Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian
pop culturelatest news & developments
King of Pop: The highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic, Michael, arrives in theatres this week covering roughly 22 years of his life from performing as part of the Jackson 5 to touring to promote the album Bad.

‘Michael’ plays the hits but avoids the hard questions

The long-awaited ‘Michael’ biopic dazzles with iconic recreations and a star-making performance but struggles to uncover the man behind the legend

Trevor Noah hosted the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday. (@Trevornoah/X)

Trump, Trevor Noah and the thin skin of power

Trevor Noah’s final Grammys moment sparked outrage from Trump, highlighting the uneasy relationship between satire, politics and contro

Haley Baylee wore a Marie Antoinette inspired outfit to the Met Gala and it was a post of hers that referenced the infamous “let them eat cake” phrase that sparked the celebrity blockout. (Photo by Lokman Vural Elibol/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Blockout a digital guillotine against pro-Israel celebrities

One thing good about the Met Gala was that it sparked a movement that is raising awareness about the atrocities in Gaza

At 101 years old, Iris Apfel is the original gangster of dopamine dressing. (Noam Gali/Getty Images)

Dopamine dressing — Looking and feeling fabulous in the colours of happiness

Can going over the top with the colours you wear improve your mood? Jo Buitendach tried out the latest sartorial trend

​#CulturePop: Teacher don’t teach me nonsense: The right to speak our truths

From black girl magic in Pretoria to Drake’s declaration of love, we are proudly loudmouths

Did Bieber pull a Miley Cyrus with the ‘lolly dance’?

Licking seems to be the latest craze as Justin Bieber features in the new single from R&B artist Maejor Ali, calling on fans to "lick his lolly".

How does Gwyneth Paltrow (still) get it right at 40?

Victoria Coren admires Paltrow’s efforts not to disappear into anonymity like most actresses her age. But it pains her to say so.

A Twitter Music app will be launched for iOS devices later this month

Justin Bieber didn’t start the Great Teen Tweet Wars – ask Vera Lynn

Belieber death threats are not a sign of end times. Crazed fans were ever thus – it’s just easier to be in touch these days.

All eyes will be on the US in the last week of 2012.

Artistically left: Obama’s art army

The giants of US art are backing Barack Obama for president. But then, writes Jonathan Jones, America’s artists have always leaned left.

If you are between the ages of 13 and 65

Harnessing your inner Fomo

If you are between the ages of 13 and 65, own a cellphone and have heard of a web browser, you may understand the phobia of missing out.

Just two guys being Pet Shop Boys: Chris Lowe and

Sticking to a winning template

Three decades and 11 albums in, the Pet Shop Boys still feel like they are renting their place as unlikely pop stars.

David Hasselhoff

The Hoff takes chest hair and cheesiness to new heights

The ‘Baywatch’ and ‘Knight Rider’ star talks frankly about how he has come to terms with the semi-ironic fame he achieved in the past decade.

Laced into leather: Rihanna performs at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

Rihanna: Evolution of a style icon

Rihanna has the most talked-about wardrobe in pop. Festival-going teens love her fearless look, but is her fetish gear a hypersexualised step too far?

Glitter balls and platform shoes — and that arm in the air: John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.

Defying death: Disco has a life of its own

Dance floor pioneers Robin Gibb and Donna Summer may have died, but the beat goes on and disco remains the foundation of all modern pop.

Video

Simpsons creator reveals the real Springfield

The tales of Homer Simpson and his family have become embedded in television lore, and now the inspiration for their hometown has been revealed.

Cold feet about title

Cold feet about title

Chris Martin is full of regret when it comes to Coldplay’s <em>Mylo Xyloto</em>.

Adele adds more trophies to her cabinet at Brit Awards

The biggest awards night in British music honoured artists often left out of other international ceremonies.

Madgic moments

Madgic moments

Her half-time show at the Super Bowl was met by outrage and barbed comments, but there was some classic Madonna magic.

Fans
Video

Fans, Romans, countrymen: Lend me your votes

Singer Youssou N’Dour has announced his presidential bid, and joins a long list of celebrities with lofty political ambitions.

K-pop rocks Japan

K-pop rocks Japan

South Korean bands strike gold in the world’s second-largest music market.