Celebrity Coverage
Mykal-Michelle Harris on Giving a Voice to a New Generation of ‘The Little Mermaid’ Fans – Essence
DISNEY’S ARIEL JR. – “Disney’s Ariel Jr.” stars Mykal-Michelle Harris as Ariel. (Disney/Nathalie Gordon)
Since its June 27 premiere, it’s change into a phenomenon for young fans. As the voice behind Disney’s latest reimagining of Ariel, Mykal-Michelle Harris couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the subsequent chapter of her underwater adventures.
“It was so much fun to bring this exciting, vibrant, and so full of life character to life,” Harris tells ESSENCE. “The beautiful songs she sings and the funny quips and jokes she makes were amazing to put in my own way. I loved using the words on the page to put my own spin on things.”
This version continues the story of Halle Bailey — black, red, living within the Caribbean — and introduces her as a vibrant 8-12 months-old, still fascinated by human culture, but alongside her best friends Flounder (Gracen Newton), Fernie (Cruz Flateau) and Lucia (Elizabeth Caro), with the loving guidance of her father, King Triton (Taye Diggs), her older twin sisters Alanna (Jessica Mikayla) and Ayanna (Dana Heath), and her beloved aunt, “Tantie” Ursula (Amber Riley).
In each and a series of shorts, Ariel and her friends learn beneficial lessons about friendship, leadership, responsibility, kindness, consequences, and more, with an original, often Caribbean-inspired song in each episode. The vocal and animation work has been within the works for a while, and audience response because the first eight episodes premiered earlier this summer has been overwhelmingly positive—leaving fans clamoring for more.
“It’s so rewarding to see our hard work on screen,” Harris says. “I’ve had so many reports from friends, family and even strangers who have said they love the show and it’s amazing to hear that this show that we’ve worked so hard on and put so much blood, sweat and tears into is turning out to be a show that will last for generations.”
fans can rejoice because more of her adventures are coming this week. Episode 9, “The Happy Patty Clap,” charmingly incorporates a key part of black girl culture—hand-clapping games.
When Ayanna hurts her thumb and might’t compete within the Clap Game along with her twin sister Alanna, Ariel steps in so Alanna can still compete. But when Ariel puts pressure on herself to clap just like the twins, she quickly learns that doing things her own way is okay. Watch the EXCLUSIVE clip below:
“As a child growing up in Philadelphia, I was always outdoors, often playing one of my two favorite activities, Dutch jumping or working on clapping routines,” Lynne Southerland, executive producer of ESSENCE, tells us exclusively. “The memory of coordinating hand movements with a partner while singing nursery rhymes still lights me up.”
“When we were thinking about possible storylines for the series, my thoughts wandered back to those happy memories and I knew I wanted to celebrate this unique activity that is unique to black girls in Ariel’s world.”
For 12-12 months-old Harris, who remains to be on the age where clapping her hands is a regular pastime, incorporating parts of her real life into her role was a delight.
“I love learning clapping games, especially the ones we see on ‘The Happy Patty Clap.’ I’ve learned a lot of clapping games in the past and I can’t wait to learn new ones and for others to learn new ones from the show,” she says. “Learning these games is so much fun because it’s something I play on set to bond with my castmates and even at slumber parties with my friends!”
“Disney Jr.’s Ariel” premieres Friday, August 9 at 9:00 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Jr. and 10:00 a.m. ET/PT on Disney Channel.
Celebrity Coverage
Shaboozey on her YSL – Essence fragrance partnership
Courtesy of YSL
Masculinity just got a brand new scent – and that is what it smells like Shaboozey. Starring Lil Nas XPeso Pluma, Vinnie Hacker and The Kid LAROI in the newest Yves Saint Laurent fragrance project “Bar song (tipsy)” artist is the newest to define the meaning of “modern masculine” beauty.
“The collaboration with YSL Beauty is truly exciting because the company has always been at the forefront of culture, redefining what it means to be bold and timeless,” Shaboozey tells ESSENCE. The musician’s true self-expression, showcased within the brand’s digital design “Born MYSLF, No Matter What”, represents the message behind their latest men’s fragrance MYSLF Perfume.
“I liked how we explored the concept that being strong doesn’t have to mean fitting into a box,” he says, topping off the country music genre with bleached-tipped wicks. “It’s about owning who you are, being real, and YSL Beauty gave me the space to show that.”
Known for his 18-week #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (one week away from breaking Lil Nas the important thing to Shaboozey’s success is easy: balance.
From gym workouts to meditation sessions and knowing when to walk away, “for me, self-care was about finding balance,” she says, which is a chord that also strikes in the brand new fragrance. Vanilla bourbon in a YSL bottle, the extreme masculine aroma hits each floral and oud notes, providing sensuality and strength in equal measure. “She has that presence and stays with you, which is exactly what I need when I’m on the move.”
