Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold, MJ Rodriguez start the party at the BET Soul Train Music Awards 2019

November 21, 2019November 21, 2019 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

All Photos and Article by Jovanna Reyes

***BET Soul Train Music Awards, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas***

Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold open the BET Soul Train Awards 2019, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

Tisha Campbell and Tisha Arnold welcomed viewers to the House of Cellulite and Menopause with MJ Rodriguez of “Pose” for the opening of the BET Soul Train Music Awards 2019. The dance number was set to a medley of Janet Jackson’s house/dance songs with the hosts singing live in leather body-con suits and with exaggerated comedic genius expressions. They are more than ready for their own variety show…Tyler Perry ya’ listening?

Keyshia Cole and Tank present the Best R&B/Soul Female Artist at the BET’s Soul Train Music Awards 2019, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

This year’s Soul Cypher, Keyshia Cole, presented H.E.R., along with Tank, the award for BestR&B/Soul Female Artist. The always lovely and conservatively dressed, compared to her counterparts, gave an inspirational speech in comparison to admitted social anxiety disorder sufferer, Summer Walker. Ms. Walker, obviously elated, gave a quick thank you after presented with the Best New Artist award by the crew of Tyler Perry’s “The Oval”.

SIR and his brother, D Smoke, performed at the BET’s Soul Train Music Awards, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

K. Michelle soulfully performed her single “Rain” with an all white platformed background which was striking with her vibrant hair. The new Radeo record label owner, Issa Rae, introduced her new artist, TeaMarr. The Haitian rapper/singer crooned her single, “Kinda Love”, on the My Black is Beautiful stage with the Adam Blackstone Allstar Band while sipping from her teacup. Her obvious signature move repeated on the blue carpet.

K. Michelle performs “Rain” at the BET’s Soul Train Music Awards 2019, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

After K. Michelle and TeaMarr, Tichina Arnold introduced Doctur Dot, Tiana Major9 and Johnny Venus of Earthgang, where the spoken word was introduced before “Collide” was performed. The stage was drenched in color, flowers and silver rims to represent the theme from the new movie “Queen and Slim”.

BET’s Soul Train Awards 2019 host, Tichina Arnold, at the Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

“American Soul” actor, Sinqua Walls presented the king of non traditional gospel, Kirk Franklin, with the Best Gospel/Inspirational Award. Mr. Franklin inspired those beginning their careers to be patient and allow things to ‘marinate’ because not everyone has a microwaveable career that is easily attained.

Boyz II Men and Stokely performed a medley of the ballads from their greatest hits for the Legend Award Tribute to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Wanya, Shawn and Nathan belted out falsettos for “Tender Love” and “On Bended Knee” while Stokely flamed the fire with “Breaking My Heart” and “Pretty Brown Eyes”.

Stokely performed for the Legend Award Tribute-Ballads at the BET’s Soul Train Music Awards 2019, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

Ari Lennox appeared in good spirits when introducing her friend, Pink Sweat$, who performed his hit “Honesty” on the My Black is Beautiful stage. Wale was joined by Jermih for “on Chill” and Kelly Price, looking super sexy in all black leather, for “Sue Me”.

Ari Lennox introduces her friend, Pink Sweat$, at the My Life is Beautiful stage for the BET Soul Train Music Awards 2019.

Queen Naija performs her hit “Good morning text” at the BET Soul Train Music Awards 2019, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

Queen Naija sang her hit “Good Morning Text” on the Orleans Arena stage before Kirk Franklin presented Yolanda Adams with the BET Soul Train Music Lady of Soul Award. Ms. Adams thanked everyone with a special mention for her daughter and performed seven of her top hits. She was so in the moment, Ms. Adams continued singing as she walked offstage. Luke James(who was giving Prince vibes on the blue carpet and onstage), Ro James and BJ The Chicago Kid performed “All your love” and “Go girl” in their matching red outfits.

Luke James, Ro James and BJ The Chicago Kid perform at the BET’s Soul Train Music Awards in Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

The theme of the evening were the living legends, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ music compilations. From the first scene with a Janet Jackson medley, to Boyz II Men and Stokely ballads, the next set was mind blowing. Sounds of Blackness reunited with Jamecia Bennett and Ann Nesby and their pipes are still fresh. Mary Davis and Abdul Ra’Oof of the S.O.S. Band hit all the right notes and Alexander O’Neal joined Cherrelle, who outsung Alexander and looked fabulous doing it. The final Legend tribute act deserves their own award, Morris Day and Jerome Benton made the audience get on their feet and groove with the Time. They were also joined by Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis and Babyface.

Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold dressed like the Legend Award, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis at the BET’s Soul Train Music Awards, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

Adam Blackstone and the BBE Allstar Band finished off the night with Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold thanking Connie Orlando, BET V.P. Original Programming. The performers joined the hosts onstage for a Soul Train line with Cherrelle and Ann Nesby hitting high notes on the way out.

The BET Soul Train Awards 2019 Finale, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas

Mary Davis(S.O.S. Band), Tisha Campbell, Tichina Arnold and Ann Nesby at the finale of The BET’s Soul Train Music Awards, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas.

Babyface, Abdul Ra’Oof(S.O.S. Band) with Tichina Arnold at The BET Soul Train Awards 2019, Orleans Arena, Las Vegas

All photos and article written by Jovanna Reyes http://www.jovannareyes.com @jovannareyesphotography

BET Hip Hop Awards Green Carpet Fashion 2019!

October 6, 2019October 30, 2019 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

*Lil Kim and Junior Mafia at the BET Hip Hop Awards, the Cobb Energy Center, ATL*
Photo by Jovanna Reyes

The BET Hip Hop Awards 2019 was held on October 5, 2019 at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, Georgia. It was a stream of old and new, emerging and hitmakers on Sprite’s green carpet this past weekend. Lil Kim, Rick Ross, Teyana Taylor, T-Pain and more made appearances on the Sprite’s green carpet this past weekend. Junior Mafia and the Queen Bee performed a medley of her hits, after she received the ICON award. Rick Ross, a long time collaborator with Lil Kim, presented her with the award. She thanked her crew, family, including her daughter Reign, with the biggest props going to Biggie Smalls(discovered and produced her successful albums).

*Lil Kim and her daughter Reign on the BET Hip Hop Awards Sprite Green Carpet* at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, GA.
Photo by Jovanna Reyes

Lil Kim and Junior Mafia performing on stage at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2019 at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, Ga.
Photos by Jerome Dorn/InDaHouse Media

Rick Ross presented the ICON Award to Lil Kim at the BET Hip Hop Awards held at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, GA.
Photos by Jerome Dorn/InDaHouse Media

Rick Ross gave presence on the green carpet casually dressed but dripping in ice. He later performed with T-Pain and Lil Jon with a vision of Miami on the LED backdrop.

Rick Ross performing on the BET Hip Hop Awards, Atlanta, GA
Photo by Jerome Dorn/InDaHouse Media

*Rick Ross and T-Pain on the Sprite*
green carpet at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, GA.
Photo by Jovanna Reyes

Atlanta had every rapper from the last few decades grace the carpet and the stage. Lil Kim, Rick Ross, T-Pain, Lil Jon, Junior Mafia, Money Man, Gunna, and all the Babys, Lil Baby and DaBaby. The Babys also performed together and on DaBaby performed with Meg The Stallion, who opened the award show with a thong bodysuit, showing her best assets. Her set was a retro designed in red, white and blue, transported from the old World War II musicals.

*DaBaby and his mother on the BET Hip Hop Awards green carpet 2019, Atlanta, Ga.*
Photo by Jovanna Reyes

The female rappers represented in rhinestones, sheer gowns and cutouts with designer labels galore. One of the outstanding memorable artists was Rapsody. The hood feminist wore a vintage style jogging outfit adorned with a swavorski headdress of rollers. It was original and perfect for the multifaceted fashion carpet.

Rapsody on the green carpet and performing her singles ‘Nina’ and ‘Serena’. Rapsody was styled by top celebrity stylist, Misa Hylton.
Photo of Rapsody on green carpet, Jovanna Reyes
Photo of Rapsody performing by Jerome Dorn/InDaHouse Media

*Saweetie, rapper, performed her hit single “My Type” and was an icy girl in a cutout dress and green coffin style nails.*
Photo by Jovanna Reyes

*KaMillion, Dae Jones, Ja*zz Anderson and Young Devyn on the green carpet at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2019 in Atlanta, GA.
Photos by Jovanna Reyes

Teyana Taylor and her husband, cypher, Iman Shumpert supported each other on the carpet. Teyana was a presenter while her husband showed his skills as a cypher on a pre recorded battle with other upcoming and talented rappers.

Teyana Taylor and her husband, Iman Shumpert on the green carpet at the BET Hip Hop Awards 2019, Cobb Energy Center, Atlanta, Ga.
Photos by Jovanna Reyes

Lil Duval hosted this year’s BET Hip Hop Awards at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta. He performed his hit single “City Boys” and was joined by KaMillion and an entire slew of folks. He had an entire city on that stage.

