Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →YOU, ME & TUSCANY in theaters Now
March 14, 2026Sometimes the wrong place is right where you need to be. From Will Packer, the blockbuster producer of Girls Trip, the Ride Along franchise, and ten movies that have opened No. 1 at the U.S. box office—including Night School, This Christmas and Think Like a Man—comes a delicious romantic comedy about one little lie, one large Italian villa, and two people getting lost in the sauce of love. Halle Bailey (The Little Mermaid, The Color Purple) stars as Anna, a young woman who has abandoned her dreams of becoming a chef and is now drifting through her twenties with a series of bad choices. When Anna loses her house-sitting job (and housing) in one fell swoop, a chance encounter with Matteo—a handsome Italian who happens to have a villa sitting empty in Tuscany—will inspire her to jet off for Italy, against the advice of her always-honest bestie, Claire (Home Before Dark’s Aziza Scott). But Anna’s plan to crash at Matteo’s villa, without permission, just for one night, falls apart when Matteo’s mother, Gabriella (Italian film icon Isabella Ferrari) shows up at the house unexpectedly. In a panic, Anna allows Gabriella to believe that she is Matteo’s fiancée. That little lie becomes a big problem, though, when Matteo’s cousin, Michael (Regé-Jean Page; Bridgerton, Black Bag) shows up, and Anna discovers that the heat between them may ignite a fire that will transform her life. The film’s international cast includes Lorenzo de Moor (The Legend Hunters) as Matteo, Marco Calvani (The Four Seasons) as an Italian taxi driver who befriends Anna and Academy Award® nominee Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) as Anna’s house-sitting client, Mrs. Dunn. You, Me & Tuscany is directed by acclaimed filmmaker Kat Coiro (Marry Me, Matlock), from a screenplay by Ryan Engle (Rampage, Beast), based on an original idea by Ryan Engle and Kristin Engle. The film is produced by Will Packer (Girls Trip, Ride Along films) and …
Posted in Movie News, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment57th NAACP Image Awards
March 13, 2026BET and NAACP proudly celebrated the best in Black culture at the “57th NAACP Image Awards,” hosted by beloved comedian, actor, and multi-NAACP Image Award winner Deon Cole at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California, February 28. The evening was a powerful tribute to Black excellence, honoring leaders, visionaries, and creatives making a remarkable impact across entertainment, advocacy, and culture. In a night rooted in pride, community, and culture, Colman Domingo was presented with the President’s Award in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. Legendary group Salt-N-Pepa and DJ Spinderella were inducted into the prestigious NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, which celebrates trailblazers whose enduring influence continues to shape the music industry for generations. Viola Davis received the Chairman’s Award, which honors individuals who excel in public service and use their platforms to ignite and drive meaningful change. In a moving tribute led by Samuel L. Jackson, the “57th NAACP Image Awards” honored a life defined by legacy, service, and an unwavering commitment to others, commemorating the remarkable impact of Rev. Jesse Jackson, whose tireless advocacy changed the world. Members of the Jackson family were also in attendance during tonight’s ceremony. Presenters for the evening included Chase Infiniti, Delroy Lindo, NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson, Halle Bailey, Janelle James, NAACP Chairman Leon W. Russell, Lionel Richie, MC Lyte, Miles Caton, Nicole Beharie, Reg-Jean Page, Regina Hall, Ryan Coogler, Ryan Michelle Bathe, Sterling K. Brown, and the cast of Tyler Perry’s Sistas. MC Lyte was the voice of the evening, returning as the in-show announcer. For winners list visit https://naacpimageawards.net/press-releases/feb-28/ Photos Courtesy of NAACP, BET, Getty Images Compiled by Beth McCain
Posted in In The Spotlight, 57th NAACP Image Awards | Leave a commentJAZZ IN THE GARDENS 2026 RECAP: A WEEKEND OF R&B ICONS, SOUTHERN SOUL & HIP-HOP LEGENDS
