‘F9’ hits full speed to top int’l box office with $162m debut

In 2015, childhood friends Victor Solf and Simon Carpentier formed the neo-soul duo "Her". The band enjoyed a successful run on the French music scene but Carpentier tragically passed away in 2017, just before the release of the band's self-titled debut LP. After leading a tour for the record, Victor Solf decided to move on. He's just released his first solo album in his name, entitled "Still. There's Hope". He tells FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about his desire to celebrate life and why he decided to go solo.

The latest "Fast and Furious" action adventure film cruised to the top of the international box office at the weekend, trade magazine Variety reported, making a $162.4 million overseas debut outing. According to Variety, the figure came from ticket sales in eight markets, including China, Hong Kong and Korea. It marked the best opening weekend for a Hollywood blockbuster since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

She's a beloved voice in the Canadian music industry. Multidisciplinary artist TiKA has a lot of tricks up her sleeve: singer-songwriter, DJ, model, film composer, actor and advocate for the empowerment of female artists. Earlier this year, she added another feather to her cap with the release of her hotly anticipated debut LP "Anywhere But Here", which is full of 1980s-inspired synth pop anthems.

Usually a reliable big seller for cinema, this year's July 4 weekend box offices sales brought about an improvement on last year's dismal revenue, thanks in part to the release of three new films, Hollywood publication Variety reported on Monday.

Messi makes PSG debut in 2-0 win at Reims

Director Denis Villeneuve and actress Rebecca Ferguson walk the red carpet at the IMAX premiere of the ambitious sci-fi film 'Dune' at the Toronto International Film Festival. Boasting giant sandworms, warring interstellar tribes and an A-list cast spanning Timothee Chalamet, Javier Bardem and Zendaya, the long-delayed epic based on a beloved novel has already drawn strong reviews. On speculation of a sequel, Villeneuve says, "If ever it happened, it will be fantastic."

Paris Saint-Germain fans say he 'waited a long time' to witness football star Lionel Messi's home debut on Sunday's Ligue 1 game, played against Lyon. Messi was taken off part way through the match and substitute Icardi headed in a cross at the death to secure a win that looked unlikely for long spells.

Dino Brandão is considered one of the most promising young stars on the Swiss music scene. The half-Swiss, half-Angolan musician recently released a debut EP under his own name. "Bouncy Castle" features five afro-folk tracks and is a multicultural melting pot of sunny and yet melancholic songs. Oscillating between tropical melodies and darker folk tunes, he honestly addresses physical ailments and mental issues. He speaks to FRANCE 24's Florence Villeminot about the importance of opening up.

Bastien Picot aka Aurus hails from Reunion Island and is currently touring his album "Chimera" around mainland France. He stopped by the FRANCE 24 studios to tell us about his blend of traditional sounds with sexy electro pop, while showing off his incredible look. We also check out new releases by Fontaines DC, Pheelz and Miss Kittin & The Hacker.

They make up a full rhythm section, with not a drum nor a bass in sight. Champion beatboxers Berywam have just released their début album, "No Instrument", which sees the expert vocal percussionists putting their own spin on hip-hop, reggaeton and pop, with some high-profile collaborators. The French musical foursome join us in the studio to show us how they produce an incredible palette of sounds. We also discuss their stratospheric rise to fame thanks to their online fan base.

Brooklyn-based duo Bottler (aka producers Pat Butler and Phil Shore) have created a unique soundscape blending a myriad of styles including pop, indie rock, trip-hop and club music. In 2020, they released a double bill of EPs, "Clementine" and "Grow". Now the childhood friends are back with their debut album "Journey Work", in which they’re on a mission to explore and express the full spectrum of human experience. They joined us on Encore! to tell us more.

In today’s show we have Kim Kardashian on the Balenciaga catwalk for Haute Couture Week, more on the Ukrainian and Russian shows at the Avignon Theatre festival and a tour of the world’s biggest Egyptian Pyramid from a museum in Paris.