The queen of thumri has gone silent. The death of Girija Devi marks yet another poignant moment in the annals of Hindustani music; her life and labors embodied both the extraordinary turns that music itself underwent in course of the twentieth century as well as the spirit of Benarasi musical culture which she identified with very closely.

Born to a zamindar and a devadasi mother, young Girija responded naturally to the talim she received from a number of accomplished teachers. She was trained to specialise in a number of genres, especially the thumri and the dadra.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Like so many of her counterparts who came into the folds of nationalist reform activity and middle-class domesticity, Girija Devi took up music in right earnest and used her own creative imagination to make the thumri her very own medium of expression. In her artistic conception and through her voice, the thumri became more than a genre that was always associated with a particular community and its aural imagination; it was expanded to transform the very soundscape of Hindustani music. Her talim that carried the markers of traditional seni practice and her ability to use the new institutions in independent India, notably the Radio, made her a household name and the most influential exponent of the purab ang thumri.

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<h5>Girija Devi expanded thumri to transform the very soundscape of Hindustani music.</h5>
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While her inner artistic life was shaped by the city of Benaras and its rich musical culture her individual personality pushed her to seek new pastures, especially on the public stage. Moving away from private mehfils, she came to dominate the public concert stage in major Indian cities and, thereby, carved a distinct space for the rendering of genres, such as the thumri, dadra, hori, kajari and chaiti all of which had been relegated to the domain of the light classical. This was possible only because Girija Devi comprehended the niceties of language and the layers of meaning in the song texts that she performed.

When Girija Devi sang in her full-throated voice &lsquo;ras ke bhare tore nayan&rsquo;, the listener could not but respond to the rich emotional overtones of the song that blended poetry and music to produce a sensorial feast.

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<h5>In every sense, Girija Devi was a trendsetter and wore her personality in her voice and imagination.</h5>
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Girija Devi&rsquo;s tryst with music like so many of her counterparts in the north and the south had a private as well as a public face. She often talked of the enormous support she received from her father and husband but more striking was her experience of an intense practice session in Sarnath. This supposedly gave her an unusual insight into the acoustic elements of music and made her the artist she became.

As a public personality, she was equally at ease &ndash; having breached the public domain, as early as 1949 when she performed for the All India Radio in Allahabad, she went on from strength to strength, thrilling listeners and performing in India and overseas. A recipient of several awards, she was a generous teacher and collaborator. She worked closely with the Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata and the Benaras Hindu University as well as displayed her ability to negotiate very different modes of pedagogy than what she had been used to.

In every sense, Girija Devi was a trendsetter and wore her personality in her voice and imagination. The confidence and energy that characterised her transition from an older world of patronage and performance to a new milieu of public concerts and institutions made Girija Devi truly magisterial. The world of music will miss her &ndash;the city of Benaras especially so.

The confidence and energy that characterised her transition from an older world of patronage and performance to a new milieu of public concerts and institutions made Girija Devi truly magisterial.

The queen of thumri has gone silent. The death of Girija Devi marks yet another poignant moment in the annals of Hindustani music; her life and labors embodied both the extraordinary turns that music itself underwent in course of the twentieth century as well as the spirit of Benarasi musical culture which she identified with very closely. Born to a zamindar and a devadasi mother, young Girija responded naturally to the talim she received from a number of accomplished teachers. She was trained to specialise in a number of genres, especially the thumri and the dadra. Like so many of her counterparts who came into the folds of nationalist reform activity and middle-class domesticity, Girija Devi took up music in right earnest and used her own creative imagination to make the thumri her very own medium of expression. In her artistic conception and through her voice, the thumri became more than a genre that was always associated with a particular community and its aural imagination; it was expanded to transform the very soundscape of Hindustani music. Her talim that carried the markers of traditional seni practice and her ability to use the new institutions in independent India, notably the Radio, made her a household name and the most influential exponent of the purab ang thumri. Girija Devi expanded thumri to transform the very soundscape of Hindustani music. × While her inner artistic life was shaped by the city of Benaras and its rich musical culture her individual personality pushed her to seek new pastures, especially on the public stage. Moving away from private mehfils, she came to dominate the public concert stage in major Indian cities and, thereby, carved a distinct space for the rendering of genres, such as the thumri, dadra, hori, kajari and chaiti all of which had been relegated to the domain of the light classical. This was possible only because Girija Devi comprehended the niceties of language and the layers of meaning in the song texts that she performed. When Girija Devi sang in her full-throated voice ‘ras ke bhare tore nayan’, the listener could not but respond to the rich emotional overtones of the song that blended poetry and music to produce a sensorial feast. In every sense, Girija Devi was a trendsetter and wore her personality in her voice and imagination. × Girija Devi’s tryst with music like so many of her counterparts in the north and the south had a private as well as a public face. She often talked of the enormous support she received from her father and husband but more striking was her experience of an intense practice session in Sarnath. This supposedly gave her an unusual insight into the acoustic elements of music and made her the artist she became. As a public personality, she was equally at ease – having breached the public domain, as early as 1949 when she performed for the All India Radio in Allahabad, she went on from strength to strength, thrilling listeners and performing in India and overseas. A recipient of several awards, she was a generous teacher and collaborator. She worked closely with the Sangeet Research Academy in Kolkata and the Benaras Hindu University as well as displayed her ability to negotiate very different modes of pedagogy than what she had been used to. In every sense, Girija Devi was a trendsetter and wore her personality in her voice and imagination. The confidence and energy that characterised her transition from an older world of patronage and performance to a new milieu of public concerts and institutions made Girija Devi truly magisterial. The world of music will miss her –the city of Benaras especially so.

Girija Devi: The queen of thumri has gone silent

Diwali and Kali Puja are celebrated with equal enthusiasm in virtually every part of India. The deity invoked may be different, but the occasion is almost always accompanied by revelry, feasting and sound, generally in the form of crackers. Music really has little place in these celebrations, quite unlike the occasion of Navratri when in many states, there is a public and private display of music and dance.

In Southern India, we even have the instance of specific Navratri compositions sung in the name of the goddess in all her myriad facets, the Navaratri songs of the composer Swathi Thirunal being an instance in point. In fact, music on display was part of the courtly investment in public celebrations of Navratri whether it was eighteenth-century Travancore or nineteenth century Mysore.

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<h5>Blaring of songs through loudspeakers is common, with organisers having easy access to the repertoire of what is commonly known as shyama sangeet.</h5>
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Diwali, on the other hand, is not conventionally associated with singing or a genre, even in Bengal with its rich traditions of shyama sangeet initiated by the eighteenth-century poet Ramprasad Sen, the celebration of Kali pujo has little to do with music as a feature in ritualistic terms. Admittedly in the public worship of Kali (as the sarbojanik utsav or community festival), the blaring of songs through loudspeakers is common, with organisers having easy access to the repertoire of what is commonly known as shyama sangeet.

The core of the repertoire is the mystical poetry of Ramprasad Sen and Kamalakanta Bhattacharya who lived in the Nadia and Burdwan zamindaris respectively in the late eighteenth century. They produced numerous Sakta songs that became part of a living tradition. However, we do not know how they were sung or when they were standardised.

What we do know is that these songs were published in anthologies and circulated in the world of print from the later decades of the nineteenth century. How they were sung or set to tune is not something that we can easily recover. The style that we now associate with shyama sangeet was in all probability put together by early twentieth century artists such as twentieth-century artists such as Pannalal Bhattacharya and his brother Dhananjay Bhattacharya both of whom were ardent devotees themselves.

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<h5>Radio and subsequently cassette recordings played a key role in popularising the corpus of songs that made up shyama sangeet as a genre and in defining a prominent skein in the music-cultural identity of Bengal.</h5>
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Radio and subsequently cassette recordings played a key role in popularising the corpus of songs that made up shyama sangeet as a genre and in defining a prominent skein in the music-cultural identity of Bengal.

The musical features of this genre are at once simple and straightforward, eminently reproducible and capable of making a quick and enduring impression acoustically. With simple lyrics that address the benign maternal force of the goddess, the tunes are sharp and clear and resonate with theatre music. The melodies are simple, lilting and make a quick impact and thanks to particular modes of accessorisation adopted by later day comperes and radio presenters (Jagnannath Bose of Kali katha fane on FM being an excellent case in point).

The way these songs are sung and presented helps produce a particular register of effect which is extended by mass consumption during festive occasions such as Kali pujo and then becomes an audible marker of identity. The role of FM in this in contemporary times is especially marked, some early morning channels have devotional programmes such as Kali katha with its staple of shyama sangeet rendered by old and new artists, while others combine a judicious mix of Vaishnab keertan, sakta sangeet and adhunik thus making up a distinct Bengali musical profile which is easy to access by listeners.

It is interesting to reflect on the accessibility and comparability of Sakti imagery and tunes especially in relation to Nazrul Geeti or Atulprasadi in Bengal. That the poet Nazrul was deeply moved by the figure of the benign mother and set his own songs to tunes that were informed by raga music is well known and requires no elaboration.

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<h5>The regional register in the reception and adaptation of classical music idioms and style and its deployment in the rendering of more local songs and musical expression to carve a distinct musical identity.</h5>
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What is striking is the regional register in the reception and adaptation of classical music idioms and style and its deployment in the rendering of more local songs and musical expression to carve a distinct musical identity. One can find this especially in the case of Tamil compositions that were popularised in the twentieth century when the political urgency of Tamil nationalism made it imperative to carve a tradition and practice that set it apart from the mainstream Carnatic repertoire.

In the case of Bengal, the articulation of genres and styles such as atulprasadi or nazrulgeeti or indeed shyama sangeet was not as explicitly identified with either language nationalism or caste politics. But in any case, the intervention of mass media consumption and the use of cultural practices such as music during public ritual occasions - secular and otherwise - gave all these genres and forms a new currency that has helped in the consolidation of an aural public that Ramprasad Sen may never have envisaged or foreseen.

Cultural practices and celebration during festivals, give a boost to regional and ancient music

Diwali and Kali Puja are celebrated with equal enthusiasm in virtually every part of India. The deity invoked may be different, but the occasion is almost always accompanied by revelry, feasting and sound, generally in the form of crackers. Music really has little place in these celebrations, quite unlike the occasion of Navratri when in many states, there is a public and private display of music and dance. In Southern India, we even have the instance of specific Navratri compositions sung in the name of the goddess in all her myriad facets, the Navaratri songs of the composer Swathi Thirunal being an instance in point. In fact, music on display was part of the courtly investment in public celebrations of Navratri whether it was eighteenth-century Travancore or nineteenth century Mysore. Blaring of songs through loudspeakers is common, with organisers having easy access to the repertoire of what is commonly known as shyama sangeet. × Diwali, on the other hand, is not conventionally associated with singing or a genre, even in Bengal with its rich traditions of shyama sangeet initiated by the eighteenth-century poet Ramprasad Sen, the celebration of Kali pujo has little to do with music as a feature in ritualistic terms. Admittedly in the public worship of Kali (as the sarbojanik utsav or community festival), the blaring of songs through loudspeakers is common, with organisers having easy access to the repertoire of what is commonly known as shyama sangeet. The core of the repertoire is the mystical poetry of Ramprasad Sen and Kamalakanta Bhattacharya who lived in the Nadia and Burdwan zamindaris respectively in the late eighteenth century. They produced numerous Sakta songs that became part of a living tradition. However, we do not know how they were sung or when they were standardised. What we do know is that these songs were published in anthologies and circulated in the world of print from the later decades of the nineteenth century. How they were sung or set to tune is not something that we can easily recover. The style that we now associate with shyama sangeet was in all probability put together by early twentieth century artists such as twentieth-century artists such as Pannalal Bhattacharya and his brother Dhananjay Bhattacharya both of whom were ardent devotees themselves. Radio and subsequently cassette recordings played a key role in popularising the corpus of songs that made up shyama sangeet as a genre and in defining a prominent skein in the music-cultural identity of Bengal. × Radio and subsequently cassette recordings played a key role in popularising the corpus of songs that made up shyama sangeet as a genre and in defining a prominent skein in the music-cultural identity of Bengal. The musical features of this genre are at once simple and straightforward, eminently reproducible and capable of making a quick and enduring impression acoustically. With simple lyrics that address the benign maternal force of the goddess, the tunes are sharp and clear and resonate with theatre music. The melodies are simple, lilting and make a quick impact and thanks to particular modes of accessorisation adopted by later day comperes and radio presenters (Jagnannath Bose of Kali katha fane on FM being an excellent case in point). The way these songs are sung and presented helps produce a particular register of effect which is extended by mass consumption during festive occasions such as Kali pujo and then becomes an audible marker of identity. The role of FM in this in contemporary times is especially marked, some early morning channels have devotional programmes such as Kali katha with its staple of shyama sangeet rendered by old and new artists, while others combine a judicious mix of Vaishnab keertan, sakta sangeet and adhunik thus making up a distinct Bengali musical profile which is easy to access by listeners. It is interesting to reflect on the accessibility and comparability of Sakti imagery and tunes especially in relation to Nazrul Geeti or Atulprasadi in Bengal. That the poet Nazrul was deeply moved by the figure of the benign mother and set his own songs to tunes that were informed by raga music is well known and requires no elaboration. The regional register in the reception and adaptation of classical music idioms and style and its deployment in the rendering of more local songs and musical expression to carve a distinct musical identity. × What is striking is the regional register in the reception and adaptation of classical music idioms and style and its deployment in the rendering of more local songs and musical expression to carve a distinct musical identity. One can find this especially in the case of Tamil compositions that were popularised in the twentieth century when the political urgency of Tamil nationalism made it imperative to carve a tradition and practice that set it apart from the mainstream Carnatic repertoire. In the case of Bengal, the articulation of genres and styles such as atulprasadi or nazrulgeeti or indeed shyama sangeet was not as explicitly identified with either language nationalism or caste politics. But in any case, the intervention of mass media consumption and the use of cultural practices such as music during public ritual occasions - secular and otherwise - gave all these genres and forms a new currency that has helped in the consolidation of an aural public that Ramprasad Sen may never have envisaged or foreseen.

In the name of the goddess: Music and crackers

Singer Ed Sheeran who has been riding high on the success of his latest hit &quot;Shape of You&quot; comes out to speak about &quot;not being bothered about being the coolest musician&quot;.&nbsp;

Speaking to MTV, he was quoted saying: &quot;I am more focused on using music to inspire people of all ages, shapes, and sizes&quot;.

He said that he isn&#39;t worried about not being liked by a lot of people.&nbsp;

He added, &quot;I often meet kids at the meet and greet that are, like, six and have just started playing guitar because they like &#39;Castle on the Hill&#39; or something. I feel like that&#39;s why we make music. I might not be the coolest musician in the world but they enjoy it, and I enjoy it.&nbsp;I love it. The reason I make music is to get it to as many people as possible, so, like, having all ages, shapes, and sizes, a gig is great.&quot;

Previously, at the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/life-fun/ed-sheeran-awarded-mbe-ahead-of-glastonbury-concert-16972">recently held Glastonbury Festival</a>, the 26-year-old singer had called himself an&nbsp;&quot;underdog&quot; compared to the others in the industry.&nbsp;

He said, &ldquo;Yeah. I&rsquo;m definitely the one that&rsquo;s out of place on that list. But I think that&rsquo;s an exciting thing. You know doing this festival for the first time, like not even as a main headline but just playing it, it&rsquo;s daunting. Like even though Foo Fighters have played it before, Foo Fighters are a band everyone assumes has headlined before because they&rsquo;ve been so massive for so long.&rdquo;

The hit singer also spoke about songwriting and how it is&nbsp;&ldquo;a form of therapy to be honest&quot;.

He added,&nbsp;&quot;I think any time I&rsquo;ve ever got down or ever felt low the one thing that picks me up from that is writing a song about it because at least you&rsquo;ve got a positive experience out of a bad experience.&rdquo;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/life-fun/singer-ed-sheeran-to-perform-in-india-on-november-19-15433">singer is expected to perform in India on November 19</a>.&nbsp;

(WION)

He spoke about making music for people of all ages, shapes, and sizes

Singer Ed Sheeran who has been riding high on the success of his latest hit "Shape of You" comes out to speak about "not being bothered about being the coolest musician". Speaking to MTV, he was quoted saying: "I am more focused on using music to inspire people of all ages, shapes, and sizes". He said that he isn't worried about not being liked by a lot of people. He added, "I often meet kids at the meet and greet that are, like, six and have just started playing guitar because they like 'Castle on the Hill' or something. I feel like that's why we make music. I might not be the coolest musician in the world but they enjoy it, and I enjoy it. I love it. The reason I make music is to get it to as many people as possible, so, like, having all ages, shapes, and sizes, a gig is great." Previously, at the recently held Glastonbury Festival, the 26-year-old singer had called himself an "underdog" compared to the others in the industry. He said, “Yeah. I’m definitely the one that’s out of place on that list. But I think that’s an exciting thing. You know doing this festival for the first time, like not even as a main headline but just playing it, it’s daunting. Like even though Foo Fighters have played it before, Foo Fighters are a band everyone assumes has headlined before because they’ve been so massive for so long.” The hit singer also spoke about songwriting and how it is “a form of therapy to be honest". He added, "I think any time I’ve ever got down or ever felt low the one thing that picks me up from that is writing a song about it because at least you’ve got a positive experience out of a bad experience.” The singer is expected to perform in India on November 19. (WION)

Ed Sheeran isn't bothered about being the coolest musician

Is there any better way to begin a week than with some awesome music? While guitars, drums and flutes are some commonly used instruments, there are some that are rarely seen or heard of. Categorized under different segments, each of these instruments has something unique about their appearance, usage and the sound produced.&nbsp;

Explore with us, a few of these musical wonders that will leave you feeling more sound in music vocabulary:

<h2>Glass harmonica</h2>

Made of glass, this instrument uses a series of glass bowls ascending in size. Invented in 1761 by Benjamin Franklin, it produces sound when there is friction between the musician and instrument. The musician rubs his/her wet finger around the rim of a wine goblet in symphony to create music.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eQemvyyJ--g" width="970"></iframe>

<h2>Hang drum</h2>

The hang drum or locally known as the hang, originated in Switzerland around the year 2000. Despite being a fairly new instrument, it is catching up within music societies. A musician usually places a hang drum on his or her lap and plays.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GBiVq2MsCbs" width="970"></iframe>

<h2>Kantele</h2>

Somewhere between a guitar and a piano, the Kantele originated in Finland. It is a traditional string instrument, which has several cousins within the same music family. However, a Kantele has a very distinct bell-like sound, which is very different from other instruments that look like it.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K6Jk1sVV2rs" width="970"></iframe>

<h2>Laser harp&nbsp;</h2>

If you have ever seen a concert with laser lights, you probably know what is being talked about here. An electronic instrument, the laser harp uses laser lights to produce music artistically. As the musician moves his or her hands over the laser lights, sounds resembling a harp&rsquo;s music, is produced. The visual is quite a treat in this case.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9DlwQJX3qag" width="970"></iframe>

<h2>PVC pipe instrument&nbsp;</h2>

It produces the sound of a hundred rubber bands, rubbing against one another in a rhythm. The pipe instrument is more like a do-it-yourself instrument, which is easy to assemble and use.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0D2o8F2MOuI" width="970"></iframe>

<h2>Rumitone</h2>

One of the most unique instruments ever, a Rumitone is more than an instrument. It is an area of a spinning percussion instrument where the musicians enter to make music. It has a metal platform that spins and the tubes move outward. Sound can be made by breath, mallets and others.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FawOct9MNWA" width="970"></iframe>

<h2>Sea organ&nbsp;</h2>

Croatia has something like no other place. When after the Second World War, Zadar city suffered from major devastation, designer Nikola Ba&scaron;ic, created the sea organ. The instrument produces music through the interaction of sea waves with the tubes beneath the steps. Imagine walking on the tiles while harmonic sounds play, out of thin air!

