Entertainment
In third-grade Viola says, “eight or nine white boys in my class made it their daily, end-of-school ritual to chase me like dogs hunting prey”
Viola Davis says Will Smith helped her reckon with how childhood trauma continued to inform her everyday experience.
In her new memoir “Finding Me” the Oscar winner recalls a pivot in her perspective while on set of “Suicide Squad.”
During a break in filming she says Smith asked her, “Viola, who are you?”
“Look, I’m always going to be that 15-year-old boy whose girlfriend broke up with him,” the actor, who is currently mired in controversy, explained. “That’s always going to be me. So, who are you?”
“There I was, a working actress with steady gigs, Broadway credits, multiple industry awards, and a reputation of bringing professionalism and excellence to any project,” Viola writes in her book, per USA Today. “Hell, Oprah knew who I was. Yet, sitting there conversing with Will Smith, I was still that little, terrified, third-grade Black girl.”
One of the experiences detailed in the book from when she was in third-grade involves repeated racist abuse.
“Eight or nine white boys in my class made it their daily, end-of-school ritual to chase me like dogs hunting prey,” she writes.
According to USA Today the boys would hurl not only racist slurs but objects like rocks and even bricks.
Viola Davis’ memoir “Finding Me” is available everywhere books are sold as of Tuesday April 26, 2022.
Source: toofab.com
Entertainment
Prophet Atarah opens new studio, launches Atarah Praise 2025
Prophet Joseph Atarah has launched his annual event aimed at bringing believers together in an atmosphere of worship and praise.
The theme for this edition is ‘Restoration’ with the belief that patrons would be restored in the face of their challenges.
The programme will be in two parts, with the first scheduled to take place in the United Kingdom at 5pm on May 11, at Pleasant Place Church.
The Ghana edition will take place at the forecourt of Believer’s Grace Crown Ministry International, Bond Square, Adenta Barrier, at 4pm on May 25.
Prophet Atarah has paraded Piesie Esther, Kofi Owusu Peprah, Nana Yaw Asare and Mavis Asante among others for the Ghana edition.
For the UK edition, patrons will enjoy performances from Kofi Owusu Peprah, Kobby Mantey, Emmanuel Smith, and Ern Ruthy.
Speaking at the launch, Prophet Atarah said, God has been good throughout last year, and 2025 has started on a positive note.
Against this backdrop, he wants to bring believers together and, in unity, to praise God.
He said, like what happened last year, a lot of miracles will take place.
In a related development, Prophet Atarah also commissioned a new studio for rehearsals and live recordings.
This, he said, was not limited to him, but open to every musician across all genres.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Entertainment
Sista Afia keen on winning Highlife Artiste of the Year crown
Ghanaian music diva, Sista Afia is keen on winning the Highlife Artiste of the Year crown.
Sista Afia, the only female nominated in a category with men, had 27 successful shows,both locally and internationally, within the year under review.
This notwithstanding, she believes that the number of music releases coupled with numerous performances across the country and abroad puts her in pole position to win the ultimate.
She is of the belief that as the only female in the category testifies the level of work she put in to be amongst the men.
Sista Afia has therefore urged the board, the academy and the general public to vote for her massively to win the crown.
For the past 10 years, she has poured her heart and soul into preserving and innovating Ghana’s beloved highlife sound, weaving modern rhythms with soulful melodies that keep the genre alive in the hearts of the youth.
While trends have come and gone, Sista Afia stayed true to her roots, giving us timeless music that tells real stories, our stories.
What makes her presence powerful isn’t just her voice or her music; it’s her message. In every note she sings, there’s a quiet defiance. A reminder that women, too, can carry the legacy of highlife.
The 26th TGMA is slated to take place on May 10 at the Grand Arena.
The event will see varied performances and artistes who have distinguished themselves in the year under review rewarded.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
