Hosted by entertainment journalist and Access Hollywood anchor Scott Evans, the Soirée gathered trailblazers across activism, arts, business, and media for a powerful evening of storytelling , performance, and legacy-building.

Highlights from the BET Black + Iconic Soriée Included:

• Ashlee Davis, J.D. received the Executive Realness Award for her trailblazing work in civil rights leadership, including her legacy of impact across government and corporate sectors.

• Hope Giselle, a powerful advocate and author was named Emerging leader for her unrelenting work championing visibility and inclusion for Black trans communities.

• Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the National LGBTQ Task Force, was honored as Active Advocate for her decades of leadership advancing reproductive justice and LGBTQ+ rights.

• Ashlee Marie Preston, a nationally recognized activist and media strategist, accepted the Creative Visionary Award, saluted for using her voice to shift narratives and build intergenerational coalitions.

• Bob the Drag Queen, Emmy-winning entertainer and global icon, received the Culture Trailblazer Award, closing the evening with a heartfelt speech about identity, freedom, legacy.

The night also featured a soul-stirring medley performance by Broadway powerhouse Avery Wilson, fresh off stage from The Wiz revival. Presenters included Eva Marcille (All The Queen’s Men, BET+), Carter The Body (All The Queen’s Men, BET+), Bryan Terrell Clark (Diarra from Detroit, BET+), and Arrington Foster (The Family Business, BET+), each bringing star power and heartfelt tributes to the evening’s honorees.

“From the very beginning, we knew this couldn’t be just another event,” said Tiyale Hayes, EVP of Insights and Multiplatform Analytics and Co-Lead of Social Impact at BET, During his opening remarks. “It had to an intentional space to uplift stories too often silenced and celebrate contributions that have shaped the world in powerful ways.”

The evening also spotlighted Gilead Sciences, a long standing partner of the BET Black + Iconic Soirée. Gilead’s Rashad Burgess, Vice President of U.S. Advocacy and Health Equity, emphasized and the importance of equitable healthcare access, visibility, and long-term impact for Black LGBTQ+ communities.

Additionally, the event welcomed Truth Initiative as a new partner of the BET Black + Iconic Soirée. Dr. Kendrick Dartis, Vice president of Outreach and Engagement, addressed the urgent issue of tobacco use in Black and LGBTQ+ communities and emphasized the need for culturally relevant cessation support. He also announced a $5,000 BET Thrive Fund donation, sponsored by Truth Initiative, to Us Helping Us– a D.C.- based non profit dedicated to advancing health equity.

BET Black + Iconic Soirée stands as defining moment in the 45th anniversary year of the media group– underscoring its mission to center Black culture, honor its LGBTQ+ communities, and drive meaningful, measurable impact.

Join the conversation using #BlackAndIconic and relieve the nights most powerful moments on BET’s official social channels. The Televised premiere date and time will be announced at a later date.

ABOUT BET MEDIA GROUP

The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ:PARAA;PARA), is the worlds largest media company dedicated too entertaining, engaging, and empowering the Black community and championing Black culture. Connecting Back audiences through a portfolio of brands including BET, BET+, BET Gospel, BET HER, BET International, BET Jams, BET Soul, BET Studios, and VH1, the BET Media Group is thriving media  ecosystem of leading interconnected platforms across cable TV, streaming, digital, studios, live events and international. For more information about BET, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For more BET news announcements visit bet pressroom.com. 

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Breidi Higa.

Breidi, what inspired you to start playing football, and how did you get involved with Flag Football?
I played flag football since I was 6 but i got inspired because my brothers before me played football and my mom said to try it out and I enjoyed it so I’ve been playing till now

How has playing in the Elite Flag Football program helped shape your identity as a player? It helped me get more known around the world. It also allows me to inspire little kids to try out the sport and show that Hawaii football isn’t bad.

How do you prepare mentally for big tournaments?
I think about my reads and talk with my teammates.

