Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One in Theaters Now
July 12, 2023SYNOPSIS In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan’s past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most. DIRECTED BY Christopher McQuarrie WRITTEN BY Christopher McQuarrie & Erik Jendresen BASED ON THE TELEVISION SERIES CREATED BY Bruce Geller PRODUCED BY Tom Cruise, Christopher McQuarrie EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY David Ellison, Dana Goldberg, Don Granger, Tommy Gormley, Chris Brock, Susan E. Novick STARRING Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Rebecca Ferguson, Vanessa Kirby, Esai Morales, Pom Klementieff, Mariela Garriga, Henry Czerny, Shea Whigham, Greg Tarzan Davis, Charles Parnell, Frederick Schmidt, Cary Elwes, Mark Gatiss, Indira Varma, Rob Delaney
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentTHE 2023 ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE™ PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA®
June 30, 2023HIGHLIGHTS UPLOADING – CHECK BACK LATER Day two of the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® served attendees with unforgettable experiences from the debut of AFROPUNK BLKTOPIA™ and Beautycon: ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ Edition, to various impactful conversations on the Global Black Economic Forum™ Headquarters Stage. For the first time in the nearly three-decade relationship between the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® and the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, the event took over the entire Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Day two of 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® wrapped with incredible nighttime performances by headliner Ms. Lauryn Hill alongside Doug E. Fresh, Juvenile, Janelle Monae and more. ______________________________________________________________________________ DAY 1 THE 29TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL KICKED OFF HIP-HOP 50 CELEBRATIONS WITH ESSENCE VENTURES EXECUTIVES, REMARKS FROM VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS AT THE GLOBAL BLACK ECONOMIC FORUM™, AND THE FIRST-EVER AFROPUNK KREWE BALL New Orleans, Louisiana — June 29, 2023 — Day One of the 2023 ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ presented by Coca-Cola® kicked off in its forever home of New Orleans. Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans and ESSENCE Ventures President & CEO Caroline Wanga and the executive leadership team, kicked off this year’s festival with the annual press conference, starting the weekend celebrations with opening remarks highlighting the yearly economic impact of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ on the local New Orleans community. Celebrations continued throughout the day with the Global Black Economic Forum™, which featured an invite-only Access and Opportunity Summit at the Four Seasons, where members of The Biden-Harris Administration, including Vice President Kamala Harris, US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Michael S. Regan, took part in discussions on issues ranging from the evolution of philanthropy to addressing inequity on corporate boards. The Summit engaged audiences on conversations around advancing equity and opportunity for Black communities across the country with history-making Black trailblazers, …
Posted in 2023 ESSENCE FESTIVAL OF CULTURE™, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentKEYSHIA COLE: THIS IS MY STORY PREMIERED ON LIFETIME JUNE 24
June 24, 2023Multiple Grammy® award nominee Keyshia Cole (Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is) executive produced and made her acting debut, playing herself, in a new Lifetime biopic following her early days in Oakland honing her musical talents to her rise to a multi-platinum selling recording artist and television personality, to her complicated yet warmhearted relationship with her mother Frankie Lons played by Debbi Morgan (All My Children). The biopic premiered Saturday, June 24 as part of Lifetime’s celebration of Black Music Month. Keyshia Cole: This is My Story is directed by D’Angela Proctor (Line Sisters) and Manu Boyer (Girl in the Basement) and features a new song recorded by the singer/songwriter titled Forever is a Thing. Ron Fair, Keyshia Cole’s long standing A&R and music collaborator supervised the music and Grammy Award winner Warryn Campbell composed the original score. Keyshia Cole: This is My Story is produced for Lifetime by Swirl Films and Big Dreams. Executive producers are Eric Tomosunas, Leslie Greif, D’Angela Proctor and Keyshia Cole. Co-Executive Producer is Ron Fair. D’Angela Proctor and Manu Boyer direct from a script written by Angelica Cheri.
