Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →Chaka Khan Signs With SRG/ILS Group Ahead of New Music This Summer
May 19, 2022The SRG/ILS group is honored to announce a new collaboration with one of the most iconic and recognizable voices in American music, Chaka Khan! A singer, songwriter, actor, and activist, Chaka Khan is one of the world’s most gifted and celebrated musicians the world has ever known. Impacting almost every popular musical genre and having sold an estimated 70 million records, Chaka Khan has influenced generations of recording artists.“Chaka Khan is a beacon of light in our industry. Her spirit and her vocals soar. It is a pleasure working with her on this next chapter and we got a hot record here.” – Claude Villani, Founder and CEO of The SRG/ILS Group.“I am very proud to be with The SRG/ILS Group, a company that is run by a real musician who understands the needs of artists that have been overlooked for years.” Chaka KhanHer legendary career jump started when Stevie Wonder penned the now classic “Tell Me Something Good” for Chaka when she was lead singer of the R&B, Funk band Rufus in 1974. Both the song and the album, Rags To Rufus, topped the charts, were certified Gold and won the Grammy that year for Best R&B Vocal Performance.After six albums with Rufus nearly all of which went Gold or Platinum, in 1978 Chaka Khan started her solo career releasing the all-time classic “I’m Every Woman” (Ashford and Simpson). Produced by iconic songwriter, arranger, producer, and executive Arif Mardin, the single and the album, Chaka, cemented Chaka Kahn as a force that was about to take over popular music.After incredible success both solo and collaborative, in 1984 Chaka released the iconic album I Feel For You. The title track, a cover of a Prince song, was a gigantic pop hit on the radio and MTV and earned Chaka her …
Posted in Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentThey Call Me Magic – Apple TV+
May 11, 2022The real story of a legend. This four-part documentary event offers an intimate look at the life and legacy of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, streaming now on Apple TV+ https://apple.co/_Magic
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentTop Gun: Maverick in theaters May 27th
May 11, 2022After more than thirty years of service as one of the Navy’s top aviators, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) is where he belongs, pushing the envelope as a courageous test pilot and dodging the advancement in rank that would ground him. When he finds himself training a detachment of Top Gun graduates for a specialized mission the likes of which no living pilot has ever seen, Maverick encounters Lt. Bradley Bradshaw (Miles Teller), call sign: “Rooster,” the son of Maverick’s late friend and Radar Intercept Officer Lt. Nick Bradshaw, aka “Goose.” Facing an uncertain future and confronting the ghosts of his past, Maverick is drawn into a confrontation with his own deepest fears, culminating in a mission that demands the ultimate sacrifice from those who will be chosen to fly it. Starring Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, Miles Teller, Dir. Joseph Kosinski
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentFIERY CHARM: BOOK-TO-FILM – CHARACTER BREAKDOWNS
May 9, 2022FIERY CHARM By Sonya Jenkins EMAIL – FieryCharm2022@gmail.com CHARACTERS [Tiffany – LEAD ROLE] 30-40 years old, Black female – Beautiful, Smart, Successful, Strong-Willed, Feisty, Shapely, High School Teacher. Attended private schools, but has an urban vibe. Tiffany is the only child of the Mayor of Atlanta and his sassy First Lady. See photo of Fiery Charm Teaser Book for resemblance match. [Nigel Harrington – LEAD ROLE] 30-45 years old, Black male – Handsome, Intelligent, Attorney and Genealogist, Giver, Protector. Nigel is a workaholic who has suppressed his intimate desires because of heartbreak. He becomes open to love again when he meets Tiffany. [Kyle Harrington – LEAD ROLE] 35-45 years old, Black male -Handsome, Former NBA Player, Sportscaster, Tall (over 6 feet), Lanky, Cocky. [Torri Jae – SUPPORTING ROLE] 30-40 years old, Any ethnicity female – Popular Film and Television Actress, Feisty, Energetic, Social Media Influencer. Sister of Terri Kae (twin preferably). [Terri Kae – SUPPORTING ROLE] 30-40 years old, Any