Iraqi singer Aseel Hameem believes that Iraqi music is here to stay, citing its rich cultural heritage and unique sound. Meanwhile, producer Art Beatz is bringing together Arab and Western sounds, creating a new fusion of music styles. In other news, Somaliland's Berbera Port may play a crucial role in securing African trade, while the UAE has announced a new corporate tax ruling on property. Ziad Rahbani, known as Lebanon's "voice of soul", has passed away at 69, prompting tributes from fans and fellow artists.
At San Diego Comic-Con, attendees celebrated their cultural heritage by showcasing outfits inspired by Latin American pop culture. Maria Flores from Los Angeles designed an outfit based on the Mexican TV show "El Chapulín Colorado", highlighting the importance of representation for Latinos and Hispanics in media. The celebration will continue with a panel featuring renowned Mexican filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.
Lebanon Mourns Loss of Beloved Singer Ziad Rahbani
7.27.25
Ziad Rahbani, known as "the voice of Lebanon's soul", has passed away at the age of 69. Tributes have poured in for the renowned Lebanese singer and songwriter who was celebrated for his music that captured the sorrow and hope of Lebanon's civil war.
George Lucas is set to make his debut appearance at San Diego's Comic-Con for a preview of his upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, which will feature a 300,000-square-foot building with galleries, theaters, and related spaces on an 11-acre campus near the University of Southern California. The museum, founded by Lucas and his wife Mellody Hobson, aims to explore the histories and traditions of narrative art across time and cultures through a panel discussion moderated by Queen Latifah, featuring Guillermo Del Toro and Doug Chiang.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Chola temple in Tamil Nadu, and offered prayers. The temple, built in the 11th century, is a significant cultural and historical landmark in India. Modi's visit highlights his efforts to promote India's rich heritage and cultural diversity.
Ozzy Osbourne's upcoming memoir is expected to be a candid account of his life, including his guilt and regrets over an affair that affected his wife Sharon. The book will cover his entire career with Black Sabbath, struggles with addiction, and final moments on stage at the "Back to the Beginning" concert.
Ritu Kumar's Threads of Time: Reimagined Collection
7.27.25
Ritu Kumar is set to present her latest couture showcase, Threads of Time: Reimagined, at India Couture Week 2025 in association with Reliance Brands. The event honours five decades of Kumar's legacy, built on her respect for Indian crafts and traditions. Under the guidance of Amrish Kumar, who took over as creative director, the brand has immersed itself in techniques that resonate with today's world. For Ritu Kumar, the final collection is gratifying, but the true joy lies in the process of creating a new collection.
Roy Veneracion's Syncretic Masterpieces on Display
7.27.25
The Manila Times is showcasing an exhibit featuring works by renowned artist Roy Veneracion at its Art Gallery, highlighting his unique use of aesthetic syncretism to create intricate and thought-provoking pieces that blend diverse elements into cohesive artworks. The nine-piece exhibit includes abstract compositions, bold brushstrokes, and symbolic mixed-media pieces, demonstrating Veneracion's ability to unify disparate visual idioms into a distinctive artistic language.
Salomé Yardley became a prominent figure in the fashion world after signing a modeling contract in NYC in 2022, appearing in a Marc Jacobs perfume ad shot by Juergen Teller and strutting for designers Batsheva and Elena Velez at Fashion Week. She also pursued her passion for music, singing in parishes and mentoring Catholic schoolchildren, while maintaining a bohemian lifestyle that went largely unnoticed by the public until she met the Tate brothers in Romania.