Mayor of Kingstown season 1 is now streaming on Paramount+.
In Latin American territories and among their descendants, Anitta is one of the most recognizable performers in the game. And a decade after the girl from Rio signed her record deal with Warner Music [Brazil], she is receiving her flowers in the U.S. through new collaborations, pop-inspired releases, and global partnerships, including Lay’s. “As I continue to grow as an artist and a person, I do my best to focus on the positive and choose joy in every situation — to stay golden,” the singer-songwriter explained.
While speaking with Jason, he discussed his artistry, hopes and inspirations. He’s managed to establish a name for himself by doing what he loves – and that includes his partnership with Baileys Original Irish Cream.
The Knockturnal got the chance to sit down and speak with standout 4th generation K-Pop group ONEUS.
Get ready to glimpse the life of the iconic Whitney “the voice” Houston in Tristar Pictures’ highly anticipated film, ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody!’
Jetsonmade recently announced the launch of BoyMeetSpace – a music education program inspired by his label. BoyMeetSpace Academy takes aspiring producers through a six-week course where they’ll learn about the beat making process, as well as be provided with the resources and tools to establish a successfully career in music while receiving one-on-one feedback from music industry playmakers.
Notable names that will join Jetson at his academy are Tay Keith, Pooh Beatz and WondaGurl. Artists from Jetson’s label including 1st Class and Neeko Baby will also help guide students as they get up close and personal with the inner workings of the music industry.
Those who enroll could also receive college accreditation for the program as soon as next year. Jetson plans to team up with universities across the country in the near future.
We got to sit down with Jetsonmade to talk more about the creation of BoyMeetSpace Academy, his thoughts on higher education, what truly makes an artist and producer’s sound unique and what it’s like producing for some of the biggest stars of today.
You can find out more about Jetsonmade and how to join BoyMeetSpace Academy here.
Mashonda Tifrere is teaming up with SunChips to amplify the work of underrepresented artists as part of the brand’s latest Art Seen campaign.
As the world further familiarizes itself with West African sounds and melodic innovation, Nigerian artist Oxlade strives to present authentic visions above what is being commercialized in the mainstream. Though commonly classified as an Afrobeat artist, what he contributes sonically extends beyond a singular genre. The Afrobeats umbrella houses a multitude of African musical genres and some of the world’s largest talents.
“Africa means everything to me,” he explained during his New York press tour. “…Afrobeats [is not] a genre. I call it a way of life. It’s a movement. It’s an umbrella that covers every African artist.”
And as Afro-fusion recognition evolves, Oxlade wants to give his supporters a glimpse of the brilliance across his continent. The “Bad Boy” singer has achieved the mark of half a billion streams universally ahead of his anticipated full-length debut, Oxlade From Africa. The self-proclaimed “best next African export” has seen the success of Nigerian stars like Wizkid, Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Tems, Ckay, Tiwa Savage, and Davido make waves internationally. He is also determined to become a mainstay.
Today the remix to his breakthrough hit “KU LO SA” has arrived with an assist from his label mate Camila Cabello. “I was so excited when Oxlade asked me to be on his remix because I have been such a huge fan of his… Writing my part of the song was so easy, and I knew this was going to be something special as soon as we started recording,” Cabello confirmed via Epic Records. Through the duet’s trilingual lyrics, the pair broaden the conversation on what it means to be global artists today. The Knockturnal sat down with Oxlade to learn about what Nigeria means to him, new music with Mayorkun, and what is in store for his growing fan base.
The Knockturnal: Your appearance from earlier this year at the Colors Studio went viral. How does the growing recognition of “KU LO SA” and your music feel?
Oxlade: I feel blessed. This is just a sign that I am on the right path. It has been [a positive] experience, seeing people smile, and becoming a source of joy in people’s lives. It makes me want to do more and give out good music to the people. That and the single are encouraging me.
The Knockturnal: You are from Africa and have a global fan base. What would you like your listeners to know about Nigeria’s culture and its meaning to you?
Oxlade: Nigeria means everything to me. Africa means everything to me! We have great music. We’ve got great food. We have great people and booze (laughs). Everything that has to do with its positivity. That is what I want people to know about Nigeria. If you come often, especially in December, you will have the time of your life. It’s a vibe.
The Knockturnal: Your new collaboration with Mayorkun, “Bad Boy,” is buzzing. How was your time working together?
Oxlade: Mayorkun is my brother, man! We go way back. He is one of the people who put me on before I broke out as an artist. I will be honest; we have always known we would make magic with one another. We really planned to put out “Bad Boy” way earlier. Due to things closing down during the pandemic, we had to chill. So, yes, “Bad Boy” is out now! I can’t wait to put out more music.
