Cover: BILLY RAY VALENTINE PRESENTS “UNITED NATIONS” FILM DEBUT
By GO BANG MAG | Cover Page•Cover Stories•Film•Television
Photos courtesy of Singles Films and Music Entertainment STREAMS EVERYWHERE ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024 In the past 5 years, writer, director, and producer Billy Ray Valentine has entertained us with his visions. With streaming phenomenons such as “LIL CEASAR“, “ROSELAND“, “MAGIC“, “THE WALK OF RUFUS 1&2“, and “A MASQUERADE TRAPP“, Mr. Valentine now brings […]
Cover Story: BIG V of NAPPY ROOTS
By GO BANG MAG | Cover Page•Cover Stories•Film•Music
Photo credits: Eric Logan / Videos credits: YouTube Vito Tisdale, also known as “Big V” or “Vito Banga,” is a former member and front man of the multiplatinum hip-hop group Nappy Roots. Big V has been credited as the architect of several of the group’s biggest hits including “Po Folks” and “AwNaw”. Hip Hop […]
COVER STORY: TV/Film/Music: OZIE NZERIBE “SWAGGER” ACTOR & RAPPER
By GO BANG MAG | Cover Page•Cover Stories•Film•Music•Television
Photos courtesy of Facebook Ozie Nzeribe, also known as “ZMNY” is an 18-year-old international rapper with genres reaching Hip Hop, melodic and lyrical Rap, R&B, and Afro Beat. He’s an Actor, Model, Humanitarian, and well-rounded scholar who appears as a series regular role on “Swagger”, with Kevin Durant’s basketball drama series on Apple […]
Arts & Culture / Film: CHEF MICHAEL DANIELS
By GO BANG MAG | Arts & Culture•Film
Photos courtesy of Chef Michael Daniels Chef Michael Daniels, founder of MD Creative Blends, grew up eating exotic foods including pheasant, quail, red snapper, orange roughy, mahi mahi and even octopus. “As a child, I would rush home every day to see what my mother had cooked for supper. This caused me to realize that […]
Film/Television/Music: COMPOSER ROBERT “DIGGY” MORRISON
By GO BANG MAG | Film•Music•Television
Photo courtesy of: Quincy J. Trent Rob Morrison has emerged as a powerful force in the film and entertainment industry. As an award-winning composer, Morrison has worked with a wide variety of artists across multiple genres. In 2004, Morrison became a highly sought-after composer when the world-renowned artist, Beyoncé released her multi-platinum album, “Dangerously In […]
Film: “ROSELAND” – Billy Ray Valentine
By GO BANG MAG | Film
Billy Ray Valentine comes with this fourth release in three years, “Roseland”, a film about a village trying to raise and protect their own. “Roseland” stars Julian T. Allen, Mike Sampson, and Shanta’ Renee Smith. The film takes you on a trip back down memory lane to a time when hanging on the block in […]
Music/TV/Film: TCMG PRESENTS JOHN WESLEY WILSON, JR. aka J.D. WESLEY
By GO BANG MAG | Film•Music•Television•Uncategorized
Photo & Stylist Credit: Stacy Jordan The Corbett Music Group Presents JD Wesley! J.D. Wesley was born John Wesley Wilson Jr., an extremely talented young man. At an early age his parents along with the community, noticed that his vocal ability was strong and like none other. From that moment onward, singing and music was […]
Music/Film/TV/Business: CEDRIC “WHOA BOI” COLLINS
By GO BANG MAG | Business•Film•Music•Television
Cedric “Whoa Boi” Collins, was raised in the most impoverished and crime-ridden neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, Englewood. Despite all the crime, violence and drugs that saturated his community, Whoa Boi wrapped himself in his music. At the age of seven, Whoa Boi was playing the organ and drums for his neighborhood church. […]
Event/Film: “THE WOODSTOCK OF HOUSE” Black Harvest Film Festival Debut
By GO BANG MAG | Arts & Culture•Dance•Events•Film•Music•Night Life
House music is the third largest music genre in the world!!!! Here is the trailer. https://vimeo.com/633808501 Black Harvest Film Festival will virtually stream The Woodstock of House November 13- December 2, 2021. Streaming Ticket Info: https://watch.eventive.org/gsfc/play/6168922c7c7500030b0cfe7a The documentary “The Woodstock of House”, a film that explores the origins of Chicago House music and its’ […]
Film: Press Release: “THE WOODSTOCK OF HOUSE” – “Chicago’s Own” Black Harvest Music Festival selection
By GO BANG MAG | Film
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Documentary “The Woodstock of House” a Film That Explores the Origins of Chicago House Music and its Enduring Worldwide Appeal Selected for Chicago’s Prestigious Black Harvest Film Festival CHICAGO (OCTOBER 18, 2021) – 2CHi Entertainment LLC is excited to announce its documentary film, The Woodstock of House (Woodstock) has […]
