Tributes pour in after Cha Cha Slide creator DJ Casper dies age 58
Tributes have poured in for DJ Casper, who died aged at the age of 58 on Monday (7 August) after his battle with cancer. The Chicago legend – whose real name is Willie Perry Jr – was famed for his classic 'Cha Cha Slide' that topped the charts in 2000. Speaking to ABC7, he spoke about the success of the track, saying he never expected it to be an international phenomenon. "When I first did it, I did it as an aerobic exercise for my nephew at Bally's," Casper said. "From there, it just took off. Elroy Smith from WGCI grabbed ahold of it," he said. "I have one of the biggest songs that played at all stadiums: hockey, basketball, football, baseball; they played it at the Olympics," Casper said. "It was something that everybody could do." He went on to discuss his health after being diagnosed in 2016 with two forms of cancer, "renal and neuroendocrine, which is kidney and liver." "They went in to try to do surgery, and they found out the kidney was connected to the main artery, so they decided not to do it," he said, adding they decided to "just treat it" instead. "I used to weigh 236 pounds, and I think I'm about 60 pounds less," he said at the time. "If you know me, you know I'm not going to stop. I'm going to continue to go. I'm going to continue to go until I can't go." Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter The sad news has prompted a flood of emotional messages online, with one person writing: "RIP DJ Casper, whose 'Cha Cha Slide' has been an immeasurable and integral part of seemingly every inter-generational celebration I’ve ever attended." Another added: "DJ Casper brought joy to so many with the 'Cha Cha Slide'. His legacy will live on through the countless celebrations and events where his music continues to unite people in dance. My condolences to his loved ones." Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-08-08 17:46
Nigerian footballer stamped on by Lauren James urges fans to 'rest'
A footballer who was stamped on by England’s Lauren James in a red card incident has called on fans to stop their abuse and “rest”. Nigerian footballer Michelle Alozie asked for James to be shown “respect” following the incident that saw James step on her back as she got to her feet after a tackle. James had the initial yellow card in the 87th minute upgraded to a red card after a VAR check during England’s last-16 World Cup knock-out match against Nigeria. England held on to a 0-0 draw and beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties, sending them through to the next round of the competition. Alozie issued a classy statement, writing on the social media site X that she understood James’ high passion and emotion at that moment. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter She wrote: “Abeg, rest. We are playing on the world’s stage. This game is one of passion, insurmountable emotions, and moments. All respect for Lauren James.” She added: “Still a red though.” One fan said: “I keep saying it, these players are 10000000% more gracious than the fans. We all could take lessons! “Because not only have they played their hearts out, they have shown how to have a heart off the pitch! Michelle Alozie is pure class and a world treasure!” In an interview following the match, Alozie reiterated there were “no hard feelings” towards James. She said: “We didn't want [James] to move freely and get those shots off that she usually does. It was good for us to have her taken out of the game. “I was a little bit surprised by her reaction to the tackle. I don't think it was really needed. I'm fine, my butt is fine from her stepping on it! I was kind of confused initially. “I didn't understand what was going on at first. There's no hard feelings, it's just a game.” James will be banned for at least one game. Depending on the outcome of FIFA's disciplinary committee meeting, the ban could be extended to three matches, effectively ending her World Cup campaign. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-08-08 17:46
Israel demolishes home of alleged Palestinian attacker, fueling West Bank tensions
Israeli security forces say they demolished the West Bank home of a Palestinian man accused of carrying out a deadly shooting attack earlier this year
2023-08-08 17:29
Stock market today: Global markets lower ahead of US inflation update
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2023-08-08 17:26
Roy Keane reunites with Manchester United to launch club’s third kit
Roy Keane has made an official Manchester United appearance for the first time in 18 years as he launched the club’s 2023-24 third kit. The former captain’s successful stay at Old Trafford memorably ended in 2005 after an explosive interview with the in-house TV channel MUTV, in which he criticised his team-mates. Keane has been back to the club many times over the years as a pundit, but his involvement in the promotional video for their third strip is the first in a formal capacity. The Irishman is seen in the video asking the current crop of players whether they have what it takes to be a true red devil – reference to the return of the fan favourite red devil emblem on the jersey. “So you’re a devil are you? Well let’s remind you of the terms,” Keane says. “The devil isn’t something you wear. It’s more like a pact, a deal, shall we say. “It’s not for everyone. We expect a lot. And as sure as the sun will rise, we will know if you mean it. So have a good long think. “What do you get in return? What’s on offer? It’s Manchester United. “So there it is. No small print. Sign on the dotted line. But you already signed, didn’t you? Before you were even born.” Keane ends the sequence sitting at a table in front a plate of prawn sandwiches – a nod to his famous “prawn sandwich brigade” comment, criticising a section of the Old Trafford support. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live
2023-08-08 17:26
Li Ka-Shing’s Discounted Apartments Draw Interest Amid Glut
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2023-08-08 17:25
Greek EU-harmonised inflation rises to 3.5% y/y in July
Greece's annual EU-harmonised inflation accelerated to +3.5% in July from +2.8% in June, data showed on Tuesday. EU-harmonised
2023-08-08 17:25
Kanye West performs at Travis Scott concert after antisemitism scandal
It's the first public performance since the rapper caused controversy with a series of antisemitic posts.
2023-08-08 17:24
KSI takes aims at Jake Paul's 'poor' performance against Nate Diaz: 'I think he regressed'
In a recent interview, KSI expressed his perspective, asserting that Paul's performance is deteriorating
2023-08-08 17:19
In India's brutal ethnic war, women are participants as well as victims
By Krishn Kaushik MOIRANG/CHURACHANDPUR, India In the sectarian violence that has ravaged India's Manipur state, women have been
2023-08-08 17:18
European Gas Prices Ease as Winter Fuel Stockpiles Keep Rising
European natural gas prices eased, with traders weighing ever-rising fuel stockpiles against the risk of supply constraints. Benchmark
2023-08-08 16:59
German airport operator Fraport sees earnings boost on high travel demand
(Reuters) -Frankfurt Airport operator Fraport on Tuesday said its 2023 core profit would hit the upper half of its forecast
2023-08-08 16:56
