World News
Tems, Davido, Lojay Damson Idris, Ayo Edebiri and Aleema Omotoni emerge winners at the “55th NAACP Image Awards”
The NAACP and BET honoured Black excellence in music, television, and film across 90 categories at the “55th NAACP Image Awards”. The “Me & U” hitmaker, Tems, bagged the “Outstanding International Song” award, marking her fourth NAACP Image Awards win. More Nigerians earned awards as Davido and Lojay won the category for “Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)” with their track “Sensational” from their collaboration with Chris Brown.
In the Literary Category, Aleema Omotoni emerged as the winner of the “Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens” award with her novel “Everyone’s Thinking It”. The novel tells the story of two Nigerian cousins, Iyanu and Kitan, who are thrown into the middle of a schoolwide conspiracy when everyone’s juicy relationship secrets are released the week before the annual Valentine’s Day Ball.
British-Nigerian actor, Damson Idris, also won in the “Television + Streaming Category” for “Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series” for his phenomenal role as Franklin Saint in the American crime drama television series, “Snowfall”. Rising star, Ayo Edebiri also makes her third win into the NAACP Image Awards with the “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series” for playing the role of Sydney Adamu in “The Bear”.
Hosted by GRAMMY® award-winning recording artist, critically acclaimed Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning and Academy Award®-nominated actor and producer Queen Latifah (series star/executive producer of The Equalizer, CBS), the legendary show aired live on Sunday, 17 March at 19:00 WAT on BET Africa (DStv channel 129 & GOtv channel 21) from the Shrine Auditorium. Colman Domingo, Fantasia Barrino, Mike Epps, Quinta Brunson, The Color Purple, Usher and more took top honors. Special awards recipients delivered moving speeches, including Amanda Gorman, New Edition, and Usher.
Globally recognized as one of the most distinguished multicultural award shows, the “55th NAACP Image Awards” continues its tradition of excellence, uplifting values that inspire equality, justice, and progressive change, and highlighting artists committed to these values.
Speaking on the African award winners, Senior Vice President of Paramount Africa and Peer Lead, BET International, Monde Twala, said, “We are immensely proud to illuminate the outstanding achievements of African talent being recognized on a global stage like the NAACP Image Awards. This year’s wins by Tems, Davido, Ayo Edebiri, Lojay, Aleema Omotoni, and Damson Idris are a testament to the incredible artistry and storytelling that emanates from Africa, and at BET, we are fully committed to championing authentic African stories and talents to the global audience.”
The “55th Image Awards” Show Highlights Include:
- Blue Bloods (CBS) star and New Kids on the Block singer Donnie Wahlberg inducted New Edition into the NAACP Hall of Fame.
- Keke Palmer and Lil Rel Howery presented Quinta Brunson with her award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Abbott Elementary (ABC) and Mike Epps for his award for Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series for his role in The Upshaws (Netflix).
- Damson Idris accepted his award for Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series with a heartfelt and humourous speech.
- For host Queen Latifah’s birthday, American Fiction actress and Living Single (FOX) co-star Erika Alexanderdirected the audience to sing Happy Birthday, led by actress Sheryl Lee Ralph.
- Colman Domingo took home the awards for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for Rustin and The Color Purple, respectively.
- Chairman’s Award recipient Amanda Gorman delivered a powerful poetic speech while accepting her award, presented by NAACP Chairman Leon Russell.
- Fantasia Barrino took the stage to accept her award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture, presented by Idris and Sabrina Elba.
- President’s Awards recipient Usher honored his mom and the Black community during his speech after being honored by NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.
- The Color Purple cast graced the stage to accept their award for Outstanding Motion Picture, presented by UnPrisoned (Hulu) stars Kerry Washington and Delroy Lindo.
- To close out the night, Usher took home his award for Entertainer of the Year, presented by Oprah Winfrey in a surprise appearance.
NAACP also recognized winners in non-televised Image Awards categories virtually March 11-13 on www.naacpimageawards.net and at the Awards Dinner on March 14. For information and updates, please follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @NAACPImageAwards.
The “55th NAACP Image Awards” is supported by the following sponsors, Wells Fargo (presenting sponsor), Google, Bank of America, Gushers, FedEx, Airbnb, Amazon, Procter & Gamble, Diageo, Denny’s, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines. Our partners include: Bacardi, CVS Health, Entergy, Hyatt, Intuit, L’Oréal, Lyft, Planned Parenthood, SheaMoisture, Uncle Nearest, SPILL and Variety Magazine.
