Last night, the city that never sleeps witnessed the glitz and glamor of the highly anticipated premiere screening and after party for Water and Garri, the debut starring role from multi-talented artist Tiwa Savage. Hosted at the prestigious membership club Neuehouse, the event brought together a diverse array of media representatives, celebrities, and industry insiders to celebrate Tiwa Savage’s latest creative endeavor.
The evening was a testament to the universal appeal of Tiwa Savage’s work, as attendees from every genre of media turned out in droves to show their love and support for the project, set to be released on Prime Video on May 10th. From music moguls to film critics, the event was a melting pot of talent and creativity, united in their anticipation for what promises to be a groundbreaking cinematic experience.
With drinks flowing and spirits high, guests were treated to an exclusive screening of “Water and Garri,” followed by an electrifying after party that kept the energy levels soaring late into the night. The magic of the film was palpable in the air as attendees mingled and shared their excitement for its upcoming release.
In the midst of Tiwa Savage’s radiant brilliance on screen, the magnetic presence of her male leading counterpart, Andrew Yaw Bunting, added an extra layer of sizzle to “Water and Garri.” Andrew’s performance was nothing short of captivating, igniting sparks of chemistry that leapt off the screen and left audiences craving more. With his charisma and undeniable talent, Andrew brought depth and intensity to his character, creating a dynamic partnership that elevated the film to new heights. As the countdown to the release on Prime Video intensifies, viewers can anticipate being spellbound by the dynamic between Tiwa and her dashing co-star.
The highlight of the evening was a riveting Q&A session moderated by Asia Ware of New York Magazine’s, The Cut. The panel featured Tiwa Savage, Andrew Yaw Bunting, film director Meji Alabi, and executive producers Jimi Adesanya and Vanessa Amadi. Their insights into the creative process behind “Water and Garri” provided a fascinating glimpse into the making of the film and the collaborative effort that brought it to life.
Next up on the itinerary is the Lagos premiere of “Water and Garri,” scheduled for the day of its release on May 10th. As the film continues to generate buzz and anticipation on a global scale, Tiwa Savage and her team are gearing up for another unforgettable celebration in her hometown, where the film’s roots run deep. As the countdown to its release on Prime Video continues, audiences around the world eagerly await the opportunity to experience the magic.
Actress, singer, and songwriter Janelle Monáe is the latest star added to the high-profile cast of Universal Pictures’ musical film project from Pharrell and Michael Gondry.
As reported in Variety, Monáe joins previously announced cast members Kelvin Harrison Jr., Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Brian Tyree Henry, and Missy Elliott.
This makes perfect sense from a casting standpoint. The project is described as a musical and Monáe, is a star on all fronts – especially musically where she first made a name for herself. So adding A-list artists like Monáe, Bailey and Elliott only solidifies the authenticity of the crux of this art imitating life project inspired by Pharrell William’s real life experiences coming up in Virginia Beach’s humble Atlantis Apartments in 1977.
Gondry is directing from a script penned by Martin Hynes and Steven Levenson. Pharrell and Mimi Valdés will produce through his production company i am OTHER. Gil Netter produces through his company, Gil Netter Productions. Ryan Jones, Universal’s senior VP of production development Ryan Jones and Universal’s director of production development, Christine Sun, will handle the studio, as reported by Variety.
This project clearly shows that Pharrell is in a biopic/life storytelling stage of his journey. He is also collaborating with The LEGO Group to produce Piece by Piece, a film about Pharrell’s life experienced through LEGO animation. Well, on that note, insert the ‘Neptunes’ sound. IYKYK
Samuel L. Jackson will star alongside Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding in Head Games, a new psychological sci-fi thriller.
Deadline reports that Anthony Mandler, best known for music videos, will direct the script written by Colin Liddle. Executive production is from A Higher Standard’s Jeffrey Greenstein, Range Media Partners’ Casey Durant, Brillstein Entertainment Partners’ Zac Frognowski, and Kesh Keswani.
Head Games is a story about Jacob, a corporate spy who poses as a personal chef to infiltrate the villa of a former neuroprosthetics firm founder to steal his seismic-shifting new invention. Golding will portray Jacob, while Jackson will portray Graham, the former founder of the neuroprosthetics firm.
