Entertainment
How “Mufasa” came to be, with the voices of Aaron Pierre and Blue Ivy and new music by Lin-Manuel Miranda
SAN DIEGO (AP) – When Aaron Pierre was solid as Mufasa, the burden of following in the legendary footsteps of the late James Earl Jones was enough to make any actor sway. But as a substitute of letting the pressure roar too loudly, he harnessed his nerves to breathe fresh life into his young lion form.
“I had a lot of nerves, and I think those nerves served me because that’s what the teenage version of that lion is like,” Pierre said in an interview Friday at San Diego Safari Park about his starring role in the film “Mufasa: The Lion King.” He took the reins as the new voice of Mufasa after Jones played the iconic King Mufasa in the 1994 and 2019 Disney versions of “The Lion King.”
Here are some details and observations about “Mufasa” ahead of its December 20 theatrical release.
First, a tribute to James Earl Jones
Jones’ voice is just not heard in the film, but it surely opens with a brief tribute to the beloved actor who died in September.
Pierre had hoped to meet Jones for the first time, but he didn’t have the opportunity. Now he’s determined to honor his idol by constructing on his character’s legacy.
“I imagine a person experiencing things like this can have moments of uncertainty, and I wasn’t sure about myself,” he said. “Aaron wasn’t sure if Aaron was into it. I attempted to channel these emotions quite than being something that held me back, as something that pushed me forward. I gave it my all. I hope I used to be able to serve James Earl Jones and honor James Earl Jones and the character.
Mufasa’s touching origin story
The live-action prequel offers a fresh tackle Mufasa’s origins.
after events in the film 2019, Rafiki plays the story-telling sage, weaving Mufasa’s untold story for Kiara – Mufasa’s spirited granddaughter and daughter of Simba and Nala. The duo of Timon and Pumbaa stay with Rafiki’s flashbacks.
Rafiki discovers that Mufasa’s childhood is just not all about royal freedom and sunny horizons. After the heartbreaking tragedy of being separated from his parents, young Mufasa finds himself lost and alone.
“He was separated from his family. He is an orphan. He was rejected, fired. He was demoted,” said Pierre, a British actor who starred in the film “Genius: MLK/X” Series. and Netflix motion hit “Rebel Ridge”.
Mufasa was homeless until fate led him to Taka, the compassionate heir of one other pride. Taka, along with his fierce but caring mother, offers the displaced cub a new starting of their pride.
Over the years, Mufasa and Tak’s bond grows from camaraderie to brotherhood. However, their loyalty is put to the ultimate test during a journey that discovers Mufasa’s true origins and rightful kingdom, in addition to the explanation why Taka became Scar.
“Taka kind of relaxed on the privileges that he had,” said Kelvin Harrison Jr., who plays Taka. He drew inspiration from Jeremy Irons, who voiced the villainous Scar in the 1994 original.
“It’s kind of like, ‘Well, looks like I need some attention,’” continued Harrison, who starred in “The Trial of the Chicago 7” and “Waves.” “It seems the only way to defeat any pride is to assert dominance. It was Tak’s version that ultimately became the basis for Scar’s role.
Beyonce’s daughter Blue Ivy makes her feature film debut
Beyonce she can have a small role in “Mufasa,” but her daughter Blue Ivy Carter is the predominant star of the family in the film.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s eldest daughter makes her feature film debut, lending her voice to the role of Kiara, the daughter of Simba and Nala, played by her star mother.
“She came into it prepared,” said director Barry Jenkins, who heard Blue Ivy narrate in the audiobook of “Hair Love” by Oscar winner Matthew Cherry. He said the 12-year-old phenom showed some skills that couldn’t be ignored.
“She was the main character, and the whole movie starts with the voices,” Jenkins said. “They do it almost like a radio play, and hearing that quality in her voice, I thought, ‘Oh, I think that’s my character,’” he continued. “Then she went to the audition and it became clear that she was my character.”
While recording for Kiara’s character, Jenkins said Blue Ivy, who won a Grammy for co-writing her mom’s 2019 hit “Brown Skin Girl,” was knowledgeable.
“I don’t know Blue Ivy’s life, but I imagine she grows up a little differently than everyone else,” he said. “I think that’s why she became an adult and had a whole lot of understanding and experience and emotional knowledge that she brought to the character. She was amazing.”
