Usher in concert, 'Rendez-vous à Paris', translated 'See you in Paris' set stage from on 24 to 5 October at La Seine Musicale, before returning to his Vegas Residency at Dolby Live, Park MGM.
An epic moody low red-lit opening in the French Capital, sent the excitement in the stadium rising.
Fans who managed to bag themselves a ticket – from approximately 100 to 400 euros for standard seats, were in for a full dose of Usher chart-topping hits from the nineties to his recent catalog throughout the night.
By 9.10pm, the energy in the venue was buzzing, as Usher’s introduction kicked in with the ‘DJ got us falling in love’, fading into ‘Caught Up.
Usher, 44, announced he will be the first independent artist to perform at the US’s to 2024 Halftime Superbowl. This is a lifetime achievement, and thanked Larry Jackson, former Apple exec for his support over years.
Here are a few good reasons why some thought it was worth the go.
The concert was in Paris. A great reason to do some sight seeing and as we have it, thank Usher for the concert location.
You will most likely know atleast a few of Ushers songs if you listen to mainstream radio. And even enjoy the song along!
Usher has managed to stay relevant over the years. Refreshing his brand in the RnB space. He keeps a crowd keen.
Usher is always fit. From day one, inspiring is with his defined abs.
He was popular eye candy amongst the ladies, and if he was of no interest to you, possibly his raunchy backing dancers got your attention.
Paris Fashion Week was thar week. The trendyist celebs were in town so you may spot a few.
He graced the stage at the Superbowl in the USA. And you just saw him live first hand!
Send us an email if you attended the London Concert & scored a famous Usher Cherry!
Social media has a fake AI version of South African artist Tyla’s remix of her hit song “Water” circulating.
The freedom to create has now opened up a can of worms for where AI productions will legally stand, as music regulations for AI generated songs have not yet been implemented.
Last week Tyla officially announced the release of her only remix with rapper Travis Scott. However, since then some confusion has arisen with a remix from what appears to be Beyonce’s vocals has gone viral. Most Beyoncé’s online fanbase will instantly know it’s not their queen.
In addition to the song release with the likeness of Beyonce’s voice, what sounds like Drake’s vocals also feature on the fake remix but do not state a disclosure that they are not featuring the original artists. Neither have any of the original artists’ or representatives commented.
Player1505, the music editor, and producer responsible for the production, created this AI vocal version of “Water”.
There are so many questions, what is the way forward for music copyright and AI. What will the future hold for music made with Artificial Intelligence?
In an article from Semafor called ‘AI-generated music is going viral. But is it legal?’ Marc Ostrow, a New York-based entertainment and copyright lawyer, told Semafor that the issue of AI and music is defined by a number of open questions that will likely be resolved “by some combination of litigation and/or legislation.” Here’s what to watch for.
Do AI music tools infringe on copyright?
The Recording Industry Association of America thinks so. It said last year that AI platforms that train their algorithms on existing songs infringe on the rights of artists who wrote and recorded them.
However, Ostrow said that owners of AI machinery could make the argument that this would be fair use. A landmark 2015 ruling — related to the legality of Google Books — found that a copyrighted work can be used without violating the law if it is “transformed” enough.
What about these sound-alike songs?
Since AI can so easily replicate the voices of popular artists, we could soon see a proliferation of tracks that purport to be from real artists, like the fake Drake and The Weeknd song.
Ostrow said artists could have legal standing to sue the creators of these songs based on their “right to publicity,” which protects the likeness of celebrities. In the late 1980s, for example, Bette Midler successfully sued Ford Motor Co. after they used a singer that sounded like her in an ad.
The same standard could apply here, Ostrow said, if the AI tracks are being used for commercial purposes.
“If I’m releasing a record that sounds like Drake, but it’s not Drake, that’s clearly for commercial purposes,” he said.
But the laws on this vary from state to state, so “if you’re a celebrity, make sure you’re a resident and you die in a state that protects publicity rights after death,” he said.
