Amit Trivedi spoke to WION’s Nikita Jain about the viral songs on social media and how they’ve been getting picked up in films. Watch this to know more.

Amit Trivedi on viral social media trends in music

Who knew that a piece of wood and few strings could be used to produce music for hundreds of years. Humans have been producing music with plucked string instruments made of fine wood from the spruce trees.

Spruce trees for making guitars under threat, can some other wood replace Spruce wood?

A study published in the journal, BMJ Global Health, suggests that more than one billion teenagers and young adults may be at risk of losing their hearing due to unsafe listening practices and the use of personal listening devices (PLDs). The damage can be a result of attending loud music venues and the use of headphones, earphones and earbuds.&nbsp;

The study looked at individuals aged 12-34 years and estimates that at least 24 per cent are listening to music on their PLDs at an “unsafe level”. The international team of researchers also called for governments across the world to “prioritise policy focused on safe listening” habits to promote hearing loss prevention. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-has-the-pandemic-led-to-a-cancer-epidemic-in-europe-534722">Has the repurposing of health services during pandemic led to a 'cancer epidemic' in Europe?</a>

Furthermore, it suggests that young people in particular are vulnerable due to the use of such devices and attending loud music venues, amid poor regulations. “Recurrent or even single instances of unsafe listening may cause physiological damage to the auditory system, presenting as transient or permanent tinnitus and/or changes to hearing,” said the researchers.&nbsp;

The damage from unsafe listening practices can lead to a lifetime impairment, while noise exposure earlier in life may make people more vulnerable to age-related hearing loss, they added. The study led by researchers from the University of South Carolina in the United States, citing World Health Organisation statistics, says that an estimated 430 million people across the world currently have a disabling hearing loss.&nbsp;

Previous studies suggest that PLD users often keep the volume as high as 105 decibels (dB) while the average range of loud music venues ranges from 104 to 112 dB, which exceeds the permissible sound levels which are 80 dB for adults and 75 dB for children.

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/toro-jubilo-fiesta-or-grotesque-tradition-from-the-stone-ages-534702">'Toro Jubilo': Fiesta or grotesque tradition from the stone ages?&nbsp;</a>

Researchers for this study analysed 33 existing studies with more than 19,000 people based on personal listening devices as well as venues with loud music that took place between the years 2000 and 2021. Furthermore, they used the data from a total of 35 records out of which 17 focused on PLD while 18 focused on entertainment venues.&nbsp;

They estimated that at least 23 per cent of adults and 27 per cent of “minors” studied were exposed to excessive noise. Therefore, the report projects that at least, 0.67 billion to 1.35 billion teenagers and young adults are potentially at risk of hearing loss. While acknowledging the limitations of the study, the authors said that they did not account for the demographic factors and the policies implemented in some countries for safe listening.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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A study published in the journal, BMJ Global Health, suggests that more than one billion teenagers and young adults may be at risk of losing their hearing due to unsafe listening practices and the use of personal listening devices (PLDs).

A study published in the journal, BMJ Global Health, suggests that more than one billion teenagers and young adults may be at risk of losing their hearing due to unsafe listening practices and the use of personal listening devices (PLDs). The damage can be a result of attending loud music venues and the use of headphones, earphones and earbuds. The study looked at individuals aged 12-34 years and estimates that at least 24 per cent are listening to music on their PLDs at an “unsafe level”. The international team of researchers also called for governments across the world to “prioritise policy focused on safe listening” habits to promote hearing loss prevention. ALSO READ: Has the repurposing of health services during pandemic led to a 'cancer epidemic' in Europe? Furthermore, it suggests that young people in particular are vulnerable due to the use of such devices and attending loud music venues, amid poor regulations. “Recurrent or even single instances of unsafe listening may cause physiological damage to the auditory system, presenting as transient or permanent tinnitus and/or changes to hearing,” said the researchers. The damage from unsafe listening practices can lead to a lifetime impairment, while noise exposure earlier in life may make people more vulnerable to age-related hearing loss, they added. The study led by researchers from the University of South Carolina in the United States, citing World Health Organisation statistics, says that an estimated 430 million people across the world currently have a disabling hearing loss. Previous studies suggest that PLD users often keep the volume as high as 105 decibels (dB) while the average range of loud music venues ranges from 104 to 112 dB, which exceeds the permissible sound levels which are 80 dB for adults and 75 dB for children. ALSO WATCH: 'Toro Jubilo': Fiesta or grotesque tradition from the stone ages? Researchers for this study analysed 33 existing studies with more than 19,000 people based on personal listening devices as well as venues with loud music that took place between the years 2000 and 2021. Furthermore, they used the data from a total of 35 records out of which 17 focused on PLD while 18 focused on entertainment venues. They estimated that at least 23 per cent of adults and 27 per cent of “minors” studied were exposed to excessive noise. Therefore, the report projects that at least, 0.67 billion to 1.35 billion teenagers and young adults are potentially at risk of hearing loss. While acknowledging the limitations of the study, the authors said that they did not account for the demographic factors and the policies implemented in some countries for safe listening. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

More than one billion young people are at risk of losing their hearing due to loud music: Study

People say music is therapy. Now, the latest study shows that music is also linked to the sharpness of the mind. According to a paper from the University of Edinburgh, playing music in childhood is linked to a sharper mind in old age, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

Published in the journal Psychological Science, the study was funded by Age UK and the Economic and Social Research Council.&nbsp;

Researchers have attempted to establish a link between youth and better (or improved) thinking skills in old age.&nbsp;

The paper mentioned that those people with more experience in playing a musical instrument showed better results on a test of cognitive ability as compared to those with less or no experience.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-proves-right-what-our-parents-have-been-saying-for-years-phones-will-be-the-death-of-us-511838">Study proves right what our parents have been saying for years 'phones will be the death of us'</a>&nbsp;

The paper also mentioned that the music experience is responsible for their socio-economic status, years of education, childhood cognitive ability and health in older age.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, emeritus Professor Ian Deary, said: "We have to emphasise that the association we found between instrument-playing and lifetime cognitive improvement was small and that we cannot prove that the former caused the latter."&nbsp;

"However, as we and others search for the many small effects that might contribute toward some people’s brains ageing more healthily than others, these results are worth following up," added Deary, who is a former director of the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology at the university.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/new-study-reveals-social-exclusion-affects-more-than-physical-aggression-510867">New study reveals why 'social exclusion' is the worst form of bullying</a>

The candidates who took part in the study were tested on a number of physical and mental functions as they grow older. The study even included retaking the standardised cognitive ability test each of the participants took as an 11-year-old. The questions were about verbal reasoning, spatial awareness and numerical analysis.&nbsp;

The Guardian mentioned that out of the 366 study participants, 117 reported some experience of playing a musical instrument. They gained experience mostly during childhood and adolescence.&nbsp;

The report also noted that the participants were part of the "Lothian Birth Cohort 1936". It is a group of individuals from Edinburgh and the Lothians, born in 1936 and they took part in the Scottish Mental Survey of 1947.&nbsp;

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People say music is therapy. Now, the latest study shows that music is also linked to the sharpness of the mind. According to a paper from the University of Edinburgh, playing music in childhood is linked to a sharper mind in old age, The Guardian reported.

