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SRMG Returns to Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2023 

The SRMG Beach Experience is set to become the hub of creativity and innovation from the MENA region at Cannes Lions.
The SRMG Beach Experience is set to become the hub of creativity and innovation from the MENA region at Cannes Lions.
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SRMG Returns to Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2023 

The SRMG Beach Experience is set to become the hub of creativity and innovation from the MENA region at Cannes Lions.
The SRMG Beach Experience is set to become the hub of creativity and innovation from the MENA region at Cannes Lions.

Now in its second year, the Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) Beach Experience is set to become the hub of creativity and innovation from the MENA region at Cannes Lions.

SRMG will host a series of insightful discussions, immersive activations and experiences, and live performances that represent the transforming media landscape in MENA

Talks and panel discussion with several creative industry leaders, including CEO of Brut Media Guillaume Lacroix, digital entrepreneur Karen Wazen, President of Billboard Mike Van, filmmaker Bryn Mooser, Co-founder of Anghami Eli Habib, Founder of Good People Ali Ali, CEO of Omnicom Media Group MENA Elda Choucair, CCO of BBDO Ali Rez

SRMG, the largest integrated media group from the MENA region, is back at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity for the second year with an even bigger presence at Rado Plage on the iconic Croisette. From June 19-23, SRMG is bringing together the leading names in media, tech and creativity for a series of panels, talks, workshops and live performances at the SRMG Beach Experience.

Over the course of five days, the SRMG Beach Experience will highlight the transformation and trends taking place in the creative and tech industries across the world through insightful conversations with the pioneers, entrepreneurs and executives from companies, such as Brut and TikTok. These leaders have created innovative platforms that have revolutionized the way the new generation consumes content.

The program will explore challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the media and creative industries, and how to leverage disruptive advertising technologies and tech solutions. The in-depth discussions will also feature the latest names defining popular culture, including TV star Mo Amer, and award-winning songwriter and rapper Belly.

Panels and talks with the industry’s top innovators will delve into the biggest trends and challenges impacting our industry and what this means for the future of the media industry. The panels will explore how AI will impact the future of the creativity, how film and entertainment can bridge cultures, how the music scene in MENA is rising, and an insightful discussion on how communities have the power to build world-class brands.

The SRMG Beach Experience will also feature immersive and interactive artificial intelligence and augmented reality activations for attendees from some of SRMG’s leading brands, including an Asharq Business with Bloomberg AI video booth that will put guests' reporting skills to the test. Asharq Al-Awsat will have an arcade game, where players will have to choose between real and fake news. Manga Arabia will utilize the latest AI face filter technology to allow guests to transform into their favourite characters, and HIA Magazine will bring the latest fashion trends to life through augmented reality.

Since launching its transformation strategy in 2021, SRMG has supported, empowered, and championed local and regional creative talents, and established partnerships with some of the largest global companies. Cannes Lions is widely recognized as the premier festival for the media and creative industries, and provides a global stage for SRMG to showcase how it is redefining the media landscape.

In 2022, SRMG’s participation at Cannes Lions represented the first MENA presence at the festival. There was significant interest from international companies to partner and collaborate with SRMG, which has led to several new agreements and initiatives. In 2023, SRMG has increased its presence to showcase its media and business portfolio on the global stage, partner with strategic and established brands, and elevate local and regional talent.

This year, SRMG also partnered with Cannes Lions to launch the first Saudi Young Lions competition. SRMG held a competition in Saudi Arabia to find the best young talent to compete in the global competition at Cannes.

“Nurturing young talent is an important aspect of our broader transformation strategy, and SRMG is focused on driving innovation and empowering the next generation of media leaders and content creators. We have partnered with global players to expand our portfolio and provide a stage to showcase our creative talent and stories to the world. This includes partnering with Cannes Lions to launch the first ever Saudi Young Lions competition, where the winners will represent Saudi Arabia at the Global Young Lions competition in Cannes.” said Jomana R. Al-Rashid, CEO of SRMG.

“Cannes Lions is the perfect environment to highlight the creative revolution taking place in the MENA region. This is why we are excited to use this year’s festival as a platform to announce the next major step in our growth and expansion strategy.”

The stellar line up of industry greats will be complimented each night with live performances. And on June 22, SRMG is transforming the beach for the second edition of MENA Night, featuring live performances from renowned singer Elyanna, known for her unique fusion of Latin and Middle Eastern sounds, and one of the most celebrated artists from the region DJ Rodge.