What will streaming services do?
As more and more AI-generated music is uploaded online, streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube could have some legal protection.
Federal law states that the online platforms can’t be held liable for copyright infringement just because an illegal work is uploaded to their site, but they have to take it down if they get a request to do so from the copyright holder.
Still, the streaming services could get caught in the AI crossfires. Universal Music Group, a giant in the industry, recently urged Spotify and Apple Music to block AI platforms from scraping melodies and lyrics from their artists’ songs, the Financial Times reported.
The Charles Gordon Trust Awards, was an evening that celebrated remarkable individuals who have made significant impacts on society, recognising them for their outstanding contributions to the community.
Charlene Françoise. Credits:byzeee
Presenter and model Charlene Françoise, pictured, shares her inside description of the evening.
“Prior to entering the beautiful and spacious venue, Fairfield Halls, I was in awe of how stunning everyone looked in their outfits. Posing for photographers on the red carpet and some being interviewed, I had a good feeling that the inside of the venue would be amazing.
The venue was enormous, contemporary, and beautiful.
Heading inside the dining area, the guests were eating and drinking, whilst the DJ had some people dancing. The ambience in this room was vibrant and full of optimism. Situated next to the bar, many people here were conversing and buying beverages. They were also getting their photos and videos taken by me and interviewed by me too.
Kaz Crossley & Richard Blackwood. Credits:byzeee
The awards, presented by Richard Blackwood and the gorgeous Kaz Crossley was incredible.Richard Blackwood made us laugh until our stomachs hurt! Love his sense of humour.
So Solid‘s performance was brilliant. ’21 seconds’ still had us all dancing and feeling as though we were 15 again!
Everyone who was nominated and who won an award are phenomenal people who more than deserve recognition for their positive and kind contributions to the community.
Gyal Flex had us feeling as though we were at a rave! We enjoyed their session at the after party.
They never disappoint us. What a beautiful evening.”
Credits:mrk_visuals
The stunning red carpet event was attended by over 1000 people to celebrate the organisations and individuals that have been doing amazing work in the voluntary sector.
It was an electric atmosphere, filled with a sense of inspiration and admiration for the exceptional achievements being recognised that evening, acknowledging and encouraging excellence across diverse domains, fostering a culture of innovation and positive change.
Events like the Charles Gordon Trust Awards, reflect the importance to amplify the stories of those who, through their dedication and passion, are making a lasting difference in their communities.
London, UK – The Golden Lion Awards, presented by The Charles Gordon Trust, is set to take place on 23rd September at the Fairfield Halls in London. This highly anticipated event aims to celebrate Croydon as the London Borough of Culture for 2023 and acknowledge the efforts of others in the community by recognising individuals, groups, brands, and organisations for their outstanding contributions and inspiring impact on the community.
The Charles Gordon Trust Awards has a history of magnifying the importance of community involvement and the stories of those who embody a spirit of excellence. This year’s Golden Lion Awards will be an evening to celebrate the celebrities in the community and those who are doing good work in it.
“The Golden Lion Awards offers more than just a platform to celebrate exceptional achievements. It serves as a reminder of our social responsibility to meet the needs of our communities,” emphasised Charles Gordon, founder of The Charles Gordon Trust. “During the event, we will also pay tribute to the victims of knife crime, inviting their families on stage to acknowledge their tireless efforts in reducing violence and safeguarding our youth.”
Hosted by renowned UK comedian Richard Blackwood, and Kaz Crossley, best known for her appearance on Love Island, the Golden Lion Awards promise an evening of excitement and glamour, bringing together celebrities and illustrious guests from various industries to celebrate communities and the efforts of others in the community. Among the attendees, the Mayor of Croydon, Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, and MP Claudia Webbe will present awards.
The star-studded show will be televised and headlined by ‘So Solid Crew’, who will take the stage alongside other talented performers including Michelle John, Slim the Comedian, IMD Legion from Britain’s Got Talent, Poetess Jess, Steppaz UK CIC, LMR – Stormzy’s Mirky Christmas Winner, Stush – Performing artist and Songwriter from South London and Omar.
