Entertainment

Harry and Meghan Are Putting on a ‘United Front’ Amid ‘Challenging’ Time on August 2, 2023 at 12:00 pm Us Weekly

Published

3 years ago

August 2, 2023

It’s been a rough few months for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In May, the couple were embroiled in what their spokesperson described as a “near-catastrophic” car chase with paparazzi in NYC. In June, their multimillion-dollar Spotify deal came to an abrupt end. And on July 27, Harry faced a setback in his ongoing lawsuit against a British tabloid, as a U.K. judge threw out the prince’s claims that the outlet had hacked his voicemails.

“It’s been a challenging time,” says one source in Us Weekly’s latest cover story.

Still, despite rumors that all the stress is putting a strain on their relationship — including whispers across the pond of a possible divorce in the works — multiple insiders tell Us the Sussexes’ five-year marriage is weathering the storm.

“They’re a united front,” says a second source of the spouses. “As far as they’re concerned, it’s Harry and Meghan against the world.”

Harry, 38, and Meghan, 42, had big plans when they left their royal duties behind in 2020 and relocated from England to California. But the parents to Archie, 4, and Lilibet, 2, haven’t quite taken Hollywood by storm. While Harry’s January memoir, Spare, became a bestseller, their well-received December 2022 Netflix docuseries, Harry & Meghan, failed to garner an Emmy nomination, and Meghan’s “Archetypes” podcast was notably short-lived.

MEGA; INSTARimages

According to the first source, continued public criticism has been the hardest pill for the couple to swallow. They were accused of exaggerating their May car chase, and when the Spotify announcement was made in June, Bill Simmons, the company’s head of podcast innovation and monetization, called the couple “grifters.” Soon after, United Talent Agency CEO Jeremy Zimmer said in an interview that Meghan “was not a great audio talent, or necessarily any kind of talent.” Notes the first source: “Harry and Meghan can’t keep track of the negative things people say about them. It’s relentless. They do their best to rise above it, but of course it gets to them — how could it not?”

Amid the withering scrutiny, they’ve managed not to turn on each other. “So much of Harry and Meghan’s time together has felt like overcoming strife from all sides,” says the second source. “They just do it together. They rely on each other for strength and always have.”

A judge recently dismissed Harry’s claims that a British newspaper hacked his phone to retrieve personal information. Hugo Philpott/UPI/Shutterstock

When there’s tension at home, it’s over little things. “There’s not too much work right now for either of them, so that does cause some issues of feeling isolated,” shares the source, adding that Harry misses his friends in the U.K. “Back home, his summers were full of travel and weddings and exploring. Harry’s made friends in California, but they’re not like his London crew.” These days, continues the source, Harry and Meghan “are together 24/7.”

While Meghan has a strong support system nearby — including her mom, Doria Ragland, and Abigail Spencer, her longtime pal and former Suits costar — Harry remains estranged from his brother, Prince William, and father, King Charles III. “They do not communicate often,” says the second source. And Harry’s current court battle — in that late-July ruling, the judge allowed Harry’s suit against News Group Newspapers for several other forms of illegal information-gathering to move forward — threatens to expose more dirty laundry from the palace. Adds the source: “William and Charles want Harry to stop unveiling family secrets.”

The couple exiting the the Ms. Foundation 2023 Women of Vision Awards in NYC in May. They were later accused of embellishing claims of a “near catastrophic car chase” following the gala. MEGA

As talk of a Harry and Meghan split gains traction online, they’ve been keeping a low profile. “They go on hikes with the dogs, work out together and [hang out] in the garden with the kids,” says the first source, adding that the couple enjoys “regular” date nights at members-only spots like San Vicente Bungalows (where they were spotted in March) and Soho House.

They’re also busy plotting their next move. “Harry and Meghan are regrouping,” says the second source. “They want to figure out how they can best expand the entertainment side of things.” Meghan is thinking about reviving her lifestyle site, The Tig, which she shut down after getting engaged to Harry, and Harry will head to Africa soon for a Netflix documentary. They’re both set to travel to Germany for Harry’s Invictus Games in September, and they’re thinking about relocating again, this time to Malibu. (“They’re looking for a house there,” says the second source.)

Meghan and Harry are “regrouping” on the professional front, a source says. INSTARimages.com

One thing they won’t be doing is addressing divorce rumors. “Harry and Meghan believe that feeding into that false narrative only gives it more attention,” says the first source. “Sure, their relationship has challenges, but they are 100 percent committed to making their marriage work.”

It’s been a rough few months for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In May, the couple were embroiled in what their spokesperson described as a “near-catastrophic” car chase with paparazzi in NYC. In June, their multimillion-dollar Spotify deal came to an abrupt end. And on July 27, Harry faced a setback in his ongoing lawsuit against

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Entertainment

DJ Shinski Brings AfriqueFest To Life

Published

1 day ago

June 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

AfriqueFest: Pan-African Musical Experience — World Cup Edition is set to take over Noto Houston on Sunday, June 28, bringing together East, South, and West African sounds in one immersive celebration of music, culture, and connection. Presented by Experience Noir and Bolanle Media, the event is designed as a cinematic night for the culture, blending global energy with Houston nightlife in a way that feels elevated, intentional, and deeply rooted in African creativity.

