Entertainment
From ‘beloved’ to ‘no great loss’
Published
7 months agoon
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(Photo credit: Joanne Rathe/NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK)
To some, O.J. Simpson was one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
Those born after his Pro Football Hall of Fame career remember Simpson as a beloved actor and broadcaster.
And to those even younger, he was an accused double murderer — acquitted in that case but later convicted of kidnapping and armed robbery in Las Vegas.
On Thursday, Simpson — who died of cancer on Wednesday at age 76 of prostate cancer — was recalled by those he touched in both triumph and tragedy.
“I knew him as an athlete, but I also knew him as a pitchman, and that crossover appeal into every living room, so even if you didn’t love football, you knew O.J. because of his ability to transcend sports and of course become the businessman and the pitchman that he was,” sports analyst Christine Brennan told CNN.
Legendary broadcaster Bob Costas, who worked with Simpson on NBC’s football telecasts, also recalled Simpson as an athlete who branched out beyond football — even before his retirement from the NFL — becoming known for his commercials for Hertz rental car and roles in television shows and movies including “The Towering Inferno,” the TV miniseries “Roots” and “The Naked Gun” film trilogy.
“He was not just admired, but beloved,” Costas told CNN. “He was, if not the first, he was the first to do it in a big way, an African American who broke through.”
But all that changed for Simpson following the June 12, 1994, murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and friend Ronald L. Goldman at her condominium in the Brentwood section of Los Angeles.
Simpson was acquitted in October 1995 after a trial that lasted nearly 10 months and stoked racial divisions. Both victims were white, and members of a primarily Black jury bought the defense argument that racist members of the Los Angeles Police Department framed him. Goldman’s family went on to sue Simpson for wrongful death and won a $33.5 million civil verdict.
Fred Goldman, the father of the victim, reacted Thursday.
“The only thing I have to say is it’s just further reminder of Ron being gone all these years,” Fred Goldman told NBC News of his son, who was 25 at the time of his death. “It’s no great loss to the world. It’s a further reminder of Ron’s being gone.”
Caitlyn Jenner, once part of Simpson’s social circle, echoed Goldman, posting “Good Riddance OJSimpson” to social media.
Simpson was the first running back in NFL history to run for more than 2,000 yards in a season and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 1985.
While there had been calls after the killings to pull Simpson’s bust from the shrine, it never did. Hall of Fame president Jim Porter issued a statement on Thursday.
“O.J. Simpson was the first player to reach a rushing mark many thought could not be attained in a 14-game season when he topped 2,000 yards,” Porter said. “His on-field contributions will be preserved in the Hall’s archives in Canton, Ohio.”
Simpson paid little of the civil judgment to the Goldman family, and the debt is believed to have ballooned to about $100 million with interest.
The family’s attorney said he will continue to pursue the money from the Simpson estate. David Cook told TMZ that Simpson “died without penance” and will attempt to find out where Simpson’s possessions and funds are.
–Field Level Media
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Announcements
Bollywood singer Vishal Mishra set to perform live at Coca-Cola Arena
Published
1 week agoon
November 14, 2024Bollywood’s award-winning playback singer and composer Vishal Mishra is all set to make his electrifying debut at Dubai’s iconic Coca-Cola Arena on November 22. Fans in the UAE are gearing up for an unforgettable evening as the maestro takes the stage to perform his chart-topping hits live for the first time in the city.
Renowned for his soulful voice and a discography brimming with heartfelt melodies, Vishal Mishra has left an indelible mark on the Indian music scene. From chartbusters like “Pehla Pyaar” and “Zihal e Miskin” Vishal’s music has captured hearts worldwide. His signature blend of melody and emotion, combined with his ability to connect deeply with audiences, promises a concert that will be nothing short of magical.
Speaking about the upcoming concert, the 32-year-old star who rose to fame with the hit song “Kaise Hua” from Kabir Singh, shared his excitement: “Performing in Dubai is always like a dream, and I am thrilled to finally connect with my fans here at the Coca-Cola Arena. Music has the power to unite people, and I can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with everyone. I promise it will be a night filled with love, energy, and pure magic.”