What’s your pregame routine or hype music?
I like to take a quick nap and listen to the radio

What’s your mindset when you step onto the field?
My mindset is that I can do this and I’m not gonna lose because we’re not gonna pay all that money for nothing. We came to all those tournaments to win.

How do you stay motivated during the off-season and intense training periods?
I play outside leagues to stay motivated and I go to clinics to help me.

Who is your biggest influence on or off the field and why?
My biggest influence is my older brothers Ian Pakele,Israel Pakele,and Ivan Pakele (Bubz).

What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned through this program?
I’ve learned that times are always hard but the more you push the more successful you’ll become.

How do the coaches and mentors in this program impact your development?
They believe that the jobs not done, they believe I can do more and more. They believe I can be the greatest

What does it mean to you to represent your team in Elite Flag Football tournaments?
I feel honored to be able to represent Hawaii because Hawaii isn’t noticed much so I would like to be able to help put Hawaii back on the map.

How do you bounce back after a tough loss or mistake?
I work harder and think about how I can fix things.

What motivates you to keep grinding during the off-season?
I put in work because I feel like it’s not fair there’s other people putting in time and work while I stand there and do nothing

What’s your dream school or team you’d love to play for one day?
I really hope that there will be D1 schools that make college flag.I would really love to go to oregon

What do you do for fun when you’re not playing football?
I play football on my free time.

How have your coaches and parents helped you grow as a player and a person, both on and off the field? They have helped me believe that I have talent and that I can make something for me in the future.

How do you handle pressure or adversity during high-stakes games?
My teammates will always be there for me and help me get my head in the right mindset.

What’s your favorite route to run (or coverage to play) and why?
I love to run a post because you can split your self and adjust your route to be a skinny post or a regular post it helps pull the safety to also help the other routes get open

What are your short-term and long-term football goals?
My short-term goal for football is to win state championships and my long-term goal is to make it to a D1 college.

How do you build chemistry and trust with your teammates in such a fast-paced format?
I build chemistry with my teammates by introducing myself to them and helping them out so they can feel more confident and comfortable.

What advice would you give to younger players who want to join a program like this?
I would say never give up and to remember “hard work beats talent when talents doesn’t work hard”.

Whether you’re a coach, athlete, parent, or sports fan, I’d love to hear from you. Have a story idea? Want to collaborate on coverage? Looking to feature your team or athlete? Use the form below to get in touch.

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Acclaimed international songwriter Mickey Wynne announces the release of his new book, The 14-Day Songwriter, a practical and inspiring guide designed to help aspiring and experienced musicians craft a complete song—from concept to recording and marketing—in as little as 14 days.

Based on Wynne’s extensive global career as a performer, composer, and producer, The 14-Day Songwriter breaks down the creative process into 14 clear and manageable steps, walking readers through every phase of songwriting—from choosing a theme, to writing lyrics and melody, to demo production, and final recording.

While structured over a 14-day period, Wynne emphasizes the method is flexible, adaptable to any schedule or working style. “Some readers may work through it in two weeks, others in a month, or even a weekend if they’re booking a studio session,” says Wynne. “It’s not about speed—it’s about clarity and creative momentum.”

This book is for:

Beginners who have never written a song but have always dreamed of doing so

Experienced songwriters seeking a fresh approach to jumpstart creativity

Music industry professionals—from managers to record executives—interested in better understanding the songwriter’s process

Mickey Wynne’s musical roots run deep. Taught guitar by his father at age six, he began writing music by nine and formed his first band while still at school—famously teaching Julian Lennon to play guitar. Since then, his career has taken him around the world, working in:

London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios with the Wiseguys

Karachi, Pakistan, where he co-created the televised play Ad Man’s Dream

New York City, serving as house writer for MCA/Uni Records

Nashville, collaborating with The Pioneers, a project with The Who’s John Entwistle

And creative hubs across Mexico, Hamburg, Sydney, and Singapore

With decades of firsthand experience and a rare international perspective, Wynne has distilled the essential tools and techniques of songwriting into a method that is engaging, insightful, and empowering.