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Entertainment

‘We’re Still Standing’ King Charles Jokes with Elton John in Birthday Clip

Britain's King Charles and Elton John pose for a photograph in this photo taken at Apple Music Studios, where they were recording Elton John's Rocket Hour, in London, Britain, October 2026. (Courtesy Apple Music/Handout via Reuters)
Britain's King Charles and Elton John pose for a photograph in this photo taken at Apple Music Studios, where they were recording Elton John's Rocket Hour, in London, Britain, October 2026. (Courtesy Apple Music/Handout via Reuters)
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‘We’re Still Standing’ King Charles Jokes with Elton John in Birthday Clip

Britain's King Charles and Elton John pose for a photograph in this photo taken at Apple Music Studios, where they were recording Elton John's Rocket Hour, in London, Britain, October 2026. (Courtesy Apple Music/Handout via Reuters)
Britain's King Charles and Elton John pose for a photograph in this photo taken at Apple Music Studios, where they were recording Elton John's Rocket Hour, in London, Britain, October 2026. (Courtesy Apple Music/Handout via Reuters)

Britain's King Charles ‌joked that he and Elton John were "still standing" in a clip recorded for the singer's radio show which was aired on Saturday - the monarch's 78th birthday.

Charles had joined John for a special edition of the singer's "Elton John's Rocket Hour" on Apple Music to celebrate 50 years of The King's Trust and musicians who have supported his youth charity.

During the episode, which was first broadcast on Saturday ‌to coincide with the ‌king's birthday, the pair discussed ‌benefit concerts ⁠held in support ⁠of the Trust including a Rock Gala held at Wembley Arena in 1986 where John performed his hit "I'm Still Standing".

"I know people in all kinds of circumstances find this song inspiring, not only for its marvelous spirit, but also its message of ⁠resilience," Charles said. "And certainly 40 years ‌on from that remarkable ‌concert, we and the Trust are definitely still standing."

John, who ‌is 79, replied, "I'm still sitting now, though", prompting ‌laughs from the king.

"With occasional bits dropping off here and there," Charles said. "I know this is a terrible problem as we get older."

Both men have suffered ‌well-documented health problems in recent years, with the king still undergoing treatment for cancer ⁠and John ⁠suffering problems with his eyesight.

When he was the heir, Charles founded the Prince's Trust in 1976 using his Royal Navy severance pay to help disadvantaged young people prepare for work, find jobs or start businesses.

It was renamed the King's Trust after Charles became king in 2022 and the charity says it has supported more than 1 million young people since its launch.

John's Rocket Hour is a weekly show that has aired globally on Apple Music 1 since 2015.

Entertainment

Music World to Celebrate Newest Rock Hall Members Including Oasis, Wu-Tang Clan, Sade

Liam Gallagher, right, and Noel Gallagher pose for photographers upon arrival at the “Oasis: Don't Look Back In Anger” UK premiere in London, England, Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. (AP)
Liam Gallagher, right, and Noel Gallagher pose for photographers upon arrival at the “Oasis: Don't Look Back In Anger” UK premiere in London, England, Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. (AP)
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Music World to Celebrate Newest Rock Hall Members Including Oasis, Wu-Tang Clan, Sade

Liam Gallagher, right, and Noel Gallagher pose for photographers upon arrival at the “Oasis: Don't Look Back In Anger” UK premiere in London, England, Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. (AP)
Liam Gallagher, right, and Noel Gallagher pose for photographers upon arrival at the “Oasis: Don't Look Back In Anger” UK premiere in London, England, Monday, Sept. 7, 2026. (AP)

Music's A-listers will celebrate the newest group of luminaries entering the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Saturday -- though several of the inductees including Sade and Oasis have opted not to attend.

They join British rocker Billy Idol, rhapsodic hip-hop transformers Wu-Tang Clan, versatile rock star Phil Collins, English heavy metal band Iron Maiden, post-punk and electronic dance music renegades Joy Division/New Order and the velvet-voiced late Luther Vandross in the performer class of 2026.

The Cleveland-based Hall of Fame -- which surveyed more than 1,000 musicians, historians and industry members to choose the entrants -- will honor the acts in a star-studded gala concert on Saturday at Los Angeles's Peacock Theater.

But who will show up and who will perform remains iffy.

Often inductees perform themselves -- the evening can serve as a way to reunite the long estranged -- or fellow musicians take the stage to showcase an act's legacy.

Several of the 2026 artists have already said they'll skip.

Sade -- the group whose sensual, captivating rhythms have endured as fan favorites for decades with hits including "Smooth Operator" and "No Ordinary Love" -- said they were bowing out in a statement on their website.

"Sorry we can't be there in person to celebrate with the other artists. Please know that our absence takes nothing away from how much this recognition means to us," said the group, fronted by the singer Sade Adu.

