Show Transcript

[MUSIC] Sally bonnani for the second year in a row the ESSENCE thursday is coming to Durban South Africa. For those of you who still don't know all of the amazing things the festival has to offer, here's the 411. Not only do we have the hottest performances at night. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] We definitely don't want you to miss out on all the daytime experiences at the Durban International Convention Center, which are all free. Get powerful words of wisdom from some of the world's most thought-provoking speakers at the Empowerment Experience. Learn the newest tips from beauty and fashion experts at the Beauty and Style Expo. [MUSIC] Get free demonstrations on how to cook these delicious South African dishes from world-renowned chefs. [MUSIC] Hear from your favorite acts, and enjoy performances at center stage. Finally get invaluable advice from leading business experts as well as one-on-one consultations at the money and power Durban business fair exhibition. [MUSIC] If that wasn't enough for you there's so much more. [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] [MUSIC] Check out ESSENCE.com/Durban for more info on how you can join us in South Africa. [FOREIGN] See you there. [MUSIC]

Meet South African Songstress Toya Delazy, The Voice Behind The New Melanin-Drenched Powerpuff Girl

There's a new Black Powerpuff girl in town and we can't wait to see her come to life on screen!

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By Rachaell Davis · September 11, 2017

Powerpuff Girl mania has been rebirthed over the last week or so with the exciting news that the popular Cartoon Network animated series is adding a Black character into the mix. Now the world is getting to know just who will be taking on the task of bringing the newest cast member addition to life.

Toya Delazy is a 27-year-old singer, rapper, songwriter and producer from South Africa who is no stranger to the Powerpuff world. In 2016, Cartoon Network tapped her to create a South African version of the show’s theme song, which she went on to produce and sing. Now things seem to have come full circle for the multi-talented entertainer.

HINT! HINT! ..... ✊🏾💪🏾🖖🏾 History was made. More info soon @cnafricaofficial @cartoonnetworkofficial @cartoonnetworkuk @powerpuffgirls

A post shared by Toya Delazy (@toyadelazy) on Sep 7, 2017 at 8:03am PDT

“I have always dreamed of being the voice of a cartoon character,” she said in a statement. “Never did I think I would be recording a voice-over as the new Powerpuff Girl for Cartoon Network, though!” commented Delazy. “In a nutshell, Cartoon Network was my childhood. The shows were always quirky, expressive, creative and cool! I have always appreciated how creative the channel is, even to this day. Watching Cartoon Network really opened my mind as a child, and for me the channel still represents creativity in all aspects of the word. The shows are bold, unexpected, energetic and exciting—definitely a brand that I can identify with and relate to.”

Turner Broadcasting Senior Vice President Jamie Ondarza echoed Toya’s sentiments, adding that they are exicted to have her aboard.

“Toya Delazy is definitely a perfect fit for The Powerpuff Girls brand,” Ondarza said. “Toya is definitely a perfect fit as the fourth Powerpuff Girl. She is confident, bubbly and quirky; all the values that we are familiar with, love and appreciate. We have a lot of surprises up our sleeves.”

The new Powerpuff Girl is set to make her debut as part of the new Powerpuff “Power of Four” mini-movie, which premieres September 17. We’ll definitely be tuning in! Will you?