Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →Serena Williams Wins 6th Wimbledon Championship
July 12, 2015Wimbledon 2015: Serena Williams wins title to complete ‘Serena Slam’ Ravi Ubha, CNN Wimbledon, England (CNN)Last year at Wimbledon after exiting to Alize Cornet in the third round, Serena Williams declared: “I know I can do better.” On Saturday at the All England Club came the exclamation point to her turnaround. Williams defeated promising Spaniard Garbine Muguruza 6-4 6-4 in southwest London to complete the “Serena Slam” — winning four straight majors — for the second time and is now well on the way to making more history at the season’s final grand slam. “I honestly wouldn’t have thought last year after winning the U.S. Open I would win the Serena Slam at all,” Williams, emulating her feat of 2002-2003, told reporters. “It’s super exciting.” Grand Slam bid If the American triumphs at the U.S. Open — and the odds might be stacked in her favor given the 33-year-old is the three-time defending champion — she would become the first player since Steffi Graf in 1988 to complete the calendar-year grand slam. I honestly wouldn’t have thought last year after winning the U.S. Open I would win the Serena Slam at all,” Williams, emulating her feat of 2002-2003, told reporters. “It’s super exciting.” A victory would, too, draw the world No. 1 level with Graf on an Open Era leading 22 majors. It didn’t take long, Williams admitted, before New York crept into her mind. “I did the whole presentation, I did the whole walk around the court,” said Williams. “I was peaceful, feeling really good. Maybe a little after that I started thinking about New York.” Her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, made an early request to U.S. fans to back Williams in September. “I think if the crowd helps her, it’s going to be a plus,” the Frenchman told a …
Posted in Fashion | Leave a commentMICHAEL JAI WHITE & GILLIAN WATERS WED IN THAILAND
July 8, 2015Actor Michael Jai White has wed longtime fianceé and actress Gillian Waters. In a private ceremony held in Thailand this past weekend at the multi-acre riverfront estate of their good friends, film producer and finance executive, Michael Selby and his wife Jantana, the lovely couple, who will star in the upcoming film Never Back Down 3 together, exchanged vows surrounded by their children, family and close friends. . In a custom gown by Milan Bangkok, the beautiful bride donned a 10-carat engagement ring, and the actors exchanged custom diamond and platinum bands. The extravagant traditional Thai ceremony featured fireworks, an elephant parade, belly dancers, drone airplanes and a lavish dinner reception where guests noshed on Pad Thai, jumbo prawns, crab fried rice, curried chicken, and a custom three-tiered cake by the famous Bangkok bakery Coffee Beans by Dao. The couple are currently on honeymoon on the Indian Ocean in Krabi Province and will plan a California reception for US-based family and friends upon their return. About Michael Jai White & Gillian Waters: Best known for roles in various Tyler Perry projects including Why Did I Get Married and the TBS/OWN comedy and drama For Better or Worse, White was the first African American to portray a major comic book superhero in a major motion picture in 1997’s SPAWN. An accomplished martial artist, White also starred as Mike Tyson in the 1995 HBO television film TYSON, and the hit film Mortal Kombat. Water is a Howard University graduate and has starred in music videos for LL Cool J and Boyz II Men. Best known for roles on the classic sitcom Martin, Waters also starred as China Lee in the popular soap opera Days of our Lives, and as Amoria in Xena: Warrior Princess. (PHOTO CREDIT: Michael Selby)
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentShayla’s Catch Novel Shines in Essence Bookstore During Essence Music Festival 2015
