Music

Jay-Z: ‘Chris Martin is a modern-day Shakespeare’

Pop Corner: Coldplay’s own Bard; Rihanna’s cycle-to-school scheme in Malawi

Pedal pusher: Rihanna. Photograph: Christophe Archambault/AFP/Getty Images

Ailbhe Malone
Tue Aug 8 2017 - 08:00

Track of the week: Chasing Highs by Alma

You’ve probably spotted Alma on Charli XCX’s Instagram. She’s a Finnish singer and she’s got properly neon hair. But her sound will surprise you – despite her industrial look, we’re in Tove Lo territory: smart and sexy pop with a 90s vibe, and not a drop of Tropical House in sight. Who can resist as Alma’s alto voice calls out across the dancefloor: “Who’s going to be the first one to move? I want to get closer to you.”

Hero of the week is Rihanna – not only did she launch a make-up line (Fenty Beauty), she also partnered with bikeshare company Ofo to fund education in Malawi, and also to give bikes to students who can't get to school. Rihanna said in a press release: "I'm so happy about the Clara Lionel Foundation's new partnership with Ofo because it will help so many young people around the world receive a quality education, and also help the young girls of Malawi get to school safely, cutting down those very long walks they make to and from school all alone."

Meanwhile, Jay Z told the Metro that Coldplay's Chris Martin is a genius. "I have been in the industry long enough to know when I'm in the presence of a genius . . . and Chris Martin is just that." He went on, warming to his theme: "In years to come, Britain will look back at him as a modern-day Shakespeare . . . He is an incredible recording artist, an incredible songwriter, but where he really comes alive is performing live. If you get the chance to see Coldplay live, do it – you ain't gonna regret it."

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Zero of the week are record execs deciding her ethos, Charli XCX told BBC Radio 1: "I get asked questions about feminism all the time . . . I'm not somebody who is worried about wearing revealing outfits or performing provocatively on stage – as long as that's my choice." She went on, "the second it is an instruction from a man or a record label then it's not cool."

Now click here: To watch the video for Chasing Highs youtube.com/watch?v=w6DukrYK5wQ

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