5 Reasons 'Coming 2 America' Is A Lit Experience For The Culture
This article is in partnership with Amazon Prime.
Eddie Murphy's sequel to his 1988 hit Coming to America, had anticipation and nostalgia on its side, drawing old fans along with a new generation of their children and grandchildren who were just conceived or babies when the original hit big screens. From grandmas to Generation Z, we all tuned in, landing the film a top spot in Amazon streaming during its opening weekend.
It's no surprise that with the Wakanda craze, the beautiful depictions of Black Hollywood magic, and the resurgence of the unforgettable comic bits that had many of us cracking up back in the day, we'd all be excited to see an updated version of what happened in the kingdom of Zamunda. We also watched to see how the star-studded cast--which included both veterans and newbies—would fit into it all.
Image via Giphy
The thing about sequels is, you either love them or hate them, and many of us seek the same euphoria, if not a boost in it, when we watch a continuation of a cult classic. Coming 2 America gave us the same laughs and more, with the bonus of infusing today's social issues that affect us all, adding actors from the African continent, and catering to today's youth in both attire and soundtrack. It provided a much-needed escape into dad-jokes, cultural satire, wacky cameos, and Black pride that we all need right now.
Still not a believer? Here are 5 good reasons the film is a lit, must-see experience for the culture:
Image courtesy of Amazon Studios
1. A good number of Black Hollywood legends with young power players—in one film? Count me in.
Just the inclusion of actors like Morgan Freeman, Arsenio Hall, Wesley Snipes, James Earl Jones, John Amos, Tracy Morgan, Gladys Knight, and Vanessa Bell Calloway is enough to pay homage to the fact that we need to not only give our cinematic kings and queens their flowers while alive, but we should salute the fact that they're still honoring us with their talents. These actors have not only paved the way for actors of color in Hollywood to continue working and getting that coin, but many have been riders for opening opportunities for the new generation of entertainers behind the scenes.
Image Courtesy of Amazon Studios
2. Black women dominate and female empowerment is more than present.
Not only did the film include a push for female equality, but the women on the cast and behind the scenes slayed their roles, both in beauty and in alluring range of character. The original Princess of Zamunda, Lisa McDowell (played by Shari Headley) was just as graceful and Black-don't-crack beautiful—with the Queens-bred edge—as she was more than 30 years ago. Leslie Jones brought humor and authenticity to her role as Mary Junsen and was a breakout star who helped carry many of the scenes in which she was featured.
Teyana Taylor brought her usual bold sexiness and a swag-savvy remix to Vanessa Bell Calloway's 1988 jilted-bride role. Nomzamo Mbatha, an award-winning South African actress, gave her all in a renewed love story with the new prince, LaVelle Junsen (played by Jermaine Fowler), and represented for Black womenpreneurs. And last but not least, the three young actresses who played the new princesses of Zumanda—KiKi Layne, Bella Murphy, and Akileh Love—portrayed agile, smart, and compassionate young women who will have you lovingly reminiscing about the power-packed fem sensations in Black Panther. Also, the whole fashion aesthetic of the film was led by Oscar-winning costumer Ruth E. Carter, the first black person to get the honor in the "Best Costume Design" category.
Image courtesy of Amazon Studios
3. African excellence from the continent was actually easy to spot this go 'round.
From superstar Nigerian entertainer Davido, to cameos from Nigerian-American actor Rotimi and late-night host and South African comedian Trevor Noah, this sequel gives us Afrobeat, glamorous geles, and fashion designs that add at least a touch more authenticity. South African designer Laduma Ngxokolo's knitwear label, Maxhosa, was featured prominently as part of the characters' wardrobes, as well as jerseys by Ghanian-American designer Paakow Essandoh.
Image courtesy of Amazon Studios
4. The OG favorite characters from the original don't disappoint.
Almost all of our favorite original characters, played by Murphy and Hall in disguise, are back, older, and a tad funnier because of that. The barber elders are relatable whether you grew up in the '80s or not, and everybody knows that OG uncle who offers unsolicited, sometimes inappropriate but oftentimes funny, real-talk quips. We all also know the old-school pastor who might have some semi-shady but hilarious approaches to preaching, or the non-singing crooner who always wants to take over the mic at a wedding, karaoke session, concert or other family event. There's even a new character whose grotesque demeanor and look actually gives Arsenio Hall a run for his money in his primary role as Semmi.