People say music is therapy. Now, the latest study shows that music is also linked to the sharpness of the mind. According to a paper from the University of Edinburgh, playing music in childhood is linked to a sharper mind in old age, The Guardian reported. Published in the journal Psychological Science, the study was funded by Age UK and the Economic and Social Research Council. Researchers have attempted to establish a link between youth and better (or improved) thinking skills in old age. The paper mentioned that those people with more experience in playing a musical instrument showed better results on a test of cognitive ability as compared to those with less or no experience. ALSO READ | Study proves right what our parents have been saying for years 'phones will be the death of us' The paper also mentioned that the music experience is responsible for their socio-economic status, years of education, childhood cognitive ability and health in older age. Meanwhile, emeritus Professor Ian Deary, said: "We have to emphasise that the association we found between instrument-playing and lifetime cognitive improvement was small and that we cannot prove that the former caused the latter." "However, as we and others search for the many small effects that might contribute toward some people’s brains ageing more healthily than others, these results are worth following up," added Deary, who is a former director of the Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology at the university. ALSO READ | New study reveals why 'social exclusion' is the worst form of bullying The candidates who took part in the study were tested on a number of physical and mental functions as they grow older. The study even included retaking the standardised cognitive ability test each of the participants took as an 11-year-old. The questions were about verbal reasoning, spatial awareness and numerical analysis. The Guardian mentioned that out of the 366 study participants, 117 reported some experience of playing a musical instrument. They gained experience mostly during childhood and adolescence. The report also noted that the participants were part of the "Lothian Birth Cohort 1936". It is a group of individuals from Edinburgh and the Lothians, born in 1936 and they took part in the Scottish Mental Survey of 1947. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Experience of playing music in childhood and adolescence linked to better cognitive ability in old age: Study

The music scene in India has underwent several phases since Independence. Watch the historical moments in the Indian music industry.

India@75: Historical moments in music industry

In Pics: 45,000 people gather to celebrate Berlin techno music festival

'Ms Marvel' music composer Atif Afzal spoke to WION. How did A-Zal become a part of the MCU? Know all about A-Zal's 'Marvel'ous journey here.

Musician Atif Afzal speaks to WION: All about A-Zal's 'Marvel'ous journey

Gone are the days when music directors only had movies and albums to showcase their talent. With companies spending more, video games with brilliant soundtracks have been around for at least a decade. The aural treat surely adds a lot to the immersive gaming experience. Now, these music directors can aim for a Grammy as the academy will feature new honours including for the year's best video game soundtrack and Songwriter of the Year. The awards will begin to be given from 2023 Grammies onwards.

Additionally, the Songwriter of the Year prize will not be open to performing or producing artists, but rather focus on working songwriters who often receive little recognition for their contributions, and have lobbied for years for such a tweak to the prestigious music awards

Artists will also be able to submit their work for Best Alternative Music Performance, Best Americana Performance and Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, a field that will now be separate from the always eccentric audiobook category.

The academy will also give a special merit award. The winners will be chosen by a designated committee and will be honoured for Best Song For Change Change. The academy said that this category will seek to celebrate tracks that "contain lyrical content that addresses a timely social issue and promotes understanding, peacebuilding and empathy."

Rework of Grammy categories has been going on for several years following criticism that the categories are not inclusive and they do not represent evolutions and changes in music industry.

"We're so excited to honor these diverse communities of music creators through the newly established awards and amendments, and to continue cultivating an environment that inspires change, progress and collaboration," said Harvey Mason Jr., the academy's CEO, in a statement.

In 2020, the Los Angeles-based institution made a number of category name swaps, including changing the controversial "urban contemporary" to "progressive R&amp;B."

The move came amid growing concern in the music industry that "urban" was far too general to encompass the genres including hip-hop and R&amp;B that it came to describe, and belittled the innovations of Black musicians.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Gone are the days when music directors only had movies and albums to showcase their talent. With companies spending more, video games with brilliant soundtracks have been around for at least a decade.

Gone are the days when music directors only had movies and albums to showcase their talent. With companies spending more, video games with brilliant soundtracks have been around for at least a decade. The aural treat surely adds a lot to the immersive gaming experience. Now, these music directors can aim for a Grammy as the academy will feature new honours including for the year's best video game soundtrack and Songwriter of the Year. The awards will begin to be given from 2023 Grammies onwards. Additionally, the Songwriter of the Year prize will not be open to performing or producing artists, but rather focus on working songwriters who often receive little recognition for their contributions, and have lobbied for years for such a tweak to the prestigious music awards Artists will also be able to submit their work for Best Alternative Music Performance, Best Americana Performance and Best Spoken Word Poetry Album, a field that will now be separate from the always eccentric audiobook category. The academy will also give a special merit award. The winners will be chosen by a designated committee and will be honoured for Best Song For Change Change. The academy said that this category will seek to celebrate tracks that "contain lyrical content that addresses a timely social issue and promotes understanding, peacebuilding and empathy." Rework of Grammy categories has been going on for several years following criticism that the categories are not inclusive and they do not represent evolutions and changes in music industry. "We're so excited to honor these diverse communities of music creators through the newly established awards and amendments, and to continue cultivating an environment that inspires change, progress and collaboration," said Harvey Mason Jr., the academy's CEO, in a statement. In 2020, the Los Angeles-based institution made a number of category name swaps, including changing the controversial "urban contemporary" to "progressive R&B." The move came amid growing concern in the music industry that "urban" was far too general to encompass the genres including hip-hop and R&B that it came to describe, and belittled the innovations of Black musicians. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Grammy Awards will soon honour those making video game music

Ukrainian musicians are creating war anthems to express how they feel about the conflict. Artists from different genres are uniting to create music for a common cause.

Music to boost the morale of Ukrainians: Songs portray the Ukrainian race against the Russians

Indian singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK, has died at the age of 53. The singer had performed to an audience in Kolkata a little over an hour before he was declared brought dead to a hospital. India remembers KK as the man with a magical voice. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Indian singer KK dies at 53

There is some exciting news for fans of Indian singer and songwriter Lucky Ali. His new project, 'Intezaar', releases on April 6, where he has collaborated with Mikey McCleary. Here's what Ali told WION about his latest project.

Indian musician Lucky Ali speaks to WION about his latest project 'Intezaar'

Lucky Ali recalls his early showbiz days and gets candid about his life. He shared the real story behind the 2020 viral Goa Video and how music happened in his life

Lucky Ali reminisces about his early showbiz days

When Italian composer Andrea Bocelli suffered from Glaucoma at the&nbsp;age of 12, he was completely blind, but that did not stop him from recording 15 albums of pop and classical music, nine operas, which sold over 70 million records.

His son, Matteo Bocelli plans to continue his father's legacy, but with a personal touch of his own golden voice.

In his music videos, he is high on style, glamour and ambitions. Days before his first trip to India, WION got an exclusive opportunity to speak to the singer-songwriter, who joined us from Italy via Zoom call.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Bocelli was in a fresh mood to start the conversation. He had his&nbsp;keyboard&nbsp;and guitar ready in place. It happened twice in the middle of the conversation when he simply played a few tunes to express himself because he couldn't find the right words.