Posted in R&B Pop Culture, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentMISSY ELLIOTT, SWV, JEFFREY OSBORNE, EVELYN “CHAMPAGNE” KING AND THE HAWKINS FAMILY HONORED AT 8TH ANNUAL BLACK MUSIC HONORS
May 23, 2023Missy Elliott – Honoree ROBIN THICKE PERFORMS IN SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO BOBBY CALDWELL HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED SHOW DEBUT DURING BLACK MUSIC MONTH! TUNE IN TO THE STELLAR NETWORK ON JUNE 3, WATCH THE NATIONAL BROADCAST IN SYNDICATIONFROM JUNE 10 TO JULY 2;AND A SPECIAL JUNETEENTH AIRING ON BOUNCE TV JUNE 19 SWV – HonoreeJeffrey Osborne – HonoreeEvelyn “Champagne” King – HonoreeLeToya Luckett – HostTramaine Hawkins – HonoreeDeRay Davis – HostLil’ Mo – PerformerAnthony Hamilton – PerformerJacquees – PerformerQueen Naija – PerformerSevyn Streeter – PerformerKenny Lattimore – PerformerTweet – PerformerRobin Thicke – PerformerTina Campbell – PerformerRaheem DeVaughn – PerformerDavid Banner – PerformerNicole Wray – PerformerSheléa – PerformerKelontae Gavin – PerformerQuad Webb – GuestKash Doll – GuestDr. Teresa Hairston & Don Jackson, Founder & Executive Producer The 8th Black Music Honors, was a night of unparalleled glamor and style, held at The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in Atlanta, GA. The Black Music Honors is an annual event that celebrates the illustrious achievements and exceptional contributions of urban music. The 8th annual Black Music Honors premieres on The Stellar Network on June 3, followed by national broadcast syndication from June 10 to July 2; and a special airing on Bounce TV on June 19. The evening was a celebration of music legends and their incredible contributions to the American music landscape. Jeffrey Osborne received the prestigious Legends Award, while Evelyn “Champagne” King was honored as the R&B Music Icon and gospel trailblazers The Hawkins Family received the Gospel Music Icon. The GRAMMY-nominated group SWV was recognized as the Urban Music Icon, and the multi-GRAMY Award Winner Missy Elliot was crowned the Music Innovator Icon. The late Bobby Caldwell was also given a heartfelt tribute, commemorating his remarkable 25-year career. The stage came alive with unforgettable tribute performances by an array of extraordinary artists. From the soul-stirring vocals of Anthony Hamilton feat. The Ton3s to the electrifying presence of LaTocha Scott of Xscape, and the captivating performances by Queen Naija, Elle Varner, Sheléa, Tina Campbell, Beverly Crawford, Kelontae Gavin, Zacardi Cortez, Raheem DeVaughn, Kenny Lattimore, Robin Thicke, Tweet, …
Posted in R&B Pop Culture, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentThe Little Mermaid In Theaters May 26
May 13, 2023“The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy. The film stars singer and actress Halle Bailey (“grown-ish”) as Ariel; Jonah Hauer-King (“A Dog’s Way Home”) as Prince Eric; Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs (“Hamilton”) as the voice of Sebastian; Awkwafina (“Raya and the Last Dragon”) as the voice of Scuttle; Jacob Tremblay (“Luca”) as the voice of Flounder; Noma Dumezweni (“Mary Poppins Returns”) as Queen Selina; Art Malik (“Homeland”) as Sir Grimsby; with Oscar® winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men”) as King Triton; and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy (“Can You Ever Forgive Me?” “Bridesmaids”) as Ursula. “The Little Mermaid” is directed by Oscar® nominee Rob Marshall (“Chicago,” “Mary Poppins Returns”) with a screenplay by two-time Oscar nominee David Magee (“Life of Pi,” “Finding Neverland”). The songs feature music from multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken (“Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin”) and lyrics by Howard Ashman, and new lyrics by three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda. The film is produced by two-time Emmy® winner Marc Platt (“Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” “Grease Live!”), Miranda, two-time Emmy winner John DeLuca (“Tony Bennett: An American Classic”), and Rob Marshall, with Jeffrey Silver (“The Lion King”) serving as executive producer. Hashtag: #TheLittleMermaid Twitter: https://twitter.com/littlemermaid Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DisneyTheLit… Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneylittl…
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentFAST X In Theaters 05/19/2023
May 13, 2023The end of the road begins. Fast X, the tenth film in the Fast & Furious Saga, launches the final chapters of one of cinema’s most storied and popular global franchises, now in its third decade and still going strong with the same core cast and characters as when it began. Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything—and everyone—that Dom loves, forever. In 2011’s Fast Five, Dom and his crew took out nefarious Brazilian drug kingpin Hernan Reyes and decapitated his empire on a bridge in Rio De Janeiro. What they didn’t know was that Reyes’ son, Dante (Aquaman’s Jason Momoa), witnessed it all and has spent the last 12 years masterminding a plan to make Dom pay the ultimate price. Dante’s plot will scatter Dom’s family from Los Angeles to the catacombs of Rome, from Brazil to London and from Portugal to Antarctica. New allies will be forged and old enemies will resurface. But everything changes when Dom discovers that his own 8-year-old son (Leo Abelo Perry, Black-ish) is the ultimate target of Dante’s vengeance. Directed by Louis Leterrier (Clash of the Titans, The Incredible Hulk), Fast X stars returning cast members Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Jason Statham, John Cena and Scott Eastwood, with Oscar® winner Helen Mirren and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron. The film also features an extraordinary new cast including Oscar® winner Brie Larson as Tess, a rogue representative from the Agency; Alan Richtson (Reacher) …
