ARAB TIMES, SUNDAY, APRIL 4, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

This image released by Netflix shows, (from left), Ivannah-Mercedes, Lorraine Toussaint, Idris Elba, Caleb McLaughlin, Jamil ‘Mil’ Prattis and Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith in a scene from ‘Concrete Cowboys.’ (AP) Music Film Predictable yet warm-hearted story Eurovision may allow fans Visiting Uganda, Elba drama enhanced by urban cowboys By Jocelyn Noveck thought all cowboys were white?” one pulls off a motivational speech that eyes biz opportunities of them scoffs. Notes Nessie: “Holly- would sound way too corny coming wood has whitewashed us. They just from anyone else. As for McLaugh- KAMPALA, Uganda, April 3, (AP): American R&B t feels like a tale as old as time: singer Akon is visiting Uganda Friday in search of in- IWayward teenage son meets up deleted us out of the history books.” lin, the fi lm would falter without his vestment opportunities that would extend his business with estranged father, one needing The story begins with Cole facing ex- fresh, honest and unaffected presence footprint in , where his efforts include a planned some straightening out, the other some pulsion from high school in Detroit. His throughout. futuristic city. serious humanizing. Can they con- mother, at the end of her tether, packs his The best comes last, though - and Akon’s arrival in the East African country was an- nect? belongings into a few garbage bags and by that we mean the closing credits, nounced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will But if that’s the familiar story at the drives him to his father’s Philadelphia where members of the Fletcher Street meet with President Yoweri Museveni to discuss “dif- heart of “Concrete Cowboy,” starring doorstep. He is not happy. “Mama, don’t community (the city of Philadelphia ferent investment opportunities the appealing duo of Idris Elba and leave me here!” he yells. is developing the vacant lots they use, in various sectors, including terrifi c newcomer Caleb McLaughlin, Promises we learn) discuss its importance, espe- energy, tourism, and infrastruc- there’s much more here to contem- cially to youngsters who would other- ture development,” according Actor Robert Downey Jr. poses during plate. That’s because of the fascinat- It only gets worse when Cole sees wise be on the streets. an Asia Press Conference to promote the ramshackle apartment Harp an ex- to the state-controlled New Vi- his latest film ‘Avengers Endgame’ in ing, very real-life world in which this “I think if more people knew how sion newspaper. predictable yet warm-hearted story con, lives in. There’s nothing but beer important the stable was to so many Seoul, South Korea on April 15, 2019. in the fridge, and Harp’s roommate is Akon and his wife, Rozina Downey Jr. turns 56 on April 4. (AP) takes place: the community of Black young people who don’t have any- Negusei, went to a mosque in equestrians in North Philadelphia. … a horse. Cole bolts, and fi nds him- where else to go,” Mercedes says - not the capital, Kampala, Friday. Wait, what? Urban cowboys in the self in the arms of Smush, a charismat- fi nishing the sentence. She doesn’t Visiting Uganda alongside streets of Philly? That’s exactly the re- ic cousin who promises to show him have to. a group of potential investors action 15-year-old Cole (McLaughlin) “how Philly pops.” “Concrete Cowboy,” a Netfl ix re- in January, Negusei revealed has after being transported from De- Smush (the excellent Jharrel Je- lease, has been rated R by the Motion Akon plans to invest $12 million in troit and dumped in the streets by his rome) has dreams of owning a ranch Picture Association of America “for the country’s entertainment in- desperate Mom, who hopes Dad will out West; he’s a cowboy, too. But he language throughout, drug use and dustry. set him right. Harp (Elba) is over at the wants to make money quickly, and some violence.” Running time: 111 “When you develop an artist, you develop a na- stables, Cole is told. He replies: “The that means a risky sideline involving minutes. Three stars out of four. tion,” she said at the time. drugs. The story settles into worn ter- WHAT?” Also: A Grammy-nominated singer and record producer, “Concrete Cowboy,” an impressive ritory here, with Smush representing Akon has made headlines in recent years as a pan- debut by writer-director Ricky Staub the temptation of the streets, and Harp LOS ANGELES: Paramount Pictures is African businessman interested in opportunities on that overcomes formulaic dialogue and his friends representing a tougher, joining other major Hollywood stu- the continent of 1.3 billion people. In December a Lipa Lloyd more honest existence. dios in slashing the traditional 90-day company associated with Akon reached a deal with and we-saw-that-coming plot twists with its sheer heart, is based on a nov- Staub spent two years getting to theatrical window. ViacomCBS has a state miner to develop a copper and cobalt mine in know the Fletcher Street Stables com- announced that some of the studio’s resource-rich Congo. el, ”Ghetto Cowboy” by Gregory Neri. Variety But if the story is fi ction, the fi lm fi nds munity, and it shows, especially in his fi lms, including “Mission: Impossible Akon, whose real name is Aliaune Thiam, started a welcome choice to feature several real 7” and “A Quiet Place Part II,” will group in 2014 that backs solar energy projects in the its greatest strengths in the parts that rural