News

Outkast Ovrkast lawsuit places two generations of hip hop in a federal trademark dispute, with the Atlanta duo’s company alleging that Ovrkast. breached an agreement to change his stage name. ATLANTA — The company that controls Outkast’s trademark rights has filed a federal lawsuit against rapper and producer Ovrkast., alleging that his stage name infringes […]

Shelly Cerrelli Vaughan mayor campaign brings a Jamaican-Canadian candidate into the municipal race VAUGHAN, ON — Shelly-Ann Starlette Cerrelli, a Jamaican-Canadian business owner and mother of five, is a certified candidate for mayor of Vaughan in the October 26 municipal election. The City of Vaughan’s official certified-candidate list names Cerrelli and incumbent Mayor Steven Del […]

The Grammy and two-time JUNO Award-winning vocalist continues his rise across gospel, soul and Afrobeat with a new collaboration featuring Lecrae and production from Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins. TORONTO, ON  — Toronto-bred, Texas-based vocalist Ryan Ofei has released “Send Me,” a new single featuring Grammy-winning Christian hip-hop artist Lecrae and co-produced by acclaimed producer Rodney “Darkchild” […]

Black-owned Dunamis Premium Spirits is widening its U.S. and international footprint while adding 2026 awards across its bourbon and gin portfolio ZEPHYRHILLS, Fla. — Dunamis Premium Spirits is expanding its distribution reach in 2026 while adding new gold medal recognition across its spirits portfolio. The Florida-based Black-owned distillery said the transition of Republic National Distributing […]

2027 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands will bring HBCU marching bands, education, entrepreneurship, service and community programming to South Florida January 14–16 Three Days of HBCU Culture in South Florida The Pepsi National Battle of the Bands will return to The Palm Beaches for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend in 2027, bringing three days […]

Written and produced by Lynne Stoltz of Canadian company Have Faith Productions, the drama continues to reach viewers on major streaming platforms with a story examining the human consequences surrounding gun violence. TORONTO, ON — Sons 2 the Grave, a drama written and produced by Lynne Stoltz of Canadian production company Have Faith Productions, is continuing […]

The federal government says the new permanent program will fund Black-led, Black-serving and Black-focused organizations, with $135.7 million over five years beginning in 2026–27 and $27.1 million annually thereafter. GATINEAU, QC — The Government of Canada has announced a new Black Canadian Communities Program backed by $135.7 million over five years, beginning in 2026–27, followed […]

Jhené Aiko Westside Whimsy debuts at No. 1 with 74,000 equivalent album units, giving the Los Angeles R&B singer her first Billboard 200 chart-topper nearly 13 years after her first appearance on the ranking. Jhené Aiko has reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 for the first time in her career, adding a major chart […]

Don Toliver Octane tour has generated viral crowds, sold-out energy and surprise appearances from major stars, reinforcing the Houston artist’s rise as a formidable live draw. Don Toliver’s Octane World Tour has become one of the most visible live hip-hop runs of 2026, with arena crowds, viral social clips and a string of surprise appearances […]

Tina Nalova Cameroonian Canadian filmmaker wins for her debut short film at TINFF@10 in Toronto TORONTO, ON — Cameroonian-Canadian filmmaker Tina Nalova has won Best First Short Film at the 10th Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival for her debut short film, Till Truth Do Us Part. Nalova wrote, directed, produced and edited the psychological thriller […]