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Since its 2022 debut at Barclays Center, MetaMoon Music Festival has built itself up as a New York City stalwart for Asian entertainment and talent worldwide with concerts, industry panels, block parties, and more. At the top of 2025, MetaMoon is officially going global with its first overseas iteration.
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Billboard can exclusively reveal that MetaMoon in Dubai will take place this February in the United Arab Emirates’ Al Wasl Plaza – Expo City Dubai. Singer-songwriter-actor Henry Lau and Korea’s viral singer-rapper Lee Young Ji will headline the inaugural UAE fest. The festival rounds out its lineup with rising Japanese-American singer-songwriter mikah, 2024’s Red Bull Dance Your Style champion MT Pop of Vietnam, and DJ and radio veteran Poon from New York. Rapper and comedian MC Jin, who participated in the 2022 and 2023 MetaMoon events, will host the event.
Lau was last year’s MetaMoon headliner, where the former Super Junior member not only delivered his mix of pop and classical music but sat down for a career-focused fireside chat with SiriusXM’s Michael Tam as part of The Summit, which MetaMoon launched in partnership with the Roc Nation School of Music, Sports and Entertainment. “I’m just excited to share what I’ve learned,” the Berklee College of Music graduate told Billboard ahead of the fest. “I’ve gotten to an age where there are a lot of aspiring musicians, and I hope that my experiences can help give them a good idea of what to expect and what they need to work on in certain aspects.”
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Live Nation Middle East is promoting and producing MetaMoon in Dubai.
“Live Nation Middle East is proud to partner with MetaMoon to bring this unique celebration of Asian pop culture to Dubai,” said James Craven, President of Live Nation Middle East. “The UAE is a vibrant and diverse region and this event is a perfect reflection of the incredible cultural exchange we aim to foster through music and entertainment. We are thrilled to debut such an exceptional lineup of talent, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories for fans in the Middle East.”
After showcasing nearly two dozen different API stars, MetaMoon founder Grace Chen sees the overseas expansion as a considerable way to help spread Asian pop culture at large.
“Our partnership with Live Nation Middle East to bring MetaMoon to Dubai signifies our commitment to introducing Asian artists and pop culture to new fans while giving existing fans a chance to see their favorite artists live,” Chen said in a statement. “We are excited to be debuting an incredible lineup of Asian talent for their first appearances ever in the region and for what will be an entertaining evening for fans.”
Citing a growing Asian diaspora in the Middle East as well as increased interest in Asian pop culture in the region, MetaMoon in Dubai says it hopes to “bring a full fan experience to audiences in the Middle East in the coming years” in a press release.
Tickets for MetaMoon in Dubai go on sale Jan. 8, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Dubai time exclusively through LiveNation’s Middle East site and United Arab Emirates’ Ticketmaster site.
After BABYMONSTER spent 2024 solidifying their position as one the year’s standout K-pop rookie acts, the girl group is looking to extend their reach with fans worldwide during their first-ever world tour that the septet is preparing with a dynamic production to distinguish itself from other K-pop acts and showcase what truly makes them unique.
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Hot off the group’s Billboard 200 debut with their first full-length [Drip] splashed onto the charts in November, the stars tease a “vibrant setlist” featuring never-before-performed tracks from the LP alongside individual solo stages by members RUKA, PHARITA, ASA, AHYEON, RAMI, RORA, and CHIQUITA. Accompanied by a live band, the tour will rock major arenas like Los Angeles’ Kia Forum and the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ, to help cement their reputation as rising live-performance powerhouses. So far, BABYMONSTER has already wowed live audiences with standout appearances at K-pop award shows (a highlight of the year for RORA) and as special guests during dates of 2NE1‘s highly anticipated reunion tour across Asia (which “felt like a dream,” according to youngest member CHIQUITA).
Billboard caught up with the monster rookies to learn about the creative process behind their tour, the group’s favorite moments and tracks from last year, and New Year’s greetings and messages for their loyal fans — adorably known as MONSTIEZ.
Congratulations on announcing your first-ever world tour! What does it mean to you as a group that your first U.S. shows will be at iconic arenas like the Kia Forum and Prudential Center?
RUKA: We are honored and thrilled to be able to hold our first U.S. shows at such iconic arenas. We promise to deliver amazing, unforgettable performances that you’ll cherish for a lifetime, so please look forward to them!
The name is really fun, how did you decide on the name for your world tour? Is there a message you wanted to convey?
RAMI: was chosen with the idea of our first meeting with our fans in mind and the very first greeting we will share when we meet in person. We would like to extend a heartfelt first greeting through our music and performances. First meetings are always so exciting, which is why we are especially looking forward to the upcoming shows! This tour will be a chance for us to share our story with all of you and create special, unforgettable moments that will be cherished for years to come.