March 13, 2026Miami Gardens, FL – Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) 2026 delivered another unforgettable weekend of music, culture, and community as thousands gathered at Hard Rock Stadium for two days of electrifying performances. The festival’s second day also coincided with International Women’s Day, with several artists taking moments to recognize and celebrate the women in the crowd.Saturday’s overcast skies did nothing to dim the crowd’s energy as fans packed the grounds ready to sing along to timeless hits. By Sunday, the Miami heat returned in full force, setting the stage for a high-energy finale. DAY ONE HIGHLIGHTSDamien Escobar Opens with Soulful Strings Violinist Damien Escobar set the tone for the night with a smooth, genre-blending performance that reimagined classic R&B through the power of live strings. Stepping onto the stage with his violin, he drew the audience into an emotionally layered set with interpretations of “For the Love of You,” “Caught Up in the Rapture,” “Rock Steady,” and “What You Won’t Do for Love,” creating an early moment of connection that settled naturally over the crowd and laid the foundation for an evening of star-studded performances. Joe Turns JITG into Lovers’ Lane Joe followed with the kind of polished stage presence that instantly shifted the atmosphere. Dressed in a standout Tiffany blue suit, he leaned into his signature grown R&B catalog with smooth, effortless vocals, performing hits like “More & More,” “What If a Woman,” “If I Was Your Man,” and “All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do).” By the time he reached “All the Things,” the crowd was fully locked in, singing back nearly every word. D-Nice & Friends Bring the Party D-Nice & Friends turned the festival into a R&B celebration with appearances from SWV, Donell Jones, Case, and Sunshine Anderson, while cultural tastemaker Kenny Burns kept the energy high as host, hyping the crowd and singing along throughout the set. Donell …
Posted in Tour Alert | Leave a commentMICHAEL | IN THEATERS EVERYWHERE + NEW IMAGES AVAILABLE NOW!
February 2, 2026Jafar Jackson as Michael MICHAEL is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy of one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of the Jackson Five, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins. Written by: John Logan Starring Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, with Miles Teller and Colman Domingo Directed By Antoine Fuqua Produced By Graham King, John Branca, John McClain FOLLOW #MICHAELMOVIE ONLINE
Posted in Cinema, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentFIBA Break Explained
December 5, 2025By Malia Fisher Now that I’ve shared some of the challenges of playing basketball overseas in my last commentary, let’s explore the positives. During a typical European season, there are FIBA (Federation International de Basketball Amateur) breaks. These breaks allow national team players to return home and compete in events like the Olympics, Eurobasket, and other national competitions. All other international basketball organizations pause during this time to accommodate these players. While national team players have limited rest, those who don’t have an opportunity to relax, travel, and explore. Depending on the team, players without national team duties can have anywhere between two and ten days off. My teammates and I were fortunate enough to have four days off to do whatever we wanted. Without hesitation, I decided to explore the enchanting city of London, England. Why London? Well, it’s always been a dream city for me. From watching movies and reading books to hearing about its mysterious and bustling atmosphere, I knew it was the first place I wanted to visit. Four days wasn’t enough time to explore everything London had to offer. Just an hour and a half plane ride away, stepping into a new city where the sights had only been imagined in my mind was an exhilarating experience. There was a flutter in my stomach, knowing that if it weren’t for basketball, I wouldn’t have this opportunity. A wave of immense gratitude washed over me. From the iconic London Eye to the historic Big Ben, from the vibrant Borough Market to every charming coffee shop bursting with personality, London has so much to offer. As I have long since returned from a dream vacation, I return to reality where I am still nursing an ankle injury back to normal. Exactly, five weeks ago, I partially tore …
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentThe Physical Price of Competing as a Professional Athlete
