Chris Infotainment

DJ Fabsabs leads a joyful Cantopop resurgence, Singapore does art with intention, and sun-drenched escapism beckons Hello, January! I hope you survived the first proper work week of 2026. I've been going through the avalanche that is my inbox and am barely hanging on. Luckily, this week's cover story offers a burst of energy as Hsiuwen Liu plunges into the Cantopop revival currently filling Hong Kong's dance floors. She hits the tiles at Cantomania and finds what started as an underground party is now a full-blown movement, joining a wave of Cantopop nights around town. Cantomania's DJ Fabsabs (real name Pete Sabine) is a staunch evangelist for the power of music to bring us together - and as someone who loves the dance floor, I heartily concur. The resurgence of 1980s bangers and Y2K hits might sound like pure nostalgia, but as Sabine tells us, it's something deeper. Cantomania is catharsis, community and culture preservation disguised as a dance party. "...

Ketchup’s Visit to Kigali: A New Chapter in East African Collaboration Nigerian Afro dancehall artiste Onyido Nkemjika, known as Ketchup, has expressed his enthusiasm for collaborating with Rwandan artists during his stay in Kigali. His arrival on Saturday, November 22, marked the beginning of a media tour in East Africa, which is set to support the release of his upcoming album, “Turn of the Mack.” Ketchup shared his excitement about exploring the local music scene and creating cross-border projects with fellow artists in Rwanda. Kigali serves as the first stop on his East African tour. He described the city as a place that feels amazing and welcoming. “The sun is shining, and everybody is happy,” he said. Ketchup also emphasized the significance of this visit, as it is part of promoting his new album and launching the video for his track “Karma Go Come” in Kigali before its global release. A Personal Connection to Rwanda Ketchup has developed a personal connection with Rwanda, ap...

Exploring the Phenomenon of "Oshi-Katsu" in Japan In a recent discussion, three Kyodo News reporters—Junko Horiuchi, Eduardo Martinez, and Donican Lam—delved into the growing trend of “oshi-katsu,” or fan activities centered around favorite pop idols, anime characters, and athletes. This phenomenon has become increasingly prevalent among Japanese working adults in their 20s, sparking conversations about the cultural significance and personal rewards of being a devoted fan. Understanding "Oshi-Katsu" The term “oshi-katsu” refers to the dedicated efforts fans make to support their favorite celebrities. These activities can range from attending concerts and purchasing merchandise to participating in online communities and creating fan content. The survey discussed by the reporters highlights that a significant portion of young professionals in Japan are actively involved in these pursuits, indicating a deep emotional connection between fans and their idols. This t...

Global Celebration of Pepero Day Lotte Wellfood recently organized a vibrant event called 'Welcome to K-Sweet Holiday' at Father Duffy Square in New York's Times Square. This celebration took place on the 11th, coinciding with Pepero Day. The event aimed to bring together people from different backgrounds and highlight the brand's presence on an international scale. The event was filled with various activities that attracted a large number of visitors. Attendees had the opportunity to taste different products offered by Lotte Wellfood. Additionally, there were live performances that added to the festive atmosphere. A highlight of the event was a 2-meter-high Pepero sculpture, which became a central attraction for many. There was also a photo zone featuring the Pepero character 'Ppero,' allowing visitors to capture memorable moments. Despite the below-freezing temperatures, the event saw a significant turnout, with tens of thousands of tourists visiting the v...

KATSEYE Makes History with Chart-Topping Success KATSEYE, the global girl group formed by HYBE and Geffen Records, has once again made waves in the U.S. music scene by achieving a new high on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The group’s hit single “Gabriella,” featured on their second EP Beautiful Chaos , climbed four spots to reach number 33 in the latest chart update. Despite being released about five months ago, “Gabriella” continues to gain momentum, marking its fourth consecutive week on the chart. The song initially entered the Billboard Hot 100 on July 5th at position 94, showing a steady rise in popularity over time. In addition to its success on the main Hot 100 chart, “Gabriella” also reached 14th place on the Pop Airplay chart, which measures radio broadcast counts and listener data. This is the highest position the group has achieved on this particular chart, highlighting its growing appeal among U.S. audiences. The performance of “Gabriella” on the Pop Airplay chart, whic...