Kelle Bryan, known as a member of girl group Eternal and a part of the Loose Women panel, as well as former WBO Champion Johnny Nelson, have also confirmed their attendance.
The event will be a black-tie affair with a three-course dinner, and memorable music. However, the highlight of the night will undoubtedly be the award show itself with the top 4 nominees in each category along with the winners announced.
The Charles Gordon Trust Awards invites media personnel to attend and cover this grand celebration of community excellence.
Please reach out to our media contact below for press passes, interviews, or any additional information.
The Bluesfest is an annual music festival held in Byron Bay, Australia, featuring a wide range of musical acts. The festival attracts thousands of music lovers from all over the world and has become one of the most popular events on the Australian music calendar.
Overview: Bluesfest promised to be an exciting event, with a diverse lineup of artists from various genres. From blues legends to up-and-coming artists, there is something for everyone, every year at this festival.
Performances: One of the highlights of the festival was initially to be from international music icon and Pianist, Robert Glasper. Unfortunately following some controversy, his tour alongside Soul Rebels was cancelled.
Nevertheless, notable performers who took the stage included Grammy-winning blues musician, Keb’ Mo’, and Scottish singer, songwriter and musician Paulo Nutini.
In addition to the big names, there were also plenty of up-and-coming artists to discover at the festival. From blues rockers to soul singers, there was no shortage of talent on display.
Atmosphere: The atmosphere at the Bluesfest was electric, with a friendly and laid-back vibe. The festival grounds were spacious, and there were plenty of food and drink options available.
Australia – The Glitterbox Australian tour is a wrap with it’s final 2023 Oz show in Perth! The Australian edition of the tour was a huge success with classic house and disco DJ’s from around the globe coming together to provide an unforgettable night of music and fun – gracing Aussie cities Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Perth. Prior, the tour also touched down at the Studio on Auckland, New Zealand turf.
Melvo brought funking cool classics to the deck, mixing with head bopping rhythms representing the UK.
Natasha Diggs, Brisbane AU
Simon Dunmore kept the drive with uptempo rolling melodic baselines all the way before handing over to Ms Diggs. Last but certainly not least, the emanating twirl Queen herself Natasha Diggs delivered a smashing set along with an entertaining display of dancing by ‘Lucy Fizz’ and ‘Tete Bang’; accompanied by glitter bombs and abounding fire blasts throughout the night.
The crowd remained in high spirits until close, dancing to tunes that filled the room with feel-good vibes.
The down-under tour delivered by One Hit Agency was a blast, filled with bumping tunes. For disco lovers and house music enthusiasts alike, this event was not to be missed.
Whilst a huge majority of concert goers turned up for headline act Macklemore, every artist delivered their unique engagement with the audience. Hit dropped after hit familiar to every mainstream radio listener. Whether you were a die hard fan or not, the atmosphere was buzzing.
In no particular order we’ve highlighted the hottest performances in our opinion.
Shaggy won the audience over
Arguably, the king of hybrid reggae, Shaggy was the first household name to ignite hype with his powerful stage presence performing radio hits Bombastic, It Wasn’t Me and Angel. Some fans were expecting him to sing more saying “Shaggy had amazing energy, but would start the first chorus then got the crowd to sing most of it which was a let down.“ Nevertheless, Shaggy won over a sea of hearts with evident crowd response throughout the stadium.
Although Shaggy is known for his classic and tongue in cheek sing along hits, nominated with seven Grammy Awards, winning two for Best Reggae Album, he’s been also focusing on making music with a message, addressing personal matters in his life. In 2018 he collaborated with the legendary Sting on an album called 44/786 (named after their respective country codes). Their music wasn’t easily classified and some fans were confused by the duo. Nevertheless it spent seven weeks at No.1 on the Billboard Reggae Chart, and they took pride in the fact that their music was a mash up of genres.
