Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

Jazz-Funk icon Roy Ayers passes away: Fans mourn a music legend

The vibraphone maestro and pioneer of jazz-funk leaves behind a timeless musical legacy.

Roy Ayers

The legendary Roy Ayers, a pioneer of jazz-funk and soul, whose music continues to inspire generations

Getty Images

Roy Ayers, the iconic jazz-funk musician best known for his timeless hit Everybody Loves the Sunshine, has passed away at the age of 84. His family shared the news on his official Facebook page, revealing that he died on March 4, 2025, in New York City after battling a long illness. The statement described Ayers as a “legendary vibraphonist, composer, and producer” who lived a full and inspiring life. They requested privacy during this difficult time and promised a celebration of his life would follow.

Born on September 10, 1940, in Los Angeles, Ayers grew up in a household filled with music. His mother, Ruby, was a piano teacher, and his father, Roy Sr., played the trombone. Ayers’ musical journey began early, learning piano as a child before discovering the vibraphone. His passion for the vibraphone was sparked by jazz legend Lionel Hampton, who gifted him a pair of mallets after a performance when Ayers was just five years old.


Roy Ayers in his element, forever mesmerising fans across generations Getty Images

Ayers’ career took off in the 1960s when he released his debut album, West Coast Vibes, in 1963. He later formed the band Roy Ayers Ubiquity, blending jazz, funk, and soul to create a sound that connected across generations. His 1976 album *Everybody Loves the Sunshine* became an iconic hit, with the title track capturing the themes of summer and joy. The song’s mellow, sun-soaked vibes made it a global anthem, and it remains one of the most sampled tracks in music history, influencing artists like Mary J. Blige, Common, and Pharrell Williams.

A moment of musical brilliance - Maestro at work Getty Images

Beyond his music, Ayers was a trailblazer in the neo-soul and acid jazz movements. He composed the soundtrack for the 1973 blaxploitation film Coffy, starring Pam Grier, and collaborated with legends like Herbie Mann, Fela Kuti, and Erykah Badu. He had the potential to merge genres and made him a sought-after collaborator and a mentor to many in the R&B and hip-hop communities.

Roy Ayers in a candid moment reflecting on a lifetime dedicated to music Getty Images

Ayers’ legacy is not just in his music but in the warmth and positivity he brought to the world. As he once said, “Everybody loves the sunshine,” and his music continues to shine brightly, touching new generations. He is survived by his wife, Argerie, and their children, Mtume and Ayana Ayers. His family’s message was simple: Roy Ayers lived a beautiful life, and his light will never fade.

More For You

Kareena Kapoor

Kareena Kapoor joins growing criticism of Prada’s uncredited use of Indian design

Getty Images

Kareena Kapoor mocks Prada with her ‘OG Kolhapuri’ post as fashion giant faces backlash over copied design

Quick highlights:

  • Kareena Kapoor posted a cheeky Instagram Story flaunting Kolhapuri chappals, saying, “Sorry not Prada... but my OG Kolhapuri.”
  • Her post follows outrage over Prada’s ‘toe-ring sandals’ resembling the Indian Kolhapuri design.
  • A PIL has been filed in the Bombay High Court against Prada for unauthorised use of the Kolhapuri style without credit.
  • Prada acknowledged the inspiration and agreed to meet Indian artisans for dialogue.

Kareena Kapoor took a subtle yet sharp swipe at luxury fashion label Prada amid growing controversy around its recently launched ‘toe-ring sandals’, a design that closely mirrors India’s traditional Kolhapuri chappals. Without naming the brand, Kareena shared a photo of her feet in silver Kolhapuri slippers during her London vacation and captioned it: “Sorry not Prada... but my OG Kolhapuri ❤️.”

The actor’s post struck a chord with many online, surfacing just days after Prada came under fire for allegedly copying the Kolhapuri design without acknowledgment.

Keep ReadingShow less
Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield  at Wimbledon

Garfield and Barbaro twin in Ralph Lauren for their most public appearance yet

Instagram/voguemagazine

Monica Barbaro and Andrew Garfield quietly confirm relationship with Wimbledon appearance

Quick highlights:

  • Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro stepped out in matching Ralph Lauren looks at Wimbledon 2025.
  • The couple shared affectionate moments courtside, including hand-holding and a cheek kiss.
  • They were first linked romantically in February after being spotted at a London play.
  • The pair may reunite on screen in Luca Guadagnino’s upcoming film Artificial.

Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro made their most public appearance yet as a couple on Sunday, arriving hand-in-hand at Wimbledon 2025 in coordinated white ensembles and sharing subtle yet sweet moments of affection. The actors, who were first rumoured to be dating in February, looked completely in sync as they entered the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on 6 July. Dressed in matching Ralph Lauren outfits, the two smiled for cameras and appeared relaxed throughout the day.

  Andrew Garfield and Monica Barbaro arrive hand in hand at Wimbledon in all whiteInstagram/voguemagazine

Keep ReadingShow less
Kantara Chapter

Rishab Shetty battles through flames in new Kantara Chapter 1 poster

‘Kantara Chapter 1’ poster released on Rishab Shetty’s birthday, confirms October 2025 theatrical date

Quick highlights:

  • Kantara: Chapter 1, the much-awaited prequel to the 2022 blockbuster, releases in cinemas on 2 October 2025.
  • Poster unveiled on Rishab Shetty’s 42nd birthday shows him in an intense warrior avatar.
  • The film explores the divine origins of Panjurli and Guliga, expanding the Kantara mythology.
  • Massive action sequences filmed with 3,000 participants over 50 days make it one of India’s biggest productions.

Rishab Shetty gave fans a fierce first glimpse into Kantara: Chapter 1 on his 42nd birthday, unveiling a new poster that shows him in full warrior mode. The upcoming prequel to the 2022 Kannada hit Kantara is now officially set to release on 2 October 2025. Directed and headlined once again by Shetty, the film is expected to dive deep into the spiritual and mythological roots of the original story.

   Kantara Chapter 1 poster  Instagram/rishabshettyofficial  

Keep ReadingShow less
Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik shares a moody preview of his upcoming song Fuchsia Sea

Getty Images

Zayn Malik raps about racism he experienced as Asian member of One Direction in "Fuchsia Sea"

Quick highlights:

  • Zayn Malik previewed a new track, Fuchsia Sea, on Instagram, touching on racism he experienced during his One Direction years.
  • “They still laughed at the Asian,” he raps, alluding to feeling othered despite success.
  • Malik was the only South Asian member of the band, which included Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and the late Liam Payne.
  • The track marks a rare public reflection on the racial dynamics behind his 2015 departure from the group.

Zayn Malik is turning to music to process the discrimination he says he experienced during his time with One Direction. On Saturday, 5 July, the 32-year-old singer previewed a raw and emotional rap song titled Fuchsia Sea, sharing a clip and lyrics on Instagram that many fans believe directly address racism he faced as the only South Asian member of the global boy band.

In the verse, Malik raps: “I worked hard in a White band, and they still laughed at the Asian.” The line immediately sparked intense conversation online, with listeners pointing out how it echoed long-suspected tensions about racial identity and representation during his tenure in One Direction.

Keep ReadingShow less