A Night to Remember:
The Coca-Cola Arena, one of Dubai’s premier entertainment venues, will set the stage for this extraordinary event. Known for its state-of-the-art acoustics and vibrant atmosphere, the arena will provide the perfect setting for Vishal Mishra to bring his music to life, offering fans a front-row seat to the essence of Bollywood’s musical brilliance.
Attendees can look forward to an intimate yet high-energy experience, as Vishal performs his Bollywood Chartbusters like “Pehle Bhi Main” from movie ‘Animal’, Oscar award winning “Nacho Nacho” from Movie RRR and fan favourites such as Zihal-e-miskin, Aaj Bhi and Manjha.
With fans across the region eagerly awaiting this event, tickets are already selling fast. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of Vishal’s music or only discovering his artistry for the first time, this concert promises a night to remember for all.
Event Details:
Date: 22nd November 2024
Venue: Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai
Tickets: https://dubai.platinumlist.net/event-tickets/94400/vishal-mishtra-live-in-coca-cola-arena-dubai
Entertainment
Neha Kakkar set to Headline Inaugural Indian Musical Festival in Dubai
Published
2 weeks agoon
November 7, 2024By
Suhani SinghThe Indian Musical Festival (IMF), Dubai’s biggest music festival, is set to debut with an unforgettable performance by Bollywood’s Pop Queen, Neha Kakkar. Taking place at Etisalat Academy on December 28, 2024, this premier event will bring Neha Kakkar back to Dubai, three years since her last live show in the city, for a show-stopping experience filled with energy, music, and the true spirit of Bollywood. Known for her iconic voice, magnetic stage presence, and hits that have dominated the charts, Neha’s performance at IMF Dubai is anticipated to be the must-attend musical celebration of the year.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DB3A04IIh7F/?igsh=ZHUzbWw5Z2JvcTR6
Neha Kakkar, with her infectious charisma and talent, has become one of the most-watched female artists worldwide, amassing over 4 billion views on YouTube and a fanbase of more than 78.7m followers on Instagram. She holds the distinction of being the first Indian artist awarded the prestigious YouTube Diamond Award in 2021, underscoring her massive influence and popularity. Her recognition on platforms such as Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 and the Asia 100 Digital Stars lists further highlights her global impact, solidifying her status as an international music icon.
Speaking about the upcoming event, Aadhil Noushad, Managing Director, said, “We are thrilled to bring the Indian Musical Festival to Dubai, with Neha Kakkar headlining our maiden edition. It is our pleasure to unite the fans with the music and artists they love through unforgettable performances and energy. We look forward to making IMF Dubai a landmark festival that celebrates Indian music and culture on a grand scale.”
This maiden edition of IMF Dubai is expected to be a celebration like no other with more than 10,000 tickets on sale, making it one of the biggest music carnivals in the UAE. It is set to capture the heart of Bollywood through Neha Kakkar’s most beloved songs and deliver an electrifying night to fans and music lovers across the UAE. As the headline artist, Neha will take the audience on a journey through her biggest hits, blending powerful vocals with captivating stage production in an evening that promises non-stop entertainment and high-energy performances.
Tickets for IMF Dubai’s inaugural concert are now on sale, with a limited-time 15 per cent discount available on all categories during Phase 1 of ticketing. Given the high anticipation around this event, fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early to be part of Dubai’s largest Bollywood musical celebration of 2024. This exclusive event not only brings fans closer to one of India’s most celebrated pop sensations but also offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the vibrant Bollywood music scene in Dubai.
IMF Dubai, organised by Notout Entertainments LLC and Elounge India with ticketing partner Qtickets, represents a landmark commitment to premier Indian entertainment in Dubai. As IMF Dubai launches its flagship festival, it sets a new standard for Indian musical events in the region, with future editions already in the planning stages to make an even greater impact. IMF Dubai is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of culture, music, and a shared passion that connects people across borders.
For more information on tickets, event details, and more, please visit imfdubai.com/.
To book your tickets now, visit tinyurl.com/4jpwarkw.
For more queries and the latest updates, visit tinyurl.com/jkr44nvs.
