Grammy Award winner John Mayer performed in Mumbai as he made his India debut on February 11, a few weeks after he was originally scheduled to perform in the country for the first time ever. While his performance was simply mesmerising, Mayer, who interacted with the crowd during his performance, was his goofy self in so many different ways, that he kept fans engaged throughout his 90 minute set, but not without appreciating Mumbaikars. Among the many aspects, he complimented Mumbai men for their haircuts, saying, "Men, your haircuts are fantastic. I've never seen more care, and talent, and skill put into the fade, and softness, and I want to run my hand through all of your hair, you're gorgeous. Suddenly, I feel like I don't have anything going on here." It was only one of the many wisecracks he had during the performance, that started with some of his biggest hits that included songs like 'Slow Dancing In A Burning Room', continue with 'Love On The Weekend', and ended with 'Gravity'. Hoping to return soon, Mayer also apologised to all fans who couldn't make it to the performance, produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, on the rescheduled date.
12 February,2026 02:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoNearly 45 per cent of core skills are projected to change by 2030 and India will need 3.2 million additional green skilled workers by then, a report said on Wednesday. The report from KPMG in India and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said the current MSME talent landscape is characterised by fragmented skill levels, limited formal skilling exposure, and varying degrees of digital readiness. Only about 10 per cent of the MSME workforce have formal vocational training and nearly 69 per cent of MSMEs struggle to source skilled talent, the report said. The report outlined how India’s MSMEs can build digitally fluent, AI enabled and green ready talent to remain competitive. India's MSME sector employs 32.84 crore people and contributes 30.1 per cent of GDP and is at a defining moment where talent will determine long term resilience and growth, it added. Each MSME worker delivers only 14 per cent of the productivity of a large enterprise worker, pointing out huge room for growth in India's MSME sector. The future of MSME work will be shaped by the twin transition and AI adoption, moving work from manual tasks to human–machine collaboration. The report outlined six strategic imperatives such as building an AI ready workforce, apprenticeships aligned with digital tools, skills first hiring, ONDC led digital market access, cluster based skill ecosystems, and inclusive talent practices driving transition readiness. "AI will change how MSMEs operate, but skills will determine whether it creates advantage or risk. The twin transition demands a digitally fluent, sustainability aware workforce ready to innovate at speed", said Sunit Sinha, Partner and Head, Human Capital Advisory, KPMG in India. Naveen Aggarwal, office managing partner, Delhi-NCR, KPMG in India called MSMEs the heartbeat of India's economic ambition, adding that the next wave of growth will be led by those that invest in high value talent and governed capability. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
12 February,2026 12:59 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSGoa hosted the first-ever tropical edition of Casa Bacardi on February 7-8, offering people across the globe a two-day blend of music, art, and interactive experiences. The highly anticipated music festival at W Goa featured multiple stages, with performances ranging from sunlit afternoon sets to late-night electronic and Afrobeat sessions. Artists from India and abroad, including ARTBAT, Da Capo, Sistek, Kilimanjaro, Lifafa, TechPanda x Kenzani, Anyasa, and Onfaya, performed across three stages – Treehouse, Rockpool, and Cave. While the main attraction of the event was ARTBAT, the other artists at different stages made the people groove to their tunes. The Afro-inspired electronic music was a notable highlight, reflecting growing trends among young audiences in India. Expressing her views on the experience, Bacardi marketing director Goodies Narayanan emphasised, “Casa Bacardi in Goa truly brought the philosophy of ‘Do What Moves You’ to life. The inaugural edition of this festival was about evolving with the people.” Casa Bacardi was more than music The atmosphere in W Goa was not just about good music; the event included workshops and participatory experiences such as mixology sessions, drum circles, Afro Kizomba dance classes, light-painting photography, and DIY decor activities that made the festival an amazing experience. While the attendees also engaged with curated bar spaces from international and local bars, the Caribbean-inspired cocktails took the experience to a whole new level. Highlight of the festival While Goa is widely celebrated for its breathtaking beachside sunsets, the Casa Bacardi festival took the experience to a whole new level during the much-anticipated sundowner session. Attendees were treated to electrifying sets by DJ Sistek, perfectly timed with the golden hours, creating moments that had everyone dancing and soaking in the atmosphere and making memories that last forever. The festival successfully blended Goa’s natural charm with high-energy entertainment, proving once again why the region is a top destination for both relaxation and revelry. While the Casa Bacardi’s Tropical Edition this year in Goa aimed to offer a more intimate and expressive experience for attendees, it also set the tone for a new kind of cultural experience reimagined for young India that is more intimate, expressive, and deeply rooted in shared moments that truly move them.
