John Legend is eye-catching in plaid at world premiere of The Legend Of The Underground at Tribeca Festival in NYC
The 2021 Tribeca Festival is focused on highlighting new streaming and TV series and films.
And on Thursday night, the festival co-founded by Robert De Niro hosted the world premiere of the powerful documentary The Legend Of The Underground.
John Legend, who co-executive produced the feature with his Get Lifted Production Company co-founders Mike Jackson, and Ty Stiklorius, brought some star power to the red carpet in New York City.
Celebrity: John Legend lent his star power to the world premiere of documentary The Legend Of The Undergound at the Tribeca Festival in New York City on Thursday night
The film by directors Giselle Bailey and Nneka Onuorah will air on HBO and HBO Max beginning June 29.
It uncovers rampant discrimination in Nigeria while exploring the lives of several non conformist men who must choose to live imperiled lives there or flee to the USA.
Both women attended the high-profile screening along with several LGBTQ activists.
Hollywood player: Legend, 42, co-executive produced the feature with his Get Lifted Production Company co-founders Mike Jackson (pictured with the singer) and Ty Stiklorius
Big night: The film by directors Giselle Bailey and Nneka Onuorah will air on HBO and HBO Max beginning June 29
Legend, 42, put on a dapper display in a brown jacket over a black shirt and brown plaid trousers.
He left his shirt unbuttoned to flash a little chest hair.
The Grammy-winning recording artist sported a neatly trimmed full beard and completed his look with black Gucci loafers.
Striking outfit: Legend put on a dapper display in a brown jacket over a black shirt and brown plaid trousers and completed his look with black Gucci loafers
Looking good: The Grammy-winning recording artist left his shirt unbuttoned to flash a little chest hair and he sported a neatly trimmed full beard
Helmers Bailey and Onuorah said in a recent statement to People: ‘As two women, one Nigerian and one Jamaican, what drew us to create this film is the fact that there was a lack of visibility and access to the beautiful androgynous and non-conformist communities in these type of countries where being different can be criminalized.’
They went on: ‘We wanted to help paint an authentic picture that was a true depiction of this community and not one media likes to portray.’
The pair added: ‘On the asylum side of the story — being daughters of immigrant parents, and one of us being an immigrant having to move to the United States — we wanted to create empathy around the story of having to create a new home, culture and family in new spaces.
‘We hope through this film that people know they are not alone and there are others just like them and they can do more than survive. They can thrive.’
Powerful: Bailey and Onuorah’s film uncovers rampant discrimination in Nigeria while exploring the lives of non conformist men who must choose to live imperiled lives or flee to the USA
Helmer: Bailey wore an eye-catching black long-sleeve jacket and matching skirt that featured white swirly patterns and she added pale green sandal heels
Directing chops: Onuorah opted for a semi-sheer pale blue pant suit which she paired with a black crop top with cut-out panel at the bust
VIPs: Edafe Okporo and Nicholas Giglio were among the guests who came out to support the screening
Guests: Shaun Ross, left, made a fashion statement with a black clerical-style coat and chunky platform shoes, while Ayodeji Otuyelu, right, stood out in an eclectic black and red ensemble
Support: Micheal Ighodaro and Jirair Ratevosian were also on hand for the premiere