The enigmatic US singer Kelela released one of 2017’s best records before disappearing for five years. Putting part of her extended absence down to a pursuit of perfectionism, she makes a welcome return this month with a follow-up to Take Me Apart’s synthesis of dark, textured electronica and sensual, feather-soft vocals. Her latest record, Raven – out next month on Warp Records – confirms her talent across a collection of instantly compelling compositions that, like all the best dance tracks, hit the sweet spot between introspection and release.

Out 10 February

Four years after South Africa beat England to clinch their third World Cup title, this year’s tournament kicks off in France. The opening game in September will pitch the host nation against the All Blacks in a clash between two of the favourites. The reigning champions are also sure to be a force to be reckoned with, while the Six Nations in February and March will be a form guide to some of Europe’s main contenders ahead of the tournament. Elsewhere, Argentina, Georgia and Portugal, who have qualified for their first World Cup, are among the plucky outsiders worth keeping an eye on.

8 September to 28 October

Giving aesthetes further reason to visit the perennially handsome Danish capital this year, Copenhagen has been confirmed as the World Capital Of Architecture. Expect striking new additions to the city’s skyline, including the elegant new Opera Park by the Royal Danish Opera House, the chance to see inside some of the city’s most beautiful buildings as well as a Made In Denmark exhibition at the Danish Architecture Center. Opening in late March, this permanent collection will showcase the Nordic nation’s contribution to design, from the Viking Age to the present day, via the mid-century modernists who inspired so many global imitators.

Made in Denmark opens on 24 March

The latest instalment of one of television’s surprise packages returns early this year to ease any post-World Cup blues. Proving to be the big-hearted hug we all needed during recent tumultuous times, Ted Lasso, with its warmth and emotional intelligence, swiftly dispelled any doubts some might have had over how well Americans could write not only British characters but their beloved sport. Mr Jason Sudeikis reprises his lead role as the US coach in charge of the fictional football team AFC Richmond while a new footballing rivalry and off-the-pitch romances give this season extra spice.

Streaming on Apple TV+ soon

Having most recently melted minds with the narrative-splicing thriller Tenet in 2021, the director Mr Christopher Nolan returns with his first biopic this July. Mr Cillian Murphy takes the lead as the American scientist Mr J Robert Oppenheimer in a film that charts the career of the so-called “father of the atomic bomb” as the US developed mankind’s most devastating weapon during WWII. Ms Emily Blunt, Mr Matt Damon and Mr Robert Downey Jr also star. Oppenheimer’s era-defining subject matter should make for compelling viewing and, given Nolan’s track record, audiences can expect the unexpected.

In cinemas from 21 July

Few could have foreseen the full extent of the Greek tragedy that shaped Succession’s season three finale as the power struggle at the heart of HBO’s blockbuster series reached its climax. Its return to our screens, slated for spring, is deservedly one of the year’s most hyped releases, testament to the calibre of screenwriting that underpins Mr Jesse Armstrong’s multi award-winning drama. With dialogue as sharp as its wardrobe and complex character arcs played by a stellar cast, which has included Mr Alexander Skarsgård, Mr Brian Cox, Mr Jeremy Strong and Ms Sarah Snook, Succession already ranks among television’s greatest creations. The question many will be asking is: just how far can foppish underdog Cousin Greg go?

Streaming on HBO in spring

It has been a productive 12 months for Messrs Damon Albarn and Jamie Hewlett’s shapeshifting virtual band, who, after playing a series of big-hitting headline shows last year, follow up with their eighth album this February. Cracker Island looks set to continue the collective’s past form for high-profile collaborations: the hazy psychedelic funk of first single “New Gold” pairs Tame Impala’s Mr Kevin Parker and the Pharcyde’s Mr Bootie Brown on vocal duties. The record also features Ms Stevie Nicks, Beck and Thundercat on a release that is sure to add swagger to playlists this spring.

Released 8 February

For anyone crying out for some political drama after last year’s midterms and ahead of next year’s presidential elections, Mr Martin Scorsese promises to deliver the goods with this blockbuster biopic of the US’s 26th president, Mr Theodore Roosevelt. Mr Leonardo DiCaprio steps into the shoes of the former leader – his latest lead role in a prolific ongoing relationship with the director – for this adaptation of a book by the Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Mr Edmund Morris. Shining a light on Roosevelt’s transformation from privileged city politician to respected commander of the Rough Riders cavalry during the Spanish-American War, Roosevelt highlights a pivotal period of history that set him on course to become president – and one of the 20th century’s most influential figures.

In cinemas from 14 July

It is hard to believe, but it has been a full half century since DJ Kool Herc’s neighbourhood parties in the Bronx kickstarted the birth of hip-hop. Beyond the music, the endlessly innovative, boundary-breaking style the genre spawned in the years since is celebrated at an exhibition at the FIT gallery in New York. Fresh, Fly And Fabulous charts the rise and rise of hip-hop through the lens of fashion, from the shearling jackets and Kangol hats commonly seen at those early parties to the labels, silhouettes, sportswear and custom pieces that have defined hip-hop in the years that followed, leaving an indelible imprint on mainstream style along the way.

8 February to 23 April, New York