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Indie Soul Spotlight: Johnaa

Thursday, 10 January 2013 20:14

Editors

Many people consider the 1990s one of the best eras in music, especially for women in hip hop. Women were sexy and classy, but were also very lyrical. Think of MC Lyte, Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, Salt-N-Pepa, Yo-Yo and many others. These women represented strength and positivity.

Our indie artist spotlight this week, Johnaa, comes from this era and is on a mission to bring the same sound and message to her fans.

“I am not concerned about being accepted. I have no ill will toward anyone that is doing music today, I just want to stay in my lane and do what I am comfortable with,” states Johnaa (pronounced Ja-Nay). So what does comfortable mean? When you listen to Johnaa’s music, her music takes you to a place that is warm and fuzzy, but is filled with life examples and warnings. “Many people tell me that when they listen to my music, it reminds them of the past and they want to learn the words to my music and that feels good” according to Johnaa.

Johnaa is very concerned about the type of music that she produces. “I can get grimy lyrically but that is not my style. I have a daughter and she emulates everything I do. So what I am doing reflects on her,” says Johnaa. Also important to Johnaa, is that her parents loved what she was doing.”Before my Dad passed, he did give me a call to let me know that he loved my music. I sent him a tape of me performing, he sat down, watched it, which in turn made my day.”

Johnaa is no stranger to the business side of the industry. She graduated with a

degree in Business Management so that she can better run her business. She also owns her publishing company, PumpkinSeed Entertainment. She has written a book and is currently working on a children’s book. She is also getting into modeling.

“My parents were entrepreneurs and they had me in so many things to keep me busy and focused, that I am able to do that with my business and career. I love performing, love everything where I can be creative. Doing the modeling, writing, touring, it just fits who I am.”

On Saturday, January 12, 2013, Johnaa will debut her new video, “Where U R” at the Koffee Lounge, located at 2632 Georgia Avenue, NW in Washington, D.C. at 10:00 p.m.

“I am so excited. I can’t wait for people to not only see the video, but also to see me perform live, it is going to be a great night.”

For more information about the event, call 301-526-6054 and for more about Johnaa, Facebook: Johnaa and Twitter: @jorohn07.

Indie Soul welcomes your questions and comments. To contact Phinesse Demps, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call: 410-941-9202.

Black Storytellers, Inc. Celebrate 30th year Anniversary

Thursday, 08 November 2012 23:12

Editors

Baltimore— The National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. will hold their 30th anniversary festival and conference in Baltimore from November 14 – 18, 2012 at the Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards 110 South Eutaw Street in Baltimore. The group’s Baltimore based affiliate Griots' Circle of Maryland, Inc. will serve as hosts. Several of the festival’s events will be held throughout the Baltimore community. The first “In the Tradition…” A Festival of Storytelling was held at Morgan State University in Baltimore in 1983.

This year’s event will make Baltimore the center of the black storytelling world and will feature the top black storytellers from across the nation including poet and author Sonia Sanchez and storytellers Charlotte Blake Alston and Rex Ellis.

The history of the festival goes back to 1982 when Baltimore’s first official storyteller, Mary Carter Smith and Linda Goss of Philadelphia who now lives in Baltimore, began a storytelling festival called “In the Tradition…” Soon after, they created the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc., so that more opportunities would be afforded to African American storytellers to perpetuate the African oral tradition and preserve the folklore of African people.

This one-of-a-kind event is returning to Baltimore and thousands of youth and adults, schools and libraries will experience the spirit of black storytelling. Festival and conference goers will be energized and enlightened by this unique learning experience in storytelling workshops during the day and enjoy performances of nationally renowned black storytellers in concerts in the evenings.

The public and attendees from all over the country are invited and encouraged to participate and attend

Featured storytellers and artists include: Charlotte Blake Alston (PA); Sonia Sanchez (PA); Karima Amin (NY); TAHIRA (DE); Victoria Burnett (CA); Keepers of the Culture (PA); Dr. Rex Ellis (DC); The Griots’’ Circle of Maryland (Baltimore); Kala JoJo (PA); Janice Curtis Greene (MD); Diane Ferlatte (CA); Mitch “Gran’ Daddy Junebug” Capel (NC); Diane Macklin (MD); Sarai Abdul-Malik (PA); Zahra Baker & Emily Lansana “In The Spirit” (IL).

All storytelling concerts are family-friendly and are excellent offerings for school groups, mentoring program adults and youth as well as those who just love Black Storytelling! Concert will be sold at the door. Friday and Saturday night concert tickets are $15 for adults; all other concerts are $10 for adults; Youth tickets (18 and under) are $5 for ALL concerts. Group discounts are available.

For more information please visit www.nabsinc.org or call 410-947-1117.

Spotlight: Arena Players Spring-Cleaning the Playhouse!

Friday, 09 March 2012 15:33

Phinesse Demps

Calling all music, theater and art lovers. A Baltimore community treasure needs your help. The Arena Players, the oldest black theater in the country, is looking for volunteers for a spring cleanup on April 14, 2012. Tasks include light cleaning as well as painting and rug removal.

Spotlight: NiQue debuts NEW music and fights homelessness

Friday, 02 March 2012 12:25

Phinesse Demps

On Friday, March 9, 2012 from 8:00 p.m. to midnight, DeFiant Flower Entertainment in association with Black Fox Lounge and LFP Media presents Indie Artist NiQue at the Black Fox Lounge located at 1723 Connecticut Avenue in Washington, D.C.

A rising star in the independent music scene, NiQue released her introductory single, “When I’m Home” as an anthem for the Delaware,

Movie Spotlight: Tower Heist

Saturday, 05 November 2011 16:40

Movie Review: Tower Heist, directed by Brett Ratner; starring Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy, Alan Alda, Matthew Broderick, Casey Affleck, Tea Leoni and Gabourey Sidibe

If you are looking for a movie that is just plain funny and smart, then the “Tower Heist” is for you. Now, the plot might be over the top but with this ensemble cast of talent, it just does not matter. The movie is that good!