Finding a Soulful Connection with Robert Ball

Robert Ball, singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada, has a soulful voice with velvet tones to match. Having been inspired from everything Broadway, pop, and world music, to R&B and country, Robert has a diverse background that shows in his work. His new single, ‘I Need A Man,’ was recently released. The song emphasizes the importance of deep soulful connection with someone, not just a short term fix or casual fling. Additionally, Robert is on the steering committee for ‘BGMN’ the Black Gay Men’s Network of Ontario, and a mentor, teaching artist with NIA Centre for the Arts, Vocal Coach with TIFTPA. As an LGBTQ artist, Robert explains that he finds it particularly important to ‘pay it forward’ to his mentees. Read more about Robert Ball’s music and activism in his interview with Jejune below.

SWAC: Influencer, Zissue 37Kaylyn WenzelNovember 4, 2021soul, connection, singer song writer, singer, songwriter, canada, broadway, pop, world, r&b, Country, blm, LGBTQ+, mentor, mentorship, activismComment

Recognizing Your Magick With Emma G

Emma G is no stranger to stepping into her power. This DC-based singer/songwriter is not scared to make an impact. Emma uses her experiences as a muse and is not shy to get into the nitty-gritty of her life, especially when it can greatly benefit another. Her latest album “Born in Crisis” explores trauma, but also newfound healing. Her genre-bending sounds are best described as “Goddess-Pop/Rock”. Specifically, Emma’s lead single “Faith In You” encourages an important conversation centered around breaking out of toxic and unhealthy relationship habits. This song is without a doubt a catalyst for change, but most importantly proof that it is possible to let go of things that no longer serve you. Not only is Emma a talented singer, but she is also an activist. This harmonizes perfectly with her active position as a Youth Empowerment Coach. She dedicates her time to aiding teens with tools to turn misunderstood behavior into strength. Jejune is thrilled to talk with such a talented and compassionate human like Emma G. In this feature we discuss her raw authentic musical concepts, her venture as an author, and her participation with The Capital Groove Collective. Emma G will make a change in this world, and if you’d like to know how, continue reading below.

zIssue 36, SWAC: InfluencerSAMANTHA COLÓNSeptember 13, 2021activism, change, hope, singer song writer, songwriter, mentor, woman, women, trauma, writer, writingComment

COVER - Welcome Tahj Mowry

Anyone looking for an actor to completely obsess over? Well ding ding ding, Tahj Mowry is your guy! Yes, you heard that right, the Tahj Mowry. Based in Los Angeles, this triple threat prodigy is nothing short of an icon. You may know him as the adorable kid from Seventeen again or TJ Henderson from Smartguy. Well not anymore. Tahj is all grown up and bringing bigger and better projects to the acting industry. One of Tahj’s recent flicks, “Welcome Matt”, further enforces this idea. “Welcome Matt” is a movie that represents how all of us have been feeling during the pandemic. He brings the important message of anxiety and mental health to the big screen and serves it with stomach crunching comedy suitable for the perfect movie night. Popcorn is a must!

Besides being a well-rounded actor making waves in the comedy and drama scene, Tahj also spends his time heavily invested in charitable organizations. You can find him sponsoring a child in the Dominican Republic through “Project Mañana”, by supplying necessities and education to those in need. Tahj often forgets he is refereed to as an influential seasoned actor, but we can’t see why. Jejune is excited to speak with Tahj about his upcoming projects, all of his awesome ways of giving back to those less fortunate, and his continued approach to exuding black excellence. Sit down, take a load off, and enjoy this powerful cover feature with Tahj Mowry.

What does the future look like for Afghan women?

Under the new Taliban rule, Afghan women now face a harsh new reality which may erase two decades of hard work seemingly overnight. To truly understand the extent of this issue, we need to be educated on their progress and the people who are threatening it.

Springtime With Izzy Frances

Singer-songwriter Izzy Frances reintroduces us to the wonders of nature. The indie-folk artist is nothing short of sophistication, finding inspiration from the natural world and her own life experiences. A trained neuroscientist, Frances gracefully intersects science with art, and we couldn't be more excited to talk with her about how she does it. Frances discussed the story behind her latest songs, her ode to Earth with Beautiful World, her fascination with the BBC’s Big Cat Diary and her partnership with the Sacred Nature Initiative. To learn more about Izzy Frances, continue reading below.

Art, zIssue 32Jejune ContributorMay 13, 2021environment, climate change, nature, singer, songwriter, activism, UK, indie, women in scienceComment

Presotea - Socially Aware Tea!

Presotea is an original brand from Taiwan and utilizes the five generations of experience and expertise from a well-known tea factory to offer the finest quality fresh tea drinks with various certifications. Presotea has more than 400 shops internationally such as Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Australia, Indonesia, Canada, Vietnam, Philippines, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, USA and UK, will start in Singapore by 2021.

zIssue 28Jejeune MagazineJanuary 20, 2021tea, socially aware, food, activism, brand, ethical, environment, foodie, bubble tea, international

ARIA Won't Let The Conversation Die!