Jenkins compares Kiara’s character to many of the children who will see the film. In the film, she listens eagerly as John Kani’s Rafiki tells her grandfather’s origin story while Timon (Billy Eichner) and Pumbaa (Seth Rogen) accompany them to the cave.
“They see themselves in the character, and she learns Mufasa’s story,” Jenkins said. “She learns that he went through the same trials and tribulations, the same growth, as she did.”
Blue Ivy didn’t record her vocals with the three solid members, but Rogen praised her skills.
“She was great,” he said. “I could have sworn we were in that cave with her.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s secret ingredient
When Lin-Manuel Miranda when writing new songs for the film, he often referred to Billie Jean King’s famous quote: “Pressure is a privilege.”
Miranda took on the challenge of leaving her own mark on this famous series, identical to her predecessors. He said the soundtrack, which shall be released on December 13, will feature seven new songs.
“I was emboldened by the fact that there is an original from 1994 that is like an immortal classic,” said Miranda, the creator of “Hamilton” and winner of Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards.
“But there may be also Broadway musical there may be also Beyoncé’s album “The Lion King: The Gift”, which for my part expanded the musical vocabulary of what could possibly be called a “Lion King” song. So I felt like there was quite a bit of room to create because I felt like The Lion King was practically a genre of music where there was room to mess around and find new things in it.
Miranda said its “secret ingredient” was Lebo M, known for his opening vocals on the classic tune “Circle of Life”. He said his lyrics were inspired by the script.
“I think his harmonies and choral arrangements that he created for the Broadway musical and for this show were instrumental in the success of the scores for these films,” Miranda said. “I think it was exciting for him to work on new songs.”
Entertainment
Salt-N-Pępa accuse UMG of minor retaliation in the fight for the property of “push it” a few months after Angie Stone claims against the same label
Salt-N-Pepa claims that the Universal Music Group punishes them amongst the legal battle to get masters to work their lives. Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton submitted a civil trial against the Global Music Corporation on May 19, looking for a command relief, declaratory relief and compensation, that are to exceed $ 1 million.
Deidra “DJ Spinderella” Roper isn’t part of the claim. She joined the group in 1987 and was released in 2019. Documents reviewed by Atlanta Black Star reveal that in 2022 the Rap duo “tried to use his rights” to take over the full property of his recordings through section 203 of the Act on the copyright of 1976.
The law allows artists to regain mental property after 35 years. Salt-N-Pepa operates with UMG, respectively through its predecessors of the next plateau and London record records, from 1986 and 1992.
“The fees generated by their sound recordings are significant, generating about USD 1,000,000 in the last five months in the synchronization licenses themselves and generating tens of millions of dollars a year through all forms of exploitation,” says the notification.
UMG “timely notifications of termination were served, but he’s accused of refusing to honor the request. Instead, female hip-hop pioneers claim that a malicious effort made of earnings was implemented and blocking their masters.
Therefore, most of their discography was taken from streaming services, resembling Spotify and Apple Music. “UMG pointed out that it would be a hostage of the plaintiff’s rights, even if it means refueling the plaintiff’s musical catalog and depriving fans of access to their work,” Salt-N-Pepa lawyers have invaded.
Pushing is dated on May 15, 2024 – on the same day lawyers say that some masters (“Hot, Cool & Vicious and” Solt with a Deadly Pepa “) would return to artists.
Additional reverse dates include November 2024 and March 2025 in the case of the recordings of “Black’s Magic”, “A Blitz of Salt-N-Pepa” on November 20, 2025, and around 2026 for “very needed”, “biggest hits”, “let’s talk about AIDS” and “Filly.”
Actually, the very sad BC Angie Stone just sent this film recently, calling for the Universal Music Group for the essentially improper track of it.
pic.twitter.com/un48w4cz8
– Eguapo. (@Tetrillgent) March 1, 2025
They also argue: “UMG seems to take the position that he can unilaterally decide when and/or the recording artist has the right to solve. This is not the right, and the UMG has no power.” Social media users didn’t express support for corporations.
One user on Instagram wrote“What happens to musicians deceiving UMG over their masters and publishing their rights.” Another person commented“It looks like UMG must be dismantled.” Many fans noticed that the Salt-N-Pępa fight resembled Angie Stone’s claims that the corporation stole 4 a long time with their royalties.
