10/22/26 O&A NYC THROWBACK THURSDAY: Nina Simone – I Put A Spell On You

I Put A Spell On You  is one of the most iconic and defining works by American singer, pianist, and activist (Nina Simone).It refers to both her critically acclaimed 1965 studio album and her famous, dramatic rendition of the title track.  Continue reading

1/1/19 O&A NYC IN MEMORARIUM: Ballroom icon Hector Xtravaganza (1958- 2018)

By Adewale Adekanbi

Ballroom icon Hector Xtravaganza passed away on December 30, 2018 in New York City, he was 60 years old. A dancer, activist, and HIV/AIDS advocate Hector used his art of vogue and love of ballroom (combined with his special flair for the “extravagant”) to enhance the lives of countless individuals in the  ballroom community for over thirty-five years. His death was officially announced Sunday on the House Of Xtravaganza’s facebook page- the house he loved so much that he adopted Xtravaganza as his legal surname. Continue reading

2/21/17 O&A NYC WITH WaleStylez FASHION: KENZO “Music Is My Mistress”, A Film By Kahlil Joseph

By Adewale Adekanbi Jr.

Tracee Ellis Ross and Jesse Williams celebrate black artists and activists in Kenzo’s new film. After first teasing a new fashion film to accompany the print images for their Spring/Summer 2017 campaign last month, KENZO creative directors Humberto Leon and Carol Lim have finally shared the full visual with the world. Continue reading