Fans pay homage to funk music legend (82) or Xena: Warrior Princess star (61)
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The entertainment industry lost two of its brightest stars today.
One is a prolific musician who made millions dance, and the other was an actress seen in several pop culture gems.
The music scene lost one of its true pioneers, Sly Stone. He was 82 years old.
For seniors who grew up with the sounds of the '60s and '70s, Sly's music was more than just a soundtrack.
His influence rippled through generations and changed the way many of us think about music, culture, and society.
Born Sylvester Stewart, Sly Stone was seen as a musician and a visionary in his own right.
In an era marked by social upheaval, Sly and the Family Stone broke barriers as the first band to feature a diverse roster of musicians.
Their existence was a statement of unity and possibility, reflecting the hope and chaos of the times.
Their music was a joyful blend of jazz, psychedelic rock, doo-wop, and soul.
At the time, the band was seen as a pioneering presence in the funk music scene.
From 1968 to 1971, Sly and the Family Stone were at the top of their game and produced hits that still get toes tapping to this day.
Songs like 'Everyday People,' 'Stand!,' 'I Want to Take You Higher,' and 'Family Affair' were seen as anthems of a generation.
Their lyrics championed community, individuality, and hope, with catchphrases like 'different strokes for different folks' becoming part of the cultural lexicon.
Their Woodstock performance in 1969 was a defining moment for the festival, and it defined their band's influence.
Sly's impact did not end with the Family Stone.
The funk explosion of the 1970s, led by artists like George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, thanked Sly for his innovative approach to music.
Prince, Rick James, and even modern-day acts like the Black Eyed Peas cited Sly as a major influence in their music.
His riffs and grooves have been sampled by countless hip-hop artists, including the Beastie Boys, Dr Dre, and Snoop Dogg.
In 2005, a tribute album paid homage to Sly and his enduring legacy in the industry.
The album featured several acts like John Mayer, Maroon 5, John Legend, and The Roots.
The Roots' drummer, Questlove, wrote the foreword to Sly's memoir.
'He was a special case, cooler than everything around him by a factor of infinity,' Questlove wrote.
Listen to Sly and the Family Stone's hit single, 'Everyday People' here:
Source: Sly and the Family Stone/YouTube
However, Sly's story was also a tale about the pressures of fame and the challenges faced by artists in America.
By the early 1970s, the weight of expectations, internal and external pressures, and personal struggles began to take their toll.
Sly's behaviour became erratic, and his battles with addiction and the demands of the industry led to missed concerts and unfinished projects.
Despite these struggles, Sly continued to create raw and honest music.
Albums like There's a Riot Goin' On captured the darker mood of the post-'60s era.
Meanwhile, his later works, like Fresh, showed a softer, more reflective side.
Sly Stone was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and honoured at the Grammy Awards in 2006.
Back in New Zealand, the country's entertainment scene mourns the passing of one of its cherished talents, Marise Wipani.
Wipani passed away peacefully on her 61st birthday, surrounded by her loved ones.
For many, her name was synonymous with the magic of the Xenaverse—the beloved universe of Xena: Warrior Princess.
Marise Wipani's career was a tapestry of memorable roles and heartfelt performances.
She became a household name for her portrayal of Queen Kanae in the Xenaverse.
Queen Kanae resonated with many fans for her strength, wisdom, and indomitable spirit.
Her presence in the Xenaverse was a testament to her ability to bring depth and authenticity to every character she played.
She also appeared in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.
Marise Wipani's talents broke out of the world of ancient warriors and mythical adventures.
She was also a familiar face on New Zealand television, where she charmed audiences as a presenter and brought a unique warmth to the programs she graced.
Her film credits included the 1985 adventure comedy Came a Hot Friday.
Came a Hot Friday has been a cult classic that showcased her versatility and comedic timing.
News of Marise's passing has been confirmed on social media, accompanied by a touching message that captured her wit and grace.
In a nod to the classic film Driving Miss Daisy, she left fans with a final farewell.
'I have shuffled off this mortal coil. Goodbye, good luck, good God!' the message wrote.
Tributes for Marise Wipani poured in from her fans and colleagues alike.
'A fierce performer, a presence of wisdom and spirit. Her voice echoes in the woods. Her legacy lives in every warrior,' a fan thoughtfully wrote.
New Zealand-Australian actor and singer Jay Laga'aia, who worked with Marise on the drama series Soldier Soldier, shared his shock about her passing.
'Sister, I am devastated to hear this news,' Laga'aia prefaced.
'You are so young, and I will miss you. We have worked together over the years and I was always so pleased to have you on set.'
'Travel well, my sister, love you always,' he concluded.
Another heartfelt tribute came from a friend who described Marise as 'the one that got away'.
'You are one of the strongest people I've known, and you did things your way. A huge loss to the world, I love you and always have.'
Marise Wipani's legacy is one of courage, creativity, and connection.
She broke barriers for New Zealand actors and paved the way for future generations to shine on both local and international stages.
Her work in Xenaverse put New Zealand's film and television industry on the map and has inspired countless fans around the world.
For many Australians and Kiwis, her performances were a staple of weekend television, and her characters became part of Australia's popular culture fabric.
Whether she was wielding a sword, delivering a punchline, or sharing a heartfelt moment on screen, Marise brought her whole self to the role.
Our thoughts are with both of their families during this turbulent period.
May they both rest in peace.
