We McDonald’s star-making turn on her show-stopping blind audition on the hit NBC TV show The Voice drew national attention in 2016. It was the kind of momentous debut she had been preparing for her entire life. Singing since the age of 12, We attended the Harlem School for the Arts after school and on weekends, where she studied theater, piano and further cultivated her unique and righteously robust voice. We McDonald is a singer, and songwriter and that has been touring internationally and sharing her sultry vocal gift with the world. In 2017, We had the opportunity of appearing on the Emmy Award winning PBS Gershwin Awards honoring Legend Tony Bennett. And, in 2018 she belted the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium. Available now is her latest single “If I Didn’t Love You”, released early 2019. Late 2019 her self-titled EP is scheduled to be released featuring a diverse slate of songs written by We that showcase her soaring vocal presence. A newly published children’s and young adult book author, We released: Make It Happen! We McDonald: Singer, part of the Make It Happen! series of books that help middle school students build skills to reach their own goals; and a picture book, The Little Girl with The Big Voice, written by We for younger children. We’s captivating story as a singer, songwriter and as a teenager courageously embracing her uniqueness resonates with kids as well as adults looking to expand their own understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Jaro Podcast

Episode 20: We McDonald - The Message In My Music, Part 2

We McDonald’s star-making turn on her show-stopping blind audition on the hit NBC TV show, The Voice, drew national attention in 2016. It was the kind of momentous debut she had been preparing for her entire life. Singing since the age of 12, We attended the Harlem School for the Arts after school and on weekends, where she studied theater, piano and further cultivated her unique and righteously robust voice. We McDonald is a singer, and songwriter and that has been touring internationally and sharing her sultry vocal gift with the world. In 2017, We had the opportunity of appearing on the Emmy Award winning PBS Gershwin Awards honoring Legend Tony Bennett. And, in 2018 she belted the National Anthem at Yankee Stadium. Available now is her latest single “If I Didn’t Love You”, released early 2019. Late 2019 her self-titled EP is scheduled to be released featuring a diverse slate of songs written by We that showcase her soaring vocal presence. A newly published children’s and young adult book author, We released: Make It Happen! We McDonald: Singer, part of the Make It Happen! series of books that help middle school students build skills to reach their own goals; and a picture book, The Little Girl with The Big Voice, written by We for younger children. We’s captivating story as a singer, songwriter and as a teenager courageously embracing her uniqueness resonates with kids as well as adults looking to expand their own understanding of themselves and the world around them.

Episode 19 - We McDonald: The Message In My Music, Part 1

Tomeka M. Winborne had the honor of speaking with the acclaimed actor Clifton Powell for JARO’s latest podcast episode. In it, he expresses his thoughts about the Hollywood industry, the fulfilling experience of starring in Black Lightning, and offers knowledgeable advice for young actors. Actor Clifton Powell has appeared in more than one hundred films, beginning in the 1980's. His credits include Menace II Society (1993), Dead Presidents (1995), Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998), Rush Hour (1998), Next Friday (2000), and its 2002 sequel, Friday After Next, Woman Thou Art Loosed (2004), and Ray (2004). He played Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1999 television film Selma, Lord, Selma. Powell also has had many supporting roles in smaller direct-to-video films in 2000's and 2010's. On television, Powell had the recurring roles on Roc, South Central, and Army Wives, and well as guest-starred on In the Heat of the Night, Murder, She Wrote, NYPD Blue, and CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. In 2016, Powell was cast as main antagonist in the Bounce TV first prime time soap opera, Saints & Sinners opposite Vanessa Bell Calloway and Gloria Reuben. Powell is also known for his voice acting role as the antagonist Big Smoke from the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. In 2017, he appeared in the second season of My Step Kidz.

Episode 18 - Clifton Powell: Behind the Lens

Host Tomeka M. Winborne interviews Alicia D. Williams, the author of Genesis Begins Again, a deeply sensitive and powerful novel that tells the story of a thirteen-year-old who must overcome internalized racism and a verbally abusive family to finally learn how to love herself. There are ninety-six things Genesis hates about herself. She knows the exact number because she keeps a list.

Episode 17 - Genesis Begins Again

Tomeka Winborne and guest host, Len Gibson, interview James Acheson, Markuann Smith, and the cast members to learn about their experiences in the making of the EPIX's new series, Godfather of Harlem, and its reflection on the life, times and legacy of Bumpy Johnson. 

Episode 16 - Harlem is Mine: GODFATHER OF HARLEM

Tomeka Winborne talks with Ronnie and Shamari DeVoe to learn about the joy of being new parents to twin boys; how they became marriage ambassadors; and upcoming music from the power couple

Episode 15 – Ronnie and Shamari Devoe: MUSIC POWER COUPLE

Zeus Campbell is an actor and director, known for Hump Day Romance (2015), Great Moments in Black History (2019) and Hump Day Romance (2012).  Most recently Zeus was a cast member in the 2019 Academy Award Winning Live Action Short-Film, Skin.

