Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts“HAMILTON” Film Premieres Globally July 3
June 29, 2020Disney+ to Premiere Film Globally July 3, 2020 An unforgettable cinematic stage performance, the filmed version of the original Broadway production of “Hamilton” combines the best elements of live theater, film and streaming to bring the cultural phenomenon to homes around the world for a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. “Hamilton” is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, “Hamilton” has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. Filmed at The Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in June of 2016, the film transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and direction by Thomas Kail, “Hamilton” is inspired by the book “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow and produced by Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeffrey Seller, with Sander Jacobs and Jill Furman serving as executive producers. Filming was produced by RadicalMedia. The 11-time-Tony Award®-, GRAMMY Award®-, Olivier Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning stage musical stars: Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson; Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler; Jonathan Groff as King George; Christopher Jackson as George Washington; Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds; Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton; Leslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron Burr; Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison; Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton; and Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton. Hashtag #Hamilfilm
Posted in Cinema, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentCOMMON to be featured on Apple’s “Fraggle Rock: Rock On!”
May 12, 2020Oscar, Emmy and Grammy Award-winning Artist, Common Teams Up with The Fraggles in Apple’s “Fraggle Rock: Rock On!” New mini-episode featuring duet with Common debuts today for free, exclusively on Apple TV+ The Fraggles are back for more fun, music and silly adventures in a brand new mini-episode of “Fraggle Rock: Rock On!,” and this week, they are joined by a special guest: award-winning artist, actor and activist, Common. In the fourth mini-episode of Apple’s beloved “Fraggle Rock: Rock On!,” now streaming for free on Apple TV+, Gobo and Mokey connect by Doozertube with Oscar, Grammy and Emmy-Award-winning artist, Common, for a wonderful conversation, and duet of a popular Fraggle song. Featuring original, beloved characters, Gobo, Red, Boober, Mokey, Wembley, and Uncle Travelling Matt, “Fraggle Rock: Rock On!” is an original collection of mini-episodes now streaming globally on Apple TV+ alongside Apple’s lineup of award-winning, educational programming for kids and families. Each short form episode aims to show everyone how we are all connected through friendship through new stories and classic Fraggle songs from the same beloved characters of the classic 80s series. “Fraggle Rock: Rock On!” is produced in accordance with the COVID-19 “Safer at Home” guidelines, and is all shot on iPhone 11 phones from the homes of the production team and individual artists from all over the U.S. The series hails from The Jim Henson Company, and is executive produced by Halle Stanford and John Tartaglia. New episodes of “Fraggle Rock: Rock On!” premiere every Tuesday and are available to stream globally for free exclusively on Apple TV+, a home for award-winning, educational children’s programming including The Common Sense and Parents Choice Award winning “Helpsters” and “Ghostwriter” from Sesame Workshop; and the Annie and DGA Award-winning “Snoopy in Space,” from Peanuts. With families around the world staying at home, Apple is featuring …
Posted in APPLE TV+', In The Spotlight | Leave a commentMary J. Blige stars in Paramount Pictures’ new film BODY CAM – May 19
May 12, 2020Mary J. Blige (Mudbound, “Power Book II: Ghost”) and Nat Wolff (The Kill Team, Semper Fi) star in the intense action thriller BODY CAM, available to purchase on Digital May 19, 2020 and for rent On Demand June 2 from Paramount Home Entertainment. The film will arrive on DVD July 14. SYNOPSIS | When a routine traffic stop results in the unexplained, grisly death of her colleague, a cop (Mary J. Blige) realizes footage of the incident will play for her eyes only. As the attacks mount, she races to understand the supernatural force behind them. DIRECTED BY | Malik Vitthal SCREENPLAY BY | Richmond Riedel and Nicholas McCarthy STARRING | Mary J. Blige, Nat Wolff, David Zayas, Anika Noni Rose AVAILABLE ON DIGITAL PLATFORMS | Apple TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV, Sony PlayStation Video, FandangoNOW and more. ABOUT MARY J. BLIGE Iconic Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress, producer and philanthropist, Mary J. Blige is a figure of inspiration, transformation and empowerment making her one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus a staggering 32 nominations), two Academy Award nominations, two Golden Globe nominations, and a SAG nomination, among many other accolades, Blige has cemented herself as a global superstar. And in the ensuing years, the singer/songwriter has attracted an intensely loyal fan base—responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums. Blige brought her own gritty, urban-rooted style—fusing hip-hop, soul and honest, frank lyrics—to the forefront on her 1992 debut album What’s the 411? The multi-platinum set, executive produced by Sean “Diddy” Combs, quickly spun off several hits. Blige helped redefine R&B and began forging a unique niche for herself on the more personal second album, 1994’s …