The 14-Day Songwriter will be available starting May 30, 2025 online via Amazon

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Sandra Sutter is an award-winning singer-songwriter and poet based in Calgary, whose music is rooted in oral traditions and shaped by contemporary sounds, honouring ancestral wisdom while embracing modern expression. Her latest single, “Just Like the Moon,” which will appear on her third album Shadow Stories, is a moody and melodic blend of folk, rock, and jazz that explores cycles of solitude, self- discovery, and renewal.

Inspired by the ebb and flow of nature, and the moon’s pull on the body and spirit, “Just Like the Moon” uses the moon’s cycles as a metaphor for personal transformation. As Sutter explains, the night before recording the song as part of a songwriting residency at MacEwan University’s Bent River Records, she found herself in a university dorm room, filled with anxiety and uncertainty about the songs she had prepared. Born from self- doubt and lunar musings, “Just Like the Moon” emerged, replacing both songs she had originally planned. “In the end, what I thought was anxiety was actually a doorway, and walking through it led me to one of my most joyful studio sessions,” Sutter says. “The next day, I walked into the studio filled with excitement and enthusiasm. That’s what the moon can do for us.”

Sutter reflects on how the moon’s pull mirrors the emotional cycles we all experience, particularly women. “We all move through phases and sometimes we need to retreat before we rise,” Sutter shares. “Women are especially attuned to the moon as life givers whose cycles mirror its phases, just like the blood within us. Just as ocean tides respond to the moon’s magnetic force, we too are aligned with nature. The moon, with all its mystery and power, reminded me of the cycles we go through – quiet times, low periods, and the inevitable return to fullness. It showed me that magic happens when we let the mystery inside us out, while welcoming the mystery of nature in.”

Like much of Shadow Stories, “Just Like the Moon” showcases Sandra Sutter’s gift for transforming personal experiences into something universally resonant. Building on the foundation laid by her acclaimed 2017 debut, Cluster Stars, which opened conversations around truth and reconciliation, Sutter continues to bridge worlds through music, drawing from a myriad of genres and her Indigenous culture to remind us that we’re all part of something larger, cyclical, and deeply human.

More about Sandra Sutter:
An award-winning Cree Métis singer-songwriter, poet, and filmmaker, Sandra Sutter was raised in a loving non-Indigenous family, and later came to fully embrace her ancestral and cultural roots. Like many displaced Indigenous people, reclaiming her cultural heritage has become a significant part of her life, shaped by the loss of her birth heritage through time and circumstance. Sutter has since grown into an active and passionate advocate for Indigenous traditions and rights. Known for experimenting with a melange of genres, including Native Americana, folk, country, pop, jazz, blues and rock, the versatile artist brings her affinity for jazz to the forefront on Shadow Stories.
The album weaves social issues and traditional storytelling with lush, nature-inspired imagery, welcoming listeners to reflect on their connection to the world around them. Originally set to collaborate with producer Vince Fontaine of Indian City for Shadow Stories – whom she worked with on both of her previous albums, as well as in 2021 on Code Red’s guest artist track “Storyteller” – and multi-instrumentalist Jim Peace, the album took on new meaning following their passing. Now produced by Chris Burke- Gaffney, Shadow Stories carries the emotional impact of their loss while honouring their legacy. It serves not only as a tribute to those who have guided Sutter’s path but also as an invitation to the next generation of Indigenous youth to explore new creative expressions, particularly jazz. For her work, Sutter has garnered many industry nominations and awards, including multiple Indigenous Superstars Music Awards, Summer Solstice Indigenous Music Awards, a Native American Music Award, and an Indigenous Music Award. Sutter also received an Esquao Award (Arts) from the Institute for the Advancement of Aboriginal Women, an Aboriginal Role Model of Alberta (Arts) Award, and a Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada Award.

