Stormzy Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Stormzy and Dua Lipa are set to make guest appearances at Hay Festival 2023.The famed literary event’s 36th spring edition is due to take place in Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales between May 25 and June 4. It’ll boast over 500 in-person sessions over that 11-day period.Per a press release, Hay “is the world’s leading festival of ideas, bringing readers and writers together in sustainable events to inspire, examine and entertain”.This year’s programme will launch the best new fiction and non-fiction titles, while offering insight and debate around major global issues.

With the widely-anticipated of the winter series sadly coming to an end, Love Island superfan and OK! columnist Judi Love has her say on the grand finale and what each couple should expect from the outside world. Writing in her weekly column, Judi also has her say on the Glastonbury line-up, discusses Stephen Bear's 'revenge-porn' trial and sentencing, congratulates Barbie for honouring scientist Dr Maggie Aderin-Pocock with a doll in her likeness, and continues to issue her condolences to Vanessa Bryant. Sign up - for free - to read Judi's full column.

Stormzy‘s award-winning publishing imprint #Merky Books has announced a two-day literature festival.The free festival expands on the successful #Merky Books pop-up held in 2019 and will take place at Roundhouse in London on April 22 and 23 as part of In The Round Festival.Sponsored by Netflix, the two-day event will seek to demystify the creative industries and inspire a new generation of creatives, with established authors appearing alongside up and coming voices.The headline event on Saturday, April 22 will include a panel discussion with Wretch 32 and John Agard, followed by an opening party hosted by Sounds by No Signal. On Sunday, April 23, former Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman will be interviewed by Vick Hope.Other events include a spoken-word performance with Sophia Thakur, Monika Radojevic, Caleb Femi and Yomi Sode; a creative funding session with finance expert Bola Sol; a panel discussion exploring the theme of girlhood with bestselling author Candice Brathwaite and playwright and screenwriter Theresa Ikoko; and a conversation on mental health and resilience hosted by BBC Radio 1Xtra presenter Richie Brave.In addition, there will be workshops, masterclasses and screenings taking place throughout the weekend, as well as career drop-in clinics.We are so excited to announce the #Merky Books Literature Festival as part of @RoundhouseLDN In the Round Festival.

Between kissing Harry Styles and being introduced by the wrong name to going public with his new girlfriend, Lewis Capaldi had a rather eventful time at the BRIT Awards earlier this month. It’s safe to say we’ve all been obsessed with the Scottish singer since he shot to fame in 2018 with his soulful voice and down-to-earth humour.

Rihanna smashed her Super Bowl half-time show – but she wasn't the only woman earning plaudits for here performance on the pitch at this month's event. A clip of sign language interpreter Justina Miles went viral after she was filmed passionately signing to RiRi's hit. Her appearance on TV comes as interpreters are, thankfully, become a more common sight at concerts and huge events, such as Glastonbury.

Stormzy and Nick Cave were among the famous figures who attended Vivienne Westwood’s funeral yesterday (February 16).The legendary British fashion designer and environmental activist died “peacefully” in Clapham, south London on December 29, 2022. She was 81 years old.As BBC News reports, the memorial service for Westwood was held at Southwark Cathedral.

Comedian and OK! columnist Judi Love has some words of wisdom for ITV pal Vanessa Feltz following her shock split from fiancé of 16 years Ben Ofoedu. Writing in her column this week, Judi also issues her condolences for those who have lost their lives following the earthquake across Turkey-Syria, congratulates Beyoncé on her GRAMMY win, gives her verdict on the Happy Valley finale and discusses Netflix's new Pamela Anderson documentary.

Stormzy reckons he has penned a song that is worthy of this year’s Christmas Number One.The rapper, who is due to release his third studio record ‘This Is What I Mean’ on November 25 via 0207 Def Jam, said in a new interview that a track on the album could be worthy of a UK festive chart topper.When asked whether he might have a Christmas song on his new album that could hit the top spot, Stormzy told Magic Radio: “Well, lo and behold I’ve got something really special for you guys and do you know why I’m so proud? Because I made this song with love… I just made this song, and it came from the most pure place, I wrote it with an amazing artist. A really extremely gifted artist called Debbie and we made this beautiful, beautiful song, and I genuinely think that…I don’t want to jinx it, but I swear to you, I can’t wait for you guys to hear it.”The rapper recently previewed his new album with the single ‘Hide & Seek’.He also recently opened up about the collaborative process of making the album on Osea Island in the Blackwater Estuary near Maldon, Essex.“That was the most beautiful, spiritual coming-togethers I’ve even been involved in,” he explained.