July 8, 2015Sonya Jenkins’ first novel, SHAYLA’S CATCH, caught the attention of many Essence Fest Book Lovers during the 2015 Essence Music Festival. SHAYLA’S CATCH was one of the books featured in the Essence Bookstore July 3-5 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Although SHAYLA’S CATCH Author Sonya Jenkins attended the Essence Fest for fun and fellowship with friends, once she made her way to the Essence Bookstore and witnessed potential readers glancing at her romance novel she decided to spend a great portion of her days meeting, greeting and chatting with potential SHAYLA’S CATCH readers and signing books for those who purchased her novel. “Just for my novel SHAYLA’S CATCH to be included in the great selection of books featured in the Essence Bookstore was an honor in itself,” Jenkins said. “But getting the opportunity to speak with book lovers from all over the country about my novel, as well as meeting and chatting with other authors was exhilarating, to say the least.” SHAYLA’S CATCH is Jenkins’ first novel, which was published via Amazon-Kindle in March 2014 and in paperback in December 2014. The novel takes readers on a young lady’s journey (Shayla’s) after she falls hard for the heart-thumping enchantment of one of the most popular and highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. SHAYLA’S CATCH can be ordered by clicking on the “Buy Now” link at the bottom of this page via Sonya’s Spotlight, Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Books-A-Million. It’s also available for purchase at Medu Bookstore in Greenbriar Mall Atlanta. #ShaylasCatch Shayla’s Catch Paperback Novel – $16.99 includes signed copy. Just click on “Buy Now” below. Specify the name you want signed in instructions. Are You A Catch? Option 1 $16.99 USD Follow SHAYLA’S CATCH via Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shaylas-Catch/174539432624531?ref=tn_tnmn
Posted in Tour Alert | Leave a commentSeahawks QB Russell Wilson Talks Abstinence With Girlfriend Ciara, Doing Things The Right Way & Saving Souls
July 8, 2015Russell Wilson Q&A at The Rock Church, 7/05/2015
Posted in 98TH ACADEMY AWARDS | Leave a commentJada Pinkett-Smith Gives Atlantans a Glimpse of Magic Mike XXL
July 5, 2015Actress Jada Pinkett-Smith was all smiles during a promotional tour for MAGIC MIKE XXL in Atlanta recently. Sonya’s Spotlight Publisher, Sonya Jenkins, got to participate in a press day interview and with Jada where she asked Jada to share her words of wisdom for young ladies struggling with self-esteem issues. Check out Jada’s answers in the videos below. Warner Bros. hosted a “Ladies Night Out” advance screening of their new film, MAGIC MIKE XXL, in Atlanta as well. The screening opened up with a choreographed dance from some hot & steamy looking guys, who welcomed the ladies in attendance. As the ladies were screaming with excitement, they were then hit with the big surprise of the night that one of the film’s stars, Jada Pinkett-Smith, was there to introduce the movie to the audience. JADA PINKETT SMITH’S CHARACTER (ROME): Jada Pinkett-Smith is “Rome” a woman from Mike’s past. Rome is now the impresario of a one-of-a-kind exotic entertainment palace, which takes them down a rabbit hole of possibilities that are nothing short of inspiring and brings a fresh focus to their performances. Likewise, Pinkett Smith, who had never been to a strip club before, says, “When I saw how exhilarating it was to be with other women in that environment and see how much joy they were getting from celebrating these beautiful men and really exploring that primal nature within us, it was an eye-opening experience for me.” “Rome’s club is so far removed from anything they know, they come away from it realizing that they all have something unique to offer,” adds Adam Rodriguez. Rome’s stable of talent includes Donald Glover as the romantic charmer Andre, with a gift for song; NFL Super Bowl Champ-turned-entertainer Michael Strahan as Augustus, who infuses raw athleticism into his act; and dancing phenom Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss …
Posted in TV | Leave a commentSonya Jenkins 2015 Essence Festival Blog – #BringTheLove
July 2, 2015Day 1 – July 2, 2015 Rise & Shine! New Orleans Bound. What better way to start my 4th of July Weeekend than to celebrate in New Orleans at the 2015 Essence Music Featival. Not only am I excited about having fun with friends I haven’t seen in a while, but a couple of weeks ago I was notified that my novel, SHAYLA’S CATCH, will be on sale at the Essence Festival Bookstore this year. Pure excitement! Chatted with “Real Housewives of Atlanta’s” Cynthia Bailey & saw “Love and Hip Hop Atlanta” reality stars, Nikko & Margeaux on their way to the Essence Fest at the Atlanta airport. After landing in New Orleans and collecting my bag from baggage claim I headed straight to the French Quarter, where I walked on Canal Street & Bourbon Street. The crowd seemed festive already. I couldn’t resist stopping at Acme Oyster House, where Red Beans & Rice & Sausage were calling my name! It’s my favorite dish when I come to New Orleans! I decided not to dine in, since the line seemed like it would take an hour to be seated. After getting my New Orleans cuisine “To Go,” I devoured it! Time to get ready for concert Night 1- Kevin Hart, Trey Songz, and LeCrae. Stay tuned! 