Singer-songwriter and radio host Estelle may have been born in the UK, but she has a special affinity for one distinctly American holiday: Juneteenth. “I just think it’s a beautiful celebration of Blackness, and it’s in the middle of Black Music Month, too,” she told POPSUGAR. That’s why she’s marking the occasion with Estelle’s Juneteenth Special at 1 p.m. on Apple Music Hits on June 19. And the day before, she’ll be joined by DJ Mannie Fresh for a special Black Music Month mix on The Estelle Show. “I think of Stevie Wonder, I think of Lauryn Hill, I think of JAY-Z, I think of Nina Simone. These artists, through the ages, have spoken about freedom in all its facets,” Estelle said. “And I’m looking forward to our show with one of the most prolific producers and DJs, Mannie Fresh, giving us all we need to get into the vibes.”
Estelle will not only be playing music inspired by Juneteenth on Saturday’s special — think Dead Prez, Jill Scott, and Donny Hathaway, to name a few — but she’ll also turn the spotlight on community leaders and business owners in the Black community in South LA’s Leimert Park. Some of those entrepreneurs will include Genelle and Julian Petty. The couple worked in the music industry for decades before shifting gears and opening All Chill, their hip-hop-influenced ice cream parlor, which has become a hub and gathering place in the neighborhood. Estelle’s episode will be part of a day-long Juneteenth celebration on Apple Music Hits, with programming from artists including Ciara, Dam-Funk, Stretch & Bobbito, DJ Clark Kent, and many more.
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