Shaggy recently dropped a new album called “Com Fly Wid Mi,” featuring a Frank Sinatra classic, “Fly Me to the Moon.” It’s an easy listening vibe with a jazz, holiday and reggae influence, perfect for the fast approaching holiday season.
Baltimore group Dru Hill were on set earlier in the evening singing soul, gospel and hip hop anthems with their 7 members. With dozens of top 40 hits including In My Bed, Never Make a Promise and How Deep is Your Love, the group showcased suave choreography with lead singer Sisqo most actively working his famous flips and dance moves. One concert interviewee stated “Dru Hill was the star class act for me, they had that bass added to their songs that made it very festival-like. Production and performance was spot on.”
Prior to Dru Hill, Lumidee kicked off the eve with a short but sweet set. Getting into the groove with her party starter ‘Never Leave You’. Then, the only English representing performer of the festival, singer songwriter and record producer Jay Sean performed his most successful hit “Down” released in 2009. Jay Sean was followed by US artist Jeremih delivering smooth vocals, production and a stage backdrop screen imagery well suited for club banging RnB.
The woman of the night was crowned ‘Ashanti’ who confidently strutted across the stage in a latex yellow neon bodysuit and high ponytail. Possibly too sexy for some, Ashanti looked great and brought positive vibes to the stage. Her set included a number of her hits that the crowd recognised and resonated with.
Akon lifted the night a notch with his undeniable signature auto-tuned vocals. As soon as Smack That, Lonely, I Wanna Love You came on, crowd participation instantly turned into a mass karaoke session. Akon’s energy in his performance was authoritative. This sheer entertainer sure knows how to start a party.
As TLC performed their songs, it was a realisation of how much airtime and influence they’ve had over the sound waves with their songs. When ‘Waterfalls’ dropped, every person in sight seemed to shout along every lyric. The duo still carry their star appeal with Tboz looking super chilled in her choreography, Chilli eased into her slick signature moves over their third late member Lisa Left Eyes rap breaks.
McDonalds sponsored a ‘Maccas Run’ presented by host Fatman scoop, as others enjoyed unlimited complimentary McDonalds iced coffee’s for the entire event.
In general, people seemed to be easy going with a few characters here and there escorted out by security and paramedics. Feedback varied, where some people had the time of their lives, and some say significant improvements could have been made. Overall, it’s a progressive journey to an inspirational movement in Australia, that we would rather have than not. The future for RnB Fridayz Live could be even brighter and better with every year of success.
We want to hear from you! Real experiences of RnB Fridayz Live Australia. Contact us for your feedback.
The SoundBank blessed the grounds of Pop Brixton with a massive footfall of creative geniuses from all over the globe.
A smorgasbord of panelists, artists and industry experts took to the stage to share inside industry tips and talent. If you missed this be sure to get down to the next Digital Creators Music Seminar.
Natori Blue is a singer and writer from the small town of Hearne in Texas, USA. She was brought up in a musical family where she was known for her angelic voice.
With a firm upbringing in her grandfather’s church, it was then that she fell in love with the message of hope.
During her tenure at the University of Texas at Austin, it became evident that she carried a unique voice, one that was respected and of high demand, that eventually the requests for her to feature and sing at numerous events and music projects made it evident she had a call to sing.
While she earnestly sought God for direction concerning her personal musical aspirations, she united with local ministries and traveled to various cities and states, harmonising and gaining great exposure and valuable experience.
As time passed and God revealed deeper aspects of her destiny, it was evident that He was calling her into her own ministry. The journey officially began at her debut concert on February 15, 2009, before an eager audience of hundreds. She mounted the stage and exhausted her physical limitations as she revealed her heart for God through a one-hour set of her original compositions. Her debut Album entitled, “Long Live the King,” was recorded live and proved a life-altering experience for many in attendance and was released in 2013.