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentIconic Supermodel Naomi Campbell Graces 50th Anniversary May/June Issue in First-Ever Self-Shot Cover
May 5, 2020Naomi. Campbell talks to ESSENCE about Turning 50 and Self-Isolation During the COVID-19 Crisis Naomi. Campbell talks to ESSENCE about Turning 50 and Self-Isolation During the COVID-19 Crisis – For months, ESSENCE – the leading media, technology and commerce company serving Black women and communities – had planned an impressive schedule of activities and celebrations to launch in May 2020 in honor of its 50th anniversary. Then, the COVID-19 global pandemic hit – with Black communities being most disproportionately impacted in the United States. Still, demonstrating how it has been able to thrive for five decades, ESSENCE has continued with a relentless commitment and innovation in service to its community – providing critical content, digital and virtual offerings, a new streaming platform and more to inform, empower and inspire during these times. That same sense of purpose compelled ESSENCE to shift its 50th anniversary strategy amidst the pandemic and launch its Golden Anniversary Collector’s Edition issue entirely remotely for the first time ever — paying homage to the incredible legacy of its community, while also capturing the current realities brought on by a global pandemic. In honor of ESSENCE’s milestone year, iconic supermodel Naomi Campbell partnered with ESSENCE to grace the magazine’s first self-shot and styled cover. In Campbell’s cover story, At Home With: Naomi Campbell, the supermodel prepares to celebrate her own milestone 50th birthday later this month and takes readers inside her life with an intimate self-portrait during COVID-19 social isolation. Using an iPhone, Campbell shot and styled all the photos herself — marking the first time she has ever photographed herself for a cover. ESSENCE’s special Golden Anniversary issue also takes a look at some of the joys, pains, laughter, triumphs and stories that have impacted the Black community over the past half-century—including the novel coronavirus and …
Posted in Celebrity Profile, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentNetflix’s THE LOVEBIRDS Premieres Friday, May 22
April 20, 2020Synopsis: A couple (Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani) experiences a defining moment in their relationship when they are unintentionally embroiled in a murder mystery. TRAILER
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentMOTIVATION: The Path to Inner Power by Sonya Jenkins
April 19, 2020MOTIVATION BY SONYA JENKINS SUCCESS TIP https://youtu.be/U7JFsnTkSoM Click Photo below to Order Your Digital Copy of MOTIVATION by Sonya Jenkins Click Photo below to Order your paperback copy of MOTIVATION by Sonya Jenkins Motivation is the driving force that compels us to accomplish great feats. When mixed with faith, you can motivate yourself to achieve the desires of your heart, including having the fortitude to keep pressing forward in spite of trials along the way. In Motivation: The Path to Inner Power, you will learn several principles that aid in the process of attaining goals and living a more fulfilling life. Whether you desire is to earn a scholastic degree, move up the ladder in the corporate world or have a fulfilling relationship, the practice and perfection of certain techniques, like visualizing your success, speaking positive words and trusting the process of change – all highlighted in this book – will enhance each experience you have and give you passion and excitement. At the beginning of each chapter, the author, Sonya Jenkins, shares success tips from celebrities she interviewed over the years of her entertainment journalism career. Some of the success tips are from Beyonce, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the late Whitney Houston, Grant Hill, Samuel Jackson and many more entertainers and athletes who have proven success in their chosen field. They, too, have put the principles of success into their daily lives and forged ahead in spite of obstacles. It is the author’s intention to inspire and motivate each person who reads Motivation: The Path to Inner Power to higher achievements and a more satisfying life. Take the journey of positivity, faith and diligence, and discover your true potential.