One of the most iconic annual celebrations of Black excellence, the NAACP Image Awards draws the biggest and brightest stars in Hollywood. Previous years’ attendees and winners include Tems, Wizkid, Trevor Noah, Angela Bassett, Zendaya, Will Smith, Viola Davis, Beyoncé, Nicco Annan, Ruth E. Carter, Glynn Turman, Quinta Brunson, Nia Long, Keith David, Jennifer Hudson, Stacey Abrams, Tabitha Brown, Dwayne Wade & Gabrielle Union, Erica Campbell, Chris Brown, Bruno Mars, Anderson Paak, Silk Sonic, Rihanna, Quavo, Takeoff, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Zendaya, Yara Shahidi, Issa Rae, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams, Kerry Was
The complete list of winners for the “55th NAACP Image Awards” are:
RECORDING CATEGORIES
Outstanding International Song
“Me & U” – Tems
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary)
“Sensational” – Chris Brown feat. Davido & Lojay
Outstanding Jazz Album
“Brand New Life” – Brandee Younger
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Song
“All Yours” – Kierra Sheard feat. Anthony Brown
Outstanding Gospel/Christian Album
“Father’s Day” – Kirk Franklin
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Traditional)
“How We Roll” – Ciara feat. Chris Brown
Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation Album
“The Color Purple – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack” – Various Producers
Outstanding Original Score for TV/Film
“Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” – Jongnic Bontemps
Outstanding Male Artist
“Good Good” – USHER with 21 Savage x Summer Walker
Outstanding Female Artist
“The Journey” – H.E.R.
Outstanding New Artist
“Jaguar II” – Victoria Monét
Outstanding Hip Hop/Rap Song
“Cobra” – Megan Thee Stallion
Outstanding Album
“Jaguar II” – Victoria Monét
TELEVISION + STREAMING CATEGORIES
Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series
Damson Idris – Snowfall
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series
Ayo Edebiri – The Bear
Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series
India Ria Amarteifio – Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series
Quinta Brunson – Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series
Mike Epps – The Upshaws
Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Chloe Bailey – Praise This
Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Keith Powers – The Perfect Find
Outstanding Television Movie, Limited-Series or Dramatic Special
Swarm
Outstanding Talk Series
The Jennifer Hudson Show
Outstanding Host in a Talk or News/Information (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
Sherri Shepherd – Sherri
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series
Gail Bean – Snowfall
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series
Adrian Holmes – Bel-Air
Outstanding Drama Series
Queen Charlotte: A Bridgeton Story
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series
William Stanford Davis – Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Comedy Series
Abbott Elementary
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Phylicia Rashad – Heaven Down Here
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Television Movie, Limited–Series or Dramatic Special
Don Cheadle – Secret Invasion
Outstanding Performance by a Youth (Series, Special, Television Movie or Limited-Series)
Leah Sava Jeffries – “Percy Jackson and the Olympians”
Outstanding Animated Series
“The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder S2”
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Television)
Michelle Buteau – “Survival of the Thickest”
Outstanding Guest Performance
Michael B. Jordan – “Saturday Night Live”
Outstanding Variety Show (Series or Special)
“A Black Lady Sketch Show”
Outstanding Host in a Reality/Reality Competition, Game Show or Variety (Series or Special) – Individual or Ensemble
DC Young Fly – “Celebrity Squares”
Outstanding Reality Program, Reality Competition or Game Show (Series)
“Wild ‘N Out”
Outstanding News/Information (Series or Special)
“20/20” – Kerry Washington: Thicker Than Water – A Conversation with Robin Roberts
Outstanding Children’s Program
“Gracie’s Corner”
Outstanding Performance in a Short Form Series
Leslie Jones – “The Daily Show After The Cut”
Outstanding Short Form Series – Comedy or Drama
“Doggyland”
Outstanding Short Form Series – Reality/Nonfiction
“I Was A Soul Train Dancer”
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Television)
Kyla Pratt – “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder”
LITERARY CATEGORIES
Outstanding Literary Work – Youth/Teens
“Everyone’s Thinking It” – Aleema Omotoni
Outstanding Literary Work – Fiction
“Family Lore” – Elizabeth Acevedo
Outstanding Literary Work – Non-Fiction
“The New Brownies’ Book” – Karida L. Brown and Charly Palmer
Outstanding Literary Work – Debut Author
“Rootless” – Krystle Zara Appiah