Announcements
GROUNDBREAKING MUSICAL SPECTACLE “ONCE UPON A TIME IN DUBAI” TO PREMIERE IN DECEMBER 2025
Published
1 month agoon
October 21, 2024Dubai-based French music producer Stéphane Boukris and Universal Music MENA – a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment – today announced the launch of “Once Upon A Time in Dubai”, a pioneering musical that is set to captivate audiences starting in December 2025. Supported by key partners ALL, Accor’s award-winning loyalty programme and McDonald’s UAE, this first-of-its-kind production marks a historic moment in Dubai’s entertainment landscape – the first time a musical of this scale has been mounted in the region.
“This is more than just a musical—it’s a celebration of Dubai’s incredible energy and global status. We are bringing together a world-class team and creating something truly unique that blends music, storytelling, and the spirit of this extraordinary city. We can’t wait to share this experience with audiences here and around the world. Something never seen before – one that’s exclusively made in Dubai, by the people of Dubai, for the rest of the world,” said Boukris, the man behind Robin Hood musical that’s sold over 1 million tickets across Europe so far. “This is the first time a musical of this magnitude has been planned in the region, and we’re certain this will go a long way in reshaping Dubai’s cultural landscape.”
“Once Upon A Time in Dubai” is expected to be performed in front of at least 150,000 spectators in Dubai before embarking on an international tour and an exciting screen adaptation, making it Dubai’s first truly global production of a scale and vision never before conceived in the region.
A Stellar Creative Team
The musical score is composed by Nazim Khaled, a leading European composer for singers like Kendji Girac, renowned for crafting hits that resonate globally and have garnered over 4 billion views globally. The music for “Once Upon A Time in Dubai” is a unique blend of chart-topping songs and evocative compositions that drive the narrative forward. Ahead of the musical’s release, fans can expect a debut single and a music video , offering a taste of the musical magic to come.
The director of the show is Johan Nus, well-known in the Middle-East for his work on Arabs Got Talent or The Masked Singer, and as executive producer, Gilles Papain, who has worked on shows like Celine in Las Vegas, Disney World of Colors in California, and Christian Louboutin’s show at the Crazy Horse in Paris.
An Unforgettable Story
Set in the heart of Dubai, the show tells the story of Will, a young artist who moves from London to Dubai to reunite with his partner, Sophia, and pursue his dream of producing a musical extravaganza. The narrative weaves together themes of love, ambition, and the vibrant culture of Dubai, promising an unforgettable journey for audiences.
Casting Announcement: Open Call for Talent
At a glittering event in Dubai, the production team also announced the launch of an open casting call for seven singers and 20 dancers of all nationalities to bring the musical’s dynamic characters to life. “This is a rare opportunity for performers from all backgrounds to be part of something truly special. We’re not just looking for talent; we’re looking for passion and diversity to help us bring this vibrant story to life. Dubai is a city of dreams for all of us, and this production is a reflection of that thought process. We’re excited to showcase the incredible energy and creativity that this region has to offer,” added Boukris. “This groundbreaking musical will not just be a show but a celebration of Dubai’s status as a global hub for culture and innovation.”
Present at the event, Mark Flower, Vice President Commercial Market Strategy, Middle East, Africa and Turkiye at Accor said: “ This is a fantastic partnership between ALL, the award-winning booking platform and loyalty programme by Accor and Once Upon a Time and Universal Music through a truly immersive musical experience. This collaboration embodies our vision of augmented hospitality by bringing together travel, culture, and entertainment.” He continued: “ For Once Upon a Time, it offers access and visibility to members of ALL and exposure at over 84 properties in the United Arab Emirates across Accor’s portfolio of participating brands including Raffles, Fairmont, Ennismore’s SLS, Sofitel, Swissotel, Mövenpick, Pullman, Mercure, Ibis and more. For Members of ALL, it unlocks a world of Limitless Experiences through VIP tickets, meet-and-greets, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access, creating unforgettable money-can’t-buy experiences. Together, we are fostering innovation and inspiring new ways of connecting people and cultures all around the world.”
Recording for the album is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2024 with release of the first single scheduled by year’s end.