Emanuel Okusanya

Brooklyn, New York

Freelance Music Contributor at Variety

Music Editor at Ebony

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Articles

Leon Thomas on ‘Mutt Deluxe,’ Performing at JFK Airport’s New Capital One Lounge, and a Surprise Call From Stevie Wonder

1 week ago | variety.com | Emanuel Okusanya |Jem Aswad

R&B powerhouse Leon Thomas is launching the next phase of his career with the just-released deluxe edition of his platinum “Mutt” album, a Grammy last year for his work on SZA’s smash “Snooze,” and a just-announced massive world tour — and, less expectedly, a concert at JFK Airport. He wasn’t busking: His performance christened the new Capital One Lounge at his hometown’s main airport.
2025 Native Son Awards Celebrate Gay Power and Pride

1 week ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

The third annual Native Son Awards took place on June 11, 2025, at the IAC Building in New York City. Hosted by Don Lemon, the evening honored trailblazers across art, fashion and activism, all while spotlighting the triumphs and challenges of Black gay men in America. Native Son, founded by media veteran Emil Wilbekin, is a platform dedicated to elevating the voices and stories of the Black LGBTQ+ community.
This New York City Show Is Redefining Black Stand-Up Comedy

3 weeks ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

In the heart of New York City's vibrant comedy scene, the DEADASS: a comedy show has carved out a unique niche by prioritizing community over celebrity. Founded by Mouse, with partners KAS, Spank and Tiffanie Wagner, the show offers an experience that feels more like a family gathering than a traditional stand-up show. The show's format is unconventional: the lineup of comedians remains a mystery until the show begins.
Meet the Headliners Changing the Sound of Now

3 weeks ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

As part of the second annual STAMPED By EBONY series for Black Music Month, this year’s theme—“The Headliner”—celebrates the artists who dominate our group chats, are driving the cultural zeitgeist, but also have ascended from early beginnings to bona fide superstars. Black music’s influence spans every corner of global culture: from the thrill of discovering a new voice with friends to watching that same act graduate from free mall shows to sold-out stadiums, like Travis Scott.
Destin Conrad Talks ‘Love on Digital’ and Gen-Z R&B

1 month ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

Amongst many things, a debut album serves as an opportunity for an artist to fully introduce their sonic identity—and for Destin Conrad, Love on Digital is a statement of self, sound and sentiment. The album finds Conrad pairing emotional honesty with adventurous sonic elements shaped by travel, technology and personal growth. “I finally get to do all the things I want,” he told EBONY.
Getting to Know Rising R&B Star Isaiah Falls

1 month ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

Isaiah Falls is carving out a unique space in contemporary R&B with his latest project, LVRS PARADISE. Out today, May 2., the album's Side A offers a nine-track journey that melds the introspective lyricism of his breakout EP Drugs n’ Lullabies with a richer, more collaborative soundscape. Crafted in two distinct phases—solo writing sessions and a collaborative retreat in Los Angeles—the project reflects Falls' evolution as an artist unafraid to explore vulnerability and connection in his music.
7 Musicians Who Starred in Tyler Perry Films

1 month ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

Tyler Perry’s storytelling has always been rooted in music. Whether it's the sweeping gospel intros of his stage plays, or the emotional needle drops in his films, sound and spirit are woven into the DNA of his work. But Perry doesn’t just use music to underscore a scene—he brings in the musicians themselves. Over the years, he’s cast some of Black music’s most resonant voices to bring depth, humor, and soul to the big screen.
Spotify Reflects on 25 Years of R&B With New Wave of Singles

1 month ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

Spotify is honoring the past 25 years of R&B with a new installment of its Spotify Singles series, featuring a trio of rising artists covering influential tracks from the genre’s past two decades. This new campaign is part of Spotify’s ongoing celebration of R&B and highlights the platform’s continued investment in spotlighting emerging talent.
Beyoncé’s 'Cowboy Carter Tour'; Opens with Family, Fire and Full-Circle Moments

1 month ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour kicked off with a powerful fusion of personal legacy, cultural critique and undeniable spectacle. Coming off the heels of her genre-bending eighth studio album, Cowboy Carter, the tour’s opening night signaled a new phase of Beyoncé’s performance era—one that’s as cinematic as it is communal.
Gateways Music Festival Returns to Carnegie Hall

2 months ago | ebony.com | Emanuel Okusanya

Gateways Music Festival made a momentous return to New York City last week, once again affirming its place as a force in classical music. Following a series of concerts and conversations in Rochester, New York, the festival’s Spring 2025 edition landed in Carnegie Hall from April 24–27, filling the city with performances, lectures, and masterclasses that celebrated Black classical artistry at the highest level.