7/6/25 O&A NYC SUNDAY AFTERNOON JAZZ: Fela Kuti and Africa 70 – Pansa Pansa

One of the few pro-shot concerts of legendary musician Fela Kuti with his band Africa 70, playing for the Jazz Festival In Berlin, 1978. Fela was a social activist and leader who fought for freedom and justice in Nigeria. He died in 1997. Continue reading

7/6/25 O&A NYC GOSPEL SUNDAY: Jeremy Rosado – Keep Holding On

Jeremy Rosado grew up in a large Puerto Rican family in Queens, New York. He got his start singing at neighborhood block parties. At age 10 his family moved to Florida where he participated in choir at school and church. At 19 he made it to the top 12 of the American Idol. Two years later he received the opportunity to open for Andrea Bocelli in Germany. Continue reading

7/6/25 O&A NYC DANCE COMMENTARY: The Ramp To Paradise Afterglow

By Walter Rutledge

The Thelma Hill Performing Arts Center (THPAC) presented A Ramp To Paradise at the Ailey Citicorp Theater on June 27th and 28th. The two-day spring performance season showcased the third rendition of the dance theater narrative. The story begins in 1985 at the now celebrated underground nightclub- the Paradise Garage.  The sold-out Saturday evening performance was followed by a classic Paradise Garage style after party that lasted from 9pm to 12am (that’s 12 midnight not the Garage’s notorious Sunday noon closing- for those who remember). Continue reading

7/2/25 O&A NYC SATURDAY MORNING CONCERT: Gil Scott-Heron – Black Wax

This film documentary is a portrait of the blues poet Gil Scott-Heron, who gives a personal tour of Washington, D.C. and performs a concert with his Midnight Band.

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7/4/25 O&A NYC IRIE FRIDAY: Lila Ike ft. Misicka – Romantic

The announcement is accompanied by a new video for Lila Ike single Romantic, featuring another popular Dancehall star Masicka. Produced by Jamaica’s Dunw3ll and British-Ghanaian hitmaker Juls, the upbeat track channels dancehall royalty Patra’s 1994 classic Romantic Call. Continue reading

7/4/25 O&A NYC HERB ALPERT CELEBRATES HIS 90TH BIRTHDAY: Herb Alpert – Rise

Rise is a song written by Andy Armer and Randy Badazz Alpert, and first recorded by Herb Alpert. The instrumental track was included on Alpert’s solo album “Rise” and released as a single in 1979. Continue reading

7/2/25 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ HIP HOP WEDNESDAY: The Roots – Get Busy

The Roots originated in Philadelphia with Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter while they were both attending the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. Continue reading

7/1/25 O&A NYC SONG OF THE DAY SPECIAL: Burna Boy – Don’t Let Me Drown (From F1 The Movie)

Don’t Let Me Drown is by Burna Boy, featured on the soundtrack for the F1 movie. The song was released as part of F1 The Album, the official soundtrack for the movie, which came out on June 27, 2025. Continue reading

6/26/25 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Oran Juice Jones – The Rain

The Rain is by  R&B artist Oran Juice Jones, released from his debut album, Juice.The song’s lyrics involve a man confronting his lover regarding her infidelity. Continue reading

6/25/25 O&A NYC WALESTYLEZ HIP HOP WEDNESDAY: ScarLip ft. Mary J. Blige – Runaway Love Freestyle

ScarLip Runaway Love Freestyle is a powerful and visually striking reinterpretation of Ludacris and Mary J. Blige’s 2006 track.The video uses the original track’s foundation to explore ScarLip’s personal story of trauma, survival, and her roots in the Bronx.

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