Britpop's one-time feuding brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher of Oasis -- who recently announced a 2027 world tour -- also declined to make the trip.

Noel Gallagher is scheduled to perform solo in London. Liam Gallagher had previously voiced disdain for the institution, and earlier this week said in an X reply to a fan: "It's too far to be going for the night."

Iron Maiden said they will miss the ceremony as they're on tour in Australia.

- 'Tremendous honor' -

The two British rock bands Joy Division and New Order will get a rare joint induction. New Order formed from the ashes of Joy Division after the original group's lead singer, Ian Curtis, died in 1980.

New Order went on to pioneer the future of alternative dance, with signature tracks including "Blue Monday,True Faith" and "Bizarre Love Triangle."

But it's unclear which members will attend, or if New Order will perform.

Collins -- one of rock's great drummers, whose signature hits include "In the Air Tonight" and "Sussudio" -- has said health problems will keep him from taking the stage.

Staten Island's own Wu-Tang Clan -- the ragtag group of New Yorkers who paired raw production with streetwise rhymes and martial arts influences to create cinematic hip-hop that changed the game -- recently wrapped a tour they billed as their last.

The Clan -- known for songs like "C.R.E.A.M" and "Protect Ya Neck" -- doesn't always appear at events or even on tour as a full unit, but receiving an honor from the Rock Hall could be an apt moment for a reunion.

Ahead of Idol's induction, Los Angeles named Friday, November 13 as "Billy Idol Day," making it seemingly likely the rocker who came up in London's punk scene and put out radio hits including "Dancing With Myself" will attend Saturday's ceremony.

When his induction was announced, Idol called it "a tremendous honor."

Eligible nominees into the Rock Hall must have released their first commercial recording at least 25 years prior to being nominated.

The Rock Hall also inducts new members with awards doled out by committees.

Five artists will receive an "early influence" honor: Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, MC Lyte, Fela Kuti and Gram Parsons.

Entertainment

New Awards Show Celebrates AI Music and Its Creators

The words "AI Artificial Intelligence" and a keyboard in this illustration taken October 19, 2026. (Reuters)
The words "AI Artificial Intelligence" and a keyboard in this illustration taken October 19, 2026. (Reuters)
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New Awards Show Celebrates AI Music and Its Creators

The words "AI Artificial Intelligence" and a keyboard in this illustration taken October 19, 2026. (Reuters)
The words "AI Artificial Intelligence" and a keyboard in this illustration taken October 19, 2026. (Reuters)

And the award goes to ... AI music.

The first AI Music Awards ceremony in the US on Friday celebrated the people who created songs at least partly with AI, a field that has sparked criticism and lawsuits while also gaining millions of streams and landing on music charts.

At Friday’s event in downtown Los Angeles, human presenters and winners argued that artificial intelligence-created music should be viewed as part of a new genre that requires real-life artistry as well as hours of prompting to get the right sound.

"In a world ‌where everybody ‌calls AI fake, the human behind it is real," said ‌music ⁠producer Drake Murphy ⁠as he presented the award for best AI hip-hop song.

The night's top awards of AI artist, song and album of the year went to Xania Monet, an AI-generated avatar known for "How Was I Supposed to Know?" Billboard said the R&B song was the first by an AI-based act to earn a spot on one of its radio charts.

Monet was created by Telisha "Nikki" Jones, who said she wrote all of the lyrics and then ⁠set them to music with the help of AI.

"I just ‌feel like AI music is a new ‌thing that people just have to get used to," Jones said on the red carpet before ‌the ceremony. "I don't see it going anywhere anytime soon."

AI artists who are members ‌of the Sonic Intelligence Academy, a company that created AI music charts and tools to identify songs made with AI, chose the winners.

ARTISTS TOUT AI AS A CREATIVE TOOL DESPITE BACKLASH

While the presence of AI in music-making can be traced back to the 1950s, groundbreaking ‌advances in generative AI, with robots now making music as digital pop stars, have divided opinions in the industry.

Record labels have ⁠sued AI companies ⁠including Anthropic and OpenAI, arguing that they are illegally using copyrighted works to train their models. The Elvis Presley estate also filed a lawsuit.

The companies have said they are protected by the "fair use" doctrine in US copyright law that allows unlicensed use in some cases.

Musicians worry that AI-generated music blocks human artists from gaining traction and takes work from producers, singers, engineers and songwriters.

Many of Friday’s nominees said they had stories to tell but did not have all of the skills needed to put them to music. They said AI was a tool that helped bring the music to life and they hoped the awards would show people there are humans behind AI music.

“A lot of things we do behind the scenes is hard work, contrary to popular belief," said nominee J. Frequency. “Art is art, and I think this is just another expression of that.”