Author: Tampa Mystic

Surviving Andre: A Journey of Deception and Resilience

BUSINESS

Richmond, Virginia, is the backdrop for a gripping new documentary, “Surviving Andre,” set to release on August 16, 2024. Filmed by Vzual Films, the documentary chronicles the harrowing experience of Nkese Hayes as she navigates the aftermath of being scammed by notorious con man Andre Vann aka Gepetto Jackson . With the creative support of Bone The Mack, this film promises to reveal the deep emotional and financial scars left by Vann’s deceit after he scammed her family of all their life savings. After trying to get legal justice to no avail , Ms Hayes has decided to take matters into her hands and is on a quest to tell her story publicly in hopes of creating awareness and eventually ending his 20 plus years of scamming innocent people . She hopes to put an end to the long list of victims all over the country .

For Nkese Hayes, this project is a significant diversion from her career as a psych nurse practitioner . She is well aware of the mental health repercussions victims endure from Andre’s crimes . Andre is one of many imposters who use celebrities and their identity to scam unsuspecting victims . This issue has become very prevalent in the music industry and can be mentally and emotionally devastating to his victims .
The documentary is a personal and professional milestone for Hayes, as she steps into the role of storyteller , victim , warrior, and advocate. By sharing her story, she aims to shed light on the pervasive problem of scams in the industry, hoping to prevent others from falling victim to similar schemes.

“Surviving Andre” not only delves into the specifics of Nkese’s ordeal but also explores the broader impact on her family and community. The journey of documenting this story was transformative for Hayes, offering a platform for healing and awareness. She invites anyone who has had dealings with Andre Vann to come forward, hoping that their collective voices will amplify the message of resilience and caution. This compelling narrative is poised to resonate with many, providing both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for all who have endured similar experiences.

 

Visit https://youtube.com/shorts/iOZO0HWAz18?feature=share

Jimii N°1 INTERVIEWS ON THE HYPE 87.3

INTERVIEWS

Tune in as TampaMystic interviews Jimii N°1

Jimii N°1 brings a song of Hope to All

By Jenna Gengler

Jimii N°1, is a multi-talented creative, as well as a man on a mission to spread love and hope in this world. Through a long and bountiful career, he has been able to touch the hearts and minds of many.  Whether it was on the production team of The Oprah Show, one of his many roles in the theatrical world, or a new song of his own creation, he always finds a way to share his message.

In his most recent endeavor  to remind people that their lives matter, Jimii N°1 has released the song “My Wish” alongside a powerful music video.  It was the last song added to the collection and feels it might be the most important.  

“My Wish” was inspired by the struggle of a young person seeking to “come out” and needing guidance, hoping for parental acceptance of their sexuality.   Understanding that this world often oppresses, and constantly challenges everyone and everything, I wanted to support her and tell her that, “Whatever happens, she needs to be grounded in her own feelings, and to let “Love” be her guide.” 

The song, though inspired by a single person’s experience, is meant to remind anyone, especially those struggling to come out or finding theirselves not being accepted for their race, gender, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, religion or otherwise, that there is LOVE in the World.  “Love is Unconditional.”  

The video of this song features a collection of imagery from Jimii’s personal life, and journeys, as well as his long standing project of photographing Pride Festivals for more than 20 years. 

“The imagery in this video goes hand in hand with what drove me to put together this song, and the album as a whole. These are the images that spoke to me and my heart.”

From a playful group photo, taken of children hanging out in the park by the parade, to a powerful image of Jesus, standing defiantly amongst a protesting crowd and many more. 

These photos show a world filled with hope, love, possibility and positivity.

“It’s a shame,” said Jimii. “No one should have to live their life, feeling hate 

and challenges that accompany it. I hope my music can show the positive impact that we can have on the people who need us the most. ”You are loved,” Jimii states. “There are many who are praying for you, and doing what they can to make things better.”  Gods Love is Unconditional.  Man’s should be too.

Following the release of “My Wish” and it’s beautiful music video, JImii hopes to continue spreading a message of acceptance and love with everyone that he can. 

“I am currently working on a play and recording a few more songs,” he explained. “I hope my work can bring healing to anyone who needs it.” Jimii N°1 hopes the rest of his year will bring more spaces for him to perform, as he shares the message of love, acceptance and harmony. 

Be sure to stay tuned in to Jimii N°1 on various platforms for new music, visuals and social posts. 

My Wish: https://youtu.be/kFQGsRaXqpQ?si=55GY2ObEGMY29J1a 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7FbOP81MAX3lQnEDEeonGT?si=T1pDfsVAQoarcICTpQZYSw 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jimiin1music 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimiin1music/

Mack Holland interviews on The Hype 87.3

INTERVIEWS

Tune in as TampaMystic interviews Mack Holland

Author and recording artist Mack Holland takes break from gospel music for ‘Favorite Girl’

by: Brennan Stebbins

Since he grew up on the coasts of Carolina and Georgia, Mack Holland has been involved in writing poetry, culminating with the 2017 publication of his book, Sweet Inspiration: The Mack Holland Book of Inspiration, Poetry and Song. 

As the title would suggest, sometimes Holland’s poetry work takes him into the world of music, and after he was encouraged to start recording his own music a decade ago, Holland’s now making a name for himself as a recording artist. His music catalogue, which consists mostly of inspirational, holiday and love music, includes gospel recordings like “He Is” and “Lord I Thank You,” with the former garnering nearly 200,000 plays in less than two years and the latter earning nearly 150,000 plays in just eight months. 

After first working with a Nashville recording studio, Holland has since started recording his own tracks as he’s focused more on gospel music and spiritual songs. 

Now, though, Holland is testing the waters with his newest release, an upbeat dance song titled, “My Favorite Girl,” which dropped on May 29. 

“I’m deeply involved in religion,” Holland says. “I think about the Lord everyday and I think about togetherness everyday. It goes into my writing and my music and poetry and it’s just something I want to spread to the world. That’s where my heart is at. Religious songs, love songs, holiday songs. Anything to make people feel good about themselves and others.”

But for “My Favorite Girl,” Holland took inspiration from a poem with the same title in his book. With his gospel songs still buzzing on streaming platforms, he decided to step back and give them time to be heard while trying out something new. 

“It’s an upbeat dance track and a man talking about his favorite girl,” Holland says. “And she’s forever in his world.”

Holland provides the vocals, and also invites friend and rapper Alex Bond to drop a few bars. The brothers ran into Holland at an Atlanta recording studio and struck up a conversation, with Holland telling them to “write me up something and we’ll see if it fits.” 

“It was fun, it was different,” Holland says. “My heart is always going to be with inspirational music, love music and holiday music but it was worth taking the time out and going ahead and recording it.”

In addition to the new song, Holland is releasing another book, Sweet Inspiration 2, in June. 

“I just write poetry from life,” he says. “I write songs of all kinds of different natures. Love songs, togetherness, poetry. I just think about things in general that people experience in life. Not necessarily things I’ve been through but anything I feel like people experience and can relate to. ‘Favorite Girl’ was just something I came up with while I was sitting up on the job one night. It turned into a nice poem and song.”

Stay connected to Mack Holland for new music releases and social posts: 

Twitter/X: www.twitter.com/mackholland

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mack.holland

Website: https://mackholland.com