CHIQUITA: For the first time ever, we’re unveiling performances from our first full-length album, [DRIP], including solo stages and a vibrant setlist. We can’t wait to showcase not only the unique charms of our seven members but also the incredible synergy we share together.
The tour begins in Seoul in late January. What songs are you looking forward to performing for the most? And what should U.S. fans expect from your shows?
PHARITA: I’m so excited to perform songs we’ve never shared with our fans before! However, the song I always enjoy performing the most on stage is “BATTER UP (Remix)!”
ASA: Our U.S. fans will get to experience our vibrant performances and high-energy stages. We hope to create special moments with music and performances that showcase our unique style. Additionally, we look forward to connecting more closely with MONSTIEZ and sharing unforgettable moments together!
BABYMONSTER gained a lot of attention for the live “band” performances of your songs like “SHEESH” and “FOREVER.” I hope that means you’ll be touring with a live band in the U.S.?
AHYEON: We believe that a live band is the best way to capture the energy and atmosphere of the moment, so we’ve decided to perform every song with one! The rearrangements in each track will bring a fresh, new vibe while adding elements we hope you’ll find exciting and enjoyable.
Beyond the concerts, what are you looking forward to doing or experiencing in the LA or NY areas?
RAMI: I want to stroll, shop, and enjoy delicious food at my leisure while soaking up the sun on the streets of LA. In NY, I definitely want to visit Times Square!
Taking a step back, 2024 has been a monumental year for the group; what stands out as most memorable?
RORA: It’s definitely hard to choose just one, as there have been so many memorable moments! However, the most unforgettable moment for me was performing at the year-end annual music festival. It is both the most recent and the most memorable. It was my first time performing on such a big stage, and everything — from the newly arranged songs and choreography, to the stage and outfits — was perfect, making it such a fun performance.
One of my personal highlights was seeing BABYMONSTER perform as guests on 2NE1’s comeback concerts. What was your experience alongside such icons?
CHIQUITA: It was such an honor and felt like a dream to perform on stage at the 2NE1 concerts — seniors I’ve admired since I was young! Watching their amazing performances inspired me to improve and strive to do even better on our own stages in the future.
BABYMONSTER won several new-artist awards this year and was named K-Pop Rookie of the Month at Billboard. What do these titles mean to you and what more would you like to show moving forward?
RUKA: As we’ve been given the “Monster Rookie” title, we’ll continue to work hard, strive to show our growth, and always present new and different sides of ourselves.
The start of the year is often a time for goal setting. What dreams do you have for 2025, whether as a group or as individuals?
PHARITA: 2024 was filled with amazing opportunities and achievements. I’m so proud of all our members and I hope we continue to grow and stay healthy throughout our 2025 tour.
ASA: As a group, we hope to connect with more fans and share our music and performances with a wider audience on stages around the world. We also aim to continue challenging ourselves with new music styles and to showcase our growth. In 2025, we’ll work even harder to ensure we can share amazing moments together.
Billboard always shares its staff picks for the best songs of the year. What were each of your favorite songs from 2024?
RUKA: “Die With a Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
PHARITA: “Good Graces” by Sabrina Carpenter
ASA: “POWER” by G-DRAGON
AHYEON: “Soft Spot” by keshi
RAMI: It would have to be “toxic till the end” by ROSÉ! It’s one of the songs I listen to every single day because I love the melody and style so much!
RORA: “BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
CHIQUITA: “BILLIONAIRE” by BABYMONSTER
Any other messages you’d like to share with international fans and Billboard readers?
AHYEON: I hope everyone stays healthy and happy in the new year. We’ll work hard to make sure 2025 is a year where we can take another step forward and show even better versions of ourselves. Thank you, and wishing you all a happy new year.
RORA: First of all, kudos to everyone for all the hard work and dedication you’ve shown throughout 2024 — you’ve all been amazing! 2024 has been especially meaningful for BABYMONSTER, as it marked the beginning of our journey. We’ve worked incredibly hard, given it our all, and gained so many valuable experiences. I’m truly grateful to everyone who has supported us, and as the years go by, we promise to become stronger and even more incredible artists. Last but not least, we’d like to express our deepest gratitude to all the Billboard readers who love and support BABYMONSTER. Thank you so much!
The holiday season may be over, but the hits are just heating up on the ARIA Singles Chart.
As Christmas tracks retreat from their seasonal dominance, Rosé and Bruno Mars have reclaimed the crown with their smash hit “APT.,” catapulting from No. 8 back to No. 1 for an impressive eighth non-consecutive week on top. With holiday tunes swept off the charts, it’s time for pop’s biggest stars to shine again.