Stormzy has spoken about the “beautiful” and “spiritual” experience of recording his new album on a secluded island.The rapper is due to release his third studio record ‘This Is What I Mean’ on November 25 via 0207 Def Jam (pre-order/pre-save here). It’s already been previewed by the single ‘Hide & Seek’.During a recent interview on Capital XTRA, Stormzy opened up about the collaborative process of making the album on Osea Island in the Blackwater Estuary near Maldon, Essex.“That was the most beautiful, spiritual coming-togethers I’ve even been involved in,” he explained.

Stormzy has shared new song "Hide & Seek," the first official single from the U.K. rapper's forthcoming album This Is What I Mean. The soulful track was produced by PRGRSHN, Owen Cutts, and P2J.

Stormzy has shared his new single ‘Hide & Seek’, the first preview of his upcoming third album ‘This Is What I Mean’ – check it out below.‘This Is What I Mean’, the follow-up to 2019’s ‘Heavy Is The Head’, was announced earlier this week and will land on November 25. Its announcement followed Stormzy’s comeback last month with the non-album single ‘Mel Made Me Do It’.The rapper’s third album is described as “an intimate love letter to music” which was created at a “Stormzy music camp” on Osea Island in the Essex estuary.Stormzy said of the new album’s creation in a statement: “When you hear about music camps they always sound intense and sombre.

Stormzy, the U.K. rapper who began in the grime underground and became a global hip-hop star, has announced his third studio album, This Is What I Mean. The project is due out November 25 via 0207 Def Jam/Interscope Records.

Stormzy has shared details of his highly anticipated third album, ‘This Is What I Mean’, set for global release next month.Returning to social media after almost three years, Stormzy shared the new album’s artwork on Instagram today (October 12), depicting a letter sat on a doorstep with the album title printed on it.Described as “an intimate love letter to music” in a press statement and largely created at a “Stormzy music camp” in Osea Island, Stormzy spoke about praying every morning during the genesis of the new record.“When you hear about music camps they always sound intense and sombre,” Stormzy explained of how the new album came together. “People saying: ‘We need to make an album.’ ‘We need to make some hit records.’ But this felt beautifully free. We’re all musicians but we weren’t always doing music.

OK!'s treasured columnist Judi Love has given us her thoughts on why it is necessary for Black history should be taught in schools. Writing in her column this week, Judi also details her verdict on upcoming blockbuster The Woman King, reveals why she's obsessed with the latest series of Married At First Sight UK, congratulates gal pal Alison Hammond for 20 years in showbiz and praises Rihanna for her post-baby body confidence.

Stormzy urged the music industry to “not just use diversity as a buzzword” during his acceptance speech at the AIM Awards last night (September 28).The Croydon MC was named Diversity Champion at the event, owing to his efforts to “level the playing field” through his Merky Foundation and publishing imprint, #Merky Books.In a pre-recorded video message, Stormzy offered his thanks to the AIM Awards and said that he was “really grateful” to receive the honour.“I think we’ve just always led with love, and there’s a spirit among my team where we all share the same goals when it comes to having a platform and doing all the positive work that we do. So I think that’s what’s led us here.”He continued: “I encourage everyone in the room today to not just use diversity as a buzzword.

Stormzy has returned with his first solo outing in almost three years: an epic, seven-minute declaration of his legend status – featuring a guest verse from Stylo G and a striking monologue by Wretch 32 (narrated by actress Michaela Coel) – titled ‘Mel Made Me Do It’.The track stands out with its minimalistic, progressive instrumental, buzzing along with sharp 808 beats and modulated string-work while Stormzy’s vicious flow keeps in the spotlight. Wretch 32’s monologue adds an emotional weight to the track, as Coel intones with a poignant gravitas: “Today, we speak about foundation. Many great Black influential giants have touched people, from soul to soul, throughout many generations. “It’s often ‘greatness’ comes to mind, but footballing legends like make Ian Wright greatness come to sight.

Stormzy addressed the crowd at a London march protesting the killing of Chris Kaba today (September 10), urging them to “keep going”.Kaba, 24, was shot dead by a Metropolitan Police officer on Monday (September 5) after the car he was in was flagged by an automatic number plate as potentially being linked to a firearms offence.A police chase followed, and armed police surrounded the vehicle in a narrow street. Kaba was killed by a single gunshot wound, although a search later revealed he was not armed.

