Aman Magazine June/July 2023 Ft Dani Guevarez

June/ July 2023

Skye Says:

Girl Code

FROM BEHIND THE SCENES TO THE BIG SCREEN: Dani Guevarez talks about her new show “First Wives Club” and her upcoming workshop for aspiring actors.

DaVinci releases new single “Young Bands”

Y o ur B e a u t y , Y o ur R u l e s .

PossibleCosmetics

Possible Cosmetics

Editor-In-Chief: Amani Sams

Graphics Department: Holden Sutton Molly Desmond

Writers: Skye Miller

Photographer: Shaunelle Murphy

Contents Letter from the Editor ......3

Entertainment News ......7

Skye Says... ......9

From Behind the Scenes to the Big Screen: Dani Guevarez ......13

DaVinci Releases New Single “Young Bands” ......17

Letter from the Editor Aman Magazine is all about highlighting women paving a way for others in their careers! For this issue, I had the pleasure to interview actress Dani Guevarez as she made her BET+ debut on “First Wives Club”. That’s right the 90s classic is back with several unique twists and new characters including Dani! If you liked the articles be sure to message us on social media to tell us which article was your favorite.

XOXO, Amani Sams

@Amani_Sams @Aman_Mag

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@Amani_Sams

Entertainment News The King’s Coronation! What is everyone talking about?

On the 6th May, after months of anticipation and excitement, King Charles III had his Coronation and people far and wide tuned in to watch.

The official ceremony took place at Westminster Abbey, where King Charles III and Queen Camilla were officially crowned.

As well as the global audience who tuned in to watch, there were also around 2000 invited guests who watched in awe of the celebrations and crowning of the new King and Queen.

But what else happened throughout that glorious day?

Queen Camilla’s Dress featuring her Russel Terriors (PA Media)

Camilla’s Dress King Charles gives ‘heartfelt’ thanks as Coronation Celebrations End (Reuters/Matthew Childs) King Charles in Ceremonial Robes (PA Media)

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If you are a dog lover or have a keen eye for detail you may have noticed Queen Camilla’s royal gown, with her 2 Jack Russel Terriers on it, named Beth and Bluebell.

Star Studded Guests If you looked close enough you may have seen the likes of TV royalty (a duo, a twosome), Ant and Dec. With Ant looking like he was practicing his smile. You may have also noticed stars Lionel Richie and Katy Perry too! Who were also part of the Coronation Concert the following evening.

Dec and Ant (Jonathan Buckmaster)

Katy Perry relocating her seat (Getty)

Prince Harry exiting the Coronation (Getty)

Katy Perry

Prince Harry

Talking of Katy Perry, didn’t anyone else notice how she couldn’t find her seat? You will be glad to know she found it in the end.

We also saw an appearance by Prince Harry, although he was not in the same Royal gowns as his fellow brother, he still looked rather dapper and seemed like he was happy to be there. Although, there was footage of him exiting swiftly in to a taxi as soon as the ceremony ended…

Prince Louis yawning at the Coronation (Reuters/Dylan Martinez)

Prince Louis Aside of from the actual star of the show, King Charles III, there was another star amongst us.

Prince Louis! Known for his facial expressions and occasional dance moves, all eyes were on him again though as he kept the (global) audience entertained.

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Skye Says…

Issue 7: Girl Code ‘’ Recently I have felt more and more attracted to one of my best friends boyfriends but they seem really happy. Sometimes I feel like he may feel the same way despite this. Should I say something, or do you think it will pass?

– Jamie

Skye says…

Unless you are 100% sure that it is reciprocated (and wouldn’t hurt your friend in the process), I wouldn’t suggest saying anything…to EITHER of them. If you tell your friend, if she really is happy with her partner, I think it would upset her and potentially ruin your friendship and her trusting you to be around him most likely. With regards to telling him…I would recommend that even less.

If he doesn’t feel the way what is to stop him from telling your friend(his GIRLFRIEND), and you looking sly in the process.