Gracie Abrams’ “That’s So True,” a former No. 1, leaps from No. 9 to No. 2, while Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ duet “Die With A Smile” ascends to No. 3 from No. 16. The track previously peaked at No. 2.
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Other notable singles include Billie Eilish’s “Birds of a Feather,” which jumps from No. 19 to No. 4 after topping the chart for two weeks in August, and Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” climbing from No. 18 to No. 5. The latter spent five weeks at No. 1 during July and August.
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Sydney indie-pop duo Royel Otis debut at No. 47 with “Linger (SiriusXM Session),” a fresh take on The Cranberries’ 1994 hit “Linger.”
The Cranberries’ original version became the band’s breakthrough single in the U.S., peaking at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 in May 1994 and stayed on the charts for 24 weeks. It remains one of their most iconic tracks, blending alternative rock with orchestral elements and highlighting Dolores O’Riordan’s ethereal vocals. Royel Otis’ 2024 album Pratts & Pain earned two ARIA Awards last November.
On the ARIA Albums Chart, Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet continues to dominate, securing its eighth non-consecutive week at No. 1. The album’s standout tracks “Espresso” and “Taste” return to the top 10, climbing to No. 8 and No. 10 respectively.
Ed Sheeran’s greatest hits compilation +–=÷× (Tour Collection) rises from No. 12 to No. 6, spurred by the release of a limited-edition vinyl. The album, which peaked at No. 4 in October, showcases six of Ed’s Australian No. 1 singles, including “Shape of You” and “Bad Habits.”
In July 2024, Ado kicked off her roughly three-month-long Profile of Mona Lisa tour with a performance at Osaka’s Osaka-jo Hall. On October 13, she ended the tour with a grand finale at Kanagawa’s K-Arena Yokohama.
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Opening for her at each show on the tour was Phantom Siita, an Ado-produced idol group whose concept is “retro horror.” Their unique performances made a tremendous impact on audiences.
2024 was an exceptionally busy year for Ado. She embarked on Wish, her first world tour, with 14 performances attended by a combined audience of over 70,000 people. Then there was Heart, two days of shows at Tokyo’s National Stadium attended by over 140,000 people. These were followed by the Profile of Mona Lisa tour.
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Ado’s stage performances are well-known for her performance from within a box, but her shows go beyond just her extraordinary voice. In her dance performances, she expresses a flurry of emotions—refined, manic, joyous. This dance is a defining part of Ado as an artist. The same was true for the October 13 show. Following the opening movie that played on the screen behind her, the box seamlessly rose from below the stage. Of course, Ado made her appearance in the box.
In her performances, Ado’s shouts and screams richly express the full range of negative emotions, such as anger, sadness, fear, disgust, pity, frustration, and jealousy. She began this show with “KokoroToIuNaNoFukakai,” a song written by her emotional rudder, utaite mafumafu. She poured out her emotions in the song’s shouts. The audience clapped along through “Backlight” and “Show,” a testament to the audience’s high expectations for Ado. Her voice, bigger than ever, and the lush backing band rose to meet and surpass those expectations. She effortlessly rapped the dense lyrics of “Fleeting Lullaby.” If anything, it seemed like Ado was seeking out new challenges to take on. In “Rebellion,” she turned the band mic towards the audience, and vocal effects adorned her voice on “Kagakushu.”
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The love ballad which began streaming in August 2021, “Aitakute” was featured in the film Kaguya-sama Final: Love Is War. At the time, Ado had yet to perform a solo show. Just as life experiences provide people with greater depth and impart a greater sense of persuasiveness to their words, the variety of emotions Ado has experienced since then gave her voice a more layered and solid feel—a reality that spoke straight to the heart. She playfully danced as she performed “Faking of Comedy” and then continued with the rhythmical “Hungry Nicole,” which she accented with cheerleader dancing and twists. Just like her unpredictable life, Ado always delivers fresh discoveries through her songs, presenting the audience with pure and unvarnished truth.
The focal point of the show was “RuLe,” which got the whole floor moving to the music. The moment the intro began, the audience erupted in cheers. It was immediately apparent that this was one of the moments the crowd had been waiting for. Although it was impossible to make out her facial expression from her silhouette, Ado sat on a chair in the box, suddenly breaking out in laughter, the very embodiment of someone who has achieved the mental state of transcendence. It was her most frenzied performance, as she swung her hair around and unleashed a sense of pent-up rage, almost palpable in every fiber of her being. Her voice, coming from deep within, was overwhelming, expressing various personalities. As the song ended, she stood atop the chair and then fell to the floor. This was no longer just a song, it was an overpowering theatrical performance that left the viewer so rapt that they dared not blink. Ado spoke to the audience, saying “I believe that if, by serving as a sidekick, my existence can help others, then I can come to love myself.” As she sang, her vocalizations were so powerful it was like she had transformed into a wild beast. She easily accomplished what no ordinary person could do. And, seeing that, the audience could not help but feel their own pent-up frustrations naturally dissolve, without singing a single note. As she had hoped, her voice shined a light for the audience, and one could not help but take off one’s hat to her exceptional skills, even when singing songs written by other artists.
