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.

Brandy, D.L. Hughley, Jade Novah, Elle Varner, Marvin Sapp and more celebs grace the Urban One Honors Stage to be aired on TV One in January 2019.

December 15, 2018December 15, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Cahty Hughes, the media maven behind TV One and Radio One, has done it again. She’s created another outlet that exemplifies the best of the African American community in media, music, education, politics and activism. The inaguaral Urban One Honors Awards was held in Chocolate City, Washington D.C. and sponsored by MGM National Harbor.

The event started with a robust red carpet hosted at La Vie at the Wharf, with April Ryan, Symone Sanders,Tom Joyner, Elle Varner, Jade Novah, Brandy, Ray J and the list goes on.

Brandy, Actress and Singer, was presented with the Cathy Hughes Excellence Award, while June Ambrose, stylist and resplendent in a mermaid style luxe gown, received the Fashion Icon Award. She mentioned that TV One was the first channel to air her reality show, so she felt this award was a full circle moment. Jade Novah, Comedian and Singer, was awarded the well deserved, Viral Sensation Award. She was glowing as she described her new album and how grateful she is to be in the moment and knowing that she is headed in the right direction.

Symone Sanders, pictured above with the Social Change Award recipient, Shaun King, was a presenter along with Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh. Ms. Pugh presented April Ryan the Media Personality of the Year Award.

Jermaine Dupri, received the Living Legend Award presented by Da Brat and Bryan Michael Cox. Mr. Cox also a music producer took the time to grace the red carpet. The hardest working man in showbiz, Rotimi, was honored with the Generation Next Award by Traci Braxton, who was gorgeous is a red fringe leather ensemble. Marvin Sapp received the Inspirational Impact award for his work as a Gospel Radio DJ and his consistent release of gospel hits.

The Urban One Honors event will be aired on TV One in January 2019 with Reach Media’s D.L. Hughley as host of the star studded, celebrity event.

All photos supplied by James DeMarco with Strategic Heights Media.

Article written by Jovanna Reyes @jovannareyesphotography

Vydurya Lokesh, Celebrity MUA, Body Positive Influencer and Muse

December 8, 2018December 8, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

I met the amazing and wondrous Vydurya Lokesh at the Priscilla Ono Masterclass in NYC this past summer. I was the oldest woman there and realized quickly I was way out of my league in the course. The silver lining, outside of learning that makeup application is an art, is meeting Vy. Her aura is gentle, kind and she glows. I mean her skin glows! She reminded me of Lupita Nyongo, who also has luminescent skin and happens to be the direct descendant of Eve. I wouldn’t be surprised if Vydurya has DNA from a Goddess of Light. It’s who she is and I hope I captured it in this collection of photos.

One of the evenings after class, I invited her to have dinner and we ended up at Eataly near the World Trade Center, after visiting MAC, of course. At dinner, she went on to tell me about her childhood and the tribulations she experienced at such an early age. I realized that her past made her clueless on her beauty. She was just happy to be alive and be a positive influence to everyone she meets. The entire dinner, I kept thinking what a classic beauty she is and how I would love the opportunity to photograph her. She was shocked and moved when I finally asked her.

Her last night in the states she spent with me in Maryland and we shot until late evening. I am happy to share these with you and hope you can see the light that reflects from Vydurya that I noticed from the moment we met.

As she likes to say, “I am destiny’s child. “, not the singing group, but a child of faith that walks in light.

Please make sure to follow her on Instagram @VyduryaLokesh and Facebook @Artistry by Vydurya Lokesh.

Photos and article by Jovanna Reyes:

Follow Instagram@jovannareyesphotography and @curvysta

IMG NYFW Spring/Summer 2019: Backstage Happenings with NONIE

October 6, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Another season of New York Fashion Week has ended and we are all looking forward to the next one already. The kinetic, frantic energy wasn’t effected by the dark clouds and rain that followed us daily for the week. There were so many great shows and an amazing expanse of global representation at IMG NYFW and beyond.

This year I had the privilege of being the official backstage photographer for several production companies , some for IMG and non-IMG shows. It was an honor and something I absolutely adore. Production is in my blood. I can’t run from it. Watching the pre-show prep, the rolling racks with black garment bags to seeing the garment on the model, I am like a kid in the candy store. There are so many aspects to capture. The nervous brow of the designer, the pained look of a model with blistered feet after her fifth show in one day; my favorite moment to capture is of the designer, as they watch their work come to life on the runway. It’s like a mother holding her child for the first time after carrying her around for nine months. There are no words to describe the emotion.

NONIE by Nina Kharey(IMG/Industria Studios, NYC)

NONIE designer Nina Kharey

The designer, Nina Kharey, as she watched her first NYFW IMG runway show.

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Street Style:@ABFF 2018 Miami Beach

June 20, 2018June 20, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

“Gangsta AF, but woke” the theme for Hood Goodie at BKFW 2018

April 9, 2018May 15, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

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

Follow us @curvystamagazine @curvysta

Sarah Charness @sarahpinkviolin jumped off Brooklyn Fashion Week 2018 on a passionate note. It was the perfect introduction to the very sexy, womanly street wear of Hood Goodie. The collection, with a mix of street, dance, professional business woman and beachwear, definitely had more than one voice projected on the runway. The designer’s best moments were those that showcased her talents the best. Her combination of prints and graphics. The one standout piece was the fatigue print long coat with the recurring theme of women’s power on the back “New Girl Order”, also printed on various garments throughout the collection. The best styled outfit goes to the designer herself, wearing her logo sweatshirt layered over an large denim top with lace tied leggings and a Sabrina shoe. Serious gangsta girl on top and sexy vixen on the bottom. Hood Goodie, the perfect conflagration of neon, sweatshirts and fishnets.