Image courtesy of Amazon Studios
5. It's a much-needed escape from the current state of the world.
The flashbacks will have you reminiscing—or at least yearning—for a time when quarter-waters were actually 25 cents, the Internet and cell phones didn't dominate much of our lives, cities had a lot more grit and soul, and oh, there was no Coronavirus pandemic. True, there were major world issues in the '80s, but some aspects of life were a lot less scary and isolating. Every inclusion or reference to Jheri curls, rattails, stonewash jeans, flat-tops, stacked cuts, and high-cut bikinis, and that old-school love-at-first-sight plot is much appreciated at a time when masks, Hazmat suits, vaccinations, and social distancing have dominated our everyday lives.
Coming 2 America is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Featured image courtesy of Amazon Studios
Skylar Marshai Talks Hair Reset With SheaMoisture Bond Repair 'Revive & Thrive' Campaign
This article is in partnership with SheaMoisture
Skylar Marshai is known for her extravagant style, and her hair is no exception. But now, she’s giving her hair a break and focusing on hair care with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Collection. “I feel like my hair has always been an extension of my storytelling because I know it's so innately linked to my self-expression that I've been thinking a lot about how my love for crafting my hair into these different forms and shapes has honestly never given it a chance to just be,” Skylar explains.
“So for the next few weeks, I will be wearing my natural hair out.” The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection is infused with AminoBlend and HydroPlex technology, scientifically proven to make hair 6x stronger with 84% less breakage by repairing and rebuilding broken hair bonds (vs. non-conditioning shampoo). That’s why it's the perfect hair reset for Skylar.
“It's been a long, long time since I've worn my natural curls. I haven’t nurtured it in its natural form so I’m scared of breakage, of it being dry, of it being damaged,” she admits. “I do feel like my hair is in good hands because I will be using the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection and it’s known for repairing damaged hair making it smoother, making it stronger like all of these very real concerns I have.”
Thanks to the unique blend of Amino Blend Complex (fortifying amino acids), Amla oil, and fair-trade shea butter used in each product, the hair will become visibly healthier after just one use. That’s because the collection focuses on repairing and reviving dry, damaged hair due to color, protective styles, heat, and more. This 4-step system, which includes Bond Repair Shampoo, Bond Repair Conditioner, Bond Repair Masque, and Bond Repair Leave-in, also enhances weakened hair bonds to reduce future breakage.
Skylar shows us how she uses the collection and it’s giving big, beautiful, healthy hair. “So I think it's gonna be some beauty to allowing my hair to rest,” she says. When it comes to styling, the influencer is “just gonna let Mother Nature do her thing.” Learn more about the SheaMoisture Bond Repair Collection below.
Step One: Bond Repair Shampoo
Rejuvenate your hair with SheaMoisture Bond Repair Shampoo, your go-to solution for luscious locks. Packed with hella hydration power, this shampoo adds moisture by 60% while removing buildup without stripping your strands. This shampoo gently cleanses impurities while significantly enhancing shine, smoothness, and softness.
The Bond Repair Shampoo is the first step in the 4-step Bond Repair system, all of which are infused with the uniquely formulated AminoBlend, and HydroPlex, Shea Moisture’s technology that rebuilds hair strength at its core.
Step Two: Bond Repair Conditioner
Tailored to repair styling damage, this creamy conditioner locks in 12x more moisture than standard non-conditioning shampoos, boosting damaged hair strength by 1.5x with significantly less breakage. The creamy SheaMoisture Bond Repair Conditioner deeply hydrates, enhances manageability, and leaves your hair looking healthier and shinier.
Step Three: Bond Repair Masque
This Ultra Moisturizing reparative masque is a moisture-rich game-changer for those dealing with the aftermath of hair damage caused by styling. The SheaMoisture Bond Repair Masque delivers 13 times more moisture compared to non-conditioning shampoos, ensuring your hair feels nourished and soft. Designed to repair and rejuvenate, this masque significantly strengthens damaged hair — making it twice as strong while reducing breakage.
Step Four: Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner
Elevate your curl game with SheaMoisture’s Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner. Lightweight and hydrating, the Bond Repair Leave-In Conditioner provides 12x more moisture than non-conditioning shampoos and tames frizz with 24-hour humidity control. Designed to define curls and coils, the leave-in conditioner enhances softness and shine allowing you to detangle effortlessly.