People allow Drake hatred to tug them away from the proven fact that there are various artists sued UMG for suspicious business practices https://t.co/jtwn7fcfddd
– The BluePrint (@Southpnw) May 19, 2025
The soul singer tragically passed after a automobile accident in March, just two months after she talked about financial dispute. Fan warned“Yes, we know how it is going to go, rest easy Angie .. Soon there will be a scandal or death.”
UMG at the same time fights with the artist Drake in court. The rapper claims that the label sabotaged his earnings, participating in defamation and harassment during his rap with Kendrick Lamar.
(Tagstotransate) salt ‘n’ pepa
Thanks to the courtesy of the trainer
When Jayson Tatum enters the room, he not only brings NBA Superstar Energy – he brings the intention, style and this character “you look how good they smell.” Now basketball phenomena directs all this right into a cordial partnership with the trainer, lighting a brand new fragrance campaign, which seems as personal as powerful.
“It’s a full moment for me,” says Tatum. “When I was about 10 or 11 years old, my mother got a clip from Brown Coach Money for my birthday. It made me feel an adult – as if I had some responsibility. Quickly forward, being an official partner with the trainer feels like this little child lives his dream.”
The latest fragrance of the trainer – Bold, alive and compelled to reverse his head – is deeply realized in the philosophy of the Tatum style. “There is no better compliment than someone who stops you to say:” Hey, you smell nice, “he says. “It’s a sort of certainty that this smell gives you. You may be in a suit at a black party or simply go at night-but in the event you smell good, you walk in another way. You keep your head higher.”
Asked what this smell recalls for him, Tatum doesn’t hesitate: “Extreme confidence.” And this manner of pondering is not reserved just for the days of the game or red rugs – it is something that brings to each area of your life, from personal care to paternity.
“You leave the shower like three or four times a day,” he laughs. “I have face washing, moisturizing cream, beard oil and gel for my curls. Then I am outside the door.” His increased trust? “Fresh cut. There is nothing like leaving a hairdressing chair. You feel unsuccessful.”
In addition to care, the Wellness Rutin Tatum is based on the family. “Being a dad, doing everyday things-pupils, parent-scientific conferences-it brings me peace,” he shares. “It reminds me that I’m more than just an athlete.”
While the trainers’ campaign is the fundamental milestone, Tatum covers unknown with gratitude and openness. “I never thought that the fragrance campaign would take me to the first New York Fashion Week,” he wonders. “I don’t know what will happen next – but I’m excited about what is coming.”
One thing is certain: Jayson Tatum not only defines what it means to be a NBA star – he prescribes the principles of modern masculinity, one Spritz directly.
Jordan Brand officially signed the 4-time WnBA All-Star Nafiesa Collier, today announced the company. This announcement coincides with the Tipoff of the WNBA 2025 season.
Collier, the prevailing defensive player of the 12 months, and second place in the MVP race last season, still strengthens his place as one in all the most talented league stars. In addition to W can also be a co -founder of unparalleled, the latest 3 × 3 basketball league, which goals to lift the rim of girls.
“Attaching to the Jordan family, I am now part of the legacy, which consistently defined what is possible in basketball,” said Collier in a press release. “This partnership seems particularly significant since it combines my results on the pitch with influence that goes far beyond the game itself.
“When young girls see this cult figure, I want them to inspire them to aim higher than they think. It is an honor to help achieve a tradition that smoothly combines the athletic size with cultural importance.”
Jordan Brand
Jordan Brand
Collier earlier signed a contract with Nike in 2020, which included each footwear and clothing. During her stick with Nike, she wore several models and debuted Exclusive colours for a lot of KD15 players in 2022
Her signing of Jordan appears when the brand refreshes its women’s basketball composition amongst the popularity of WNBA. Current athletes from Jordan are comparable to Rhyne Howard, Kia Nurse and Jordin Canada.
“Jordan Brand believes that the current monumental transition in women’s basketball can change the world in a similar way that Michael Jordan did in 1984 and later,” said the company in a press release. “By investing in trailblazers such as Collier, Jordan Brand confirms his commitment to shaping the future of basketball, while crossing cultural borders around the world.”
In the first round in 2019, Collier comes out of the best season with Minnesota Lynx. She obtained a mean of 20.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.9 thefts per match, leading the team to the WNBA finals.
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Salt-N-Pępa accuse UMG of minor retaliation in the fight for the property of “push it” a few months after Angie Stone claims against the same label
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