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Shakira’s video clip with Rihanna causes a wave of criticism
A new booming Duet will be released by the beginning of 2014!
Shakira Rihanna’s duet “Cannot Remember to Forget You” video clip has made its way online by causing a wave of criticism on social media in Colombia, labeling it as immoral and vulgar content.
Can’t Remember to Forget You
The video premiered on 30 January 2014 on Shakira’s Vevo profile on YouTube. It received more than 17.1 million views in the first 24 hours.
On 9 February 2014, the video reached 100 million views on Shakira’s Youtube channel, becoming Shakira’s eighth Vevo Certified music video.
As of November 2019, it has received over 1 billion views.
How people reacted to Shakira’s Video Clip with Rihanna?
Many channels and critics praised the song, such as MTV, the Guardian, Vibe, etc. However, some people in Colombia wanted to ban it from Columbians media channels for “immoral and vulgar” content.
How Columbians reacted?
Shakira is not only a regular singer for Columbians but also an influential advocate and philanthropist who has a foundation to help impoverished children in Colombia and has been a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.
Therefore, Bogota Councilman Marco Fidel Ramirez mentioned that she has a social responsibility not to repeat stereotypes of women in music. He argues that she doesn’t need sex to sell her albums precisely because of her talent and fame.
Other artists usually depict sex, smoking, or drinking in their music or videos; Ramirez said Shakira’s case is different because so many children look up to her.
In the offending video, Shakira does her trademark hip-shaking and gyrating but shares scenes in bed with Rihanna and smoking cigars.
Ramirez said the video should be banned from Colombian airwaves because the smoking and the touching in bed violate a law that prohibits broadcast material that damages the “moral integrity” of children.
“I found a video that contains images that, in my opinion, are not useful for the emotional growth and development of youths,” Ramirez told CNN en Español.
The councilman wrote a letter to Shakira, appealing to her role as a mother and asking her to remove the video from the Internet and to consider retracting the song altogether.
“I feel it promotes immorality,” he told CNN en Español.
Ramirez’s social media campaign against Shakira’s video clip
Ramirez took his campaign to social media, distributing a flier on Facebook and Twitter that warned that the video promotes smoking and lesbianism. (In his letter to the singer, Ramirez explains that he believes that a “normal” family comprises a man and a woman, and children).
How people reacted to Ramirez’s social media campaign against Shakira?
His comments were met with critics who accused him of censorship, but others supported his stance, saying the video goes too far.
“I think the message that Shakira is sending to the youth and children around the world is a message that sells a lifestyle and promotes a particular orientation that, in my opinion, does not reflect the views of most Colombians,” Ramirez said.
How did Shakira react?
However, Shakira has not responded to CNN’s requests for a response to the politician’s claims.
Is that an excuse for Shakira?
Shakira has confirmed she will no longer make music videos with men because her boyfriend Gerard Pique doesn’t “let” her.
In her Billboard cover story, Shakira said her soccer pro boyfriend—and father of her baby boy—is too “territorial” to let her do music videos with other men.
Is that an excuse for Shakira that explains the hypersexual “Can’t Remember To Forget You” video featuring Shakira and Rihanna grinding up on each other?
Lendo, a Saudi Arabia-based Shariah-compliant crowdlending marketplace, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today with J.P. Morgan to improve access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.
The MOU was signed during 24 Fintech, a premier fintech event that brings together industry leaders, innovators, and investors in Riyadh.
J.P. Morgan and Lendo are working together on potential opportunities to support the SME sector in Saudi Arabia in growing and sustaining the remarkable demand in this market.
“This strategic collaboration with J.P. Morgan, a pioneer in the financial industry, marks a significant milestone for Lendo,” said Osama Alraee, CEO and co-founder of Lendo. “By combining our strengths, we’ll deliver cutting-edge financial solutions to SMEs, supporting their growth and contributing directly to the realization of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.”
The SME financing landscape in MENA presents a substantial market opportunity as limited financial access continues to restrict the growth of the region’s businesses, with commercial banks hesitant to issue loans to SMEs at scale, resulting in a high percentage of declined financing requests annually.
The total SME financing gap in developing countries is estimated to be approximately $5.2 trillion, according to the International Finance Corporation (IFC).
Lendo’s debt crowdfunding platform aims to bridge the financing gap for SMEs, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal to significantly expand SME lending from 4% in 2018 to 20% by 2030.