Posted in MOTIVATION | Leave a commentQuestions Answered about COVID-19 – CDC
April 16, 2020___________________________________________________________ As of March 2020, the international outbreak of COVID-19 poses a serious public health threat. The federal government is working closely with state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, as well as public health partners, to respond to this public health threat. The public health response is multi-layered, with the goal of containing the spread and mitigating the impact of this virus. During this special webinar from CDC EPIC, Dr. Jay Butler shared the current state of the outbreak, what CDC is doing to respond to the outbreak, and how partners, organizations, and the public can help. Symptoms of Coronavirus Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. A guide to help you make decisions and seek appropriate medical care. Self-Check Watch for symptoms People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19: Cough Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing Or at least two of these symptoms: Fever Chills Repeated shaking with chills Muscle pain Headache Sore throat New loss of taste or smell This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you. When to Seek Medical Attention If you have any of these emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately: Trouble breathing Persistent pain or pressure in the chest New confusion or inability to arouse Bluish lips or face *This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to …
Posted in In The Spotlight, Covid-19 | Leave a commentOne World: Together at Home
April 16, 2020GLOBAL BROADCAST NETWORKS, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO), GLOBAL CITIZEN AND A CAVALCADE OF STARS JOIN FORCES FOR ‘ONE WORLD: TOGETHER AT HOME’ TO HELP RAISE FUNDS AND ADDRESS THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19 SET FOR SATURDAY, APRIL 18. Celebrating the Heroic Efforts of Community Health Workers and Supporting the COVID19 Solidarity Response Fund for WHO, Powered by the UN Foundation, Efforts Aiming to Bolster the Global Fight to End COVID-19 Lady Gaga, Elton John, John Legend, Chris Martin, Paul McCartney and Other Artists Join Broadcast Also Featuring Real Experiences from Doctors, Nurses and Families Around the World Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert to Host Historic Broadcast UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – April 6, 2020 – Building on the success of the digital series “One World: Together at Home,” Global Citizen and the World Health Organization (WHO) are partnering for a special one-night event of the same name to air across NBC, ABC, CBS and other global networks and platforms on Saturday, April 18 from 8-10 p.m. ET/PT. “One World: Together at Home” is not a telethon, but rather a global broad entertainment special to celebrate the heroic efforts of community health workers and support the World Health Organization and the global fight to end COVID-19. The event is curated by Lady Gaga and will feature exclusive appearances by Alanis Morissette, Andrea Bocelli, Billie Eilish, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day, Burna Boy, Chris Martin, David Beckham, Eddie Vedder, Elton John, FINNEAS, Idris and Sabrina Elba, J Balvin, John Legend, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Kerry Washington, Lang Lang, Lizzo, Maluma, Paul McCartney, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Shah Rukh Khan and Stevie Wonder. Friends of Sesame Street will also be on hand to help unify and inspire people around the world. The two-hour program will be hosted by a trio of network …
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentEssence Festival to Return in 2021 Due to Covid-19
April 16, 2020STATEMENT FROM ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS, INC. ON THE 2020 ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE (April 15, 2020) “New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell bravely recommended yesterday that no large events take place in New Orleans in 2020, and ESSENCE fully supports that decision. After continued monitoring of the evolving developments in the COVID-19 global pandemic and remaining in close contact and collaboration with our partners in the City of New Orleans and State of Louisiana, we are confirming today that we will no longer move forward with the 2020 ESSENCE Festival of Culture live experience – and look forward to returning to New Orleans in 2021. We are excited to now announce that our ‘ESSENCE Benefit Series to Fight COVID-19’ will raise money and provide support for businesses and organizations in Black communities across the country, and that our first-ever ESSENCE Festival of Culture: The Virtual Edition taking place over July 4th weekend will be included in this effort as a multi-day experience and benefit celebration. This Festival will be hosted on our new ESSENCE Studios streaming platform, which will extend the experience to communities everywhere providing unfettered access to the power, purpose and party that has made the ESSENCE Festival the largest cultural, entertainment and empowerment experience in the world. Women across the globe and their families will engage in interactive, live opportunities to be inspired, empowered, entertained and transformed as they enter a new economic, spiritual and wellness journey ahead. The virtual Festival will be a benefit celebration in honor and support of the City of New Orleans, which has been an incredible partner over the Festival’s 26 years and continues to be especially hard hit during this crisis. From the beginning, we have shared that the health, safety and well-being of our Festival-goers, local citizens and others who contribute to making the Festival such a unique experience were …
Posted in Industry Updates | Leave a commentMulti-Award Winning Singer-Songwriter and Member of Boyz II Men, SHAWN STOCKMAN to release debut album April 10th
April 3, 2020Shawn Stockman readies the release of his anticipated debut album, “Foreword“. The 11-track collection of original songs will be released on April 10th, via the SRG ILS/UMG label imprint. “Foreword” includes production and writing collaborations with Tim Kelley, Raphael Saadiq, Erik “Blu2th” Griggs and Antonio Dixon. “Foreword” was led by the release of the fan-favorite Top 5 R&B Adult Radio single, “Feelin Lil Som’n” and it continues to receive robust airplay across the format. “All I Do” is the current single captivating listeners abroad. “All I Do, is about a relationship that has seen it’s share of problems, yet instead of it withering away it gets even better with age,” mentions Shawn. “I think we focus too much on being in a “relationship” and not enough on being a friend to the one you love. This song is about a friendship between two people devoted to staying with each other forever!,” he adds. As a member of Boyz II Men, the best-selling R&B group of all-time, Shawn is known for the international smash hits “Motownphilly,” “End Of The Road,” and, “I’ll Make Love To You,”. Outside of the group, the accomplished lyricist, composer, arranger, and musician has collaborated with artists including Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson, Tank, and Johnny Gill. (AUDIO LINK) “ALL I DO” by SHAWN STOCKMAN CONNECT WITH SHAWN STOCKMAN: Instagram: @ShawnStockmanOfficial Twitter: @ShawnStockman Facebook: /ShawnStockmanOfficial Track List 1. Come Wit Me 2. Goin’ 3. Secrets 4. Feelin Lil Som’n 5. Been So Long 6. Shawn Na Na 7. Left Right 8. Don’t Spare My Heart 9. All I Do 10. Me 11. Breathin
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