Even in his cheerfulness, Matteo had an aura of a calm composer. Throughout the fifteen minutes of the conversation, and ten minutes of setting up the cameras, audio equipment, he didn't seem to be in a rush to give an answer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

When Matteo switched on his video, he was seated in front of a bricked set-up. What set the mood was the designed off-white wall in the background which&nbsp;had a glow that reflected from a lamp placed near it.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: Let's talk about 'Solo', which is your first single. When we watch a music video set in the mountains, and with a title like 'Solo', we immediately imagine the protagonist with an intense expression. But you had the hint of a smile.

Matteo Bocelli: Well, it's true that the song&nbsp;may be&nbsp;a little far from what the video is, but you see, the video reflects the essence of the music, the meaning. 'Solo' was a song that I wrote, the inspiration came from fact that loneliness is a very fragile aspect of my character. Solo means lonely in English. This was caused by the fact that when I was little, I used to see my father travelling the world, for a kid it is not easy to see your father leave home. Today, I see myself a little bit in the same place you know the same route, travelling all over, leaving home, all the family, friends, leaving home, the people in general that I love, it's not been easy. All&nbsp;this&nbsp;is of course&nbsp;moved&nbsp;from&nbsp;the biggest passion I had, that is music.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Your music comes with a classic touch of cello, piano and modern touch of the drums. That is why you possibly have a separate fanbase. What kind of practice do you do to get such a fusion?

Matteo Bocelli: I was born, of course, with opera and classical music, but at the same time, I was born in a different generation where my friends were listening to Eminem and now Ed Sheeran and so, I always see that we are the sum of all our experiences, especially here is the music experience. And it is not easy for me to describe myself and say what I am today. Today, I am Matteo, and I prefer to receive from people a description of my music. But I have always been open to any genre of music. The&nbsp;ones that I love most are pop and opera.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Do you remember the exact moment when you decided to follow in your father's footsteps?&nbsp;

Matteo Bocelli: The first important moment for me was when I approached music at the age of six or seven years&nbsp;old and&nbsp;started playing the piano. Singing was just something I did for myself and only with myself because I was very shy, and I couldn’t sing in front of people. So, I was mostly singing in front of my mother. My father's house was always full of people and there wasn’t much privacy until the day for some reason I opened up and said let's try to sing in front of my father. He was surprised and that's when I started to open up and sing in front of him. Then I got the technique and suggestions. Then 2018 had been the most important year for me, it was when I did the duet with my father, 'Follow Me'. That was when I understood that my passion for music was going farther, you know, something more.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: When you started playing, what were your regular practice pieces and which ones were you addicted to?

Matteo Bocelli: When I started to play the piano, I was into Chappell, he was my favourite composer. I have always considered myself a very romantic guy and Chappell, I think, is the most perfect example of romanticism and deep emotional composer.

&nbsp;

WION: Now let's talk about the most awaited question, India. This is your first trip to the country, what are you waiting to experience?

Matteo Bocelli: I'm&nbsp;really looking forward to discovering and learning about this amazing country, which unluckily I never had the chance to visit. I have been travelling the world my entire life but unluckily never had the chance to visit India. So, I'm&nbsp;very excited and it will be very important for my career.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Which Indian stars are you looking forward to working with?

Matteo Bocelli:&nbsp;I don’t know if I can say the name, but I will keep you in the surprise. I did a collaboration that I can't wait to share with all of you. It is a love song, and I can tell you that I will be recording the music video in India next week. Lots of exciting things coming up next month.

&nbsp;

WION: Music lovers in India are exposed to widely different genres of music. How do you plan on establishing yourself?

Matteo Bocelli: Well, the project is quite homogenic. The sound of the project is not too far, we don’t have opera and the project of pop. In the last few years, I wrote about 70 songs and now is the moment to choose which one. It is not easy because you want to have an album of 70 songs but&nbsp;it's&nbsp;not possible. It is an exciting moment for me but not easy because you have to pick the song which you think is the right one for the historic moment we are having. Before the end of this year, my first album will be out.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Tell us about the musical composition you listen to on a repeat mode.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Matteo Bocelli: I have always been very fascinated by Ed Sheeran. He has been able to reach and develop a lot of incredible things. The way he&nbsp;approached&nbsp;his live performance, I have never found anyone able to entertain 80,000 people in a stadium with just his voice and a guitar, it's truly impressive. The way he writes his lyrics, he is a storyteller, and I only listen to his songs. You can fall into what he writes, he has written some amazing melodies, he got the most successful ballads in&nbsp;music&nbsp;history. He is a&nbsp;phenomenon&nbsp;that happens once every hundred years. &nbsp;I also listen to Adele. She released her beautiful album. We have many amazing artists on this planet. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Lately what do you think about the entire cultural boycott that has happened in Russia?

Matteo Bocelli: Well, I always try to send a message of love, hope and now, more than ever, I think we artists have to concentrate our energies to spread love and hope to people who are suffering&nbsp;at&nbsp;this moment. Even if I feel like a little drop of water, even if I'm just a little drop of water, we can be a big ocean of love in this world. We hope that this horrible situation ends very soon.

&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Hitting the right notes: Matteo Bocelli speaks to WION ahead of his first trip to India

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When Italian composer Andrea Bocelli suffered from Glaucoma at the age of 12, he was completely blind, but that did not stop him from recording 15 albums of pop and classical music, nine operas, which sold over 70 million records.