Outstanding Literary Work – Biography/ Autobiography
“Our Secret Society: Mollie Moon and the Glamour, Money, and Power Behind the Civil Rights Movement” – Dr. Tanisha C. Ford
Outstanding Literary Work – Instructional
“Historically Black Phrases: From ‘I Ain’t One of Your Lil’ Friends’ to ‘Who All Gon’ Be There?’” – Jarett Hill, Tre’vell Anderson
Outstanding Literary Work – Graphic Novel
“The Talk” – Darrin Bell
Outstanding Literary Work – Poetry
“Suddenly We” – Evie Shockley
Outstanding Literary Work – Children
“CROWNED: Magical Folk and Fairy Tales from the Diaspora” – Kahran Bethencourt
COSTUME DESIGN, MAKE-UP & HAIRSTYLING CATEGORIES
Outstanding Make-up (Television or Film)
The Color Purple – Carol Rasheed, Saisha Beecham, Ngozi Olandu Young, Manny Davila, Milene Melendez
Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film)
The Color Purple – Francine Jamison-Tanchuck
Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film)
The Color Purple – Lawrence Davis, Tym Wallace, Andrea Mona Bowen, Angela Renae Dyson, Jorge Benitez Villalobos
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Usher
OUTSTANDING SOCIAL MEDIA PERSONALITY
Angel Laketa Moore
MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES
Outstanding Motion Picture
The Color Purple
Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture
Fantasia Barrino – The Color Purple
Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture
Colman Domingo – Rustin
Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture
Colman Domingo – The Color Purple
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Taraji P. Henson – The Color Purple
Outstanding Animated Motion Picture
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
Outstanding Breakthrough Performance in a Motion Picture
Phylicia Pearl Mpasi – The Color Purple
Outstanding Youth Performance (Motion Picture)
Mila Davis-Kent – Creed III
Outstanding International Motion Picture
Brother
Outstanding Cinematography in a Feature Film
Eric K. Yue – “A Thousand and One”
Outstanding Breakthrough Creative (Motion Picture)
Blitz Bazawule – “The Color Purple”
Outstanding Independent Motion Picture
“Brother”
Outstanding Ensemble Cast in a Motion Picture
“The Color Purple”
Outstanding Stunt Ensemble (TV or Film)
“Creed III”
Outstanding Short Form (Live Action)
“The After”
Outstanding Short Form (Animated)
“Lil’ Ruby”
Outstanding Character Voice-Over Performance (Motion Picture)
Issa Rae – “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse”
DOCUMENTARY CATEGORIES
Outstanding Documentary (Television)
“High on the Hog: How African American Cuisine Transformed America”
Outstanding Documentary (Film)
“Invisible Beauty”
Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)
“Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games”
WRITING CATEGORIES
Outstanding Writing in a Motion Picture
Cord Jefferson – American Fiction
Outstanding Writing in a Comedy Series
Norman Vance Jr. – “Saturdays”
Outstanding Writing in a Drama Series
Carla Banks-Waddles – “Bel-Air”
Outstanding Writing in a Television Movie or Special
Dwayne Johnson-Cochran – “Heist 88”
DIRECTING CATEGORIES
Outstanding Directing in a Motion Picture
Ava DuVernay – Origin
Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series
neema barnette – “GRAND CREW”
Outstanding Directing in a Drama Series
Dawn Wilkinson – “Power Book II: Ghost”
Outstanding Directing in a Television Movie or Special
Chris Robinson – “Shooting Stars”
Outstanding Directing in a Documentary (Television or Motion Picture)
Allen Hughes – “Dear Mama”
PODCAST CATEGORIES
Outstanding News and Information Podcast
“Holding Court with Eboni K. Williams”
Outstanding Podcast – Limited Series/Short Form
“Wakanda Forever: The Official Black Panther Podcast”
Outstanding Podcast – Scripted Series
“Yes We Cannabis”
Outstanding Arts, Sports and Entertainment Podcast
“Here’s The Thing”
Outstanding Society and Culture Podcast
“The 85 South Show with Karlous Miller, DC Young Fly and Chico Bean”
Outstanding Lifestyle / Self-Help Podcast
“Black Money Tree”
World News
Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi sentenced to death for protesting
Iranian Dissident rapper Toomaj Salehi has been given a death sentence for his involvement in the widespread protests that swept Iran in 2022, according to his lawyer. (more…)
Radio & TV
2024 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) to air LIVE on DStv
MTV has announced the 2024 “VMAs” will make its return to New York on Tuesday, September 10th at the UBS Arena. Airing LIVE on MTV, DStv Channel 130 on Wednesday, 11 September at 1:00am WAT and 2:00am CAT around the world in more than 150 countries. This year’s global fan-filled phenomenon will celebrate the best music videos of the past year with supersized performances, epic tributes, and unforgettable appearances from the world’s biggest celebrities.