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/myV3E9uREuI" width="970"></iframe>

<h2>Theremin&nbsp;</h2>

While a musician plays a theremin, it looks like the player is moving his or her hands through the air, as the device is half invisible to the naked eye. An electronic instrument, it has an antennae that senses the relative position of the player&rsquo;s hands and their movements, which controls the frequency, while the other controls amplitude.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K6KbEnGnymk" width="970"></iframe>

<h2>Waterphone</h2>

Want to know how all the horror movies manage to have such spooky music? The answer is, a waterphone. The creator of all haunting music, waterphone is also called an ocean harp. It is available in all sizes and designs and can be played as both a stringed and percussion instrument.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AjjQqd0eLzw" width="970"></iframe>

<h2>Wheelharp&nbsp;</h2>

Designed by John Jones, the instrument carries inspiration from the hurdy-gurdy, a&nbsp;popular musical instrument. It has 61 keys which, when pressed, push strings down onto the wheel. The sound intensifies based on the pressure&nbsp;applied to the pedal, which controls&nbsp;the wheel.

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MT4OxLLI4m4" width="970"></iframe>

(WION)

A list for those who want to adopt a new hobby this year

Is there any better way to begin a week than with some awesome music? While guitars, drums and flutes are some commonly used instruments, there are some that are rarely seen or heard of. Categorized under different segments, each of these instruments has something unique about their appearance, usage and the sound produced. Explore with us, a few of these musical wonders that will leave you feeling more sound in music vocabulary: Glass harmonica Made of glass, this instrument uses a series of glass bowls ascending in size. Invented in 1761 by Benjamin Franklin, it produces sound when there is friction between the musician and instrument. The musician rubs his/her wet finger around the rim of a wine goblet in symphony to create music. Hang drum The hang drum or locally known as the hang, originated in Switzerland around the year 2000. Despite being a fairly new instrument, it is catching up within music societies. A musician usually places a hang drum on his or her lap and plays. Kantele Somewhere between a guitar and a piano, the Kantele originated in Finland. It is a traditional string instrument, which has several cousins within the same music family. However, a Kantele has a very distinct bell-like sound, which is very different from other instruments that look like it. Laser harp If you have ever seen a concert with laser lights, you probably know what is being talked about here. An electronic instrument, the laser harp uses laser lights to produce music artistically. As the musician moves his or her hands over the laser lights, sounds resembling a harp’s music, is produced. The visual is quite a treat in this case. PVC pipe instrument It produces the sound of a hundred rubber bands, rubbing against one another in a rhythm. The pipe instrument is more like a do-it-yourself instrument, which is easy to assemble and use. Rumitone One of the most unique instruments ever, a Rumitone is more than an instrument. It is an area of a spinning percussion instrument where the musicians enter to make music. It has a metal platform that spins and the tubes move outward. Sound can be made by breath, mallets and others. Sea organ Croatia has something like no other place. When after the Second World War, Zadar city suffered from major devastation, designer Nikola Bašic, created the sea organ. The instrument produces music through the interaction of sea waves with the tubes beneath the steps. Imagine walking on the tiles while harmonic sounds play, out of thin air! Theremin While a musician plays a theremin, it looks like the player is moving his or her hands through the air, as the device is half invisible to the naked eye. An electronic instrument, it has an antennae that senses the relative position of the player’s hands and their movements, which controls the frequency, while the other controls amplitude. Waterphone Want to know how all the horror movies manage to have such spooky music? The answer is, a waterphone. The creator of all haunting music, waterphone is also called an ocean harp. It is available in all sizes and designs and can be played as both a stringed and percussion instrument. Wheelharp Designed by John Jones, the instrument carries inspiration from the hurdy-gurdy, a popular musical instrument. It has 61 keys which, when pressed, push strings down onto the wheel. The sound intensifies based on the pressure applied to the pedal, which controls the wheel. (WION)

Unique musical instruments you can learn to impress

Damien Chazelle&rsquo;s musical &quot;La La Land&quot;&nbsp;has swept the 2017 Golden Globes, a bellwether for the upcoming Academy Awards. It has also inspired quite a few arched eyebrows. After all, it is a &lsquo;film&rsquo; about two young &lsquo;white&rsquo; people trying&nbsp;to save a &lsquo;black&rsquo; cultural product, Jazz, and find meaning in the thespian world respectively.

The film&rsquo;s sweeping success is attributed to Hollywood&rsquo;s approval of a narcissism rooted in the idea of &lsquo;the white man&rsquo;s burden&rsquo; and self-referentialism.

Chazelle, 31, was once a struggling Jazz drummer at the Princeton High School and his own angst and anxieties about music have found expression earlier in the Academy winning &quot;Whiplash&quot;&nbsp;(2014). Built around the Charlie Parker myth, &quot;Whiplash&quot;&nbsp;shows how music survives reverberating through bloody fingers, abusive instructors, and emotionally wrecked genius. The success of these two films, amongst many others dealing with music, shows that people may or may not care for a particular genre of music but a cinematic narrative on it does pull at their heartstrings.

This brings us to ask a question: are cinema and TV, not the white men and women, the saviours that art and music forms need?&nbsp;

Raja Sen, film and music critic, shares that a film or TV series on a particular genre of music plays a crucial role. &ldquo;Very simply, they aim for a scope that is beyond the size of the genre itself. Popular film is incredibly inclusive and tries to speak to all, which is why a film about jazz can speak to more than just those who (already) love jazz.&rdquo;&nbsp;

His views are echoed by Krish Ashok, a Chennai-based musician and columnist, who says that films are essential for reviving and sustaining classical art forms, music being one of them. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s difficult to get people to listen to classical music bypassing the films. Their first exposure to it is through films and the eventual dream is to make music for films. Indian film music in the 1940s and till much after that was popular form of Indian classical music. Ilayaraja and A R Rahman have been bringing classical music to laymen through their film compositions&rdquo;

Most films, however, are accused of playing to the gallery and diluting the purity of the genre. Is the purist right in worrying about the sanctity of the form? Ashok states emphatically that popularisation should not be seen as a threat since Classical always stays. He brings in a caveat however. &ldquo;Questions regarding appropriation of cultural products while popularising them are valid to an extent. When the folk music born out of poverty and deprivation becomes club style, the contrast is stark.&rdquo; Talking of the music scene in the USA, Ashok adds, &ldquo;Every pop genre in the USA since the 1920s came from the blacks and yet it is the white artists who took the centre-stage. Elvis Presley became much bigger Rock n Roll icon than Chuck Berry; Eminem is bigger than his black counterparts in hip-hop and Rap.&rdquo;

A techie trained in Carnatic music, Ashok is gentle towards the purists&rsquo; urge to be protective towards their inherited form. However, he says that the purist wilfully ignores the impure genesis of his form while jealously guarding only the inherited finished product, &ldquo;the latest update,&rdquo; against corrupting influences. &ldquo;In India, Carnatic and Hindustani traditions owe a lot to Western and Persian influences. Music flourishes through improvisations.&rdquo;

Sunanda Rao Erdem, one of the handful degree holders in Opera singing in India, is in slight disagreement here.

&ldquo;Improvisation cannot be a blanket saviour for all music. For example, the Western classical music has been written down by composers already. It is bound to sound the same. Nuances are dependent only on the conductors and performers who bring their personalities into the interpretation of the sheets.&rdquo; She adds, &ldquo;Jazz is not written down, it is passed down ear to ear. There is more scope for improvisation there. Likewise, Indian classical music is more adaptable since it allows for greater degree of experimentation while retaining its formal structure. This may be one of the reasons why Western classical music has not been able to penetrate the Indian audience.&rdquo;

Certainly, musicians and conductors have been personalising classical music despite the mandated strict adherence to form. Gustavo Dudamel, who conducted the iconic Vienne Philharmonic Orchestra&rsquo;s New Year Concert on January 1, the youngest conductor to do so, has been reading the note-sheets through his eccentricity tinted glasses. Not yet 36, this South American conductor has managed to create ripples in the oft-perceived placid world of western classical music. By choosing Dudamel to conduct the concert this year, which happens to be a landmark one due to the 175th anniversary of the Vienna Philharmonic, the 150th birth anniversary of Empress Maria Theresa, and the 150th anniversary of the first performance of Strauss&rsquo;s &lsquo;Blue Danube,&rsquo; the western classical music establishment may have given out a strong signal.

Dudamel, who has inspired &quot;Mozart in the Jungle,&quot;&nbsp;an immensely popular TV series, is known for his effervescence, the kind that makes the audience at the famed Golden Hall at the Musikverein in Vienna tap its feet. The purists may have written Dudamel off for being compulsively gimmicky, his ebullient personality is a big pull for the newly interested in western classical music. His innovative ways to broaden the audience base range from collaboration with LENA (Leading European Newspapers Alliance), conducting the soundtrack for Star Wars to his commitment to community and music education. Through Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA) programme, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and its community partners have been providing free of cost training, instruments and mentorship to students from under-privileged backgrounds.

Ashok locates Dudamel&rsquo;s rise in the cyclical nature of the history of music. &ldquo;If we study the history of Western Classical music over the past 100 years, we shall see that every 10-20 years one maverick comes whose genius forces people to take note of that particular genre of music.&rdquo;

This decade belongs to Dudamel and his innovative ways.

The idea of &ldquo;popification&rdquo; of classical music in films also needs to be examined critically. Coming on the heels of the Baroque style, Bach and Mozart secularised music like never before. &ldquo;To their contemporaries, they too were pop stars. Same with Tchaikovsky. What was once pop has now become classical. Classical music as a genre is not static; the definitions are constantly changing. Jazz was borne out of experimentation and yet seen as a serious, almost classical form,&rdquo; says Ashok.

This perchance explains the sentiment of protectiveness about Jazz when a film like &quot;La La Land&quot;&nbsp;seeks to capitalise on it. Rao-Erdem, a self-proclaimed purist, understands well that this overprotective attitude may not serve the cause of classical music. &ldquo;Chinese opera music is a dying form. The Chinese are extremely purist in their treatment of arts. The government is trying hard to resurrect the opera tradition but lack of innovation is their biggest enemy.&rdquo; She adds, &ldquo;Many small orchestras in Europe&nbsp;have run out of business due to their inability to keep pace with the changing world around them. Maybe they needed something like Pavarotti and Friends.&rdquo;&nbsp;New tricks are needed for a brave new world.

Before the 20th century &ldquo;rules of concert etiquette&rdquo; made the concerts stifling and somewhat painful, listening to classical music was a full-bodied social experience. As a backlash to the mechanical production of music, live concerts attempted to retain their charm and aura by putting in place certain rules of engagement for the audience. Today, a minuscule fraction of the world population goes to classical concerts. As per a 2012 study by the National Endowment for Arts, 8.8% of Americans had attended a classical concert in the last 12 months. No wonder then that the major symphonic orchestras in the USA are facing the music. While the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York City Opera filed for bankruptcy in 2011 and 2013 respectively, other major outfits have seen strikes in the last five years.

Is the purist, then, not the biggest enemy of the art it most zealously aims to protect? Ashok gives an interesting response to this. &ldquo;Purists are important for the growth of music. Great art always emerges out of purism. Constraints and not absolute freedom creates it. John Cage&rsquo;s 4&rsquo;33&rdquo; is an example of compulsive experimentation. But will it, should it, be considered a classic? It is only when there is a keenly felt need to break away that music flourishes. That need is a gift of the purist to the experimentalist.&rdquo;

Sen&rsquo;s view of the purist is a little less charitable. &ldquo;I think the purist still has the form at its purest. I see no bother in an unschooled listener getting exposed to the music through some over-accessible form of it. It can often be a gateway.&rdquo; Rao-Erdem, on the other hand, stands her ground by asserting that only the presentation and not the music per se should be open to improvisation.

Individual and society; tradition and individual talent et al are bound to be locked in an unrelenting scrimmage. What may benefit the purist and the experimentalist is broadening the base of the audience, aided by innovative ways of engagement. If a &quot;La La Land&quot;&nbsp;inspires some YouTube searches for &ldquo;Jazz,&rdquo; so be it!

(WION)

Movies for example popularise the genre but they are also accused of 'diluting' its purity

Damien Chazelle’s musical "La La Land" has swept the 2017 Golden Globes, a bellwether for the upcoming Academy Awards. It has also inspired quite a few arched eyebrows. After all, it is a ‘film’ about two young ‘white’ people trying to save a ‘black’ cultural product, Jazz, and find meaning in the thespian world respectively. The film’s sweeping success is attributed to Hollywood’s approval of a narcissism rooted in the idea of ‘the white man’s burden’ and self-referentialism. Chazelle, 31, was once a struggling Jazz drummer at the Princeton High School and his own angst and anxieties about music have found expression earlier in the Academy winning "Whiplash" (2014). Built around the Charlie Parker myth, "Whiplash" shows how music survives reverberating through bloody fingers, abusive instructors, and emotionally wrecked genius. The success of these two films, amongst many others dealing with music, shows that people may or may not care for a particular genre of music but a cinematic narrative on it does pull at their heartstrings. This brings us to ask a question: are cinema and TV, not the white men and women, the saviours that art and music forms need? Raja Sen, film and music critic, shares that a film or TV series on a particular genre of music plays a crucial role. “Very simply, they aim for a scope that is beyond the size of the genre itself. Popular film is incredibly inclusive and tries to speak to all, which is why a film about jazz can speak to more than just those who (already) love jazz.” His views are echoed by Krish Ashok, a Chennai-based musician and columnist, who says that films are essential for reviving and sustaining classical art forms, music being one of them. “It’s difficult to get people to listen to classical music bypassing the films. Their first exposure to it is through films and the eventual dream is to make music for films. Indian film music in the 1940s and till much after that was popular form of Indian classical music. Ilayaraja and A R Rahman have been bringing classical music to laymen through their film compositions” Most films, however, are accused of playing to the gallery and diluting the purity of the genre. Is the purist right in worrying about the sanctity of the form? Ashok states emphatically that popularisation should not be seen as a threat since Classical always stays. He brings in a caveat however. “Questions regarding appropriation of cultural products while popularising them are valid to an extent. When the folk music born out of poverty and deprivation becomes club style, the contrast is stark.” Talking of the music scene in the USA, Ashok adds, “Every pop genre in the USA since the 1920s came from the blacks and yet it is the white artists who took the centre-stage. Elvis Presley became much bigger Rock n Roll icon than Chuck Berry; Eminem is bigger than his black counterparts in hip-hop and Rap.” A techie trained in Carnatic music, Ashok is gentle towards the purists’ urge to be protective towards their inherited form. However, he says that the purist wilfully ignores the impure genesis of his form while jealously guarding only the inherited finished product, “the latest update,” against corrupting influences. “In India, Carnatic and Hindustani traditions owe a lot to Western and Persian influences. Music flourishes through improvisations.” Sunanda Rao Erdem, one of the handful degree holders in Opera singing in India, is in slight disagreement here. “Improvisation cannot be a blanket saviour for all music. For example, the Western classical music has been written down by composers already. It is bound to sound the same. Nuances are dependent only on the conductors and performers who bring their personalities into the interpretation of the sheets.” She adds, “Jazz is not written down, it is passed down ear to ear. There is more scope for improvisation there. Likewise, Indian classical music is more adaptable since it allows for greater degree of experimentation while retaining its formal structure. This may be one of the reasons why Western classical music has not been able to penetrate the Indian audience.” Certainly, musicians and conductors have been personalising classical music despite the mandated strict adherence to form. Gustavo Dudamel, who conducted the iconic Vienne Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year Concert on January 1, the youngest conductor to do so, has been reading the note-sheets through his eccentricity tinted glasses. Not yet 36, this South American conductor has managed to create ripples in the oft-perceived placid world of western classical music. By choosing Dudamel to conduct the concert this year, which happens to be a landmark one due to the 175th anniversary of the Vienna Philharmonic, the 150th birth anniversary of Empress Maria Theresa, and the 150th anniversary of the first performance of Strauss’s ‘Blue Danube,’ the western classical music establishment may have given out a strong signal. Dudamel, who has inspired "Mozart in the Jungle," an immensely popular TV series, is known for his effervescence, the kind that makes the audience at the famed Golden Hall at the Musikverein in Vienna tap its feet. The purists may have written Dudamel off for being compulsively gimmicky, his ebullient personality is a big pull for the newly interested in western classical music. His innovative ways to broaden the audience base range from collaboration with LENA (Leading European Newspapers Alliance), conducting the soundtrack for Star Wars to his commitment to community and music education. Through Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA) programme, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and its community partners have been providing free of cost training, instruments and mentorship to students from under-privileged backgrounds. Ashok locates Dudamel’s rise in the cyclical nature of the history of music. “If we study the history of Western Classical music over the past 100 years, we shall see that every 10-20 years one maverick comes whose genius forces people to take note of that particular genre of music.” This decade belongs to Dudamel and his innovative ways. The idea of “popification” of classical music in films also needs to be examined critically. Coming on the heels of the Baroque style, Bach and Mozart secularised music like never before. “To their contemporaries, they too were pop stars. Same with Tchaikovsky. What was once pop has now become classical. Classical music as a genre is not static; the definitions are constantly changing. Jazz was borne out of experimentation and yet seen as a serious, almost classical form,” says Ashok. This perchance explains the sentiment of protectiveness about Jazz when a film like "La La Land" seeks to capitalise on it. Rao-Erdem, a self-proclaimed purist, understands well that this overprotective attitude may not serve the cause of classical music. “Chinese opera music is a dying form. The Chinese are extremely purist in their treatment of arts. The government is trying hard to resurrect the opera tradition but lack of innovation is their biggest enemy.” She adds, “Many small orchestras in Europe have run out of business due to their inability to keep pace with the changing world around them. Maybe they needed something like Pavarotti and Friends.” New tricks are needed for a brave new world. Before the 20th century “rules of concert etiquette” made the concerts stifling and somewhat painful, listening to classical music was a full-bodied social experience. As a backlash to the mechanical production of music, live concerts attempted to retain their charm and aura by putting in place certain rules of engagement for the audience. Today, a minuscule fraction of the world population goes to classical concerts. As per a 2012 study by the National Endowment for Arts, 8.8% of Americans had attended a classical concert in the last 12 months. No wonder then that the major symphonic orchestras in the USA are facing the music. While the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York City Opera filed for bankruptcy in 2011 and 2013 respectively, other major outfits have seen strikes in the last five years. Is the purist, then, not the biggest enemy of the art it most zealously aims to protect? Ashok gives an interesting response to this. “Purists are important for the growth of music. Great art always emerges out of purism. Constraints and not absolute freedom creates it. John Cage’s 4’33” is an example of compulsive experimentation. But will it, should it, be considered a classic? It is only when there is a keenly felt need to break away that music flourishes. That need is a gift of the purist to the experimentalist.” Sen’s view of the purist is a little less charitable. “I think the purist still has the form at its purest. I see no bother in an unschooled listener getting exposed to the music through some over-accessible form of it. It can often be a gateway.” Rao-Erdem, on the other hand, stands her ground by asserting that only the presentation and not the music per se should be open to improvisation. Individual and society; tradition and individual talent et al are bound to be locked in an unrelenting scrimmage. What may benefit the purist and the experimentalist is broadening the base of the audience, aided by innovative ways of engagement. If a "La La Land" inspires some YouTube searches for “Jazz,” so be it! (WION)

Can classical music survive without shedding its obsession with purism?