Rosalía's 'LUX' Breaks Records on Spotify Rosalía has made history with her latest album, 'LUX', which has become the most-streamed album in a day by a Spanish-speaking female artist on Spotify. The release of this fourth record on Friday marked a significant milestone, as it achieved an impressive 42.1 million streams within the first 24 hours. This number more than doubles the initial success of her 2022 album 'Motomami', which opened with 16 million streams and was recognized as one of Euronews Culture’s Best European Albums of the 21st Century. Before the release of 'LUX', the record for the most-streamed album in a day by a Spanish-speaking female artist was held by Karol G, whose 2023 album 'Mañana Será Bonito' reached 35.7 million streams on its opening day. Rosalía’s achievement highlights not only her growing influence in the music industry but also her ability to push boundaries and redefine what is possible in contemporary pop. ...

KakaoTalk’s “Friends” Tab Transforms into an Advertising Hub KakaoTalk, a popular messaging app in South Korea, recently revamped its "Friends" tab to resemble Instagram. This redesign aimed to turn the feature into a social media platform where users can share their daily lives. However, the changes have sparked criticism from users who feel the tab has strayed from its original purpose. Initially, Kakao announced that the "Friends" tab would transition from a simple friend list to a feed displaying posts. The goal was to increase user engagement and time spent on the app. By allowing users to share posts, Kakao hoped to create a more interactive experience similar to Instagram. However, a month after the service overhaul, the tab’s usage has deviated from Kakao’s expectations. Users have noticed a decline in opportunities to view posts from close friends. One user shared, “I never change my profile picture because I’m worried mine might appear prominently on s...

The Rise of TikTok as a Global Music Powerhouse In the past, discovering new music was a slow process. People would wait for their favorite DJ to play a fresh track on the radio or catch the latest video on TV. However, the landscape of music discovery has drastically changed in recent years. Today, the palm of your hand holds the key to uncovering the next big hit. TikTok has emerged as one of the most powerful platforms for discovering, sharing, and popularizing music worldwide. It's no longer just about watching videos; it's about creating and participating in a global music movement. Songs like "Water" by Tyla, "Love Nwantiti" by CKay, "Shake It to the Max," and "Komasava" by Diamond Platnumz gained massive attention after fans began creating videos featuring them on TikTok. When American star Chris Brown shared a dance clip of "Komasava," it exposed the track to an even wider audience, proving that a moment on TikTok can...

In the world of K-pop, official light sticks have become more than just merchandise. These interactive items, with unique designs for each artist, serve as symbols of fandom and identity. They are not merely products but talismans that connect fans to their favorite groups. Recently, the controversy surrounding the design of light sticks has sparked intense debate within the entertainment industry. The dispute between the group THE BOYZ and the girl band QWER has escalated, raising concerns about potential legal conflicts. As tensions grew, various entertainment-related organizations stepped in to mediate, even referencing the "K-pop crisis theory." The Korea Entertainment Producers Association (KEPA) emphasized that this issue is not just about a single item's design but involves the sustainability of the future Hallyu ecosystem, global market competitiveness, and the health of K-pop fandom culture. THE BOYZ vs. QWER Light Sticks: What’s the Issue? The controversy b...

A video capturing actor Park Bo-gum during a photo shoot is set to be released on the 6th, displayed on electronic billboards in major cities around the world. These locations include Myeongdong Shinsegae Square in Seoul, New York’s Times Square, Paris, Milan, and Tokyo. The campaign aims to highlight cultural elements of South Korea through modern and traditional expressions. This initiative is part of the ‘2025 Hanbok Field Hallyu (Korean Wave) Linked Collaborative Content’ project, known as ‘Hanbok Wave.’ Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in partnership with the Korea Craft & Design Foundation, the project seeks to celebrate Chuseok, a traditional Korean harvest festival. By integrating cultural heritage with contemporary media, the project highlights the significance of hanbok and its role in the global Korean Wave. The ‘Hanbok Wave’ project is designed to bring together Hallyu artists and the hanbok industry to promote the traditional Korean attire ...

A Forgotten Gem Finds New Life on Streaming Platforms Margot Robbie, known for her iconic roles in films like "Barbie" and "The Wolf of Wall Street," as well as her portrayal of Harley Quinn in the DC universe, has a long list of memorable performances. However, one of her earlier roles has recently resurfaced and captured the attention of viewers on streaming platforms. This role, from the period drama "Pan Am," was initially overlooked but is now gaining new appreciation after being made available on AMC+. The Show That Wasn’t Given a Second Chance "Pan Am," created by Jack Orman, was a fictional series that centered around the lives of pilots and stewardesses working for the fictional Clipper Majestic airline. The show originally aired from 2011 to 2012 but was canceled after just one season due to low ratings. Despite its brief run, the series has found a second life on AMC+, where it has been attracting a growing audience. Margot Robbie...