“Head Games is the right mix of everything A Higher Standard advocates for — a high-quality, talent driven film that truly stands out as exceptional. Samuel is so believably and deceptively brilliant, making the pairing of him with Henry, who possesses the effortless charm to induce his way into Graham’s inner circle, an incredible canvass for Anthony to adeptly carry audiences on an intensely suspenseful ride,” in a statement from Greenstein.
Producers include Range Media Partners’ Brian Kavanaugh-Jones and Fred Berger, Brillstein Entertainment Partners’ Josh Glick, and Everlast Pictures’ Adonis Tountas.
“I couldn’t be more excited to bring this brilliant script to life,” from Mandler. “Head Games is a propulsive story that pushes the boundaries of what we know as reality and what could ultimately become fiction before our eyes. The buildup and ultimate unraveling of these characters is both a metaphor for our culture today as well as a foreshadowing to what’s to come.”
Filming for Head Games will kick off this October.
The HBO Original four-part documentary series STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A., an official selection of the 2024 SXSWFilm & TV Festival and winner of the TV Premiere Audience Award, is produced and directed by filmmaker Jamila Wignot. The series, a production of Laylow Pictures and White Horse Pictures in association with Concord Originals, Polygram Entertainment, and Warner Music Entertainment, debuts MONDAY, MAY 20 on HBO with two episodes airing back-to-back, followed by the final two episodes airing back-to-back on Tuesday, May 21 at the same time. All four episodes of the series will be available to stream on Max on May 20.
By 1973, Stax Records was one of the recording industry’s most influential producers of soul music, breaking acts such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Sam & Dave, and many more. In just under two decades, the scrappy outsider had grown from a modest family-owned record store and studio in Memphis, TN to a trailblazing global music label. STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. chronicles the audacious group of individuals who dared to make music on their own terms, smashing racial barriers and defining an era and leaving an enduring musical legacy in their wake.
Driven by a striking collection of restored and remastered archival performance footage and intimate interviews with key players in the label’s remarkable history, STAX: SOULSVILLE U.S.A. details the unlikely origin story of Stax Records and pays tribute to its complex music library and the legendary artists that emerged from the iconic studio.
Founded in 1957 by Jim Stewart and co-owned with his sister, Estelle Axton, the company drew upon a mix of young, local talent – musicians, songwriters, and producers – who would create the unforgettable Stax sound.
Against the backdrop of the American south of the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s, white and Black artists worked together, defying segregation, and producing hits such as “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay,” “Soul Man,” “Green Onions,” and the Oscar®-winning “Theme from Shaft.” At the peak of its success, Stax artists commemorated the Watts Rebellion by playing to over 100,000 African Americans at the 1972 benefit concert Wattstax. During an era of major social turbulence, systemic inequity, and racial tensions, Stax, an integrated company, saw stunning artistic and cultural success, and managed to rebound from repeated business setbacks and tragic losses before the studio ultimately dissolved after fifteen pioneering years.
For What It’s Worth has been a powerful addition to BET+’s lineup, touching on important themes of family, redemption, and the need for mental health support within the Black community. It’s great to see BET Networks continuing their commitment to highlighting often overlooked issues. The cast and crew were incredibly talented, and their craft resonated with audiences. It’s especially commendable that “BET Her Presents: The Couch” is dedicated to raising awareness around mental health through poignant storytelling.
Starring Patrice Covington (Genius), Leslie Black (Chicago Med), Kevin Savage (Game of Deceit), and Jared Wofford (The Final Say), For What It’s Worth premiered on March 7th, exclusively on BET+.
Written by LaJill Hunt, For What It’s Worth follows Naomi Samuels, a successful physician who finds herself publicly humiliated and suddenly unemployed. Naomi reluctantly returns to her hometown to reconnect with the foster care siblings she’s neglected for years. Hopeful to regain control of her life, Naomi and her siblings face a challenge that takes them all over the edge.
Executive produced by Loretta Edwards Wilson and Christopher A. Nolen, For What It’s Worth is directed by Wilson, Patt Stevens, and Gregory Anderson and co-produced by Lem Collins along with Jared Wofford. Ronald “Wink” Woodall of The Talent Connect served as consulting producer.
For What It’s Worth was produced by A Bold Move Media. The company produces content to uplift, entertain, and portray women of color in ways rarely seen in media.
Summer is around the corner – weird how time is flying, right? But it is upon us so time to get ready for a season packed with blockbusters from action-adventure to romance, horror, and beloved franchise releases, across theatrical releases and streaming platforms from May through Labor Day.