The Billboard Music Awards 2017 (BBMAs) were held in Las Vegas on Sunday.

Drake was the big winner.

He won 13 awards in total, including the Top Billboard 200 Album, Top Male Artist and the biggest of them all, Top Artist 2017.

He broke Adele&#39;s previous record of 12 Billboard wins in a single night.&nbsp;

Watch: Key highlights from the Awards:

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" src="//players.brightcove.net/1125911414/S1endnWG9x_default/index.html?videoId=5443225090001"></iframe>

&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
He got it from his papa ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/Drake">@Drake</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DrakexBBMAs?src=hash">#DrakexBBMAs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBMAs?src=hash">#BBMAs</a> <a href="https://t.co/4kUExwTDzb">pic.twitter.com/4kUExwTDzb</a>
&mdash; BillboardMusicAwards (@BBMAs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBMAs/status/866537862908346370">May 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
&nbsp;
</blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
First things first, <a href="https://twitter.com/Imaginedragons">@Imaginedragons</a> have some serious STYLE ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBMAs?src=hash">#BBMAs</a> <a href="https://t.co/sr28wZ7ZM4">pic.twitter.com/sr28wZ7ZM4</a>
&mdash; BillboardMusicAwards (@BBMAs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBMAs/status/866549206512619520">May 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
So fly 2 share the stage with <a href="https://twitter.com/NICKIMINAJ">@nickiminaj</a> on such a historical night (crowned Queen of the Billboard Charts)! Congrats Nic!?? ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBMAs?src=hash">#BBMAs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Swalla?src=hash">#Swalla</a> <a href="https://t.co/LzXxhIbd2e">pic.twitter.com/LzXxhIbd2e</a>
&mdash; Jason Derulo (@jasonderulo) <a href="https://twitter.com/jasonderulo/status/866530616837160960">May 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I wanna keep rocking out to <a href="https://twitter.com/TheChainsmokers">@TheChainsmokers</a> forever! That performance was amazing. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBMAs?src=hash">#BBMAs</a> 
 
??: <a href="https://twitter.com/itscovl">@itscovl</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/ParrisPierce">@parrispierce</a> <a href="https://t.co/yAMsZpYpjT">pic.twitter.com/yAMsZpYpjT</a>
&mdash; BillboardMusicAwards (@BBMAs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBMAs/status/866527153835302913">May 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Dreams do come true... <a href="https://twitter.com/celinedion">@celinedion</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/bbmas?src=hash">#bbmas</a> <a href="https://t.co/973U1nnz3F">pic.twitter.com/973U1nnz3F</a>
&mdash; Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) <a href="https://twitter.com/VanessaHudgens/status/866502461896351745">May 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
.<a href="https://twitter.com/MileyCyrus">@MileyCyrus</a> gave a raw, emotional performance of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Malibu?src=hash">#Malibu</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Smilers?src=hash">#Smilers</a> are SO. PROUD. ?? <a href="https://t.co/msylmfvOWV">https://t.co/msylmfvOWV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mileybu?src=hash">#Mileybu</a> <a href="https://t.co/nsYPwZX2xn">pic.twitter.com/nsYPwZX2xn</a>
&mdash; BillboardMusicAwards (@BBMAs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBMAs/status/866503338770145280">May 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Looking back on one of the best moments of the night, <a href="https://twitter.com/diddy">@diddy</a> &amp; CJ Wallace honoring the legendary Biggie Smalls. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BBMAs?src=hash">#BBMAs</a> <a href="https://t.co/iFd6Kes6Dm">pic.twitter.com/iFd6Kes6Dm</a>
&mdash; BillboardMusicAwards (@BBMAs) <a href="https://twitter.com/BBMAs/status/866503171627036672">May 22, 2017</a></blockquote>

&nbsp;

Here is the full list of nominations and winners from last night&#39;s event:&nbsp;

Top Artist: 
Adele 
Beyonce 
Justin Bieber 
The Chainsmokers 
Drake (Winner) 
Ariana Grande 
Shawn Mendes 
Rihanna 
Twenty One Pilots 
The Weeknd

Top New Artist: 
Alessia Cara 
Desiigner 
Lil Uzi Vert 
Lukas Graham 
Zayn (Winner)

Billboard Chart Achievement Award Presented by Xfinity: 
Luke Bryan 
Nicki Minaj 
The Chainsmokers 
The Weeknd 
Twenty One Pilots (Winner)

Top Male Artist: 
Justin Bieber 
Drake (Winner) 
Future 
Shawn Mendes 
The Weeknd

Top Female Artist: 
Adele 
Beyonce (Winner) 
Ariana Grande 
Rihanna 
Sia

Top Duo/Group: 
The Chainsmokers 
Coldplay 
Florida Georgia Line 
Guns N&rsquo; Roses 
Twenty One Pilots (Winner)

Top Billboard 200 Artist: 
Beyonce 
Drake (Winner) 
Prince 
Twenty One Pilots 
The Weeknd

Top Hot 100 Artist: 
The Chainsmokers 
Drake (Winner) 
Rihanna 
Twenty One Pilots 
The Weeknd

Top Song Sales Artist: 
The Chainsmokers 
Drake (Winner) 
Prince 
Justin Timberlake 
Twenty One Pilots

Top Radio Songs Artist: 
Justin Bieber 
The Chainsmokers 
Drake 
Rihanna 
Twenty One Pilots (Winner)

Top Streaming Songs Artist: 
The Chainsmokers 
Desiigner 
Drake (Winner) 
Rihanna 
Twenty One Pilots

Top Social Artist: 
Justin Bieber 
BTS (Winner) 
Selena Gomez 
Ariana Grande 
Shawn Mendes

Top Touring Artist: 
Justin Bieber 
Beyonce (Winner) 
Coldplay 
Guns N&rsquo; Roses 
Bruce Springsteen &amp; The E Street Band

Top R&amp;B Artist: 
Beyonce (Winner) 
Bruno Mars 
Frank Ocean 
Rihanna 
The Weeknd

Top R&amp;B Tour: 
Beyonce (Winner) 
Lionel Richie 
Rihanna

Top Rap Artist: 
J. Cole 
Desiigner 
Drake (Winner) 
Future 
Rae Sremmurd

Top Rap Tour: 
Drake (Winner) 
Future 
Kanye West

Top Country Artist: 
Florida Georgia Line 
Blake Shelton (Winner) 
Keith Urban 
Chris Stapleton 
Jason Aldean

Top Country Tour: 
Luke Bryan 
Kenny Chesney (Winner) 
Dixie Chicks

Top Rock Artist: 
Coldplay 
The Lumineers 
Metallica 
Twenty One Pilots (Winner) 
X Ambassadors

Top Rock Tour: 
Coldplay (Winner) 
Guns N&rsquo; Roses 
Bruce Springsteen &amp; The E Street Band

Top Latin Artist: 
J Balvin 
Juan Gabriel (Winner) 
Los Plebes Del Rancho De Ariel Camacho 
Maluma 
Nicky Jam

Top Dance/Electronic Artist: 
The Chainsmokers (Winner) 
Calvin Harris 
Major Lazer 
DJ Snake 
Lindsey Stirling

Top Christian Artist: 
Lauren Daigle (Winner) 
Hillsong Worship 
Hillary Scott &amp; the Family 
Skillet 
Chris Tomlin

Top Gospel Artist: 
Jekalyn Carr 
Kirk Franklin (Winner) 
Travis Greene 
Tamela Mann 
Hezekiah Walker

Top Billboard 200 Album: 
Beyonce, Lemonade 
Drake, Views (Winner) 
Rihanna, Anti 
Twenty One Pilots, Blurryface 
The Weeknd, Starboy

Top Soundtrack/Cast Album: 
Hamilton: An American Musical (Winner) 
Moana 
Purple Rain 
Suicide Squad: The Album 
Trolls

Top R&amp;B Album: 
Beyonce, Lemonade (Winner) 
Bruno Mars, 24K Magic 
Frank Ocean, Blonde 
Rihanna, Anti 
The Weeknd, Starboy

Top Rap Album: 
J. Cole, 4 Your Eyez Only 
Drake, Views (Winner) 
Kevin Gates, Isla 
DJ Khaled, Major Key 
A Tribe Called Quest, We Got It From Here&hellip;Thank You For Your Service

Top Country Album: 
Jason Aldean, They Don&rsquo;t Know 
Florida Georgia Line, Dig Your Roots 
Blake Shelton, If I&rsquo;m Honest 
Chris Stapleton, Traveller (Winner) 
Keith Urban, Ripcord

Top Rock Album: 
The Lumineers, Cleopatra 
Metallica, Hardwired&hellip;To Self Destruct (Winner) 
Radiohead, A Moon Shaped Pool 
Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Getaway 
Twenty One Pilots, Blurryface

Top Latin Album: 
J Balvin, Energia 
CNCO, Primera Cita 
Juan Gabriel, Los Duo 2 (Winner) 
Juan Gabriel, Vestido De Etiqueta: Por Eduardo Magallanes 
Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho, Recuerden Mi Estilo

Top Dance/Electronic Album: 
The Chainsmokers, Bouquet 
The Chainsmokers, Collage&nbsp; 
Flume, Skin 
Kygo, Cloud Nine 
Lindsey Stirling, Brave Enough (Winner)

Top Christian Album: 
Casting Crowns, The Very Next Thing 
Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be (Winner) 
Joey + Rory, Hymns 
Hillary Scott &amp; The Family, Love Remains 
Skillet, Unleashed

Top Gospel Album: 
Tamela Mann, One Way (Winner) 
Kirk Franklin, Losing My Religion 
Travis Greene, The Hill 
Tasha Cobbs, One Place: Live 
Hezekiah Walker, Better: Azusa - The Next Generation 2

Top Hot 100 Song: 
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, &quot;Closer&rdquo; (Winner) 
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Let Me Down&rdquo; 
Drake Featuring WizKid &amp; Kyla, &ldquo;One Dance&rdquo; 
Justin Timberlake, &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t Stop The Feeling!&rdquo; 
Twenty One Pilots, &ldquo;Heathens&rdquo;

Top Selling Song: 
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, &ldquo;Closer&rdquo; 
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Let Me Down&rdquo; 
Drake Featuring, WizKid &amp; Kyla &ldquo;One Dance&rdquo; 
Justin Timberlake, &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t Stop The Feeling!&rdquo; (Winner) 
Twenty One Pilots, &ldquo;Heathens&rdquo;

Top Radio Song: 
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, &ldquo;Closer&rdquo; 
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Let Me Down&rdquo; 
Drake Featuring WizKid &amp; Kyla, &ldquo;One Dance&rdquo; 
Sia Featuring Sean Paul, &ldquo;Cheap Thrills&rdquo; 
Justin Timberlake, &ldquo;Can&rsquo;t Stop The Feeling!&rdquo; (Winner)

Top Streaming Song (Audio): 
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, &ldquo;Closer&rdquo; 
Drake Featuring WizKid &amp; Kyla, &ldquo;One Dance&rdquo; (Winner) 
D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty, &ldquo;Broccoli&rdquo; 
Rihanna, &ldquo;Needed Me&rdquo; 
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, &ldquo;Starboy&rdquo;

Top Streaming Song (Video): 
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, &ldquo;Closer&rdquo; 
Desiigner, &quot;Panda&quot; (Winner) 
Zay Hilfigerr &amp; Zayion McCall, &ldquo;JuJu On That Beat (TZ Anthem) 
Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane, &ldquo;Black Beatles&rdquo; 
Twenty One Pilots, &ldquo;Heathens&rdquo;

Top Collaboration: 
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, &ldquo;Closer&rdquo; (Winner) 
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Let Me Down&rdquo; 
Drake Featuring WizKid &amp; Kyla, &ldquo;One Dance&rdquo; 
Sia Featuring Sean Paul, &ldquo;Cheap Thrills&rdquo; 
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, &ldquo;Starboy&rdquo;

Top R&amp;B Song: 
Drake Featuring WizKid &amp; Kyla, &ldquo;One Dance&rdquo; (Winner) 
Bruno Mars, &ldquo;24K Magic&rdquo; 
Rihanna, &ldquo;Needed Me&rdquo; 
Rihanna Featuring Drake, &ldquo;Work&rdquo;&nbsp; 
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, &ldquo;Starboy&rdquo;

Top R&amp;B Collaboration: 
Drake Featuring WizKid &amp; Kyla, &ldquo;One Dance&rdquo; (Winner) 
PARTYNEXTDOOR Featuring Drake, &ldquo;Come And See Me&rdquo; 
Rihanna Featuring Drake, &ldquo;Work&rdquo;&nbsp; 
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk &ldquo;I Feel It Coming&rdquo; 
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, &ldquo;Starboy&rdquo;

Top Rap Song: 
Desiigner, &ldquo;Panda&rdquo; (Winner) 
Drake, &ldquo;Fake Love&rdquo; 
D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty, &ldquo;Broccoli&rdquo; 
Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vert, &ldquo;Bad And Boujee&rdquo; 
Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane, &ldquo;Black Beatles&rdquo;

Top Rap Collaboration: 
D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty, &ldquo;Broccoli&rdquo; 
Zay Hilfigerr &amp; Zayion McCall, &ldquo;JuJu On That Beat (TZ Anthem) 
Machine Gun Kelly &amp; Camila Cabello, &ldquo;Bad Things&rdquo; 
Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vert, &ldquo;Bad and Boujee&rdquo; 
Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane, &ldquo;Black Beatles&rdquo; (Winner)

Top Country Song: 
Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, &ldquo;Setting The World On Fire&rdquo; 
Florida Georgia Line, &ldquo;H.O.L.Y.&rdquo; (Winner) 
Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, &ldquo;May We All&rdquo; 
Little Big Town, &ldquo;Better Man&rdquo; 
Keith Urban, &ldquo;Blue Ain&rsquo;t Your Color&rdquo;

Top Country Collaboration: 
Dierks Bentley Featuring Elle King, &ldquo;Different For Girls&rdquo; 
Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, &ldquo;Setting The World On Fire&rdquo; (Winner) 
Eric Church Featuring Rhiannon Giddens, &ldquo;Kill A Word&rdquo; 
Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, &ldquo;May We All&rdquo; 
Chris Young Featuring Vince Gill, &ldquo;Sober Saturday Night&rdquo;

Top Rock Song: 
Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa &amp; Imagine Dragons with Logic &amp; Ty Dolla $ign Featuring X Ambassadors, &ldquo;Sucker For Pain&rdquo; 
Twenty One Pilots, &ldquo;Heathens&rdquo; (Winner) 
Twenty One Pilots, &ldquo;Ride&rdquo; 
Twenty One Pilots, &ldquo;Stressed Out&rdquo; 
X Ambassadors, &ldquo;Unsteady&rdquo;

Top Latin Song: 
Daddy Yankee, &ldquo;Shaky Shaky&rdquo; 
Enrique Iglesias Featuring Wisin, &ldquo;Duele El Corazon&rdquo; 
Nicky Jam, &ldquo;Hasta El Amanecer&rdquo; (Winner) 
Shakira Featuring Maluma, &ldquo;Chantaje&rdquo; 
Carlos Vives &amp; Shakira, &ldquo;La Bicicleta&rdquo;

Top Dance/Electronic Song: 
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, &ldquo;Closer&rdquo; (Winner) 
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, &ldquo;Don&rsquo;t Let Me Down&rdquo; 
Calvin Harris Featuring Rihanna, &ldquo;This Is What You Came For&rdquo; 
Major Lazer Featuring Justin Bieber &amp; MO, &ldquo;Cold Water&rdquo; 
DJ Snake Featuring Justin Bieber, &ldquo;Let Me Love You&rdquo;

Top Christian Song: 
Lauren Daigle, &ldquo;Trust In You&rdquo; 
Hillary Scott &amp; The Family, &ldquo;Thy Will&rdquo; (Winner) 
Skillet, &ldquo;Feel Invincible&rdquo; 
Ryan Stevenson Featuring GabeReal, &ldquo;Eye Of The Storm&rdquo; 
Zach Williams, &ldquo;Chain Breaker&rdquo;

Top Gospel Song: 
Jekalyn Carr, &ldquo;You&rsquo;re Bigger&rdquo; 
Tasha Cobbs, Featuring Kierra Sheard &ldquo;Put A Praise On It&rdquo; 
Kirk Franklin, &ldquo;Wanna Be Happy??&rdquo; 
Travis Greene, &ldquo;Made A Way&rdquo; (Winner) 
Hezekiah Walker, &ldquo;Better&rdquo;

BBMAs, for the past two decades are one of the most watched music events in the calendar year. Remember when Britney Spears and Rihanna came together in 2011 for the &quot;S&amp;M&quot; performance? Ofcourse, how can one forget watching two leading music artistes shake a leg together.&nbsp;

The Award nominees are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital songs sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social engagement. These measurements are tracked year-round by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the reporting period of March 18, 2016 through March 16, 2017.

