Entertainment

Miss Money’s Rise to Stardom

Published

5 years ago

July 18, 2019

Pennsylvanian rapper, Miss Money, hails from Pittsburgh’s Hill District, an impoverished neighborhood in the city. The Hill, as it’s known, is one of the major cultural centers of African-American life in Pittsburgh and a historically important place for jazz music. Miss Money’s childhood in the district was turbulent and troubled but despite the early challenges she faced in life, she has managed to make a name for herself at home and abroad.

Miss Money became a ward of the court at the age of just 5 after her mother was charged with attempted murder. She found herself being moved in and out of shelters, foster homes and detention centers where she was never content to just keep her head down. It was while staying in one such group home, Auberle Shelter, that the star potential in the boisterous young Miss Money was spotted. She was then casted as the lead in several Christmas plays and theatre functions, putting her in front of crowds of hundreds of people. Miss Money thrived in front of the crowds and gained an appetite for performing. In 2006, Russell Simmons spotted her at the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in her hometown and gave her direct supportive feedback.

In 2009, she went on to win Bragging Rights Awards and began to catch the attention of several A&R agents from big labels, who had noticed that she was beginning to create quite a stir in the local scene. In 2011, Miss Money traveled to California to discuss distribution with Warner Bros. Later that year, she was flown out to France to sign with Sony Madison Music in Paris. Big Ali was already signed to Madison Music, and this led to a number of featured collaborations with Miss Money.

Her increased exposure was followed by numerous award nominations in the following years. In 2016, she won the Akademia Music Award for Best Song – ‘Fell in Love,’ and performed at, the Akademia Gala event in Los Angeles. She toured with other big names from her hometown like Jimmy Wopo and Flatline Nizzy when they headlined with Memphis Bleek in Baltimore.

Miss Money’s next major hit was ‘On the Nephs,’ which has spread her Hill neighborhood lingo far and wide. The song became a favorite across South Africa for its trap-reggae vibe and received constant airtime on both South African television as well as the radio. Her music was also being played on BET and MTV networks in the US. Her latest track, ‘MrsParker,’ continues in this dance-hall style and has a catchy hook and polished music video.

Miss Money adds of her successes to date, “I wouldn’t say I chose this career; it chose me. It was like I kept walking into musical opportunities and naturally had the gift with crowds of people, creativity, performance, and words. I continued to strive in this career to get the voice and message out through expression for those of the same background and as a way out of the poverty living lifestyle. It became therapeutic and rewarding at the same time.”

Her next big collaboration is with Boosie Badazz titled ‘Pull-Up,’ which is set to drop in summer 2019. Watch this space for more.

Entertainment

Omar Harfouch’s ‘Concerto for Peace’ to Enchant Paris in an Evening of Musical Unity

Published

2 weeks ago

September 5, 2024

Jonathan Grilli

Photo Credit: Daniel Topic

Byline: Katreen David

It’s no secret that music holds the power to enchant people. Ears hear the melodies and every fiber of the soul feels them, especially when the message behind the musical notes conveys a call for world peace.

“In times of turmoil, music has always been our refuge, where we find solace and the courage to hope. This is what inspired ‘Concerto for Peace,’” reflects Omar Harfouch, the world-renowned pianist and composer who will bring “Concerto for Peace” to the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, France.

When he isn’t busy producing classical melodies with every keystroke of his piano, Harfouch can be found redefining what it means to blend art and activism. His upcoming “Concerto for Peace,” set to premiere on September 18, 2024, promises to be more than just a concert—it’s an evocative call to unity, a symphonic plea for a world yearning to heal.

Just 48 hours after enchanting Paris with the concerto, Omar Harfouch will take the stage at the United Nations in Geneva to deliver the “Concerto for Peace” once more. This remarkable performance is set to be a highlight of the World Music Conference, coinciding with the global observance of World Peace Day on September 20.

A Symphony as a Statement

Omar Harfouch is no stranger to the power of music as a transformative force. With a career that’s as much about melodic innovation as it is about social impact, Harfouch’s latest work, “Concerto for Peace,” encapsulates his belief that music can be both recreational and revolutionary. As 2024 sees the rise of art with a cause, Harfouch’s concert stands out for its musical mastery and bold message.

“This isn’t just about notes on a page,” Harfouch explains. “It’s about creating a space where every listener, regardless of background, can feel part of something larger—a movement toward peace, one note at a time.”

In a world where philanthropy is increasingly woven into the heart of the arts, Omar Harfouch’s “Concerto for Peace” reflects a growing trend where music serves as a catalyst for change. The performance, featuring the Béziers Méditerranée Symphony Orchestra under the skilled direction of Mathieu Bonnin, is set to be a defining moment in this movement.

The Pulse of 2024: Music with Purpose

As we navigate the complexities of 2024, the intersection of art and advocacy has never been more pronounced. The global music industry is seeing an unprecedented convergence with philanthropic efforts. Artists are not just creating for the sake of creation; they are crafting experiences that resonate with the world’s most pressing issues.

Omar Harfouch stands on the frontlines of this shift. “Concerto for Peace” is emblematic of a broader movement where art becomes a form of protest, a medium for messages that words alone can’t convey.

“Music has this incredible ability to reach where words often fail,” Harfouch reflects. “In every melody, there’s a story. In every crescendo, a call to action.”

An Artistic Tribute to Roots and Responsibility

The story behind one of Harfouch’s most famous compositions is a tale from his childhood. This is primarily why the upcoming Paris performance is also deeply personal for Harfouch. Among the pieces featured is “Tripoli,” a composition that serves as a musical homage to his birthplace.

With its intricate blend of cultural motifs and personal history, this piece adds a profound layer of authenticity to the concert. To that effect, it becomes an artistic expression fueled by his personal journey.

“Tripoli is more than just a city to me—it’s a symbol of resilience, of the beauty that can emerge from hardship,” says Harfouch. “Through this piece, I’m sharing a part of myself, my history, and my hope for the future.”

Another key highlight is “Save One Life, You Save Humanity,” a composition that spotlights Harfouch’s belief in the power of individual action. In a world where small acts of kindness can ripple into broader societal change, this piece serves as both a reminder and an inspiration.

A Crescendo of Hope

As the “Concerto for Peace” prepares to echo through the streets of Paris, Omar Harfouch is reflective yet resolute. “We live in a world that’s constantly changing, constantly challenging us,” he says. “But in music, we find a constant—a reminder that beauty, harmony, and peace are always within our reach if only we’re brave enough to listen.”

For Harfouch, this concert is the culmination of months of work and proof of the enduring power of art to reflect the world, comfort the world, and change the world.

The “Concerto for Peace” is bound to leave behind a lasting impact—a reminder that, in the grand symphony of life, every voice matters, and every note counts.