The global men’s grooming market is anticipated to be price $115 billion by 2028 (up 77 percent year-on-year) the boys’s cosmetics boom represents a obligatory shift not only from two-in-one shampoos and overpowering fragrances, but in addition within the definition of masculinity as an entire. According to Shaboozey, YSL’s latest fragrance is ahead of the curve. “YSL Beauty has a track record of pushing boundaries while staying classic, and that’s a vibe I’ve always admired.”
Celebrity Coverage
Kelis published her first children’s book, “The Seven Wonders of Africa”, inspired by her travels
Getty
Kelis is a lady of many talents, and her latest featured work is as a children’s book writer. The singer announced on Instagram that she has written a brand new book titled, which follows the adventures of foremost character Abel Sabbath Brown across the continent. The singer also announced in the identical breath that she had began a brand new company.
“I’m so happy to finally show you something I’ve been working on. I WROTE MY FIRST CHILDREN’S BOOK!!! I started a company called MAKE IT BROWN,” she wrote within the caption on Instagram under a video during which she discusses the brand new book.
“We only aim to offer characters and stories about places and adventures that our youngsters can see themselves in. It’s all about love and representation. The inspiration to write down this story was my trip to Africa this yr,” she continued within the caption.
Over the past yr, Kelis has been giving us the travel content we didn’t know we wanted, documenting her travels across Africa. Artist Milkshake has traveled to places similar to Tanzania, Kenya, Zanzibar and Rwanda, immersing herself in local communities and agriculture.
The 45-year-old artist further wrote: “I traveled with my family and we were so grateful to see all the sweetness this continent has to supply. From the people to the bottom, it was just amazing. And I desired to share this with all of you and your families. I actually love us, so from the underside of my heart to you! Welcome into your heart THE SEVEN WONDERS OF AFRICA AND THE SABBATH BROWN. ❤️ #book #kids #To read #children’s book #Africa #eastafrica #to learn“
The latest writer also announced in a separate post that the children’s book is now available on her website in paper, digital and audio versions.
Celebrity Coverage
EXCLUSIVE: Bilal’s unfiltered genius comes to life live at Glasshaus – Essence
Grammy Award-winning singer Bilal doesn’t need an enormous arena to dominate the room – only a studio in Brooklyn, 100 devoted fans and collaborators who understand the soul of music. On a December night in 2023, energy at Glasshouse was electrifying, with stars like Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper gathered close together, exchanging riffs and jokes as if the audience wasn’t even there. Now this magic has been closed and awaits its premiere on November 20, 2024 on Glasshaus’ YouTube channel.
Bilal isn’t only a concert film – it’s a mirrored image of his journey as some of the progressive and underrated musical talents. Directed by Glasshaus founder Jarrett Wetherell, the 65-minute documentary takes us on a rare, intimate performance. Alongside such influential collaborators as Questlove, Common and Robert Glasper, Bilal delivers performances which might be raw and electrifying, filled with the vulnerability and soul that make him an artist artist. The film captures not only the music, but additionally the unspoken bond between these legends and highlights Bilal’s position as some of the influential voices of our generation.
“This film is a love letter to one of the greatest singers of our time,” Wetherell reflects. “Bilal conveys a sense of vulnerability during his performances and interviews, which is rare among artists today. It is an intimate way that puts you in the studio with five legends, immersed in their music and the moment.”
it is a masterclass in creativity, captured in real time. Questlove turns a six-minute anecdote concerning the making of “Sometimes” into an unforgettable lesson in musical storytelling, while Common blurs the road between audience and performer, breaking into out-of-the-box freestyles and revisiting timeless verses from “Reminisce” and “Funkowo for You.”
In essence, the film is a love letter to some of the influential artists of his generation. From his genre-bending debut to underground hits like and , Bilal returns to his catalog with a fresh twist, delivering long-awaited releases just like the business release of “Something to Hold” and “All For Love.” Split-screen cinematography enhances the intimacy, drawing the viewer into every subtle moment – the movement of fingers over the strings, the glances exchanged during improvisation – all highlighting the magic of the music and the deep connection between these legends.
It’s Bilal who finally gets the flowers and each moment seems late. As Questlove put it best: “He’s Beyoncé’s favorite singer.” The film doesn’t just showcase Bilal’s vocals – it shows him as a cornerstone of the Soulquarian movement, whose influence is woven into the material of up to date music.
For fans, the experience goes beyond the screen. The limited edition 2xLP vinyl offers a tangible piece of magic, while the live album, released earlier this yr, is essential for collectors.
Watch the premiere on November 20, 2024 at 5:00 PM ET Glasshaus YouTube channel. Watch the video below.
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