One is a prolific musician who made millions dance, and the other was an actress seen in several pop culture gems.
The music scene lost one of its true pioneers, Sly Stone. He was 82 years old.
For seniors who grew up with the sounds of the '60s and '70s, Sly's music was more than just a soundtrack.
His influence rippled through generations and changed the way many of us think about music, culture, and society.
Sly Stone made his mark in the music scene with his band, Sly and the Family Stone. Image Credit: Pitchfork
Born Sylvester Stewart, Sly Stone was seen as a musician and a visionary in his own right.
In an era marked by social upheaval, Sly and the Family Stone broke barriers as the first band to feature a diverse roster of musicians.
Their existence was a statement of unity and possibility, reflecting the hope and chaos of the times.
Their music was a joyful blend of jazz, psychedelic rock, doo-wop, and soul.
At the time, the band was seen as a pioneering presence in the funk music scene.
From 1968 to 1971, Sly and the Family Stone were at the top of their game and produced hits that still get toes tapping to this day.
Songs like 'Everyday People,' 'Stand!,' 'I Want to Take You Higher,' and 'Family Affair' were seen as anthems of a generation.
Their lyrics championed community, individuality, and hope, with catchphrases like 'different strokes for different folks' becoming part of the cultural lexicon.
Their Woodstock performance in 1969 was a defining moment for the festival, and it defined their band's influence.
Sly's impact did not end with the Family Stone.
The funk explosion of the 1970s, led by artists like George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic, thanked Sly for his innovative approach to music.
Prince, Rick James, and even modern-day acts like the Black Eyed Peas cited Sly as a major influence in their music.
His riffs and grooves have been sampled by countless hip-hop artists, including the Beastie Boys, Dr Dre, and Snoop Dogg.
In 2005, a tribute album paid homage to Sly and his enduring legacy in the industry.
The album featured several acts like John Mayer, Maroon 5, John Legend, and The Roots.
The Roots' drummer, Questlove, wrote the foreword to Sly's memoir.
'He was a special case, cooler than everything around him by a factor of infinity,' Questlove wrote.
Listen to Sly and the Family Stone's hit single, 'Everyday People' here:
Source: Sly and the Family Stone/YouTube
However, Sly's story was also a tale about the pressures of fame and the challenges faced by artists in America.
By the early 1970s, the weight of expectations, internal and external pressures, and personal struggles began to take their toll.
Sly's behaviour became erratic, and his battles with addiction and the demands of the industry led to missed concerts and unfinished projects.
Despite these struggles, Sly continued to create raw and honest music.
Albums like There's a Riot Goin' On captured the darker mood of the post-'60s era.
Meanwhile, his later works, like Fresh, showed a softer, more reflective side.
Sly Stone was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and honoured at the Grammy Awards in 2006.
Back in New Zealand, the country's entertainment scene mourns the passing of one of its cherished talents, Marise Wipani.
Wipani passed away peacefully on her 61st birthday, surrounded by her loved ones.
For many, her name was synonymous with the magic of the Xenaverse—the beloved universe of Xena: Warrior Princess.
Marise Wipani's career was a tapestry of memorable roles and heartfelt performances.
Marise Wipani as Queen Kanae. Image Credit: Fandom
She became a household name for her portrayal of Queen Kanae in the Xenaverse.
Queen Kanae resonated with many fans for her strength, wisdom, and indomitable spirit.
Her presence in the Xenaverse was a testament to her ability to bring depth and authenticity to every character she played.
She also appeared in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.
Marise Wipani's talents broke out of the world of ancient warriors and mythical adventures.
She was also a familiar face on New Zealand television, where she charmed audiences as a presenter and brought a unique warmth to the programs she graced.
Her film credits included the 1985 adventure comedy Came a Hot Friday.
Came a Hot Friday has been a cult classic that showcased her versatility and comedic timing.
News of Marise's passing has been confirmed on social media, accompanied by a touching message that captured her wit and grace.
In a nod to the classic film Driving Miss Daisy, she left fans with a final farewell.
'I have shuffled off this mortal coil. Goodbye, good luck, good God!' the message wrote.
Tributes for Marise Wipani poured in from her fans and colleagues alike.
'A fierce performer, a presence of wisdom and spirit. Her voice echoes in the woods. Her legacy lives in every warrior,' a fan thoughtfully wrote.
New Zealand-Australian actor and singer Jay Laga'aia, who worked with Marise on the drama series Soldier Soldier, shared his shock about her passing.
'Sister, I am devastated to hear this news,' Laga'aia prefaced.
'You are so young, and I will miss you. We have worked together over the years and I was always so pleased to have you on set.'
'Travel well, my sister, love you always,' he concluded.
Another heartfelt tribute came from a friend who described Marise as 'the one that got away'.
'You are one of the strongest people I've known, and you did things your way. A huge loss to the world, I love you and always have.'
Marise Wipani's legacy is one of courage, creativity, and connection.
She broke barriers for New Zealand actors and paved the way for future generations to shine on both local and international stages.
Her work in Xenaverse put New Zealand's film and television industry on the map and has inspired countless fans around the world.
For many Australians and Kiwis, her performances were a staple of weekend television, and her characters became part of Australia's popular culture fabric.
Whether she was wielding a sword, delivering a punchline, or sharing a heartfelt moment on screen, Marise brought her whole self to the role.
May they both rest in peace.
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