Entertainment

Tia Mowry Recalls Magazine Rejecting Her & Twin Sister Because They’re Black

In the mid-to-late 1990s, Sister, Sister dominated television. The twins-centered sitcom starred Tia and Tamera Mowry along with Jackée Harry, Tim Reid, and Marques Houston, and it didn’t take long for the blended family appeal to launch the teens into stardom. Tia and Tamera’s styles were emulated in schools across the globe and the twins’ catchphrases—like “Go home Roger!”—are still echoed by fans who remember watching Sister, Sister in real-time. It seemed as if the teen twins were sought after by any and every brand, but according to Tia Mowry[-Hardrict], there was one publication who refused to give them a feature because they girls were Black.

“It was around Sister, Sister days and the show was very popular. We were beating, like in the ratings, Friends around that time. So, my sister and I wanted to be on the cover of this very popular magazine at the time. It was a teenage magazine. We were told that we couldn’t be on the cover of the magazine because we were Black and we would not sell,” said Tia as she began to cry.

“Here I am as an adult and it still affects me, you know?” she said. “How someone could demean your value because of the color of your skin. And I will never forget that. I will never forget where I was—and I wish I would have spoke up. I wish I would have said something then. I wish I would have had the courage to speak out and say that wasn’t right. That’s why, even ’til this day, I’m always telling my beautiful brown skin [daughter] that she is beautiful.” Watch Tia revisit some painful, and happy, memories below.

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Artist Spotlight

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 makes a stand for afrobeat against corruption on latest release Na Dem feat. Tom Morello.

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 deliver a powerful afrobeat statement with “Na Dem,” Featuring Tom Morello and produced by Femi Koleoso. The track has been a fan favourite even before its official release, and comes with the unmistakable spirit of protest, truth-telling, and social accountability that have long characterized Afrobeat’s most impactful moments.

The song’s heart is a direct challenge to corruption and the abuse of power. Instead of singling out one profession or institution for its critique, “Na Dem” identifies a larger culture of dishonesty, targeting bad lawyers, bad doctors, bad politicians, and anyone who would sell their integrity for personal gain. The message is sharp and uncompromising and delivered with the urgency that has become a hallmark of Seun Kuti’s artistry.

The inclusion of Tom Morello adds another level of intensity to the record. His presence adds to the song’s rebellious energy, creating a powerful intersection between the rhythmic activism of Afrobeat and the confrontational edge of rock. The result of the collaboration is a track that is both timeless and of the moment.

The song’s dedication to principle is what rings true. The moral center of the record is Seun’s statement that he would never prostitute his conscience for money. It turns “Na Dem” from a critique into a declaration of personal values, responsibility, and resistance.

Connect with Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube

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Artist Spotlight

Marsha Bartenetti reinvents in her own style “New York Minute”

Marsha Bartenetti’s latest release, “New York Minute,” written by Don Henley, Danny Kortchmar, and Jai Winding, offers emotional depth, turning a timeless look at life’s fragility into a reflective, cinematic journey. Stephan Oberhoff’s arrangement perfectly frames Bartenetti’s voice, and Kevin Bate’s expressive cello adds a warm resonance that makes the track feel like a movie.

The way each instrument sounds makes it feel planned, which lets the listener stay in the fleeting moments the song so beautifully describes. Bartenetti’s singing is the best part of the song. She shows an openness that feels real, as if she has lost something and still fully embraces love and presence with complete honesty. Her choice of words and small changes in tone make the lyrics feel even closer.

“New York Minute,” is a new version that pays tribute to the original while showcasing Bartenetti’s own style. The movie-like instruments and heartfelt vocals make the song feel both personal and universal. It makes us think about how hard it is to let go and hold on.

Connect with Marsha Bartenetti on Spotify || Facebook