Shadow Stories Tracklist:
01. Sunshine Child
02. Should I
03. Just Like the Moon
04. Change Your Mind
05. Rebound
06. Trapeze Girl
07. Midnight Serenade
08. Change Your Mind prod. Alexander Alexanderov (bonus track)

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Acclaimed vocalist Marsha Bartenetti is set to release her latest single, “Hallelujah I Just Love Him So,” on May 18, 2025, offering an infectious, swing-infused take on the Ray Charles rhythm & blues classic. This gender-flipped version—originally titled “Hallelujah I Love Her So”—brims with authenticity, heartfelt vocals, and an electrifying arrangement that brings new light to a timeless tune.

Recorded at the renowned Ocean Way Studios in Nashville and finished at Blue Moon Studios in Agoura Hills, CA, the track features a stellar lineup of musicians including:

Kevin Madill – Piano

Aaron Currie – Electric Guitar

Stephan Oberhoff – Hammond B3 Organ

Marcus Finnie – Drums

Danny O’Lannerghty – Bass

Brian Scanlon – Saxophone

Overdubs and vocals were captured under the careful engineering of Joe Vannelli, with production by Stephan Oberhoff, Donny Marrow, and Marsha Bartenetti. The track was mixed by Oberhoff at The Creation Station East in Fairview, TN, and mastered by Grammy-winner Eric Boulanger at The Bakery in Los Angeles.

Described as “joyous, infectious, and a driving swing shuffle,” Bartenetti’s interpretation gives room for three of her featured soloists to stretch out and shine, telling a musical story that’s as vibrant as it is heartfelt.

Since returning to the stage in 2015, Bartenetti has released four studio albums and two singles through Disk Eyes Productions, with producers Donny Marrow and Stephan Oberhoff at the helm. Her recent singles will be compiled into a forthcoming 2025 EP.

Marsha’s music is available internationally via Amazon, iTunes, Apple Music, YouTube, and Spotify.

A smooth, expressive singer with a signature tone and emotional depth, Bartenetti is known for crossing genres in pursuit of great lyrics, always delivering with sincerity and soul. Her performances at celebrated Los Angeles venues such as Herb Alpert’s Vibrato, Catalina Jazz Club, and Upstairs at Vitello’s have earned her standing ovations and devoted fans.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Bartenetti first broke into the music scene in the late 1960s, performing with her then-husband’s band and sharing bills with acts like The Youngbloods. In 1980, she was named Best Vocalist by the American Songwriter’s Association International Contest, which opened the door to collaborations at Motown Records with legendary writers Ken Hirsch and Ron Miller—whose hits include “For Once In My Life,” “If I Could,” and “Touch Me In The Morning.”

Bartenetti honed her voice under the guidance of iconic vocal coach Judy Davis, whose roster included the likes of Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and Judy Garland.

With “Hallelujah I Just Love Him So,” Marsha Bartenetti proves once again that great songs live forever—and when delivered by a voice this rich, they soar even higher.

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Country-blues artist Andy Branton returns with a new single that’s as raw and honest as it is soulful. Titled “Farthest Thing,” the mid-tempo ballad is a tender, sensual ode to his now-wife and a milestone in Branton’s personal and artistic journey.

“I first heard a version of this song from one of my co writers years ago,” Branton shares. “I thought it was great, but it needed some tweaks. Still, it didn’t feel right—so I let it sit. Then I met my wife, and suddenly, I felt like I could finish the song. Like I’d been waiting for her to complete the song—and me.”

Set against a sultry backdrop of blues-infused country, “Farthest Thing” is equal parts confession and vow. Branton croons:

“I’m the farthest thing from faithful, but I’ll be true to you.
I’m the farthest thing from patient, but baby I’ll wait for you.
I’m the farthest thing from good, but I’ll be good to you.”

Born in West Alabama and now based in Louisville, Kentucky, Andy Branton cut his teeth playing guitar in the barrooms and roadhouses of the Deep South. His music draws from a deep well of country storytelling and blues grit—shaped by years on Alabama highways and honed by the sweat of live performance.

