The American Black Film Festival (ABFF) today announced the winners of the competitive film selections and talent pipeline programs during the Best of the ABFF Awards ceremony. Hosted by comedian, actress and author Amanda Seales (Insecure), the ceremony was presented virtually for the second year on ABFF’s custom-designed streaming platform ABFF PLAY. ABFF winners receive a combined total cash prize of over $55,000 along with two actors cast in an upcoming original series. Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry served as this year’s ABFF ambassador.


Known for showcasing Black talent and discovering new voices, the month-long festival featured an unprecedented number of independent films -- 102 -- representing the best in Black cinema. The festival’s international film entries hailed from 32 countries, including Angola, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Ghana, Germany, Haiti, Namibia, Portugal, Saint Croix, South Africa and the United Kingdom. This year’s jury president was producer and ABFF alum Will Packer (Girl’s Trip, Ride Along).


Complementing ABFF’s wide range of films, the festival’s lineup of events included spotlight screenings, networking events and talks featuring Debra Martin Chase, Morris Chestnut, Colman Domingo, Meagan Good, Regina King, MC Lyte, Niecy Nash, Michael Rainey Jr., Larenz Tate, Flex Alexander and Shanice Wilson. A festival highlight was a one-on-one conversation with Halle Berry where she discussed her career and directorial debut Bruised. All events were presented free of charge reaching a global audience from 95 countries around the world during the festival which ran November 3-28.


Along with ABFF Ventures Founder and CEO Jeff Friday, featured presenters at the award ceremony were film and television industry executives representing ABFF’s impressive roster of partners and sponsors including: Karen Horne SVP, Equity + Inclusion, WarnerMedia; Sirius XM “Bevelations” host Bevy Smith on behalf of HBO; Juanita Slappy, Head of Multicultural Marketing, Cadillac; Dupe Bosu, Vice President, Strategic Communications (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), NBCUniversal; Keith Le Goy, Chairman, Distribution & Networks, Sony Pictures Entertainment; Yahoo National Reporter and Fellow, Garin Flowers.


The 2021 Jury Award winners are:


HBO Short Film Award, presented by HBO
Prize: $10,000 for winner, $5,000 each for four finalists

When the Sun Sets, written and directed by Phumi Morare


Jury Award - Best Director, presented by Cadillac
Prize: $5,000
Trees of Peace, directed by Alanna Brown


John Singleton Award - Best First Feature, presented by Netflix
Prize: $5,000
Trees of Peace, directed by Alanna Brown



Jury Award - Best Narrative Feature, presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment
Prize: 2,500
Trees of Peace, produced by Ron Ray, Barry Levine, Mike Bundlie, Brian Baniqued, Jeff Spiegel, Vicky Petela and Alanna Brown


Jury Award - Best Documentary Feature, presented by Yahoo
Prize: 2,500
The Neutral Ground, directed by CJ Hunt, produced by Darcy McKinnon



Jury Award - Best Web Series, presented by Comcast NBCUniversal
Prize: $2,500
True Story: I Feel, directed and written by Matthew Law


The 2021 Talent Pipeline Program winners are:


WarnerMedia Access Writers Competition – Drama
Prize: $5,000
Soul City Texas, Tony Clomax


WarnerMedia Access Writers Competition – Comedy
Prize: $5,000
Crazy in Love, Marcus Stricklin


ALLBLK’s Shoot Your Shot Casting Call
Prize: Role in upcoming original series, West Philly, Baby
Virginia Watson and Harrison White


The 2021 Fan Favorites as determined by the ABFF’s virtual audience are:

Fan Favorite Narrative Feature, B-Boy Blues
Fan Favorite Documentary, 100 Years From Mississippi
Fan Favorite Web Series, Last Bodega in Brooklyn
Fan Favorite ABFF Pride, Everyday Black Matter
Fan Favorite World Showcase, Coffee
Fan Favorite New Voices, Pickney


“We wrapped our 25th year on an incredibly exhilarating high as we honored some of the most talented and promising filmmakers who are sharing authentic stories about experiences from a Black and Brown perspective,” said Jeff Friday, Founder and CEO, ABFF Ventures LLC. “Showcasing this content and uplifting Black creatives is what ABFF is all about. As we close out this landmark year, fraught with uncertainty, with a highly successful virtual celebration we are honored and encouraged. We extend profound thanks to our corporate partners and supporters, our worldwide audience and celebrity participants and look forward to continuing the ABFF legacy in Miami in 2022.”