Chances are, this ‘attraction’ will pass, and you will find someone who is meant for you…who hasn’t got a girlfriend. ‘’I went out with some friends the other day, and one of my friends who was with her partner, kept making jokes directed at me. I felt like she was low key putting me down. Do you think I should approach her?’’

– Carrie

Skye says…

I think that how people intend things aren’t always the way they come across so maybe she meant no harm and it feels like she was showing off or trying to make you feel a certain type of way when that

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may not have been her intention. That being said, you feel how you feel and no one can tell you any different.

My advice would be to see how she is next time you see her [without her partner], and then when she is with her partner and the same pattern continues, address it. You can address it in a jokey way but with the same energy she gives you and see if she nips it in the bud or carries on.

Ultimately, learn to have the courage to defend yourself; not every discussion has to be an argument, and if she cares about you enough she will listen and respect what you have to say. ‘’I’ve recently woken up with ultimate beer fear!!! I left the club for my ex who doesn’t care about me, leaving my friend alone. Am I a bad friend?’’

– Joanne

Skye says…

Look, I would not be much of an advice giver if I hadn’t been through some of these experiences myself. I’ve been on both sides of this story believe me! In short, no you are probably not a bad friend all of the time, but in that moment? Yes, it’s not great. Was there drink involved? Because that never helps!

Looking in a bit deeper, if your ex doesn’t care then please just delete and block! Then he can’t contact you, and you cannot run into the night after him. If it becomes a regular occurrence, not only are you hurting yourself by pouring energy into someone who gives nothing back, but you’re hurting your friend and eventually she will stop going out with you, and then maybe stop giving you HER time.

Try and make it up to her by spending some quality time together. Remind her how much you love and appreciate her!!! Sometimes we forget that friendships are the most important relationship we can have. (much better than anything

Skye Says…

Issue 8: Girl Code 2.0 ‘’I am in a friendship group of 3, and one of my friends is constantly moaning to me about our other friend. I don’t want to lose either of their friendships but feel bad that I am not sticking up for friend no.2. What should I do?’’

- Terri

Skye says…

They do say threes a crowd! In all seriousness I think next time your friend says something about your other friend I would suggest to her that she should speak to her if she has a problem. You could also say to her ‘I don’t want to talk about our friend whilst she isn’t here to defend herself ’ and see how that works out.

If the result of those conversations do not change, honestly, I recommend spending less time around that energy as ultimately do you really want to be around someone like that? I always say to people ‘’if someone

is talking about someone like that to YOU, what are they saying behind your back?’’ ‘’When something good is happening to me or I’m hitting a milestone in my life, I always feel scared to tell my best friend as she always seems to be jealous or goes quiet with me. I’d hate for her to feel upset about things but at the same time I feel like she should be happy for me like I would be for her.’’

- Caz

Skye says…

If you are scared to tell your friend some good news because of how they may react, my initial thought is maybe they aren’t as good a friend as you think they are. ‘’Some people want to see you do well, but not as well as them’’ is a phrase that comes to mind.

Sometimes there can be a deeper meaning though, are they going through something and maybe they low key feel in a competition or like they are comparing where they are to you.

Ask them what has been going on their life, have they been up too much etc. It may be what they are looking for to open up to you, they could be happy for you but they are battling with themselves at the same time.

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FROM BEHIND THE SCENES TO THE BIG SCREEN: DANI GUEVAREZ Interviewed by: Amani Sams

You may have seen Dani on BET+ original series “First Wives Club” as the ex-wife to Tyrell, played by comedian/actor

Tell us the backstory on your First Wives Club audition.

Affion Crockett. Some of her earlier credits include, “Inevitable” , “At Mamu’s Feet” , and “Inner Demons the Thrillogy”. Dani has also found success as an author, writer, director, and owner + sole acting coach of Acting for Beginners; the latter is where she spends most of her time outside of performing. I had the pleasure of sitting down with her to discuss her experience on the set of First Wives Club as well as the tips she gives to young actors in the city.

Tell us about your transition from being behind the camera to in front of the camera.