Film: “THE WALK OF RUFUS” WORLD PREMIERE 7/21/21 / Billy Ray Valentine
By GO BANG MAG | Film
“The Walk of Rufus” , premiering on WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2021 through Maverick Movies, and Singles Film & Music Entertainment, is a film based on two brothers from South Carolina growing up in Chicago. It’s about the Jones family, Rufus Jeremiah Jones and Theodis Pierre Jones, trying to make their family name legit and do […]
Comedy/Film/Television: REMEMBERING ERICA FAYE WATSON 2021 (1973-2021)
By GO BANG MAG | Comedy•Film•Television
WOW!!!! Rest In Peace friend, comedian, actress and brainiac, Erica Faye Watson. She recently died of Covid-19. She was living in Jamaica for a month writing material, and was suppose to return to Chicago today, March 1st. She had a great spirit and heart. I interviewed her several times. Erica Faye Watson was born in […]
Film/TV: Cicely Tyson Takes her Final Bow; Legendary Actress Dies at 96
By GO BANG MAG | Film•Television
Cicely Tyson (Photo credit: Shuterstock.com/ Joe Seer)STORY REPRINTED FROM ROLLINGOUT.COMBy N. Ali Early | January 28, 2021 Award-winning actress and Hollywood icon Cicely Tyson, who made a habit of turning in regal performances over the course of her 60-year career, has died. She was 96. “With heavy heart, the family of Miss Cicely Tyson announces […]
Film/TV/Theatre/Music/Comedy/Business: MARCOS LUIS & 3SB THEATER COMPANY
By GO BANG MAG | Business•Comedy•Film•Night Life•Television
“If you risk nothing, then you risk everything. Art is all about taking these risks.”-Marcos Luis Raised in Pittsburgh, PA, Marcos got his start in the entertainment industry by appearing in stage plays, including being a host of “Kidsburgh”, later graduating to television and film. Since his introduction as an actor he has added singer, […]
Music/Business/Film/TV: VINCE LAWRENCE & SLANG MUSIC GROUP
By GO BANG MAG | Business•Film•Music•Television
Photo credit: Tyler Curtis Vince Lawrence of Chicago, IL is an American dance music producer, businessman and is one of the leading innovators of the genre of music called “House music”. Industry insiders recognize Lawrence as co-author of “On and On”, the first recording officially designated “House music”. He worked with Jesse Saunders in […]
Business/Film/Television: AVERY KELLEY, Inspired Melanin LLC., “Soul Train Soul Change”
By GO BANG MAG | Business•Film•Television
Avery Kelley is a name to keep in mind. Ms. Kelley is an up and coming writer, director and producer from the Southside of Chicago. Avery is 12 years old and entering the seventh grade. Since a little girl, she has loved everything about the Arts; dancing, singing, and her passion being writing. While extremely […]
Film: FILM INDEPENDENT FORUM
By GO BANG MAG | Events•Film
FILM INDEPENDENT FORUM https://www.filmindependent.org/programs/forum/ July 31 – August 7This year we’re breaking new ground, digitally speaking. With health and safety our top priorities, The 2020 Film Independent Forum will take place entirely online, making it accessible by filmmakers around the globe. Forum passes are on sale now to Members and the general public. […]
Film: AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL GOES VIRTUAL
By GO BANG MAG | Events•Film
Online Edition Scheduled for August 21-30, 2020 LOS ANGELES, CA, (June 11, 2020) – ABFF Ventures LLC., today announced that the 24th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) will take place online August 21-30, 2020 at abff.com. The ABFF Online Edition will continue the tradition of the live festival, featuring the best of independent black […]
Film/Music/Literature: YVETTE McWHORTER
By GO BANG MAG | Film•Literature•Music
Yvette McWhorter, a cannabis industry worker, can usually be found journaling or jotting down ideas for original books, movies, plays or songs. Writing a book has always been on her bucket list. With her current manuscript “Steppin In The Key of Love” on the horizon, Yvette is that much closer to making her dream come […]
Film/Music/Business: RON SIMMONS
By GO BANG MAG | Business•Film•Music
