Music
Beyonce’s Musical Clap Back, “Formation”…
Discontentment in this country is at an all-time high, as we look at blacks in this area.
Discontentment in this country is at an all-time high, as we look at blacks in this area. The Civil Rights Movement of ’58 to the ’60s had their anthems at the time, and this is not only one to be applied today, but on the flip side speaks to black feminism as well. The hype machine has taken it to another level, because it happens to be Queen Bey herself doing the talking.
Beyonce formation
Now I will admit, that I wasn’t a true Beyoncé fan in the beginning, (please don’t get at me Beyhive), but the more she’s forged her lane she’s become grittier, and is finding her “voice” along the way. Now, for that I’ve become a fan for sure and being a music fanatic, I’m loving the immense diversity that she shows with each musical project (although my all-time fave is still 2013’s Beyoncé…it will take A LOT for her to move me from that project). No coincidence that she drops this during Black History Month, among Trayvon’s and Sandra Bland’s birthdays, but she and her team analyze the waters and know when to drop blood in it.
“Formation” touches upon a lot of Black Pride on all levels, and she should be applauded for her turn at bat. She’s raising her “Down South” flag and glorifying who she is at the core. Yes, she’s married to Sean Carter (Jay Z) and makes a lot of money, but saying all that to say, she’s still black and a black woman at the end of the day. Telling you as a “black” woman primarily, but a woman in general that you can achieve success. Let’s be real here…she didn’t come from money, so she achieved her success the old-fashioned way, she earned it.
Some white people seem to think they can relate to our journeys, but you simply can’t. So instead you try to pick apart things that you can’t or won’t understand. Which is why things are so up in arms around not only the song, the video, but Beyoncé’s Super Bowl performance. Let’s not get confused behind the imagery of the performance, but what it as a whole stood for. There are things going on in this world against “people of color”, and what is going on in the USA is taking us backwards and becoming the new Civil Rights Movement in itself. This is reality and is happening, and the truth that’s she’s speaking. Society would love for us to just take a back seat, and not take offense to our plight…but why should we?
This body of work that Beyoncé has presented to the world, is impactful in many ways in which it was intended. You can’t deny the messages and imagery that she shows you, just like the events that are happening right now in the world. She just happened to bring it to you with a one, two punch. BOOM!
Culture
U.S. Virgin Islands Announces the Performance Line-up for St. Thomas Carnival Village Featuring Shaggy, Sizzla, Patrice Roberts, and Machel Montano
The Village will be headlined by Caribbean superstars Shaggy, Patrice Roberts, Sizzla Kalonji, Kes, and Machel Montano, who will kick off the six-night free Village concerts on Monday, April 29.
The U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism and Division of Festivals has announced the performance line-up for the 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village.
72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village
The Village will be headlined by Caribbean superstars Shaggy, Patrice Roberts, Sizzla Kalonji, Kes, and Machel Montano, who will kick off the six-night free Village concerts on Monday, April 29.
“The anticipation around this year’s St. Thomas Carnival is at an all-time high, and the Village night performers reflect the continued influence and growth of our territory’s three carnivals,” exclaims USVI Department of Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte.
Center Stage
Adam O, Rudy Live, Temisha, Karnage, Blind Earz, VIO International, and Spectrum Band are among the performers who will take center stage to represent the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“Every year, our goal is to pay homage to the vast Virgin Islands and Caribbean culture that is at the cornerstone of these annual celebrations for natives and visitors alike,” added USVI Division of Festivals Director Ian Turnbull.
Haitian kompa band VAYB and Dominican salsa orchestra Chiquito Team Band will provide a cross-cultural immersion of sound, highlighting the diverse musical interests of Virgin Islands residents.
First-time performers
Rounding out the village are a few first-time performers in the territory, including TeeJay, Jada Kingdom, and Kollision Band, and returning favorites Edwin Yearwood and Krosfyah, and Grandmasters.
Kids Night Out Village Night
This year, the Division of Festivals will host its first Kids Night Out Village Night, with activities including the Toddlers Derby, Best Dressed Doll, and performances by TMK and OTB.
More information on 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival Village
For up-to-date information about the 72nd Annual St. Thomas Carnival, visit https://www.instagram.com/usvifestivals/.
Music
Marlena Shaw, legendary jazz singer, dies at 81
Marlena Shaw, the singer behind “California Soul” and “Woman of the Ghetto”, has died.
Marlena Shaw, the singer behind “California Soul” and “Woman of the Ghetto”, has died.
Marlena Shaw has passed away
Shaw’s daughter announced her passing on Facebook.
“It’s with a very heavy heart for myself and my family I announce that our beloved mother, your beloved icon and artist Marlena Shaw has passed away,” Marla Bradshaw, her daughter, said. “She went listening to some of her favorite songs.”
Bradshaw did not specify the cause of death but said her mother’s passing was “peaceful”.
She was 81.
Music career
Marlena Shaw was a legendary musician who influenced music in the jazz, soul, disco and R&B genres.
She rose to notoriety the 1960s after she was noticed by the Chess Records label. She sang her most recognizable single “California Soul” with the label before switching to a more jazz-focused label.
Shaw’s music transcended across many generations and has been featured and sampled in popular media, TV commercials and other songs.
Her lyrics often communicated the strength of the Black American community and Black women at a time when there was racial divide in the country and its politics.
In her career, Shaw put out 17 albums.
Music
Chad Watson – “Though I Lie” (Music Video)
Rapper Chad Watson has released official music video for his single “Though I Lie”.
Rapper Chad Watson has released the official music video for his single “Though I Lie”.
Directed by Chad himself, the Los Angeles native strolls through various scenery in the area, while telling listeners though he may lie, he’s only human.
Watson was featured on Unheard Voices in 2022 and is continuing to make waves with his music.
Check out Though I Lie below:
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