ABFF sponsors to date include WarnerMedia and HBO® (Founding); Cadillac, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, Amazon Studios (Presenting); Comcast NBCUniversal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, American Airlines, AT&T, Meta and IMDb (Premier); ALLBLK, HBOMax, City of Miami Beach, Netflix, Prudential Financial, TBS, Yahoo, Starz, Warner Bros. Pictures, Disney Television Studios, National Geographic, and Variety (Official); Accenture, AspireTV, Motion Picture Association (MPA), Morgan Stanley, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), and Sephora (Supporting). Media partners include BIN: Black Information Network, TheGrio and Rolling Out.



For festival information, visit and follow @ABFF on Twitter and @AmericanBlackFilmFestival on Instagram and Facebook. Join in on the conversation by using #ABFF.

BET announced the 2021 “Soul Train Awards” will feature an exciting lineup of unforgettable performances, special moments and appearances by some of the biggest stars in R&B, Gospel, Adult Urban Contemporary and Soul. This year, performers will include the 2021 “Soul Train Awards” ‘Legend Award’ honoree Maxwell, ‘Lady of Soul’ honoree Ashanti, R&B super duo Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, R&B/Soul songstress Ari Lennox, soul singer/songwriter and producer Leon Bridges, R&B singer Lucky Daye, and more. The 2021 “Soul Train Awards” presented by BET premieres Sunday, November 28 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her. Internationally, the 2021 “Soul Train Awards” will simulcast on BET Africa at 2am CAT on November 29th and air on BET France on December 1st, at 10:30pm CET. The show will also be available to watch on My5 and Sky On-Demand in the UK beginning December 3rd.

“Soul music is a movement, and we are incredibly proud to give it a platform and produce a performance line-up that will exemplify the best of the genre and reach generations of music lovers across the globe,” said Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy. “We could not be more thrilled for these exceptional artists to hit the stage at the historic World Famous Apollo, in celebration of fifty years of Soul Train. This will definitely be an iconic night to remember.”

The “Soul Train Awards” annual Soul Cypher is a tradition started by former show host Erykah Badu that features a group of artists freestyling. The cypher will bring together some of today’s top vocalists for what promises to be an electrifying performance. Participants in the cypher this year include
D-Nice, Musiq Soulchild, Jac Ross, Koryn Hawthorne, Elle Varner, and Tone Stith. As a nod to the 20th Anniversary of her self-titled album Aaliyah, the late R&B great’s hit single “Rock the Boat” provides both theme and instrumental for the cypher.

Additionally, BET announced the first group of presenters who will take the stage: H.E.R.,
Tristan Mack Wilds, and the BET casts of Games People Play and Sacrifice, a BET+ Original series.


As previously announced, H.E.R. leads the 2021 “Soul Train Awards'' nominations with an impressive eight nods for ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award (x2),’ ‘Best Collaboration (x2),’ and ‘Video of the Year’. Jazmine Sullivan and Chris Brown garnered the second most nods with six nominations each. Jazmine Sullivan’s nods include ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ and ‘Video of the Year’. Chris Brown’s nods include ‘Best R&B/Soul Male Artist,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ ‘Best Dance Performance,’ ‘Best Collaboration (x2),’ and ‘Video of the Year’. Wizkid and TEMS are the third highest with five nods each, followed by Blxst with four nods. Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, Doja Cat, and Yung Bleu each have three nods.


Three-time GRAMMY® award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Maxwell will receive the ‘Legend’ award at the 2021 “Soul Train Awards.” Award-winning and multi-platinum singer/songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and author Ashanti will be the recipient of the ‘Lady of Soul’ honor.

Dynamic best-friend duo Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold will return as co-hosts of the 2021 “Soul Train Awards,” bringing their irreplaceable energy and hilarious comedic talents to this year’s show.

Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy will oversee the annual show, with Jamal Noisette VP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy to Co-Executive Produce for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment’s Jesse Collins and Jeannae Rouzan–Clay will serve as Executive Producers of the 2021 “Soul Train Awards.”