The Rise of KPop Demon Hunters and Its Impact on the Market The global popularity of Netflix’s animated series KPop Demon Hunters has sparked a significant surge in the entertainment and consumer goods industries. From themed merchandise to immersive experiences, the show has become a cultural phenomenon that is reshaping how fans engage with media. GS25 Launches KPop Demon Hunters Meal Kits with Record Sales One of the most notable collaborations linked to the show is with the convenience store chain GS25. On the 1st, the company announced that its five KPop Demon Hunters -themed ready-to-eat meal products had surpassed 800,000 units in cumulative sales within just two weeks of their release. These meal kits, which include items like Tuna Mayo & Jeonju Bibimbap Half-and-Half Gimbap, Jeonju Bibimbap & Jeyuk (Pork Belly) Couple Rice Balls, and a Mixed Street Food Set, were launched sequentially starting from the 17th of last month. The packaging features iconic character...

Exploring the Latest in Afropop: A Diverse Array of Musical Collaborations Today, we have seven new Top Videos to recommend. The theme this time is about genres colliding—from reggae to rap, Afrobeats, dreamy ballads, classical music elements, and even a couple of unlikely collaborations, notably between Burna Boy and Mick Jagger. Burna Boy (feat. Mick Jagger): "Empty Chairs" Mick Jagger's hot take and Burna Boy's cool rap rub shoulders nicely on this catchy track. Check out how the music changes with the singer. Crunchy classic rock morphs seamlessly into the spare pump of Afrobeats, and back. It's a conversation across generations and continents, and good fun! Wouter Kellerman, Rocky Dawuni, Matt B, Tony Succar: "They Know" Dancy and playful, this funky Afro-salsa track brings together an unlikely set of collaborators. South African flautist Wouter Kellerman is known for venturing beyond his classical roots, picking up three Grammy Awards along ...

A New Way to Celebrate October 1st Once upon a time, October 1st was all about marching bands, flag-waving, and a sense of national pride. Today, it feels more like a reminder that we're still here, still working hard, and somehow managing despite the challenges. The naira is struggling, and the economy isn't exactly in a good place. It's easy to feel exhausted. You don't have to pretend everything is fine on this day. You don't have to sit through endless political speeches that promise much but deliver little. Sometimes, the most patriotic thing you can do is take a break, escape, and just breathe. That’s where these 10 films come in. They won’t fix Nigeria’s problems, but they’ll give you a few hours of distraction from petrol queues, the falling value of the naira, and that relative who keeps asking when you’re getting married. These aren’t Independence Day movies; they’re independence-from-the-day movies. Explore These Films for a Much-Needed Escape 1. Ru...

The Rise of Meme Coins in 2025: A New Era of Digital Investment Meme coins have evolved from being simple internet jokes to serious investment opportunities. As we move into 2025, these digital assets are capturing the attention of both casual investors and seasoned traders. With unique narratives, strong community support, and high growth potential, several meme coins are leading the charge in this emerging market. Here’s a closer look at some of the most promising options for those looking to invest in 2025. Arctic Pablo Coin – A Unique Travel-Themed Presale Arctic Pablo Coin stands out as one of the best new meme coins to buy in 2025. This project takes a novel approach with its location-based presale, where each stop represents a different destination. Currently, the presale is at the 36th stop, known as Horizon Haven, with a price of $0.0008 per token. The project has already raised over $3.39 million, and the launch price is set at $0.008, offering an impressive 900% ROI poten...

A Digital Bridge for Vietnamese Culture VieON Global is emerging as a powerful digital bridge, connecting Vietnamese communities around the world through its vast collection of Vietnamese-language content. It offers not just entertainment but also a sense of belonging and cultural connection for Vietnamese people living abroad. With over 10,000 hours of content, including films, music, and television shows, the platform helps generations of Vietnamese individuals reconnect with their heritage and take pride in their roots. After five years of development, VieON, which is part of DatVietVAC Group Holdings, has become Vietnam's leading OTT platform. It has reached over 72 million connected devices, making it a significant player in the digital entertainment space. In early 2024, the company launched VieON Global, marking a strategic move to bring Vietnamese entertainment to international audiences. VieON Global operates in several countries, including the United States, Australia,...