The Knockturnal: Whose idea was it for the single’s artwork to reflect Martin Lawrence and Will Smith’s Bad Boys films?
Oxlade: That was my idea (laughs)!
The Knockturnal: I saw the “Bad Boy” lyric video, will there be a follow-up with this single?
Oxlade: Oh, definitely! Yeah, we will release a music video, like a proper one. I want the grand style and 4K version (laughs). But there is another video on the way, too. Stay tuned.
The Knockturnal: You have releases within multiple genres. What are your favorite genres to record within?
Oxlade: I say anything that has Afro in it! Yes, I don’t call Afrobeats a genre. I call it a way of life. It’s a movement. It’s an umbrella that covers every African artist.
The Knockturnal: What ascending artists do you admire?
Oxlade: I admire everyone doing great things for themselves. The list is long. Yes, I don’t want to exempt anybody. And I don’t want anybody feeling any type of way (laughs). So, if you are [reading] this and you’re doing well for yourself, you are inspiring me musically.
The Knockturnal: Are there musical influences you can speak to?
Oxlade: Oh, yes, as far as my influences, there is one they call Michael Jackson (laughs). There is Drake, Bob Marley, Prince, and Ms. Lauryn Hill. My list is long. But I go back to the drawing board now and then.
That is like my hall of fame of favorite artists. They shaped my music and my sound. These are some of the people who inspire me and make me want to be a better version of myself. I mean that as a person and an artist.
The Knockturnal: What is en route musically that supporters should look out for?
Oxlade: Okay, there is a remix to the original “KU LO SA.” It has Camila Cabello on it. Camila was the only option I wanted on the remix because she is music and she also is a pure soul. [The remix] made me feel extra special. She even called it “our” song.
Also, my album drops in the first quarter of next year. The album is titled Oxlade From Africa. I am excited to put out these workings. I can’t wait! This album will give the world more versions of me and add more flavors to my melodies and sound.
The Knockturnal: You have acknowledged a forthcoming single with Camila Cabello. Who are the top three artists you hope to work with in the future?
Oxlade: Okay, my three are Chronixx, Drake, and Bruno Mars.
The Knockturnal: Who is Oxlade?
Oxlade: I am the best next African export to come out of Afrobeats. Oxlade is a street boy (laughs). He got vibes and believes in God. Oxlade is very sensitive. He loves good people and doesn’t like bad energy.
Christmas With You is now streaming on Netflix.
In the tradition of heartfelt romantic comedies, Netflix brings a fresh film Christmas With You. It’s a story about a loving and risk-adverse father and a pop star who is desperate for a fresh start. When this pop star, Angelina, sees a post from a young fan, she goes to visit her school. Angelina soon discovers fresh inspiration and a chance at love.
Aimee Garcia and Freddie Prinze Jr lead in this Christmas rom-com and the Knockturnal recently interviewed these stars. Aimee and Freddie shared their experience creating this movie. Freddie explained how he approached acting in a Christmas film. The creators and film crew helped facilitate the Christmas spirit as they were filming. From the set design to building real snow, the Christmas season stayed alive. Aimee surrendered to the process of developing these creative aspects of her character. Her character Angelina dances and sings and Aimee worked hard to become this pop star. Aimee explained that it was easy to keep the Christmas joy alive while creating this movie.
If you enjoy the usual Christmas rom-coms, you’ll appreciate Aimee Garcia and Freddie Prinze Jr in this movie. The family dynamic in this movie feels grounded and real. It’s a fun movie to watch during this Christmas season.
Watch Christmas With You now on Netflix!
Mickey: The Story of a Mouse is now streaming on Disney+.
Disney brings us a new movie, the true story of their greatest hero: Mickey. In this documentary we discover what has made Mickey so famous and iconic for decades. This story about Mickey is also the story of his creator: Walt Disney. Mickey: The Story of a Mouse follows the history of this character. Featuring interviews with creators, historians and fans this documentary provides a fresh appreciation for what Walt Disney built. This movie also reminds us of why we loved Mickey and Disney as a child and why we still love them.
The Knockturnal recently interviewed some of the artists involved in this film. First we interviewed Floyd Norman, an animation artist that was hired by Disney in 1956. In the film, Floyd shared his experiences working with Walt Disney and animating for Disney. We then interviewed Dr. Carmenita Higginbotham, she’s a prominent art history. She shared her experience studying Mickey and talked about what made this mouse an enduring character. Then we interviewed Meghan Walsh and she talked about the process of collaborating with Disney and the other creatives involved in creating this movie.
Stream Mickey: The Story of a Mouse now on Disney+.