When Italian composer Andrea Bocelli suffered from Glaucoma at the age of 12, he was completely blind, but that did not stop him from recording 15 albums of pop and classical music, nine operas, which sold over 70 million records. His son, Matteo Bocelli plans to continue his father's legacy, but with a personal touch of his own golden voice. In his music videos, he is high on style, glamour and ambitions. Days before his first trip to India, WION got an exclusive opportunity to speak to the singer-songwriter, who joined us from Italy via Zoom call. Bocelli was in a fresh mood to start the conversation. He had his keyboard and guitar ready in place. It happened twice in the middle of the conversation when he simply played a few tunes to express himself because he couldn't find the right words. Even in his cheerfulness, Matteo had an aura of a calm composer. Throughout the fifteen minutes of the conversation, and ten minutes of setting up the cameras, audio equipment, he didn't seem to be in a rush to give an answer. When Matteo switched on his video, he was seated in front of a bricked set-up. What set the mood was the designed off-white wall in the background which had a glow that reflected from a lamp placed near it. WION: Let's talk about 'Solo', which is your first single. When we watch a music video set in the mountains, and with a title like 'Solo', we immediately imagine the protagonist with an intense expression. But you had the hint of a smile. Matteo Bocelli: Well, it's true that the song may be a little far from what the video is, but you see, the video reflects the essence of the music, the meaning. 'Solo' was a song that I wrote, the inspiration came from fact that loneliness is a very fragile aspect of my character. Solo means lonely in English. This was caused by the fact that when I was little, I used to see my father travelling the world, for a kid it is not easy to see your father leave home. Today, I see myself a little bit in the same place you know the same route, travelling all over, leaving home, all the family, friends, leaving home, the people in general that I love, it's not been easy. All this is of course moved from the biggest passion I had, that is music. WION: Your music comes with a classic touch of cello, piano and modern touch of the drums. That is why you possibly have a separate fanbase. What kind of practice do you do to get such a fusion? Matteo Bocelli: I was born, of course, with opera and classical music, but at the same time, I was born in a different generation where my friends were listening to Eminem and now Ed Sheeran and so, I always see that we are the sum of all our experiences, especially here is the music experience. And it is not easy for me to describe myself and say what I am today. Today, I am Matteo, and I prefer to receive from people a description of my music. But I have always been open to any genre of music. The ones that I love most are pop and opera. WION: Do you remember the exact moment when you decided to follow in your father's footsteps? Matteo Bocelli: The first important moment for me was when I approached music at the age of six or seven years old and started playing the piano. Singing was just something I did for myself and only with myself because I was very shy, and I couldn’t sing in front of people. So, I was mostly singing in front of my mother. My father's house was always full of people and there wasn’t much privacy until the day for some reason I opened up and said let's try to sing in front of my father. He was surprised and that's when I started to open up and sing in front of him. Then I got the technique and suggestions. Then 2018 had been the most important year for me, it was when I did the duet with my father, 'Follow Me'. That was when I understood that my passion for music was going farther, you know, something more. WION: When you started playing, what were your regular practice pieces and which ones were you addicted to? Matteo Bocelli: When I started to play the piano, I was into Chappell, he was my favourite composer. I have always considered myself a very romantic guy and Chappell, I think, is the most perfect example of romanticism and deep emotional composer. WION: Now let's talk about the most awaited question, India. This is your first trip to the country, what are you waiting to experience? Matteo Bocelli: I'm really looking forward to discovering and learning about this amazing country, which unluckily I never had the chance to visit. I have been travelling the world my entire life but unluckily never had the chance to visit India. So, I'm very excited and it will be very important for my career. WION: Which Indian stars are you looking forward to working with? Matteo Bocelli: I don’t know if I can say the name, but I will keep you in the surprise. I did a collaboration that I can't wait to share with all of you. It is a love song, and I can tell you that I will be recording the music video in India next week. Lots of exciting things coming up next month. WION: Music lovers in India are exposed to widely different genres of music. How do you plan on establishing yourself? Matteo Bocelli: Well, the project is quite homogenic. The sound of the project is not too far, we don’t have opera and the project of pop. In the last few years, I wrote about 70 songs and now is the moment to choose which one. It is not easy because you want to have an album of 70 songs but it's not possible. It is an exciting moment for me but not easy because you have to pick the song which you think is the right one for the historic moment we are having. Before the end of this year, my first album will be out. WION: Tell us about the musical composition you listen to on a repeat mode. Matteo Bocelli: I have always been very fascinated by Ed Sheeran. He has been able to reach and develop a lot of incredible things. The way he approached his live performance, I have never found anyone able to entertain 80,000 people in a stadium with just his voice and a guitar, it's truly impressive. The way he writes his lyrics, he is a storyteller, and I only listen to his songs. You can fall into what he writes, he has written some amazing melodies, he got the most successful ballads in music history. He is a phenomenon that happens once every hundred years. I also listen to Adele. She released her beautiful album. We have many amazing artists on this planet. WION: Lately what do you think about the entire cultural boycott that has happened in Russia? Matteo Bocelli: Well, I always try to send a message of love, hope and now, more than ever, I think we artists have to concentrate our energies to spread love and hope to people who are suffering at this moment. Even if I feel like a little drop of water, even if I'm just a little drop of water, we can be a big ocean of love in this world. We hope that this horrible situation ends very soon. Watch | Hitting the right notes: Matteo Bocelli speaks to WION ahead of his first trip to India

Exclusive: Italian composer Matteo Bocelli speaks to WION ahead of his first trip to India

Italian musician Matteo Bocelli speaks to WION ahead of his first trip to India. Bocelli gets candid about music. Watch this report to know all the details.

Hitting the right notes: Matteo Bocelli speaks to WION ahead of his first trip to India

Music makes us happy. It elicits memories of all kinds. Such is the effect of music on us that Music Therapy is actually a thing in some treatment methods.

A conclusion can easily be drawn from this that music affects our brains, ofcourse in a positive manner. But does our brain respond to sound of singing in a particular way that to, say instrumental music? A new study says yes.

A new group of neurons has been found which responds selectively to the sound of singing.

The team of researchers at the University of Rochester observed effect of 165 different sounds on human brain. The electrocal activity in the brain was mapped.

The team recorded electrical activity in response to 165 different sounds. These sounds ranged from instrumental music to even dogs barking. The result obtained was then processed using an algorithm. Results obtained from fMRI scans of 30 different individuals were then combined.

The analysis of this data revealed that there were some neurons that responded to the sound of music or there were some that responded to the sound speech.

But researchers also found a group of neurons that responded selectively to sound of singing&nbsp;

“These results suggest that representations of music are fractionated into subpopulations selective for different types of music, one of which is specialised for the analysis of song,” the team writes in their research paper.

The research has been published in Current Biology.

Music makes us happy. It elicits memories of all kinds. Such is the effect of music on us that Music Therapy is actually a thing in some treatment methods. A conclusion can easily be drawn from this that music affects our brains, ofcourse in a positive manner.

Music makes us happy. It elicits memories of all kinds. Such is the effect of music on us that Music Therapy is actually a thing in some treatment methods. A conclusion can easily be drawn from this that music affects our brains, ofcourse in a positive manner. But does our brain respond to sound of singing in a particular way that to, say instrumental music? A new study says yes. A new group of neurons has been found which responds selectively to the sound of singing. The team of researchers at the University of Rochester observed effect of 165 different sounds on human brain. The electrocal activity in the brain was mapped. The team recorded electrical activity in response to 165 different sounds. These sounds ranged from instrumental music to even dogs barking. The result obtained was then processed using an algorithm. Results obtained from fMRI scans of 30 different individuals were then combined. The analysis of this data revealed that there were some neurons that responded to the sound of music or there were some that responded to the sound speech. But researchers also found a group of neurons that responded selectively to sound of singing “These results suggest that representations of music are fractionated into subpopulations selective for different types of music, one of which is specialised for the analysis of song,” the team writes in their research paper. The research has been published in Current Biology.

Study finds part of human brain responding to singing

WION had an exclusive conversation with one of the living legends of Indian classical music, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, who believes in the healing power of music. Popularly known as the 'Sarod Samrat', or 'Sarod Maestro' he humbly calls himself 'Sarod ka ghulam'...which means a slave to the sarod.

Ustad Amjad Ali Khan on the power of music | WION Exclusive

Fungistanbul, a Turkish band is building a music movement from the trash. The band is raising environmental awareness through live concerts.

Trash Music: A Turkish band is building a music movement from trash

Over 900 items from some of the world's biggest music stars are hitting the auction block in New York. Julien's Auction is hosting their annual "Icons and Idols: Rock and Roll" auction live at the Hard Rock Café November 19 -20

900 items of the world's biggest music stars hit the auction block

Africa, with its internationally recognised musical talent - and growing mobile phone use - is central to Swedish music streamer Spotify's plans to extend its reach to a billion customers.