12 February,2026 09:41 AM IST | Goa | mid-day online correspondentAfter setting global streaming platforms on fire and redefining Middle Eastern hip-hop for a new generation, breakout rap phenomenon Flipperachi is all set to perform in India in Mumbai for the very first time on March 13 at Phoenix Marketcity. The show, produced and promoted by Eva Live and Zee Live, marks a major milestone in Flipperachi’s rapidly expanding global ascent. Mumbai, long hailed as India’s entertainment capital, is now set to witness his explosive live energy for the very first time. The concert promises an immersive live experience, combining Flipperachi’s signature sound with high-octane visuals and crowd-driven moments that have become a hallmark of his shows worldwide. Flipperachi continues to bridge global hip-hop cultures, positioning himself as one of the most influential new artists on the international circuit today. He rose to worldwide prominence with his viral hit ‘FA9LA’ and later featured in the Bollywood film Dhurandhar has emerged as one of the most exciting new voices in contemporary rap. Known for his raw lyricism, genre-blending sound, and unapologetic storytelling, the Bahraini rapper has built a massive international fanbase that cuts across cultures, languages and borders. Flipperachi states, “India has shown me incredible love, and Mumbai is a city I’ve always wanted to perform in. The energy, the people, the culture it all feels very familiar. This show is going to be loud, emotional and unforgettable. Mumbai, get ready!” Deepak Choudhary, founder and managing director, EVA Live states, “Flipperachi is not just an artist but a movement. His rise has been completely organic, driven by authenticity and a deep connection with fans. Bringing his debut show to Mumbai was a no-brainer for us. This city understands global music, and we’re thrilled to present a show that reflects where hip-hop is headed next.” Aside from Mumbai, Flipperachi is only confirmed to perform in Bengaluru on March 14 at the UN40 Music Festival. This makes his Mumbai appearance highly anticipated, expected to draw fans from across the city and beyond, and positions it as one of the must-see hip-hop events of the season. The exclusive presale will commence on February 14 at 12 noon and conclude on February 16 at 12 noon. This will be followed by another presale, starting on February 16 at 12:30 pm and ending on February 19 at 12 noon. General ticket sales will go live shortly thereafter on February 19 from 12:30 pm onwards. Tickets are exclusively available on District by Zomato.
11 February,2026 04:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGerman DJ and record producer Klangkuenstler is set to make an exclusive one-night-only Outworld debut this June at NSCI Dome in Mumbai's Worli. Rooted in Berlin’s underground club culture, his sound is unapologetically raw, driven by relentless kick drums, industrial textures and hypnotic repetition. What sets him apart is his commitment to emotion over polish, crafting tracks that feel visceral, intense and purpose-built for dark dance floors. One of the most defining names in contemporary techno, Michael Korb, professionally, Klangkuenstler has carved a global reputation for his soundscapes and high-octane live sets that blur the lines between underground grit and mainstage energy. Known for his relentless BPMs, hypnotic grooves and uncompromising sonic identity, the Berlin-based artist has become a cult favourite across Europe’s most iconic clubs and festivals. With viral tracks like ‘Toter Schmetterling’, ‘Ihr Werdet Weinen’ and ‘Weltschmerz’, Klangkuenstler has amassed millions of streams worldwide and dominated dance floors to major festival stages. His explosive Boiler Room performances and consistently sold-out headline shows have positioned him as a leading force in the global hard techno movement, redefining the genre for a new generation of ravers. Speaking about his first-ever own production in India, Klangkuenstler said, "I feel a special connection to India since my first gig there in 2024. The energy, the curiosity for this music and how passionate the people are, is amazing. I got so many messages from people asking to bring Outworld, now we got the right location for it and Sunburn feels like the perfect partner to translate my vision and the Outworld production in India." For Sunburn, the show marks yet another milestone in its journey of introducing cutting-edge global electronic talent to Indian audiences. Karan Singh, CEO, Sunburn, shared, “India’s electronic music audience has evolved rapidly and there’s a growing appetite for deeper, harder and more authentic sounds. Klangkuenstler’s debut is a reflection of that shift. This show isn’t just about bringing a global techno heavyweight to India, but also recognising where the culture is headed and giving fans access to experiences that feel truly world-class.” The Mumbai debut promises to translate that intensity into a fully realised production experience bringing the Outworld showcase, Klangkuenstler’s creative universe, to life. The space will transform into a living infrastructure of architecture, light and visual narrative designed to be a 360 degree immersive experience, where Klangkuenstler’s raw, uncompromising techno is amplified until it becomes a sonic ecosystem designed to merge with the landscape. Outworld has established itself as one of the most recognisable conceptual formats within today’s scene, both for its musical approach, narrative progression and sustained energy and for its way of treating space, light and sound as a single expressive system. Tickets will go live on February 11 at 11:30 pm exclusively on BookMyShow.