CURVYSTA Emerging Artist:Tamika Patton from the Stellar Awards

April 7, 2018May 15, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

PHOTOS/VIDEO AND ARTICLE BY JOVANNA REYES WWW.JOVANNAREYES.COM

Gospel artist and Philly native, Tamika Patton performed at the Stellar Independent Artist and Quartet Showcase and mesmerized the audience. Her rich, full bodied voice moved everyone as she sang her new single “Lord Fill Me Up”. The winner of Radio One’s ‘Best Inspirational Singer in America 2011’ contest, Ms. Patton has traveled the world sharing her God given talent and spreading the word through her ministry. Her talents can be seen on stages as an actress as well, performing as Mahalia Jackson with Loretta Devine and Don B. Welch productions. She’s also shared the stage with gospel greats CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Kirk Franklin and many more.

Here is a snippet of video of her performance at the Stellar Awards event.

Follow her:

Instagram@TamikaPattonMusic

Twitter@TamikaPatton

Facebook@TamikaMusic

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.

LE’ANDRIA JOHNSON WEARING LINDA BEZUIDENHOUT COUTURE STYLED BY KASH HOWARD

LAURIEANNE GIBSON WAS PRETTY IN PINK IN TRINA TURK AND JOINED BY MITCH SOLAREK. CHECK OUT HER NEW SHOW ON LIFETIME TV, BEYOND THE SPOTLIGHT.

TASHA COBBS LEONARD (STYLED BY J. BOLIN) WON THE STELLAR AWARD FOR CONTEMPORARY ARTIST OF THE YEAR AND THE ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR. CHECK OUT HER PERFORMANCE BELOW DURING THE STELLAR AWARDS AT THE ORLEANS ARENA IN LAS VEGAS.

TASHA COBBS LEONARD PERFORMANCE OUTFIT BY NICCI HOU; STYLED BY J. BOLIN

ANIKA NONI ROSE WEARING JOVANI FASHIONS, EARRINGS BY RICARDO BASTA

TAMELA MANN PERFORMED AT THE STELLAR AWARDS 2018 AND RECEIVED THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR HER DEDICATION AND GIFTS TO THE GENRE OF GOSPEL MUSIC.

KEYONDRA LOCKETT STYLED BY KIMBERLY LOCKETT

greenleafmusiccoordinator — ANGELA JOLIVETTE, SOUNDTRACK PRODUCER FOR GREENLEAF 2 AND WINNER OF STELLAR AWARD FOR BEST SOUNDTRACK 2018

DEBORAH JOY WINANS, DESIREE ROSS, MERLE DANDRIDGE

GENTLEMEN IN VIBRANT SUITS PREVAILED ON THE STELLAR RED CARPET:

GREENLEAF’S JASON DIRDEN

JASON MCGHEE, GOSPEL ARTIST AND PERFORMER AT THE STELLAR AWARDS

DEREK BLANKS, PHOTOGRAPHER AND STELLAR AWARD WINNER FOR VIDEO OF THE YEAR WITH TINA CAMPBELL

VASHAWN MITCHELL

CANTON JONES, GOSPEL ARTIST AND PERFORMER AT THE STELLAR AWARDS 2018

NOTKARLTONBANKS, COMEDIAN AND INTERNET SENSATION, HOST OF THE STELLAR AWARD RED CARPET

JONATHAN SLOCUMB, HOST OF THE STELLAR INDEPENDENT AND QUARTET AWARDS 2018

THE AMAZING FAMILIES ON THE STELLAR AWARDS 2018 RED CARPET:

TRAVIS GREENE AND FAMILY

THE TANKARDS

BRYAN POPIN AND FAMILY

DEITRICK HADDON AND FAMILY

KIERRA SHEARD AND J. SHEARD

JJ HAIRSTON AND TRINA HAIRSTON

TODD DULANEY AND WIFE

ONE MAN IN A SUIT IS BREATHTAKING, A GROUP CAN CAUSE YOU TO SWOON:

THE HAMILTONES

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Walk This Way with Jeannie Ferguson

March 13, 2018 | CURVYSTA MAGAZINE

Plus model extraordinaire, Jeannie Ferguson, hosted her respected, Walk This Way workshop in DC this weekend. The always effervescent and lovingly spirited model, is known for her amazing and one of a kind walk. She’s opened the runways of fashion productions nationally. The show cannot start without Ms. Ferguson taking the first step on the catwalk. Her experience as a fit model, print model, her unforgettable walk and her personality are what keep her workshops booked, up and down the Eastern corridor. This weekend her workshop focused on runway walks and how to become a consistently booked model. Her honest feedback will help those that are ready to take the next step to professional modeling. If you are in the North Carolina area, catch Ms. Ferguson at The Power Plus Weekend March 23-25th and at the Stories of Empowerment Brunch in NYC on March 31st. Follow Jeannie Ferguson on Instagram @plusmodjeannief and shop her designs at @shop_bgu