Dave was joined by special guests Stormzy and AJ Tracey during his Reading Festival headline set last night (August 26) – see the full setlist, footage and reaction below.The rapper was co-headlining the festival’s first evening alongside Megan Thee Stallion, and played a career-spanning set featuring tracks from both his studio albums.Alongside a cover of Headie One’s ’18HUNNA’, Dave was joined by AJ Tracey to perform ‘Thiago Silva’, while later on in the set, Stormzy came on stage to perform ‘Clash’, returning the favour Dave paid him last summer by coming on during Stormzy’s headline set at the festival.See footage of the special guest appearances and Dave’s full setlist below.A post shared by Reading & Leeds Festival (@officialrandl)#randl22 #readingfestival #fyp ♬ original sound – postaccountt ‘We’re All Alone’‘Professor X’‘Funky Friday’‘Wanna Know’‘No Words’‘Heart Attack’‘Thiago Silva’ (with AJ Tracey)’18HUNNA’‘System’‘Location’‘Twenty To One’‘Both Sides Of A Smile’‘Clash’ (with Stormzy)‘Starlight’Elsewhere on Friday at Reading, Megan Thee Stallion invited two groups of fans on stage to dance with her. At the start of the set, Stallion said security wouldn’t let any fans on stage.

Stormzy took on the role of football pundit on live TV last night (August 22) following Manchester United’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool – check out the clip below.The Croydon MC – who supports Man Utd – attended the Premier League game with his young nephews, and took the time out to share his post-match thoughts on Sky Sports. “That was amazing,” he said. “That’s the best we’ve been this season.”Later, he admitted that he was feeling “a bit flustered” and “starstuck” after being asked to take part in a chat with pundits Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville: “Someone gave me a mic and now I’m here like ‘Mum, I made it!'”Stormzy was then asked his opinion on Cristiano Ronaldo being dropped from United’s starting line-up.

Coldplay finished their six-night residency at Wembley Stadium last night (August 21) by bringing out Stormzy to perform ‘Blinded By Your Grace Pt. 1’ – see footage below.Across the band’s gigs at the London venue this month, they have been joined by a host of special guests, including Natalie Imbruglia, Craig David, Steve Coogan in character as Alan Partridge and many more.All the performances have taken place on the venue’s ‘C-stage’ at the back of the arena, and the Sunday night gig saw them end the sixth part of their seven-part show by welcoming Stormzy for a version of his 2018 hit.As with all of the special guest performances during the run of gigs, Coldplay and their guest were joined by Jacob Collier on piano and pedal steel guitarist Nicole Lawrence.Watch footage of the performance below.Across their residency, the band enlisted Shaznay Lewis to cover two All Saints songs, while the August 16 show saw them joined by Natalie Imbruglia, who paid tribute to the late Olivia Newton-John by covering ‘Summer Nights’ with the band.

OK!'s much-loved columnist, comedian Judi Love has given her verdict on who she believes could already be set to bag the £50,000 cash prize at this year's Love Island finale - but who? Writing in her column, Judi also reminisces on the importance of the BET awards, telling OK!: "As a teenager, they were my go-to to see Black excellence being commemorated because there wasn’t anything like that in the UK." She also lets readers in on Stormzy may have inspired her to give up social media and why the Roe vs Wade reversal on abortion laws has made her even more concerned for the future of women's rights. Sign up - for free - to read Judi's full column! Are you an OK! VIP? If not, why not? It’s free and gives you backstage access to stories like this, exclusive home tours, special discounts and so much more! All you need to do is pop your email address below! P.s.

Stormzy has been given an honorary degree by the University of Exeter – watch him give a speech at the graduation ceremony while collecting the diploma below.The rapper (real name is Michael Owuo Jr.) was given the degree in recognition of his “remarkable contribution to society and extraordinary talent”.Professor Lisa Roberts, University of Exeter’s Vice-Chancellor described the star as “an outstanding musician and wordsmith [who] inspires people to speak openly about their beliefs and fight for their rights”.She added: “The University of Exeter has put social justice at the heart of its new ten-year strategy which includes opening doors to people from all walks of life into higher education and it was wonderful to hear Michael’s powerful speech today to students and graduates.”Stormzy addressed the graduating class while receiving the honour, praising them for having “the guts and the grit and the dedication that it takes to study for years and to finish your degree”.“I got my AS results in my first year of college and said ‘Yeah, see you later’,” he said, reflecting on his own time spent in education. “I didn’t have the same minerals that you guys have.