Spotlight on DJ Shinski

At the heart of this year’s experience is DJ Shinski. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and now based in Houston, DJ Shinski has built an international name off high-energy sets that move effortlessly across Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip‑hop, dancehall, reggae, and electronic sounds.

He has also become Africa’s most‑subscribed DJ on YouTube, crossing the 2‑million‑subscriber mark and turning his mixes into a global destination for music lovers.

DJ Shinski’s style is precise but unpredictable: one moment it’s classic Afrobeats, the next it’s East African anthems, then a run of throwback hip‑hop or R&B that still feels fresh. That ability to read a room and connect multiple worlds in a single set is exactly why AfriqueFest is building so much of the night’s energy around him.

At AfriqueFest, DJ Shinski helps drive the Safari Grooves segment, representing East and Central Africa from 4 PM to 6 PM. Expect a journey that moves from Nairobi to Dar es Salaam, Kampala, Addis, and beyond, all filtered through his signature “vibes on vibes” approach behind the decks.

DJ Tunez and the rest of the night

Supporting that energy, DJ Tunez leads the Gold Coast Beats chapter from 8 PM to 10 PM, bringing his own Nigerian‑American Afrobeats pedigree to the stage. Together with the Diamond Rhythms segment (South) and a curated roster of DJs, the night stretches across the continent in three distinct musical chapters, all connected by a single dance floor.

Hosted by @chris_gone_crazy, @kingdrewwskyy, @roselynomaka, and @samsnewleaf, AfriqueFest is positioned as more than a party—it’s a celebration of sound, style, and Pan‑African identity in Houston, with DJ Shinski anchoring the experience from the moment doors open.

Brought to you by Bolanle Media & Experience Noir

Brought to you by Bolanle Media and Experience Noir, this World Cup edition of AfriqueFest is crafted as a night where global DJs, storytellers, and music lovers collide and create a shared cultural memory. With DJ Shinski front and center—and DJ Tunez helping close the night—guests can expect a show that reflects both the future of African nightlife and the power of the diaspora to create unforgettable live moments.

If you want to experience DJ Shinski live at AfriqueFest, now is the time to lock in your spot. Purchase your tickets now at AfriqueFest.com and get ready for a night of music, movement, and culture at Noto Houston.

Entertainment

STREAMING PREMIERE · JUNE 13, 2026

Published

4 days ago

June 13, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

Laughter Meets Inspiration: Our Ladies Show Lands on The Roku Channel

A bold new sketch comedy series for women premieres June 13 across the U.S., U.K., and Canada — arriving on the back of a festival-winning run that has critics and audiences already paying attention.

It isn’t every day a brand-new comedy arrives already wearing a row of trophies. Our Ladies Show does. The seven-episode inspirational sketch comedy series — created, written by, and starring Christin Jezak — begins streaming on The Roku Channel on Friday, June 13, 2026, available free to viewers in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.

Produced in partnership with global media services leader Encompass Digital Media, the series sets out to do something rare in today’s streaming landscape: make women laugh out loud and leave them lifted. In a media moment crowded with noise and cynicism, Our Ladies Show is a deliberate counterweight — comedy with a conscience, built for women of every age and background.

A Show Built Around Real Life — and Real Laughs

Each of the seven episodes opens with a monologue from one of the cast members introducing the theme, then rolls into three or more sketches that hit the subject from every comedic angle. The series tackles the things women actually carry: holding grudges, comparison, beauty, patience, gift giving, the importance of community, and dealing with anxiety.

The comedy comes from a place of warmth rather than mockery — a “laugh at ourselves” spirit that runs through a gallery of unforgettable characters: a nosey neighbor, an overwhelmed mom, relentlessly optimistic flight attendants, beauty pageant winners past their prime, and a crew of unruly campers with a counselor who simply cannot hold it together.

Then the show does something most sketch series don’t. In the final segment of every episode, the cast gathers in a living-room setting and invites the audience in — sharing real inspiration drawn from the theme, the sketches, and their own personal stories. It’s the moment the laughter turns into something that stays with you.

The Women Behind the Show

Our Ladies Show brings together three performers with serious range:

Christin Jezak — creator, writer, and star (Miracle at Manchester, Raising Hope, Jimmy Kimmel Live!)
Hillary Hawkins — (Primal, Nick Jr.’s Play Along, Gullah Gullah Island)
Sarah Hernandez — (Nefarious, Unplanned, House of Payne)

“In a world with so much division and depression, I hope women of all ages and backgrounds will watch this show, laugh, be reminded of how beautiful, unique, and loved they are, and remember how much we need each other.”— Christin Jezak, Creator & Star

Already a Festival Favorite

The series’ recurring long-form sketch, Neighborhood Watch, didn’t arrive quietly. Originally released as a web series and revamped for Our Ladies Show with new footage, sound, and music, it has been sweeping the festival circuit:

🏆 Best Webseries — 2026 New Media Film Festival (Los Angeles)
🏆 Best Web/TV Series — Paris Film Awards
🏆 Best Web Series — Dallas Movie Awards
🏅 Additional wins at the London Movie Awards, Florence Film Awards, and Hollywood Gold Awards
🎬 Official Selection — 2026 Harvard Divinity School Film Fest
⭐ Finalist — Houston Comedy Film Festival
📣 Three nominations — 2025 Content Christian Media Conference, including Best Actress in a TV and Web Series nods for both Christin Jezak and Sarah Hernandez

Where and When to Watch

Our Ladies Show premieres Friday, June 13, 2026, streaming on The Roku Channel — the home of premium and free entertainment — in the U.S., U.K., and Canada. All seven episodes deliver the series’ signature blend of sharp sketch comedy and genuine encouragement.