(WION)

The Billboard Music Awards 2017 (BBMAs) were held in Las Vegas on Sunday. Drake was the big winner. He won 13 awards in total, including the Top Billboard 200 Album, Top Male Artist and the biggest of them all, Top Artist 2017. He broke Adele's previous record of 12 Billboard wins in a single night. Watch: Key highlights from the Awards: He got it from his papa ?? @Drake #DrakexBBMAs #BBMAs pic.twitter.com/4kUExwTDzb — BillboardMusicAwards (@BBMAs) May 22, 2017 First things first, @Imaginedragons have some serious STYLE ?? #BBMAs pic.twitter.com/sr28wZ7ZM4 — BillboardMusicAwards (@BBMAs) May 22, 2017 So fly 2 share the stage with @nickiminaj on such a historical night (crowned Queen of the Billboard Charts)! Congrats Nic!?? ??#BBMAs #Swalla pic.twitter.com/LzXxhIbd2e — Jason Derulo (@jasonderulo) May 22, 2017 I wanna keep rocking out to @TheChainsmokers forever! That performance was amazing. #BBMAs ??: @itscovl & @parrispierce pic.twitter.com/yAMsZpYpjT — BillboardMusicAwards (@BBMAs) May 22, 2017 Dreams do come true... @celinedion #bbmas pic.twitter.com/973U1nnz3F — Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) May 22, 2017 .@MileyCyrus gave a raw, emotional performance of #Malibu and #Smilers are SO. PROUD. ?? https://t.co/msylmfvOWV #Mileybu pic.twitter.com/nsYPwZX2xn — BillboardMusicAwards (@BBMAs) May 22, 2017 Looking back on one of the best moments of the night, @diddy & CJ Wallace honoring the legendary Biggie Smalls. #BBMAs pic.twitter.com/iFd6Kes6Dm — BillboardMusicAwards (@BBMAs) May 22, 2017 Here is the full list of nominations and winners from last night's event: Top Artist: Adele Beyonce Justin Bieber The Chainsmokers Drake (Winner) Ariana Grande Shawn Mendes Rihanna Twenty One Pilots The Weeknd Top New Artist: Alessia Cara Desiigner Lil Uzi Vert Lukas Graham Zayn (Winner) Billboard Chart Achievement Award Presented by Xfinity: Luke Bryan Nicki Minaj The Chainsmokers The Weeknd Twenty One Pilots (Winner) Top Male Artist: Justin Bieber Drake (Winner) Future Shawn Mendes The Weeknd Top Female Artist: Adele Beyonce (Winner) Ariana Grande Rihanna Sia Top Duo/Group: The Chainsmokers Coldplay Florida Georgia Line Guns N’ Roses Twenty One Pilots (Winner) Top Billboard 200 Artist: Beyonce Drake (Winner) Prince Twenty One Pilots The Weeknd Top Hot 100 Artist: The Chainsmokers Drake (Winner) Rihanna Twenty One Pilots The Weeknd Top Song Sales Artist: The Chainsmokers Drake (Winner) Prince Justin Timberlake Twenty One Pilots Top Radio Songs Artist: Justin Bieber The Chainsmokers Drake Rihanna Twenty One Pilots (Winner) Top Streaming Songs Artist: The Chainsmokers Desiigner Drake (Winner) Rihanna Twenty One Pilots Top Social Artist: Justin Bieber BTS (Winner) Selena Gomez Ariana Grande Shawn Mendes Top Touring Artist: Justin Bieber Beyonce (Winner) Coldplay Guns N’ Roses Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Top R&B Artist: Beyonce (Winner) Bruno Mars Frank Ocean Rihanna The Weeknd Top R&B Tour: Beyonce (Winner) Lionel Richie Rihanna Top Rap Artist: J. Cole Desiigner Drake (Winner) Future Rae Sremmurd Top Rap Tour: Drake (Winner) Future Kanye West Top Country Artist: Florida Georgia Line Blake Shelton (Winner) Keith Urban Chris Stapleton Jason Aldean Top Country Tour: Luke Bryan Kenny Chesney (Winner) Dixie Chicks Top Rock Artist: Coldplay The Lumineers Metallica Twenty One Pilots (Winner) X Ambassadors Top Rock Tour: Coldplay (Winner) Guns N’ Roses Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Top Latin Artist: J Balvin Juan Gabriel (Winner) Los Plebes Del Rancho De Ariel Camacho Maluma Nicky Jam Top Dance/Electronic Artist: The Chainsmokers (Winner) Calvin Harris Major Lazer DJ Snake Lindsey Stirling Top Christian Artist: Lauren Daigle (Winner) Hillsong Worship Hillary Scott & the Family Skillet Chris Tomlin Top Gospel Artist: Jekalyn Carr Kirk Franklin (Winner) Travis Greene Tamela Mann Hezekiah Walker Top Billboard 200 Album: Beyonce, Lemonade Drake, Views (Winner) Rihanna, Anti Twenty One Pilots, Blurryface The Weeknd, Starboy Top Soundtrack/Cast Album: Hamilton: An American Musical (Winner) Moana Purple Rain Suicide Squad: The Album Trolls Top R&B Album: Beyonce, Lemonade (Winner) Bruno Mars, 24K Magic Frank Ocean, Blonde Rihanna, Anti The Weeknd, Starboy Top Rap Album: J. Cole, 4 Your Eyez Only Drake, Views (Winner) Kevin Gates, Isla DJ Khaled, Major Key A Tribe Called Quest, We Got It From Here…Thank You For Your Service Top Country Album: Jason Aldean, They Don’t Know Florida Georgia Line, Dig Your Roots Blake Shelton, If I’m Honest Chris Stapleton, Traveller (Winner) Keith Urban, Ripcord Top Rock Album: The Lumineers, Cleopatra Metallica, Hardwired…To Self Destruct (Winner) Radiohead, A Moon Shaped Pool Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Getaway Twenty One Pilots, Blurryface Top Latin Album: J Balvin, Energia CNCO, Primera Cita Juan Gabriel, Los Duo 2 (Winner) Juan Gabriel, Vestido De Etiqueta: Por Eduardo Magallanes Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho, Recuerden Mi Estilo Top Dance/Electronic Album: The Chainsmokers, Bouquet The Chainsmokers, Collage Flume, Skin Kygo, Cloud Nine Lindsey Stirling, Brave Enough (Winner) Top Christian Album: Casting Crowns, The Very Next Thing Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be (Winner) Joey + Rory, Hymns Hillary Scott & The Family, Love Remains Skillet, Unleashed Top Gospel Album: Tamela Mann, One Way (Winner) Kirk Franklin, Losing My Religion Travis Greene, The Hill Tasha Cobbs, One Place: Live Hezekiah Walker, Better: Azusa - The Next Generation 2 Top Hot 100 Song: The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, "Closer” (Winner) The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down” Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance” Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens” Top Selling Song: The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer” The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down” Drake Featuring, WizKid & Kyla “One Dance” Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” (Winner) Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens” Top Radio Song: The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer” The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down” Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance” Sia Featuring Sean Paul, “Cheap Thrills” Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” (Winner) Top Streaming Song (Audio): The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer” Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance” (Winner) D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty, “Broccoli” Rihanna, “Needed Me” The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy” Top Streaming Song (Video): The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer” Desiigner, "Panda" (Winner) Zay Hilfigerr & Zayion McCall, “JuJu On That Beat (TZ Anthem) Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles” Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens” Top Collaboration: The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer” (Winner) The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down” Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance” Sia Featuring Sean Paul, “Cheap Thrills” The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy” Top R&B Song: Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance” (Winner) Bruno Mars, “24K Magic” Rihanna, “Needed Me” Rihanna Featuring Drake, “Work” The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy” Top R&B Collaboration: Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance” (Winner) PARTYNEXTDOOR Featuring Drake, “Come And See Me” Rihanna Featuring Drake, “Work” The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk “I Feel It Coming” The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy” Top Rap Song: Desiigner, “Panda” (Winner) Drake, “Fake Love” D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty, “Broccoli” Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vert, “Bad And Boujee” Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles” Top Rap Collaboration: D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty, “Broccoli” Zay Hilfigerr & Zayion McCall, “JuJu On That Beat (TZ Anthem) Machine Gun Kelly & Camila Cabello, “Bad Things” Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vert, “Bad and Boujee” Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles” (Winner) Top Country Song: Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire” Florida Georgia Line, “H.O.L.Y.” (Winner) Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, “May We All” Little Big Town, “Better Man” Keith Urban, “Blue Ain’t Your Color” Top Country Collaboration: Dierks Bentley Featuring Elle King, “Different For Girls” Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire” (Winner) Eric Church Featuring Rhiannon Giddens, “Kill A Word” Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, “May We All” Chris Young Featuring Vince Gill, “Sober Saturday Night” Top Rock Song: Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons with Logic & Ty Dolla $ign Featuring X Ambassadors, “Sucker For Pain” Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens” (Winner) Twenty One Pilots, “Ride” Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out” X Ambassadors, “Unsteady” Top Latin Song: Daddy Yankee, “Shaky Shaky” Enrique Iglesias Featuring Wisin, “Duele El Corazon” Nicky Jam, “Hasta El Amanecer” (Winner) Shakira Featuring Maluma, “Chantaje” Carlos Vives & Shakira, “La Bicicleta” Top Dance/Electronic Song: The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer” (Winner) The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down” Calvin Harris Featuring Rihanna, “This Is What You Came For” Major Lazer Featuring Justin Bieber & MO, “Cold Water” DJ Snake Featuring Justin Bieber, “Let Me Love You” Top Christian Song: Lauren Daigle, “Trust In You” Hillary Scott & The Family, “Thy Will” (Winner) Skillet, “Feel Invincible” Ryan Stevenson Featuring GabeReal, “Eye Of The Storm” Zach Williams, “Chain Breaker” Top Gospel Song: Jekalyn Carr, “You’re Bigger” Tasha Cobbs, Featuring Kierra Sheard “Put A Praise On It” Kirk Franklin, “Wanna Be Happy??” Travis Greene, “Made A Way” (Winner) Hezekiah Walker, “Better” BBMAs, for the past two decades are one of the most watched music events in the calendar year. Remember when Britney Spears and Rihanna came together in 2011 for the "S&M" performance? Ofcourse, how can one forget watching two leading music artistes shake a leg together. The Award nominees are based on key fan interactions with music, including album and digital songs sales, streaming, radio airplay, touring and social engagement. These measurements are tracked year-round by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound. The awards are based on the reporting period of March 18, 2016 through March 16, 2017. (WION)

Everything you want to know about Billboard Music Awards 2017, and Drake's big win

A guitar of the late rock icon Jerry Garcia is set to go on auction in two weeks, and could become one of the most expensive guitars ever sold. The guitar, nicknamed Wolf, <a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-39794386">will be sold</a> by the auction house <a href="https://www.guernseys.com/v2/wolf.html">Guernsey&#39;s</a> on May 31 and could fetch close to <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/05/04/jerry-garcia-guitar-auction/101305352/">a million dollars</a>.

Garcia, leader of the American rock band The Grateful Dead, first played Wolf in 1973 and used it extensively in the 1977 concert film The Grateful Dead Movie.

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&#39;Wolf&#39; could be sold for around a million dollars on May 31 (AFP)
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If Wolf fetches around a million dollars, how would the price compare to that of other guitars sold on auction? Here&#39;s a list of the top five:

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We see that if Wolf is sold for a million dollars, it would be the 3rd most expensive guitar ever sold on auction.

That would still put it far behind the most expensive guitar ever sold--a Fender Stratocaster <a href="http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/most-expensive-guitar-sold-at-auction">auctioned off</a> for $2.7 million in 2005. It was signed by rock legends Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney among others and was sold to raise funds for the Qatar-based charity <a href="http://www.reachouttoasia.org/">Reach Out to Asia</a>.

Wolf would also be behind a Gibson guitar <a href="http://www.guitarworld.com/acoustics-gear-features-news-blogs-gear-news-acoustic-nation/how-john-lennons-long-lost-24-million">used by John Lennon</a> during the recording of the Beatles&#39; debut album Please Please Me back in 1963.

A guitar belonging to Jerry Garcia is set to be auctioned for a million dollars

A guitar of the late rock icon Jerry Garcia is set to go on auction in two weeks, and could become one of the most expensive guitars ever sold. The guitar, nicknamed Wolf, will be sold by the auction house Guernsey's on May 31 and could fetch close to a million dollars. Garcia, leader of the American rock band The Grateful Dead, first played Wolf in 1973 and used it extensively in the 1977 concert film The Grateful Dead Movie. 'Wolf' could be sold for around a million dollars on May 31 (AFP) × If Wolf fetches around a million dollars, how would the price compare to that of other guitars sold on auction? Here's a list of the top five: We see that if Wolf is sold for a million dollars, it would be the 3rd most expensive guitar ever sold on auction. That would still put it far behind the most expensive guitar ever sold--a Fender Stratocaster auctioned off for $2.7 million in 2005. It was signed by rock legends Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney among others and was sold to raise funds for the Qatar-based charity Reach Out to Asia. Wolf would also be behind a Gibson guitar used by John Lennon during the recording of the Beatles' debut album Please Please Me back in 1963.

Garcia guitar could become 3rd-most expensive guitar sold

Kings XI Punjab beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 19 runs to stay afloat in the Indian Premier League, in Bengaluru on Friday.

Put into bat, Kings XI Punjab scored 138 for 7 in their IPL match against Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Axar Patel top-scored for Kings XI with a 17-ball 38 not out.

For RCB, Aniket Choudhary and Yuzvendra Chahal got the most wickets with two scalps each.

In reply, RCB were all-out for 119 in 19 overs with Madeep Singh scoring 46 off 40 balls.

Sandeep Sharma (3/22 in 4 overs) removed Chris Gayle, skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers to set up the match for KXIP. Axar (3/11 in 3 overs) also got his share of scalps.

Skipper Glenn Maxwell and Mohit Sharma got couple of wickets each.

KXIP now has 10 points from 10 games while RCB stay put at last position with 5 points from 11 games.

(PTI)

Justin Bieber landed in India in the wee hours of the morning as part of the Indian leg of his ?Purpose? tour

Kings XI Punjab beat Royal Challengers Bangalore by 19 runs to stay afloat in the Indian Premier League, in Bengaluru on Friday. Put into bat, Kings XI Punjab scored 138 for 7 in their IPL match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. Axar Patel top-scored for Kings XI with a 17-ball 38 not out. For RCB, Aniket Choudhary and Yuzvendra Chahal got the most wickets with two scalps each. In reply, RCB were all-out for 119 in 19 overs with Madeep Singh scoring 46 off 40 balls. Sandeep Sharma (3/22 in 4 overs) removed Chris Gayle, skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers to set up the match for KXIP. Axar (3/11 in 3 overs) also got his share of scalps. Skipper Glenn Maxwell and Mohit Sharma got couple of wickets each. KXIP now has 10 points from 10 games while RCB stay put at last position with 5 points from 11 games. (PTI)

Twitter frenzy: Justin Bieber's India concert today

For those who don&#39;t know, Justin Bieber is performing in India on May 10 for the first time as part of his Purpose World Tour. 
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But while he stays in India, the singer has made a list of demands out of which many are non-negotiable.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PurposeTourStadiums?src=hash">#PurposeTourStadiums</a> <a href="https://t.co/JUfGkFyLh2">pic.twitter.com/JUfGkFyLh2</a>
&mdash; Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) <a href="https://twitter.com/justinbieber/status/831948293131210752">February 15, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Arjun S Ravi, a music enthusiast and journalist by profession has&nbsp;shared images of a press release&nbsp;from official Bieber sources on Twitter. These demands are in part of those to be arranged for the popstar while his stay.

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Justin Bieber&rsquo;s India tour rider includes a &ldquo;Indian Yoga casket&rdquo;, a jacuzzi and a press release that lists all his demands out for you. <a href="https://t.co/afwHpMJHJM">pic.twitter.com/afwHpMJHJM</a>
&mdash; Arjun S Ravi (@arjun_s_ravi) <a href="https://twitter.com/arjun_s_ravi/status/859626009984991232">May 3, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Some non-negotiable demands include &ldquo;a convoy of 10 luxury sedans and 2 Volvo buses&rdquo; for Bieber and his 120-person-strong entourage. The singer will be travelling in a&nbsp;private Rolls Royce, and will be given Z level security by the Maharashtra Police, in addition to his personal 8-member security.&nbsp;

The list of demands include:

<ul>
	<li>10 containers will be flown in with items like a ping pong table, PlayStation, IO HAWK, sofa set, washing machine, refrigerator, upholstery, wardrobe cupboard, massage table that will be used backstage.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>The singer needs a setup of Jacuzzi for&nbsp;unwinding&nbsp;before the stage performance.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Two 5-star hotels have been reserved in their entirety for Bieber and his entourage. His personal 1,000-square-foot suite will be redesigned to appear more rustic. Bieber&rsquo;s room will be adorned with purple carnations, purple being his favourite colour.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Top culinary experts will supervise the gourmet being served to Bieber over 4 days with 5 dishes per day being renamed after his popular songs.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>The hotel will convert into Bieber&rsquo;s private villa with three floors of the hotel being booked for the artist and his entourage and one elevator blocked on all 4 full days for Bieber alone.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>A special Indian Yoga Casket containing aromatic essential oils; jasmine, mogra, rose and camphor incense sticks; and books on chakras and yoga asanas will be placed in Bieber&rsquo;s suite knowing his love for Yoga.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>A personal masseuse will be flown in from Kerala to be with the singer during his stay.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>The promoters have also kept a private jet and chopper on stand-by to meet the artist&rsquo;s immediate travel demands in India.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>In food: The popstar has requested vegetables seasoned with ranch sauce, diced fruit, organic bananas and seedless grapes. Snacks must also include a deli platter of organic turkey, lettuce, colby and provolone cheese, black olives, as well as green and banana peppers. Backstage demands include white sliced bread, potato chips, mint and watermelon gum, white cheddar popcorn, Ghiradelli dark chocolate with sea salt and almonds, menthol and watermelon gum, vinegar chips, organic dried fruit, peanuts, and all berries cereal. In delicious treats, Bieber wants a pack of Swedish Fish, boxes of Ritz Bitz peanut butter and cheese sandwiches and multiple packs of Haribo Cola Gummies.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>His dressing room should be entirely draped with white curtains, a large glass-door refrigerator, clothing shelves, eight power outlets and 12 white handkerchiefs.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>To drink, the singer has demanded 24 still water bottles, 24 alkaline water bottles, 4 energy drinks, 6 vitamin water bottles, 6 cream sodas as well as a cooler packed with assorted juices fizzy drinks. He also wants 4 natural juices, 4 vanilla protein drinks and half a gallon of almond milk and the list goes on.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Bieber has demanded that no lily flowers should be in his vicinity for the duration of his stay.</li>
</ul>

There is much more mentioned on the list including his demand for favorite T-shirts, non-alcoholic beverages and room fresheners and more.

Bieber will perform at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on May 10.