11 February,2026 04:03 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentGlobally loved electronic artist Jimi Jules to India will perform in India this February with a special three-city Innervisions India Tour across Bengaluru, Goa, and Mumbai. Known for his soulful, genre-blending sound that moves between groove, analog textures, and hypnotic techno, Jimi Jules is a core artist on the iconic Innervisions label and is celebrated for sets that feel immersive, emotional, and story-driven rather than conventional DJ performances. The tour, produced by Bastian Experience, along with Rebel Alliance and Submerge, brings together destination-led venues, forward-thinking music curation, and India’s leading touring platform to create intimate, listening-first dancefloor experiences and day-to-night musical journeys. More than just a tour, it reflects how India’s electronic music scene continues to grow and connect with the global underground, placing the country firmly on the international touring circuit. Tour dates and venuesBastian Garden City, Bengaluru - February 13Bastian Riviera, Goa - February 14Bastian Beach Club, Mumbai - February 15
11 February,2026 03:48 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAmerican singer-songwriter John Mayer is all set to perform in Mumbai later this evening, and clearly the excitement is palpable, not only among fans but also for the singer himself. In a post on social media, he has been busy posting about the countdown. Taking to Instagram with a video of sound check, he said, "See you tonight, Mumbai!" The story comes a day after he posted, "Soundcheck in Mumbai, India. See you tomorrow night." The seven-time Grammy Award-winning musician is performing in India for the very first time, in Mumbai at Mahalaxmi Racecourse. While he was earlier scheduled to perform on January 22, it was later re-scheduled to February 11, coinciding with the Valentine's Week, and leading up to Valentine's Day. Mayer is known for many hits including 'Your Body Is Wonderland', 'Gravity', 'Dear Marie' and more that he will play at the concert titled 'John Mayer Solo', produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live.
11 February,2026 01:49 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRenowned singer Lucky Ali, who has completed three decades in the music industry, is humbled by all the love he has received in his career, which he considers a gift that, he says, he didn't necessarily deserve. Ali, known for hits such as "Gori Teri Aankhein Kahen", "Teri Yaad Jab Aati Hai", and Bollywood tracks "Na Tum Jaano Na Hum", "Ek Pal Ka Jeena" and "Jaane Kya Dhoondta Hai", is back with his signature soulful style with his latest single, "Tu Jaane Hai Kahan", which is produced under the Tips music banner. "I feel grateful to the Almighty that I've had this opportunity and the response that I've received continuously over all these decades. I don't think I deserve this. I feel it's a gift that was given and I respect it. And that's what I've done all this time. I've not abused my career in any way. It's the greatness of the people who give you that love. You don't go expecting, 'Oh, love me'," Ali told PTI in a virtual interview. The singer said he is aware that the love and success that he has garnered over the years is not permanent. "I feel that nothing is permanent (and) at some point, it will stop. I'm happy for that. I'm not holding on to that. I look forward to those changes whenever they come. I think they're happening now as we age and go further into trying to identify what is it that makes it tick for us. "After all the fame and all the success, there's still something in me that feels like I need to find or look for that, which maybe could be a piece that I seek away from all the noise." Ali began his journey in 1996 with his album, "Sunoh", featuring his iconic track "O Sanam" and established him as a leading figure in Indi-pop. When asked about his unconventional start with Indi-pop rather than mainstream film music, Ali candidly replied, "Yeah, because I'm not a singer-singer. I knew that I don't have a career in the film industry. I didn't want to sing for anyone." "I didn't have a career (in movies) because I'm not a singer. I just sing for myself. I don't sing as a director. I don't do 'gayaki'. Whatever work I did was more internal. At some point, I felt that I need to express this and that's how the albums came about," he added. For Ali, music serves as a vital means of communication, a way to connect with others. "It's a means of communication to the other person; it's a means to be heard by people who understand the same language. That's what music is to me, it's a communication, it's a language." Ali said his new song reflects his personal struggles and confusions. "I knew I had to speak about what I was feeling because that was the best way to express it... Whatever you hold up inside, you don't say it and then it happens in a song. It's kind of like a relief," he said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