Lil Duval, host and performer on the BET Hip Hop Awards 2019.
Photos by Jovanna Reyes

From top to bottom clockwise, Pretty Yellow, Kash Doll, Spice, Tommie Lee, LightSkinKeisha, DreamDoll, Lia Givenchy, Ariana Soleil brightening the green carpet at the BET Hip Hop Awards at the Cobb Energy Center in Atlanta, GA.
Photos by Jovanna Reyes

Article by Jovanna Reyes @jovannareyesphotography @curvysta

Afros, Community and Acceptance at CurlFest 2019

August 3, 2019August 4, 2019 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Photos and article by Jovanna Reyes

“The only natural beauty festival in the world that was created by five Black women for Black women.” ~Simone Mair, co-founder of the Curly Girl Collective and CurlFest

Glistening, pride, power, natural, love. The only words needed to describe the scene at Randall’s Island in NY this past weekend. The throngs of natural hair beauties, at least 100,000, covered the green grass of Icahn Stadium for the sixth annual CurlFest 2019. The music throbbed non stop, as you heard inspirational words at the Empowerment Stage.

Hair, skincare and drink sponsors offered free braiding, entertainment and products to all the attendees. The early birds left with Creme of Nature gift bags filled to the brim and didn’t mind waiting on the long lines for product.

Http://www.instagram.com/catt_claws

Mack Wilds, Yandy Smith-Harris, Tiffany M. Battle, Jacque Reid were just a few of the celebrities and influencers to grace the CurlFest Empowerment Stage.

The encore to Saturday’s festivities was the RollerFest, sponsored by Target at the LeFrak Skating Rink at Prospect Park. The venue decorated with every primary color in existence and a ball pit, showcased a throw back skate party with Top DJs on stage and in the rink.

There were smiles and laughter at every turn. A successful event indeed! Visit http://www.curlfest.com for information on their next event in Atlanta this fall.

#curlfest2019 #curlfest #curvygirlcollective

Photos and article by Jovanna Reyes http://www.jovannareyes.com

“If Not Now, When?”, The First Ever Film Directed by Two Black Women Premieres at the 23rd ABFF in Miami Beach

June 28, 2019June 28, 2019 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Article/Photos/Video by Jovanna Reyes www.jovannareyes.com

It’s 2019 and we can still say “If Not Now, When?” is the first film ever made with two Black female directors and producers, where it premiered at the American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach. Tamara Bass and Meagan Good, friends first and directors/producers(Krazy Actress Productions) second, took on several titles and multitasked as actors in the film. The movie, written by Tamara Bass, also stars Mekia Cox and Meagan Holder as childhood friends with a strong “sisterhood” bond that keeps them together through life’s challenges.

Watch the video below, captured at the 23rd ABFF Roundtable where Bass and Good describe wanting to bring back an all Black female ensemble cast(popular in the nineties) and how ‘authenticity ‘ and quality were the most important factors during filming.

Meagan Good and Tamara Bass, directors and producers of “If Not Now, When?” Discuss the screening at ABFF 2019 Roundtable at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.

Tamara Bass and Meagan Good at the ABFF 2019 Awards Carpet.

Comcast welcomes two more Multicultural channels to their roster, ‘Afro’ and ‘Cleo TV’ with a celebration at the Newseum in D.C.

March 28, 2019March 28, 2019 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Photos and article by Jovanna Reyes

On Thursday, March 14, Comcast celebrated the new media additions to their cable systems, Afrotainment’s ‘Afro’ channel and TV One’s ‘Cleo TV’. The event held in Washington D.C.’s Newseum was hosted by Comcast, represented by Keisha Boyd, Executive Director of Multicultural Products and featured Urban One founder Cathy Hughes, Urban One President and CEO, Alfred Liggins III, Michelle Rice(General Manager of Cleo TV), Yves Bollanger(CEO/founder of Afrotainment channels) and talents from both channels.

Comcast’s David Cohen, Afro Channel CEO and founder Yves Bollanger, Urban One founder Cathy Hughes, General Manager of Cleo TV Michelle Rice, Keisha Boyd, Comcast Executive Director Multicultural Products and guest.

**Urban One President and CEO, Alfred Liggins III**

**Rahsan Rahsan Lindsay, TV One EVP, Ad Sales & Marketing**

Comcast made a commitment to include ten multicultural channels as part of their 2011 acquisition of NBCUniversal. Those channels include Revolt, El Rey, with Afro and Cleo TV rounding out their fulfillment. Michelle Rice was the lead to bringing Cleo TV to fruition. Her goal was to create a channel that fully engages Black women 24/7. “Cleo will offer content that defies negative and cultural stereotypes.” Yves Bollanger shared the goal of his ‘Afro’ channel. “We are excited to showcase all shades of the Black culture…:”

Here are some of the offerings available on the ‘Afro’ and ‘Cleo TV’:

‘Cleo TV’ http://www.mycleotv.com:

Sister Circle, a live mulitplatform talk show featuring Rashan Ali, Trina Braxton, Syleena Johnson

Tough Love, NYC millenials navigating love in the city.