I have always been in front of the camera first and then I stepped into being behind the camera just by networking and by people having me come out. So I was behind the camera for “At Mamu’s Feet” as an assistant director. They also put me in there as [a part ] of the cast. But as far as transitioning from that to acting I never left acting. Editing and assistant directing helped me with being in front of the camera.

I was a fan of the show. I watched the show for the 1st 2 seasons. I finally got an audition. I auditioned three times for three different roles. They were all self taped and I booked the third audition which was [for the role of ] Nina. I had no call back. I didn’t have to go in to see anyone. It was all from self tape. That was a blessing. I kind of feel like those other two auditions were like my call backs to see how I would do for Nina. And that was it. It was like an introduction because the episodes before they were mentioning my name and then episode 10 they finally got a chance to see who I was.

How do you think First Wives Club differs from the 90s original movie and its significance in modern television?

Well for one it is an all black cast. That’s the huge difference and then it is a tv series. So the story continues with new characters and then they are bringing the music aspect [ to the series]. Whereas in the movie, she was an actress. In this one Jill Scott has a recording studio and she owns a record label. I love that aspect of it. The addition of the music.

Guevarez pictured with director Daniella Eisman.

What advice would you give for people aspiring to be an actor or actress in Atlanta?

I would say try it all. Try editing, try directing, even try lighting. Then when you are in front of a camera you know what the editors and directors are looking for. It makes you more professional. It helps in your acting to know the things that are behind the scenes. Master the acting if that’s what you want to do but know about the other stuff.

Guevarez with fellow Actors Michelle Mitchenor and Bill Barrett on the set of First Wives Club (2022).

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What was it like working with Affion Crockett and what was the impact that he has had on your career?

It was interesting. I didn’t know that he was going to be my [on set] husband until I went to wardrobe. I saw men’s clothing. When I got there he was so chill. He would say a joke here and there, but you get to see how he is when the cameras aren’t on. He is very professional. He was going over his lines. Just seeing him in his element was cool. He was sticking to the script but when they gave him that green light to go and improve, he went in and then I got to see how he is in the comedy movies and on instagram you know. It was interesting to see both sides.

Guevarez pictured with on-screen husband Affion Crocket.

You made the decision to take some time away from acting to receive your cosmetology and instructor cosmetology licenses. Tell us about that decision. What inspired that dream?

Needing some money! Pursuing acting is a lot of pursuing. I went back to school. When I was growing up I would do everyone’s hair for prom, homecoming, and [I did] my own hair. I was like I might as well utilize this talent and make some money from it and get my license.

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DaVinci Releases New Single “Young Bands” Malcolm Grant Jr., otherwise known as DaVinciBands, is a music artist that was born in Miami, Florida, but raised in Lakeland, Florida.

Music started off as therapy and an outlet for his emotions, but he quickly realized that he had a true gift and started pursuing music seriously in 2020. It is said that art comes in many forms.

DaVinciBands illustrates that point with his 2023 debut, “Young Bands.” DaVinciBands’ artist name is an homage to the great, Leonardo da Vinci, in the sense that DaVinciBands sees himself as more than just a rapper, but as a true artist.

“Young Bands” has the bravado and boasting omnipresent in Rap, but also has the hopeful, motivational lyricism prevalent in Hip-Hop; thus, demonstrating DaVinciBands’ versatility, and lyrical and artistic prowess.

“Young Bands” is really the story of DaVinciBands.

He dives into who he was, who he is, and who he aspires to be. Although the record is his first release following his hiatus, it serves as an omen for a productive, successful year. DaVinciBands states, “I dropped one single last year following my

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EP because I allowed my depression and mental health to get the best of me, and I promised myself that once I start again, I’m not stopping anymore.”

DaVinciBands’ unique flow and unrivaled wordplay make his music standout from the crowd. DaVinciBands is truly money in “Young Bands.” The catchy hook and vulnerable yet hard-hitting lyrics coupled with the upbeat, piano-laced instrumental, which was produced by Bradley Moon, gives “Young Bands” much replay value. Therefore, it seems fitting that “Young Bands” serves as the lead single for DaVinciBands’ upcoming project, “DaVinciBlues,” which is slated for release later this year.