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Reviews

Brenda Braxton

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

A Legacy of Stage, Strength, and Sisterhood

With a career spanning more than four decades, Brenda Braxton has become a celebrated force in the world of theater and beyond. A Tony Award–nominated actress, Braxton has graced Broadway and Off-Broadway stages across the globe, earning accolades for her dynamic performances and unwavering dedication to the craft.  Her talents extend far beyond the spotlight. Braxton is the author of The Little Black Book of Backstage Etiquette, a guide that reflects her commitment to the theater community.  But her influence doesn’t stop at the stage door.  As a visionary entrepreneur, Brenda Braxton has launched several impactful ventures. She founded the nonprofit organization Leading Ladies Just for Teens (LLJFT), which empowers young women through mentorship and education. In Harlem, she established BBRAXTON: Exceptional Grooming for Exceptional Men, a boutique that redefined luxury grooming for men of distinction. Her latest endeavor, however, is perhaps her most personal and transformative for all women.  PAUSE by BBRAXTON is a wellness movement dedicated to women over forty navigating the journey of menopause.  Through curated subscription gift boxes, intimate community spaces, and candid conversations, PAUSE by BBRAXTON offers support, education, and empowerment during menopause often shrouded in silence due to shame and embarrassment.

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Danielle Hutchins

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

She Answered The Call

Danielle Hutchins is an anointed gospel recording artist, songwriter, and worship leader whose authentic passion for ministry shines through every note. Seamlessly weaving traditional gospel roots with contemporary worship flair, she creates an atmosphere charged with healing, deliverance, and transformation.  A proud Alabama native, Danielle’s journey began at age five and has carried her across the Southeast, where audiences are drawn in by her soul-stirring vocals and God-breathed message. Her music mirrors a testimony defined by resilience, faith, and victory, and she uses her platform to usher listeners into the very presence of God.  Building on the success of her chart-climbing single Answer My Call, Danielle now unveils a fresh Country-Gospel remix that expands her contemporary sound we are used to.  You can purchase Danielle Hutchins music on all digital platforms. 

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Eprell

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Eprell Releases New Music

Miami R&B sensation Eprell captivates and empowers with new single Elevate.  Elevate, is a powerful debut single confronting trauma, failed relationships, and the journey toward healing.  The single is from her forthcoming EP, Beauty 4 Ashes, produced by her mentor Ryan Bowser (Nelly, Mase, Monica, and Kelly Rowland) and featuring songwriting credits from the accomplished songwriter and vocal producer Makeba Riddick-Woods (Beyoncé and Rihanna) with additional vocal production from Emmanuel Brilliant (Sound/Mix Engineer).  Her forthcoming EP delivers seven soul-stirring tracks woven from heartbreak and redemption.  It’s a journey filled with both vulnerability and empowerment. She delivers a raw, vocal performance that invites listeners into her journey.  Eprell is a songstress, songwriter, producer and an independent recording artist.  She is taking the industry by storm with her latest hit single Elevate.  The EP captivates with blends of contemporary and classic R&B interlaced with soul.  Elevate is available on all digital outlets.

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NARDIA

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Passionate Soul From Australia

Singer-songwriter Nardia’s new single Is It You and Hold On is an Australian singer-songwriter gaining major attention with her latest single Is It You.  The track has received glowing reviews from music media and is generating strong buzz across streaming platforms.  Building on that momentum, Nardia has crossed the water to perform her music in the USA, hitting venues in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and Vegas to name a few.  She is an independent artist with award-winning songwriting credentials.  Nardia is quickly capturing the interest of multiple record labels while continuing to stay true to her creative roots.  Known for her rich, soulful vocals that blend R&B, blues, soul, and jazz. Nardia began her musical career as a young poet and writer.  Her poetry led to writing songs.  Nardia just came off playing the lead of an Etta James show in Australia, a consistent sell-out that pays homage to the legendary artist.  Nardia’s songwriting draws deeply from real-life experiences, with a mission to make listeners feel seen, heard, and uplifted.  In addition to her own music, she is passionate about writing for both emerging and established artists.

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Schenika Quattlebaum

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Natalia Me’Gan Beauty

Schenika Quattlebaum, CEO and founder of Natalia Me’Gan Beauty.  She has come a long way from making lip gloss in her kitchen.  Today she is well known for her lipstick line for purchase online.  It is good to see the doors opening up for women in the cosmetic industry.  Since 1968, African American women have been trying to obtain their shelf space, modeling space, makeup artistry, and magazine cover spread.  Schenika Quattlebaum stands on the shoulders of those women who helped open the doors for her product line, Natalia Me’Gan Beauty.  Quattlebaum, launching her cosmetics venture, did not come with ease.  She was faced with discrimination.  Realizing the lack of suitable makeup products for black and brown skin, she didn’t let that stop her.  Making Natalia Me’Gan Beauty a respected and quality cosmetics line.  Although Schenika Quattlebaum cosmetics line is worn by celebrities like Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, and Reginae Carter, but there is a real reason why she launched Natalia Me’Gan Beauty, and she will share in our interview.  Simply put, her goal is to enhance the faces of women around the world with her product line one face at a time.

