Should banning phones at live shows become the norm?
Artists and comedians are using new technology to prevent fans from video-recording at concerts. Aside from keeping the performance exclusive to ticket-buyers, the goal is to encourage attendees to enjoy the moment without distraction – but is it a good idea? Going to a live show is a privilege, not...
Current in Media
Opinion – The Elephant Whisperer is necessary and urgent
Netflix’s latest nature documentary follows the story of Raghu, an elephant in India. It highlights problems within our conservation efforts and the important of nurturing our natural world. Each time we visit my maternal grandparent's house in Talcher, we pass through the districts of Dhenkanal, down the road that...
Meek Mill criticised for filming at Presidential Palace in Ghana
American rapper, Meek Mill, who recently learnt he is part Ghanaian, has faced backlash from West Africans after filming his music video at Jubilee House - the official presidential office and home. Hip-hop artist Meek Mill is popular among African Millennials and Gen Zers. The love for the genre in Africa...
Why Gen Z is ditching their smartphones on nights out
Death to the drunk Instagram story? Well, maybe. Young people are starting to swap their smartphones for simpler mobile devices on nights out. The benefits extend well beyond dealing with embarrassing social media posts from the night before. A new trend is emerging amongst Gen Z members old enough...
The problem with Sainsbury’s latest campaign and why it went viral
A new marketing campaign released by Sainsbury’s has gone viral for being completely tone-deaf about women’s safety. The adverts' timing makes its sentiments even more ridiculous, as a culture of violent sexual misconduct by serving Metropolitan Police officers is brought to light. Here we go again. You’d think that with great...
Dementia villages are changing the future of elderly care
Specially designed to look like the towns where residents are from, dementia villages are giving elderly people the freedom to live normally within a close community – even as their recent memory begins to fade. Growing old is a fact of life whether we like it or not. While beauty companies...
A deep dive into nepotism in Bollywood
New York Magazine’s viral essay on Hollywood’s nepo baby boom has generated many thoughts and opinions on actors with famous parents. But there’s another realm of entertainment where nepotism is always at the forefront of conversations. Nate Jones’ anchor essay on nepo babies sparked conversations about star kids and their many advantages in the entertainment industry. But this conversation has always been happening in India about the Bollywood industry. “Many...
How Tory Lanez case demonstrates Hollywood’s misogyny
Rapper Tory Lanez has been found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot. But angered responses from Lanez’ fans – and the demonisation of Stallion – highlight Hollywood’s persistent issue with successful Black women. Since the summer of 2020, rapper Megan Thee Stallion has claimed Tory Lanez shot her in the foot multiple times after leaving a party in the Hollywood Hills. After a small dispute led Megan...
Study shows most musicians can’t afford equipment
New research by charity Help Musicians says that over 90% of all musicians can no longer afford equipment to perform live shows. Being a musician is a tough ordeal in the age of streaming. Most consumers aren’t buying CDs or vinyl, with touring and merchandise usually serving as the main sources of income for most independent artists. Now, new research suggests that things are worse than first thought. A study...
The intern behind Spotify Wrapped was never given her dues
The popular round-up format has become a viral trend marking the end of a year. But many don’t know it was created by an intern in under three months. Is it even December if you don’t share your Spotify Wrapped? The music streaming platform launched Wrapped playlists in 2016, giving users the chance to view a personalised recap of their past year as defined by their listening habits. The format, though simple,...
