Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →One 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 Tour Alert | 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
Posted in Music & Film | Leave a commentSymptoms of Coronavirus
March 12, 2020Symptoms 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. Self-Checker 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 you. Call 911 if you have a medical emergency: Notify the operator that you have, or think you might have, COVID-19. If possible, put on a cloth face covering before medical help arrives. _________________________________ How COVID-19 Spreads Other LanguagesPrint Page COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person-to-person in respiratory droplets from someone who is infected. People who are infected often have symptoms of illness. Some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus. COVID-19 is a new disease and we are still learning about how it spreads and the severity of illness it causes. …
Posted in News | Leave a commentWAKA FLOCKA & TAMMY RIVERA CELEBRATE PREMIERE OF BRAND-NEW WE TV SERIES IN ATLANTA AT REPUBLIC NIGHT CLUB WITH CELEBRITY FRIENDS & VIP’S
March 11, 2020WE tv hosted a premiere party in Atlanta at Republic Night Club in celebration of their brand-new series, “Waka & Tammy: What The Flocka” starring rapper Waka Flocka Flame and his wife R&B songstress/fashion designer Tammy Rivera. Joining Waka Flocka and Tammy Rivera for the premiere were Atlanta’s VIPs and influencers including “Braxton Family Values Star” Trina Braxton, “Real Housewives of Atlanta” stars Kenya Moore, Kandi Burruss and Eva Marcille Sterling; actors Taja V. Simpson (“Tyler Perry’s The Oval), Dawn Halfkenny (“Saints & Sinners”), Anthony Dalton (“Sistas”); “Growing Up Hip Hop: Atlanta” cast members Drea Kelly, Ayana Fite, DJ Hurricane, Buku Abi, ReeMarkable; “Love & Hip Hop” stars Karlie Redd, Melissa Scott and Nikki Natural. Additional friends of Waka and Tammy in attendance included Quad Webb (“Married 2 Medicine”), T.S. Madison (“Queens Court”), Akbar V, Dondria, B5 and more. Guests enjoyed sounds by DJ Toni K. Waka Flocka’s mother and famed entertainment mogul Deb Antney’s birthday was celebrated during the night’s festivities with a special cake; followed by an impromptu performance by Tammy Rivera singing her hit song “All These Kisses.” Photo Credit: Getty Images WE tv “Waka & Tammy: What The Flocka” follows Hip Hop’s iconic sweethearts Waka Flocka Flame and his fiery wife Tammy Rivera as they navigate their renewed commitment to their relationship after their emotional roller-coaster on WE tv’s “Marriage Boot Camp: Hip Hop Edition.” One year after the wedding of their dreams, Waka and Tammy find themselves in their new home in Atlanta, where they are navigating all the challenges of married life. From home renovation, juggling Tammy’s bustling music career, parenting their teenage daughter Charlie, and meddling in-laws, keeping their marriage strong takes work. “Waka & Tammy: What The Flocka” premieres Thursday, March 12 at 10PM ET/PT on WE tv.
Posted in Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentWatch a brand new sneak peek of Disney’s “Mulan” featuring “Loyal Brave True” performed by Christina Aguilera
March 7, 2020CHRISTINA AGUILERA RELEASES NEW ORIGINAL SONG “LOYAL BRAVE TRUE” AND UPDATED RENDITION OF “REFLECTION” FEATURED IN DISNEY’S NEW LIVE ACTION “MULAN Watch a brand new sneak peek of Disney’s “Mulan” featuring “Loyal Brave True” performed by Christina Aguilera Multi-platinum and global award-winning superstar singer/songwriter Christina Aguilera is set to perform a new original song, “Loyal Brave True,” and “Reflection (2020)” from Disney’s “Mulan.” Both songs will be featured in the film and on the Walt Disney Records soundtrack, with score composed and conducted by Harry Gregson-Williams, set for release on March 25. “Loyal Brave True” is available as a single. The song was written by Jamie Hartman, Harry Gregson-Williams, Rosi Golan and Billy Crabtree, and produced by Jamie Hartman. President of Music & Soundtracks for Walt Disney Studios, Mitchell Leib, approached the artist on behalf of the project. “Christina is one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Her original performance of ‘Reflection’ from the animated film when she was a then 16-year-old unknown, holds its appropriate place in the history of music and was a launch pad for her unparalleled career that would follow. As this epic live-action version of ‘Mulan’ heads to theaters, Christina brings her innate abilities and years of growth as an artist to the film, reprising ‘Reflection’ and performing the new song ‘Loyal Brave True.’ I think these songs will touch today’s moviegoers in that powerful way we saw 22 years ago.” Aguilera said, “The film ‘Mulan’ and the song ‘Reflection’ coincided with getting me my first record deal. It’s amazing to come back to such an incredible movie that’s full of power and meaning, and that meaning holds the test of time: staying true to yourself, being who you are, and teaching how to be fearless. My new song, ‘Loyal Brave True,’ represents the fine balance between vulnerability …
Posted in Music & Film | Leave a commentCAST AND CREW OF APPLE TV+’S THE BANKER TAKEOVER MEMPHIS – RED CARPET PREMIERE