As African artists such as Nigeria's Burna Boy and South Africa's Black Coffee are streamed across the world, the continent was seen as an obvious choice and is the home to more than a third of the company's 85 new markets.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-regional-bloc-loses-92-per-cent-tourism-earnings-due-to-covid-419833">African regional bloc loses 92 per cent tourism earnings due to Covid</a>

The problem is payment on a continent where many people are more likely to have a mobile phone than a bank account.

That means Spotify's first task as it implements a plan announced in February to almost double its footprint is to win over the telecom companies that often equate to banks.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify's head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, told Reuters the company secured "alternative payment methods", namely M-Pesa, when it moved into Kenya in February.

Owned by Kenya's biggest telecoms operator, Safaricom, M-Pesa is used to send money, save, borrow and make payments for goods and services.

"A lot of African countries are unbanked so that means they don't use credit cards and this is very true for a lot of east African (countries) and in Kenya use M-Pesa for the most part," Okumu said. Elsewhere in Africa, Spotify is seeking other collaborators.

"We are having conversations with the right partners to ensure that we are providing solutions to payment problems that several African consumers face in different parts of the continent," Okumu said.

&nbsp;Chasing the mobile money

Irene Kophen, a Spotify premium user based in Kenya, said she prefers M-Pesa rather than bank cards because she thinks mobile money has made music more accessible.

"Most of us have access to our phones, but not many of us have cards, or bank accounts," the 31-year-old told Reuters.

Costs associated with opening bank accounts, the distance to financial institutions and the difficulty in meeting "Know Your Customers" requirements because of inadequate proof of address&nbsp;have added to the appeal of using phones to pay.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-transport-minister-mulls-a-law-replacing-vehicle-horns-with-indian-musical-instruments-418373">Indian Transport minister mulls a law replacing vehicle horns with Indian musical instruments</a>

"The past few years have seen an emphasis on shifting towards expansion of innovative banking services through mobile technology to capture lower income segments and the unbanked," a spokesperson for South Africa's Absa bank said in an emailed statement.

By 2020, sub-Saharan Africa had 548 million mobile money accounts, up 12 per cent&nbsp;from 2019 - more than any other region in the world, mobile industry body GSMA said.

That has provided banking access in a continent where about 43 per cent&nbsp; of sub-Saharan Africans over the age of 15 had a bank account in 2017, according to the World Bank, which has not provided any more recent data.

Win, win

Spotify's local rivals, such as Kenya-based and Danish-listed Mdundo and Nigeria headquartered Boomplay have also started to build ties with mobile operators.

Such partnerships are based on telcom providers selling music bundles that give customers access to a streaming company's premium service and exclusively-curated music mixes.

The collaboration can benefit both sides by boosting revenue and helping to increase subscribers, but for the streaming companies it is all-but essential. 
&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/african-cinema-could-create-20-mn-jobs-unesco-418269">African cinema could create 20 mn jobs: UNESCO</a>

"It is critical that streaming companies get this right, otherwise they will lose out on revenue from consumers who were willing, but unable, to pay them," Charles Stuart, PwC partner and director of Technology, Media and Telecommunications, said.

For the telecom companies, which also include Airtel Nigeria and Vodacom Tanzania, the partnership can help to achieve customer "loyalty and stickiness" by adding value, Stuart said.

MTN, Africa's largest mobile operator with 48.9 million active mobile money users, is integrating its mobile money service onto its MusicTime app to allow payments, Serigne Dioum, group chief digital and fintech officer of MTN, told Reuters.

"We're talking to players who are music-only players and also we're talking to players who have broader reach in music, video and gaming and who can position our digital services much better," MTN's Dioum said.

Boomplay, which has 60 million monthly active users, has allowed users to pay via mobile platforms such as M-Pesa and Tigo-Pesa in Kenya and Tanzania.

It aims to roll out that option in Francophone countries, Tosin Sorinola, Boomplay's director of artiste and media relations, told Reuters.

Mdundo, which had 8.7 million monthly active users as of June, has three telecom partnerships in Nigeria and Tanzania, and expects one or two more similar deals before the end of this year, Chief Executive Officer Martin Nielsen told Reuters.

"When it comes to payments across Africa our key focus is bundling with telcos because telcos are the ones who have this reach and access to people's pockets," he said.

Africa, with its internationally recognised musical talent - and growing mobile phone use - is central to Swedish music streamer Spotify's plans to extend its reach to a billion customers.

Africa, with its internationally recognised musical talent - and growing mobile phone use - is central to Swedish music streamer Spotify's plans to extend its reach to a billion customers. As African artists such as Nigeria's Burna Boy and South Africa's Black Coffee are streamed across the world, the continent was seen as an obvious choice and is the home to more than a third of the company's 85 new markets. Also Read | African regional bloc loses 92 per cent tourism earnings due to Covid The problem is payment on a continent where many people are more likely to have a mobile phone than a bank account. That means Spotify's first task as it implements a plan announced in February to almost double its footprint is to win over the telecom companies that often equate to banks. Phiona Okumu, Spotify's head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, told Reuters the company secured "alternative payment methods", namely M-Pesa, when it moved into Kenya in February. Owned by Kenya's biggest telecoms operator, Safaricom, M-Pesa is used to send money, save, borrow and make payments for goods and services. "A lot of African countries are unbanked so that means they don't use credit cards and this is very true for a lot of east African (countries) and in Kenya use M-Pesa for the most part," Okumu said. Elsewhere in Africa, Spotify is seeking other collaborators. "We are having conversations with the right partners to ensure that we are providing solutions to payment problems that several African consumers face in different parts of the continent," Okumu said. Chasing the mobile money Irene Kophen, a Spotify premium user based in Kenya, said she prefers M-Pesa rather than bank cards because she thinks mobile money has made music more accessible. "Most of us have access to our phones, but not many of us have cards, or bank accounts," the 31-year-old told Reuters. Costs associated with opening bank accounts, the distance to financial institutions and the difficulty in meeting "Know Your Customers" requirements because of inadequate proof of address have added to the appeal of using phones to pay. Also Read | Indian Transport minister mulls a law replacing vehicle horns with Indian musical instruments "The past few years have seen an emphasis on shifting towards expansion of innovative banking services through mobile technology to capture lower income segments and the unbanked," a spokesperson for South Africa's Absa bank said in an emailed statement. By 2020, sub-Saharan Africa had 548 million mobile money accounts, up 12 per cent from 2019 - more than any other region in the world, mobile industry body GSMA said. That has provided banking access in a continent where about 43 per cent of sub-Saharan Africans over the age of 15 had a bank account in 2017, according to the World Bank, which has not provided any more recent data. Win, win Spotify's local rivals, such as Kenya-based and Danish-listed Mdundo and Nigeria headquartered Boomplay have also started to build ties with mobile operators. Such partnerships are based on telcom providers selling music bundles that give customers access to a streaming company's premium service and exclusively-curated music mixes. The collaboration can benefit both sides by boosting revenue and helping to increase subscribers, but for the streaming companies it is all-but essential. Also Read | African cinema could create 20 mn jobs: UNESCO "It is critical that streaming companies get this right, otherwise they will lose out on revenue from consumers who were willing, but unable, to pay them," Charles Stuart, PwC partner and director of Technology, Media and Telecommunications, said. For the telecom companies, which also include Airtel Nigeria and Vodacom Tanzania, the partnership can help to achieve customer "loyalty and stickiness" by adding value, Stuart said. MTN, Africa's largest mobile operator with 48.9 million active mobile money users, is integrating its mobile money service onto its MusicTime app to allow payments, Serigne Dioum, group chief digital and fintech officer of MTN, told Reuters. "We're talking to players who are music-only players and also we're talking to players who have broader reach in music, video and gaming and who can position our digital services much better," MTN's Dioum said. Boomplay, which has 60 million monthly active users, has allowed users to pay via mobile platforms such as M-Pesa and Tigo-Pesa in Kenya and Tanzania. It aims to roll out that option in Francophone countries, Tosin Sorinola, Boomplay's director of artiste and media relations, told Reuters. Mdundo, which had 8.7 million monthly active users as of June, has three telecom partnerships in Nigeria and Tanzania, and expects one or two more similar deals before the end of this year, Chief Executive Officer Martin Nielsen told Reuters. "When it comes to payments across Africa our key focus is bundling with telcos because telcos are the ones who have this reach and access to people's pockets," he said.