May kicks off with Universal’s action-packed romantic comedy “The Fall Guy,” starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt (May 3), followed by the latest installment in the Apes series, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (May 10), with the month closing out with the highly anticipated Mad Max prequel, “Furiosa.”
June promises more excitement with Netflix’s “Hit Man” and the theatrical release of “Bad Boys 4.” July may not offer another “Barbenheimer” showdown, but the much-anticipated “Deadpool & Wolverine” has something to say!
As August rolls around, audiences can enjoy a new Alien movie (“Alien: Romulus”), and “The Crow” highly anticipated remake.
Here’s a breakdown of 18 upcoming summer films you don’t want to miss:
“The Fall Guy” – May 3 – Universal Pictures
After leaving the business one year earlier, battle-scarred stuntman Colt Seavers springs back into action when the star of a big studio movie suddenly disappears. As the mystery surrounding the missing actor deepens, Colt soon finds himself ensnared in a sinister plot that pushes him to the edge of a fall more dangerous than any stunt.
“Tarot” – May 3 – Sony Pictures Releasing
Friends unwittingly unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within a cursed deck of tarot cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate, racing against death to escape the future foretold in their readings.
“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” – May 8 – 20th Century Studios
Many years after the reign of Caesar, a young ape goes on a journey that will lead him to question everything he’s been taught about the past and make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” – May 17 – Lionsgate
After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple is forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” – May 17 – Lionsgate
Snatched from the Green Place of Many Mothers, young Furiosa falls into the hands of a great biker horde led by the warlord Dementus. Sweeping through the Wasteland, they come across the Citadel, presided over by the Immortan Joe. As the two tyrants fight for dominance, Furiosa soon finds herself in a nonstop battle to make her way home.
“Hitman” – June 7 – Netflix
Professional killer Gary Johnson breaks protocol to help a desperate woman trying to flee an abusive husband and finds himself falling for her.
“Bad Boys: Ride or Die” – June 7 – Sony Pictures Releasing
When their late police captain gets linked to drug cartels, wisecracking Miami cops Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett embark on a dangerous mission to clear his name.
“Inside Out 2” – June 14 – Disney
Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust have been running a successful operation by all accounts. However, when Anxiety shows up, they aren’t sure how to feel.
“A Quiet Place: Day One” – June 14 – Paramount
A Quiet Place: Day One is an upcoming American apocalyptic horror film that is a spin-off prequel and the third installment in the A Quiet Place film series. It is directed and written by Michael Sarnoski, based on a story by John Krasinski and Sarnoski.
“Despicable Me 4” – July 3 – Universal Pictures
Gru welcomes a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who’s intent on tormenting his dad. However, their peaceful existence soon comes crashing down when criminal mastermind Maxime Le Mal escapes from prison and vows revenge against Gru.
“Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley” – July 3 – Netflix
After his daughter’s life is threatened, wisecracking Detective Axel Foley teams up with a new partner and some old pals to turn up the heat on a conspiracy.
Tyler Perry’s “Divorce in the Black” – July 11 – Prime Video
Follows Ava, a young banking professional who is heartbroken when her husband Dallas abandons a marriage she is determined to fight for.
“Sing Sing” – July 12 – A24
Imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit, Divine G finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other incarcerated men, including a wary newcomer.
“Twisters” – July 19 – Universal Pictures
Haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado, Kate Cooper gets lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi, to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. She soon crosses paths with Tyler Owens, a charming but reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures. As storm season intensifies, Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves in a fight for their lives as multiple systems converge over central Oklahoma.
“Deadpool & Wolverine” – July 26 – Disney
Wolverine is recovering from his injuries when he crosses paths with the loudmouth, Deadpool. They team up to defeat a common enemy. Oh, and this will be Rated-R.
“Borderlands” – August 9 – Lionsgate
Returning to her home planet, an infamous outlaw forms an unexpected alliance with a team of unlikely heroes. Together, they battle alien monsters and dangerous bandits to find a missing girl who holds the key to unimaginable power.
“Alien: Romulus” – August 16 – 20th Century Studios
In the newest installment in the Alien franchise, young people on a distant world find themselves confronting the most terrifying life-form in the universe.
“The Crow” – August 23 – Lionsgate
Soulmates Eric Draven and Shelly Webster are brutally murdered when the demons of her dark past catch up with them. Given the chance to save his true love by sacrificing himself, Draven returns to seek bloody revenge against the killers, traversing the worlds of the living and the dead to put the wrong things right.