In the second half of the show, the box grew larger, presenting Ado with a wider area in which to perform. In “I’m a Controversy,” “Kura Kura,” and “Chocolat Cadabra,” the audience sang along and clapped their hands, but what stood out in particular was the excitement with which the audience reacted to each of her challenging vocal performances. Ado proceeded to perform song after song that showed off her talents and elevated songs in a wide range of genres, such as the club music-inspired “Nukegara” and “Yoru No Pierrot (TeddyLoid Remix)” and the city pop “All Night Radio,” making them her own. “0” was the last song on Ado’s second album, Zanmu, which she released in July 2024, and it was clear from the audience’s reaction to the intro that “0” joined “RuLe” as another highlight of the show. These two songs have an underground feel, as if the songs don’t want to be discovered by the masses. They also feel like especially strong expressions of Ado’s emotions.
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In the encore, Ado showed the audience two faces that she had never revealed before. She performed “Hello Signals” and then “That Band” and “Himawari,” original songs by Kessoku Band, the rock band from the anime Bocchi the Rock! She followed this up with an updated arrangement of “Shoka,” the first song that she ever wrote and penned the lyrics for, back when she was 17 or 18, and she played her own guitar, which she got when she was just 13 years old.
“I keep moving forward and surpassing what I’ve done in the past so that one day I can come to love myself,” she said. During this voyage of coming to love herself, she has struggled with being judged based on surface-level interpretations, and she has found it hard to truly communicate her thoughts. Through her voyage, Ado shared, she has found the courage to discover her own will, her own essence, and what she truly wants to communicate. She compared this to Mona Lisa, a personage known by people around the world, but whose profile nobody knows. While she had once considered giving up playing the guitar, writing music, and crafting lyrics, she later came to want to express herself through her own music and words, showing people sides of herself that none had seen before. Even now, Ado takes on the challenges of her music while asking herself if this voyage, which she had believed in so deeply, was truly the right choice. Despite the tremendous changes around her, Ado’s roots remain unchanged. We can only hope that she will continue on her voyage.
On December 27 and 28, Ado played rescheduled shows in Nagoya International Exhibition Hall (Portmesse Nagoya), where she performed “Take Me to the Beach,” a collaboration with Imagine Dragons that began streaming worldwide on December 16.
Ado JAPAN TOUR 2024 Profile of Mona Lisa
Sunday, October 13, 2024
Kanagawa K-Arena Yokohama
1. KokoroToIuNaNoFukakai
2. Backlight
3. Show
4. Fleeting Lullaby
5. Rebellion
6. Kagakushu
7. Aitakute
8. Faking of Comedy
9. Hungry Nicole
10. MIRROR
11. RuLe
12. I’m a Controversy
13. Kura Kura
14. Chocolat Cadabra
15. Nukegara
16. Yoru No Pierrot (TeddyLoid Remix)
17. All Night Radio
18. Value
19. Tachiire Kinshi
20. 0
21. FREEDOM
ENCORE:
22. Hello Signals
23. That Band
24. Himawari
25. Shoka
—This article by Mio Komachi first appeared on Billboard Japan
Drake has shared his love for Australia ahead of his long-awaited return to the country for the Anita Max Win Tour, which will mark his first visit Down Under in eight years.
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During a recent Drizzmas Giveaway stream with Kick streamer Adin Ross, the rapper expressed his excitement for the tour while reflecting on his affection for the country. He then surprised fans with extravagant gifts, including two all-expenses-paid trips to see him live Down Under.
“It’s Australia—it’s a beautiful place. I hope everybody gets a chance to see it. It is stunning, the people are incredible. I remember one of my first experiences having a white wine at Bondi Beach, and I was just like, wow. It reminded me how big the world is,” Drake said.
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“Australia is one of the most incredible places on planet Earth. I’m so excited to be forward after eight years. I have a very, very special show for you.”
Later in the stream, the rapper also gave fans a sneak peek of his Australian accent, saying, “I can’t wait to see all my Australias. I’m keen, mate, easy as. I can’t wait to touch down, mate.”
