NEWS
Benedict Cumberbatch and FKA Twigs have been announced for the Letters Live fundraiser at KOKO in London.
Cumberbatch was announced today (October 1) as the new global ambassador for environmental advocacy as part of the KOKO Foundation, the registered charity of London’s iconic venue KOKO.
The BAFTA, Olivier and EMMY award-winning actor will be supporting the charity’s efforts to help ensure that London is able to become a greener and more sustainable city. Speaking about the role in a press release, Cumberbatch said: “I am honoured to be a KOKO Foundation Ambassador with a special focus on the environment. It’s been so inspiring to witness first-hand, the amazing impact that the Foundation has quietly had over the past few years, making real and lasting change in Camden.
He continued: “I’m excited, inspired and committed to help bring awareness to the special work being done and continue to help improve the local area and scale the foundations work around the country, and the world.”
To celebrate the partnership, the KOKO Foundation has teamed up with Letters Live to host a special fundraising edition titled: ‘A Night In The Theatre’. The event will take place on November 7 and will see musicians and artists read out historical or personal letters in the form of unique readings and musical performances. Cumberbatch will be joined by FKA Twigs who is set to read a letter at the charity edition of the show as well as various other high profile guests.
Tickets for the special event will go on sale this Thursday (October 3) at 9am local time. A select amount of tickets will be available for local residents who are working with and benefiting from the work of the Foundation. Visit here to purchase tickets and check out the KOKO Foundation website to donate or support its initiatives.
Speaking about the foundation in a press release, Sophia Pasetti, CEO of The KOKO Foundation said: “The Foundation was born out of a desire to create something really special, to contribute to the community that KOKO is a part of; its environment, young people, and the next generation of essential artists.
“I have been deeply moved by the impact our initiatives are already making, and it is a privilege to lead our Foundation on this exciting journey. I am beyond grateful for Benedict’s integrity and authenticity, he is incredibly inspiring and having him on board to help amplify our work is a true honour.”
In other news, FKA Twigs recently shared two new songs, ‘Room Of Fools’ and ‘Girl Feels Good’ from her upcoming third album ‘EUSEXUA’.
FKA Twigs shared the first taste of ‘EUSEXUA’ earlier this month with the title track and an accompanying music video directed by Jordan Hemingway. She also confirmed that the record will be released on January 24 via Young. You can pre-order it here.
Busta Rhymes is honoring his late friend D’Angelo in a truly moving way. The rapper released a heartfelt tribute track titled “Magic,” marking one of his most emotional releases in years. The song celebrates the neo-soul legend D’Angelo, who sadly passed away earlier this month after a private battle with cancer. Over the smooth, soulful backdrop of D’Angelo’s “One Mo’ Gin” from his 2000 classic Voodoo, Busta reflects deeply, sharing raw and powerful emotions through his storytelling.
Throughout the seven-minute piece, Busta takes listeners on a journey through his 34-year friendship with D’Angelo. He recalls their early sessions with A Tribe Called Quest and describes the lasting connection they built over the decades. Instead of simply celebrating the music, Busta pays homage to the person behind it. He describes D’Angelo as a rare, once-in-a-generation artist who “never needed a co-sign” and “touched the souls of the people and everything between.”
During an interview with Okayplayer, Busta called D’Angelo “a godsend,” reflecting on his influence across R&B and hip-hop. “The Earth shifted when D came to do music,” he said, a statement that perfectly sums up D’Angelo’s impact. Anyone familiar with Brown Sugar, Voodoo, or Black Messiah knows his legacy speaks volumes.
“Magic” feels like a conversation between two lifelong friends. Busta Rhymes gives fans an intimate look at a bond that helped shape decades of soul-infused hip-hop. The tributes pouring in since D’Angelo’s passing highlight not only his extraordinary artistry but also the love and respect he inspired among peers. Lauryn Hill expressed it beautifully, writing, “Thank you for being a beacon of light to a generation and beyond who had no remembrance of the legacy that preceded us.”