“We’re excited to bring this year’s VMAs to UBS Arena, one of the country’s newest and most cutting edge venues,” said Bruce Gillmer, President of Music, Music Talent, Programming & Events, Paramount and Chief Content Officer, Music, Paramount+. “Celebrating one of music’s biggest nights with the incredible, robust New York area fans is something we’ve been looking forward to since the moment last year’s show ended.”
“It’s an honor to host MTV and the VMAs at UBS Arena,” said Mark Shulman, Senior Vice President of Programming, UBS Arena. “This is the culmination of bringing a world class event to a venue that offers state of the art capabilities and the best in fan amenities. We look forward to welcoming this year’s top artists, fans, and viewers worldwide to experience our arena and campus at Belmont Park.”
“We are excited to welcome back the MTV Video Music Awards to New York State,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “From its origins at Radio City Music Hall in 1984 to this September’s event at the UBS Arena, the VMAs continue to captivate millions, showcasing the very best in music video artistry. As we prepare to host this 40th anniversary event, let’s embrace the spirit of creativity and innovation that defines our state’s cultural landscape.”
The “VMAs” will air across MTV’s global footprint of linear and digital platforms in more than 150 countries and territories, reaching over 319 million households.
Additional details will be announced closer to the show. Follow @MTV and @VMAs on social to keep up with all-things #VMAs.
World News
Major step in malaria prevention as three West African countries roll out vaccine
In a significant step forward for malaria prevention in Africa, three countries—Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone—today launched a large-scale rollout of the life-saving malaria vaccine targeting millions of children across the three West African nations. The vaccine rollout, announced on World Malaria Day, seeks to further scale up vaccine deployment in the African region.
Today’s launch brings to eight the number of countries on the continent to offer the malaria vaccine as part of the childhood immunization programmes, extending access to more comprehensive malaria prevention. Several of the more than 30 countries in the African region that have expressed interest in the vaccine are scheduled to roll it out in the next year through support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, as efforts continue to widen its deployment in the region in coordination with other prevention measures such as long-lasting insecticidal nets and seasonal malaria chemoprevention.
Benin, which received 215 900 doses, has added the malaria vaccine to its Expanded Programme on Immunization. The malaria vaccine should be provided in a schedule of 4 doses in children from around 5 months of age.
“The introduction of the malaria vaccine in the Expanded Programme on Immunization for our children is a major step forward in the fight against this scourge. I would like to reassure that the malaria vaccines are safe and effective and contribute to the protection of our children against this serious and fatal diseases,” said Prof Benjamin Hounkpatin, Minister of Health of Benin.
In Liberia, the vaccine was launched in the southern Rivercess County and will be rolled out afterwards in five other counties which have high malaria burden. At least 45 000 children are expected to benefit from the 112 000 doses of the available vaccine.
“For far too long, malaria has stolen the laughter and dreams of our children. But today, with this vaccine and the unwavering commitment of our communities, healthcare workers and our partners, including Gavi, UNICEF and WHO, we break the chain. We have a powerful tool that will protect them from this devastating illness and related deaths, ensuring their right to health and a brighter future. Let’s end malaria in Liberia and pave the way for a healthier, more just society,” said Dr Louise Kpoto, Liberia’s Minister of Health.
Two safe and effective vaccines — RTS,S and R21 — recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), are a breakthrough for child health and malaria control. A pilot malaria vaccine programme in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi reached over 2 million children from 2019 to 2023, showing a significant reduction in malaria illness and a 13% drop in overall child mortality and substantial reductions in hospitalizations.
In Sierra Leone, the first doses were administered to children at a health centre in Western Area Rural where the authorities kicked off the rollout of 550 000 vaccine doses. The vaccine will then be delivered in health facilities nationwide.
“With the new, safe and efficacious malaria vaccine, we now have an additional tool to fight this disease. In combination with insecticide-treated nets, effective diagnosis and treatment, and indoor spraying, no child should die from malaria infection,” said Dr Austin Demby, Minister of Health of Sierra Leone.
Malaria remains a huge health challenge in the African region, which is home to 11 countries that carry approximately 70% of the global burden of malaria. The region accounted for 94% of global malaria cases and 95% of all malaria deaths in 2022, according to the World Malaria Report.
“The African region is taking positive steps in scaling up the rollout of the malaria vaccine – a game-changer in our fight against this deadly disease,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “Working with our partners, we’re committed to supporting the ongoing efforts to protect, save the lives of young children and lower the malaria burden in the region.”
Aurelia Nguyen, Chief Programme Officer at Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, noted: “Today we celebrate more children gaining access to a new lifesaving tool to fight one of Africa’s deadliest diseases. This introduction of malaria vaccines into routine programmes in Benin, Liberia, and Sierra Leone alongside other proven interventions will help save lives and offer relief to families, communities and hard-pressed health systems.”
Progress against malaria has stalled in these high-burden African countries since 2017 due to factors including climate change, humanitarian crises, low access to and insufficient quality of health services, gender-related barriers, biological threats such as insecticide and drug resistance and global economic crises. Fragile health systems and critical gaps in data and surveillance have compounded the challenge.
To put malaria progress back on track, WHO recommends robust commitment to malaria responses at all levels, particularly in high-burden countries; greater domestic and international funding; science and data-driven malaria responses; urgent action on the health impacts of climate change; harnessing research and innovation; as well as strong partnerships for coordinated responses. WHO is also calling attention to addressing delays in malaria programme implementation.
World News
Kid Cudi cancels tour after breaking foot at Coachella
Kid Cudi has been forced to cancel his tour after breaking his foot at Coachella over the weekend. During the fest’s Weekend Two on Sunday night, the rapper went to the hospital with a broken foot after jumping off the stage at the Sahara Tent. (more…)
World News
The Un Certain Regard Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes
The Canadian actor, director, screenwriter and producer Xavier Dolan will be the President of the Un Certain Regard Jury of the 77th Festival de Cannes. He will be joined by French-Senegalese screenwriter and director Maïmouna Doucouré, Moroccan director, screenwriter and producer Asmae El Moudir, German-Luxembourg actress Vicky Krieps, and American film critic, director, and writer Todd McCarthy. They will be in charge of awarding prizes for the Un Certain Regard section, which showcases art and discovery films by young auteurs.
This year, 18 films have been selected, including 8 first films. The 2023 Un Certain Regard top prize went to director Molly Manning Walker’s debut feature How to Have Sex.
When the light breaks by Rúnar Rúnarsson will open the Un Certain Regard section on Wednesday May 15, 2024.
|
|
|
|
|
World News
Kanye West reportedly planning to launch porn studio
My wife sent her nudes to her Dubai lover while I was on my sick bed – Erico speaks on divorce
I underestimated the extent of my influence – Serwaa Amihere apologizes
Afronita’s mum was against me managing Endurance Grand alongside her daughter – Quables
Stonebwoy performs ‘Activate’ with Davido at sold-out Madison Square Garden show
REPORT: Dulcie Boateng’s Porials Pitch leads to arrests over ‘unregistered products’
Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign
Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement
Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon
Rebecca Osam: A Champion for Women’s Empowerment in Africa
King Promise thrills fans at sold-out show in Singapore
Buzz1 week agoMy wife sent her nudes to her Dubai lover while I was on my sick bed – Erico speaks on divorce
Buzz2 days agoI underestimated the extent of my influence – Serwaa Amihere apologizes
Buzz1 week agoAfronita’s mum was against me managing Endurance Grand alongside her daughter – Quables
People & Lifestyle6 days agoREPORT: Dulcie Boateng’s Porials Pitch leads to arrests over ‘unregistered products’
Gossip6 days agoWATCH: Irene Logan sings ‘At Last’ as she dances with her husband at their wedding reception
Buzz1 week agoGhana’s New Train from Poland Crashes During Test Run
Buzz4 days agoKofi Kinaata Credits Samini’s High Grade Family for Musical Breakthrough
Buzz3 days agoWhy single mothers struggle to find partners – Joselyn Dumas
World News3 days agoKanye West reportedly planning to launch porn studio
Buzz1 week ago“Life has humbled me so much” – Mercy Johnson
Gossip5 days agoGospel singer KODA passes on, after reportedly battling a kidney disease
People & Lifestyle3 days agoWhy Ghanaians question the authenticity of King Promise’s alleged wedding
