Month: May 2023

The “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” Tina Turner has Died

Photo Credit: Yevette Renee
Photo Credit: Yevette Renee

On Wednesday, May 24th, the “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll” Tina Turner died at her home in Switzerland.

Born on November 26, 1939, in Brownsville, Tennessee, Anna Mae Bullock, came to fame as a member in the Ike & Tina Turner Revue, joining his Kings of Rhythm in the late 50s. Her debut was the 1958 song “Boxtop” that was followed with their hit “A Fool in Love.” She and Ike eventually married and were together from 1962 until 1978.

With a career that spanned decades, in 1984. Tina won the Grammy Award for Record of the year for “What’s Love Got to Do with it” from her album Private Dancer that went multi-platinum. Her autobiography I, Tina: My Life Story became the hit 1993 film What love Got to Do with It starring Angela Bassett and Lawrence Fishburne.

The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll has sold more than 100 million records and has won 12 Grammy Awards. She is among the greatest 100 artist and singer of all time.

African and I: Review

Bottom Line: Follow Your Dreams
Year: 2021
Director Writer: Othmane Zolatin
Genre: Feature    Documentary
Country: Morocco and South Africa

The value in having a determined curiosity about people and the world you in habit.

Born and raised in Morocco, Othmane Zolatin sets out to the southernmost tip of Africa taking in all its  glory and pitfalls as he travels over 24 countries on his journey.

Africa & I is a great film.

Something that captured my attention was Othmane desire to see the entire continent of his native homeland of Africa. His determination to find out for himself the character of Africa’s people. And not rely solely on text books and opionions of others.

The story was truly unpredictable as Othmane faced multiply bouts of malaria, arrest, and armed men.

The film captures the vast landscape of lush vegetation to the unforgiving desert sun.

Great editing that allows for an easy flow from scene to scene as he travels thousands of miles in his four-year journey from his home in northern Africa to the continent’s most southern tip in South Africa.

Filmed on location along the beauty, white sandy beaches to its baren dessert landscape.

It took a lot of courage and self-determination, especially as an only son, to  go against customs and take off on his journey.

After having satisfied his desire travel the continent of Africa and taking four years to do so, wonder if he will be able to stay in one place, being happy in his home town.

A wonderful coming of age film that is inspiring as well as captivating.

Africa & I shows the importance of getting to know people as individuals and not with the pre-conceived bias. As well as, showing the strength of love and the value in family over custom.  Definitely as film to see.