Music streamers turn to telcos to make Africa pay

These mysterious Al Basty beasts have three fluffy pets and are making a journey into the human realm, according to the theatre Light Wings from the city of Almetyevsk.

A weekend of street performances in Russia

Swedish supergroup ABBA announced their first new album in four decades on Thursday and said they would stage a series of virtual concerts using digital avatars of themselves in London next year. 
 
Fans piled online to celebrate the long-awaited reunion of one of the world`s most successful bands. "2021 has been saved by new ABBA music," @elliemiles23 said in one widely shared Twitter post. 
 
The album "Voyage" will come out on Nov. 5, the band said during the streamed launch. They released two of its 10 songs - "I Still Have Faith In You" and "Don`t Shut Me Down" - on Thursday. 
 
"First it was just two songs," songwriter Benny Andersson said in a pre-recorded video message.

"Then we said `maybe we should do, I don`t know, a few others. What do you say girls?` And they said `yeah`and then I asked `why don`t we do a full album?`" 
 
The recording went smoothly, co-songwriter Bjorn Ulvaeus said. "It all came rushing back in a matter of seconds." 
"I knew when Benny played the melody it just had to be about us," he added about "I Still Have Faith In You". The new album will also include a Christmas song "Little Things". 
 
'ABBATARS' 
 
The concerts will be held at a purpose-built ABBA Arena in London`s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in May, and feature digital versions of its four stars Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. 
The "abbatars" were created using motion capture technology - similar to that used to create Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings" movies series - and will show members of the band as they looked in 1979. 
 
"The only big problem was that we had to shave our beards," Andersson said. 
 
The concerts will feature 22 songs, including the two new numbers and a "sort of a greatest hits" compilation, including "Dancing Queen", he added. 
 
Ulvaeus said ABBA had chosen London because the group felt welcome there.

"Somehow, we have always felt that the Brits see us as their own - it feels like that when we come here every time," he said. 
 
Faltskog and Lyngstad did not speak during the streamed launch. 
 
In a statement, Faltskog said she had not known what to expect when they got back together to record. "But Benny’s recording studio is such a friendly and safe environment, and before I knew it I was really enjoying myself." 
 
ABBA was founded in the early 70s by then couples Agnetha and Bjorn, together with Benny and Anni-Frid. Their initials gave the band its name. 
 
They sold more than 385 million albums and topped charts from Australia to America with a string of hits including "Waterloo", "The Winner Takes It All" and "Take A Chance On Me". 
 
Their last album with fresh material, 1981`s "The Visitors", included songs tinged with the sadness of their divorces. The band split a year later. 
 
Rumours swirled for years that ABBA would get back together, but the members turned down many offers, including one reported $1 billion package to tour again. 
&nbsp;

Swedish supergroup ABBA announced their first new album in four decades on Thursday and said they would stage a series of virtual concerts using digital avatars of themselves in London next year.

Swedish supergroup ABBA announced their first new album in four decades on Thursday and said they would stage a series of virtual concerts using digital avatars of themselves in London next year. Fans piled online to celebrate the long-awaited reunion of one of the world`s most successful bands. "2021 has been saved by new ABBA music," @elliemiles23 said in one widely shared Twitter post. The album "Voyage" will come out on Nov. 5, the band said during the streamed launch. They released two of its 10 songs - "I Still Have Faith In You" and "Don`t Shut Me Down" - on Thursday. "First it was just two songs," songwriter Benny Andersson said in a pre-recorded video message. "Then we said `maybe we should do, I don`t know, a few others. What do you say girls?` And they said `yeah`and then I asked `why don`t we do a full album?`" The recording went smoothly, co-songwriter Bjorn Ulvaeus said. "It all came rushing back in a matter of seconds." "I knew when Benny played the melody it just had to be about us," he added about "I Still Have Faith In You". The new album will also include a Christmas song "Little Things". 'ABBATARS' The concerts will be held at a purpose-built ABBA Arena in London`s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in May, and feature digital versions of its four stars Agnetha Faltskog, Bjorn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad. The "abbatars" were created using motion capture technology - similar to that used to create Gollum in "The Lord of the Rings" movies series - and will show members of the band as they looked in 1979. "The only big problem was that we had to shave our beards," Andersson said. The concerts will feature 22 songs, including the two new numbers and a "sort of a greatest hits" compilation, including "Dancing Queen", he added. Ulvaeus said ABBA had chosen London because the group felt welcome there. "Somehow, we have always felt that the Brits see us as their own - it feels like that when we come here every time," he said. Faltskog and Lyngstad did not speak during the streamed launch. In a statement, Faltskog said she had not known what to expect when they got back together to record. "But Benny’s recording studio is such a friendly and safe environment, and before I knew it I was really enjoying myself." ABBA was founded in the early 70s by then couples Agnetha and Bjorn, together with Benny and Anni-Frid. Their initials gave the band its name. They sold more than 385 million albums and topped charts from Australia to America with a string of hits including "Waterloo", "The Winner Takes It All" and "Take A Chance On Me". Their last album with fresh material, 1981`s "The Visitors", included songs tinged with the sadness of their divorces. The band split a year later. Rumours swirled for years that ABBA would get back together, but the members turned down many offers, including one reported $1 billion package to tour again.

Here they go again - ABBA reunite for first new album in 40 years

The music videos of British all-girl band ‘Little Mix’ is inarguably one of the hottest things you will see on the internet, ever! And there latest offering—a collaboration with fellow Brit singer, Anne-Marie—is a testament to the aforementioned claim.