For show information, please visit BET.com/SoulTrain, the official site for the 2021 “Soul Train Awards.”

Tarrus Riley Set To Reveal New Single “Love Salute”

The Multi-talent takes Roots Reggae route for his latest track

Love and togetherness have been the theme at the heart of Lover’s Rock since the genre’s inception. International recording artist Tarrus Riley is set to release his single “Love Salute”. A contemporary take on Roots Reggae, with an infectious yet familiar baseline. Appealing to younger audiences and traditional Reggae fans, “Love Salute” is a heart-warming track with a powerful meaning.

Keeping with the authentic expression of heavy bass and horns associated with the roots of Reggae’s expression, Kareem Burrell unearthed a classic production from his father Fatis’s catalog called “Hold On.” The 1997 X-Terminator released original featured the vocals of Marcia Griffiths and the message to not give up hope for what you are looking for.

Tarrus Riley’s consistent musical success in Reggae transcends across roots rock, soft rock, and dancehall. His ability to deliver a contemporary roots Reggae track is a skill Kareem ‘Remus’ Burrell applauds of Tarrus Riley. “Tarrus is a musical genius, and it is always a joy and a seamless musical effort working with him. His knowledge of music allows the production process to flow easily across all genres beyond Reggae. To work with a vocalist who is aware of evolution in the genre and able to use his tool, his vocal where he sees fit is magic” says Kareem ‘Remus’ Burrel.

According to Patricia Meschino, for The Daily Beast, “Tarrus’ impressive catalogue showcases his finely tuned expressive vocals, which are adaptable to a range of styles from soft rock (“Jah Will”) to traditional Rastafarian Nyabinghi drumming (“Lion Paw”) to energetic dancehall (“Good Girl Gone Bad”). Then there’s the EDM power ballad

“Powerful,” a certified gold single produced by Major Lazer, featuring Tarrus and Ellie Goulding”.

In 2021, Tarrus continues the contemporary roots Reggae messaging that he began in 2004 by encouraging everyone listening to ‘Love Salute’, “don’t wait until it’s too late to show the people who you love, that you love them. Salute the ones you love; simple, Love Salute” says Tarrus Riley.

“Love Salute” is the second collaborative effort between the two second generation Reggae royalty musicians. Both Tarrus and Kareem agree that the world needs to appreciate love in all forms and never take a person for granted. Slated for international release on November 19th, 2021, “Love Salute” arrives in time for the festive holiday season, which will bring family and loved ones together.

Riley's history with Reggae hits includes the chart topping “She’s Royal” and “Lighter” featuring Shenseea. As well as covers and ballads, which include hits like “Heartbreak Anniversary,” “Superman,” “Human Nature,” and "Stay with You." Fostering his signature sound, “Love Salute” showcases the artists musicianship with the songs dub rootsy-Lover’s Rock vibe that adds a slight Reggae feel.

To compliment “Love Salute,” the music video will be debuted on Surf Roots TV on the day of release and will be widely shared on Tarrus’s YouTube channel on November 20th, 2021.

MNRK Music Group and GRAMMY® nominated artist James Fortune released the highly anticipated single, "Never Let Me Down". The single can be found on all streaming platforms now!
​
BET recently announced, that Fortune is nominated for a 2021 Soul Train Award in the category, Best Gospel/Inspiration Award. The 2021 “Soul Train Awards” premieres Sunday, November 28 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her.

Now residing in Birmingham and a living testimony of God’s grace and forgiveness, Fortune is ready to share his story of redemption and triumph with the world and how he is finally, “Dreaming Again.” GRAMMY Award nominated singer James Fortune understands that if you're going to preach redemption in the 21st century, you're going to have to make a production of it, and his albums are a bit like urban gospel hip-hop soul revues all done up in showbiz style on Broadway, complete with Fortune's spoken, sung, and shouted encouragement. 

Fortune's 2019 LP, Dream Again, and 2020 LP, Dream Again: Live from Rock City, spawned the massive #1 hit, "I Am," and "Nobody Like Jesus" (feat. Lisa Knowles Smith).

Follow James Fortune on social media by using the handle @MrJamesFortune.