The Anita Max Win Tour begins at Perth’s RAC Arena on Feb. 4, 2025, and runs through major cities including Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane before wrapping up in Auckland on March 1. Originally announced with just seven dates, the tour expanded to 13 shows due to overwhelming demand.
The tour title stems from a viral December 2023 livestream in which Drake debuted the alter ego Anita Max Win, a playful nod to gambling slang. Since his last Australian visit in 2017, Drake has released major projects, including Scorpion (2018), Certified Lover Boy (2021), Her Loss (2022), and For All The Dogs (2023).
During his Drizzmas Giveaway, Drake also surprised fans with gifts ranging from a G Wagon and three family cars to $250,000 for a struggling fan in debt and a year’s rent for two others.
Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” lighting up the ARIA Singles Chart.
The beloved holiday classic is back at No. 1 this week, continuing its reign as the ultimate festive anthem. Since its release in 1994, the track has evolved from a seasonal favorite to a chart-topping juggernaut, hitting No. 1 in Australia for the first time in 2018. This year marks its eighth cumulative week at the top, proving that Carey’s holiday magic never fades.
After a brief stint at No. 3 last week, the holiday hit once again nudged past Wham!’s “Last Christmas,” which landed at No. 2 and returning the chart every year since 2017. Joining the festive frenzy are Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” at No. 3, Bobby Helms’ “Jingle Bell Rock” at No. 4, and Ariana Grande’s “Santa Tell Me” at No. 5, completing a holiday-dominated top five.
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Meanwhile, over on the ARIA Albums Chart, Sabrina Carpenter’s breakout 2024 release, Short N’ Sweet, has reclaimed its spot at No. 1, marking the album’s seventh non-consecutive week in the top position and its first return since mid-October.
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Michael Bublé’s perennial favorite Christmas wasn’t far behind, soaring from No. 9 to No. 2 as Australians embrace his crooning holiday classics.
SZA’s SOS has also found a resurgence, climbing to No. 4 thanks to its deluxe “Lana” edition, which adds fresh tracks, including the fan-favorite “Saturn.” Originally released in December 2022, SOS first reached No. 1 in early 2023 and has proven to have staying power, much like the holiday hits it’s sharing the charts with this week.
While Christmas classics dominate the singles chart, Carpenter’s Short N’ Sweet has shown incredible staying power amidst the festive flurry.
As for Mariah Carey, her holiday dominance continues worldwide. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” has also returned to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 this month, adding to its cumulative 13 weeks at No. 1. The festive anthem shows no signs of slowing down, much like the joy it brings to listeners year after year.
Japanese singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze released a concert Blu-ray & CD called Fujii Kaze Stadium Live “Feelin’ Good” featuring his biggest solo headlining shows so far by the same name that took place at Nissan Stadium in Kanagawa, Japan on Aug. 24 and 25.
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About 140,000 fans flocked to see the shows over the two days that vividly conveyed Fujii’s magnetism as an artist — exceptional musicianship, outstanding entertainer’s spirit, a laid-back, natural presence that makes you forget you’re seeing him in a stadium setting, and a loving mind that looks out for each person in the audience. This writer also attended one of the shows and the two-hour set was an experience that left a lingering sense of euphoria.
The package delves deeply into the concert experience from various angles. Those who went to the shows will be able to relive the excitement, and for those not familiar with Fujii Kaze will be able to understand why he is loved by so many.
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The Blu-ray is a two-disc set, with Disc 1 containing live footage compiled mainly from the show on Aug. 25. Kento Yamada, a filmmaker who also directed the show itself, helmed the visuals for the concert film as well. Disc 2 contains the approx. 70-minute Feelin’ Good (Documentary) film, which shows fans the behind-the-scenes of the shows. This doc directed by filmmaker Elizabeth Miyaji contains a new interview of the 27-year-old musician, who speaks candidly about the concept of the shows and his thoughts on the project. The CD contains 16 tracks personally selected by the singer himself. The following are some highlights from the visual and audio discs.
The concerts were full of various gimmicks and stage effects, and by capturing them on video, they become easier to understand and enjoy. The show kicks off with Fujii suddenly appearing in the stands. As cheers break out, he slowly walks down the stairs near the audience and heads for the grand piano placed on the grass in the center of the arena. The camera also highlights the genuine expressions of surprise and joy on the audience members’ faces.
The impressive stage set was like a theme park with a stairway, bridge, and garage covered with vegetation. Based on Fujii’s desire to create something that evokes a sense of nature, Yamada meticulously crafted the set down to the smallest details, including the texture of the soil and the small objects inside the garage. The huge LED screen behind the stage displayed images like city and sky, designed to help create the impression of a single world when fused with the layout onstage.