09 February,2026 04:35 PM IST | Mumbai | PTISinger-songwriter and actor Coco Jones opened the 2026 Super Bowl with a showstopping tribute to Whitney Houston, performing a soulful rendition of 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' ahead of the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks taking the field at Levi's Stadium, according to E! News. The 28-year-old singer and actress, known for her role in Bel-Air, paid homage to Houston's iconic 1991 Super Bowl performance of the 'Star Spangled Banner' with her showstopping look. She stepped out in a white, cropped zip-up athletic jacket adorned with a red stripe alongside the chest and her right arm. She paired it with a high-low skirt featuring a billowing peplum addition. "I'm really excited for people to see those resemblances," Jones told Entertainment Tonight ahead of the game. "Karl and I, I had him help me to design this. He's the godfather of hip-hop and fashion. I'm excited for him to get to have his moment with this." Reflecting on the preparation for the major performance, Jones said, "I feel like with Lift Every Voice, there's so much hope and tenacity that I relate to, and everyone does in their own journeys. So really listening to the lyrics, really sitting and feeling what they mean to me and then naturally reacting to that," according to E! News. Jones added that she was humbled by the honor of performing at the Super Bowl, saying, "I've had some amazing performers precede me and I think realizing that I've been chosen and so I deserve the moment. I deserve the opportunity. And just kind of speaking positively, so you don't think about the pressure. You just think about the honor that it is," according to E! News. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
09 February,2026 04:19 PM IST | California (USA) | ANICharlie Puth set the tone for Super Bowl LX with a polished and emotionally resonant rendition of the US National Anthem, opening the 2026 championship game at Levi's Stadium with a performance that blended musical restraint and technical finesse. Before either the New England Patriots or the Seattle Seahawks took the field in the title clash, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter delivered 'The Star-Spangled Banner' in his signature style, accompanying himself on the piano. Backed by a full band, Puth's measured interpretation culminated as joint Navy and Air Force aircraft flew over the stadium, bringing the pre-game ceremony to a dramatic close, as per the Hollywood Reporter. Puth's appearance placed him among a high-profile lineup of Super Bowl LX pre-show performers. Brandi Carlile performed 'America the Beautiful,' Coco Jones sang 'Lift Every Voice and Sing,' and Green Day led the broader pre-game performance slate. The entertainment continued into the main event with global star Bad Bunny confirmed as the headliner for the Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show. As with most Super Bowls, the event doubled as a showcase of celebrity culture and advertising spectacle. Several stars appeared in commercials aired during the broadcast, including Sabrina Carpenter, Emma Stone in a campaign. Off the screen, a long list of celebrities were spotted inside Levi's Stadium, among them Jay-Z, Adam Sandler, Travis Kelce, Travis Scott, Keke Palmer, Jon Bon Jovi, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Kendall Jenner, 21 Savage, Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe, Rob Lowe, Russell Wilson, Ciara and J Balvin, as per the Hollywood Reporter. The anthem performance comes amid a transitional phase in Puth's career. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in an earlier interview, the 'We Don't Talk Anymore' singer hinted at an evolution in his songwriting, ahead of releasing his new track 'Beat Yourself Up' in mid-January. He noted that his upcoming music reflects a life markedly different from when earlier hits such as 'One Call Away' and 'See You Again' were released. As for the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl LX (60) on February 8, 2026, defeating the New England Patriots with a final score of 29-13. Played at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, the game served as a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX and earned the Seahawks their second championship in franchise history. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
