Mayte talks Passion, Prince and Puppies

Many people dream of what it’s like to be connected to a superstar. Recently, IAMJMARiiE spoke with Mayte, star of the popular VH1 show, Hollywood Exes.

 Mayte was formally married to music superstar, Prince.  When asked about how she would describe the season and herself she used the word passionate simultaneously.  She explained how passion can be both negative and positive but that  the show and herself both, posses a lot of it! “All of the women in the show are outspoken and strong willed. It’s because for so long we had to just be quiet and be the wife, we couldn’t speak up.” Mayte explained that though she wouldn’t call the women’s connection a sisterhood, there is definitely a love and respect for each other because they’ve all been thru a similar journey.

Mayte's passion is invested in many things. She is the founder of Mayte’s Rescue which places healthy dogs in loving homes.  She's always had a genuine love for all animals and their care, she referred to an incident in the first episode, where simply seeing somewhere wear a fur bag really angered her.

She has a very passionate and genuine spirit. I could hear the kindness in her voice when she spoke of her relationship with Prince. “When you have a baby with someone there is a lifelong connection, our child didn’t make it, but I still carried our child. I have a special love for him, there is no malice towards him; he’s the father of my son."  Mayte and Prince sadly lost their child in complications during delivery, but their love for him lives on.

Mayte revealed that she is now in a new relationship. They’ve known each other for years but  finally decided to make it romantic. Though, it is a long distance relationship she cares for him greatly and is happy they started as friends first.

 In addition to being an animal activist she has a belly dancing DVD, clothing line, may be opening a dance school, and is currently buying a house! Still, performing has a special place in her heart. Mayte’s biggest dream is to be on Broadway in NY.

When asked if there is anything she’d like viewers and fans to know about her she said, “I think viewers understand I am a passionate person, I think we all are a little crazy. I hope they enjoy the ride; there is always evolution or at least an attempt to make things better. We all want to grow and learn to be a better person, and I hope they do the same."

Keep up with her at Mayte.com and watch Hollywood Exes on VH1 Wednesdays at 9/8c .

Twitter: https://twitter.com/maytegarcia
Instagram: http://instagram.com/maytejannell
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialMayteGarcia
- Kirby Carroll
(@askKirbyCarroll)

An Inside Look at BET Weekend 2014

A few weeks ago I traveled to Los Angeles, California for  BET Experience.  The weekend was jam packed with events, activities, networking,and parties.  It was very interesting to see the mixture of people and personalities.  It was very obvious that some people were treating the weekend like a vacation and indulging in the atmosphere.  While others were very strategic about their reasons for being there whether it was career related or personal. (side-eye)

Mid-day Saturday I attended the 106 and park live taping on behalf of IAMJMARIIE.  As you would expect there were many teens and young adults outside.  It was interesting to see how strong Bowwow's fan-base still is.  As soon as he stepped out young girls ran to take photos and greet him.  There were a few nice performances.  I was the most excited about seeing Sevyn Streeter.  Sevyn always gives a good show and she seemed to have a really strong connection with her fan base.

Sunday night we attended the actual award show.  The first thing that attracted me was the fashion! I expected to see a lot of "club dresses."  However, most of the guests were dressed very eloquently which aided to the regal atmosphere.  The color of the night was white, almost everyone was draped in some shade of it.  I'm guessing this had lots to do with the fact that it was SO hot outside and not really a fashion statement.

As you all know, I am a big fan of music and its culture.  But, its always interesting to see how "celebrities" act at award shows.  I wanted to get up dance and sing along.  However , I notice a lot of people rather sit quietly, than truly enjoy themselves.  Which brings me to Chris Brown, that was not the case for him at all.  The audience all stood to their feet when he performed, it seemed that almost everyone was happy to see him back on the scene.  Another one, is the captivating Phylicia Rashad, she appeared to give tribute to Ruby Dee/ Maya Angelou and the audience stood in an almost reverence manner.  (I guess Mrs. Cosby will always get respect like that).  Yolanda Adams also brought many to their feet for a mini praise break, its always funny to seee rappers get in the spirit temporarily.

The weekend included many other events and launch parties.  Moments like Music Matters and Tony Rock's all white were two of the major highlights of the weekend.

My hope for attending award shows and events like this.  Is that people like myself and others are inspired to create something worthy of recognition.  My personal favorite moment of the evening was  August Alsina receiving best new artist.  I really like his CD, and as a fan I know his story.  When we see these people make it, it should inspire us to do the same. Sing, write, act, create, be a beacon in the community, lets do something that entertains AND inspires!

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 Also if you have an event that you'd like covered or a client you'd like interviewed, check us out at IAMJMARIIE.com and email me at Kirby@iamjmariie.