By Nyame-Kye Kondo Special to the AFRO The sounds of soca, calypso and reggae filled Druid Hill Park and the surrounding streets as the Baltimore Washington One Caribbean Carnival swept through Northwest Baltimore on July 11. Celebrating its 44th year, the annual festival featured vibrant floats and a lively parade of masqueraders dressed in colorful […]
Category: ENTERTAINMENT
Posted inMusic
The Roc’ is still alive: Jay-Z solidifies legacy with Yankee Stadium residency
New York native and hip-hop mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter continues to gain fans with his music and artistry after 30 years in the rap industry. Hundreds of thousands of people packed out Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, N.Y., during Carter’s recent three night residency.
Posted inArts & Culture
Arena Stage’s ‘CrazySexyCool’ brings TLC’s music and style back to life
Arena Stage’s world premiere production of “CrazySexyCool – The TLC Musical” will run through August 9, celebrating the legendary group’s music, history, and cultural impact.
Posted inArts & Culture
Two conductors, two paths through a historically exclusive field
By Megan Sayles AFRO Staff Writer msayles@afro.com In 2005, Jeri Lynne Johnson, founder and artistic director of the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, became the first Black woman to win an international conducting prize when she received the prestigious Taki Alsop Conducting Fellowship, an award offering women conductors intensive coaching and mentorship as they develop their […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Coca-Cola® announces all-star lineup and cultural experiences for the 2026 Essence Festival of Culture®
Coca-Cola is celebrating its 31st year of partnership with the ESSENCE Festival of Culture with performances from Destin Conrad, Coi Leray, and Mario, as well as community activations, HBCU programming, and immersive experiences.
Posted inMusic
Lauryn Hill honored, Janet Jackson stuns Teyana Taylor and Druski makes history at BET Awards
By Jonathan Landrum Jr. AP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — After watching a 20-minute tribute celebrating her groundbreaking career, Lauryn Hill surprised the BET Awards audience June 28 with an impromptu performance of her 1998 classic “Ex-Factor” after accepting the Living Legend Icon Award, before closing the show with “Everything Is Everything.” Introduced by Ice […]
Posted inMusic
How Black artists shaped rock and roll—and how that story was reframed
Rock and roll is often associated with artists like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly, but its origins trace back to rhythm and blues created by African-American musicians. Scholars and industry figures say that history has often been reframed, obscuring the genre’s Black foundations.
Posted inMusic
Usher says stadium tour with Chris Brown is a statement for R&B
Usher says his upcoming stadium tour with Chris Brown is about elevating R&B and proving the genre belongs on the biggest stages. While acknowledging Brown’s controversies, Usher emphasized their shared commitment to fans and hopes the collaboration will pave the way for more major joint tours.
Posted inArts & Culture
Black leaders in Baltimore share AFRAM memories as festival turns 50
The Afro-American Festival, or AFRAM, has been a celebration of Black culture in Baltimore for 50 years, and is a beloved tradition for many Baltimoreans who have watched it grow and evolve over the decades.
Posted inBaltimore Community
Beyond the main stage: AFRAM’s vendor marketplace fuels Black artistry and entrepreneurship
Though AFRAM is best known for the R&B, hip-hop and soul artists who headline the festival each year, the Baltimore tradition also doubles as a vibrant marketplace for visual artists, fashion designers and other creatives from across the East Coast. As thousands gather for the music, artisans use the weekend to share work rooted in Black culture, identity and storytelling.
Posted inBaltimore Community
AFRAM at 50: A Baltimore tradition of culture and community
AFRAM, the African American Festival, has been a Baltimore tradition for nearly five decades, celebrating Black culture, creativity and community with music, food, art, health screenings, and more.
Posted inBaltimore Events
Homegrown sound: Local artists reflect on AFRAM’s enduring influence
AFRAM, a Baltimore-based festival, has been a platform for local artists to showcase their talent and gain confidence for 50 years, with this year’s event featuring both major celebrities and local performers.