The music videos of British all-girl band ‘Little Mix’ is inarguably one of the hottest things you will see on the internet, ever! And there latest offering—a collaboration with fellow Brit singer, Anne-Marie—is a testament to the aforementioned claim. In the video of the single ‘Kiss My (Uh Oh)’, the gang of girls can be seen partying hard and going wild at a bachelorette party with the English singer. The group comprises Jade Thirlwall, Perrie Edwards, and Leigh-Anne Pinnock (and special metion to former member Jesy Nelson). Nelson quit the band in Decmeber last year citing mental health reasons. Little Mix rose to prominence back in 2011 by becoming the first group to win the UK version of The X Factor, and signed with Simon Cowell's record label, Syco Music. Check out some of their hottest and coolest posts here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Little Mix (@littlemix) ×

British girl band Little Mix’s new video ‘Kiss My (Uh Oh)’ is sexy to a T

Legendary rocker Bruce Springsteen returned to Broadway on Saturday night (June 26). The show's first run finished on December 15, 2018, but Springsteen sought to re-open Broadway performances by restarting his show.

The Boss returns to Broadway

Technology is redefining the way music is made and played. This video is about a young talent who can play music with her eyes. Find out how.

Tech It Out | How technology is empowering musicians

Balconies have become the new performance space for Bolivia's National Symphony Orchestra, after the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of concert halls.

Bolivian orchestra delights with balcony concert for pandemic respite

On a small island where the Senegal River meets the sea, hundreds of mask-wearing jazz enthusiasts listened to French-Senegalse vocalist Awa Ly sing a blues for uncertain times. Last year COVID-19 halted Saint Louis' jazz festival for the first time in its 29-year history. This year it was back, bringing much needed life to the Island of Saint Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its colonial architecture and pastel-coloured houses.

Jazz is back in Senegal's St Louis

Salah al-Mulla's debut as a 'tabla' player did not get much approval from neighbours whom he would wake up in the middle of the night while rehearsing his rhythms in a narrow street of his popular district in Iraq's southern city of Basra. But today, he and a team of musicians specialised in 'Khashaba' music are in high demand during popular celebrations and concerts.

'Khashaba' music and its rhythms from Basra

After a year of intense medical care, doctors and nurses celebrated the loosening of COVID-19 restrictions in Israel Tuesday with a concert in the lobby of Ichilov hospital at Tel Aviv's Sourasky Medical Center.

Tel Aviv hospital celebrates lifting of COVID-19 restrictions

Kashmir's music industry was in shambles for the last three decades. There were no music albums or songs released for years until the young brigade took it on themselves to revive this industry. The pace is slow but these young artists are making every effort to put life back into this industry.

Young brigade steps up efforts to revive Kashmir's music industry

On Saturday night at the Purple Pub in Ghana's capital Accra even the pandemic and an official shutdown of bars and clubs can't stop the music.

In the bustling Osu district, early revellers laze on plastic chairs emptying local beers as speakers cranked to full volume drown out their voices.&nbsp;

After midnight, the chairs empty, whether it is Sarkodie or Stonebwoy, the kings of Ghanaian Afrobeats soon have the whole street swinging.

In a music scene long ruled by giant neighbour Nigeria, Afrobeats from Ghana are now finding favour not only in Accra's clubs but in a thriving international market beyond West Africa.

"Not only is Afrobeats hyper-popular here in Ghana, it's now gaining real recognition on the international stage," says Stonebwoy in his Accra recording studio, which is lined with international accolades.

"We are seeing Afrobeats festivals appear in Europe, I am happy to see West African music go so far. I even have hardened fans in India and Bangladesh," says the singer who counts 3.6 million Instagram followers.

Afrobeats takes its name from the Afrobeat musical genre of the 1970s popularised by the music icon Fela Kuti and which exploded in Nigeria.&nbsp;

Western audiences were discovering the Afrobeats scene in 2016 thanks to the hit "One Dance", featuring Canadian superstar Drake and Nigerian Wizkid.

The tune soared in popularity to secure a place as the most played song of all time on Spotify, surpassing one billion streams.

- Nigeria's shadow -

Now, alongside Nigerian stars with millions of social media followers -- Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido -- Ghanian musicians are emerging to take their turn.

Gyakie and Joey B boast hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers while KiDi has 1.6 million, Sarkodie 4.4 million and Shatta Wale 3.2 million.&nbsp;

Shatta Wale's "Already" featuring Beyonce and Major Lazer was one of the hits of the summer of 2020, securing Ghana a place among the countries which now count on Africa's pop scene.&nbsp;

Jefferson Seneadza, co-founder of the Ghanaian music streaming platform Aftown, which aims to promote African music, has noted "a massive interest in Ghanaian music".&nbsp;

"Our music industry is finally being taken seriously," he says, saying the country can now take its talents to the international stage.

Stonebwoy's latest album, for example, has been listened to over a million times in a week on the platform.

"And a lot of those tapping came from abroad," Seneadza said.

Young singer Gyakie signed a contract with US giant Sony Music earlier this year, shortly after a delegation from the label travelled to Ghana to scout the local market.

"In Afrobeats, Ghana is now in a position to compete with Nigeria," said Jim Donnett, public relations manager of Sony Music West Africa.

"But it's healthy competition."&nbsp;

Musicians attribute this success to the mixture of genres.

"My music is Afro-dancehall influenced by Caribbean music," says Stonebwoy, a bright red cap resting on his braided hair.

"I borrow from Jamaican dancehall, reggae, and cook it all in the big pot of African music, adding the rhythms and melodies unique to the continent."

- The Highlife -

The result: contagious rhythms which, served by a powerful voice, form irresistibly catchy pieces.

But the Ghanaian Afrobeats stand out from their Nigerian big sister in one particular way: the legacy of "Highlife".&nbsp;

The genre appeared in colonised Ghana, then called Cote-de-l'Or, at the beginning of the 19th century, by adapting the traditional rhythms of the Ashanti people to Western instruments brought by the colonists.&nbsp;

It was thanks to Highlife that Ghana enjoyed its first success on the international music scene.

"By the 1970s, big Highlife groups like Osibisa were already filling entire stadiums," recalls Ghanaian-Romanian musician Wanlov the Kubolor, avant-garde cultural icon and author of an offbeat album called 'Afrobeats LOL'.

"But the recent popularity of Afrobeats is of a different nature."

Thanks to the internet, young Ghanaian artists can achieve viral success very quickly, he said.

But Ghana's scene now faces another challenge: the Covid-19 pandemic and the strict health restrictions put in place by the government since March 2020 that have been a blow to the music sector across the world.&nbsp;

The cancellations of festivals and concerts, which represent the bulk of income for African artists, have further weakened a sector where funding was already fragile.

"All eyes are on Africa right now, and we, the young Ghanaian creators, feel that it is the right time to emerge," says young talent Sofie on the sidelines of a shoot for a new video in a private villa in Accra.

"What we lack now is a real industry, structured and funded with the help of the state."

On Saturday night at the Purple Pub in Ghana's capital Accra even the pandemic and an official shutdown of bars and clubs can't stop the music. In the bustling Osu district, early revellers laze on plastic chairs emptying local beers as speakers cranked to full volume drown out their voices.