NEO SOUL PIONEER, MULTIPLATINUM SINGER-SONGWRITER AND PRODUCER MAXWELL TO RECEIVE THE ‘LEGEND’ AWARD AT THE 2021 “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” PRESENTED BY BET

TRAILBLAZING MULTIPLATINUM SINGER-SONGWRITER ASHANTI TO RECEIVE ‘LADY OF SOUL’ HONOR
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OFFICIAL NOMINEES ANNOUNCED FOR 2021 “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS”
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H.E.R. LEADS WITH 8 NOMINATIONS FOLLOWED BY JAZMINE SULLIVAN & CHRIS BROWN WITH 6
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OTHER TOP NOMINEES INCLUDE WIZ KID AND TEMS WITH FIVE NODS, FOLLOWED BY BLXST WITH FOUR NODS, AND BRUNO MARS, ANDERSON .PAAK, SILK SONIC, DOJA CAT, AND YUNG BLEU WITH THREE NODS
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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE ICONIC “SOUL TRAIN” LEGACY AND AIRING FOR THE FIRST TIME FROM THE WORLD FAMOUS APOLLO, 2021 “SOUL TRAIN AWARDS” PREMIERES SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28 AT 8 PM ET/PT ON BET AND BET HER
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#SOULTRAINAWARDS

Today, BET announced three-time GRAMMY® award-winning singer-songwriter and producer Maxwell will receive the ‘Legend’ award at the 2021 “Soul Train Awards”. Award-winning and multiplatinum singer/songwriter, actor, entrepreneur, and author Ashanti will be the recipient of the ‘Lady of Soul’ honor. The 2021 “Soul Train Awards” premieres Sunday, November 28 at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and BET Her.

“It’s an honor to be presented with the Legend award by a community that’s been growing with me throughout my career,” said Maxwell. “I’m so grateful to be sharing this moment with everyone and returning to the Apollo for an evening of excellence.”

“I’m honored to be recognized as this year’s 'Lady of Soul' honoree,” said Ashanti. “This is a full circle moment for me because I received the 'Aretha Franklin Entertainer of the Year' Award at the Lady of Soul Awards in 2002. As we commemorate 50 years of Soul Train, I’m proud to be a part of this legacy and to return to the Apollo to celebrate."

Additionally, BET has released the official nominations for the 2021 “Soul Train Awards” recognizing the best in Soul and R&B, which will also celebrate Soul Train’s 50th anniversary.

H.E.R. leads the 2021 “Soul Train Awards” nominations with an impressive eight nods for ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award (x2),’ ‘Best Collaboration (x2),’ and ‘Video of the Year’. Jazmine Sullivan and Chris Brown garnered the second most nods with six nominations each. Jazmine Sullivan’s nods include ‘Best R&B/Soul Female Artist,’ ‘Song of the Year,’ ‘Album of the Year,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ ‘Best Collaboration,’ and ‘Video of the Year’. Chris Brown’s nods include ‘Best R&B/Soul Male Artist,’ ‘The Ashford and Simpson Songwriter’s Award,’ ‘Best Dance Performance,’ ‘Best Collaboration (x2),’ and ‘Video of the Year’.

Wiz Kid and TEMS are the third highest with five nods each, followed by Blxst with four nods. Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic, Doja Cat, and Yung Bleu each have three nods.

Dynamic best-friend duo Tisha Campbell and Tichina Arnold will return as co-hosts of the 2021 “Soul Train Awards,” bringing their irreplaceable energy and hilarious comedic talents to this year’s show.

BET Soul joins the 2021“Soul Train Awards” celebration by dedicating a full hour to each honoree’s collection of music videos. Watch many of their iconic music videos, including Ashanti’s "Foolish," "Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)," "Baby" and Maxwell’s "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)," "Pretty Wings," "Lifetime" starting today at 6 PM ET. Check local listings.

The 2021“Soul Train Awards” presented by BET, will feature an exciting lineup of unforgettable performances including special moments and appearances by some of the brightest stars in Black culture and entertainment. The annual event is committed to showcasing the impact of Soul Train on music and dance from the ‘70s to today.

Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy will oversee the annual show, with Jamal Noisette VP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy to Co-Executive Produce for BET. Jesse Collins Entertainment’s Jesse Collins and Jeannae Rouzan–Clay will serve as Executive Producers of the 2021 “Soul Train Awards.”