Black History Month is taking place throughout October, so we’re highlighting some of the most influential and talented figures on our talent roster that are available to be booked for speaking engagements or brand partnerships surrounding this significant event.
Ja Rule
Ja Rule is one of hip-hop’s most celebrated voices. Born Jeffrey Bruce Atkins, he emerged in the late ’90s, his unique rap style and gruff vocal tone setting him apart from his peers and quickly earning the attention of urban music fans the world over. Best known for the hit songs Always on Time, Mesmerise and I’m Real, Ja Rule’s music fuses hard-edged rap with smooth R&B hooks, combining to create a successful formula that made the artist a chart radio staple throughout the ’00s and beyond. In addition to his music career, Ja Rule has appeared in numerous films, most notably playing Edwin in The Fast and the Furious. Having collaborated with Jennifer Lopez, Ashanti and Christina Milian, Ja Rule has sold over 30 million records worldwide and earned four Grammy nominations.
Megan Thee Stallion
Texas-born Megan Thee Stallion is an icon of modern pop and hip-hop. Rising from Houston’s underground rap scene to become a powerful voice in contemporary culture, her captivating blend of raw talent, inspired wordplay and empowering messages has resonated with fans across the globe. Best known for chart-topping hit singles Savage and Hot Girl Summer, Megan’s music celebrates confidence, independence and self-expression. On top of her music career, she’s advocated for education and social justice, even earning a degree in health administration while juggling her status as a trailblazing music artist. Megan’s unapologetic persona and illustrious achievements have made her a role model for young women, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry and cementing her status as a cultural phenomenon.
Keri Hilson
The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and actress Keri Hilson has made a name for herself as a powerful force in R&B and pop music. Hailing from Georgia, she initially gained recognition as a behind-the-scenes songwriter, crafting timeless hits for Beyonce, Mary J. Blige and Usher. In 2009, she entered the spotlight as a solo artist with debut album In a Perfect World, earning a devoted fanbase with soulful and stirring hit singles Knock You Down and Energy. With a captivating voice and unparalleled stage presence, Keri’s music is marked by a relatable sense of vulnerability and fuelled by an empowering ethos. Outside of her artistry, she’s an ardent advocate for mental health and women’s rights.
Dres
Dres is one half of the legendary hip-hop duo Black Sheep, a universally adored trailblazer of the genre’s golden years. Growing up in Queens, New York, Dres rose to prominence in the early ’90s after Black Sheep’s critically acclaimed debut album A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing reimagined the hip-hop formula with dazzling results, fuelled by the success of lead single The Choice Is Yours. As part of the influential Native Tongues collective, Dres helped to shape a movement emphasising creativity and positivity in hip-hop, paving the way for a new generation of socially conscious artists to make hip-hop a global phenomenon. Beyond his group work, Dres has carved out a successful solo career, continuing to inspire fans with his artistry and enduring dedication to hip-hop culture.
Elaine Thompson
Elaine Thompson-Herah is a Jamaican sprinting phenomenon who has established herself as one of the greatest female sprinters in history. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she achieved the rare sprint double, winning gold in both the 100m and 200m races. She then spectacularly defended both titles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the first woman to win the “double-double” in Olympic history. Her time of 10.54 seconds in the 100m at the 2021 Prefontaine Classic made her the second-fastest woman of all time, behind only Florence Griffith-Joyner. Thompson-Herah has also excelled in the 4x100m relay, helping Jamaica win multiple Olympic and World Championship medals.
Ashley Walters
Ashley Walters returned to the spotlight recently after appearing in the new Netflix reboot of gritty UK drama Top Boy. Blessed with the talents of both an actor and musician, he trained at the prestigious Sylvia Young theatre school before finding fame as Asher D of So Solid Crew, releasing several solo albums after their 2006 split. The actor has appeared in a range of successful feature films and television shows, including Bullet Boy, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and Danny in Life and Lyrics. Walters has also taken to the stage, performing at the Royal Court Theatre and the Royal National Theatre.
Dame Kelly Holmes
Dame Kelly Holmes is a British television personality and author best known for her former career as a highly successful middle-distance athlete. Competing at the Olympic Games, World Indoor Championships, and European Championships, she represented England at the Commonwealth Games, winning a total of seven gold medals and breaking several records throughout her career. Since retiring from the field she’s become a renowned presenter and motivational speaker, often speaking on mental and physical wellbeing.
Margaret Alphonsi
One of women’s international rugby’s most recognisable faces, Maggie Alphonsi was an integral part of the English team that triumphed in the 2014 Rugby World Cup. She’s also helped her home team win seven Six Nations tournaments consecutively, earning her side the title of BBC’s Sports Personality Team of the Year. Since retiring from professional rugby, Alphonsi has kept busy as a commentator and pundit for Sky, BT Sport and BBC, before becoming the first ever former female rugby player to become a member of the Rugby Football Union’s Council.
BHM is important to me because it shines a spotlight on some truly inspirational people from the past to the present who have achieved extraordinary things. It is their drive and resilience that motivates me and many others to be the best we can be, regardless of ethnicity and background.
Maggie Alphonsi
Frank Bruno MBE
One of Britain’s most successful boxers, Frank Bruno has gone up against Mike Tyson and Lennox Lewis, becoming WBC World Champion in 1995 in a memorable bout against Oliver McCall. Known for his fearsome punching power, Bruno scored 38 knockouts in 40 wins, giving him an impressive 95% knockout-to-win ratio. Since stepping out of the ring for good, Bruno has remained popular with the public. After struggling with mental health issues and returning to good health, Bruno published an inspiring autobiography in 2006.
Lenny Henry
Sir Lenny Henry is one of the UK’s most beloved and widely recognised performers. After making his entrance into the comedy world at 16, he made a name for himself as an impressionist and stand-up comedian before landing his own show on the BBC in the mid-80s. Henry went on to appear in a multitude of roles across television, film, and stage, moving from sketch comedy to Shakespeare with ease and becoming one of the best-known faces in British Entertainment. He is perhaps most widely associated with Comic Relief, the charity and biannual televised fundraising campaign which he co-founded alongside Richard Curtis.
Gina Yashere
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Yashere is a British comedian who has found success across both sides of the Atlantic. After appearing in The Lenny Henry Show and co-hosting the MOBO Awards, she became the first British comedian to perform on the hit US show Def Comedy Jam, going on to appear on several of America’s most popular late-night shows, most recently becoming the new ‘British Correspondent’ for The Daily Show. Living in North Hollywood, Gina Yashere continues to write and perform stand-up, recording a Netflix Original Comedy Special in 2018.
Chris Eubank Snr
Boxer, television personality, activist, designer, and notable eccentric Chris Eubank is perhaps the most flamboyant character to step in a boxing ring, and one of the most successful. He reigned as the sport’s world champion for over five consecutive years and was undefeated throughout his first ten years as a professional: his world title bouts against fellow Britons Michael Watson and Nigel Benn brought British boxing to international attention in the ’90s. Ranked by BoxRec as the third best British super-middleweight boxer of all time, he remains an influential figure within the sport and outside of it.