ethnicity female – Wardrobe Stylist, Gentle, Soft-spoken, Supportive. Sister of Torri Jae (twin preferably). [Vanessa – SUPPORTING ROLE] 30-40 years old. Black female – Dentist, Quirky, Encourager, Peace-maker. Tiffnay’s best friend since college. [Kiara – SUPPORTING ROLE] 30-40-years old. Any ethnicity – Flight Attendant, Gold-Digger, Socialite, Adventurer. MORE SUPPORTING ROLES [Mayor of Atlanta – Carl Bond] Black Male, 55-65 Domineering political figure, stern, debonair. Loving husband to his wife. Manipulates situations to his advantage. [First Lady of Atlanta – Cicely “Ma” Bond] Black Female, 55-65 Beautiful, Feisty, sassy Mayor’s wife. Classy in pubic, crass in private. [Brandon] Black Male 30-45 Tiffany’s cheating ex boyfriend. Campaign Manager for her Dad’s last campaign. Opportunist, Egotistical, slick, fast-talker. [Jasmine] Female, Any ethnicity 21-35 Tiffany’s roommate, nurse, soft-spoken, gullible. [Roberto] Male, Any ethnicity 30-40 Torri Jae’s Fashion Consultant and Publicist. [Robin] Female Any Ethnicity, …
Posted in Atlanta Scene, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment“BET AWARDS” 2022 RETURNS LIVE FROM THE MICROSOFT THEATER IN LOS ANGELES ON SUNDAY, JUNE 26
May 8, 2022POWERHOUSE ENTERTAINER TARAJI P. HENSONRETURNS TO HOST CULTURE’S BIGGEST NIGHT “BET AWARDS” 2022 Academy Award®-nominated and Golden Globe®-winning actor, writer, director, producer, and philanthropist Taraji P. Henson will return to host the “BET AWARDS” LIVE from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. The “BET AWARDS” was the #1 cable award show among all adults 18-49 in 2021. “BET AWARDS” 2022 airs LIVE on BET on Sunday, June 26 at 8 PM ET/PT. “I am honored to return as the host of the BET Awards and share the stage with so many powerful and prolific artists; you can even say it is the ‘empire’ of Black Excellence,” said Taraji P. Henson. “Working with amazing partners like Scott and Connie at BET and Jesse Collins Entertainment is a creative’s dream. I can’t wait to celebrate Black music, entertainment, and culture with our viewers on what will be one unforgettable night.” “Taraji P. Henson is the personification of Black excellence, and we are excited to collaborate with the phenomenal multi-talented stage and screen actress to host the ultimate celebration of Black culture again this year,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. “For over two decades, the BET Awards has been home to Black brilliance, talent, and creativity, providing unforgettable cultural moments, and we look forward to raising the bar for BET Awards 2022.” Most recently Henson’s TPH Entertainment struck an overall deal with BET Studios, an unprecedented studio venture launched in September 2021 powered by the infrastructure and financing of BET and Paramount to produce original content for an array of internal buyers, including Paramount+, SHOWTIME, CBS, Nickelodeon, BET+, and BET. Additionally, BET Studios places programming on third-party platforms seeking best-in-class content from both leading and rising Black creatives. Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy will oversee the annual show, with Jamal Noisette, VP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy to …
Posted in COWBOY CARTER TOUR- ATLANTA - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment2022 BLACK MUSIC HONORS
May 8, 2022The 7th Annual Black Music Honors announces its incredible roster of performers for a star-studded celebration of influential music legends with a live studio audience taping at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, Ga. on Thursday, May 19 (tickets available at BlackMusicHonors.com and Ticketmaster.com). There will be a special Juneteenth highlight recognizing the national federal holiday.Performers gracing the stage at this year’s power-packed televised show includes popular late 80’s Hip-Hop Duo Kid N’ Play; GRAMMY-award-winning Supergroup 112; Multi-Award-Winning Music Veteran Carl Thomas; Three-Time GRAMMY-Nominated, “The Love King,” Raheem DeVaughn; Compton-Bred Actress and Songbird Amber Riley; Multi-Hyphenate Crooner and Penman Eric Bellinger; Powerhouse Songster and Serenader Avery Wilson; Multi-GRAMMY-Award-Winning Artist PJ Morton; Multifaceted Entertainer and Rising Artist Jade Novah; Viral Vocal Teen Prodigy Keedron Bryant; Gospel Sweethearts