The dancers’ performances were also notable. In particular, the multi-talented artist and his dancers performed choreography that was perfectly in sync for “Kirari” and “Kiri Ga Naikara” in the middle of the show. While Fujii is well-known for singing along to his own virtuoso accompaniment on the piano, his dance performances also showcase his star power.
The “Nan-Nan” hitmaker says in the documentary that the keyword for this show is “youth” (seishun). Sharing the fresh energy of youth with the 70,000 people in the stadium, with live renditions of “Seishun Sick,” sung while swaying with his dancers arm-around-shoulder, and an 8-beat punk rock version of “Tabiji,” was also one of the highlights of the concert.
While the respective visual projects on the Blu-ray discs are quite close to perfection, the recording on the CD allows fans to enjoy the you-are-there vibe of the show. The band members consist of Yaffle on keyboards, who also serves as band master, TAIKING from Suchmos on guitar, Naoki Kobayashi on bass, Norihide Saji on drums, Takashi Fukuoka on percussion, and ARIWA from ASOUND and Emoh Les on backing vocals. The funky, danceable beat of “MO-EH-YO (Ignite)” and the rich harmonies of “Shinunoga E-Wa” are just some of the highlights of the live arrangements.
Looking back over this past year, Fujii took on many challenges and overcame them all. From May to June, he traveled to North America for his first solo headlining trek in the region called Fujii Kaze and the Piano U.S. Tour, selling out both shows in Los Angeles and New York. From October to December, he visited 10 cities in Asia and performed in arenas for his Best of Fujii Kaze 2020-2024 ASIA TOUR, which also ended on a high note.
Fujii released only two new songs in 2024 — “Michi Teyu Ku (Overflowing),” the theme song for Tomokazu Yamada’s first feature film April Come She Will that became his fifth track to rack up 100 million streams in Japan, and the A. G. Cook-produced “Feelin’ Go(o)d,” released in July — but appears to be actively working on other tracks. The stadium concerts and arena tour were like a culmination of Fujii’s career to date, and fans are looking forward to experiencing his new mode of expression in the coming year.
This article by Tomonori Shiba first appeared on Billboard Japan. Fujii Kaze is stylized in Japanese order, surname first.
Yoshida Yasei’s “Override” easily took the top position in the Niconico VOCALOID SONGS TOP20 of 2024, announced by Billboard Japan on December 6. The song, which came out in November 2023, generated buzz thanks to its MAD or remix videos. Billboard Japan talked to Yoshida Yasei about how he felt about the success of the song.
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What led to “Override” racking up the views it did and becoming such a massive hit?
Yoshida Yasei: Of all the songs I’ve released so far, “Override” had the fastest growth immediately after release. I thought that it had the potential to surpass “Laughin’,” which was my most famous song at the time. Then the number of plays started rising even faster at the start of this year, from around January 7. I was looking at the analytics info on Niconico and YouTube, and thinking, “Huh? Something’s going on here.”
So you started to notice the memes.
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Yoshida Yasei: From around December, people started to create “Override” music remix videos, so I had this feeling that a derivative work boom might be coming on. The sudden increase in the number of remix videos at the start of the year caused the number of plays to rocket upward, and the buzz became a reality.
After that, “Override” took the top position in the Niconico VOCALOID SONGS TOP20 for the first half of 2024, announced on June 7, and then in the Niconico VOCALOID SONGS TOP20 for 2024. Honestly, how did that make you feel?
Yoshida Yasei: I was very happy. It felt like my song had become part of the culture. I thought that, given the amount of growth, this was a song that would live on in Vocaloid history. You know how on X (formerly Twitter), there are those posts that are like “Do you know this song?” and they have images of famous songs from each year? I was excited by the idea that “Override” would be used on one of those posts. It would be an honor to have one of my own songs included among all the distinguished famous songs on those lists.
Looking at the lyrics, there’s a line that goes “It seems that a life of struggle, taking it to your very limits, is even crazier than what I’d imagined.” This feels, to me, like a very direct expression of frantic frustration.
Yoshida Yasei: I made “Override” last October, over a year after leaving my previous work. At the time, I was truly desperate. “Override” was a song created by the physical embodiment of desperation. But, after the release, the song became a hit and I experienced being able to make a living from music. That gave me this tremendous sense of stability. The creation process was impulsive, so I didn’t really struggle with the melody that much. On the other hand, I did have to think deeply when I was writing the lyrics. Because of that, I have a lot of emotional investment in the song.
So you worked through the difficult progress of writing the lyrics, but than people focused on the catchy melody and the distinctive choreography of the animated music video. They started meme-ing off them, which generated buzz. How does that make you feel?