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Raena White

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Raena White’s New Music

Raena White is branching out from an impressive career on Broadway stages.  She is best known as an original cast member in the Grammy and Tony award-winning musical Some Like it Hot.  White is quickly making her name heard in the world of music.  She is currently recording her first single and LP as an independent artist.  Raena White shares with her audiences her talents, skills and abilities as a powerhouse vocalist and performer.  Save the date: Saturday, August 9th, for two shows, 7pm & 9:30pm at the Legendary Joe’s Pub for a heartfelt Tribute to Whitney Houston, honoring the Icon’s Life and Legacy on her birthday, August 9th.  You do not want to miss this show.  Joe’s Pub provides an intimate space for all to enjoy White, sharing timeless classics of Whitney Houston’s catalog.  Raena White is a true fan of Whitney Houston and this is an honor for her to produce the show Dear Whitney.  Raena White is a dynamic actress and singer whose powerful voice and personality leaves audiences craving more!  We will be in the building, so join us and make sure you say hello.

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JORDAN G. WELCH

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

The Worship Culture Tour

Stellar Award–nominated gospel recording artist Jordan G. Welch is redefining the worship experience with The Worship Culture Tour, a transformative two-day gathering that invites participants from all backgrounds to engage in authentic, community-centered worship.  Known for her globally recognized Choir Rehearsal segments and gospel hit Open the Eyes of My Heart, Welch has cultivated a worship movement that reaches far beyond traditional church walls. This summer and fall, she will bring that movement to life in seven cities across the United States.  The Worship Culture Tour launches in Washington, DC, on August 8-9 (Aug. 22/23 Chesapeake, VA, Aug. 29/30 Nashville, TN, Sept. 12/13 Atlanta, GA, Sept. 26/27 Dallas, TX, Oct 3/4 Chicago, IL, Oct. 17/18 Detroit, MI).  I strongly suggest you visit theworshipculturetour.com to purchase your tickets.  Jordan G. Welch praise and worship is an in-person demonstration of a life that honors God.  If you have not liistened to ONE: Live in Atlanta, it is available on all digital outlets.  As an independent worship artist, she has captured the attention of over 11 million streams and more than 6.3 million on YouTube, which is evidence that people are in need and the Lord is calling His people closer.  I’m not talking about old-school saints only.  I am speaking about the new generation who many say are abandoning church.  They might be abandoning the building, but they are not abandoning worship.  Her album ONE: Live in Atlanta, standout track, How Much More, became a viral sensation on TikTok and Instagram, demonstrating her ability to blend traditional gospel roots with modern digital culture.  Billboard-charting artist Jordan G. Welch has been nominated for the 2025 Stellar Award for Praise and Worship Album of the Year, further solidifying her place in the next generation of influential gospel artists. Note: my favorite is Satisfied. If you enjoy worship, ONE: Live in Atlanta is mandatory.

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Liahona Olayan

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Just Me, Liahona

American Idol alumni and innovative singer, songwriter, Liahona Olayan is thrilled about her new single, Que Rico Sola.  The first single off her debut album, Just Me, Liahona, on Lioness Records LLC, is a full expression of Liahona’s personal gift for singing and songwriting.  The album will be released later this year.  Although Liahona is known for her Pop projects, she has added Latin rhythms on this album.  It is her ability to expand past her comfort zone that landed her on the American Idol stage with her brother’s collaboration.  Que Rico Sola, how good it is to be alone is a get on your feet dance song.  Liahona would like her fans to embrace her diversity and creativity with this debut.  Serving as a missionary in Mexico is where Que Rico Sola was inspired and written.  Liahona had to learn how to speak Spanish fluently, and incorporated her experience by adding Latin Pop to her roster.  

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Karen Bernod

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Karen Bernod is Back!

Karen Bernod is a recording artist and singer-songwriter, continuing to make her mark on her return to the music scene.  Renowned Soul, R&B and Jazz singer-songwriter Karen Bernod celebrates the milestone 25th anniversary of her debut album with a digital release of Some Othaness For U 25th Anniversary Edition. The album is available on all streaming platforms globally.  For those who remember, Some Othaness For U, originally released in 2000, solidified Bernod’s transition from world-class background vocalist to solo star.  Some Othaness For U is filled with lush arrangements, thoughtful lyrics, and genre-blending grooves, introducing audiences to Bernod’s unique blend of Soul, R&B and Jazz, delivered through her signature warm, expressive vocals. The 25th Anniversary Edition brings renewed clarity and depth to the beloved original recordings, offering fans a fresh yet faithful listening experience. This reissue of her critically acclaimed debut album was expertly remastered by the legendary Herb Powers, Jr. of PM Mastering, Inc. 

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Kristina Koller

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

VOCALIST & ARRANGER

Kristina Koller, jazz vocalist, songwriter, and arranger, is drawn to crafting music that crosses generations while still embracing the history and mood of classic jazz.  Kristina Koller’s new release, Walk On By, reimagines the Burt Bacharach songbook with hip, new, genre-bending arrangements. Bacharach, who died in 2023, composed some of the most iconic songs of the past 65 years.  Many young people are not familiar with his name. However, Kristina Koller has added her personal touch to reconnect both old and new to his renowned sound of great music, with great lyrics.  Walk On By is Koller’s fourth album and title single.  Kristina Koller released her first album, Perception, in 2018. Koller’s classical voice training makes her a perfect match for this project.  You can hear her talents, skill and abilities in her other projects, like Stranger, and Get Out of Town, a celebration of Cole Porter’s music.  Koller’s emotive vocals capture the heartbreak of A House is Not a Home, and the joys of friendship on That’s What Friends Are For, in which she sings a duet with her old friend Rosemary Minkler, an accomplished pianist, composer, and audio engineer.  Say a Little Prayer, in which Robbins wrote the arrangement.  Koller says, “This song is really burned in my memory because my mom played it so often.”

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