7/2/15 – Almost 8pm Just arrived at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans where Kevin Hart is headlining the festival’s opening concert for The Essence Music Festival (#EssenceFest). Trey Songz and LeCrae are also performing tonight. My Essence Fest point of contact informed me that for the first time ever the Thursday Night show has been completely sold out. I’m here & inside though!! #EssenceFestival2015 #KevinHart #TreySongz #LaCrae #SonyasSpotlight #MercedesSuperDome #Night1 #EssenceMusicFestival 9:00pm – Press Room Perks! Got to interview LeCrae briefly! He had …
Posted in Photos, 98TH ACADEMY AWARDS | Leave a commentMAGIC MIKE XXL IN THEATERS JULY 1
July 2, 2015MAGIC MIKE XXL (Warner Bros) Synopsis: “Magic Mike XXL” reunites Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez and Gabriel Iglesias, stars of the 2012 worldwide hit “Magic Mike.” Picking up the story three years after Mike bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, “Magic Mike XXL” finds the remaining Kings of Tampa likewise ready to throw in the towel. But they want to do it their way: burning down the house in one last blow-out performance in Myrtle Beach, and with legendary headliner Magic Mike sharing the spotlight with them. On the road to their final show, with whistle stops in Jacksonville and Savannah to renew old acquaintances and make new friends, Mike and the guys learn some new moves and shake off the past in surprising ways. Joining the returning cast, in brand new roles, are Amber Heard (“The Rum Diary”), Donald Glover (“Community”), Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss (“Step Up Revolution”) and Michael Strahan (“Live with Kelly and Michael”), with Andie MacDowell (“Footloose”), Elizabeth Banks (“The Hunger Games” franchise), and Jada Pinkett Smith (“Gotham”). “Magic Mike XXL” is directed by Emmy Award winner Gregory Jacobs (“Behind the Candelabra”), who served as a producer on “Magic Mike,” as well as numerous features in a long-running collaboration with Steven Soderbergh. “Magic Mike XXL” is produced by Nick Wechsler, Gregory Jacobs, Channing Tatum and Reid Carolin, with a screenplay by Carolin. Steven Soderbergh, who directed the first film, will executive produce. Website: www.magicmikemovie.com Hashtag: #MagicMikeXXL MAGIC MIKE XXL RELEASES IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE ON JULY 1, 2015 For Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Press Day in Atlanta for Magic Mike XXL, click on Jada Pinkett-Smith photo below:
Posted in Cinema, TV | Leave a commentSonya Jenkins Brings Shayla’s Catch Fashionista Book Signing To Fierce N’ Chic Boutique
July 1, 2015Author Sonya Jenkins, along with Fashion Consultant Andrea Warner, hosted a Shayla’s Catch Fashionista Book Signing & Fashion Show at Fierce N’ Chic Boutique in Roswell, GA, Saturday, June 27. A “Shayla’s Look & More” Fashion Show was the highlight of the Book Signing, featuring scenes from Shayla’s Catch novel, which included a Game Day Scene, an Island Scene, a Super Bowl Party Scene and several other reenactments from Sonya Jenkins’ romance novel about a young woman’s journey with a high profile NFL ball player. Some of the fashions showcased by the “Shayla’s Look & More” models included a two piece nude and lace shorts set, Mandalay gowns for Black Tie affairs, Robert Cavalli, Versace designs and several other fashionable designer styles and looks for both men and woman. The fashion show and scene reenactments were well received by guests who were also treated to champagne and cheese and crackers and exclusive fashion tips. In preparation for the possibility of turning the pages of Shayla’s Catch novel into a movie script, the Fashionista Book Signing gave movement and action to a novel that is already being dubbed a page-turner that readers can’t put down. Shayla’s Catch can be purchased at Medu Bookstore Greenbriar Mall and can be ordered via www.sonyasspotlight.com, Amazon.com, CreateSpace eStore, Barnes & Nobles and Books-A-Million. More Photos From Shayla’s Catch Fashionista Book Signing Featuring “Shayla’s Look & More.” Photos by Saudia Raye & Lia Legend.