According to the latest available report from the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), the total value of debt crowdfunding in Saudi Arabia surged from SAR 1.4 million in 2019 to SAR 771 million in 2022, marking a remarkable growth.
Lendo raised SAR 132 million ($35.2 million) in total funding from leading investors, including the most recent Series B led by Sanabil Investments, a wholly-owned company by the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
Since its inception in December 2019, Saudi fintech Lendo has processed over 5,000 financing transactions on its platform, providing over SAR 2 billion ($600 million) in financing to SMEs and generating SAR 280 million ($74 million) in returns for investors.
TA Telecom, a prominent player in the Middle East’s tech sector, has unveiled AnteThink, an AI-driven tool designed to enhance decision-making processes for individuals and businesses alike.
With a history of influencing the tech landscape through various initiatives, including advanced mobile solutions, high-volume payment platforms, and ventures in e-commerce, fintech, and analytics, TA Telecom has carved a niche for itself. Serving a vast user base of 40 million and processing an impressive 15 billion transactions across its platforms, TA Telecom has cemented its position as a tech industry leader, with some of its ventures achieving the status of Y Combinator companies.
Established in 2000, TA Telecom has emerged as a prominent player in the technology sector. With over 40 million users and processing 15 billion transactions annually, TA Telecom has made a notable impact. Recognized for its contributions by the Financial Times and featured on Deloitte’s list of fastest-growing tech companies in EMEA, TA Telecom is known for its adaptability and forward-thinking approach in the ever-evolving global tech landscape.
Sameh Ibrahim, CEO of TA Telecom, highlights the potential of AnteThink: “AnteThink reflects our commitment to leverage technology for practical impact. It aims to provide clarity and confidence in decision-making, whether in the professional or personal sphere. AnteThink is a tool that can empower startup founders, executives, and individuals to make more informed choices, alleviating the stress and uncertainty often associated with critical decision-making.”
Mostafa Ashour, CEO of Y Combinator-backed startup NowPay, shared his perspective on AnteThink: “AnteThink transformed our strategic planning, allowing us to explore various scenarios and prepare for different outcomes. It has strengthened our decision-making process, helping us navigate the complexities of the business landscape.”
AnteThink embodies TA Telecom’s commitment to innovation, focusing on supporting the startup ecosystem. The tool is tailored to help leaders and executives navigate the complexities of business management and strategic development by providing a clear picture of potential outcomes.
Key Features of AnteThink include:
1. Second Order Mode: Offering a comprehensive analysis of broader impacts, fostering a strategic mindset for long-term success.
2. Optionality Mode: Enabling detailed evaluation and comparison of different choices to ensure decisions align with strategic objectives and values.
3. Inversion Mode: Focusing on identifying and mitigating potential risks, thereby strengthening risk management strategies.
Credit: Antethink
AnteThink’s advanced AI technology aims to assist decision-makers with insightful analytics, offering guidance through the decision-making process.
Selina Bieber, the Senior Director of Global Markets at GoDaddy, has predicted a significant increase in Egypt’s e-commerce revenue. By 2028, it could reach $9.88 billion.
Godaddy is forming strategic partnerships and launching initiatives to help local entrepreneurs. These efforts align with Egypt’s digital transformation goals and its Vision 2030.
In an interview with the Arabic financial news “Amwal Al Ghad,” Bieber spoke about GoDaddy’s plans and how they match Egypt’s 2023 strategy. She highlighted the company’s aim to provide effective, easy-to-use digital tools and services. By 2024, GoDaddy wants to serve more customers in Egypt by making its digital tools more widespread.
The company is working closely with the Egyptian government, especially the Ministry of Planning. They are offering training programs to improve the digital skills of startups and existing businesses. GoDaddy’s services in Egypt include domain registration, web hosting, e-commerce solutions, and digital marketing tools.
Recent surveys support Bieber’s positive outlook for e-commerce in Egypt. They show a clear trend towards digital strategies among small businesses. Many are realizing the importance of having an online presence for their growth and success.
As GoDaddy continues its partnerships and supports government digital initiatives, its influence on Egypt’s digital landscape is growing. The company is committed to sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. It aims not just for business growth but also to contribute to a sustainable and thriving digital economy in Egypt.
The 2028 projection indicates a vast potential for e-commerce, with GoDaddy playing a key role in this digital evolution.
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