Stars join AAPI advocacy TV special
Platinum-selling performers of part-Asian descent, including R&B singer Jhene Aiko and rapper Saweetie, will perform on a TV special produced by The Asian American Foundation, the newly formed organization launched to improve AAPI advocacy.
TAAF announced Thursday that English icon Sting will also perform at “See Us Unite for Change — The Asian American Foundation in service of the AAPI Community.” It will air May 21 on a number of channels, including MTV, BET, VH1, Comedy Central as well as Facebook Watch.
TAAF’s launch comes as anti-AAPI hate and violence persist at alarming rates.
Actor Ken Jeong will host the special, which will include appearances by Daniel Dae Kim and Lisa Ling, and “will feature testimonials from leading Asian American public figures, as well as individuals working to enact change on the ground,” organizers said.
Aiko, who is part-Japanese, is one of R&B’s top stars and has achieved multiplatinum status with songs like “Sativa,” “While We’re Young” and “The Worst.” Saweetie is of Chinese, Filipino and Black descent, and has released hits like “Tap In,” “My Type” and “Best Friend.”
Sheeran to sponsor soccer club:
English singer Ed Sheeran is the new shirt sponsor for third-division soccer club Ipswich.
The longtime Ipswich fan, known for songs such as “Shape of You” and “Perfect,” signed a one-year deal Thursday to sponsor the men’s and women’s shirts next season.
“The football club is a big part of the local community, and this is my way of showing my support,” said the musician, 30, who grew up in the area. “I have always enjoyed my trips to Portman Road, and I’m looking forward to going back there as soon as supporters are allowed into stadiums again.”
The new logo features mathematical symbols and the word “TOUR.” Sheeran’s albums use mathematical symbols as names.
Moynihan, Funches to host game show:
Bobby Moynihan and
Ron Funches are slated to co-host NBC’s latest summertime competition game show, “Ultimate Slip ‘N Slide,” which will debut Aug. 8 The series is described as a fresh take on Wham-O’s iconic 1960s slippery outdoor game.
Moynihan is a nine-season “Saturday Night Live” veteran, while Funches is a stand-up comedian, actor and writer.
Sidibe to make directorial debut:
Gabourey Sidibe is set to make her feature directorial debut with the psychological thriller “Pale Horse.”
The film, based on a story by Chris Courtney Martin, is slated to shoot this fall.
In 2009, Sidibe made her film debut in Lee Daniels’ “Precious,” earning her an Academy Award nomination for the performance.
May 7 birthdays:
Actor Robin Strasser is 76. Singer Thelma Houston is 75. Drummer Bill Kreutzmann is 75. Director Amy Heckerling is 67. Actor Michael E. Knight is 62. Singer Eagle-Eye Cherry is 53. Actor Breckin Meyer is 47. Actor Morocco Omari is 46. Comedian Aidy Bryant is 34. Actor Dylan Gelula is 27.