Antoine Fuqua's ‘Troublemaker' lets Nelson Mandela speak for himself
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Antoine Fuqua's new documentary, “Troublemaker,” explores Nelson Mandela's life beyond his iconic status. Premiering Tuesday at the Sundance Film Festival, the film reveals Mandela as a rebel, at least at first. Fuqua uses Mandela’s voice from over 70 hours of recordings to tell the story of the fight against apartheid. He collaborated with Mac Maharaj, an anti-apartheid activist who helped smuggle Mandela’s writings out of prison. Fuqua traveled across South Africa, visiting key locations in Mandela’s life, and learned about the resilience and optimism of those who fought for justice.
IShowSpeed wraps up Africa tour highlighting the continent's cultural diversity
DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The American streamer and YouTuber IShowSpeed is wrapping up a 28-day tour of Africa aimed at showcasing the continent's cultural diversity. The tour began in Angola in December and included stops in Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria and Ghana. IShowSpeed sampled local dishes and learned traditional dances in the YouTube streams lasting up to nine hours. Many African Americans have praised his efforts to change perceptions of Africa. But some people have criticized his exaggerated persona and antics. IShowSpeed's real name is Darren Watkins Jr. He’s expected to arrive Tuesday in Namibia which is likely the tour’s final stop.
Kendrick Lamar, Lady Gaga, K-pop and more: AP predicts who will win at the 2026 Grammys
Kendrick Lamar leads the 2026 Grammys nominee pack, but Lady Gaga, Bad Bunny and others are vying for their moment in the spotlight. But who will take home trophies on Sunday? Associated Press Music Writer Maria Sherman and Entertainment Writer Jonathan Landrum Jr. break down the close races for Grammy glory. They predict victories for Lamar, Lady Gaga, Rosé and Bruno Mars. They also expect close genre races across country, Latin and pop. The 68th Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and air on CBS and stream on Paramount+.
Jay Duplass returns to Sundance with the tragic comedy ‘See You When I See You’
PARK CITY, Utah (AP) — Jay Duplass has shifted from personal stories to telling others' tales. Kumail Nanjiani and Emily V. Gordon approached him with Adam Cayton-Holland’s script about PTSD after his sister's suicide. The film, “See You When I See You,” premieres Tuesday at the Sundance Film Festival. It stars Cooper Raiff, Kaitlyn Dever, David Duchovny, Hope Davis, and Lucy Boynton. Duplass sees it as an heir to “The Big Sick.” He chose Raiff for the lead role, valuing his talent and emotional range. Duplass appreciates the big-name actors who joined despite the low paycheck, noting their commitment to art.
Sly Dunbar, legendary reggae drummer who anchored tracks from Bob Marley to Bob Dylan, dies as 73
Two-time Grammy Award-winning reggae drummer Sly Dunbar has died at 73. Dunbar's wife, Thelma, announced the news to the Jamaica Gleaner. As half of the influential duo Sly & Robbie, Dunbar played on reggae classics by Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff, and Peter Tosh. Their work reached beyond Jamaica, collaborating with artists like Grace Jones and the Rolling Stones. Sly & Robbie also played on albums by Serge Gainsbourg and Bob Dylan. Dunbar's impact on modern beats is widely recognized, with Rolling Stone praising their rhythmic mastery. Dunbar won two Grammys and co-founded Taxi Records in 1980.
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Couture and Lauren Sánchez are everywhere in Paris as Dior and Schiaparelli mix wonder and wit
PARIS (AP) — Dior has transformed the Musée Rodin into a star-studded venue for Jonathan Anderson’s first haute couture show. Guests, including Brigitte Macron and Lauren Sánchez Bezos, waited for Rihanna to arrive. Once she did, the lights dimmed, revealing a ceiling garden of flowers. Anderson, now leading Dior's menswear, womenswear, and couture, presented a collection themed "nature in motion." The disciplined palette featured blacks, whites, and ecru, with bursts of color. Anderson reimagined Dior's history with witty touches like pannier gowns resembling fanny packs. The show impressed with its ambition, though some elements felt like they were still finding their place.
Mexico's president joins ARMY fan base in BTS concert push
MEXICO CITY (AP) — BTS's upcoming concerts in Mexico have reached a presidential level, with demands from fans prompting a response from Mexico's president. Following a quick sell-out last week, the president used her Monday briefing to advocate for more BTS concert dates in May. She sent a letter to South Korea's prime minister requesting additional dates. Sheinbaum also reached out to concert organizers, but the promoter Ocesa stated it's currently not possible. BTS is scheduled to perform at Mexico City’s GNP Seguros Stadium on May 7, 9, and 10. The group is back with a world tour and a new album titled “ARIRANG.”
Music Review: Joyce Manor delivers nostalgia, polished and punk, in 'I Used to Go to This Bar'
LOS ANGELES (AP) — California pop-punk stalwarts Joyce Manor's seventh album embraces their signature millennial nostalgia with a sound reminiscent of the early 2000s. "I Used to Go to This Bar" is full of short, polished tracks that transport listeners back to their teen angst days, writes The Associated Press’ Krysta Fauria. Despite not pushing boundaries, Joyce Manor has cemented a loyal fanbase. Their new album echoes the sounds of bands like Yellowcard and Sum 41. Fans of the band will likely find it an enjoyable listen.
The 2025 Tony Awards set June 7 ceremony date at Radio City Music Hall
NEW YORK (AP) — Broadway fans can mark their calendars for June 7, when this season's Tony Awards will take place at Radio City Music Hall. Producers announced the date and location on Monday. Nominations will be revealed on May 5. Radio City seats 6,000 people and has long been the home of the awards. The host will be announced later. The 2026 awards will air live on CBS and stream on Paramount+. Last year's awards drew 4.85 million viewers to CBS. That was its largest audience in six years. The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing present the awards.
Broadway and Hollywood songwriter Marc Shaiman looks back with pessimistic humor in memoir
NEW YORK (AP) — Award-winning composer and lyricist Marc Shaiman embraces his self-proclaimed pessimism despite a successful career. Out Tuesday, his memoir “Never Mind the Happy: Showbiz Stories from a Sore Winner” shares humorous tales from his life in Hollywood and Broadway. The book covers his journey from Bette Midler's musical director to scoring films like “Sleepless in Seattle” and Broadway hits like “Hairspray.” Shaiman's stories include working with stars like Meryl Streep and Stephen Sondheim. He advises aspiring artists to seize opportunities and show up. Despite his achievements, Shaiman remains humble and uncertain about retirement.

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