09 February,2026 12:12 PM IST | California (USA) | ANIPuerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny on Sunday turned the Super Bowl into a giant street party, emphasizing unity over division in his groundbreaking Spanish-language set -- but still earning President Donald Trump's scorn. Anticipation was high for the 31-year-old's set, amid rampant speculation about whether he would use his platform to renew his criticism of the Trump administration's immigration crackdown in front of tens of millions of viewers. But the wildly popular musician, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, instead made good on his pre-game promise to joyously share his culture -- and largely avoided overt political statements in favor of subtle messaging through symbols. In a set featuring a sugar cane plantation, a traditional "piragua" cart selling treats, and even a wedding, he opened with "Titi Me Pregunto" and feminist anthem "Yo Perreo Sola," with a cast of dancers fueling the party atmosphere. Actors Pedro Pascal and Jessica Alba, and rapper Cardi B were among the guest stars vibing in his familiar "La Casita" backdrop, representing a home in Puerto Rico. Bad Bunny wore an all-white ensemble, with a football jersey featuring the number "64" and "Ocasio," before donning a classy suit jacket. He delved into more political territory with "El Apagon" (Blackout), which touches on the displacement of Puerto Ricans on their own island, and the constant problems caused by the unreliable power grid. He carried a Puerto Rican flag at one point. The performance also included a young boy watching the Grammys on an old television set. Bad Bunny, who won the Album of the Year prize a week ago, presented the child -- perhaps a younger version of himself -- with a golden gramophone. The internet went wild with unverified rumors that the child was Liam Conejo Ramos, a five-year-old Ecuadoran boy recently detained by US immigration agents in Minnesota. An NFL spokesman confirmed to AFP that the boy was an actor, and an Instagram post seemingly from the child in question, Lincoln Fox, was hashtagged #youngbadbunny. Surprise musical guests included Lady Gaga, who sang a Latin-inflected version of her hit "Die with a Smile" -- the only English lyrics in the show -- and Puerto Rican singer Ricky Martin. Affront At the Grammys, Bad Bunny made a searing statement about Trump's sweeping immigration crackdown, earning cheers for saying "ICE out" from the stage. But on Sunday, he did not call out the Republican president. At the end of the set, after listing Latin American countries, Puerto Rico, the United States and Canada, Bad Bunny spiked a football that said "Together, we are America." A giant screen in the stadium read: "The only thing more powerful than hate is love." Trump nevertheless quickly took issue with the performance, saying: "Nobody understands a word this guy is saying" -- even though government data shows more than 41 million Americans speak Spanish. Posting on his Truth Social account, he called the show "an affront to the Greatness of America." Early backlash Bad Bunny has been Spotify's most-streamed artist in the world four separate times, including last year, and won Album of the Year at the Grammys with "Debi Tirar Mas Fotos" -- the first Spanish-language work to win music's highest accolade. But the decision to showcase his work at the Super Bowl in California was met with conservative outrage -- specifically about the idea that he would not sing in English. The NFL entered into an agreement in 2019 with Jay-Z's entertainment company Roc Nation, which leads the league's entertainment strategy. Since that time, the list of Super Bowl headliners included Jennifer Lopez and Shakira (with a guest spot for Bad Bunny), but the duo did not perform exclusively in Spanish, leaving Bad Bunny to set that benchmark. From Vega Baja to Super Bowl Bad Bunny grew up in Vega Baja, a small municipality near Puerto Rico's capital San Juan. He was working at a supermarket bagging groceries when he got a call from a label over his viral plays on the DIY platform SoundCloud. Thus began the reggaeton star's rapid explosion to the top of global music. Late last year, Bad Bunny released "Debi Tirar Mas Fotos," a history lesson in Puerto Rican music that he promoted with a hometown concert residency in San Juan and a world tour. In Puerto Rico, a US territory since 1898, there was nothing but pride for the island's native son. "For someone from here to be at one of the most important events in the United States is a source of pride for every Puerto Rican," Olvin Reyes, 39, told AFP. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
09 February,2026 12:01 PM IST | California (USA) | AFPADVERTISEMENT
