is 53. Singer Gregory Porter is 52. Actor Heather Tom is 48.