AspireTV is pulling out all the stops, from hip-hop superstars to young songwriters, to honor June's Black Music Month. The network's original programming lineup includes a cooking show featuring the Grammy-nominated rapper Yo-Yo (Yolanda Whitaker), performances by indie artists, and a special episode spotlighting marching bands from Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Music is central to Black culture and community. AspireTV, which delivers uplifting content about Black culture and lifestyle, is always looking to feature artists and music in unexpected ways, noted aspireTV's Senior Director of Content Strategy and Acquisition Tina Rodriguez.
"Our focus is on Black lifestyle, and we look for that connection and community within our programming always, but particularly during Black Music Month. That is the core of our brand," she said. Black Music Month is a successful tentpole with advertisers in auto, insurance and retail categories.
On June 11, aspireTV starts the party with a marathon of its hit original docuseries 6 Minutes to Glory: The HBCU Band Experience which celebrates the culture and traditions of bands from six storied schools. After that tune-up, aspireTV will debut a new special that features the bands competing at Atlanta's famed Mercedes Benz Stadium in HBCU All-Star Battle of the Bands.
"It's something very different than what you see anywhere else in relation to Black music," Rodriguez explained. "Highlighting HBCU’s and having the ability to experience each band’s history and legacy, make for must-see TV. Then we are debuting the final episode which is the all-star battle of the bands."
The network is also premiering new episodes of its performance series Jam Session to shine a light on emerging artists. The acoustic shows give emerging musicians exposure and showcase the diversity within Black music. The upcoming season will feature Syleena Johnson, Kyante' ,Tarrey Torae and J. Holiday with Milk + Sizz and Elvin Ross making special appearances. In between performing, the artists offer insights into their inspirations and influences.
"These are independent artists who have everything it takes to be on the top of the Billboard charts and the radio, and aspireTV is excited to bring them to the forefront during this all important groundbreaking month," Rodriguez said.
In another genre twist, aspireTV is launching a new cooking show with rapper Yo-Yo. On Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo,the Grammy-nominated hip-hop entertainer and actress will whip up her favorite dishes with friends and family, including Brioche Lobster Rolls, Salmon and Broccolini Lobster Pasta, and Coconut Braised Oxtails with Red Beans and Rice. AspireTV plans to premiere eight episodes that will begin during Black Music Month.
Rodriguez said it is one of the network's most anticipated series. "She's making her favorite dishes, has her girlfriends with her cocktails, and she's quintessentially Yo-Yo. Seeing her in this different light is so much fun and is exciting."
During Black Music Month, related content will also be available on aspireTV Life, the network's free ad-supported streaming (FAST) channel. Additionally, aspireTV is relaunching its website and developing its own app. The network also recently announced a new subscription streaming service aspireTV+ that will launch later this year.
"We've created a universe for our audiences to reach and watch us when and where they want to. The viewing landscape has shifted and aspireTV is leading the way, allowing our audiences to consume unique content across our varied platforms," Rodriguez noted.
From Battle of the Bandsto Downright Delicious, Rodriguez said the common thread is relatable, entertaining programming.
"Our mantra at aspireTV is 'See yourself here.' In everything that we do, our goal and purpose is for our audiences to see themselves reflected in the stories, the music, the history and the joy that represents the nuances of Black life and culture," she explained. "And through our programming across our platforms, we look for every opportunity to let our viewers know that we at aspireTV see them, too."
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