March 7, 2020On Monday, March 2, Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nia Long and the cast and crew attended the celebration of Apple TV+ THE BANKER at thne National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, TN! THE BANKER stars Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson and Nia Long out in theaters on March 6 and the platform on March 20. Photo Credit: Le Studio Photography Drama Two African American entrepreneurs in the 1950s hire a white man to pose as the head of their company while they posed as a janitor and a chauffeur and ran the business. Directed By: George Nolfi
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentA Quiet Place Part II – Trailer
March 7, 2020Following the deadly events at home, the Abbott family (Emily Blunt, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe) must now face the terrors of the outside world as they continue their fight for survival in silence. Forced to venture into the unknown, they quickly realize that the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats that lurk beyond the sand path. Starring Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, Millicent Simmonds, Noah Jupe, Djimon Hounsou Directed By John Krasinski Produced By Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, John Krasinski Executive Produced By Allyson Seeger, Joann Perritano, Aaron Janus #AQuietPlace
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentTHE BANKER Apple Original Film, March 6, 2020 (Theatrical); Streaming on Apple TV+ March 20
March 7, 2020Synopsis: Based on a true story, “The Banker” centers on revolutionary businessmen Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), who devise an audacious and risky plan to take on the racially oppressive establishment of the 1960s by helping other African Americans pursue the American dream. Along with Garrett’s wife Eunice (Nia Long), they train a working class white man, Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult), to pose as the rich and privileged face of their burgeoning real estate and banking empire – while Garrett and Morris pose as a janitor and a chauffeur. Their success ultimately draws the attention of the federal government, which threatens everything the four have built. The drama is directed by George Nolfi (“The Adjustment Bureau”) and produced by Joel Viertel. Brad Feinstein produced under his Romulus Entertainment banner, along with producers Nolfi, Nnamdi Asomugha, Jonathan Baker, David Lewis Smith and Anthony Mackie. The executive producers are Joseph F. Ingrassia, Samuel L. Jackson, Will Greenfield, David Gendron and Ali Jazayeri. “The Banker” is written by Niceole Levy, George Nolfi, David Lewis Smith and Stan Younger from a story by David Lewis Smith, Stan Younger and Brad Caleb Kane. Directed by: George Nolfi Written by: Niceole Levy, George Nolfi, David Lewis Smith and Stan Younger Cast: Anthony Mackie, Samuel L. Jackson, Nia Long, Nicholas Hoult #TheBanker
Posted in Movie News | Leave a comment51st NAACP IMAGE AWARDS CELEBRATES BLACK EXCELLENCE
February 26, 2020NAACP ANNOUNCED THE WINNERS OF THE 51st NAACP IMAGE AWARDS HOSTED BY ANTHONY ANDERSON ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22nd RIHANNA RECEIVED THE PRESIDENT’S AWARD AND U.S. CONGRESSMAN AND CIVIL RIGHTS LEADER JOHN LEWIS WAS HONORED WITH THE NAACP CHAIRMAN’S AWARD DURING THE LIVE CEREMONY THE STAR STUDDED EVENING FEATURED APPEARANCES FROM ANGELA BASSETT, TRACEE ELLIS ROSS, JAMIE FOXX,TIFFANY HADDISH, DEON COLE, JANELLE MONAE, JILL SCOTT, LENA WAITHE, LESLIE ODOM JR., LIZZO, LYNN WHITFIELD, MARSAI MARTIN, MICHAEL B. JORDAN, OCTAVIA SPENCER, STERLING K. BROWN, TAMRON HALL, TICHINA ARNOLD, WINSTON DUKES, YARA SHAHIDI, YVETTE NICOLE BROWN, ROBIN THEDE, BRIE LARSON, CHLOE BAILEY AND HAROLD PERRINEAU POWERFUL PERFORMANCES BY JILL SCOTT AND H.E.R. WITH SKIP MARLEY The NAACP celebrated the stellar achievements of the 51st NAACP Image Awards winners during a special ceremony which was broadcasted live on BET Saturday, February 22, 2020 from the Pasadena Civic Center Auditorium. Winners of the night included Lizzo (Entertainer of the Year), Angela Bassett (Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series – “9-1-1”), Jamie Foxx (Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture – “Just Mercy”), Lupita Nyong’o (Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture – “Us”), Marsai Martin (Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture – “Little”), Tracee Ellis Ross (Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series – “black-ish”) and “Just Mercy” (Outstanding Motion Picture). U.S. Congressman and civil rights leader John Lewis (D-GA), was recognized with the NAACP Chairman’s Award during the ceremony and sent in a special video accepting the award. Jill Scott took to the stage with an electric performance of “Do You Remember” and “Is It The Way” and Skip Marley joined H.E.R for a medley of “Slide”, “Slow Down” and “Turn THe Lights Down Low”. Additional guests in attendance included Brie Larson, Chloe Bailey, Deon Cole, Elaine Welteroth, Harold Perrineau, Janelle Monae, Lena Waithe, Leslie Odom …
Posted in R&B Pop Culture, 57th NAACP Image Awards, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →
