They called her the “Vanilla Child,” the Ivory Queen of Soul, Lady T – she was the fire that stoked Rick James’ desire. But the world knew her best as Teena Marie – and just last night fans around the world were shocked to learn that she passed away over the holiday weekend. Details are…
Pop Culture
Say a Little Prayer for Aretha Franklin
When the news hit that she was sick and had been hospitalized, many assumed they knew the cause. I heard two Chicago-area DJs LOLing on live radio about the possible cosmetic reasons and their expected outcome of Aretha Franklin’s hospital stay. I wonder how they’re feeling now that the news has been released. The Queen…
RIP, Gregory Isaacs – The Cool Ruler
What’s the hallmark of being an icon in your musical field? If your voice is instantly recognizable, if you’ve got at least three hit songs that just about anyone who hears your name will know immediately, if your name is mentioned in another song by other musicians in different genres to add credibility to…
NYFW Look of the Day – Last Day in Lace
I was due to leave New York on Monday afternoon, but boy oh boy I didn’t account for the dramatics of the day. First things first – you know that Afrobella is typically a positive blog. I try not to trash something unless I’ve had an absolutely abhorrent experience. And this is why, when I…
Yesterday’s NYFW Celebrity Sighting
It’s J. Alexander, AKA Miss J from America’s Next Top Model! Right after the Christian Siriano show I was waiting for friends outside Lincoln Center. I’m happy to report that Miss Jay was cordial with fans and paused to take pictures (but I was a bit too shy to ask!)
Tyler Perry’s “Colored Girls” – Will You See It?
So much has been written about Tyler Perry’s upcoming film adaptation of For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, penned by Ntozake Shange and loved by so many. This photo of the cast has just emerged, to give fans something to anticipate. From left to right: Anika Noni Rose (as…
Tune In to Afrobella Radio for an Interview With Kim Coles!
I am SO excited about tomorrow morning’s episode of Afrobella Radio! My guest will be none other than Kim Coles – comedian, actress, and television personality extraordinare! Tune in tomorrow morning — that’s Thursday at 10 am Central, 11 am EST — to hear Kim dish about beauty, her longstanding career in show business, being…
Afrobella on The Root!
“She was born in Compton. I was born in Trinidad, the most southerly island in the Caribbean. She was raised to become a tennis superstar. In high school, my tennis instructor quietly took my parents aside and let them know that their child was ”more of an academic.” But now that we’re both grown women,…
This Thursday on Afrobella Radio – Sam Fine and Lisa Price!
I’ve been listening to Goapele lately, and feeling blessed. When TWS The UnAgency approached me about starting Afrobella Radio, I thought it was a great idea, but still felt nervous, doubtful, scared, overwhelmed…fill in the blank. But I knew this was the right move, so I made it. And tomorrow I’m hosting my biggest episode…
Congrats to Carlos and Cindy!
Here’s a beautiful love story with a natural hair twist! Cindy Blackman has been a beauty icon of mine for years – ever since I first spotted her drumming up a storm for Lenny Kravitz back in the day. This weekend, here in Chicago, Carlos Santana let the world know how he feels about her….