Stormzy made a surprise appearance onstage during Knucks’ “groundbreaking” Bitcoin show in Camden, London last night (May 25).During the special performance at the recently re-opened KOKO venue, Knucks shared one Bitcoin – which is currently worth £23,000 – with two fans whose wristbands had changed colour under the dark lights.Each of the winning audience members received a third of the coin. Per a press release, they have the option of cashing in or using a portion of the prize with Knucks to create a fund together with the artists creating a first of its kind connection, with which they can invest in NFTs and cryptocurrencies.Knucks and the cryptocurrency platform Luno – KOKO’s new partner – will educate and assist the winners in investing in the crypto space.His latest headline concert in the capital was held in support of the London rapper’s debut studio album ‘Alpha Place’, which came out earlier this month.

Stormzy made his Met Gala debut in New York last night (May 2), wearing a custom-made Burberry suit and cape.The Croydon rapper, who wrapped up his UK and Ireland arena tour last month, joined the likes of Billie Eilish, Jack Harlow, Olivia Rodrigo, Nicki Minaj and Anderson .Paak at the 2022 edition of the annual fundraising event at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.This year’s fashion theme for the Met Gala was ‘Gilded Glamor and White Tie’. Stormzy, who recently announced his third studio album, wore a custom-made white Burberry wool cape and a three-piece tuxedo with satin lapels, which was designed by Riccardo Tisci.You can see Stormzy’s Met Gala attire below:Big Mike.

Stormzy has revealed that the Australian leg of his ‘H.I.T.H’ world tour – initially slated for 2020, before it was put on ice due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic – will finally go down later this year.It comes as the trailblazing Croydon MC’s first full tour announcement for 2022, with only a handful of festival appearances – including this year’s editions of Mad Cool, NOS Alive and the Montreaux Jazz Festival – filling out his current slate. The second UK leg of the tour wrapped up at the start of April, with 11 gigs held between Cardiff and Glasgow.The six-show Australian run will start in Perth on Wednesday November 23, with Stormzy due to play the HBF Stadium.

Loose Women star Judi Love took her children to see Stormzy recently and revealed that it was a great night out spent with her children. Speaking in her weekly column for OK!, Judi said: "I feel like I saw a whole different side of my daughter, which was great. And of course, Stormzy brought the house down too!" Are you an OK! VIP? If not, why not? It’s free and gives you backstage access to stories like this, exclusive home tours, special discounts and so much more! All you need to do is pop your email address below! P.s.

Maya Jama continued her smitten display with fiance Ben Simmons as they headed out for a cosy lunch in New York City. Stepping out to eat at Edward's in Tribeca on Monday, 27 year old Maya, who got engaged to the Australian basketball player just before Christmas, looked sensational.The television presenter stood out in a bright yellow hoodie and matching joggers while toting her essentials in a chic white handbag and keeping it comfortable in white trainers. Maya opted for a slick of make-up to enhance her naturally pretty features and wore her raven tresses in a sleek style for the outing.

Louis Theroux is set to interview Stormzy for a new BBC series.The six-part series, currently titled The Louis Theroux Interviews, will see the documentary filmmaker in conversation with some of the biggest names in entertainment.Stormzy will be the focus of the first episode, as Theroux joins him on tour and at home “for an in-depth and personally revealing encounter” with the British rapper.The remaining episodes will each feature a different guest, which are yet to be announced.Speaking about the series, Theroux said: “I’m so excited to be embarking on this new series – something very different to the kind of TV I normally make. This will be a chance to meet and spend time with people I admire, getting to know them, having long form and revealing conversations, with honesty, emotion, and humour.“To be kicking off with the genius that is Stormzy is proper pinch-me stuff.

Stormzy has confirmed that his third studio album will arrive this year.The Croydon MC made the announcement during the first show of his 2022 UK and Ireland arena tour in Cardiff last night (March 13). At one point in the gig, the crowd saw a video consisting of studio shots of Stormzy recording the upcoming LP.At the end of the footage, the following message was displayed onscreen: “Album 3.