(WION)

Justin Bieber has made a list of demands, some of which are non-negotiable

For those who don't know, Justin Bieber is performing in India on May 10 for the first time as part of his Purpose World Tour. But while he stays in India, the singer has made a list of demands out of which many are non-negotiable. #PurposeTourStadiums pic.twitter.com/JUfGkFyLh2 — Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) February 15, 2017 Arjun S Ravi, a music enthusiast and journalist by profession has shared images of a press release from official Bieber sources on Twitter. These demands are in part of those to be arranged for the popstar while his stay. Justin Bieber’s India tour rider includes a “Indian Yoga casket”, a jacuzzi and a press release that lists all his demands out for you. pic.twitter.com/afwHpMJHJM — Arjun S Ravi (@arjun_s_ravi) May 3, 2017 Some non-negotiable demands include “a convoy of 10 luxury sedans and 2 Volvo buses” for Bieber and his 120-person-strong entourage. The singer will be travelling in a private Rolls Royce, and will be given Z level security by the Maharashtra Police, in addition to his personal 8-member security. The list of demands include: 10 containers will be flown in with items like a ping pong table, PlayStation, IO HAWK, sofa set, washing machine, refrigerator, upholstery, wardrobe cupboard, massage table that will be used backstage. The singer needs a setup of Jacuzzi for unwinding before the stage performance. Two 5-star hotels have been reserved in their entirety for Bieber and his entourage. His personal 1,000-square-foot suite will be redesigned to appear more rustic. Bieber’s room will be adorned with purple carnations, purple being his favourite colour. Top culinary experts will supervise the gourmet being served to Bieber over 4 days with 5 dishes per day being renamed after his popular songs. The hotel will convert into Bieber’s private villa with three floors of the hotel being booked for the artist and his entourage and one elevator blocked on all 4 full days for Bieber alone. A special Indian Yoga Casket containing aromatic essential oils; jasmine, mogra, rose and camphor incense sticks; and books on chakras and yoga asanas will be placed in Bieber’s suite knowing his love for Yoga. A personal masseuse will be flown in from Kerala to be with the singer during his stay. The promoters have also kept a private jet and chopper on stand-by to meet the artist’s immediate travel demands in India. In food: The popstar has requested vegetables seasoned with ranch sauce, diced fruit, organic bananas and seedless grapes. Snacks must also include a deli platter of organic turkey, lettuce, colby and provolone cheese, black olives, as well as green and banana peppers. Backstage demands include white sliced bread, potato chips, mint and watermelon gum, white cheddar popcorn, Ghiradelli dark chocolate with sea salt and almonds, menthol and watermelon gum, vinegar chips, organic dried fruit, peanuts, and all berries cereal. In delicious treats, Bieber wants a pack of Swedish Fish, boxes of Ritz Bitz peanut butter and cheese sandwiches and multiple packs of Haribo Cola Gummies. His dressing room should be entirely draped with white curtains, a large glass-door refrigerator, clothing shelves, eight power outlets and 12 white handkerchiefs. To drink, the singer has demanded 24 still water bottles, 24 alkaline water bottles, 4 energy drinks, 6 vitamin water bottles, 6 cream sodas as well as a cooler packed with assorted juices fizzy drinks. He also wants 4 natural juices, 4 vanilla protein drinks and half a gallon of almond milk and the list goes on. Bieber has demanded that no lily flowers should be in his vicinity for the duration of his stay. There is much more mentioned on the list including his demand for favorite T-shirts, non-alcoholic beverages and room fresheners and more. Bieber will perform at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on May 10. (WION)

Jacuzzi, white curtains & more: Bieber's India concert demands

Superstar Rajinikanth needs no introduction. His fans treat him &ldquo;next to God&rdquo;, fellow actors address him in the league of stars beyond comparison while cinephiles treat him as a benchmark of judging good acting.&nbsp;

Amidst news of Rajinikanth cancelling his Sri Lanka trip, there is another news doing the rounds. It is being speculated that the superstar will revive his political career and will make crucial announcements on April 2nd. His fans have called for a meeting of all fans on Sunday in Chennai.

If you&rsquo;re wondering what he said to his Sri Lankan Tamil fans while cancelling the trip: &ldquo;I came to know about the love you have for me through the media. I have no words to thank you all for the love and affection. Let us believe good things will happen. Let good things happen. When time is right we will meet. I pray almighty for your well-being.&rdquo;

Coming back to the fan meeting, flyers and posters have been circulated in Chennai city for the mass gathering. In the posters, his fans urge the reluctant superstar to enter politics and &ldquo;save Tamil Nadu&rdquo;.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa%20(4)-20170330094806.png" />
<div class="media-description">
Posters doing the rounds asking for Rajinikanth fans for a meeting on April 2 (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

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<div class="media-description">
Posters doing the round in Chennai calling for a Rajinikanth fan meeting (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

WION spoke with Rajinikanth&#39;s aide on the development, but they denied it as &ldquo;just rumours&rdquo; and confirmed&nbsp;&ldquo;Rajinikanthji will not be present at the venue&rdquo;.&nbsp;

They call this a &ldquo;fan&rsquo;s association holding an annual meet where all district level fan members would get a chance to visit Chennai&rdquo;.&nbsp;

This story of fans asking Rajinikanth to join politics has been going around for the last 20 years where they urge the superstar to &ldquo;become the CM of Tamil Nadu&rdquo;.&nbsp;

However, Rajinikanth has been pretty vocal about not being interested in politics at all. However, his tweet&nbsp;started speculation of his support to a BJP candidate in the recently concluded bypoll&nbsp;in Chennai but the Indian superstar as always decided to stay away:&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
My support is for no one in the coming elections.
&mdash; Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) <a href="https://twitter.com/superstarrajini/status/844765999094120451">March 23, 2017</a></blockquote>

According to another theory, this meeting could also just be related to the release of Rajinikanth&rsquo;s latest movie titled 2.0, a sequel to the much-talked-about movie Enthiran or Robot.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/image%20tweeted%20out%20by%20alyssa%20(1)-20170330084720.png" />
<div class="media-description">
Poster release of Rajinikanth&#39;s new movie (DNA)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Rajinikanth is expected to start working on a new film, directed by Kabali director Ranjith and produced by his son-in-law Dhanush. &nbsp;

(WION)

One of the highest paid actors of Asia, Rajinikanth enjoys massive support in India

Superstar Rajinikanth needs no introduction. His fans treat him “next to God”, fellow actors address him in the league of stars beyond comparison while cinephiles treat him as a benchmark of judging good acting. Amidst news of Rajinikanth cancelling his Sri Lanka trip, there is another news doing the rounds. It is being speculated that the superstar will revive his political career and will make crucial announcements on April 2nd. His fans have called for a meeting of all fans on Sunday in Chennai. If you’re wondering what he said to his Sri Lankan Tamil fans while cancelling the trip: “I came to know about the love you have for me through the media. I have no words to thank you all for the love and affection. Let us believe good things will happen. Let good things happen. When time is right we will meet. I pray almighty for your well-being.” Coming back to the fan meeting, flyers and posters have been circulated in Chennai city for the mass gathering. In the posters, his fans urge the reluctant superstar to enter politics and “save Tamil Nadu”. Posters doing the rounds asking for Rajinikanth fans for a meeting on April 2 (WION) × Posters doing the round in Chennai calling for a Rajinikanth fan meeting (WION) × WION spoke with Rajinikanth's aide on the development, but they denied it as “just rumours” and confirmed “Rajinikanthji will not be present at the venue”. They call this a “fan’s association holding an annual meet where all district level fan members would get a chance to visit Chennai”. This story of fans asking Rajinikanth to join politics has been going around for the last 20 years where they urge the superstar to “become the CM of Tamil Nadu”. However, Rajinikanth has been pretty vocal about not being interested in politics at all. However, his tweet started speculation of his support to a BJP candidate in the recently concluded bypoll in Chennai but the Indian superstar as always decided to stay away: My support is for no one in the coming elections. — Rajinikanth (@superstarrajini) March 23, 2017 According to another theory, this meeting could also just be related to the release of Rajinikanth’s latest movie titled 2.0, a sequel to the much-talked-about movie Enthiran or Robot. Poster release of Rajinikanth's new movie (DNA) × Rajinikanth is expected to start working on a new film, directed by Kabali director Ranjith and produced by his son-in-law Dhanush. (WION)

Rajinikanth to join politics? Indian fans urge him to 'Save Tamil Nadu'

Imagine 100 plus musicians coming together for performing three songs at one platform. Okay wait, don&#39;t imagine because we have a video for you

2016 can be called&nbsp;a successful year for the Indian cinema industry, owing to movie releases that offered to break stereotypical narratives, touched upon&nbsp;issues often ignored by cinema and saw some brilliant display of acting. Two movies that released last year&nbsp;&lsquo;Dear Zindagi&rsquo; and &lsquo;Udta Punjab&rsquo;, not only grossed at the box office but also received critical acclaim. There is however one other reason why it became a strong hit-- the music score. No points for guessing, but the music is lent by Amit Trivedi.

Watch these awesome musicians paying a tribute to famous Indian singer, Amit Trivedi. And the topping on the cake being a&nbsp;heartfelt perfomance by the singer himself towards the end of the performance.&nbsp;

<h3>Watch the video:&nbsp;</h3>

&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="430" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_GtJmOSD-Rk" width="970"></iframe>

This video is uploaded by&nbsp;The LIVE100 Experience and the rendition was organised by Xavier Institute of Communications for their annual event&nbsp;Istoria.&nbsp;

<h3>For the love of Amit Trivedi, some of his top songs:</h3>

&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="430" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fSS_R91Nimw" width="970"></iframe>

&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="430" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RFNmDyBKqk8" width="970"></iframe>

&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="430" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/du_3uHhWZeo?list=PLSnHskZ5YBzdJ0ptxMMS40z5bIun1nnWR" width="970"></iframe>

(WION)

Amit Trivedi is a famous Indian singer, known for his unique voice and style

Imagine 100 plus musicians coming together for performing three songs at one platform. Okay wait, don't imagine because we have a video for you 2016 can be called a successful year for the Indian cinema industry, owing to movie releases that offered to break stereotypical narratives, touched upon issues often ignored by cinema and saw some brilliant display of acting. Two movies that released last year ‘Dear Zindagi’ and ‘Udta Punjab’, not only grossed at the box office but also received critical acclaim. There is however one other reason why it became a strong hit-- the music score. No points for guessing, but the music is lent by Amit Trivedi. Watch these awesome musicians paying a tribute to famous Indian singer, Amit Trivedi. And the topping on the cake being a heartfelt perfomance by the singer himself towards the end of the performance. Watch the video: This video is uploaded by The LIVE100 Experience and the rendition was organised by Xavier Institute of Communications for their annual event Istoria. For the love of Amit Trivedi, some of his top songs: (WION)

This is what happens when 100 artists come together to sing Amit Trivedi's songs

Remember Britney Spears in her chartbuster music video &ldquo;Toxic&rdquo;?&nbsp;The song gained worldwide recognition after its release in 2004 and remained on the top charts in several countries.&nbsp;

But why are we talking about it now?

Assraf Nasir, a flight attendant on the Malaysian carrier AirAsia, mimics the popular pop singer&rsquo;s moves from her &quot;Toxic&quot; music video and nails it.&nbsp;In a tweeted video, Nasir is seen showing his well rehearsed dance moves in the aisle of an Airbus A330. He is seen singing into the intercom, pushing a food trolley and behaving like a total diva.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A Toxic performance on A330 by <a href="https://twitter.com/AssrafNasir">@AssrafNasir</a>. Cc <a href="https://twitter.com/britneyspears">@britneyspears</a> ???????? <a href="https://t.co/xoRksL1DZw">pic.twitter.com/xoRksL1DZw</a>
&mdash; huski ?? (@FarhanRzman) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarhanRzman/status/842405850673111040">March 16, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The video was originally uploaded by Nasir&#39;s co-worker Farhan Rzman. It has since gone viral and has been picked up by several global publishers.&nbsp;

This is the original for comparison:&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="430" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LOZuxwVk7TU" width="970"></iframe>

Many Facebook and Twitter users shared the video and have promised to book their flight on AirAsia now.&nbsp;

The video has now even been shared by Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia&nbsp;on his instagram account. In his post he said,&nbsp;&ldquo;Classic. Airasia version of Toxic. The talent in Airasia never fails to amaze me. @assrafnasir is the best. Love it that staff can just have fun and be themselves.&rdquo;

Here&#39;s some love from Nasir:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-version="7" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<div style=" background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAABGdBTUEAALGPC/xhBQAAAAFzUkdCAK7OHOkAAAAMUExURczMzPf399fX1+bm5mzY9AMAAADiSURBVDjLvZXbEsMgCES5/P8/t9FuRVCRmU73JWlzosgSIIZURCjo/ad+EQJJB4Hv8BFt+IDpQoCx1wjOSBFhh2XssxEIYn3ulI/6MNReE07UIWJEv8UEOWDS88LY97kqyTliJKKtuYBbruAyVh5wOHiXmpi5we58Ek028czwyuQdLKPG1Bkb4NnM+VeAnfHqn1k4+GPT6uGQcvu2h2OVuIf/gWUFyy8OWEpdyZSa3aVCqpVoVvzZZ2VTnn2wU8qzVjDDetO90GSy9mVLqtgYSy231MxrY6I2gGqjrTY0L8fxCxfCBbhWrsYYAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BRH5jwCB9xe/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Tak sama set crew. Kalau sama, that&#39;s it. Habis terbalik kapal. ??</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by Assraf Nasir (@assrafnasir) on <time datetime="2017-03-02T05:07:35+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Mar 1, 2017 at 9:07pm PST</time>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async defer src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

(WION)

Assraf Nasir is a flight attendant on AirAsia who is now the latest internet sensation

Remember Britney Spears in her chartbuster music video “Toxic”? The song gained worldwide recognition after its release in 2004 and remained on the top charts in several countries. But why are we talking about it now? Assraf Nasir, a flight attendant on the Malaysian carrier AirAsia, mimics the popular pop singer’s moves from her "Toxic" music video and nails it. In a tweeted video, Nasir is seen showing his well rehearsed dance moves in the aisle of an Airbus A330. He is seen singing into the intercom, pushing a food trolley and behaving like a total diva. A Toxic performance on A330 by @AssrafNasir. Cc @britneyspears ???????? pic.twitter.com/xoRksL1DZw — huski ?? (@FarhanRzman) March 16, 2017 The video was originally uploaded by Nasir's co-worker Farhan Rzman. It has since gone viral and has been picked up by several global publishers. This is the original for comparison: Many Facebook and Twitter users shared the video and have promised to book their flight on AirAsia now. The video has now even been shared by Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia on his instagram account. In his post he said, “Classic. Airasia version of Toxic. The talent in Airasia never fails to amaze me. @assrafnasir is the best. Love it that staff can just have fun and be themselves.” Here's some love from Nasir: Tak sama set crew. Kalau sama, that's it. Habis terbalik kapal. ?? A post shared by Assraf Nasir (@assrafnasir) on Mar 1, 2017 at 9:07pm PST × (WION)

This flight attendant just gave Britney's song 'Toxic' a new spin and you have to watch it

&ldquo;Donald Trump is not my idea of a joke,&rdquo; said the legendary playwright and screenwriter Sir David Hare at the 10th edition of Zee Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF). His statement set the tone for the festival, an annual juggernaut of the global literary world. Zee JLF was inaugurated at Diggi Palace in Jaipur by the chief minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje Scindia on 19th January.

The entrance to Diggi Palace was lined with tributes to the world of literature and arts in the form of installations, live music and dance performances, and digital broadcasts on big TV screens. A primer of sorts for the participants on the upcoming five days of the festival. The first day of Zee JLF began with a ceremonial play of drums and horns by Rajasthani folk musicians led by Nathoo Lal Solanki. After their rousing performance, the award-winning Shillong Chamber Choir came onstage with poetic keynotes delivered by two stalwarts, Gulzar and Anne Waldman, in keeping with the festival&rsquo;s &lsquo;East meets the West&rsquo; ethos. Waldman&rsquo;s animated recitation with its outro insisting upon pushing back the darkness enthralled the jam-packed front lawns.

The first day saw engaging discussions on a variety of issues ranging from yoga to Brexit, from China&rsquo;s one-child policy to intersections of theatre and cinema, from Sanskrit in the Mughal courts to reporting from conflict areas, and several others. When Sir David Hare said that he found out his gift of writing only accidentally, the audience gasped in disbelief. There was a roar from the audience when Nassim Nicholas Taleb, polymath author of Black Swan and Anti-Fragile, said, &ldquo;People are fed up with serial incompetence. There is a rebellion against the expert problem.&quot;&nbsp;Sadhguru of the Isha Foundation pondered on the existential crisis faced by humanity and said, &quot;Human intellect is firing like never before. This is why people are suffering. They have to think for themselves, not rely on scripture or a guru.&quot;

One of the highlights of the festival this year is that it is 100% cashless, in keeping with the Indian government&rsquo;s thrust on going digital. The book store, the merchandise, crafts bazaar, and the eateries at the festival venue accept payments only through the participant ID cards which can be recharged with desired amount of money. Many festival goers, however, have complained of inconvenience owing to technical glitches. Some foreign visitors were annoyed that their cards were not accepted and there was a cap on currency exchange. Though, vendors and organisers have assured that systems will work smoothly during the next four days.

After the pack-up at Diggi Palace, the festival moved to Clarks Amer for the music stage. Each year artistes from across the world come to perform at the festival. Every evening of the festival there is an eclectic mix of song, dance, and instrumental performances. Rajasthan&#39;s Josh and Neeraj Arya&rsquo;s Kabir Caf&eacute; enthralled the audience with their fusion music.

(WION)

&nbsp;

The first day of the Zee Jaipur Lit Festival began with ceremonial play of drums by Rajasthani folk musicians led by Nathoo Lal Solanki

“Donald Trump is not my idea of a joke,” said the legendary playwright and screenwriter Sir David Hare at the 10th edition of Zee Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF). His statement set the tone for the festival, an annual juggernaut of the global literary world. Zee JLF was inaugurated at Diggi Palace in Jaipur by the chief minister of Rajasthan, Vasundhara Raje Scindia on 19th January. The entrance to Diggi Palace was lined with tributes to the world of literature and arts in the form of installations, live music and dance performances, and digital broadcasts on big TV screens. A primer of sorts for the participants on the upcoming five days of the festival. The first day of Zee JLF began with a ceremonial play of drums and horns by Rajasthani folk musicians led by Nathoo Lal Solanki. After their rousing performance, the award-winning Shillong Chamber Choir came onstage with poetic keynotes delivered by two stalwarts, Gulzar and Anne Waldman, in keeping with the festival’s ‘East meets the West’ ethos. Waldman’s animated recitation with its outro insisting upon pushing back the darkness enthralled the jam-packed front lawns. The first day saw engaging discussions on a variety of issues ranging from yoga to Brexit, from China’s one-child policy to intersections of theatre and cinema, from Sanskrit in the Mughal courts to reporting from conflict areas, and several others. When Sir David Hare said that he found out his gift of writing only accidentally, the audience gasped in disbelief. There was a roar from the audience when Nassim Nicholas Taleb, polymath author of Black Swan and Anti-Fragile, said, “People are fed up with serial incompetence. There is a rebellion against the expert problem." Sadhguru of the Isha Foundation pondered on the existential crisis faced by humanity and said, "Human intellect is firing like never before. This is why people are suffering. They have to think for themselves, not rely on scripture or a guru." One of the highlights of the festival this year is that it is 100% cashless, in keeping with the Indian government’s thrust on going digital. The book store, the merchandise, crafts bazaar, and the eateries at the festival venue accept payments only through the participant ID cards which can be recharged with desired amount of money. Many festival goers, however, have complained of inconvenience owing to technical glitches. Some foreign visitors were annoyed that their cards were not accepted and there was a cap on currency exchange. Though, vendors and organisers have assured that systems will work smoothly during the next four days. After the pack-up at Diggi Palace, the festival moved to Clarks Amer for the music stage. Each year artistes from across the world come to perform at the festival. Every evening of the festival there is an eclectic mix of song, dance, and instrumental performances. Rajasthan's Josh and Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Café enthralled the audience with their fusion music. (WION)

Gulzar, Anne Waldman light up Zee Jaipur Literature Festival

Any event organiser, if using copyrighted music or songs in a party, would have to inform the copyright societies which will issue an invoice for payment of royalty along with proof of their rights as per an interim arrangement arrived at in the Delhi High Court between a firm and three such societies.