Natori has since continued to travel and spread the good news. From worship leading at local venues to stages in Johannesburg, South Africa, and launched her into the next phase of her career with her latest single “Spirit Moves”.
Spirit Moves, is a simple but powerful message that has brought in numerous testimonies from listeners around the world. In this power-packed tune, Natori acknowledges the musical traditions of her southern baptist upbringing and musical influences, while weaving them through contemporary pop and soul vibes. The unique experience of “Spirit Moves” quickly created a buzz and a demand for a music video. – And in July of 2020, Natori delivered: four uninterrupted minutes of tranquil intensity…moving visuals that perfectly convey every lyric.
In 2021, Natori released her ballad ‘Oh Heaven’ which features an organ-ic sound with a fairly tale feel, pulling heart strings with memories of loved ones and heaven. Watch here
In addition to Natori’s musical abilities, the talented singer has also written music and books for children, and her storytelling through poetry and music has wonderfully captured children’s hearts by producing intriguing characters and adventurous stories with relevant themes, fostering the perfect little epiphany moments for young readers. Her latest children’s book will be released in the near future on the www.natoriblue.com website.
This is what fuels her. Through her writing and singing, she hopes to continue contributing to a greater message of hope –gracefully engaging, and ultimately leading them into a life-changing experience.
Watch Natori Blue’s Official Music Video ‘Oh Heaven’ and “Spirit Moves” below:
In a major blow to Australia’s live music scene, Byron Bay Bluesfest has officially announced that its 2026 festival will not go ahead, bringing an unexpected pause to one of the country’s most beloved and influential music events.
The decision, confirmed in a public statement on Friday 13 March 2026, follows what organisers describe as an increasingly difficult operating environment for large-scale live music festivals.
For more than three decades, Bluesfest has been a defining feature of Australia’s cultural calendar, drawing world-class performers and tens of thousands of music fans to Byron Bay each year. But organisers say the combination of rising production costs, escalating logistics and insurance expenses, softer ticket demand and global touring uncertainties made staging the event in 2026 financially unviable.
Festival Director Peter Noble OAM, who has led the festival for decades, described the decision as heartbreaking.
For more than three decades, Bluesfest has brought extraordinary artists and audiences together in Byron Bay while also driving significant tourism and economic activity for the Northern Rivers and New South Wales,” Noble said. “This makes the decision incredibly difficult. After careful consideration, we concluded we could not proceed in a way that would meet the standard our audiences, artists and partners expect.
Bluesfest’s absence will be felt not only by music fans but also across the Northern Rivers economy. The 2025 edition of the festival generated approximately $65 million in tourism spending for Byron Bay, $130 million across the Northern Rivers region, and an estimated $230 million in economic activity across New South Wales. The festival has long supported local hospitality venues, tourism operators, suppliers and the broader creative industries.
The cancellation also impacts a lineup of artists who had been expected to perform in 2026, with the festival traditionally featuring a mix of international legends, contemporary blues, soul, roots and rock artists alongside prominent Australian acts. Over the years, the festival has hosted iconic performers including Buddy Guy, John Mayer, Santana, Gary Clark Jr., Ben Harper, and Bonnie Raitt, alongside Australian favourites such as Jimmy Barnes, The Teskey Brothers and John Butler. This year’s headliners included Parkway Drive, Erykah Badu, The Wailers, Earth, Wind & Fire, Sublime, Counting Crows, The Black Crowes, Buddy Guy, and more.
With the festival’s future uncertain, a liquidator has now been appointed to oversee financial matters, including obligations to vendors, suppliers and partners. Ticket holders — including those who purchased camping or parking passes — will be contacted directly with details about submitting claims and potential refund arrangements.
Organisers acknowledged the disappointment the announcement will bring to the Byron Bay community, festival partners, artists and the loyal audiences who have travelled from across Australia and around the world to attend Bluesfest for more than 36 years.
Despite the sombre news, Bluesfest leaves behind a remarkable legacy as Australia’s most awarded music festival, having played a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s live music culture and introducing generations of fans to legendary artists.