His earlier single, “Time to Go,” offered a haunting reflection on leaving the South, foreshadowing Branton’s move to Kentucky. Now, with “Farthest Thing,” he turns inward—offering up a love song both intimate and timeless.

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Canadian-born jazz vocalist Heather Ward has released her newest single, a stunning reinterpretation of RUSH’s iconic anthem “Closer to the Heart,” from her recently released debut solo album Honeysweet. This track is not only a creative milestone but also a deeply personal tribute that bridges her musical roots with her artistic present.

The choice to include the RUSH classic was more than a musical decision — it was a nostalgic nod to Heather’s past and the enduring love story that helped inspire Honeysweet. “Dave, my partner, took me to my very first rock concert when I was 15 — it was RUSH, live in a hockey arena in London, Ontario. It doesn’t get more Canadian than that!” she recalls. The concert left a lasting impact, and when Heather began crafting Honeysweet, she knew she wanted to include Canadian content that reflected her formative years. “RUSH was an obvious choice.”

Blending her jazz sensibility with the progressive rock legacy of RUSH, Heather collaborated with her youngest child — a recent graduate of Berklee College of Music — to reharmonize the track. The result is a richly layered, emotionally resonant version of “Closer to the Heart” that stands as one of the album’s standout moments.

Heather Ward has been a beloved figure in Seattle’s jazz, cabaret, and theater scenes since 1997. Though Canadian by birth, she began performing while attending art school and eventually pursued formal music studies at Vancouver Community College and Capilano University, where she earned a degree in Jazz Performance. Her career has included training with jazz greats like Sheila Jordan, Hugh Fraser, and Jay Clayton, and performances at festivals such as Vancouver’s DuMaurier International Jazz Festival.

Heather also teaches private voice lessons as a member of NATS (National Association of Teachers of Singing) and continues to perform throughout Seattle.

“Closer to the Heart” is more than a reinterpretation — it’s a celebration of musical legacy, family collaboration, and heartfelt artistry. With Honeysweet, Heather Ward delivers a debut that is as personal as it is powerful.

Listen to “Closer to the Heart” now on all streaming platforms.
Honeysweet is available everywhere music is streamed or sold.

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Multi-Juno Award winner and Grammy-nominated percussionist Joaquín Núñez announces the release of his powerful new single “Ruta De La Clave”, the title track from his forthcoming debut album with his Cuban-Canadian ensemble Habana Safari, available on all digital platforms May 23, 2025.

Rooted in Cuban conga, the most iconic rhythm of Cuba’s street music culture, “Ruta De La Clave” is a bold and innovative piece that fuses the raw, percussive energy of traditional Cuban rhythms with the harmonic sophistication of New York jazz. The track features a special collaboration with rising star Dayramir González, a Cuban pianist based in New York whose virtuosic playing bridges Afro-Cuban traditions with the improvisational language of bebop.

“This song is a journey through rhythm—an invitation to follow the pulse of the clave, wherever it leads,” says Núñez. “It’s both a tribute to our roots and a step forward in the evolution of Cuban jazz.”

Drawing a direct line to the golden era of jazz pioneers like Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, the single showcases the Cuban DNA embedded in modern jazz, reimagined for a new generation of global listeners.

A force in the world of Latin jazz and Afro-Cuban music, Joaquín Núñez has performed on stages across Cuba, Canada, and internationally. His resume includes collaborations with a diverse roster of icons—from jazz legends like Chucho Valdés, Hilario Durán, and Paquito D’Rivera, to pop and classical stars such as David Foster, Sarah McLachlan, and The Tenors. He has graced prestigious venues including Madison Square Garden, Royal Albert Hall, and Massey Hall, and was a featured performer on Durán’s Juno-winning and Grammy-nominated album From the Heart.

