Entertainment
Black Female Marketing Strategist Creates a Virtual Concert Experience for Artists with Over 1.5 Million Viewers
Artists looking for a complete virtual experience have a new way to draw in audiences from around the globe with SetApartandChosen.com. The newly improved channel, whose primary focus is allocated to Christian and Gospel artists, aims to provide a virtual experience complete with 1.5 million viewers for artists who have experienced a substantial decline in actual engagement with supporters and fans alike, due to COVID19 and safety precautions.
OWN’S Award-Winning Hit Series ‘Iyanla: Fix My Life’ To Conclude With Its Eighth Season
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has announced that after ten years and eight seasons, the award-winning hit “Iyanla: Fix My Life” will have its series finale when all-new episodes premiere Saturday, April 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. A two-hour farewell special will air on Saturday, May 22 at 9 p.m. ET/PT showcasing all the memorable moments and never-before-seen footage from the series.
Golden Globe Winner Idris Elba Signs Multi-Book Deal With HarperCollins Children’s Books
Iconic and multi-award-winning actor, musician, filmmaker, and activist Idris Elba has signed a global multi-book deal with HarperCollins to publish a range of children’s books launching in 2022.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
Pandora Rev recently announced that it will celebrate Women’s History Month with a special virtual event, Pandora LIVE Powered By Women, featuring performances by Gwen Stefani and Jazmine Sullivan. Hoda Kotb from SiriusXM’s TODAY Show Radio (ch.108) will host the evening and be joined by the performers as well as special guests Lauren Aliana and Becky G. for a roundtable discussion focused on the themes of the holiday. Pandora LIVE Powered By Women will take place on March 30 at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT, and listeners can RSVP for free at https:// pandoralivepoweredbywomen. splashthat.com/PR
Film Collection Honors Black History Month
Celebrating the talented Black actors and filmmakers in the TV and film world is an easy and enjoyable way to commemorate Black History Month. Among those noted stars is Vivica A. Fox, a leading lady in numerous blockbuster films.
In celebration of Black History Month, Hallmark Mahogany Gives Away One Million Cards
Hallmark Mahogany, the greeting card brand that has honored and celebrated Black culture for more than 30 years, recently announced the launch of a giveaway of one million greeting cards in celebration of Black History Month.
Comcast Launches Black Experience on Xfinity Channel, Endorsed by African American Film Critics Association
Comcast NBCUniversal is excited to announce the launch of Black Experience on Xfinity, a first-of-its kind destination of Black entertainment, movies, TV shows, news, and more. Curated by industry leaders, Black Experience will feature high-quality content from many of Xfinity’s existing network partners, at no additional cost, while investing millions of dollars in fostering and showcasing emerging Black content creators. The channel is the only one of its kind endorsed by African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), the world's largest group of Black film critics that gives annual awards for excellence in film and television.
Dave Chappelle Tests Positive for COVID; Cancels All Shows
Comedian Dave Chappelle tested positive for the coronavirus just before a recently scheduled comedy show. As a result, Chappelle’s upcoming appearances were canceled, a spokeswoman said.
Michele Ghee named CEO of EBONY & JET MAGAZINE
Bridgeman Sports & Media has installed Michele Ghee as CEO of iconic brands EBONY & JET. This historically rooted brand celebrates 75 years of chronicling Black life in America. With that, it now embarks on its future with Ghee boldly holding the reigns. A brand known for unapologetically documenting the courageous contribution of Blackness to the American landscape, its new CEO states, “Everything we say will come through the lens of Black journalists. We will ensure there is a safe space for Black journalism to thrive. I’m a little Black girl from Oakland, CA. I’m not apologizing for any of it. Our voices matter. We are History in the making!”
Straight To View: Nielsen Begins Tracking Premium Theatrical Films Being Distributed On Streaming Platforms
Nielsen (NYSE: NLSN) recently announced that it is launching its Theatrical Video On-Demand (TVOD) measurement service as a way to capture viewing to movie releases that are directly available to consumers to rent or purchase on demand through streaming/MVPD platforms.
GoodGirlPR Launches New Jazz/Pop Project with Christina Jones and Kimiko Ishizaka
GoodGirlPR has announced an untitled collaboration between Christina Jones and composer/pianist Kimiko Ishizaka to be released this year. The album will consist of original, heart wrenching songs – all in the name of saving love. Further collaborators are Corey Allen (arranger & producer) who has previously worked with the Manhattan Transfer, Chuck Mangione, and Lou Rawls, as well as Latin Grammy winner Allan Leschhorn (sound engineer).
Byron Allen To Launch TheGrio.TV To Target African-American Viewers
Byron Allen’s Allen Media Group recently announced that its recently-acquired MGM over-the-air broadcast television network Light TV will officially transition to TheGrio.TV television network on January 15, 2021 – the start of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend.
(RED) And Mavin Records Announce Partnership With New Single And Remix Competition
On World AIDS Day, Africa’s most influential record label, Mavin Records, and (RED) joined forces to fight two pandemics: AIDS and COVID-19. Launched recently, the remix of the hit single “Jaiye” by Mavin Artist LADIPOE, features Aluna and Sigag Lauren, is available to stream and download worldwide, with proceeds going to support (RED)’s efforts to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on lifesaving HIV/AIDS programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Doubling the impact, funds raised from every stream of the single will be matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, up to $10,000.
MasterClass Announces Alicia Keys to Teach Songwriting and Producing
MasterClass, the streaming platform where anyone can learn from the world’s best across a wide range of subjects, recently announced that 15-time Grammy Award®-winning artist Alicia Keys will teach a class on songwriting and producing.
