Entertainment
Marvin Sapp Releases New Single “Close the Door” on Good Friday
Marvin Sapp was recently in the news over a misinterpretation of his words while he was taking up offering at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World 2024 National Convocation. Sapp was vilified on the internet and received threatening messages at his church from people who were angry over a video clip that showed him telling the ushers to “close the doors.”
Miami Dolphins Star Jaelan Phillips Surprises Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program
Miami Dolphins star linebacker Jaelan Phillips, a former University of Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman and University of Miami alumnus, and a music producer at heart, today surprised students at the Frost School of Music when he walked into their recording session and then personally mentored them in music production and engineering. As part of The Jaelan Phillips Foundation's new partnership with the Donna E. Shalala MusicReach Program, Phillips is helping high school students record and produce music - just as he once did while pursuing his own passion for music at the Frost School.
The 2025 ESSENCE Festival of Culture® Presented by Coca-Cola® Returns to New Orleans
Today, ESSENCE Communications, the esteemed publisher of ESSENCE Magazine—America's leading lifestyle publication dedicated to Black women since 1970, proudly announces the highly anticipated return of the ESSENCE Festival of Culture® presented by Coca-Cola® to its forever home: New Orleans. The Festival will occur from Friday to Sunday, July 4th-July 6th. Whether you're attending in person or tuning in virtually, one thing is sure: the wait is always worth it. From elevated daytime experiences at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and a star-studded evening concert series lineup at the Caesars Superdome, this year’s Festival promises to be both intimate in experience and expansive in impact.
Robert Randolph Begins Exciting New Chapter On Sun Records With New Album, Preacher Kids
Sun Records is thrilled to announce the signing of six-time GRAMMY nominee Robert Randolph—the most innovative and influential rock and blues pedal steel guitarist of his generation. Randolph will release his Sun debut, Preacher Kids, on June 27, and the brawny, blues-rocking first single, “Sinner,” is out now.
The Queens! 4 Legends Tour!
Music history will be made as four legendary voices come together for a breathtaking evening of vocal brilliance, electrifying energy, and mutual love. The iconic Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills will unite for an unforgettable tour, "The Queens! 4 Legends. 1 Stage." celebrating decades of timeless classics and cherished memories.
TAMELA AND DAVID MANN ANNOUNCE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED 'THE LIVE BREATHE FIGHT TOUR'
Award-winning power couple Tamela and David Mann are bringing faith, family, and phenomenal music together like never before with The Live Breathe Fight Tour – a must-see event uniting some of gospel's most powerful voices. This extraordinary tour will feature Erica Campbell, Tye Tribbett, Karen Clark-Sheard, and Kierra Sheard, creating an electrifying atmosphere of praise, worship, and encouragement.
CIARA, CO-FOUNDER OF TEN TO ONE RUM, TAKES CENTER STAGE AT TRINIDAD CARNIVAL IN CULTURAL IMMERSION POWERED BY PRONGHORN
Grammy-winning superstar Ciara joined the world's most electrifying celebration, immersing herself in the heart of Trinidad Carnival in a cultural experience powered by Pronghorn and Ten To One Rum. Her presence at the historic festival — a centuries-old beacon of Caribbean culture and global creativity — not only highlighted her love for the region but elevated Carnival to a global stage, blending music, heritage, and diverse entrepreneurship into a singular moment of cultural pride.
Acclaimed African Documentarian Norman Busigu Explores Caribbean-African Connections in New Docu-Film
Independent filmmaker Norman Busigu, whose documentaries have redefined contemporary African storytelling, announces his third Docu-Film "Jamaica: Africa's Close Cousin?". This eagerly anticipated documentary follows his critically acclaimed works "Ghana: Africa's Exciting Entry Point? (2022)" and "Nigeria: Can Its Youth Shape Its Future? (2023)", which have been showcased in the UK, Europe and Miami via Soho House.
Grammy Winner Ann Nesby Executive Produces & Narrates Civil Rights Documentary on Hidden Figure Cirilo McSween
Grammy-winning artist and Metro Atlanta resident Ann Nesby (Queen Sugar, The Fighting Temptations), former lead singer of Sounds of Blackness, brings her storytelling prowess as executive producer and narrator of CIRILO, A Legacy Untold. The film spotlights civil rights leader Cirilo McSween.
NICCO ANNAN AND TS MADISON TO HOST 11TH ANNUAL BETTER BROTHERS LOS ANGELES TRUTH AWARDS
In a powerful celebration of resilience and truth-telling, Better Brothers Los Angeles (BBLA) and The DIVA Foundation, founded by the remarkable Sheryl Lee Ralph Abbott Elementary, proudly unveil the hosts and honorees for the 11th Annual Truth Awards powered by ViiV. The iconic Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills will serve as the backdrop for this celebration of Black Queer Excellence on Saturday, March 15th, 5:30 PM to 11:00 PM. Guests will be inspired, uplifted, and reminded of the Black LGBTQ+ community’s impact on popular culture, politics, and the Arts.
The Mane Choice Announces First-Ever Brand Ambassador: Shenseea
The Mane Choice, the award-winning multicultural hair care brand, is thrilled to announce their first-ever global brand ambassador partnership with 7X GRAMMY® Award-nominated international Jamaican pop star Shenseea.
USPS Honors Iconic Jazz Musician with Black Heritage Stamp
The U.S. Postal Service today celebrated the iconic New Orleans musician Allen Toussaint (1938-2015) as the 48th honoree in the Black Heritage stamp series. As a virtuoso pianist, singer, songwriter, composer, arranger and producer, Toussaint played a pivotal role in shaping the unique sound of New Orleans music and introducing it to a global audience.
OCTOBER LONDON AND TAMAR BRAXTON PRESENT "THE OCTOBER NIGHTS: CALLING ALL LOVERS" TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUEST, RO JAMES
Get ready for an unforgettable experience as Grammy-nominated artist October London and platinum-selling Grammy-nominated powerhouse Tamar Braxton, two of the most dynamic voices in contemporary R&B, announce their highly anticipated 24-city "The October Nights: Calling All Lovers" Tour. Produced by Black Promoters Collective (BPC), the tour promises to deliver an extraordinary celebration of music, culture, and passion, with a unique blend of soulful melodies, emotive storytelling, and high-energy performances. With stops in some of the country's most iconic cities, this tour is a journey through the best contemporary R&B.
New Orleans-Based Musician Trombone Shorty Invests in Local Beverage Brand, Mockly
New Orleans-based, premium canned mocktail brand, Mockly announced today a partnership with celebrated New Orleans musician, Trombone Shorty (Troy Andrews). Both with strong New Orleans roots, this partnership merges Trombone Shorty's rich musical legacy with Mockly's dedication to crafting flavorful, non-alcoholic beverages that capture the essence of the city.