parts of many African countries. The inspira- are real. In an inspired choice, Staub urban cowboys. One is Jamil Prattis as go to its fl edgling streaming service, tion for Akon Lighting Africa was deeply personal: DALLAS: An unopened copy of Nin- casts some key supporting roles with , who teaches Cole how to clean Paramount+, after 45 days in theaters. he found his grandmother was still using candles in tendo’s Super Mario Bros. that was bought actual members of the Fletcher Street manure out of a stall (tip: use a wheel- Like all studios in the past year, Par- to light her home. in 1986 and then forgotten about in a desk Stables, a unique equestrian commu- barrow). Then there’s Ivannah Mer- amount has had to adapt. Paramount drawer has sold at auction for $660,000. nity more than a century old (hint: you cedes as Esha, a young woman at the sold some of its fi lms to streaming Ambitious Heritage Auctions in Dallas said the can tell these regulars by who’s a natu- stables who advises Cole that horses services, including “The Trial of the But Akon’s most ambitious goal is to build a $6 video game sold Friday. ral in the saddle.) aren’t the only ones that need “break- Chicago 7,” which went to Netfl ix, billion utopian city in Senegal that he described as a The auction house said the video game The most effective scenes are those ing in” - he does, too. There’s a sweet and “Coming 2 America” to Amazon, was bought as a Christmas gift but ended hint of romance, and when Esha teach- but held back its biggest titles, includ- “real-life Wakanda,” comparing it to the technologi- up being placed in a desk drawer, where that include these true-life fi gures, cally advanced fi ctional African place portrayed in the it remained sealed in plastic and with its such as a joyful community celebra- es Cole how to stand up on a horse, it’s ing “Mission: Impossible 7” and “Top blockbuster fi lm “Black Panther.” hang tab intact until it was found earlier tion, or a campfi re scene in which ac- a gesture rich in symbolism. Gun: Maverick” for more traditional The singer last year acknowledged the comparisons this year. tors like McLaughlin and the always Not to give anything away, but t’s theatrical releases. made between Akon City and the utopian society in “Since the production window for wonderful Lorraine Toussaint, as pretty clear Harp and Cole will wind “A Quiet Place Part II” has been de- “Black Panther,” calling it an “honor.” this copy and others like it was so short, neighbor Nessie, mix with regulars up appreciating each other. Elba, who layed several times over the past year. Akon City is envisaged to have its own hospital, fi nding another copy from this same pro- telling their stories. While illuminating unsurprisingly looks great on a horse It was originally set to come out last police station and even its own cryptocurrency already duction run in similar condition would be the long history of Fletcher Street, they (but in truth is somewhat allergic to March, but was pulled from the schedule named AKoin. It promises a bit of everything: a sea- akin to looking for single drop of water in also set us, and Cole, straight about the them), has fewer lines than we might when theaters closed nationwide. Both it side resort, a tech hub, recording studios and even a an ocean,” said Valarie McLeckie, Herit- age’s video game specialist. Hollywood-enabled myth that all cow- like, but gives off a steady, grizzled and “Mission: Impossible 7” are cur- zone dubbed “Senewood” that developers hope will boys looked like John Wayne. “You vibe that grounds the movie. He also rently scheduled to open in the fall. (AP) help develop Senegal’s fi lm industry. Heritage said it is the fi nest copy known Akon City has been allocated a chunk of land out- to have been professionally graded for auction. Its selling price far exceeded the side the Senegalese capital, Dakar, but construction is eventually come, our hearts are hurting,” yet to start. $114,000 that another unopened copy that Bugsey. Nonetheless, last year the show was was produced in 1987 fetched in a Herit- Winners are due to be announced May criticized for failing to recognize women, Animal Adventure Park owner Jordan Akon, who was born in the United States to Sen- age auction last summer. (AP) 11 during a ceremony featuring live musi- with no female performers included on the Patch said in a statement. egalese parents, spent much of his childhood in ❑ ❑ ❑ cal performances and a limited, socially shortlist for album of the year. This year, The 20-year-old giraffe started showing the West African country, where authorities have distanced audience at ’s O2 Arena. that category includes four female acts: signs of mobility problems last summer, embraced him as a native son and praised him for BOSTON: The renowned Shakespeare & The event is set to be one of the fi rst Parks, Celeste, Lipa and Jessie Ware. J and veterinary imaging showed she had investing in Africa at a time of such global financial Company theater group in Massachusetts awards shows to be held in person since Hus is the only male performer nomi- arthritis in her feet and problems in her left uncertainty. plans to resume live, in-person perfor- the coronavirus pandemic began more than nated. (AP) hind leg, the zoo’s veterinarians said in a Akon, 47, rose to fame with a debut album in 2004. mances this summer with a production of a year ago. ❑ ❑ ❑ statement. They noted that animals as large His hit songs include “,” featuring rapper “King