World News

Jazz in the Gardens Grows in Attendance from the Previous Year, With 41K at Hard Rock Stadium

Published

2 months ago

March 15, 2024

Miami Gardens, FL (March 12, 2024) – JAZZ IN THE GARDENS 2024 (JITG), hosted by the City of Miami Gardens, has grown in attendance from the previous year, with more than 41,000 fans gathering at Hard Rock Stadium. In its inaugural partnership with Black Promoters Collective (BPC), the festival, in its 17th year, saw a remarkable 25% increase in ticket sales. The 2024 festival, with its diverse lineup and unforgettable performances, spanned two days and featured two magnetic stages.

On March 9th and 10th, festival-goers showed up and showed out to enjoy all of JITG’s culture-driven offerings. From a varied lineup in food, music, brand activations, vendor merchandise, and art, every attendee could find their place at this annual homecoming.

JITG crowd on Day 1.

Photo Credit: Jr Mead Photography

This year’s events were made even more remarkable by the presence of a highly curated sponsors lounge and activations for fans to enjoy. Sponsors included Simply, Calder Casino, The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Miami-Dade District 1, Amscot, AARP, Aetna, Bahamas Air, Southern Glazers Wine & Spirits, and more.

Simply activation at the Women’s Impact Luncheon.

Photo Credit: Jr Mead Photography

The festival included two special performances with the “Welcome to the Crib” stages hosted by DJ Nasty, which gave the fans a special taste of Miami with performances by Trick Daddy, Trina, Rick Ross, Ball Greezy, Major 9, and Wayne Wonder.

DJ Cassidy gave fans an unforgettable treat with his “Pass The Mic Live!” stage, featuring some of the biggest names in hip hop, including Uncle Luke, Lil Kim, T.I., and Too $hort.

Trina and Trick Daddy take the stage during DJ Nasty’s “Welcome to the Crib” set.

Photo Credit: Jr Mead Photography & Nate Veal Photography

DJ Cassidy performs his “Pass The Mic Live” set.

Photo Credit: Nate Veal Photography

T.I. and Lil Kim take the stage during DJ Cassidy’s “Pass The Mic Live” set.

Photo Credit: Nate Veal Photography & Jr Mead Photography

Two of the highlights included a surprise presentation to civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who was honored with a proclamation from Miami-Dade County, while legendary rappers Trick Daddy and Trina received the key to the City of Miami Gardens from Mayor Rodney Harris and Vice Mayor Katrina Wilson.

(Picture 1) Ben Crump receives proclamation from the city of Miami Gardens and poses with Councilman Reggie Leon, Chairman & Commissioner-District 1 Oliver Gilbert, Rickey Smiley, Mayor Rodney Harris, Councilwoman Linda Julien and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson. (Picture 2) Ben Crump holds proclamation alongside Chairman & Commissioner-District 1 Oliver Gilbert, Mayor Rodney Harris and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson.

Photo Credit: AJ Shorter Photography

On Saturday, platinum-selling singer/songwriter Eric Bellinger opened up and set the tone for the energetic performances to come throughout the day. Chicago-born songstress and rapper Tink served the crowd real rawness with her high-energy hits. Fantasia hit the stage and had everyone out of their seats with her rendition of Tina Turner’s “Proud Mary.” Kirk Franklin’s adrenaline-pumping spiritual performance had the crowd going to church, while Jazmine Sullivan gave the most powerful performances for the ladies. Afrobeats artist Davido kept the energy high and the crowd moving. Saturday night closed out with the sexy and sultry sounds of Summer Walker.

Summer Walker closed out Saturday night in a sparkly beaded white corset.

Photo Credit: Nate Veal Photography

Eric Bellinger and Jazmine Sullivan take the stage on Day 1.

Photo Credit: Nate Veal Photography & Jr Mead Photography

JITG’s second day brought more recognition to the festival. Rising star October Londonopened the day with the smooth sounds from his debut album. Songbird Tamia sang hit after hit, and the crowd broke out into the “Can’t Get Enough” challenge. Jeezy gave the fans what they wanted with a rousing performance, while R&B legend Maxwell, who had a spectacular stage presence, closed out the festival.

Jeezy performs on Day 2.

Photo Credit: Nate Veal Photography

Maxwell headlines Day 2 at the 2024 JITG Festival.

Photo Credit: Jr Mead Photography

JITG continues to bring the best in urban music while highlighting the community, and this year’s event was nothing short of spectacular. With great attendance, unforgettable performances, and meaningful recognitions, JITG once again showcased its ability to unite music enthusiasts and celebrate the power of music diversely and dynamically.

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About the City of Miami Gardens

The City of Miami Gardens celebrated its 20th anniversary of incorporation in 2023. With a population of approximately 113,000, it is the third-largest city in Miami-Dade County. Miami Gardens is a solid professional community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly African American municipality in Florida and boasts thousands of Caribbean and Hispanic residents. The city is the home of the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Dolphins football team, University of Miami Hurricanes football team, Orange Bowl football game, 2020 Super Bowl, Miami Tennis Open, the Miami Dolphins Training Facility and home of the Formula One Miami Grand Prix Race. The city has demonstrated steady growth in the areas of community and economic development and has gained a reputation for being a premier destination in South Florida. Miami Gardens is the future host city of the College Football Playoff National Championship and one of the host cities of FIFA World Cup 2026. Miami Gardens is a 2020 All-America City.