Ajah and Rhea Walls from Multi-GRAMMY-Nominated and Stellar-Award-Winning The Walls Group; Multi-Talented Vocalist and Sunday Best Season Six Winner Tasha Page-Lockhart; Gospel Songstress and Sunday Best Season One Winner Crystal Aikin; NAACP-Image-Award-Nominated Singer and Actress Sheléa; Billboard-Chart-Topping Singer-Songwriter Kevin Ross; and Two-Decade-Spanning Independent Artist and GRAMMY Award-nominee Eric Roberson. Kicking off the 2022 BMH Honorees is Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter Keri Hilson who is tapped to receive the Music and Songwriter Icon Award. Multi-Award-Winning Gospel Duo Mary Mary will be presented with the Gospel Icon Award; Five-Time GRAMMY Nominee Tevin Campbell is set to receive the R&B Icon Award; Award-Winning Supergroup Dru Hill is to be recognized with the Urban Music Icon Award and a planned special performance in celebration of their 25th anniversary; NAACP Image Award-Winning Singer Karyn White will be honored with the Soul Music Award, and the Legendary R&B Group The Whispers will take home the Legends Award for their incredible nearly six-decade music career. Two-Time GRAMMY WinnerLeToya Luckett and Comedian DeRay Davis are co-hosting the show.National Broadcast Syndication will air June 4 – July 3 and on Bounce TV on June 25. For live-taping tickets go to www.blackmusichonors.com or you can purchase tickets here. For more information about Black Music Honors, visit www.blackmusichonors.com or connect on social media @blackmusichonors on Facebook and Instagram or @blackmusichonor on Twitter. 112 Jade Novah Kid ‘N Play Tasha …
Posted in Spotlight, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentBridgerton Season 2 | Official Trailer | Netflix
March 10, 2022What happens when duty is in conflict with the heart’s true desire? There is potential for a considerable scandal, indeed. Bridgerton Season 2 premieres March 25th, only on Netflix.
Posted in Music | Leave a commentJANET JACKSON, NICKI MINAJ, KEVIN HART, NEW EDITION, THE ISLEY BROTHERS AND MORE TO HEADLINE THE 2022 ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE
March 7, 2022THE 27TH ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE HOSTED IN NEW ORLEANS WILL BE IN-PERSON AND FEATURE EXTENDED VIRTUAL EXPERIENCES, CELEBRATING “ITS THE BLACK JOY FOR ME” FROM JUNE 30 – JULY 3, 2022 ESSENCE Communications, Inc., the leading media, technology, and commerce company dedicated to serving Black women and their communities deeply, has announced the 100% physical return of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ to New Orleans with extended virtual experiences and a commitment to creating opportunities that will economically benefit, invest and contribute to Black-owned businesses. The Festival will host a multi-generational experience entrenched in culture, equity, and celebration. “As the nation’s largest festival by per day attendance, the ESSENCE Festival of Culture is a staple that celebrates community and empowers equity. We are excited to welcome the family back live to New Orleans and thrilled to connect with more of our diasporic family through new digital experiences,” said ESSENCE CEO Caroline Wanga. “Whether it be those that have three years of outfits reflective of the Festival tradition that was disrupted by the pandemic, or those who will have their inaugural Festival experience in 2022 , all are invited to immerse in the crown jewel of culture known as the ESSENCE Festival of Culture. Our almost three-decade-relationship with the City of New Orleans has been critical to the fiber of the Festival and we fully recognize and appreciate the City and its citizens for all they do to create memorable experiences for all attendees. Lastly, it is critical that we understand that what we deliver with this Festival—live and virtually—also impacts Black economic inclusion. The ability to have those that benefit from this be Black businesses is my favorite manifestation of our 2022 Festival theme, ‘It’s The Black Joy for Me.’ See you in July.” ESSENCE looks forward to physically returning to the City of …
Posted in BLACK MUSIC HONORS 2024, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentJesse L. Jackson, Jr. Pens Powerful Book