For now, the music world reflects on what Bluesfest built, and what its absence will mean for Australia’s festival landscape.
“A timely milestone performance that brought a spirit of positivity, life and love to Brisbane in the midst of a tragic event that shocked the nation.”
Grammy Award–winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin was scheduled to perform on The Steps at the Sydney Opera House Forecourt just one day after the tragic events at Bondi Junction in Sydney.
The Sydney Opera House where Franklin was to perform Credit: Jack Atley
Out of respect for those affected, the decision was made to cancel the Sydney performance and postpone it to a later date. The visit marked one of Franklin’s first major appearances in Australia—an opportunity he had long anticipated. In a statement shared on Instagram, Franklin said he learned of the attack while having dinner with his team in Sydney and expressed his deep sorrow for the community impacted by the tragedy.
Kirk Franklin’s energy on stage
The Brisbane show, however, proceeded as scheduled on Thursday, less than a week before Christmas. Despite the collective shock and sadness felt across the nation, there was a strong sense of expectation for a night of hope, underscored by the powerful and uplifting messages central to Franklin’s music.
The evening opened with support act Soli, a soulful Ethiopian-Australian R&B and Christian artist personally invited to join the tour. Sharing her excitement on Instagram, Soli wrote:“Theeeeee Kirk Franklin wants lil ol’ me to go on tour with him!!!! I’ve been a Kirk fan for as long as I can remember. This is a really, really special moment for me.”Her smooth vocals and faith-driven lyricism provided a calming and heartfelt introduction to the night.
Photo Credit: HDJ Music
Following a series of announcements, Franklin took to the stage with “Love Theory”, from his critically acclaimed 2019 album Long Live Love. Commanding the stage, he danced with unmistakable influences of Michael Jackson and James Brown, moving energetically as the band’s tight-knit synchronicity and three powerhouse backing vocalists set a vibrant tone for the show.
Midway through the performance, Franklin delivered a deeply moving tribute. Seated at the keyboard, he performed a medley dedicated “for Sydney,” blending the hymn “Amazing Grace” into his 1998 release “Lean On Me.” The song—an interpretation of the Bill Withers classic—features collaborations with Bono, Mary J. Blige, Crystal Lewis, Tamela Mann, and R. Kelly. The dedication continued as Franklin invited the audience to illuminate the Fortitude Music Hall with their phone lights, transitioning into “Heal the World,” written and performed by Michael Jackson.
The atmosphere was palpably emotional, with quiet sobs echoing throughout the venue as audience members comforted one another. The collective voices of the crowd created a powerful backdrop for Franklin’s spoken prayer, in which he expressed hope that the evening would remind listeners that God remains sovereign and that all things can work together for good.
The mood soon lifted as Franklin launched into an upbeat celebration of his extensive catalogue. In a spontaneous moment, he left the stage to perform among the crowd, at one point being lifted onto a supporter’s shoulders while continuing to sing—an unforgettable display of connection and joy.
Kirk on the Keys Photo Credit: Keon Gibson
As the show appeared to conclude, the crowd’s chants of “one more song” filled the venue. Responding to the call, Franklin returned to the stage for not one, but multiple encores, drawing thunderous applause. Reluctant to leave, Franklin continued engaging with fans, responding to song requests and inviting crowd participation before finally being prompted to close the show.
The evening concluded with an unexpected expression of gratitude as members of the audience rose to perform the traditional Samoan song “Ua tasi lava oe”— You are special. The song is typically reserved for significant occasions and farewells, conveying deep appreciation and honouring its subject as irreplaceable. Performed acappella, the harmonies serenaded Franklin as he remained seated on stage, visibly moved by the tribute. In his closing remarks, he offered heartfelt goodbyes and reassured the audience repeatedly, saying, “I will be back.”
Overall, the Brisbane performance was an uplifting, spiritually rich, and musically dynamic experience—uniting excellence, emotion, and community. Fans have since expressed their eager anticipation for Kirk Franklin’s promised return to Australia.