Ron, the oldest of six, was born in Chicago and raised by his mother, a single parent, in many communities on the near north side, and finally Cabrini Green. He started as a Vista worker but would become a community activist & staff person with community based organizations such as The Intelli-Gents, a member of […]
Music: TEJ’AI SULLIVAN: Michael Jackson Tribute Artist
By GO BANG MAG | Dance•Film•Music
He has the look, he has the sound, and he has the moves!!! From the wardrobe to the stage show, one thing is certain: No one personifies Michael Jackson like Tej’ai Sullivan. He began his professional career at the early age of two years old. He got his start performing at family functions and birthday […]
Film: JAMES LETT III
By GO BANG MAG | Film
A native of Chicago’s very own Englewood neighborhood, James Lett III, actor/producer has appeared in 14 independent movies, film and web series combined. You may have seen him in “Magic the Movie”, directed by Billy Ray Valentine, In “To Kill a Rapper” and “Disconnected”, James’ ability to transform and tap in to his character is […]
Music/Radio/TV/Film: DJ LORI BRANCH
By GO BANG MAG | Film•Music•Radio•Television
Lori Branch is a Chicago native that began her life-long affair with music in 1980 as the DJ for a Chicago-based, social club named Vertigo. Vertigo, founded by Eric Bradshaw, Craig Loftis and Steven Moore hosted dozens of teen parties from 1980-1984 in such iconic locations such as Sauers, the Loft, the Penthouse, Aragon Ballroom […]
Film/Business: SPLATTER BROTHERS
By GO BANG MAG | Business•Film
Two guys from the west side of Chicago looking to make their mark on the HORROR genre. Ira Childs and Lionel L. Chapman also known as The Splatter Brothers, are two filmmakers from Chicago, Illinois who work together as film directors, producers and screenwriters. They are known for directing a wide range of films. While […]
Film: LIONEL CHAPMAN of THE SPLATTER BROTHERS
By GO BANG MAG | Business•Film
Lionel Lamont Chapman was born on February 8th, 1981 in Chicago, IL. He grew up on the west side of Chicago and soon after moved to the Logan Square community. His love for film started when he was young watching 80’s horror and action movies. From there, family and friends encouraged him to pursue his […]
Film: IRA CHILDS of THE SPLATTER BROTHERS
By GO BANG MAG | Business•Film
Ira Childs was born and raised in Chicago. Ira’s love for film started at the age of 8. Soon after, his love for film turned to the pursuit of a dream career. Ira attended Columbia College Chicago where he earned a Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts. Ira has worked on a few major productions such […]
Comedian/Actor/Producer: DAMON WILLIAMS
By GO BANG MAG | Comedy•Events•Film•Television
With 25 years in the industry, Damon Williams is a former Subway sandwich shop owner from Chicago, IL who began his comedy career at All Jokes Aside Comedy club. Damon’s previous television appearances include BET’s Comic View dating back to 1994, including his own one-hour special. He’s been featured on BET LIVE, Comedy Central’s Premium […]
Model/Actor/Entrepreneur: SHETTIMA WEBB
By GO BANG MAG | Fashion•Film
Shettima Webb is an actress and producer, known for The Color of Me (2018) and Open Windows (2016). She is also the owner of Model Esteem. Model Esteem LLC is a model development, promotional modeling and brand ambassador organization geared towards educating youth and adults about the modeling/entertainment industry, while building self-esteem through creative arts. […]
Comedian/Actor: BRANDALL “B. COLE”
By GO BANG MAG | Comedy•Film•Television
In 2002, B. Cole wrote and starred in his first feature length film, A Get2gether, now distributed through Millennium Films and can presently be seen on cable, satellite and Dish networks. A Get2gether has been showcased nationwide in several festivals and it won the Best Independent Film Award at the 2005 Chicago Comedy Awards. In […]
Screenwriter/Director: BILLY RAY VALENTINE
By GO BANG MAG | Film
Go BANG! Magazine: How did you get involved in writing movies? Billy Ray Valentine: This has been my lifelong dream. When I started out in music, making films was the purpose. As a kid, I would act out some of the things I would do, like walking to the store. I would be playing theme […]
Film: MAGIC
By GO BANG MAG | Film
A Story of overcoming adversity. A real life look at ENGLEWOOD, CHICAGO A Real life story from DIRECTOR Billy Ray Valentine. Based on his life and true LIFE EVENTS. FOLLOW BILLY RAY VALENTINE: Facebook @Billy Ray Valentine Instagram @ Billyrayvalentineee Twitter @BlackDadd
