Connect with us

Culture

Marsai Martin Speaks Out on Depression

Published

6 years ago

on

Spread the love

Blackish star Marsai Martin penned a post on her Instagram platform recently giving thanks to God.   She honestly shares that she dealt with depression this year and struggled to get through dark times.

Marsai Martin has experienced a major year in 2019, producing her first film Little, in which stars in alongside Issa Rae and Regina Hall. She became owner of her own production company, Genuis productions, all while continuously starring on the hit ABC show Blackish. She is also a multi award winner.

The fascinating fact, with all of these major accomplishments, Marsai Martin is fourteen years old.  In the public we celebrated and encouraged her success. However we didn’t know at such a pivotal time of success, this rising star was also struggling to find her way out of the depth of depression.

Marsai mentions in her Instagram post she felt pressures to present a certain way, and uphold a look of perfection.  She shares that she put uneccessary pressures on herself. When she kept her feelings inside, they became worse. Eventually Martin shared her feelings with her parents and began to talk about them more.

Through prayer, communicating with others and spending time with people in her life, she soon began feeling better. In her gratitude post to God she writes “Thank you God for hearing my prayers, thank you for blessing me with the greatest family and friends.” Marsai Martin mentions now she feels the best she has in a long time. Lastly she recommends to readers to check on others as we never know who may be experiencing depression, even reaching out to those we don’t know very well.  Caring for others can have a huge positive effect.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

Appreciation post to God: I sometimes see these types of posts as corny but this is how I feel lol. This year has been a roller coaster. This year has been filled with crazy emotions and big blessings that I couldn’t even imagine me having. Moments from this year, I was in a dark place. A place that I didn’t think I was going to get out of. I thought I wasn’t good enough and I thought I needed to present myself in a way that was “perfect” when I didn’t need to. Putting so much pressure on myself. Fighting with myself. This feeling had nothing to do with how child actors think. These were my own personal thoughts. The more I kept how I was feeling hidden, the more this dark emotion got bigger. I finally talked to my parents even tho they already knew how I was feeling. It made me feel better about myself. A sense of relief. I started praying more, talking more, and spending more time with the people I love. Now I’m feeling the best I’ve ever felt In a long time. Thank you God for hearing my prayers. Thank you God for blessing me with the greatest family and friends. I encourage everyone to speak their mind to anyone u trust. Even asking a random person “how are you?” Can mean something. Also, be yourself because no one can be like you, other than YOU. Okay I’m done bye♥️ – MM

A post shared by Marsai Martin (@marsaimartin) on

When shared on social media outlets, reactors to her honesty began to state “she is fourteen, she is too young to be depressed.”  According to research this statement is simply not true, approximately one to eleven children experience some form of depression by the time they are 14 years old.  It appears that slowly entertainers are coming around to discussing mental health and care, hopefully this will change the reactions of the public in how we deal with and discuss mental health. The more we honestly speak and share, the better off we could be.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Culture

NEW MUSIC: Jonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts Deliver a Soulful Moment with “Still”

Published

2 months ago

on

August 30, 2025

By

Spread the love

Chicago was the backdrop for a moment you couldn’t script any better: GRAMMY®, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning powerhouse Jonathan McReynolds linking arms with American Idol Season 23 winner Jamal Roberts to deliver a live ballad that hits straight to the soul. Their new single, “Still,” isn’t just another worship record—it’s a reminder that God’s love is the one thing that doesn’t shift when life does.

Recorded live in McReynolds’ hometown, the song is lifted from his forthcoming project Closer—an album already carrying heavy anticipation. What unfolds in “Still” is classic Jonathan: heartfelt storytelling, layered with rich theology, now elevated by Roberts’ fresh, unshaken voice.

👉 Watch the live performance here.

Legacy Meets New Fire 🔥

Jonathan McReynolds has carved out a lane few can touch—an artist who makes Gospel feel as real as your group chat confessions. His catalog has always balanced honesty and worship, bringing Sunday morning depth into everyday playlists.

Enter Jamal Roberts: the new voice America fell in love with on American Idol. His win wasn’t just about vocal ability—it was about heart, authenticity, and the kind of presence that feels rare. Pairing him with McReynolds doesn’t just make sense; it feels prophetic. It’s the kind of intergenerational link-up that keeps Gospel fresh while honoring its roots.

The Vibe

With “Still,” Jonathan McReynolds and Jamal Roberts don’t just give us another Gospel single—they give us a soundtrack for resilience. It’s raw, it’s soulful, and it’s proof that the future of faith-based music is in good hands. Expect this one to be on repeat long after the Stellars.

Continue Reading

Culture

ArtSoul Radio & Actor Empowerment Summit Host Sneak Peek of BET+ Series Churchy with KevOnStage at XL Film Fest

Published

2 months ago

on

August 15, 2025

By

Spread the love

Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.

A First Look at Churchy Season 2

Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.

Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members

Chicago, IL — August 17, 2025 – ArtSoul Radio is teaming up with the XL Film Festival, The Actor Empowerment Summit, and BET+ to bring fans an exclusive sneak peek of KevOnStage’s hit comedy series Churchy. This one-night event will feature a special panel conversation with KevOnStage and the full cast, moderated by Chicago’s own Christal Luster, along with an advance screening of highlights from Season 2.

A First Look at Churchy Season 2

Fans will get a behind-the-scenes look at Season 2 of Churchy ahead of its official August 21 premiere on BET+. Kevin “KevOnStage” Fredericks returns as Pastor Corey Carr Jr., navigating church leadership, unexpected debts, and laugh-out-loud moments with his eccentric team. The new season promises fresh surprises with appearances by Tabitha Brown, Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, Keith Lee, Tony Baker, and many more.

Chicago Exclusive – Then Available for ArtSoul Radio Community Members

For those in Chicago, the August 17th event offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage live with KevOnStage and his cast. Can’t make it in person? Join the ArtSoul Radio community to gain exclusive access to the full panel replay after the event.

Click here to sign up and stay connected. Community members will be the first to receive:

  • A private link to the full panel replay
  • Behind-the-scenes clips and highlights
  • Special giveaways tied to Churchy Season 2

Why This Event Matters

Partnering with XL Film Fest and The Actor Empowerment Summit to bring this BET+ collaboration to Chicago is more than entertainment—it’s a cultural moment for faith-based media. It reflects the growth of Christian creatives in film, comedy, and storytelling while highlighting Chicago as a hub for innovative cultural conversations.

About Churchy

After debuting as one of the most-watched scripted comedies on BET+, Churchy quickly built a loyal fan base. Season 2 expands the storylines, bringing new characters, guest stars, and bigger laughs—all while spotlighting themes of faith, community, and resilience. Produced by KevOnStage Studios alongside industry leaders and executive producers like LeBron James and Maverick Carter (SpringHill), the show continues to elevate digital-first creators onto global platforms.

ArtSoul Radio teams up with XL Film Fest, the Empowerment Actor Summit & BET+ for an exclusive Chicago screening and panel of KevOnStage’s “Churchy” Season 2.

Continue Reading

Culture

Holy Smoke! Festival 2025 Kicks Off This Week in Nashville — Full Guide, Lineup, Schedule, & How to Tap In

Published

2 months ago

on

August 11, 2025

By

Spread the love

Holy Smoke! Festival returns to Rocketown (Nashville, TN) this week for three days of Christian hip-hop, alternative faith-based music, community, and culture—plus a free industry conference and pop-up market. Running August 14–16, the 2025 edition features Indie Tribe and a stacked roster of special guests. Holy Smoke!

Fast Facts

  • Dates: August 14–16, 2025
  • Venue: Rocketown, 601 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37210
  • Ticket Types: 2-Day GA (Fri/Sat) and VIP (3-day access + VIP perks)
  • What’s New/Notable: Free Indie Institute conference, an outdoor Holy Smoke! Market, VIP party with a cypher/listening session, and Meet & Greet access. Holy Smoke!+1rocketown.org

The Lineup

Headlined by Indie Tribe — nobigdyl., Jon Keith, Mogli the Iceburg, Torey D’Shaun, and DJ Mykael V — Holy Smoke! also features WHATUPRG, Alex Jean, Aha Gazelle, West Indies (Miles Minnick & Jon Keith), Zauntee, Briana Shanae, gio., Sarah Juers, Taylor Hill, Bodywash, and Josh P. Expect surprises, collabs, and a DJ Mykael V super set. RapzillaHoly Culture

What’s Happening Each Day

Thursday (VIP Only)

  • VIP Party with a cypher, special guest performances, and an exclusive Indie Tribe listening party. (VIP ticket includes 3-day access.) Holy Smoke!

Friday

  • Indie Institute (FREE) — the festival’s industry conference (RSVP required).
    Time: 1:00–3:00 PM • Location: Rocketown
    Expect panels with “heavy hitters” covering artistry, business, marketing, and more. (RSVP is free; you don’t need a festival ticket to attend.) Holy Smoke!X (formerly Twitter)
  • VIP Meet & Greet + Early Entry
    VIP Doors: 3:15–4:30 PM • GA Doors: 4:30 PM
  • Main Stage: 5:00–9:30 PM. Holy Smoke!

Saturday

  • Holy Smoke! Market (OUTSIDE): 12:30–8:00 PM — pop-ups, merch, and community.
  • VIP Doors: 1:00 PM • GA Doors: 1:30 PM
  • Main Stage: 2:00–9:30 PM.
  • VIP Inner Circle: Note the Native Stage opens early for VIP (limited capacity) and a 2:45 PM Main-stage Meet & Greet. Holy Smoke!+1

Tickets & VIP Perks

  • 2-Day GA: Access Friday + Saturday festival programming.
  • VIP: 3-day access, Thursday VIP party (cypher/listening session + special guests), early entry both days, and Indie Tribe Meet & Greet. Prices are tiered and may change; rain-or-shine; no refunds.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 ArtSoul Radio