Under the arrangement, anyone who is going to hold an event will inform the three societies -- Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) and Novex Communications Pvt Ltd -- about the copyrighted work to be used and one of these three, which holds the rights, shall issue an invoice for royalty along with proof of ownership of the copyright.

The event organiser would have to pay the royalty prior to holding the event, Justice Najmi Waziri noted in his order in which he also directed the respondent societies to &quot;upload on their respective websites the (copyright) assignment deeds along with the list of songs pertaining to such assignment deed&quot;.

The order came after the societies claimed that they &quot;are legitimate assignees of copyrighted works or are otherwise duly authorised agents of copyright owners&quot; and sought to enforce their rights under section 18 (assignment of copyright) and 30 (licences by owners of copyright) of the Copyright Act.

They argued before the court that as long as the owner of a copyright exercises its rights under section 18 and section 30 read with section 19 (mode of assignment of copyright) of the Act, &quot;there is no bar on the copyright owner or his agent or an assignee from monetising the copyrighted works&quot;.

The court was hearing an application moved by the three societies against its December 23, 2016, decision restraining them from granting any licence, as a copyright society under section 33 of the Act, to play music and songs of various artists in public.

The December 23, 2016&nbsp;order had come on a plea by Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) which has claimed that registration of IPRS and PPL expired in 2013 and Novex was never registered&nbsp;and only registered societies can issue licences for playing music in public.&nbsp;

(PTI)

The court had earlier decided of restraining the groups from granting any licence as a copyright society to play music and songs in publi

Any event organiser, if using copyrighted music or songs in a party, would have to inform the copyright societies which will issue an invoice for payment of royalty along with proof of their rights as per an interim arrangement arrived at in the Delhi High Court between a firm and three such societies. Under the arrangement, anyone who is going to hold an event will inform the three societies -- Indian Performing Right Society (IPRS), Phonographic Performance Ltd (PPL) and Novex Communications Pvt Ltd -- about the copyrighted work to be used and one of these three, which holds the rights, shall issue an invoice for royalty along with proof of ownership of the copyright. The event organiser would have to pay the royalty prior to holding the event, Justice Najmi Waziri noted in his order in which he also directed the respondent societies to "upload on their respective websites the (copyright) assignment deeds along with the list of songs pertaining to such assignment deed". The order came after the societies claimed that they "are legitimate assignees of copyrighted works or are otherwise duly authorised agents of copyright owners" and sought to enforce their rights under section 18 (assignment of copyright) and 30 (licences by owners of copyright) of the Copyright Act. They argued before the court that as long as the owner of a copyright exercises its rights under section 18 and section 30 read with section 19 (mode of assignment of copyright) of the Act, "there is no bar on the copyright owner or his agent or an assignee from monetising the copyrighted works". The court was hearing an application moved by the three societies against its December 23, 2016, decision restraining them from granting any licence, as a copyright society under section 33 of the Act, to play music and songs of various artists in public. The December 23, 2016 order had come on a plea by Event and Entertainment Management Association (EEMA) which has claimed that registration of IPRS and PPL expired in 2013 and Novex was never registered and only registered societies can issue licences for playing music in public. (PTI)

Event organisers can use copyrighted songs if they pay, says Delhi HC

A post-mortem examination on the body of pop icon George Michael, who died on Christmas Day after a chart-topping career and years of drug-taking, has proved &quot;inconclusive&quot;, police said on Friday.

&quot;The cause of death is inconclusive and further tests will now be carried out. The results of these tests are unlikely to be known for several weeks,&quot; a police statement said.

Police said earlier they were treating his death as &quot;unexplained but not suspicious&quot;. The post-mortem was carried out on Thursday.

Michael&#39;s partner Fadi Fawaz said he had found the star &quot;lying peacefully&quot; in bed at his home in the village of Goring on the River Thames west of London.

His manager Michael Lippman told Billboard magazine that the cause of death appeared to be heart failure.

Tributes have poured in all week from heartbroken fans leaving flowers, candles and emotional messages outside his homes in Goring and London.

Michael&#39;s family said Tuesday they were &quot;touched&quot; by the long line of tributes, including ones from Madonna and Elton John.

&quot;The family and close friends of George have been touched beyond words by the incredible outpouring of love for him in the hours and days since his death,&quot; the singer&#39;s publicist said in a statement.

&quot;Contrary to some reports, there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and from the bottom of our hearts we thank those who, rightly, have chosen to celebrate his life and legacy&quot;.

Quiet philanthropist

&quot;Last Christmas&quot;, one of Michael&#39;s best-selling singles from his time in the pop duo Wham!, returned to the British charts, the Official Charts Company said on Friday.

The festive hit climbed to number seven in the charts -- its first time in the top 10 sales since it was released 31 years ago.

The song has also become the second most streamed track of the week, with 3.6 million streams.

Michael notched up police cautions for cannabis and crack cocaine possession in his final years and in 2010 was sentenced to eight weeks in jail after crashing his 4x4 into a London shop while under the influence of cannabis and prescription medication.

In 2011, he spent several weeks in hospital in Vienna after contracting pneumonia while on tour, later saying he had come close to death.

Stories about Michael&#39;s quiet philanthropy for children and HIV charities have been shared widely since his death, as well as a report of his anonymous &pound;15,000 (17,600 euro, $18,400) donation to a woman who could not conceive to get IVF treatment.

Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou to a Greek Cypriot father and English mother in north London in 1963, Michael shot to fame with the band Wham! and sold more than 100 million records in his career.

He met Andrew Ridgeley at high school and the pair went on to form Wham! in 1981.&nbsp;

With their good looks, perma-tans, highlighted hair and hedonistic image, the duo captured the go-getting spirit of the age and fast became one of Britain&#39;s biggest pop acts with a string of hits including &quot;Last Christmas&quot; and &quot;Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go&quot;.

Michael only revealed in public that he was gay in 1998 after being arrested by police in Los Angeles. He went on to become a major campaigner and donor for gay rights and HIV charities.

The star later said he had not wanted to come out while his mother was still alive because she would be concerned he had contracted HIV.

(AFP)

Police said earlier they were treating his death as 'unexplained but not suspicious'

A post-mortem examination on the body of pop icon George Michael, who died on Christmas Day after a chart-topping career and years of drug-taking, has proved "inconclusive", police said on Friday. "The cause of death is inconclusive and further tests will now be carried out. The results of these tests are unlikely to be known for several weeks," a police statement said. Police said earlier they were treating his death as "unexplained but not suspicious". The post-mortem was carried out on Thursday. Michael's partner Fadi Fawaz said he had found the star "lying peacefully" in bed at his home in the village of Goring on the River Thames west of London. His manager Michael Lippman told Billboard magazine that the cause of death appeared to be heart failure. Tributes have poured in all week from heartbroken fans leaving flowers, candles and emotional messages outside his homes in Goring and London. Michael's family said Tuesday they were "touched" by the long line of tributes, including ones from Madonna and Elton John. "The family and close friends of George have been touched beyond words by the incredible outpouring of love for him in the hours and days since his death," the singer's publicist said in a statement. "Contrary to some reports, there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death and from the bottom of our hearts we thank those who, rightly, have chosen to celebrate his life and legacy". Quiet philanthropist "Last Christmas", one of Michael's best-selling singles from his time in the pop duo Wham!, returned to the British charts, the Official Charts Company said on Friday. The festive hit climbed to number seven in the charts -- its first time in the top 10 sales since it was released 31 years ago. The song has also become the second most streamed track of the week, with 3.6 million streams. Michael notched up police cautions for cannabis and crack cocaine possession in his final years and in 2010 was sentenced to eight weeks in jail after crashing his 4x4 into a London shop while under the influence of cannabis and prescription medication. In 2011, he spent several weeks in hospital in Vienna after contracting pneumonia while on tour, later saying he had come close to death. Stories about Michael's quiet philanthropy for children and HIV charities have been shared widely since his death, as well as a report of his anonymous £15,000 (17,600 euro, $18,400) donation to a woman who could not conceive to get IVF treatment. Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou to a Greek Cypriot father and English mother in north London in 1963, Michael shot to fame with the band Wham! and sold more than 100 million records in his career. He met Andrew Ridgeley at high school and the pair went on to form Wham! in 1981. With their good looks, perma-tans, highlighted hair and hedonistic image, the duo captured the go-getting spirit of the age and fast became one of Britain's biggest pop acts with a string of hits including "Last Christmas" and "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go". Michael only revealed in public that he was gay in 1998 after being arrested by police in Los Angeles. He went on to become a major campaigner and donor for gay rights and HIV charities. The star later said he had not wanted to come out while his mother was still alive because she would be concerned he had contracted HIV. (AFP)

Post-mortem on George Michael 'inconclusive'

Pop superstar George Michael concealed his homosexuality, as well as the trauma of his boyfriend&#39;s death, for years but later became a gay rights advocate and key supporter of HIV campaigns.

Michael, who died Sunday at 53, only came out as gay in 1998 -- nearly two decades into his career -- after being caught by police in a &quot;lewd act&quot; in a public bathroom in a park in Los Angeles.

His sexuality was by then an open secret in show business but Michael said he did not go public so as not to worry his mother because of fears about the AIDS virus in the gay community at the time.

&quot;Understand how much I love my family and that AIDS was a predominant feature of being gay in the 1980s and early 1990s as far as any parent was concerned,&quot; he told BBC Radio in an interview in 2007.

&quot;My mother was still alive and every single day would have been a nightmare for her thinking what I might have been subjected to,&quot; explained Michael.

Initially confused about his sexuality, Michael said he realised he was gay by the end of the 1980s.

&#39;Fearful period to be gay&#39;

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said that concern for his mother may not have been the only reason Michael chose not to come out.

&quot;Back then, the red tops were vicious to gay public figures,&quot; he said, referring to popular tabloid papers like the News of the World and The Sun.

&quot;They were vilified and smeared. Being gay was portrayed as a scandal and shame.&quot;&nbsp;

Tatchell said the explosion of AIDS led to a sharp rise in homophobic public attitudes.

&quot;Gay-bashings and murders rocketed. It was a fearful period to be gay, let alone a gay public figure.

&quot;I wish George had come out then. He could have helped counter that tide of prejudice. But I understand why he didn&#39;t,&quot; he said.

First love

At a concert in Rio de Janeiro in 1991, Michael met Anselmo Feleppa, a Brazilian dress designer who became his first love.

&quot;It&#39;s very hard to be proud of your sexuality when it hasn&#39;t given you any joy, but once you have found somebody you really love it&#39;s not so tough,&quot; Michael told the Huffington Post in an interview.

Six months into the relationship, they discovered Feleppa was HIV-positive -- a devastating blow for Michael.

&quot;I couldn&#39;t go through it with my family because I didn&#39;t know how to share it with them &ndash;- they didn&#39;t even know I was gay,&quot; he said.

Feleppa died of an AIDS-related brain haemorrhage in 1993.

Whenever performing the single &quot;Jesus To A Child&quot; from the album &quot;Older&quot; (1996), Michael dedicated it to Feleppa and the singer later said the entire album was a tribute to his late partner.

&quot;Heaven sent/ And Heaven stole/ You smiled at me/ Like Jesus to a child,&quot; Michael sings.&nbsp;

&#39;Live on in the hearts&#39;

Michael later told the BBC his arrest in 1998 may have been &quot;a subconsciously deliberate act&quot; to out himself and said he wished he had gone public sooner.

&quot;I don&#39;t think I would have had the same career &ndash;- my ego might not have been satisfied in some areas &ndash;- but I think I would have been a happier man,&quot; he said.

The same year that he came out as gay, Michael began his public activism by helping with a documentary about six young people affected by the HIV virus to coincide with World Aids Day.

As part of his philanthropy -- much of it under the radar -- he was also a major supporter of the Terrence Higgins Trust, a British HIV charity.

&quot;His donations contributed to a vision of a world where people living with HIV live healthy lives free from prejudice and discrimination,&quot; the charity said in a Facebook post on Monday.

The gay rights group Stonewall said on Twitter: &quot;You inspired many and your music will live on in the hearts of the community. You will be sorely missed&quot;.

(AFP)

Michael, who died Sunday at 53, only came out as gay in 1998, nearly two decades into his career

Pop superstar George Michael concealed his homosexuality, as well as the trauma of his boyfriend's death, for years but later became a gay rights advocate and key supporter of HIV campaigns. Michael, who died Sunday at 53, only came out as gay in 1998 -- nearly two decades into his career -- after being caught by police in a "lewd act" in a public bathroom in a park in Los Angeles. His sexuality was by then an open secret in show business but Michael said he did not go public so as not to worry his mother because of fears about the AIDS virus in the gay community at the time. "Understand how much I love my family and that AIDS was a predominant feature of being gay in the 1980s and early 1990s as far as any parent was concerned," he told BBC Radio in an interview in 2007. "My mother was still alive and every single day would have been a nightmare for her thinking what I might have been subjected to," explained Michael. Initially confused about his sexuality, Michael said he realised he was gay by the end of the 1980s. 'Fearful period to be gay' Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell said that concern for his mother may not have been the only reason Michael chose not to come out. "Back then, the red tops were vicious to gay public figures," he said, referring to popular tabloid papers like the News of the World and The Sun. "They were vilified and smeared. Being gay was portrayed as a scandal and shame." Tatchell said the explosion of AIDS led to a sharp rise in homophobic public attitudes. "Gay-bashings and murders rocketed. It was a fearful period to be gay, let alone a gay public figure. "I wish George had come out then. He could have helped counter that tide of prejudice. But I understand why he didn't," he said. First love At a concert in Rio de Janeiro in 1991, Michael met Anselmo Feleppa, a Brazilian dress designer who became his first love. "It's very hard to be proud of your sexuality when it hasn't given you any joy, but once you have found somebody you really love it's not so tough," Michael told the Huffington Post in an interview. Six months into the relationship, they discovered Feleppa was HIV-positive -- a devastating blow for Michael. "I couldn't go through it with my family because I didn't know how to share it with them –- they didn't even know I was gay," he said. Feleppa died of an AIDS-related brain haemorrhage in 1993. Whenever performing the single "Jesus To A Child" from the album "Older" (1996), Michael dedicated it to Feleppa and the singer later said the entire album was a tribute to his late partner. "Heaven sent/ And Heaven stole/ You smiled at me/ Like Jesus to a child," Michael sings. 'Live on in the hearts' Michael later told the BBC his arrest in 1998 may have been "a subconsciously deliberate act" to out himself and said he wished he had gone public sooner. "I don't think I would have had the same career –- my ego might not have been satisfied in some areas –- but I think I would have been a happier man," he said. The same year that he came out as gay, Michael began his public activism by helping with a documentary about six young people affected by the HIV virus to coincide with World Aids Day. As part of his philanthropy -- much of it under the radar -- he was also a major supporter of the Terrence Higgins Trust, a British HIV charity. "His donations contributed to a vision of a world where people living with HIV live healthy lives free from prejudice and discrimination," the charity said in a Facebook post on Monday. The gay rights group Stonewall said on Twitter: "You inspired many and your music will live on in the hearts of the community. You will be sorely missed". (AFP)

George Michael: From closeted life to gay rights advocate

Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt died in hospital on Saturday after suffering a severe infection, his family said. The veteran rocker, who had survived numerous health scares, was 68.

He was taken into hospital in Marbella on the south coast of Spain on Thursday due to complications with a pre-existing shoulder injury.

In nearly five decades in the business, marked by hard rock, hard drugs, hard drinking and an unwavering style, Status Quo were synonymous with rock and roll.

With his flowing blond hair, denim outfits and white Fender Telecaster guitar belting out the riffs, Parfitt was an instantly-recognisable figure on stage.

The Quo are known for their stripped-down, three-chord hits such as their signature song &quot;Rockin&#39; All Over the World&quot;, with which they opened the mammoth 1985 Live Aid concert, which raised money for famine-hit Ethiopia.

&quot;We are truly devastated to have to announce that Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has passed away,&quot; his family and manager said in a joint statement.

&quot;He died in hospital in Marbella, Spain as a result of a severe infection, having been admitted to hospital on Thursday evening following complications to a shoulder injury incurred by a previous fall.

&quot;This tragic news comes at a time when Rick was hugely looking forward to launching a solo career with an album and autobiography planned for 2017 following his departure from Status Quo&#39;s touring activities on medical advice.

&quot;He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, fellow band members, management, crew and his dedicated legion of fans from throughout the world, gained through 50 years of monumental success with Status Quo.&quot;

Parfitt is survived by his wife Lyndsay, their young twins Tommy and Lily and his adult children Rick Junior and Harry.

Rock and roll lifestyle

Parfitt had battled a series of heart problems.

Doctors first told Parfitt his lifestyle of rock and roll debauchery could cost him his life after a quadruple heart bypass in 1997.

In 2005 he had a throat cancer scare and had another heart attack in 2011.

Earlier this year, Parfitt suffered yet another heart attack which later saw him announce he would not return to perform live with Status Quo.

One of Britain&#39;s most successful bands of all time, they have sold more than 118 million records.

Parfitt and frontman Francis Rossi were the heart of the band, and were never afraid to poke fun at themselves or their reputation for refusing to change with the times, with a succession of career-prolonging publicity stunts.

Last year they became one of only 50 acts to have spent 500 weeks or more on the British album charts.

Their albums &quot;Hello!&quot; (1973), &quot;On The Level&quot; (1975), &quot;Blue For You&quot; (1976) and &quot;1+9+8+2&quot; (1982) all topped the charts.

&quot;Down Down&quot; topped the UK singles charts in 1974, as did &quot;Come On You Reds&quot; in 1994, recorded with the Manchester United football squad.

Other big hits included their debut single &quot;Pictures of Matchstick Men&quot; (1968), &quot;Caroline&quot; (1973), &quot;Rockin&#39; All Over the World&quot; (1977), &quot;Whatever You Want&quot; (1979) &nbsp;&quot;What You&#39;re Proposing&quot; (1980), &quot;Something &#39;Bout You Baby I Like&quot; (1981), &quot;The Wanderer&quot; (1984), &quot;In The Army Now&quot; (1986), and &quot;The Anniversary Waltz -- Part One&quot; (1990).