Screenwriter: OKEMA “SEVEN” GUNN
By GO BANG MAG | Film
Okema “Seven” Gunn has been an educator for over 16 years in New York City and the Chicagoland area combined. She has a Bachelor degree in Psychology and Master in Secondary Education in Social Studies. Her students have won several awards for State Color Guard and National and State History Fair Competitions, where Ms. Gunn […]
Film: A SISTERHOOD OF SIGNATURES
By GO BANG MAG | Film
“A Sisterhood of Signatures”, is an award-winning short film about a middle-school tween who discovers a letter from her great-grandmother and challenges her friends to begin a cursive-letter writing club. The film addresses education, personal legacy, civil rights, and the importance of the history of signatures for minorities. The film stars Christopher Greer, Cynda Williams […]
Actor/Director/Musician: CHRISTOPHER GREER
By GO BANG MAG | Film•Music•Television
Christopher A. Greer is an actor, known for September Rayne (2017), Mom Told Me (2017) and Confusion 3: Trials of the Gods (2018). He is a musician, screenwriter, actor, director, composer and businessman. He went to Chicago Vocational High School (CVS) as an Instrumental Music major. He received The “Louis Armstrong Jazz Award” and four […]
Actor/Model/Musician: JULIAN T. ALLEN
By GO BANG MAG | Fashion•Film•Music
Julian is an professional model looking to further his career in acting. He’s a freelance model that has landed opportunities to work with a variety of photographers. His ever-growing skills in modeling are enhanced with each and every shoot. He’s also a recording artist, as well as a dancer. He’s looking to record beautiful and […]
Actor: MAYA HOOKS
By GO BANG MAG | Film
Maya Hooks is a child actress, known for Apartment 101 (2017), Growing Pains (2019), Demons (2018) and A Society of Signatures (2020). A naturally bright, funny, and enthusiastic child actor, screenwriter, producer and up and coming filmmaker who has the ability to serious roles, and loves fake accents. GO BANG! Magazine: How long have you […]
Business: 99FILMS ON THE WALL
By GO BANG MAG | Business•Film
Owner: Harold Dennis Chicago, IL Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1815557/?fbclid=IwAR0TMyU63_w45IU9h47frppsRoGoaBOK9hNJujUXqV9fsLXBXG8_WLsaoa8
Actor: HAROLD DENNIS
By GO BANG MAG | Film•Television
Beginning his acting career in 1997 in Chicago, Harold started with two acting classes taught by the late Okoro Harold Johnson, beginning and advanced acting, studying the Stanislavski Method which ran on Tuesday and Wednesday nights for a whole school year. He repeated the advanced class for an additional six months. Harold, during that time, […]
GO BANG! Magazine Publisher: PIERRE ANDRE’ EVANS
By GO BANG MAG | Business•Fashion•Film•Literature•Music
Pierre Andre’ Evans, a graduate of Chicago’s prestigious Columbia College, possesses a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Arts, Entertainment & Media Management. He is an accomplished Freelance Writer with published articles, high profile interviews and event recaps, which currently appear in numerous publications and websites including the legendary and iconic New York based SoulTrain.com, Chicago […]
Actor: LEONARD STEWART
By GO BANG MAG | Film
Leonard Steward is a Chicago native that was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. At an early age, he noticed that he had talent. He started performing with the R&B group “New Wave” 30+ years ago, and found success doing that. Then he was approached and asked to be a part of […]
Film Composer: ROB DIGGY
By GO BANG MAG | Film•Music
Rob “Diggy” Morrison, from Chicago, IL, has proven to be a testament and mainstay in music and entertainment over and over again. With an ear for creativity and well-rounded discipline, he proves himself to be ready for any challenge having to do with the essence of Music Production, Vocal Arrangement, Film Composition, Sound Design, Engineering […]
Actor/Author: CYNDA WILLIAMS
By GO BANG MAG | Film•Literature•Television
Cynda began a professional life of acting and singing after relocating to New York from her native Chicago. Her debut film MO’ BETTER BLUES directed by Spike Lee, was a critical and commercial success. Blessed with a role that also required singing, her song HARLEM BLUES went #1 on the R&B charts. That film opened […]