History has been made today (August 26) and filmmaker Obi Emelonye is at its forefront.

For, his latest movie ‘Black Mail’ has been unleashed and breaks new ground by becoming the biggest ever release of an independently produced and distributed Black Brtish film. It’ll notably be playing in 100 cinemas across the length and breadth of the UK.

The high-octane story centers on an actor who is also a dedicated family man. Targeted by an international criminal operation, his world is rocked when his private life is used as a means of extortion.

Ahead of the film’s release, That Grape Juice caught up with Emelonye, who opened up in earnest about the film, his goals for the future, and much more.
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Desi Banks has been dominating the comedic sphere online with his compelling stories and hard-hitting punchlines. And now he’s proving his live gravitas by making an almighty splash on the international stand-up circuit.

Ahead of his show at The Clapham Grand tonight (August 25), That Grape Juice‘s Samuel Eni caught up with the funnyman, who opened up about his ascend, inspirations, his plans for the future, and a whole lot more.

Check out the exclusive interview below…

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25 years after Brandy and Whitney Houston led a groundbreaking reimagining of ‘Cinderella’ as America’s first Black princess and Fairy Godmother duo, the surviving cast members reunited for ABC’s ‘Cinderella: the Reunion, A Special Edition of 20/20.’

Broadcast Tuesday (August 23), the one-hour special – which aired as part of Disney’s World Princess Week – collected commentary from the 1997 film’s stars Whoopi Goldberg, Bernadette Peters, Jason Alexander, Veanne Cox, Paolo Montalban, Victor Garber, and more while exploring the EMMY-nominated movie’s cultural impact.

What’s more, the network aired ‘Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella’ for the first time in over two decades directly after the special.

The back-to-back television events served as quite the 1-2 punch for ABC, helping it secure some handsome viewership figures during Tuesday night’s primetime ratings race.

See more inside:

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‘The Real Housewives of Dubai’ brought the heat with their inaugural season.

Serving as the first international branch of the popular Housewives franchise to be commissioned by Bravo and air on the network in the US, the series fuses the trademark drama viewers have come to know and love from the shows with the unique setting and culture the ladies of the Middle East bring.

Anchored by Chanel Ayan, Nina Ali,  Caroline Brooks, Dr. Sara Al Madani, Lesa Milan, and Caroline Stanbury, the Real Housewives of Dubai’ are set to take center stage for their season 1 reunion.

Premiering on August 31 at 9 pm, the two-part conclusion will see sparks fly between the group – which is united in some corners and deeply fractured in others.

See what we mean in the newly unleashed first look trailer below…

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Nick Cannon continues to cement his status as Hollywood’s most fertile father.

For, the multihyphenate media mogul has announced that he is expecting his 10th child. Yes, 10th.

Full story below…

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‘Pinocchio’ comes alive anew for a fresh adventure on Disney+.

Debuting next month Disney+ Day, the live-action incarnation of the classic tale promises to put a fresh spin on the much-loved narrative – which tells the story of the wooden puppet who embarks on a thrilling adventure to become a real boy.

Tom Hanks stars as wood maker Geppetto and Cynthia Erivo is also in the mix as the Blue Fairy.

Other notable names on board include Benjamin Evan Ainsworth, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Keegan-Michael Key, Lorraine Bracco, and Luke Evans.

Ahead of its premiere, check out the freshly unwrapped trailer for ‘Pinocchio’ (directed by Robert Zemeckis) below…

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True to his character on the hit series ‘P-Valley,’ actor J. Alphonse Nicholson – who portrays budding rapper “Lil Murda” – doesn’t take kindly to disparaging remarks about his co-star Nicco Annan (who plays the dramedy’s central character “Uncle Clifford”).

Having wrapped its season 2 on August 14, the controversial STARZ’ show remains a talking point for its exploration of taboo topics including religion and sexuality – chiefly as it relates to subjects of interest to the African American LGBTQ+ community.

Among those recently weighing in on its representation of the latter concept was rapper-turned-Web sensation Plies, who not only said the show’s content “traumatized” him but also took a dig at Nicco’s weight.

Look inside to see just how Nicholson replied to Plies (born Algernod Washington) on behalf of Annan.

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September brings with it the premiere of ‘A Jazzman’s Blues’ on Netflix. 

Helmed by Tyler Perry, the eagerly anticipated movie shares a narrative of forbidden romance.

Anchored by Joshua Boone and Solea Pfeiffer, the story (which is set in the deep South) follows star-crossed lovers Bayou and Leanne and their quest for unbridled love against the tallest odds.

The pair are joined by an ensemble cast that includes Amirah Vann, Austin Scott, Milauna Jemai Jackson, Brent Antonello, Brad Benedict, Kario Marcel, Lana Young, and Ryan Eggold.

Musical contributions come courtesy of award winners such as Terence Blanchard, Aaron Zigman, and Ruth B. The incomparable Debbie Allen is also on-board, taking the choreography lead.

Speaking on the film, Perry said:

“I wrote this 27 years ago, and I finally get to show it to the world. This is my new movie, A Jazzman’s Blues. I can’t wait for you to see it on Netflix on September 23rd. Here’s the trailer. More to come.”

Watch the first-look trailer after the jump…

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Get ready to journey to the ‘Jungle’ on Amazon‘s Prime Video next month.

The streaming platform has become renowned for housing envelope-pushing shows and the latest is a Rap/Drill music drama emanating from the UK.

Helmed by production ensemble Nothing Lost, ‘Jungle’ is a six-part scripted series that is uniquely driven by lyrical dialogue. A modern musical, if you will.

Set in a luminous London, the show chronicles the lives of strangers, all of who are navigating the layered lives and the aftermath of actions that come with very real consequences.

‘Jungle’ stars the likes of Ezra Elliott, Nadia A’Rubea, and RA, as well as a number of key figures of the UK scene such as Tinie Tempah, Big Narstie, Unknown T, IAMDDB, and more.

Ahead of its September 30 debut, check out the action-packed trailer below…

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In a surprise move, Nene Leakes has pulled the plug on her discrimination lawsuit against various forces behind the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta.’

Full story below…

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The Real Housewives Of Atlanta is back and blazing for its 14th season. And despite over a decade on-air, the Bravo smash is continuing to bring the heat.

Already drenched in drama, the latest installment of the ensemble title is proving a must-see.

Want to know what Kandi, Kenya, Marlo, Drew, Sheree, and newcomer Sanya Richards-Ross will be serving up on episode 16 / season 14?

Watch a sneak peek below to find out below…

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For over a decade, The Weeknd has shone as one of Pop’s most preeminent forces.

Now, he’s set to take center stage as an actor – making his primetime debut in the new HBO series, ‘The Idol.’

The superstar, real name Abel Tesfaye, stars as a self-help guru and leader of a modern-day cult who begins a complicated relationship with an up-and-coming Pop idol (played by Lily-Rose Depp).

Helmed by Sam Levinson (the mastermind creator of ‘Euphoria)’ and co-produced by The Weeknd, the series promises a “sick and twisted” rollercoaster ride.

Ahead of its debut, watch the freshly unwrapped extended trailer below…

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