November 15, 2025A few weeks ago, I discussed some of the intangible struggles that athletes face daily. In this article, I’ll share a more physical aspect. On October 26th, the Rutronik Stars Keltern faced off against Eigner Angles Noerdlingen. Despite sticking around through the first half, they were ultimately undermatched by our size and depth. Shortly after the start of the third quarter, I was put in the game. I was on track to have a record night, with 11 points in the first half, but then the universe had other plans. As I was coming down from what would have been my seventh rebound of the night, I landed on the foot of another player suffering a grade 2 ankle sprain. I tell you this story to emphasize the following statement: Being an athlete means showing up every day willing to put your bodily health on the line. I’ve been fortunate in my basketball career to have never experienced a season-ending injury, but others are not so lucky. At the professional level, a severely sprained ankle could be the difference between your income and unemployment. A torn ACL could be the difference in a person not being able to support their family. One wrong hit or fall could be the difference in your quality of life. The physical sacrifice that athletes make on all levels is not appreciated enough, and it’s an immutable part of the job. In college, it’s very normal for your team’s athletic trainer to accompany you to the hospital, speak on your behalf to the doctor, and support your needs while you’re there. In contrast, Germany and my team specifically don’t have a team-specific athletic trainer, and I don’t speak German. So, while my team traveled to Lithuania to play in the Eurocup this week, I stayed …
Posted in MOTIVATION | Leave a comment“UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS” in theaters NOVEMBER 7th
October 30, 2025Ensemble Cast Includes Anna Maria Horsford, Reagan Gomez, Dominique Perry & More; Howery and Brown Also Serve as Executive Producers DIRECTED BY: Michael Vaughn Hernandez EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY: Milton “Lil Rel” Howery, Tabitha Brown, and Norman Gyamfi. PRODUCED BY: Trell Woodberry, Phil Thornton, and Perrí Camper. WRITTEN BY: Cassandra Mann DISTRIBUTED BY: 3 Diamonds Films and Eammon Films KEY CAST: Milton “Lil Rel” Howery, Tabitha Brown, Anna Maria Horsford, Reagan Gomez, DomiNque Perry, Terrence Terrell, Trell Woodberry, Ricco Ross, Koryn Hawthorne, Cecelia Friday, and Howie Bell. SYNOPSIS: When the Scott family gathers for Christmas, the dream reunion Momma Scott (Anna Maria Horsford) planned quickly turns upside down. Her daughter Marissa (DomiNque Perry) returns home fresh off a breakup with her boyfriend Richard (Lil Rel Howery) and is then shocked when Richard arrives arm in arm with her estranged stepsister Kerry (Reagan Gomez). Marissa tries to play it cool and invites a surprise guest of her own who has everyone talking, all while Kerry is cooking up a scheme that could ruin the whole celebration. Add in a few romantic mix-ups, old rivalries, and plenty of family secrets, and everyone is in for an unforgettable holiday. With love, laughter, and a little bit of chaos around every corner, this Christmas might just bring the Scotts closer together—or blow the roof off the house! #UnexpectedChristmas https://www.unexpectedchristmasfilm.com
Posted in Cinema | Leave a comment3 DIAMONDS FILMS PRESENTS – UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS -THE SOUNDTRACK Available
October 30, 20253 Diamonds Films’ highly anticipated movie UNEXPECTED CHRISTMAS is bringing the holiday flair to your playlists with the release of the official soundtrack, via 3 Diamonds Entertainment/Platform Sounds. Crafted with the essence and nostalgic feel of a Black family holiday gathering, Unexpected Christmas: The Soundtrack features an eclectic mix of heartfelt holiday classics and new original songs created exclusively for the film. Unexpected Christmas: The Soundtrack tracklist: 1. “Unexpected Christmas” – October London (Produced by October London) 2. “Cozy With You” – Melanie Fiona (Produced by Daniel Bryant / Marlo M. Davis) 3. “What Christmas Means To Me” – Kevin Ross (Produced by Kevin Ross) 4. “Joy To The World” – Tamar Braxton (Produced by Daniel Bryant) 5. “Cold Day” – EJ Jones (Produced by Daniel Bryant) 6. “Xmas Alone” – Xenia Manasseh (Produced by Camper) 7. “You This Christmas” – Kenyon Dixon (Produced by Daniel Bryant / Marlo M. Davis) 8. “I’ll Be There” – TA Thomas (Produced by Camper and Tiyon "TC" Mack) 9. “Wrapped In Red” – Koryn Hawthorne (Produced by Daniel Bryant) 10. “Christmas Just Ain’t Christmas” – K-Ci Hailey (Produced by Eric "E Will" Williams) Unexpected Christmas premieres in theaters nationwide on November 7, inviting audiences everywhere to celebrate the holiday season with laughter, family, and unforgettable music. About the Film When the Scott family gathers for Christmas, the dream reunion Momma Scott (Anna Maria Horsford) planned quickly turns upside down. Her daughter Marissa (DomiNque Perry) returns home fresh off a breakup with her boyfriend Richard (Lil Rel Howery) and is then shocked when Richard arrives arm in arm with her estranged stepsister Kerry (Reagan Gomez). Marissa tries to play it cool and invites a surprise guest of her own who has everyone talking, all while Kerry is cooking up a scheme that could ruin the whole celebration. Add in a few …