It is estimated that Status Quo have played more than 6,000 live shows to more than 25 million people.

(AFP)

The veteran rocker, who had survived numerous health scares, was 68

Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt died in hospital on Saturday after suffering a severe infection, his family said. The veteran rocker, who had survived numerous health scares, was 68. He was taken into hospital in Marbella on the south coast of Spain on Thursday due to complications with a pre-existing shoulder injury. In nearly five decades in the business, marked by hard rock, hard drugs, hard drinking and an unwavering style, Status Quo were synonymous with rock and roll. With his flowing blond hair, denim outfits and white Fender Telecaster guitar belting out the riffs, Parfitt was an instantly-recognisable figure on stage. The Quo are known for their stripped-down, three-chord hits such as their signature song "Rockin' All Over the World", with which they opened the mammoth 1985 Live Aid concert, which raised money for famine-hit Ethiopia. "We are truly devastated to have to announce that Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt has passed away," his family and manager said in a joint statement. "He died in hospital in Marbella, Spain as a result of a severe infection, having been admitted to hospital on Thursday evening following complications to a shoulder injury incurred by a previous fall. "This tragic news comes at a time when Rick was hugely looking forward to launching a solo career with an album and autobiography planned for 2017 following his departure from Status Quo's touring activities on medical advice. "He will be sorely missed by his family, friends, fellow band members, management, crew and his dedicated legion of fans from throughout the world, gained through 50 years of monumental success with Status Quo." Parfitt is survived by his wife Lyndsay, their young twins Tommy and Lily and his adult children Rick Junior and Harry. Rock and roll lifestyle Parfitt had battled a series of heart problems. Doctors first told Parfitt his lifestyle of rock and roll debauchery could cost him his life after a quadruple heart bypass in 1997. In 2005 he had a throat cancer scare and had another heart attack in 2011. Earlier this year, Parfitt suffered yet another heart attack which later saw him announce he would not return to perform live with Status Quo. One of Britain's most successful bands of all time, they have sold more than 118 million records. Parfitt and frontman Francis Rossi were the heart of the band, and were never afraid to poke fun at themselves or their reputation for refusing to change with the times, with a succession of career-prolonging publicity stunts. Last year they became one of only 50 acts to have spent 500 weeks or more on the British album charts. Their albums "Hello!" (1973), "On The Level" (1975), "Blue For You" (1976) and "1+9+8+2" (1982) all topped the charts. "Down Down" topped the UK singles charts in 1974, as did "Come On You Reds" in 1994, recorded with the Manchester United football squad. Other big hits included their debut single "Pictures of Matchstick Men" (1968), "Caroline" (1973), "Rockin' All Over the World" (1977), "Whatever You Want" (1979) "What You're Proposing" (1980), "Something 'Bout You Baby I Like" (1981), "The Wanderer" (1984), "In The Army Now" (1986), and "The Anniversary Waltz -- Part One" (1990). It is estimated that Status Quo have played more than 6,000 live shows to more than 25 million people. (AFP)

Status Quo guitarist Rick Parfitt dies aged 68

Madonna was presented with Billboard magazine&#39;s Woman of the Year award on Friday, but the seven-time Grammy Award winner said one of her biggest challenges was being a good mother.

&quot;The biggest accomplishment I think was finishing my tour, doing my shows every night. And dealing with the challenges of being a mother. That&#39;s always the challenge for me. Being a good mother, being an artist, getting through it all,&quot; Madonna told reporters on the New York red carpet.

Madonna, 58, mother of four, completed her 82-show &quot;Rebel Heart&quot; world tour in March.&nbsp;

During this tour she was also embroiled in a legal battle over the custody of her 16 year-old son Rocco with her ex-husband Guy Ritchie.

Rocco left Madonna during the tour to live with Ritchie in London.&nbsp;

However, the dispute was settled in September.

The annual Billboard Women in Music awards recognise women who have made significant contributions to the music business and those who have inspired other women.

 
Other honourees&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;included, pop singer Kesha, country-pop star Shania Twain, jazz singer Andra Day, pop star Meghan Trainor, electro-pop artist Halsey and country singer Maren Morris.

 
(WION, with inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

The singer's biggest accomplishment is 'Being a good mother, being an artist, getting through it all'

Madonna was presented with Billboard magazine's Woman of the Year award on Friday, but the seven-time Grammy Award winner said one of her biggest challenges was being a good mother. "The biggest accomplishment I think was finishing my tour, doing my shows every night. And dealing with the challenges of being a mother. That's always the challenge for me. Being a good mother, being an artist, getting through it all," Madonna told reporters on the New York red carpet. Madonna, 58, mother of four, completed her 82-show "Rebel Heart" world tour in March. During this tour she was also embroiled in a legal battle over the custody of her 16 year-old son Rocco with her ex-husband Guy Ritchie. Rocco left Madonna during the tour to live with Ritchie in London. However, the dispute was settled in September. The annual Billboard Women in Music awards recognise women who have made significant contributions to the music business and those who have inspired other women. Other honourees on Friday included, pop singer Kesha, country-pop star Shania Twain, jazz singer Andra Day, pop star Meghan Trainor, electro-pop artist Halsey and country singer Maren Morris. (WION, with inputs from Reuters)

'Woman of the Year' Madonna says motherhood biggest challenge

The Weeknd has ended Drake&#39;s long reign as king of Spotify, with the singer topping the rapper in monthly listeners on the world&#39;s leading streaming service.

The Weeknd, whose new album &quot;Starboy&quot; came out November 25, had close to 37.5 million listeners in November -- more than one-third of all Spotify users.

He edged out Drake, a fellow Torontonian who supported The Weeknd early in his career, who had just under 36 million monthly listeners.

Spotify, releasing data late Saturday, also confirmed that &quot;Starboy&quot; broke the record for streams in its first week, with listeners playing it 223 million times.

&quot;Starboy,&quot; released just one year after The Weeknd&#39;s breakthrough album &quot;Beauty Behind the Madness,&quot; is a sprawling work of R&amp;B and electronica on which the singer collaborates with elusive French duo Daft Punk.

Drake had been the biggest artist in terms of monthly listeners since May after the rapper released his long-awaited album &quot;Views,&quot; featuring viral hits such as &quot;One Dance&quot; and &quot;Hotline Bling&quot;.

Spotify, in earlier figures for 2016 so far, said that Drake was the most-streamed artist for a second straight year, a ranking which does not change.

Drake&#39;s success on Spotify comes even though he has a close relationship with rival Apple, through which he released &quot;Views&quot; exclusively for its first week.

(AFP)

His new album 'Starboy' which came out on November 25, had close to 37.5 million listeners in November, more than 1/3 of all Spotify users

The Weeknd has ended Drake's long reign as king of Spotify, with the singer topping the rapper in monthly listeners on the world's leading streaming service. The Weeknd, whose new album "Starboy" came out November 25, had close to 37.5 million listeners in November -- more than one-third of all Spotify users. He edged out Drake, a fellow Torontonian who supported The Weeknd early in his career, who had just under 36 million monthly listeners. Spotify, releasing data late Saturday, also confirmed that "Starboy" broke the record for streams in its first week, with listeners playing it 223 million times. "Starboy," released just one year after The Weeknd's breakthrough album "Beauty Behind the Madness," is a sprawling work of R&B and electronica on which the singer collaborates with elusive French duo Daft Punk. Drake had been the biggest artist in terms of monthly listeners since May after the rapper released his long-awaited album "Views," featuring viral hits such as "One Dance" and "Hotline Bling". Spotify, in earlier figures for 2016 so far, said that Drake was the most-streamed artist for a second straight year, a ranking which does not change. Drake's success on Spotify comes even though he has a close relationship with rival Apple, through which he released "Views" exclusively for its first week. (AFP)

The Weeknd ends Drake's reign as Spotify king

US pop star Taylor Swift, boy band One Direction and British singer Adele were the highest paid musicians in the world this year, Forbes magazine said on Wednesday.

With earnings of $170 million from touring, recordings, endorsements and other income, Swift, 26, earned the title of 2016&#39;s highest paid musician. She pulled in a gross total of more than $200 million on the North American portion of her &quot;1989&quot; world tour.

The &quot;Bad Blood&quot; singer was followed by One Direction, the English-Irish pop band, which brought in $110 million, grossing $200 million-plus for its recent On The Road Again Tour. Members of the band include Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and, previously, Zayn Malik.

Ranking third was &quot;Hello&quot; singer Adele, 28, with $80.5 million, her highest earnings total yet. Adele, whose album &quot;25&quot; was the biggest seller of 2015, enjoyed continued success with album sales this year and grossed millions per night for her arena shows.

Madonna, whose recent &quot;Rebel Heart&quot; tour grossed $170 million, was fourth with $76.5 million, which pushed her career total on the road to $1.4 billion pretax, according to Forbes.

Rounding out the top 10 were Barbados-born Rihanna, who earned $75 million, country star Garth Brooks ($70 million), veteran rock band AC/DC ($67.5 million), the Rolling Stones ($66.5 million), DJ Calvin Harris ($63 million) and music mogul Diddy ($62 million).

Collectively, the 30 listed musicians earned more than $1.8 billion this year.

Forbes compiled the list after estimating pretax income for the 12 months from June 2015 to 2016 based on interviews with managers, agents, lawyers and some of the stars. It also looked at data from the Pollstar, the Recording Industry Association of America and tracking firm Nielsen SoundScan.

()

The English-Irish pop band One Direction was ranked second and 'Hello' singer Adele at third place

US pop star Taylor Swift, boy band One Direction and British singer Adele were the highest paid musicians in the world this year, Forbes magazine said on Wednesday. With earnings of $170 million from touring, recordings, endorsements and other income, Swift, 26, earned the title of 2016's highest paid musician. She pulled in a gross total of more than $200 million on the North American portion of her "1989" world tour. The "Bad Blood" singer was followed by One Direction, the English-Irish pop band, which brought in $110 million, grossing $200 million-plus for its recent On The Road Again Tour. Members of the band include Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson and, previously, Zayn Malik. Ranking third was "Hello" singer Adele, 28, with $80.5 million, her highest earnings total yet. Adele, whose album "25" was the biggest seller of 2015, enjoyed continued success with album sales this year and grossed millions per night for her arena shows. Madonna, whose recent "Rebel Heart" tour grossed $170 million, was fourth with $76.5 million, which pushed her career total on the road to $1.4 billion pretax, according to Forbes. Rounding out the top 10 were Barbados-born Rihanna, who earned $75 million, country star Garth Brooks ($70 million), veteran rock band AC/DC ($67.5 million), the Rolling Stones ($66.5 million), DJ Calvin Harris ($63 million) and music mogul Diddy ($62 million). Collectively, the 30 listed musicians earned more than $1.8 billion this year. Forbes compiled the list after estimating pretax income for the 12 months from June 2015 to 2016 based on interviews with managers, agents, lawyers and some of the stars. It also looked at data from the Pollstar, the Recording Industry Association of America and tracking firm Nielsen SoundScan. ()

Taylor Swift tops Forbes' list of highest paid musicians

Heavy metal rockers Metallica soared to the top of the weekly US&nbsp;Billboard 200 album chart on Monday, edging out new records from R&amp;B singer Bruno Mars and country singer Miranda Lambert.

&quot;Hardwired ... to Self-Destruct,&quot; Metallica&#39;s 10th studio album, sold 282,000 albums, 34,000 songs and was streamed 9.3 million times, totalling 291,000 album units according to figures from Nielsen SoundScan for the week ending Nov. 24.

Billboard said &quot;Hardwired,&quot; driven by the strength of physical album sales, was the third-largest album debut of the year, behind Drake&#39;s &quot;Views&quot; and Beyonce&#39;s &quot;Lemonade.&quot;

Mars&#39; &quot;24k Magic&quot; debuted at No. 2 with sales of 231,000 album units, while Lambert&#39;s &quot;Weight of These Wings&quot; opened at No. 3 with 133,000 album units.

The Billboard 200 album chart tallies units from album sales, song sales (10 songs equal one album) and streaming activity (1,500 streams equal one album).

On the Digital Songs chart, which measures online song sales, hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd held steady at No. 1 with &quot;Black Beatles,&quot; selling 138,000 copies in the past week.

(Reuters)

Metallica's 10th studio album 'Hardwired' sold 282,000 albums, 34,000 songs and was streamed 9.3 million times

Heavy metal rockers Metallica soared to the top of the weekly US Billboard 200 album chart on Monday, edging out new records from R&B singer Bruno Mars and country singer Miranda Lambert. "Hardwired ... to Self-Destruct," Metallica's 10th studio album, sold 282,000 albums, 34,000 songs and was streamed 9.3 million times, totalling 291,000 album units according to figures from Nielsen SoundScan for the week ending Nov. 24. Billboard said "Hardwired," driven by the strength of physical album sales, was the third-largest album debut of the year, behind Drake's "Views" and Beyonce's "Lemonade." Mars' "24k Magic" debuted at No. 2 with sales of 231,000 album units, while Lambert's "Weight of These Wings" opened at No. 3 with 133,000 album units. The Billboard 200 album chart tallies units from album sales, song sales (10 songs equal one album) and streaming activity (1,500 streams equal one album). On the Digital Songs chart, which measures online song sales, hip-hop duo Rae Sremmurd held steady at No. 1 with "Black Beatles," selling 138,000 copies in the past week. (Reuters)

Metallica rocks to top of Billboard album chart

Nobel Literature Prize winner Bob Dylan plans to attend the prize winners&#39; banquet in Stockholm in December, an interview published in the British newspaper <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/the-filter/world-exclusive-bob-dylan---ill-be-at-the-nobel-prize-ceremony-i/" target="_blank">Daily Telegraph reported</a>.

US singer-songwriter Bob Dylan said the Nobel Prize left him &quot;speechless&quot;, a <a href="http://www.nobelprize.org/press/#/publication/5813bb6c3f5fa7030006bb32/552bd85dccc8e20c00e7f979?&amp;sh=false" target="_blank">statement</a> published by The Nobel Foundation&nbsp;said.

&ldquo;I appreciate the honour so much,&rdquo; he told Sara Danius, permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy. The foundation also said they were not sure if the singer planned to attend &quot;any events during the Nobel Week in Stockholm in December&quot;.

Daily Telegraph, however, reported that Dylan said, &quot;Absolutely. If it&#39;s at all possible,&quot; when asked if he would attend the event on December 10.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s hard to believe,&quot; the US singer-songwriter told Britain&#39;s Daily Telegraph newspaper. &quot;Whoever dreams about something like that?&quot;

Dylan won the Nobel Literature Prize &quot;for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition&quot;&nbsp;on October 13.

The music legend had&nbsp;been silent since the award was announced last Thursday. The academy member, Swedish writer Per Wastberg, accused Dylan of being &quot;impolite and arrogant&quot;, and said it was &quot;unprecedented&quot; that the academy did not know if Dylan intended to pick up his award, AFP said.

(With inputs from AFP)

'It's hard to believe', the US singer-songwriter told Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper

Nobel Literature Prize winner Bob Dylan plans to attend the prize winners' banquet in Stockholm in December, an interview published in the British newspaper Daily Telegraph reported. US singer-songwriter Bob Dylan said the Nobel Prize left him "speechless", a statement published by The Nobel Foundation said. “I appreciate the honour so much,” he told Sara Danius, permanent secretary of the Swedish Academy. The foundation also said they were not sure if the singer planned to attend "any events during the Nobel Week in Stockholm in December". Daily Telegraph, however, reported that Dylan said, "Absolutely. If it's at all possible," when asked if he would attend the event on December 10. "It's hard to believe," the US singer-songwriter told Britain's Daily Telegraph newspaper. "Whoever dreams about something like that?" Dylan won the Nobel Literature Prize "for having created new poetic expressions within the great American song tradition" on October 13. The music legend had been silent since the award was announced last Thursday. The academy member, Swedish writer Per Wastberg, accused Dylan of being "impolite and arrogant", and said it was "unprecedented" that the academy did not know if Dylan intended to pick up his award, AFP said. (With inputs from AFP)

Bob Dylan to attend Nobel Prize ceremony 'if it's at all possible'

A school in Paraguay, South America, is bringing together underprivileged kids to learn music. The school is located in Cateura,&nbsp;a suburb that grew out of Paraguay&#39;s largest dump.

Now, however, Cateura&nbsp;is fast gaining a reputation as a hothouse for musical talent.&nbsp;What&rsquo;s most impressive is that the youth orchestra there plays instruments made from discarded rubbish. Impoverished children from Cateura, who are members of the orchestra, play violins built over oven trays and guitars made from dessert dishes.&nbsp;

The orchestra gives youngsters a chance to transcend the squalor of their slum through the music of Mozart, Vivaldi and even Sinatra.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O4GnT1iWJ8c?list=PLmWa9ZZLlCjt0Jlg7kN3JBNX4LH1sRsGh" width="970"></iframe>

 
&nbsp;

Children from one of Paraguay's poorest regions are changing their lives through music

A school in Paraguay, South America, is bringing together underprivileged kids to learn music. The school is located in Cateura, a suburb that grew out of Paraguay's largest dump. Now, however, Cateura is fast gaining a reputation as a hothouse for musical talent. What’s most impressive is that the youth orchestra there plays instruments made from discarded rubbish. Impoverished children from Cateura, who are members of the orchestra, play violins built over oven trays and guitars made from dessert dishes. The orchestra gives youngsters a chance to transcend the squalor of their slum through the music of Mozart, Vivaldi and even Sinatra.