March 1, 2022Former Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. is a man of courage, with a renewed mission. In his new book, THE FINGER OF GOD: FROM THE LINEAGE OF DAVID TO THE PRESIDENCY OF THE UNITED STATES (Archway Publishing – 2021), Jackson takes readers on a historical Constitutional odyssey intertwined with Biblical and scholarly quotes, along with illuminating transparencies about his personal, political and prison life. In his points of references in THE FINGER OF GOD Jackson relies upon his theological wisdom and the foundation of the forefathers of our nation. Jackson dissects the U.S. Constitution and educates readers while invoking his vision for America. He also shares his unwavering strengths, his frailties, and his unguarded reflective moments. As a graduate of North Carolina, A&T State University (BS), Chicago Theological Seminary (MDiv), the University of Illinois College of Law (JD), the eldest son of civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. garnered respect and honor while rising as an esteemed Congressman during his political career serving 17 years in the U.S. House of Representatives from Illinois’ 2nd Congressional District. Having served as the national co-chairman during Barack Obama’s first presidential campaign in 2008, Jackson was an influencer amongst his colleagues and in his community who had crossover appeal and eloquent oratorical magnetism. His career was also riddled with controversy after he resigned in 2012 and faced campaign financial improprieties that led to a conviction. The outcome of his offense was a 30-month prison sentence which forced Jackson to face a period of deep introspection. Although Jackson’s remorse stemmed from his own errors in judgement, not upkeeping his family name, the demise of his marriage and the mere fact that he would be deemed a “felon,” which all weighed on his emotions, Jackson faced the truth. He sought redemption and found new purpose while being incarcerated. Presently, the former Congressman is …
Posted in Spotlight | Leave a commentWINNERS OF THE “53rd NAACP IMAGE AWARDS
February 27, 2022PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN, THE DUKE AND DUCHESS OF SUSSEX HONORED WITH THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD WINNERS INCLUDE ANGELA BASSETT, ISSA RAE, JENNIFER HUDSON, NIKOLE HANNAH-JONES, STERLING K. BROWN, WILL SMITH, AND MORE THE STAR-STUDDED EVENING FEATURED APPEARANCES FROM KERRY WASHINGTON, LIL NAS X, LL COOL J, MORGAN FREEMAN, REGINA KING, MEGAN THEE STALLION, PAULA PATTON, SIMU LIU, TIFFANY HADDISH, AND ZENDAYA Following the week-long virtual experience, tonight the NAACP celebrated the stellar achievements of the “53rd NAACP Image Awards” winners during a special LIVE broadcast on BET hosted by seven-time NAACP Image Awards winner Anthony Anderson and presented by Wells Fargo. Watch an encore presentation of the “53rd NAACP Image Awards” Monday, February 28 at 9 PM ET/PT on BET. Internationally, the show will air on BET UK on My5 and Sky On Demand on Monday, February 28, BET France on March 2 at 8:45 pm CEST, and MTV Brazil on Thursday, March 3. #NAACPImageAwards Winners of the night included Jennifer Hudson (Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture – “Respect”), Angela Bassett (Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series – “9-1-1”), Will Smith (Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture – “King Richard”), Sterling K. Brown (Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series – “This is Us”), Issa Rae (Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series – “Insecure”), Anthony Anderson (Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series – “black-ish”), Nikole Hannah-Jones (Social Justice Impact) and “The Harder They Fall” (Outstanding Motion Picture). During the ceremony, NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnson, presented the President’s Award to Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex who together have heeded the call to social justice and have joined the struggle for equity both in the U.S. and around the world. “Through the work of their foundation and their unwavering commitment to the causes we believe in and share, [The Duke and Duchess of Sussex] have demonstrated they are so deserving of this honor,” said NAACP President Derrick Johnson. NAACP Image Award winner and Academy Award-nominated …
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