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentGRAMMY WINNER KELLY ROWLAND SET TO STAR AND EXECUTIVE PRODUCE THE FOURTH INSTALLMENT OF HER HOLIDAY MOVIE FRANCHISE WITH MERRY LIDDLE CHRISTMAS VACATION AS A TENTPOLE FILM FOR THIS YEAR’S IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFETIME HOLIDAY SLATE
March 9, 2023The Liddles are back! Lifetime is in development with the fourth installment of the Merry Liddle Christmas movies franchise, Merry Liddle Christmas Vacation set to premiere as a tentpole movie for 2023’s It’s a Wonderful Lifetime holiday slate. Kelly Rowland returns to executive produce and star as Jacquie, who gave birth to twins in 2021’s Merry Liddle Christmas Baby. This new Liddle movie will follow the family as they head on a family vacation for the holidays. Production is set to begin later this year. “We are so ecstatic for the next movie of this fantastic holiday movie franchise and keep the story of the Liddles going,” said EVP, Scripted Content, Tanya Lopez. “People have fallen in love with this family, and we are thrilled to continue to evolve their story with our incredible partner and star Kelly Rowland.” “The Liddle Christmas story has literally become a big part of my own family’s Christmas. I love sitting with my family and friends to watch the films, and I am always happy to get back on set with these amazing actors who have become family,” says Kelly. “To wear two hats as executive producer and actress is always challenging and exciting. I cannot wait for everyone to see the next beautiful adventure.” This holiday season, the Liddle family is back together again, and ready to spend the holidays at a beautiful resort. Hoping to create new Christmas traditions, the Liddles are gathered to celebrate Jacquie and Tyler’s wedding anniversary and the twins’ birthday. But their holiday vacation is far from paradise with tensions mounting with Jacquie (Kelly Rowland) feeling Tyler is prioritizing his work over their family. Meanwhile Treena and Julian struggle to balance time with each other as Kiara and Chris navigate raising Kiara’s son. Marchelle and Wade are determined to keep Liddle Christmas traditions alive, even far from their …
Posted in MOTIVATION | Leave a commentCHAKA KHAN GRACES THE COVER OF HITS MAGAZINE
March 6, 2023HITS MAGAZINE celebrated Black History Month with the legendary, CHAKA KHAN gracing the cover of the magazine. Chaka sat down with journalist Dyana Williams to dish on the journey of celebrating 50 years in the arts.The extraordinary five-decade arc of the vocal genius and native Chicagoan born Yvette Marie Stevens includes 10 Grammy Awards (and 22 nominations); fame and huge hits with the group Rufus; a stratospheric solo career marked by such smashes as “I’m Every Woman,” “Ain’t Nobody” and “I Feel for You”; projects with Ray Charles, Quincy Jones, Arif Mardin, Jam & Lewis and countless other influential music-makers; acclaimed forays into jazz including 1982’s Echoes of an Era (with greats like Chick Corea, Freddie Hubbard and Joe Henderson); and countless other highlights, all the way up to her most recent single, “Woman Like Me,” which made its way into the Top 15, and a new collaborative project to be announced later this year. Khan, who has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, was recently honored with a proclamation from New York City and hailed on a billboard in Times Square. You know, icon stuff.Our friend Dyana Williams, herself celebrating a golden anniversary in the business and anticipating her 70th trip around the sun, began playing Khan’s music when she was an on-air personality at WHUR Washington, D.C., working under the moniker Ebony Moonbeams, and has been a devoted fan ever since.READ THE JUICY INTERVIEW BELOW….HITS MAGAZINE – CHAKA KHAN INTERVIEW (Part 1)HITS MAGAZINE – CHAKA KHAN INTERVIEW (Part 2)(AUDIO LINK) “WOMAN LIKE ME” by CHAKA KHAN(LYRIC VIDEO LINK) “WOMAN LIKE ME” by CHAKA KHANHITS MAGAZINE – BLACK HISTORY MONTH – CHAKA KHAN PLAYLIST CONNECT WITH CHAKA KHAN: Official Website: https://chakakhan.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chakakhan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chakakhan
Posted in Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentJohn Wick: Chapter 4 in theaters March 24
March 5, 2023John Wick (Keanu Reeves) uncovers a path to defeating The High Table. But before he can earn his freedom, Wick must face off against a new enemy with powerful alliances across the globe and forces that turn old friends into foes. Genres Action, Suspense Starring Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, and Ian McShane Directed By Chad Stahelski Produced By Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Chad Stahelski Executive Produced By Keanu Reeves, Louise Rosner, David Leitch, Michael Paseornek
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentThe Fanfare of Creed 3 – Photos from Set & Red Carpet
March 4, 2023After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian – a fighter who has nothing to lose. Creed III is the third installment in the successful franchise and is Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut. Director: Michael B. Jordan Screenplay by: Keenan Coogler & Zach Baylin Story by: Ryan Coogler and Keenan Coogler & Zach Baylin
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