Posted in Sonya's Highlights and More | Leave a commentThe Challenges of a Professional Basketball Player Overseas
October 29, 2025By Malia Fisher As we approach the six-week mark, I want to reflect on the challenges faced when it comes to off-the-court daily living while playing basketball overseas. Consider the time frame: You could be living in another country for anywhere from six to ten months out of the year. For some, it’s a new country every year, while others are fortunate to re-sign to the same team if the situation benefits them. Personally, my season is eight months long, which means eight months away from everyone and everything I know and love. To say that one experiences a few challenges in their rookie year is an understatement. There’s no guidebook, and no one is particularly eager to show you the ropes. So, let me be the first to share some of the challenges I’ve faced. We’ll start with the obvious language barriers. I’m fortunate that everyone in my immediate surroundings (coaches, players, and management) speaks English at a high enough level to communicate effectively. However, I live in a small town where most of the locals don’t speak English. This leaves things like grocery shopping, eating out, social activities, and even making new friends feeling like you’re trying to solve the world’s hardest puzzle. For Americans specifically, it’s very possible and common to be the only one from your country on a team. You’re left out of locker room banter and unable to be fully understood on a basic level. This can lead to extremely isolating conditions, and it’s not on purpose. Having language barriers can leave you feeling like you’re looking in from the outside if there’s no one around to help. One of the biggest challenges is homesickness. It’s a search for comfort. Time zones make communication even harder. I talk to my mom the most out …
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentONE MUSICFEST, PRESENTED BY P&G: A LOVE LETTER TO ATLANTA CELEBRATING RICO WADE AND 25 YEARS OF LUDACRIS
October 28, 2025Some of the Biggest Stars Performed, including Headliners and Other Performers Such as Future, Doechii, and The Roots with Busta Rhymes, Havoc of Mobb Deep, and Mary J Blige, Usher, Fergie, Kehlani, The Clipse, Jeezy, Jazmine Sullivan, The Dungeon Family including Big Boi of Outkast, Goodie Mobb, and Killer Mike, Leon Thomas, Wale, Jadakiss, and More!!Notable Attendees included Tyler the Creator, and Actor Anthony Mackie, Among Others October 28, 2025 (ATLANTA, GA) — This past weekend, ONE Musicfest, presented by P&G, once again transformed Piedmont Park into a vibrant epicenter of sound, soul, and celebration — uniting music lovers from across the country for two unforgettable days of performances, tributes, and cultural pride. Despite Sunday’s rain, the crowd’s energy never wavered, proving that ONE Musicfest’s spirit is truly unstoppable. DAY ONE — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25Saturday kicked off with an electric mix of legacy, lyricism, and live instrumentation that set the tone for an iconic weekend. The OMF Stage closed with a powerhouse lineup led by The Roots, joined by Mary J. Blige, Busta Rhymes, and Havoc of Mobb Deep — creating one of the most historic moments in ONE Musicfest history. The Roots delivered a high-energy, deeply musical set that showcased why they remain one of the most respected live bands in hip-hop. The night reached peak emotion when Mary J. Blige took the stage — performing “What’s the 411?” backed by the band, as Black Thought dropped in for a verse that made the crowd roar. The collaboration was pure magic, blending R&B royalty and hip-hop mastery into one unforgettable finale. Before The Roots closed out the night, Busta Rhymes and Spliff Star brought unmatched showmanship and lyrical precision. Their performance, supported by The Roots’ live instrumentation, was a reminder of what true stage command looks like. Havoc of Mobb Deep then took fans on a journey back to the …
Posted in Atlanta Scene, In The Spotlight, R&B Pop Culture | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →
