UrbanBuzzMagazine@aol.com 914-222-3342

#urbanbuzzmagazine

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.  

(more…)

Continue Reading

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.”

(more…)

Continue Reading

PEG LUKE

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

My Faith Looks Up

Peg Luke, a singer-songwriter, composer and an Emmy and Grammy-nominated artist. Known as a professional flutist and teacher, her flute melodies have resonated across the globe, gracing renowned venues like New York City’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Cadogan Hall. Spanning classical to spiritual compositions, Peg Luke’s music captivates with deep emotions and vibrant energy, offering listeners an epic and heartfelt experience.  With thousands of records sold and countless live performances, Peg Luke’s stage presence is commanding and extraordinary musicality.  Her recent single, My Faith Looks Up, is a personal affirmation of encouragement.  Yet the song is for everyone who might need a boost of hope.  Peg Luke received a life-altering autoimmune diagnosis in 2019.  Since the pandemic’s onset, she’s been in isolation, separated from the public.  Despite this, she maintains an optimistic outlook, sharing her music and spreading positivity to uplift those in need. Her mission is to convey God’s message of love and faith.  

(more…)

Continue Reading

Karen Salicath-Jamali

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

MUSIC COMPOSER PIANIST PHENOM

Karen Salicath – Jamali’s 8th studio album, part classical, part new age – titled, Angel Hanael’s Song, released on April 26, 2024, through Spotify, Apple Music and on all major digital platforms. Karen’s new project promises to gain international acclaim, particularly with the otherworldly way the tracks are conceived.  The highly anticipated first single and first track, Angel Hanael’s Song, released on April 8th, 2024, and second single, Angel Hanael’s Joy, will be released on April 23, 2024. The album cover art was created by Karen Salicath – Jamali as well.  Karen Salicath – Jamali has a very remarkable way of composing her virtuoso music, she is a vessel for one of her many angel guides. She had a head injury from an accident in 2012, after a 3-year recovery she miraculously began to hear music in her dreams, guided by angels, and the rest is history.  The angel Hanael, her current album’s namesake, is one of the seven archangels. Hanael, also known as Haniel, is generally associated with the planet Venus, and is the archangel of joy and intuition.  This album has been written and conceived in her dreams by communication from Angel Hanael.  There are many roads for composers to create music, but for Karen it all comes organically, and pretty much is out of her control. Karen receives her music in her dreams from a variety of angels.  She recaptures all the music once she is awake and at her Steinway grand piano. Karen’s ethereal music process evokes many emotions from herself and the listener, but it’s a rare phenomenon, all her own.

(more…)

Continue Reading

Theo Forsett

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

THEO FORSETT A TRIPPLE THREAT

At the age of six, Theo Forsett knew rhythm and blues was his calling.  Like most of the greats, he began singing in the church choir.  Branching out of a musical family, and being the youngest of six, singing became natural to him.  Theo Forsett left his hometown, Bartow, Florida, and headed for Los Angeles, to further his career.  He performed at local clubs and wherever he could.  He received approval from renowned artists and producers. While in the process of making a name for himself as a solo R&B singer, Theo was asked to sing background vocals for Diana Ross, and Eddie Murphy’s How Could It Be album, produced by Stevie Wonder.  Theo Forsett has recently returned with his new album Love At Your Fingertips.  His singles, Love At Your Fingertips and More Than Enough, are quickly gaining momentum among R&B listeners. He remains persistent in his career in music and the arts. 

(more…)

Continue Reading

SAMAR NEWSOME

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

New EP Fearless (Fear-Less)

Samar Newsome is a soulful vocalist, fusion keyboardist, and diverse producer.  Studying formally at Westminster Choir College and growing up with local recording artists and church musicians in the city of Newark, NJ. Samar was guided musically under diverse tutelage.  He served as the music director at Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, NY, where he has worked closely with gospel recording artists like Bebe Winans, Israel Houghton and Darwin Hobbs.  Samar is currently working on his new EP, Fearless, featuring his debut single I Feel Good, which is quickly moving up the radio charts. Many of us have been reeling in our uncertain economy, with uncertainty if the vaccine protects against the new strain COVID threats. We should all feel grateful that we are still here to give thanks.  Samar Newsome has worked with a wide variety of artists.  I Feel Good was created to remind us not to falter in our faith.  A friendly reminder of how blessed we truly are as believers. 