On Saturday night at the Purple Pub in Ghana's capital Accra even the pandemic and an official shutdown of bars and clubs can't stop the music. In the bustling Osu district, early revellers laze on plastic chairs emptying local beers as speakers cranked to full volume drown out their voices. After midnight, the chairs empty, whether it is Sarkodie or Stonebwoy, the kings of Ghanaian Afrobeats soon have the whole street swinging. In a music scene long ruled by giant neighbour Nigeria, Afrobeats from Ghana are now finding favour not only in Accra's clubs but in a thriving international market beyond West Africa. "Not only is Afrobeats hyper-popular here in Ghana, it's now gaining real recognition on the international stage," says Stonebwoy in his Accra recording studio, which is lined with international accolades. "We are seeing Afrobeats festivals appear in Europe, I am happy to see West African music go so far. I even have hardened fans in India and Bangladesh," says the singer who counts 3.6 million Instagram followers. Afrobeats takes its name from the Afrobeat musical genre of the 1970s popularised by the music icon Fela Kuti and which exploded in Nigeria. Western audiences were discovering the Afrobeats scene in 2016 thanks to the hit "One Dance", featuring Canadian superstar Drake and Nigerian Wizkid. The tune soared in popularity to secure a place as the most played song of all time on Spotify, surpassing one billion streams. - Nigeria's shadow - Now, alongside Nigerian stars with millions of social media followers -- Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido -- Ghanian musicians are emerging to take their turn. Gyakie and Joey B boast hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers while KiDi has 1.6 million, Sarkodie 4.4 million and Shatta Wale 3.2 million. Shatta Wale's "Already" featuring Beyonce and Major Lazer was one of the hits of the summer of 2020, securing Ghana a place among the countries which now count on Africa's pop scene. Jefferson Seneadza, co-founder of the Ghanaian music streaming platform Aftown, which aims to promote African music, has noted "a massive interest in Ghanaian music". "Our music industry is finally being taken seriously," he says, saying the country can now take its talents to the international stage. Stonebwoy's latest album, for example, has been listened to over a million times in a week on the platform. "And a lot of those tapping came from abroad," Seneadza said. Young singer Gyakie signed a contract with US giant Sony Music earlier this year, shortly after a delegation from the label travelled to Ghana to scout the local market. "In Afrobeats, Ghana is now in a position to compete with Nigeria," said Jim Donnett, public relations manager of Sony Music West Africa. "But it's healthy competition." Musicians attribute this success to the mixture of genres. "My music is Afro-dancehall influenced by Caribbean music," says Stonebwoy, a bright red cap resting on his braided hair. "I borrow from Jamaican dancehall, reggae, and cook it all in the big pot of African music, adding the rhythms and melodies unique to the continent." - The Highlife - The result: contagious rhythms which, served by a powerful voice, form irresistibly catchy pieces. But the Ghanaian Afrobeats stand out from their Nigerian big sister in one particular way: the legacy of "Highlife". The genre appeared in colonised Ghana, then called Cote-de-l'Or, at the beginning of the 19th century, by adapting the traditional rhythms of the Ashanti people to Western instruments brought by the colonists. It was thanks to Highlife that Ghana enjoyed its first success on the international music scene. "By the 1970s, big Highlife groups like Osibisa were already filling entire stadiums," recalls Ghanaian-Romanian musician Wanlov the Kubolor, avant-garde cultural icon and author of an offbeat album called 'Afrobeats LOL'. "But the recent popularity of Afrobeats is of a different nature." Thanks to the internet, young Ghanaian artists can achieve viral success very quickly, he said. But Ghana's scene now faces another challenge: the Covid-19 pandemic and the strict health restrictions put in place by the government since March 2020 that have been a blow to the music sector across the world. The cancellations of festivals and concerts, which represent the bulk of income for African artists, have further weakened a sector where funding was already fragile. "All eyes are on Africa right now, and we, the young Ghanaian creators, feel that it is the right time to emerge," says young talent Sofie on the sidelines of a shoot for a new video in a private villa in Accra. "What we lack now is a real industry, structured and funded with the help of the state."

Afrobeats put Ghana back on international music scene

Stage costumes worn by pop group Destiny`s Child at the height of their fame are hitting the auction block in June, along with gowns belonging to Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston and Cher. 
 
Julien`s Auctions said on Monday that it was selling more than 100 lots of costumes owned and used by Destiny`s Child members Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams during the late 1990s and early 2000`s. 
 
The outfits include the coordinating gold leather costumes worn by the three "Survivor" singers during a VH1 television tribute to Diana Ross in 2000, and the trio of futuristic metallic red and silver leather jumpsuits the women wore in their "Independent Women Part 1" music video that was the theme song for the 2000 movie "Charlie`s Angels." 
"These three outfits are so iconic and represent such an important song," said Martin Nolan, executive director of Julien`s Auctions. 
 
The dozens of costumes, most of which were designed by Beyonce`s mother Tina Knowles Lawson, are expected to fetch between $600 and $10,000 each at the three-day auction in Beverly Hills on June 11-13. 
 
Julien`s said the outfits were donated by the families of the Destiny`s Child singers after spending years in storage. A portion of the proceeds will benefit MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy that has helped musicians who are struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic. 
 
Destiny`s Child, one of the most influential female groups of early 2000s, went through several lineups and officially split in 2006. Beyonce went on to forge a huge solo career. 
 
Other items up for sale in June include an Atelier Versace gold gossamer gown worn by the late Whitney Houston for a performance in Paris in July 1998 (estimated at $20,000 - $30,000), and the net bodysuit and motorcycle jacket outfit worn by Cher in the 1989 music video for "If I Could Turn Back Time" that last sold at auction five years ago for $60,000.

Stage costumes worn by pop group Destiny`s Child at the height of their fame are hitting the auction block in June, along with gowns belonging to Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston and Cher.

Stage costumes worn by pop group Destiny`s Child at the height of their fame are hitting the auction block in June, along with gowns belonging to Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston and Cher. Julien`s Auctions said on Monday that it was selling more than 100 lots of costumes owned and used by Destiny`s Child members Beyonce, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams during the late 1990s and early 2000`s. The outfits include the coordinating gold leather costumes worn by the three "Survivor" singers during a VH1 television tribute to Diana Ross in 2000, and the trio of futuristic metallic red and silver leather jumpsuits the women wore in their "Independent Women Part 1" music video that was the theme song for the 2000 movie "Charlie`s Angels." "These three outfits are so iconic and represent such an important song," said Martin Nolan, executive director of Julien`s Auctions. The dozens of costumes, most of which were designed by Beyonce`s mother Tina Knowles Lawson, are expected to fetch between $600 and $10,000 each at the three-day auction in Beverly Hills on June 11-13. Julien`s said the outfits were donated by the families of the Destiny`s Child singers after spending years in storage. A portion of the proceeds will benefit MusiCares, the charitable arm of the Recording Academy that has helped musicians who are struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic. Destiny`s Child, one of the most influential female groups of early 2000s, went through several lineups and officially split in 2006. Beyonce went on to forge a huge solo career. Other items up for sale in June include an Atelier Versace gold gossamer gown worn by the late Whitney Houston for a performance in Paris in July 1998 (estimated at $20,000 - $30,000), and the net bodysuit and motorcycle jacket outfit worn by Cher in the 1989 music video for "If I Could Turn Back Time" that last sold at auction five years ago for $60,000.

Destiny's Child stage costumes go up for auction

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