Watch the trailer now on your platform of choice:

For more information, visit www.ourladiesshow.com and follow @ourladiesshow on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

About Christin Jezak

Christin Jezak has worked for over 15 years in the entertainment industry. She created and stars in Our Ladies Show and the award-winning web series Neighborhood Watch. She produced the EWTN TV program For the Sake of the Gospel and the all-women web series Ladies Keepin’ It Real, played Dr. Sam in Miracle at Manchester (starring Dean Cain, Daniel Roebuck, and Eddie McClintock), and voices Agnes in the podcast Confessions of a Catholic Single. She held a lead role in a short film for NTT Data directed by Academy Award–winning cinematographer Janusz Kamiński, has co-starred on Raising Hope, and appeared in Jimmy Kimmel sketches and a Grubhub Super Bowl commercial.

About The Roku Channel

Roku pioneered streaming on TV and is the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico by hours streamed (Hypothesis Group, Dec. 2025). The Roku Channel is the home of premium and free entertainment, alongside Roku’s Howdy and Frndly TV services. Roku is headquartered in San Jose, California.

About Encompass Digital Media

Encompass Digital Media is a global managed services company — technology-driven, software-defined, and people-powered. Trusted by world-leading broadcasters, networks, sports rights-holders, and OTT platforms, it processes over 25,000 hours of content daily, serves 850 channels to 84 countries, distributes over 243,000 live events annually, and reaches 400 million radio listeners weekly worldwide. Learn more at www.encompass.tv.

Media & Interview Requests: To interview creator Christin Jezak or the cast, contact Christin at cjezak@p2ptheatre.com.

Entertainment

What Filmmakers Should Actually Steal From Euphoria

Published

2 weeks ago

June 4, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

Most of the talk about Euphoria asks one question: was it realistic? That’s the wrong question if you make films. The better one is simpler. How did Sam Levinson get an audience to feel addiction from the inside? And what did it cost him to end the show the way he did?

Strip away the noise and Euphoria is a clinic in three choices: point of view, style, and the ending. Here’s what’s worth taking — and what isn’t.

1. Put the Camera Inside the Character

Most shows about drugs watch from across the room. Euphoria doesn’t. When Rue is high, the camera is high too. Walls breathe. Floors tilt. Time skips. You’re not watching her — you’re stuck inside her head.

That’s the lesson: point of view is a decision you make with the camera and the cut, not a mood you add later in color. Levinson builds it into the lens, the blocking, and the edit.

So before you shoot a scene through a character’s eyes, ask one thing on set: whose eyes is this lens standing in for? Then make every cut respect that.

2. Your Style Has to Mean Something

The glitter. The slow push-ins. The impossible club lighting. Euphoria‘s look got copied everywhere. That’s the trap.

The style worked because it carried weight. The beauty wasn’t decoration — it was the lie addiction tells you, the reason the next high looks worth it. The camera made self-destruction gorgeous on purpose.

The copies missed that. A thousand music videos took the look and left the meaning behind, and you can feel how hollow they are. So here’s the test: if your signature style could be swapped onto any other project and still “work,” it’s not a style. It’s a filter. Every choice should have a reason behind it.

3. The Ending Tells the Audience What It All Meant

When Euphoria ended for good in Season 3, Levinson killed Rue — an accidental, fentanyl-laced overdose. He called it “the honest ending,” saying he wanted to tell a true story about addiction and grief in a time when one mistake can be the last one. Reportedly, that wasn’t the original plan; the death of Angus Cloud, who played Fezco, changed the script.

Forget whether you agree with the choice. Study how it works. An ending is the last instruction you give your audience about how to read everything before it.

By ending on consequence instead of recovery, Levinson reframed seven years of beautiful chaos as a story about cost — not a celebration of it.

It’s also the show’s most debatable move, and that’s worth noticing too. A show that spent years making pain look beautiful had to fight to make that pain land as loss. Did it earn the ending, or enjoy the wreckage too long to stick it? Smart filmmakers will disagree — and that argument is exactly what a good ending is supposed to start.

What Not to Take

The neon grief is the most copied part. It’s also the least useful. Take the surface — the colors, the slow-mo, the trauma-as-texture — and you get the costume without the body.

The real craft is underneath. Commit your camera to a real point of view. Make every stylistic choice earn its place. Treat your ending as the point of the whole thing. Do that, and your work won’t look like Euphoria. It’ll do what Euphoria did.

This piece touches on addiction and substance use. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available through the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.