Yoshida Yasei: When I first started out as a Vocaloid producer, I wanted to make songs that led to the creation of a lot of derivative works and music video remixes. So, setting aside the issue of whether or not people’s creations matched the lyrics, I was happy about the whole phenomenon. I was watching like, “Huh, so this is another way things become popular. That’s pretty interesting.”
The title “Override” is an IT term that refers to disregarding settings, properties, and the like and using different ones instead, right?
Yoshida Yasei: Right. Once I’d decided on the title “Override,” I wrote lyrics that matched that aesthetic. Back when I was writing programs, I had this vague feeling that “life is all functions.”
A function?
Yoshida Yasei: Yes. A function is a system where you input something and the system outputs something else. In our lives, it’s like our birth supplies the input conditions and our death is the output of the function. Everything that happens in our lives—every event and every outcome—are a series of causes and effects. There are a countless number of these functions, chained together, so each person is like a program. I think some of those functions work against us. For example, your cultural capital differs depending on whether or not you were born in Tokyo. There are also functions that block access to things because of your bad luck. That’s where the concept of “Override” comes from. Overriding is like using a function with the same name to perform completely different operations. I think you can override these programs if you make enough of an effort, though.
I see.
Yoshida Yasei: I moved to Tokyo from Hokkaido last June. “Override” has the frantic frustration that I felt before I came to Tokyo and before “Override” became a hit. Living out in countryside, you face this downward spiral of “I don’t have access to this and I don’t have access to that.” By coming to Tokyo, I wanted to break this cycle. In other words, I wanted to overwrite the function that said “Input: You live in the countryside → Output: You have no access” with one that said “Input: You live in Tokyo → Output: You have access.” But, to be honest, when I had just moved, I was still in the same desperate situation I had been in before moving.
You uploaded “Override” last November, and then the number of plays started skyrocketing. Although it did take a little time after coming Tokyo, it feels like you really did “override” your life.
Yoshida Yasei: Indeed. Perhaps I overrode my fate.
The chorus to “Override” has a very distinctive choreography that has quite a visual impact, so there are tons of people copying it. Where did that choreography come from?
Yoshida Yasei: From the start, I had this mental image of meme-like movement, so I talked with illustrator Sisia, going into a lot of detail about what I wanted, like “I want an illustration like this” or “I want to keep this material separate from that material.” Sisia worked on the illustrations without knowing what the completed video would be like. I provided a lot of detail about the little jokes to be included and the way the art should look, and I’m really thankful about what wonderful illustrations they created.
It sounds like you had a perfect balance of lyrical urgency and humor, which is what led to “Override” becoming the hit it’s become.
Yoshida Yasei: Tongue-in-cheek memes were just right for balancing out the barbed lyrics, making it more joke-like. The music itself also has a light feel, but the sharp lyrics fit in smoothly. I feel like there was just this miraculous balance of different elements. I don’t think “Override” would have had the same feel if it were missing the memes or if the melody were different.
Another thing that stood out is that after you uploaded the song, both in the comments on your own video and on X (formerly Twitter), you were actively encouraging people to make derivative works.
Yoshida Yasei: I simply wanted there to be more derivative works, so I provided materials people could use and I shared works they made. It also felt a little like an experiment: “What would happen if a creator were actively involved in derivative works?” Ultimately, that generated buzz, and, like when the song broke the record for consecutive weeks in the charts, I was like “Oh, so this is how the story turns out.” As always, I looked at the whole thing from a third person perspective (laughs).
2024 was a year of overriding for you yourself, and it’s also the year in which “Override” carved its name in the Vocaloid charts. How do you feel looking back on this past year, in which “Override” led to so much creation?
Yoshida Yasei: I experienced a lot of things this year that I’d never even imagined before. It was a year of major change for me. I was even surprised about how making new connections and meeting new people changed. So I really haven’t fully gotten my head around this year of tremendous change. In 2025, I hope to look back on my social media and photographs and gradually make some order out of all of it.
—This interview by Mio Komachi first appeared on Billboard Japan
Rosé & Bruno Mars’ “APT.” returns to No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, on the chart released Dec. 25, logging its fourth week atop the tally.
Compared to last week, the global hit shows signs of slowing down with streams and radio airplay down to 96% and 44%, respectively, but downloads gained (101%) and video views are also up slightly. The track comes in at No. 1 for downloads and streaming, No. 2 for video, No. 20 for radio, and No. 42 for karaoke this week. “APT.” has also led Billboard’s Global 200 for nine consecutive weeks.
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Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s “Lilac” rises 4-2. Downloads for the Oblivion Battery opener are up to 131% week-over-week, streaming to 105%, video to 104%, and karaoke to 104%.