World News

EXCLUSIVE: How Colman Domingo’s 2024 Met Gala Look Honors Late Actor Chadwick Boseman

Published

17 hours ago

May 7, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

Colman Domingo‘s 2024 Met Gala look pays tribute to two fallen stars.

The Euphoria actor shared that he chose to wear a white cape to walk the Metropolitan Museum of Art steps in New York City May 6 in honor of two late Black icons, journalist André Leon Tally and Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman. (See all the stars who stepped out for the 2024 Met Gala here.)

“They both wore capes when they were at the Met,” Colman exclusively told Live From E!. “Everything I do, I feel like it’s gotta be for the culture. It’s gotta be more than just for me.”

Noting that he’s making his debut at this year’s ball, the Rustin star went on to explain, “I wanted to honor these brothers who were here before me as well.” (For more from Colman, tune into Live From E! at 6 p.m.)

But a white cape wasn’t the only eye-catching part of Colman’s ‘fit, which kept with the event’s “Garden of Time” theme. The 54-year-old also paired his over-sized, white-and-black Willy Chavarria suit with diamond earrings and some silver statement rings, as well as a bouquet of white flowers wrapped in a black satin cloth.

And Colman didn’t only attend fashion’s biggest night to stunt for the cameras. The Emmy winner also expressed excitement over going inside the museum and meeting his tablemates Cardi B and Erykah Badu.

“I’ve never met Cardi B and I’m really gagging,” Colman said. “I think I might just expire right there at the table.”

Source: Enews!

World News

Tina Knowles Shares Rare Update on Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s Twins Rumi and Sir

Published

17 hours ago

May 7, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

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Tina Knowles shared how proud she is of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s 6-year-old twins Rumi and Sir in an exclusive interview with E! News.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s twins are ready to run the world, according to their grandmother.

In fact, Tina Knowles believes the 6-year-olds have already found their true passions, with Rumi focusing on art and fashion.

“Rumi is amazing—an amazing artist, painter and creator,” Tina gushed to E! News’ Francesca Amiker during the Kentucky Derby. “How could they be anything else growing up in that environment? All we talk about is creativity and fashion.”

While Sir is much more reserved than his sisters, including 12-year-old Blue Ivy, the House of Deréon designer described him as “very, very smart.”

“Sir is very quiet,” Tina noted, adding that her grandson “does all of the numbers stuff, so he’s not into fashion as much.”

And the twins are already well on their way to success. After all, Rumi recently made history as the youngest woman to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 for her feature on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter track “Protector.” The impressive feat broke the previous record held by her sister Blue, who was featured on “Brown Skin Girl” in 2019 when she was just 7 years old.

So, what does Tina think of Beyoncé and Rumi’s venture into country music?

“We’re from Texas,” she said. “We’ve been part of that culture for a long time and I was very excited about it.”

Calling Cowboy Carter a “nice history lesson” for fans,” Tina added of Beyoncé, “She has this way of doing things subtly but educating, and so I’m really proud of that.”

World News

Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor Engaged to Cameron Fuller

Published

17 hours ago

May 7, 2024

Ameyaw Debrah

After Bridgerton’s Phoebe Dynevor debuted a gorgeous engagement ring at the 2024 Met Gala May 6, E! News can confirm she’s set to tie the knot with producer Cameron Fuller.

You’ll burn for this news: Phoebe Dynevor is engaged.

The Bridgerton alum is set to tie the knot with producer Cameron Fuller, E! News can confirm. In fact, Phoebe—who first sparked romance rumors with Cameron in early 2023—debuted her gorgeous engagement ring on the 2024 Met Gala red carpet May 6. (See every star at the gala.)

While Phoebe, 29, and Cameron, 28, have maintained a low profile throughout their relationship, they did make a rare public appearance together at the Wimbledon tennis tournament in July 2023.

Months later, in February, Cameron—the son of A Quiet Place producer Brad Fuller—was by Phoebe’s side at the 2024 BAFTAs in London.

And although she had her diamond accessory on hand at the 2024 Met Gala, Phoebe had a different date with her on the red carpet: makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury. Plus, it was an extra special night for the Fair Play star, as she became the first person to wear Victoria Beckham’s line to the star-studded event.

“It’s her first custom look,” Phoebe said on Live From E!, “so I’m thrilled to be wearing it.”

“We started with fabrics,” the English actress continued, noting they wanted something “fragile” to go along with the Costume Institute’s “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” exhibition. “Something elegant and beautiful that fits in with this beautiful theme. So, I think we did well.”

As Victoria noted on Instagram, the gown’s silhouette was hand-crafted from archival lace.

“And embellished with over 300 lace appliqué flowers,” she shared, “hand-cut and hand-sewn onto a tulle base.”

As for how Phoebe was feeling on the milestone night?

“It’s so crazy and surreal,” she said on Live From E!. “I’m trying to just be present in this moment right now but it’s very hard.”

Source: Enews!