Bonding Oil
The SheaMoisture Bonding Oil is a multitasking all-in-one formula that acts as a heat protectant and provides the hair with moisture, strength, shine, damage protection, and intense nourishment. This lightweight oil not only offers 24-hour frizz and humidity control but also fortifies your tresses, making them up to 5 times stronger with significantly less breakage.
Feature image by @skylarmarshai/ Instagram
Everything You Need To Know About Having A Doula, According To An Expert
Bringing a new life into the world is one of the most profound experiences a parent-to-be can have. Amid the excitement, anticipation, and anxiety, having the right support can make all the difference. Outside of your partner, parents, and friends, you might be curious about what a reliable, unbiased source of care could look like for your birthing process, and that’s where a doula comes in.
What Is A Doula?
While thoughts of an ethereal, peace-baring godmother may come to mind when imagining a doula, these trained professionals provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and after childbirth.
“We tend to fill in that spaces that the [medical] system don’t support,” Sabia Wade, a Full Spectrum Doula, Author, and CEO of Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings & For The Village Inc. tells xoNecole.
“A doula says, ‘Let's sit down and talk about your ideal birth plan, what to do if things go in a different direction like needing to have a C-section or other medical interventions, and how to advocate for yourself and the medical terms you’re going to hear throughout the process,” she explains
Sabia Wade, a Full Spectrum DoulaCourtesy of Sabia Wade
New parents often experience a mix of excitement and worry, particularly concerning generational trauma, and parenting approaches, or feel grief over lifestyle changes. Doulas are there to support expecting mothers by offering guidance and being a reliable, knowledgeable presence. “At the end of the day, I need to know how you're doing,” she says. “We want the parents to have their own voice, so we stand in the space of being the translator.”
The Birthing Experience With Doulas
Doulas often meet clients at home between the 30-37-week mark and assess how the client is feeling, whether they need rest, movement, or emotional support at that time.
“We're doing a lot of education before so that when we get into the birth space, you come in with a base knowledge that helps you be a little bit more grounded,” Wade says. “We work on normalizing the birth experience because most people don't see birth until it’s time to give birth.”
From setting the atmosphere with the right music, from jazz, ambient sounds, and even Trap, to lighting incense, palo santo, or lavender, this time is all about setting the right mood to ensure the mother’s comfort.
“Every doula has their own flair, but I come into the space and check on my client to see how they’re doing, what they’re feeling, and getting oriented to the space,” she explains. “Then I start making the room the way my client wants it to be.”
Doula and Medical Professionals
With the mortality rate for Black women being significantly higher than rates for White and Hispanic women, doulas coach mothers to navigate conversations with doctors and nurses to ensure they understand all options, make informed decisions, and advocate for themselves effectively.
“It's important for a doula not to talk directly to a doctor since we’re not the ones that are receiving care,” Wade says. “Instead, I’ll coach the mother or their partner and say, ‘Let's figure out if this C-section or vaginal exam is urgent or not,’ — let me tell you what they said and you tell what you heard. Then let me help you ask the questions to make sure that we're navigating this in a good way.”
Benefits of Having a Doula
Studies show that doula-assisted mothers were “two times less likely to experience a birth complication involving themselves or their baby, and significantly more likely to initiate breastfeeding.”
From fewer C-sections, shorter time in labor, fewer negative childbirth experiences, a decrease in postpartum mood disorders, and improved communication between pregnant people and their healthcare providers, the continuous care of doulas is proven to produce better birth and postpartum outcomes.
Finding The Right Doula For You
When determining how to obtain doula services, it's essential to first clarify your financial situation. Explore community resources or organizations that offer free doula care, and check your health insurance coverage, as some plans may include doula services, particularly through Medicaid in certain states.
From prenatal care to postpartum support, the relationship with a doula can span one to two years, underscoring the importance of feeling safe and comfortable with them. When finding the right fit in your doula, one might take into consideration the shared background, age, communication styles, educational approach, gender and sexuality competence, and overall care and demeanor.
Ultimately, trusting your intuition and honoring your journey into motherhood, without feeling the need to justify or rationalize your feelings or concerns, is key. “You were this person before becoming a mother, so we’re going to hold that person and then hold your motherhood too,” Wade says.
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Featured image courtesy of Sabia Wade