Lear” starring Christopher Lloyd. The Brits are a slick showcase for Brit- as giraffes can deteriorate quickly from Eminem. “King Lear,” which will run July 2 ish talent, but the nominations have been HARPURSVILLE, NY: April, the giraffe arthritis. through Aug. 29, will also be the fi rst pro- criticized in the past for failing to refl ect that became a sensation when a rural They said they deployed joint supple- Also: duction in The New Spruce Theatre, a new the diversity of UK music. In 2017, the New York zoo livestreamed her 2017 ments, pain medications, anti-infl amma- pregnancy and delivery, was euthanized THE HAGUE, Netherlands: Organizers of the 2021 outdoor amphitheater under the towering academy of more than 1,000 music indus- tories, padded fl ooring, diet changes and spruce trees on the Shakespeare & Com- try professionals that chooses the winners Friday because of advancing arthritis, the trimming April’s hoofs to try to slow the Eurovision Song Contest welcomed the news Thurs- pany campus in Lenox, the organization zoo said. disease’s progression, but her mobility day that up to 3,500 fans may be allowed to attend was expanded in an attempt to make it said in a statement this week. more gender-balanced and diverse. “She is a precious member of our fam- kept declining, and she started spending the popular music competition when it is staged in the Lloyd was originally scheduled to ap- ily, and while we knew this day would a lot more time lying down. Imaging in Netherlands next month. pear in the moving tragedy in 2020, but the March showed “signifi cant and progress- The Dutch government has said it plans to make the entire season last year was wiped out by ing degeneration” of joints in her lower annual contest of singers representing their countries the coronavirus pandemic. leg, the vets said. (AP) part of a series of test events it is using to evaluate Lloyd is perhaps best known as Doc ❑ ❑ ❑ how to safely reopen large-scale public events amid Brown in the “Back to the Future” fi lm the coronavirus pandemic. franchise but has also appeared in “The LAS VEGAS: Soon-to-be newlyweds lined The government said it wants to allow a maxi- Addams Family,” “Who Framed Roger up out the door of the marriage license Rabbit” and the “Taxi” television series, offi ce in Las Vegas on Friday, ahead of a mum of 3,500 people to attend a total of nine shows unique date to tie the knot: 4/3/21. in the city of Rotterdam - rehearsals, semifinals and for which he won two Emmys. “King Lear” will be directed by Nicole Nearly 700 couples obtained licenses the May 22 final, if the state of the pandemic allows for the Saturday date, said Jeff Klein, a it. The Netherlands was set to host the contest last Ricciardi. At all performances, audiences will be spokesman for the Clark County Marriage year, but the event was canceled due to the pan- required to wear masks, socially distance Bureau, as the city where Elvis can be demic. and adhere to state public health guide- part of the wedding party got set to mark “We welcome this decision by the Dutch govern- lines, the company said. (AP) yet another quirky date for nuptials. The ment and the possibility that we can invite fans to join ❑ ❑ ❑ clerk’s offi ce marked the occasion with us as we bring the Eurovision Song Contest back in keepsake marriage certifi cates. May,” Executive Supervisor Martin Osterdahl said LONDON: Singer-songwriters , “Specialty dates like 4/3/21 are always in a statement on the event’s website. Arlo Parks and Celeste lead the competi- immensely popular,” said county Clerk “We will consider the options now available and tion for the , with a trio of Lynn Goya, who noted that more than 1,800 announce more details in the coming weeks on how nominations apiece for the UK music couples were married on Dec. 13, 2014. we can safely admit audiences to the Ahoy venue in prizes. April is usually busy for weddings, and The three British women were nomi- past dates with notable numeric sequences Rotterdam, should the situation allow,” Osterdahl nated for best female solo artist and album have tallied more than 1,000 weddings in a said. “The health and safety of all those attending the of the year on Wednesday. Lipa is also day, Goya said. event remains our top priority.” up for best British single, for “Physical.” The offi ce is bracing for a busy fi rst The government’s test procedures allow limited Parks and Celeste — who has an Academy 10 days this December, offering what the numbers of people with proof of negative COV- Award nomination for “Hear My Voice,” clerk dubs “palindrome days” for numbers ID-19 tests to attend events and divides them into from the fi lm “The Trial of the Chicago In this May 18, 2019 file photo, Duncan Laurence of The Netherlands celebrates reading the same forward and backward. bubbles so they can be closely monitored. Previous 7” — are contenders for the breakthrough after winning the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest grand final in Tel Aviv, Israel. Nearly 2,700 couples married on tests have included soccer matches and music fes- artist trophy. Organizers of the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest have welcomed the news that 10/10/10; more than 1,800 tied the knot tivals. Other triple nominees on the list are up to 3,500 fans may be allowed to attend the popular music competition when on 12/12/12; and 3,125 were wed on DJ Joel Corry and rap duo Young T & it is staged in The Netherlands in May 2021. (AP) 11/11/11. (AP)