Video: 'Recycled orchestra' turns garbage into gold

The right song at the right time can change history

“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” —Plato Can music really change the world? To quote Pete Seeger, ‘The right song at the right time can change history’. Music is a universal language understood beyond borders and cultures, it is a force that bonds people together and uplifts them emotionally. History has witnessed artists harness music for humanitarian causes. Musicians, whether to motivate, inspire or bring people together for a common mission, have set the precedent that music could be used to serve a higher social cause. Here’s a look at some influential pieces of music which shaped the society of their time : Bob Dylan: "Times They Are A-Changin" This 60's song summarized the anti-establishment feelings of people participating in the civil rights movement popularly known as the hippie movement. "Your sons and daughters are beyond your command" is an instance of the powerful lyrics which is why it became the anthem of the exasperated youth. Critic Michael Gray called it "the archetypal protest song." Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief The global charity telethon was hosted in the January of 2010 to raise funds for earthquake victims in Haiti. With performances by renowned artists including Beyonce, Shakira, Colplay, Justin Timber, Madonna, the concert drew 83 million viewers and raised $58 million. “Sun City” In 1985, activist and musician Steven Van Zandt along with record producer Arthur Baker formed the group "Artists United Against Apartheid" to protest apartheid, a system of racial segregation in South Africa. With the support of journalist Danny Schechter, the two sought out a group of well known artists including Bruce Springsteen and Miles Davis to perform the protest song "Sun City". The composition was premiered at the United Nations and raised over $1 million for anti-apartheid projects. Bob Marley and the Wailers: “Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)" Marley and Wailers composed the piece in 1975 to acknowledge the plight of victims living in unbearably harsh conditions due to Caribbean's unequal income levels."Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)" was a pragmatic warning to the people in power about the danger of letting a nation's poor remain hungry. The lyric, “A hungry mob is an angry mob” clearly conveyed that violence could emerge out of the injustice. K'naan: “Wavin’ Flag” In its original lyrics, he talks about the struggle of refugees displaced by war, and how people are waiting for the dream of freedom. Black Eyed Peas - Where’s the love “Where Is The Love” was released in 2003 in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The band recreated the track to raise a voice against the innumerable terror attacks on 2016, the ongoing crisis in Syria, the Philando Castile and Alton Sterling deaths, and the ambush killings of five police officer in Dallas. Its conscience questioning lyrics addressed issues like terrorism, racism, gang crime, pollution, war, intolerance, and violence against LGBT people. Live Aid Source : Wikimedia Sequelle This day-long concert was organized by singer and songwriter Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1985 to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The first of its kind benefit concert showcased 75 live performances and raised $245 million. 46664 Concerts Source: Flickr (lasanta.com.ec) The 46664 was Nelson Mandela’s initiative to raise global awareness about HIV AIDS through unique live events and music. 46664 was Nelson Mandela's prison number when he was put behind bars for 27 years for leading the liberation movement against apartheid. The concert series continues to make an impact for the cause till date. John Lennon: “Imagine” The iconic composition by Lennon has been accepted all over the world as the song of unity, hope and peace with powerful lyrics that motivates the listeners to imagine a world beyond religious and national boundaries. The Concert for Bangladesh The Concert for Bangladesh was the collective title for two benefit concerts organised by Indian classical musician Ravi Shankar and former Beatles lead guitarist George Harrison. The shows raised US$ 250,000 for refugees from East Pakistan, following the Bangladesh Liberation War-related massacre. 40,000 people attended to listen to artists including Harrison, fellow ex-Beatle Ringo Starr, Bob Dylan, and Eric Clapton. Decades later Shankar said of the event: "In one day, the whole world knew the name of Bangladesh. It was a fantastic occasion ..."

Music that changed the world

Art transcends all borders and goes beyond the definition of geographical divides. Here are some 11 noteworthy cultural festivals celebrated in the South Asian region that you must know about: 
 
&nbsp;
<ul>
	<li>Jaisalmer Desert Festival, India</li>
</ul>
Set against the sand dunes, the festival is a unique showcase of folk culture. Held every year, there are programs for folk singing, puppet shows, acrobats, fire dancing, and others. Home of the camels, you can also take a camel ride, enjoy a game of camel polo, participate in camel decoration and pack some exciting desert memories with you.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/jaisalmer-20160915100616.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
A glimpse of Jaisalmer Desert Festival in India 
&nbsp;
</div>

<ul>
	<li>Kala Pola, Sri Lanka</li>
</ul>
Kala Pola is Sri Lanka&rsquo;s open-air art exhibition cum fair which happens every year. Attracting artists from across the country, it serves as a launch pad for talent. A wide array of art forms are displayed for the crowd to cheer and appreciate.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_del6189267-20160915100439.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
Kala Pola festival in Sri Lanka 
&nbsp;
</div>

<ul>
	<li>Annual Bhutan International Festival, Bhutan</li>
</ul>
It&rsquo;s a collaborative effort to encourage different countries to come and engage, while showcasing their culture and art. The festival boasts of some of the best entertainment performances by world known artists. The festival has an intimate setting and welcomes everyone interested.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/bhutan1-20160915103529.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
Bhutanese monks at the Bhutan International festival 
&nbsp;
</div>

<ul>
	<li>Rann Utsav, India</li>
</ul>
Rann Utsav is a quarter year-long winter celebration in white sandy desert. You set up your makeshift tents and absorb the local tradition and culture. The region known for it&rsquo;s distinct handicrafts, also offers options for kite flying, camel rides and desert safaris.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/rann1-20160915103938.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
Local artists at Rann Utsav
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>World Performing Arts Festival, Pakistan</li>
</ul>
An international cultural event, this festival brings performing artists from all over the world to celebrate music, theatre, concert, dance, puppet shows and others. Serving as a nurturing ground for local talent, it brings to fore the vibrancy of Pakistan&rsquo;s talents and helps people engage in a cultural exchange.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/pakistan-20160915113108.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
World Performing Arts Festival, Pakistan
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Hornbill Festival, India</li>
</ul>
The aboriginal Naga tribes of Nagaland are a sight to watch. Held every year in the month of December, Hornbill festival is a weeklong celebration of music, culture, art, sport and cuisine takes place. You will see some exquisite paintings, wood carvings and sculptures that form an essential part of Nagaland&rsquo;s cultural identity.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/000_del527342-20160915113835.jpg" />
<div class="media-description">
A Naga tribesman eats a stump of smouldering firewood during annual Hornbill Festival
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Afghan Arts and Culture Festival, Afghanistan</li>
</ul>
It is one of the largest coming together of artists and music bands in Afghanistan. Opening its doors to fellow countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan United States, the festival started with an aim to show the world Afghanistan&rsquo;s rich culture. Bikers, break dancers, rock bands and other performers come together every year.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/afghan1-20160915012131.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
Local Afghan dancers
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>South Ari Atoll, Maldives</li>
</ul>
A festival with a thought, South Ari Atoll is a collaboration between artists from Maldives and Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. It is a platform for showcasing artworks representing the island&rsquo;s marine diversity with a special emphasis on the shark population of Maldives. 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/cqi9uwpumaae2vl.jpg-large-20160916014323.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
South Ari Atoll in Maldives where the Conservation festival happens
</div>
&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Pohela Boishakh, Bangladesh</li>
</ul>
The Bengali New Year is celebrated with a lot of fervour all across the state of West Bengal in India and Bangladesh. Called Vasanta Utsav, the festivals starts at Shantiniketan in India and Bangladesh at the same time. The festivity celebrates art and diversity of both the regions. Among songs, dance and fairs, people are seen enjoying themselves around that time of the year.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/crh9vswuaaamwpn.jpg-large-20160916015136.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
Pohela Boishakh in Bangladesh 
&nbsp;
</div>

<ul>
	<li>Kathmandu International Art Festival, Nepal</li>
</ul>
Almost in every three years, Nepal celebrates its artists with an International Art festival. Artists come together to exhibit their works at different venues in the capital city of Kathmandu.&nbsp; 
 
<img alt="" class="img-responsive" src="http://s.wionews.com/photos/a8hm7l3ceaac3w9.jpg-large-20160916015737.jpeg" />
<div class="media-description">
A glimpse of Kathmandu International Art Festival, Nepal
</div>
 
 
(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

Discover how art and culture in South Asia binds the region together

Art transcends all borders and goes beyond the definition of geographical divides. Here are some 11 noteworthy cultural festivals celebrated in the South Asian region that you must know about: Jaisalmer Desert Festival, India Set against the sand dunes, the festival is a unique showcase of folk culture. Held every year, there are programs for folk singing, puppet shows, acrobats, fire dancing, and others. Home of the camels, you can also take a camel ride, enjoy a game of camel polo, participate in camel decoration and pack some exciting desert memories with you. A glimpse of Jaisalmer Desert Festival in India Kala Pola, Sri Lanka Kala Pola is Sri Lanka’s open-air art exhibition cum fair which happens every year. Attracting artists from across the country, it serves as a launch pad for talent. A wide array of art forms are displayed for the crowd to cheer and appreciate. Kala Pola festival in Sri Lanka Annual Bhutan International Festival, Bhutan It’s a collaborative effort to encourage different countries to come and engage, while showcasing their culture and art. The festival boasts of some of the best entertainment performances by world known artists. The festival has an intimate setting and welcomes everyone interested. Bhutanese monks at the Bhutan International festival Rann Utsav, India Rann Utsav is a quarter year-long winter celebration in white sandy desert. You set up your makeshift tents and absorb the local tradition and culture. The region known for it’s distinct handicrafts, also offers options for kite flying, camel rides and desert safaris. Local artists at Rann Utsav World Performing Arts Festival, Pakistan An international cultural event, this festival brings performing artists from all over the world to celebrate music, theatre, concert, dance, puppet shows and others. Serving as a nurturing ground for local talent, it brings to fore the vibrancy of Pakistan’s talents and helps people engage in a cultural exchange. World Performing Arts Festival, Pakistan Hornbill Festival, India The aboriginal Naga tribes of Nagaland are a sight to watch. Held every year in the month of December, Hornbill festival is a weeklong celebration of music, culture, art, sport and cuisine takes place. You will see some exquisite paintings, wood carvings and sculptures that form an essential part of Nagaland’s cultural identity. A Naga tribesman eats a stump of smouldering firewood during annual Hornbill Festival Afghan Arts and Culture Festival, Afghanistan It is one of the largest coming together of artists and music bands in Afghanistan. Opening its doors to fellow countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan United States, the festival started with an aim to show the world Afghanistan’s rich culture. Bikers, break dancers, rock bands and other performers come together every year. Local Afghan dancers South Ari Atoll, Maldives A festival with a thought, South Ari Atoll is a collaboration between artists from Maldives and Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme. It is a platform for showcasing artworks representing the island’s marine diversity with a special emphasis on the shark population of Maldives. South Ari Atoll in Maldives where the Conservation festival happens Pohela Boishakh, Bangladesh The Bengali New Year is celebrated with a lot of fervour all across the state of West Bengal in India and Bangladesh. Called Vasanta Utsav, the festivals starts at Shantiniketan in India and Bangladesh at the same time. The festivity celebrates art and diversity of both the regions. Among songs, dance and fairs, people are seen enjoying themselves around that time of the year. Pohela Boishakh in Bangladesh Kathmandu International Art Festival, Nepal Almost in every three years, Nepal celebrates its artists with an International Art festival. Artists come together to exhibit their works at different venues in the capital city of Kathmandu. A glimpse of Kathmandu International Art Festival, Nepal (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

11 cultural festivals in South Asia that you must attend at least once in your lifetime

R&amp;B sensation The Weeknd released a snippet of music on Wednesday after hinting at a collaboration with reclusive French electronic duo Daft Punk. 
 
The Canadian singer, who a year ago burst into the mainstream with his Grammy-nominated album &quot;The Beauty Behind the Madness,&quot; uploaded what appeared to be new music onto Instagram without further visuals or commentary. 
 
The track is driven by The Weeknd&#39;s distinctively wide-ranging R&amp;B-tinged voice but with a light electronic accompaniment. 
 
The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has provided few details about his upcoming projects but has hinted at a new project and posted pictures of himself in the studio on Facebook. 
 
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="423" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftheweeknd%2Fposts%2F1206891312668019%3A0&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe> 
 
 
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="423" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftheweeknd%2Fposts%2F1206891039334713%3A0&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe> 
 
Last week, he put an image of a stereo speaker on Facebook. Sitting on top of the device were figurines of Daft Punk, instantly recognisable for their robot masks. 
 
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="463" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Ftheweeknd%2Fposts%2F1206890722668078%3A0&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe> 
 
Daft Punk, French producers Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter, has been mostly silent since the duo&#39;s Grammy-winning 2013 album &quot;Random Access Memories.&quot; 
 
Pioneers of the French house scene, the members of Daft Punk rarely grant interviews or appear outside their costumes. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)

The Canadian singer uploaded a snippet of music onto Instagram without further visuals or commentary

R&B sensation The Weeknd released a snippet of music on Wednesday after hinting at a collaboration with reclusive French electronic duo Daft Punk. The Canadian singer, who a year ago burst into the mainstream with his Grammy-nominated album "The Beauty Behind the Madness," uploaded what appeared to be new music onto Instagram without further visuals or commentary. The track is driven by The Weeknd's distinctively wide-ranging R&B-tinged voice but with a light electronic accompaniment. The Weeknd, whose real name is Abel Tesfaye, has provided few details about his upcoming projects but has hinted at a new project and posted pictures of himself in the studio on Facebook. Last week, he put an image of a stereo speaker on Facebook. Sitting on top of the device were figurines of Daft Punk, instantly recognisable for their robot masks. Daft Punk, French producers Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter, has been mostly silent since the duo's Grammy-winning 2013 album "Random Access Memories." Pioneers of the French house scene, the members of Daft Punk rarely grant interviews or appear outside their costumes. (WION with inputs from AFP)

The Weeknd hints at new music with Daft Punk

Can't wait for the next season of Game of Thrones? Then, recreate the magic with a glimpse of this live concert.

Music is coming: Game of Thrones style

This disco inside a phone booth will make you forget mega clubs! Check out Germany's Teledisko, the world's smallest (and, coolest?) club.

Germany's Teledisko: World's smallest club

Treat the hidden rockstar in you with a glimpse of Finland's Air Guitar World Championship (yes, it's a real event).

Finland's Air Guitar Championship

Coke Studio, known for bringing musicians from every corner into the mainstream, recently took a different kind of initiative in its Pakistani edition. 
 
Titled &quot;Coke Studio for the Deaf&quot;, this special program tried to make the Coke Studio experience accessible to the deaf community of Pakistan, reports the Dawn. According to Ibrahim Khan, Coca-Cola brand manager, &quot;Coke Studio reaches millions around the world, but not the nine million hearing-impaired people in Pakistan. We wanted to bring a small change in that regard.&quot;&nbsp; 
 
The makers used a combination of lights and vibrations to make some members of the hearing-impaired community experience music. This initiative has been established in partnership with the Deaf Reach program of the Family Education Services Foundation (FESF).&nbsp; 
 
According to Deaf Reach founder Richard Geary, &quot;Working together with Coke Studio has been a really amazing experience. Not just because we got to see the experience the young people enjoyed, but to create awareness in the country and internationally about the need to provide more opportunities for the deaf community.&quot; 
 
&quot;This is what we try to do at Deaf Reach with our school program, vocational training program and jobs program. And we&#39;d like to engage with other forms of sectors who can make a difference to these kids&#39; lives,&quot; he added. Sharing her experience, a happy listener said, &quot;Whatever my body felt, whatever my brain thought, even though we can&#39;t hear the music, we can feel it.&quot; 
 
(ANI)

A combination of lights and vibrations allow some members of the hearing-impaired community to experience, or 'feel', music

Coke Studio, known for bringing musicians from every corner into the mainstream, recently took a different kind of initiative in its Pakistani edition. Titled "Coke Studio for the Deaf", this special program tried to make the Coke Studio experience accessible to the deaf community of Pakistan, reports the Dawn. According to Ibrahim Khan, Coca-Cola brand manager, "Coke Studio reaches millions around the world, but not the nine million hearing-impaired people in Pakistan. We wanted to bring a small change in that regard." The makers used a combination of lights and vibrations to make some members of the hearing-impaired community experience music. This initiative has been established in partnership with the Deaf Reach program of the Family Education Services Foundation (FESF). According to Deaf Reach founder Richard Geary, "Working together with Coke Studio has been a really amazing experience. Not just because we got to see the experience the young people enjoyed, but to create awareness in the country and internationally about the need to provide more opportunities for the deaf community." "This is what we try to do at Deaf Reach with our school program, vocational training program and jobs program. And we'd like to engage with other forms of sectors who can make a difference to these kids' lives," he added. Sharing her experience, a happy listener said, "Whatever my body felt, whatever my brain thought, even though we can't hear the music, we can feel it." (ANI)

Pakistan studio makes music for deaf people

US pop diva Jennifer Lopez and Broadway superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda on Monday put out a musical tribute to victims of the Orlando nightclub attack, with proceeds going to charity. 
 
&quot;Love Make the World Go Round&quot; is tinged with an uptempo synthpop beat and resilient messages, such as when Lopez sings, &quot;Those who hate us and fear us cannot keep us down&quot;. 
 
Lopez and Miranda, who had teased the song a week ago, performed it on NBC&#39;s &quot;Today&quot; show on a brilliant New York summer day to fans outside Rockefeller Center. 
 
The pair, who will also play on &quot;The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon&quot; on Tuesday night, put the song on sale over iTunes. 
 
The title of &quot;Love Make the World Go Round&quot; comes from a Tony Awards acceptance speech by Miranda, who has created one of Broadway&#39;s biggest hits in years with &quot;Hamilton&quot;. 
 
Miranda acted for the last time in the trailblazing hip-hop musical on Saturday, with the cast&#39;s final performance attended by celebrities ranging from Lopez to filmmaker Spike Lee to US Secretary of State John Kerry. 
 
Lopez and Miranda are both of Puerto Rican origin. Many of the victims of the June 12 attack were also Hispanic. 
 
Forty-nine people were killed and another 53 injured when gunman Omar Mateen attacked the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando. 
The mass shooting was the deadliest in modern US history. 
 
Proceeds from the song will go to the Hispanic Foundation&#39;s Somos Orlando fund, which will provide mental health services to survivors. 
 
Lopez also took part in a more mournful charity song, &quot;Hands&quot;, which came out last week and features a range of stars including Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears, Mary J Blige and Imagine Dragons. 
 
(AFP)

Proceeds from the song 'Love Make the World Go Round' will go to the Hispanic Foundation's Somos Orlando fund, which will provide mental health services to survivors

US pop diva Jennifer Lopez and Broadway superstar Lin-Manuel Miranda on Monday put out a musical tribute to victims of the Orlando nightclub attack, with proceeds going to charity. "Love Make the World Go Round" is tinged with an uptempo synthpop beat and resilient messages, such as when Lopez sings, "Those who hate us and fear us cannot keep us down". Lopez and Miranda, who had teased the song a week ago, performed it on NBC's "Today" show on a brilliant New York summer day to fans outside Rockefeller Center. The pair, who will also play on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on Tuesday night, put the song on sale over iTunes. The title of "Love Make the World Go Round" comes from a Tony Awards acceptance speech by Miranda, who has created one of Broadway's biggest hits in years with "Hamilton". Miranda acted for the last time in the trailblazing hip-hop musical on Saturday, with the cast's final performance attended by celebrities ranging from Lopez to filmmaker Spike Lee to US Secretary of State John Kerry. Lopez and Miranda are both of Puerto Rican origin. Many of the victims of the June 12 attack were also Hispanic. Forty-nine people were killed and another 53 injured when gunman Omar Mateen attacked the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando. The mass shooting was the deadliest in modern US history. Proceeds from the song will go to the Hispanic Foundation's Somos Orlando fund, which will provide mental health services to survivors. Lopez also took part in a more mournful charity song, "Hands", which came out last week and features a range of stars including Gwen Stefani, Britney Spears, Mary J Blige and Imagine Dragons. (AFP)

Jennifer Lopez, Miranda release Orlando tribute

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