Lens of Culture with Tai Beauchamp

Just Eats with Chef JJ with host JJ Johnson

Chef JJ Johnson

New Soul Kitchen with Jernard Wells

Chef Wells with Cathy Hughes

Cleo Speaks with April Reign

‘Afro’ http://www.afros.tv:

Katrina Lee
Candice Cruz
Gigi Moorman
Sandy Laborde
Kaya Chihombori
Sisaundra

The Lowdown, a late night show with James Yon

POINT OF VIEW-A talk show for women hosted by Erika Washington, Kaya Chihombori, Sandy Laborde, Candice Cruz and Sisaundra.

KAYA CHIHOMBORI @KAYA_DAILYH

SANDY LABORDE @SANDYLABORDE

HSISAUNDRA @SISAUNDRA

CANDICE CRUZ @CANDICE.TALKS

Style Check-featuring Katrina Lee and CL Freeman

KATRINA LEE @STYLESBYKATRINA

CL FREEMAN @CLTHEBRAND

Information below provided by PR for Cleo TV and Afrotainment.

For more information on CLEO TV, visit CLEO TV’s YouTube Channel and check out exclusive, behind-the-scenes content on www.mycleo.tv. Viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on CLEO TV’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook (@mycleotv) using the hashtag #CLEOTV.

About Afrotainment
Afrotainment, a Florida-based company edits, operates and distributes eight networks from its state-of-the-art film and television studios in Orlando and Queens, New York. Afrotainment channels are available in the US and Canada via cable, satellite, fiber-optic and OTT platforms. Visit www.afrotainment.us for more information.

The Best of The Stellar Awards 2018 Red Carpet

April 1, 2018May 15, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY JOVANNA REYES WWW.JOVANNAREYES.COM

FOLLOW CURVYSTA @INSTAGRAM @FACEBOOK @TWITTER

VIDEO SUPPLIED BY THE STELLAR AWARDS 2018

The 33rd annual Stellar Awards, aired on TV One, Friday March 30th at 9Eastern/8Central and will continue to air through May 6th. The esteemed event showcased the top gospel artists and celebrated those that have dedicated their lives and talent to the genre. The red carpet event, held at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, included top artists like Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, JJ Hairston, red carpet host NotKarltonBanks and more. The artists were in regal form with printed vibrant suit jackets and brilliant gowns, exemplifying gospel imagery at its finest! The Stellar Awards red carpet is itself an event not to be missed. Visit http://www.stellarawards.com for more information.

TINA AND ERICA CAMPBELL, FORMERLY OF MARY MARY, PERFORMED TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME IN SIX YEARS. THEY’VE CONTINUED SUCCESS IN THEIR PROSPECTIVE SOLO CAREERS.

ERICA CAMBPELL STYLED BY GOO GOO ATKINS WEARING DAUGHTERS OF NONYELUM HAIR BY VEDA NELMS FACE BEAT BY TERRELL MULLINS

LEXI ALLEN, HOST OF THE STELLAR AWARDS PRE-SHOW. STYLED BY J. BOLIN DRESS BY ANR FASHIONS HAIR BY NICOLE YVETTE FACE BEAT BY GEORGE MCKENNEY

JEWELRY :CHOKED BY ERICA K AND N SIDE A DIVAS CLOSET, CLUTCH: SHOP J BOLIN

TINA CAMPBELL STYLED BY GOO GOO ATKINS WEARING DAUGHTERS OF NONYELUM HAIR BY VEDA NELMS FACE BEAT BY JAMESE JORDAN

CHRISTIANEE PORTER OF THE CHRISTI SHOW WEARING KENYA MOLLIE OF PROJECT RUNWAY 16

KEKE WYATT GRACED THE RED CARPET IN A LACE TWO PIECE FLORAL EMBROIDERY AND SANG HER HEART OUT IN A BRIGHT YELLOW ENSEMBLE. HAIR/MUA/STYLED BY ELIJAH COHEN

TASHA PAGE-LOCKHART GRACED THE CARPET WITH AN AMAZING CUSTOM RED BEADED GOWN BY ALGERNON JOHNSON WITH A FACE BEAT TO THE GODS BY DEEDEE KELLY. THE TWO TONE SHORT HAIR STYLE, BY KI EDWARDS, FIT THE ENSEMBLE PERFECTLY. SHE WAS TRULY SERVING ON THE RED CARPET.