Grammy-nominated MC, actress, educator, and philanthropist Yolanda “Yo-Yo” Whitaker is partnering with AspireTV, the network that celebrates and reflects the Black culture and urban lifestyle, for the new cooking series Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo. The full season of the show will premiere this summer, preceded by a special episode airing Tuesday, March 7 at 8 p.m. ET.
In this fun new series, Yo-Yo is whipping up some of her favorite dishes, cocktails, desserts, and more while also serving her infectious personality. She’s a true hostess who loves making delicious meals for her guests. This season’s recipes include brioche lobster rolls, salmon and broccolini lobster pasta, and coconut braised oxtails with red beans and rice. There is never a dull moment watching this hip-hop queen show off her culinary skills.
“I am excited to have a cooking show,” says Yo-Yo. “The kitchen is my happy place, where I connect with my family and friends! It brings me great joy to hop in the kitchen and whip up delicious meals packed with flavor, and now my fans and the audience get to hang out with me!”
Although Yo-Yo is skilled in the kitchen, she wants to ensure her audience knows that she will remain relatable as she whips up her meals. “I’m not a fancy chef…I’m Yo-Yo from around the way, who can throw down in the kitchen. No big fancy chef stuff!” she says. “But I promise you everything I make is downright delicious, and you will always have a good time.”
“Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo is a fresh take on cooking shows as you’ve never seen before,” says Angela Cannon, senior vice president of multicultural networks and strategy for AspireTV.
The series is also part of Publicis Media’s APX Content Ventures Inclusion Investment Fund. This fund was announced in July 2021 as part of Publicis Media’s Once & For All Coalition launch, which helps its partners develop over 20 programs spotlighting diverse voices and storylines.
“To have a rap icon like Yo-Yo on aspire is heaven-sent. Yo-Yo brings the energy, the beauty, the music, and of course, the amazing food,” says Cannon. “I am very proud to say this fun, new series is led by strong Black females in front of and behind the camera, including the incomparable Yo-Yo, the dynamic duo of Rochelle Brown and Sonia Armstead from Powerhouse Productions, and the executives here at aspireTV. There is no question we are being very intentional by premiering the first episode during Women’s History Month. We’re thrilled to bring our viewers Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo this June as we continue to expand our food lifestyle programming vertical.”
Get a special first look at Downright Delicious with Yo-Yo on Tuesday, March 7, at 8 p.m. ET on AspireTV.