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Aqours’ “Eikyu hours” debuts at No. 3. This is the title track off the single containing the theme song for the group’s last headlining concert with all nine members, called Love Live! Sunshine!! Aquours Finale LoveLive! Eikyu Stage, set for June 2025. The CD launched with 179,390 copies to hit No. 1 for sales, and the song also comes in at No. 82 for downloads and No. 41 for radio.
Creepy Nuts’ “Otonoke” rises two notches to No. 4, and Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s “Bitter Vacances” holds at No. 5. Also, a wide range of Christmas favorites have also returned to the chart in droves this week, with back number’s “Christmas Song” climbing 7-6, Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” jumping 30-19, and Keisuke Kuwata’s “White Love” moving 48-32.
The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data.
See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, tallying the week from Dec. 16 to 22, here. For more on Japanese music and charts, visit Billboard Japan’s English X account.
With a career spanning over four decades, Abdul Majeed Abdullah has become a cornerstone of Arabic music, and his influence shows no signs of fading. Revered as “The Prince of Tarab,” Abdullah continues to captivate audiences with his unparalleled artistry, bridging generations and defining the sound of Khaleeji music while shaping the broader Arabic music landscape.
For Abdullah, 2024 was yet another landmark year, as the inaugural Billboard Arabia Music Awards in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, honored the iconic artist with multiple awards. At this groundbreaking event — a milestone for the region that took place at King Fahad Cultural Center on Dec. 11 — he received artist of the year in the Khaleeji dialect genre and top male artist in the Khaleeji dialect, alongside a prestigious lifetime achievement award, which recognized his profound and lasting impact on the Arab music world and on Khaleeji music in particular.
The ceremony celebrated the rich diversity of Arabic music, showcasing a wide array of subgenres, including the winners from Billboard Arabia’s various dialect charts: Khaleeji, Egyptian, Moroccan and Levantine. The awards also highlighted distinctive local cultural genres such as Mahraganat, a progressive and energetic contemporary iteration of Egyptian shaabi (popular folk) music, and Shelat, an evolving genre that has transformed from a poetic tribal chant to drive a new wave of Khaleeji music. In addition, the event spotlighted the dynamic rise of Arabic hip-hop and Arabic indie sounds, where global musical influences merge seamlessly with Arabic lyricism, creating a vibrant fusion of styles that reflects the evolving regional landscape. Sherine Abdel Wahab, recognized as a Global Force honoree at Billboard’s Women in Music event in March, was named artist of the year at the Billboard Arabia Music Awards.
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Since the launch of the Billboard Arabia charts in December 2023, Abdullah has consistently appeared on both the Billboard Arabia Hot 100 and Billboard Arabia Artist 100 charts. His track “Ya Ibn Al Awadam” from the 2021 album Aam Mouazy marked his debut on the charts, where it remained for nine weeks. Later in the year, he returned to the charts with songs from his latest album, including “Haki Wajid” and “Ya Meniti,” and with his pre-album single, “Lak Saqni Al Rab.” Throughout 2024, his presence on the Artist 100 chart was particularly remarkable: He only missed one week on the list, underscoring his enduring popularity and influence, and cementing him as the artist for Billboard Arabia to spotlight for this year’s Global No. 1s series.
With the launch of Billboard Arabia’s subgenre charts in August, which featured various musical genres and dialects, Abdullah quickly emerged as the dominant force in the Khaleeji category. He made an impressive debut, securing 11 songs on the Top 50 Khaleeji dialect chart in its first week. His record peaked at 12 songs in a single week, and throughout the year, the number of his songs on the list never dropped below seven — remarkable consistency and dominance that earned him the artist of the year - Khaleeji dialect award in 2024.
It’s noteworthy that Abdullah’s songs featured on Billboard Arabia’s Top 50 Khaleeji chart span four different decades. His track “Sahit Jamra,” from the 1990s, made an appearance, as well as “Insan Akthar” from the early 2000s. Additionally, his song “Ruh Al-Ruh” from the 2010s, along with multiple tracks from his album A Parallel World and his latest release, reflect his continued relevance and influence in the current decade. Meanwhile, Abdullah’s recognition with the inaugural lifetime achievement award honored his extraordinary career and lasting impact on the Khaleeji and Arabic music landscape. Over the past four decades, he has remained influential, continuously releasing music and performing to sold-out audiences. His most recent album, Abdul Majeed Abdullah 2024, further cemented his legacy, achieving widespread popularity and showcasing his ability to innovate within his genre. The honor celebrated Abdullah not only for his artistic excellence but also for his profound and enduring influence on the cultural consciousness of the Arab world.