Episode 14 – Zeus Campbell: On Telling the Truth

The art of Marie-Denise Douyon reflects a cross-cultural identity informed by the confluence of three societies: her native Haiti, her childhood land, Morocco, and her adopted home, Quebec. Douyon transports us to mythical and sacred places interwoven with warriors, lovers and deities. With the invisible and the visible, she tells a story inspired by the Africa of her childhood, suffused with tenderness, depth, poetry and fantasy. 

EPISODE 13 - Marie Douyon: Creating Art for Self Re-Creation

In this episode of JARO Podcast, Tomeka Winborne speaks with Indianapolis-based filmmaker Kimberly Stephens about her journey in the film industry, the obstacles that she has faced along the way, and the stories that she’s excited to bring to life. Visit watchjaro.com

EPISODE 12 - Kimberly Stephens: A Filmmaker's Journey

Carolyn Evans, a professional storyteller and actress, is bridging the gap between generations by continuing the tradition of storytelling. Evans discovered her love for storytelling as a young girl, when she would entertain her family with songs, stories, and dancing. As she grew older, she was given opportunities to reenact historical black women, beginning with Sojourner Truth’s legendary “Ain’t I A Woman” speech. Today, Evans has performed at historical museums across the country, and even the renowned Apollo Theater. Black history icons live on through Evans’ passionate performances.  Tomeka Winborne spoke with Carolyn Evans about how she became a professional storyteller and the significance of keeping the tradition of storytelling alive within our society. Later, Evans provides listeners with moving performances as Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman in this exclusive Black History Month episode. Visit watchjaro.com

EPISODE 11 – Carolyn Evans: The Premiere Black History Storyteller

In this episode of JARO Podcast, internationally known artist Gilbert Young and his wife, L. Winfrey Young, talk about the advancement of African American culture through artistic creativity, artworks distribution and art preservation.  

EPISODE 10 – Gilbert Young: HE AIN’T HEAVY

Kamichi Jackson is the author of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award semi-finalist YA book, K My Name Is Kendra, and the upcoming sequel Starring Me As Myself. She has made numerous appearances in support of her work—among them the Baltimore Book Festival—and is represented by Cherrie Woods of Eclectic PR.  In this episode of JARO Podcast, Kamichi shares her personal experiences and the inspiration for writing the novel, “K My Name is Kendra”.

EPISODE 9 – Kamichi Jackson: Author of "K MY NAME IS KENDRA"

Jean-Patrick Guichard was born in Brooklyn, New York but raised in Guinea, West Africa. His love of art has been cultivated by his many travels   within sub-Sahara Africa including Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and Congo-Brazzaville and Kinshasa. Using exhibits, business skills workshops and related exchanges under its “Education through Human Development in the Arts” program, he has helped young African artists to better market their works in their home environments and abroad. Since his settling in Atlanta, he has hosted monthly dinners at his house themed “Art and the Senses”. This dinner series brings a full sensory experience with the sights, sounds and taste of Africa and its impact on contemporary culture through art, food, discussion and commerce. For more, visit watchjaro.com  

EPISODE 8 – Jean-Patrick Guichard: “Art and the Senses”

Five-time Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, Antony “Tony” Williams has become one of the most heard voices in today’s musical landscape.  He has written, sung and performed with JAY-Z, Nas, The Game, Rick Ross, and most notably, his first cousin, Kanye West. He’s been by West’s side at the recording console from inception to end for every one of his solo albums as a vocalist, writer and / or arranger.  Williams has toured internationally with West on every major tour and has been a part of G.O.O.D Music since 2004. He shares his personal journey across the music genres of R&B, Rap and Hip Hop with JARO. Visit watchjaro.com  

EPISODE 7 – The World Famous Tony Williams: R&B, Rap and Hip-Hop

Jamil Jude, Artistic Director of the Kenny Leon's True Colors Theatre, is a highly accomplished director, producer, playwright and dramaturg focusing on bringing socially relevant art to the community. Jamil is the Co-Founder of The New Griots Festival, which is dedicated to celebrating, advocating, and advancing the careers of emerging Black artists in the greater Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area in Minnesota.  In this episode of JARO Podcast, Jamil Jude shares his gift of theater and story-telling to tell Black stories from a diverse set of cultures.

EPISODE 6 - Jamil Jude: The Gift of Black Theatre and Storytelling

Welcome to JARO Podcast hosted by filmmaker, writer, director and producer, Tomeka M. Winborne. JARO Podcast presents culturally relevant topics featuring actors, musicians, artists, writers and media industry trend setters in the world of arts and entertainment from across the African Diaspora.

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