Aria Brooks alias ARIA is a young creative to be on the look out for. When she’s not starring in Nickelodeon’s revival of the hit 90s sitcom, All That, she’s mixing her artistry and activism to inspire others to continue difficult, yet important conversations. ARIA’s latest single, Am I Next? and its music video are powerfully influenced by the Black Lives Matter defining the Summer of 2020 and beyond. Jejune talks to ARIA about her artistic endeavors, how they’ve looked during COVID-19, and how she is encouraging BIPOC and white youth alike to take a stand for social justice.

Leonardo Nam's World of Hope

Leonardo Nam, much like his character in Westworld, has a gift for creation — studying architecture in college before pursuing a career in acting. Leonardo's interests manifest in his works of charity. The Argentine-Australian actor has worked with Habitat for Humanity and many other organizations in an effort to give back. Please read our exclusive interview to learn more about Leonardo.

Allison Munn: The Importance Behind The Vote

Allison Munn - kind, resolute, funny - has an extensive catalog within the entertainment and performance arts. Whether it be her early tenure performing in theater, or roles on the small screen, Allison displays a tenacity that is uniquely her own. “I did that show for two and a half years - eight shows a week, for over 500 performances,” the South Carolina native stated when referring to her lead role of ‘Luisa’ in off broadway's “The Fantasticks.”

Alison's work and passions also extend to her work advocating for political involvement, having worked with Rock The Vote, encouraging voter registration. She believes in female empowerment and using your voice to create change. Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Allison.

Zahra Bentham Envisions a Colorful Future

Actress, singer, Zahra Bentham continues to convey her fervor for equality off-screen. She supports causes close to her heart which include “Black Women Film! Canada”, a leadership program and new collective dedicated to forwarding the careers, networks and skills of filmmakers and media artists who are Black female identified of the Canadian African diaspora. Zahra also teamed up with Karena Evans (award-winning director and actor) to use her voice as a platform for awareness and change amidst fears welling during the 2016 burgeoning stages of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Please read our exclusive interview here to learn more about Zahra and her works.

Filmmaker Meredith Grace Dabney Casts A Spotlight On Depression

Meredith Dabney, actress, activist, filmaker, and writer is set to release her first breakthrough short film titled HERE TODAY, which is currently doing its festival run and its wide release early this year. Meredith uses her platform to raise awareness for those individuals struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide; partnering with the non-profit To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA). Please click here to learn more about Meredith and her works.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - A Man To Make Proud - By David Pratt

Ninety-one years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia. In the course of a too-short life, ended by a gunshot in Memphis 39 years later, Dr. King would spend nearly half of it fighting for the equality of all people. The movement he led was catapulted to national notoriety when he, along with fellow activist E.D. Nixon, organized the Montgomery bus boycott in 1955, an event which eventually led to the end of segregation of Montgomery public buses, an enormous triumph for African Americans at the time. But where are we now?

Valery Ortiz: The Language And Heritage Of The Puerto Rican Experience

Fresh off the back of her new Disney Channel show, “Gabby Duran and the Unsittables”, Valery Ortiz released her new children’s book ‘COQUÍ’. COQUÍ explores and celebrates themes of diversity and inclusion; conflating concepts of her real life experiences personified.

With Valery’s Puerto Rican heritage at the forefront, she promotes the celebration of individualism and self love. Varley’s notable works don’t stop there. She is also active with the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital and Special Needs Network, Inc. for Autistic Kids. To learn more about Valery Ortiz and her work, please read our exclusive interview here.

Karima Francis Sings From Her Soul For The Homeless

As you maybe aware, there is a massive homeless crisis in the United States, but it really smacks you in the face in LA. LA has Tent Cities and Skid Row, but the problem does not seem to be getting better. Is this why Karima Francis’s song “Shelf Life”, which is about the LA homeless crisis and follows around a homeless man in the beautifully shot video is so powerful. Her soulful heartfelt melodies of introspection explores the perfect combination of laid back west coat with sultry purpose. To learn more, please read our exclusive interview here with Karima.

Art, zIssue 17Jejune ContributorDecember 13, 2019music, singer song writer, singer, #singer, #song, homeless, activism, #positivityComment

Karen Strassman Is A Voice For The Homeless and Trafficked

Actress and voice actress, Karen Strassman, uses her voice for good and evil on the screen, but entirely for good offscreen, as she works with and advocates for homeless and human trafficked youth in Los Angeles. To learn more about this passionate woman and her powerful work, please read our exclusive interview here.

SWAC: Influencer, zIssue 17Jejune ContributorDecember 11, 2019actress, #actress, homeless, activist, activism, Actor, human rights, socially aware, Art, art, artist, #artistComment

Malynda Hale - Does All The Things

From singer to activist Malynda Hale does it all! At a time when there is so much going on it is very refreshing to see more musicians tackling the hard issues through music. But Malynda doesn’t stop there! She also co-hosts a very interesting socially aware podcast called #WeNeedToTalk, acts, and is a vegan! To learn more about this incredibly intelligent and inspiring woman, please click here!

Election Day and Why It Matters to Me - by Jes Distad

Tomorrow is election day! Let Jes Distad tell you why voting is so important to her, you, and our country, then go out and do it!

Articles, Reviewed, zIssue 4Jejune ContributorNovember 5, 2018voting, vote, get political, voting rights, USA, activism