(more…)

Continue Reading

Terrell T-Rex Simon

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Mr. Rhythm & Gospel

Terrell T-Rex Simon, Stellar, nominated and Steeple Award Winner for Best New Artist, of Troy NY.  Beloved as T-Rex, known as Rhythm & Gospel (R&G) music artist.  Singing since the age of six.  He discovered his gift and it developed more while singing for the church choir.  T-Rex decided to focus on having a music career and eventually moved to New York in 2003.  His talent led him to an opportunity to sing background vocals for platinum-selling singer-songwriter/producer Lyfe Jennings.  Being on the road with recording artist Lyfe Jennings, T-Rex learned how to navigate through the music industry.  Once he got his feet wet, in 2015, T-Rex pursued his solo career.  He teamed up with producers Lamar Casey and Burnie Stevenson, who helped executive produce and co-wrote his debut E.P. Together.  This infused his natural church boy upbringing with his love of Hip-Hop, promoting his signature sound R&G.  T-Rex’s voice has landed him on stages with artists like John Legend, Beyonce, Anthony Hamilton, Musiq SoulChild, Mario and Wyclef Jean.  Launching his solo career with hits like Let It Rain (2017), Mistakes (2018), and The Source (2019).  Helped him to realize he had what it took to take the front stage. T-Rex opened up for artists like Avant, Bobby V, KeKe Wyatt and Faith Evans to name a few. 

(more…)

Continue Reading

Crutchfield Jones

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Success and Matrimony

Mrs. Shireen and Ricky Jones, known as Crutchfield Jones, is a perfectly imperfect union juggling marriage, music, and careers, while being full time parents.  It’s a musical marriage with equal billing, both separate and together, in their careers.  Shireen and Ricky met 30 years ago at Motown Records in Hollywood, California.  Shireen was the lead singer of the 90’s chart-topping group, The Good Girls, and Ricky, the lead singer of the popular harmonic group Yours Truly.  Sharing the same manager, they frequented the same events, but it wasn’t until leaving Motown that they started a friendship. Their careers took them in different directions.  Shireen began modeling and acting heavily, working with notable figures like Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Calvin Klein, Taraji P. Henson and Will Smith.  Ricky released two solo albums, one on Universal Records, and the other, as an independent project.  He too worked with notable industry greats like Lionel Ritichie, Babyface and Aaron Neville.  Together, Crutchfield Jones are preparing to traveled and promote their music. 

(more…)

Continue Reading

Dr. Heather Henley

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Bridging the Gap in Mental Health

Dr. Heather Henley has a PhD in Psychology with a concentration on Christian Counseling. Dr. Henley is a licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Her credentials represent a diverse range of specialties, which include: Sexually Abusive Youth, Registered Behavior Consultant, and Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior.  Dr. Henley has been practicing for over 20 years. She has mastered techniques and extensive skills to pursue healing and growth.  Dr. Heather Henley is known for creating treatment plans that empower clients to move toward positive change.  Since the pandemic, there has been a tremendous need for mental health professionals.  As more people seek treatment for mental health issues like depression, anxiety, stress and PTSD, it is very important to know who has your best interest at hand. Dr. Heather Henley has authored numerous articles on mental health, and has given a variety of lectures.  She works with clients from a diverse range of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.  Dr. Heather Henley is an expert in her field, vetted and ready to serve.

(more…)

Continue Reading

Shawn Cornelius

Urbanbuzzmag.com

By Nigeria Anderson

Meet Shawn Cornelius

Shawn Cornelius is the CEO of Shawn Cornelius Entertainment.  He is a graduate of Shaw University where he earned his BA in theater. He became interested in stand-up comedy and has been performing across the U.S.  He quickly made a name for himself on the New York comedy circuit.  He has opened for Jamie Foxx, George Wallace and J Anthony Brown.  Shawn has appeared several times on BET ComicView and can be found performing on weekends at LOL Comedy Lounge in Midtown Manhattan NYC.  Shawn Cornelius is celebrating 30 years in comedy.  During his acting career, Shawn has appeared on Law & Order SVU and Criminal Intent.  Shawn Cornelius’ full length feature film Whatever It TakesThe Movie, When Blood Runs Cold, won Best Urban Underground Film at The People’s Film Festival.  Among other passions, Shawn is singer-songwriter, who plays an array of instruments.  Shawn Cornelius experienced an Ischemic Stroke in February of 2021.  He recently wrote a book, My Stroke Story, giving details of his recovery which is available on Amazon. 

(more…)

Continue Reading
Close Menu