NEW YORK, NY. (Top40 Charts/ VH1) - VH1 Soul is kicking off
Black History Month this February with a new awareness spot directed by acclaimed producer/writer/director Spike Lee for SpikeDDB promoting DNA-based ancestry tests that can help viewers genetically determine where in Africa their African ancestors came from.
The tests, from African Ancestry, Inc. ( https://www.africanancestry.com ), do not involve needles or blood, but instead require people to collect their DNA by rubbing a swab along the inside of their cheeks. As part of the company's confidential testing process, its laboratory scientists compare the collected DNA cells to over 25,000 genetic lineages in the African Lineage Database T, which includes both maternal and paternal lineages representing over 30 countries and over 200 ethnic groups. The results help transform lives by providing profound self-understanding. Viewers will be eligible for a discount on the cost of the service.
The 30-second spot debuts on VH1 Soul on Thursday, February 1. The spot features several African-Americans initially mentioning the American cities that they are from. The people are then featured again, holding swabs and naming the African region that their ancestors are from. The spot then encourages viewers to take pride in their original homes during Black History Month and learn more by going to https://www.vh1soul.com.
"Promoting the work of African Ancestry is a perfect way to expand on our on-air celebrations of Black History Month by encouraging our VH1 Soul African-American viewers to learn about their own history," said Nigel Cox- Hagan, Senior Vice President, Creative Group and Consumer Marketing. "We're truly honored that Spike Lee is sharing his incredible talents and vision with us on this project." VH1 Soul Honors Black History Month With Launch of New Music Video Show "One Planet. One Soul"
VH1 Soul goes global beginning Sunday, February 4 with the new one-hour music video program "One Planet. One Soul" showcasing soul artists from the U.K., Africa, Canada, Australia, including Corinne Bailey Rae, Floetry, Akon, K'Naan, K-OS, Ayo, and Rhian Benson. "One Planet. One Soul" airs every Sunday at 10:00 am, 6:00 pm and 2:00 am. Additional February program highlights include:
* A special Marley edition of the "Island Soul" program, hosted by Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley and Stephen Marley in honor of Bob Marley's birthday, premieres on Tuesday, February 6 at 8:00 pm.
* Tamia will host a special edition of "Soulphrodisiac," VH1 Soul's music video show featuring love songs and ballads from artists like Maxwell, Janet Jackson, D'Angelo and Mary J. Blige. Tamia's special premieres on Wednesday, February 7 at 7:00 pm. Anthony Hamilton will host a Valentine's Day edition of "Soulphrodisiac" on Wednesday, February 14 at 7:00 pm.
* A new World Premiere Video will air at the top of every hour every Monday in February, including:
- Joss Stone's "Tell Me 'Bout It" - Monday, February 5
- Musiq Soulchild's "Buddy" - Monday, February 12
- K-OS's "Sunday Morning" - Monday, February 19
* VH1's "Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Bash" one-hour concert celebrating the 41st Super Bowl with performances by Kanye West, Fergie and John Legend will also be simulcast on VH1 Soul on Saturday, February 3 at 10:00 pm.
* Long-form programs from sister channel VH1 Classic including "Classic Album" specials focusing on Stevie Wonder's "Songs In The Key of Life" and Bob Marley's "Catch A Fire" as well as a vintage "BBC Crown Jewels" concert by Wonder will also air on VH1 Soul this month.
In addition, VH1 Soul will air long-form programs from the VH1 archives throughout February including one-hour episodes of the "Driven" series, featuring Janet Jackson, Jamie Foxx, Outkast, Nas and Kanye West, as well as "Black In The 80s," "Behind The Music: New Edition," "Dreamgirls: Divas, Drama and Destiny" and "History of Rock: Sounds of Soul."
Launched in 1997, VH1 Soul is the 24-hour network that brings music lovers the hottest, soul, neo-soul and R&B hits from the 90s and today featuring core artists such as Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Outkast, Mary J. Blige and Usher. VH1 Soul, the premier source for all R&B and soul music, is now seen in the Top 20 U.S. markets for African-Americans and is available in nearly 20 million U.S. households.