Posted in Music & Film | Leave a commentJUSSIE SMOLLETT UNITES WITH SISTER JURNEE SMOLLETT-BELL IN WGN AMERICA’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DRAMATIC THRILLER ‘UNDERGROUND’
June 25, 2015WGN America announced today that Jussie Smollett (“Empire“) has signed on to guest star in the cable network’s pulse-pounding thriller “Underground,” in which bravery, ingenuity and power take center stage as slaves band together in the fight of their lives – for their families, their future…and their freedom. Smollett will play Josey, a wild-eyed runaway who doesn’t trust anyone, not even those stationed along the way who would try to help him. Hailing from Sony Pictures Television and Tribune Studios, “Underground” is currently in production on a straight-to-series order in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for a 2016 premiere on WGN America. “Underground” is the first TV project to which Smollett has been attached since his smash debut on “Empire.” This role also marks the first time in twenty years that Smollett will appear on screen with his younger sister Jurnee Smollett-Bell (“Friday Night Lights,” “True Blood,” “The Great Debaters”). The Smolletts appeared alongside their four other siblings on the series “On Our Own” (1994-95). Along with Smollett-Bell, the break-out actor joins an internationally renowned cast including Aldis Hodge (“Straight Outta Compton,” “Leverage,” “Turn”), Emmy-nominated actor Christopher Meloni (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Sin City: A Dame to Kill For”), Alano Miller (“Jane The Virgin”), Jessica de Gouw (“Arrow,” “Dracula”), Adina Porter (“True Blood,” “The 100,” “The Newsroom”), Amirah Vann (“Girls,” “And So It Goes”),Marc Blucas (“Blue Bloods”), Mykelti Williamson (“Justified,” “24”), Reed Diamond (“Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.”) and Johnny Ray Gill (“Rectify”). Smollett, currently starring in “Empire,” was also recently seen in “Revenge” and “The Mindy Project.” “Underground” is created and written by Misha Green (“Sons of Anarchy,” “Heroes”) and Joe Pokaski (“Heroes,” “CSI”), who also serve as Executive Producers with Academy Award®-winning writer Akiva Goldsman (“A Beautiful Mind,” “I Am Legend”) of Weed Road Pictures, along with Tory Tunnell (“King Arthur,” “Holy Rollers”) and Joby Harold (“King Arthur,” “Edge of Tomorrow“) of Safehouse Pictures. Anthony Hemingway (“The Wire,” “Treme”) directs and serves as Executive Producer for the first four episodes.
Posted in Highlight | Leave a comment“The Haves and the Have Nots,” Returns June 30, “Love Thy Neighbor,” Returns June 26
June 25, 2015The cast of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network’s, “The Haves and the Have Nots,” and “Love Thy Neighbor,” held a private press reception at Maggiano’s Little Italy in Buckhead, Atlanta, GA to present seasons 2b of their respective shows, June 23. Angela Robinson, Crystal Fox and Gavin Houston from “The Haves and the Have Nots” and Patrice Lovely, Kendra C. Johnson and Palmer Williams from “Love Thy Neighbor” gave members of the press an exclusive sneak peek of their shows and conducted a Q&A following the previews. OWN’s “Love Thy Neighbor” moves to Friday nights at 9pm ET/PT beginning June 26, and “The Haves and the Have Nots,” kicks off Tuesday, June 30 with an explosive season premiere. VIDEO: Love Thy Neighbor Returns to Friday Nights VIDEO: The Cast of Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots Share Their Favorite Jaw-Dropping Moments http://www.oprah.com/own-the-haves-and-have-nots/Behind-the-Scenes-with-Cast-of-The-Haves-and-the-Have-Nots-Video
Posted in Highlight | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →
