“Michael” soared to a record-breaking $97 million opening weekend in North America and $217.4 million globally, becoming the biggest debut ever for a music biopic despite mixed reviews and production setbacks. Starring Jaafar Jackson as Michael Jackson, the film overcame controversy and costly reshoots to draw strong audience enthusiasm, with sequels already under consideration.
Category: Music
Posted inMusic
Sade, Wu-Tang Clan and Luther Vandross to be inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s 2026 class includes many Black creatives, such as Wu-Tang Clan, Luther Vandross, Sade and more. The honorees span multiple genres and eras, with additional awards recognizing artists like Queen Latifah, Celia Cruz, Fela Kuti and MC Lyte. The induction ceremony will take place Nov. 14 in Los Angeles, with a television broadcast set for December.
Posted inWashington D.C. News
District leaders, residents and visitors celebrate Emancipation Day
By Patricia McDougallSpecial to the AFRO More than 100 years ago, on April 16, 1862, the Compensated Emancipation Act was signed by President Abraham Lincoln. On that day, slaves in the District of Columbia gained their freedom. More than a century later, the residents of D.C. gather on an annual basis to honor and celebrate […]
Posted inMusic
Trick Daddy performance halted at AKA Regional Conference
By AFRO Staff “You can’t give me no playlist … this ain’t your wedding.” That was the response from Trick Daddy in a video posted to social media and later reported by BIN News, after his performance was halted at a gathering of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. The Miami rapper had been booked to […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
The Apollo Theater and The Howard Theatre co-present ‘Best of The Apollo’ in Washington, D.C., with special performance by legendary hip-hop duo Clipse
Apollo Theater and Howard Theatre will co-present “Best of The Apollo” on April 26 in Washington, D.C., featuring performances by hip-hop duo Clipse and rising artists, while celebrating the legacy of “Amateur Night” and supporting the Howard Theatre Foundation.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
It’s music festival season. How to stay safe and healthy while enjoying the show
As music festival season kicks off, experts advise attendees to prioritize safety by planning ahead for risks like heat, dehydration, injuries and overexposure to noise, while staying aware of surroundings and personal limits.
Posted inMusic
Ye attempts a comeback with sold-out LA-area concert, support from Lauryn Hill
By Ryan PearsonAP Entertainment Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — The artist formerly and possibly again known as Kanye West reveled in support from one of his musical idols, Lauryn Hill, as he staged a sold-out Southern California concert meant to mark a comeback from years of controversy. Eleven months after releasing a song titled “Heil […]
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Cardi B. says Latinos wouldn’t be ‘living comfortably’ if not for African Americans
By Alexis LaRueAFRO Internalarue@afro.com During her March 7 stop in Dallas, entertainer Belcalis “Cardi B.” Almánzar took to the stage to talk to Latino fans in the audience, reminding them of the sacrifices Black Americans made for them to live comfortably. In fan videos posted across social media, the rapper can be heard encouraging her […]
Posted inMusic
D.C.’s String Queens reflect on women in music ahead of return to nation’s capitol
During Women’s History Month, the D.C.-based String Queens reflect on their journey as Black women in music, blending genres, teaching future musicians, honoring their predecessors, and performing for presidents and world-class artists.
Posted inAfro Briefs
A Florida woman has been charged in a shooting at Rihanna’s Los Angeles home
A Florida woman has been charged with attempted murder and multiple felony assault counts after allegedly firing several gunshots at the Los Angeles home of singer Rihanna while the star, her partner A$AP Rocky, their children and her mother were inside. No one was injured, and the suspect, Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, was arrested and ordered held on $1.8 million bail while authorities investigate a possible motive.
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
Multiple gunshots fired near Rihanna’s LA home and a woman is taken into custody
By The Associated Press LOS ANGELES (AP) — Los Angeles police took a woman into custody after she fired gunshots outside Rihanna ‘s gated home, according to authorities and news reports on March 9. No one was injured, police said. It wasn’t immediately clear whether the singer was at home when the shooting happened March […]
Posted inENTERTAINMENT
B2K and Bow Wow’s Boys 4 Life Tour is powered by forgiveness and accountability
B2K and Bow Wow have reunited for the Boys 4 Life Tour after years of public feuds and separation, saying maturity, forgiveness and accountability helped rebuild their relationships. The tour celebrates early-2000s nostalgia while the artists prepare to release new music together.