H.E.R. is expanding deeper into Hollywood with an upcoming Majorettes-inspired HBCU film set being developed at 20th Century Studios. But get this: H.E.R. is teaming up with The Color Purple. producers Oprah Winfrey and Scott Sanders on this high-profile project.
The versatile artist, who marked her entrance into feature films with the acclaimed “The Color Purple” last year, is set to take on a triple role in her upcoming project: developing, producing, and starring in the film. Inspired by the influence of majorettes on Black culture, H.E.R. brought the concept to Winfrey and Sanders following their collaboration on The Color Purple.
The production will collaborate with H.E.R., Winfrey’s Harpo Films, and Sanders’ Scott Sanders Productions. Lauren Ashley Smith, known for her work on A Black Lady Sketch Show, will handle the film’s writing duties. Carla Gardini and Mara Jacobs are producing with H.E.R. Winfrey and Sanders.
Here’s the official synopsis:
The story follows an introverted ballet dancer from L.A. who defies her parents by putting her thriving dance career on hold to go to college. There, she joins her HBCU’s struggling majorette team and attempts to overcome culture shock, her stuffy dance background, and fierce rivals to help return the team to its former glory. “The intent is to make a funny, joyous celebration of authentic HBCU life told through the point of view of a majorette who, through experiencing HBCU life for the first time, will start to tap into who she really is,” states The Hollywood Reporter’s exclusive report. “Majorette traditions, which combines marching band, dance, and gymnastic elements, has emerged in the last 50 years as a major cultural touchstone in college and Black culture.”
Did you know Janet Jackson could have played Storm in the X-Men franchise? On The Drew Barrymore Show, Jackson revealed she could have had the role that eventually went to Halle Berry.
Jackson revealed that she did not take the role “because I was just embarking on the Janet tour.” Complex notes that may have been The Velvet Rope Tour as the film began filming in 1999, the same time as the tour was wrapping up.
As the iconic Lion King franchise celebrates its 30th anniversary, Disney unveils plans for Mufasa: The Lion King, a prequel exploring the beloved character’s origin story.
Set before Mufasa’s tragic demise orchestrated by his brother Scar, the film delves into Mufasa’s upbringing in the Pride Lands, focusing on his childhood and relationship with Scar. Director Barry Jenkins, known for “Moonlight,” helms this anticipated project, which serves as a prequel to the original animated classic and a follow-up to Jon Favreau’s 2019 photorealistic remake.
The narrative unfolds as Rafiki recounts Mufasa’s legacy to Simba and Nala’s daughter, Kiara, offering insight into her grandfather’s past. The film reunites much of the 2019 voice cast, including John Kani as Rafiki, Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, and Donald Glover as Simba, with Beyoncé reprising her role as Nala and introducing her daughter Blue Ivy Carter as Kiara.
Lin-Manuel Miranda collaborates with Mark Mancina to compose and write the movie’s soundtrack. As anticipation builds, fans can mark their calendars for the theatrical release on December 20. Watch the official trailer for a glimpse into the majestic world of Mufasa: The Lion King.
In what some may call “jumping the gun” regarding his guilt or innocence, television streaming app Tubi premiered the TMZ Presents: Downfall Of Diddy last night(April 28), a documentary that details the allegations of sexual abuse against the Bad Boy music mogul, the March raid and even his beef with incarcerated nemesis and former Death Row CEO Suge Knight.
Diddy is on the ropes after a series of lawsuits, mainly involving sexual misconduct and even a federal sex trafficking lawsuit. TMZ has the inside story on what was really going down in the rap mogul’s world before and during his legal woes that have seemingly taken the troubled mogul from thriving billionaire to a potentially crumbed empire.
Diddy’s legal troubles began in November of last year when singer and former girlfriend Cassie filed a $30 million lawsuit against Diddy, whose real name is Sean Combs, accusing him of sexual assault, sex trafficking and coercion, detailing a decade-long pattern of abuse. Just one day after Cassie filed the lawsuit, she settled with Diddy out of court.
As the dust cleared, multiple accusers stepped forward, detailing their own sexual-assault allegations against Diddy in the months following Cassie’s explosive lawsuit. Federal agents got involved on March 25, with Homeland Security Investigations raiding Diddy’s Los Angeles and Miami properties in connection to an alleged sex-trafficking case involving him.