Now based in Toronto, Núñez is also a highly respected educator, serving on the music faculty at Humber College and leading community music programs throughout Ontario. His versatility extends to musical theatre, with credits in Disney’s The Lion King, Tina – The Musical, Dirty Dancing, and more.

The full album, Ruta De La Clave, is a compelling collection of original compositions by Núñez and Dayramir that reflects the dynamic crosscurrents of Afro-Cuban folkloric roots, jazz improvisation, and modern Cuban expression. With this project, Habana Safari presents a bold and celebratory vision of Cuban music’s past, present, and future.

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Singer, songwriter, and genre-shaping visionary Kayla Marque unveils her latest single, “Heartbeat Chemtrail,” a retro-futuristic anthem that captures the raw intensity of human emotion. Released from her new album MindHeaven (out August 29, 2024), the track is an otherworldly exploration of deep emotional connection—and the chaos left in its wake.

Produced by Glenn Sawyer (The Spot Studios, Evergreen, CO), “Heartbeat Chemtrail” pulses with shimmering synths, swelling textures, and a cinematic soundscape that evokes neon skies, inner storms, and the ache of unresolved feelings. Marque describes the song as “synths, smoke, neon lights, and heartbreak… a song that lives somewhere between outer space and inner turmoil.”

“I wrote Heartbeat Chemtrail about the internal chaos and emotional fallout that comes with deep connection and disconnection,” says Marque. “It’s about emotional withdrawal, neurochemical burnout—but also about finding power in that intensity. There’s beauty in the breakdown.”

With her signature style of “Sparkly Dark Ritual Pop,” Kayla Marque merges elements of electro, soul, and R&B into an immersive sound that is uniquely hers—honest, cosmic, and cathartic. MindHeaven, her third studio album, continues a journey that began with 2016’s Live and Die Like This and evolved through the introspective 2020 double album Brain Chemistry. Her work consistently dives into themes of trauma, healing, and fantasy—blending the cerebral with the sensual, the spiritual with the sonic.

A native of Denver’s historic Park Hill neighborhood, Marque comes from a lineage of creatives, including her uncle Larry Dunn of Earth, Wind & Fire. Her artistic roots run deep, but her voice is unmistakably modern, weaving ancestral soul into futuristic pop with visionary clarity.

With Heartbeat Chemtrail, Kayla Marque continues to defy genre expectations and invite listeners into an emotional world that is equal parts raw, radiant, and revolutionary.

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Multi-platinum recording artist Bryce Vine, known for hits “Drew Barrymore” and “La La Land,” kicks off May with a hot new album. Motel California is Bryce Vine’s sophomore album, but his first independent LP. It is an eleven-track album that features never-before-heard songs and fan favorites, such as “DRUGS,” “Vine St.” and the titular, “Motel California.” The eclectic album has something for everyone as it borrows sounds from various genres: Alternative, Country, Hip-Hop/Rap, Pop, Rock, etc.

The album kicks off with the titular song, “Motel California.” The track is a smooth, heartfelt record that is brought to life with a music video. The artsy visual depicts California’s imperfect perfections and adds engaging animation. Motel California then turns to a previously released record, “DRUGS,” which also is accompanied by a music video. The music video furthers the motel theme.

Motel California is chock full of jams and collaborators. Track eight, “Lauryn Hill,” features hip-hop duo Flyana Boss. The song masterfully blends Bryce Vine’s poppy sound with Flyana Boss’ hard-hitting flow. Track ten, “Rocky Mountain,” features singer-songwriter Brittney Spencer. The two harmonize perfectly in the Country duet. The penultimate song, “JANE FONDA 2,” is with rapper Mickey Avalon. It is a fun record that stays true to Mickey Avalon’s distinct sound.

Bryce Vine does not disappoint with Motel California. The unskippable album is immaculate from start to finish. Although summer is just getting started, Motel California will undoubtedly be in the running for album of the summer – maybe even album of the year.

Follow Bryce Vine:

https://www.instagram.com/brycevine

https://www.tiktok.com/@brycevine

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