music industry

British pop sensation Jessie J brought both joy and tears to thousands of fans at Capital’s Summertime Ball on June 15, delivering what she called her “last show before I go and beat breast cancer.” In a heartfelt address to the crowd, the 37-year-old singer shared her gratitude, determination, and vulnerability on the eve of her surgery. The announcement capped a whirlwind fortnight in which Jessie J revealed her diagnosis, rallied public support, and prepared for treatment—turning her personal health crisis into a moment of collective inspiration.

Sly Stone, born Sylvester Stewart in 1943, reshaped popular music in the late 1960s and early 1970s as frontman of Sly and the Family Stone. The multiracial, mixed-gender band forged an electrifying blend of funk, soul, rock, and psychedelia that inspired generations of artists and fans. Their smash hits—“Dance to the Music” (1967), “Everyday People” (1968), and “Family Affair” (1971)—charted new creative territory, opening doors for socially conscious lyrics, experimental production, and the idea that popular music could be a force for unity.

Is there anybody who’s done more to make jazz hip again in the past decade than Kamasi Washington? A virtuoso saxophonist, composer and bandleader, Washington has consistently blurred genre boundaries—fusing jazz with hip-hop, soul and funk—to chart a course that resonates with both modern audiences and purist aficionados alike. He counts Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill and Brainfeeder label boss Flying Lotus among his collaborators, and earned a prominent shout-out on Kendrick Lamar’s recent US #1 hit “squabble up”. Since the crossover success of his 2015 triple album The Epic, Washington has continued expanding his repertoire—scoring documentaries such as Michelle Obama’s Becoming in 2020, and delivering electrifying live shows that headline festival bills around the globe.

British pop sensation Jessica Ellen Cornish, better known as Jessie J, has shared with her fans that she has been diagnosed with early‐stage breast cancer. The announcement, delivered via an emotional video posted to her Instagram account, confirmed that the 37‐year‐old singer will undergo surgery to remove the tumor following her scheduled performance at the Summertime Ball in London on June 15.

Rolling Stones frontman Sir Mick Jagger and his partner Melanie Hamrick may not be rushing to the altar anytime soon, but the couple has actually been engaged for quite some time—nearly three years, according to Hamrick.

When Rachel Chinouriri stepped onto the stage at London’s O2 Arena last month, she cried. The 26-year-old indie-pop artist had just experienced her first Brit Awards nomination and now found herself performing to 20,000 people as the support act for Sabrina Carpenter. It was a moment of validation, seven years in the making.

Beloved noughties pop star Anastacia is set to make a triumphant return to Australia for the first time in over a decade. The American singer-songwriter, known for her powerhouse vocals and chart-topping hits from the early 2000s, has added stops in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane to her Not That Kind 25 world tour. The tour celebrates the 25th anniversary of the album—and especially the debut hit single—I’m Outta Love, which catapulted her to international fame in 2000.

The South Korean music industry has been left in mourning following the sudden death of singer Wheesung, aged 43. Known for his soulful voice and string of hits, including a popular cover of Craig David’s "Insomnia," Wheesung was found unconscious in his apartment late on Monday night. His mother reportedly called for emergency help after discovering him unresponsive, and he was later pronounced dead at the scene.