In October 2025, Australia’s live-music scene lit up with the return of the festival series formerly known as RnB Fridayz—now reborn as Fridayz Live. Headlined by Pitbull and Mariah Carey, the shows in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Perth marked a potent mix of nostalgia, high-octane party music and fan culture.
For Pitbull’s set in particular, the hype delivered in full: his signature hits, pyrotechnics, crowd participation, and an unexpectedly large phenomenon in the audience—fans dressed up as him. An ocean of Baldies were spotted all over the nation. The black-tie balded fans had been waiting over 13 years for Mr Worldwide to return downunder, demonstrating appreciation for Mr Worldwide himself.
Here’s a breakdown of what made this performance stand out.
The Performance: Energy, Hits & Showmanship
Pitbull delivered a high energy set turning familiar tracks into large-scale communal moments. He drew from a deep catalogue: “Don’t Stop the Party”, “Timber”, “Hotel Room Service”, “Give Me Everything” were all expected and delivered. In Sydney, showers hit the show leaving the artists and crowd drenched, but it didn’t stop them from enjoying the party.
Critics felt Pitbull stole the show. Although Mariah Carey brought her vocal prowess, Pitbull’s set seemed to resonate more strongly with the crowd’s party energy.
British rapper and style icon Tinie Tempah took some time out in Brisbane today to hang out with the Brisbane Lions, ahead of his highly anticipated performance at Fridayz Live tomorrow night.
Photo Credit : Nick McGuire
The chart-topping artist, known for hits like Pass Out and Written in the Stars, was spotted “just kickin’ it” with players at the Lions’ training ground, sharing laughs and swapping a few footy tips. The visit added a fun, relaxed vibe ahead of what’s shaping up to be one of the city’s biggest music events of the year.
Fridayz Live brings together an incredible lineup of R&B and hip-hop stars, and Tinie Tempah’s set is expected to be one of the standout performances. Fans can expect a high-energy show packed with anthems and slick stage presence.
From the footy field to the festival stage, Tinie Tempah’s Aussie stopover is already making headlines — and Brisbane can’t wait to see what he brings to Fridayz Live.
For event and more information, visit Fridayz Live
The 2025 Charles Gordon Awards lit up Croydon with an unforgettable evening celebrating excellence, creativity, and community spirit. Held in the heart of the borough, the prestigious ceremony brought together an inspiring mix of celebrities, cultural figures, and local change-makers to recognise outstanding contributions across the arts, business, and social enterprise.
The red carpet dazzled with appearances from some of the UK’s most recognisable names, including Levi Roots, Richard Blackwood, Aml Ameen, Zeze Mills, Kaz Crossley, Remel London, White Yardie, Big Narstie, Lisa Maffia, Lady Leshurr, Kojo Funds, and Keisha Buchanan, among others. Distinguished guests such as Mayor Jason Perry, H.E. Paul Gomez (High Commissioner of The Bahamas to the UK), and Duke McKenzie, MBE, also graced the occasion.
From the worlds of entertainment and sport, icons like Megaman, Kele Le Roc, and Anthony Yarde added to the evening’s star power. Beyond the glamour, the ceremony shone a spotlight on the people and organisations driving positive change and creativity in Croydon — a true reflection of the borough’s energy and diversity.
Award winning singer Kele Le Roc with HDJ Music’s Dee
Established in honour of community pioneer Charles Gordon, the awards celebrate the strength, imagination, and unity that define Croydon. This year’s honourees represented a vibrant mix of achievers — from local heroes and youth trailblazers to innovators in arts, culture, and enterprise.
Event organisers shared heartfelt words about the ongoing cultural revival in Croydon, stating:
“The Charles Gordon Awards aren’t just about recognition — they’re about celebrating the heartbeat of our community: its talent, resilience, and togetherness.”
The night concluded on a high note, reaffirming Croydon’s status as one of London’s most dynamic and creative communities.
