ZupaNova's Roycel Cooks Celebrates Milestone Year

The artist, songwriter, producer, and mentor has a starring role in a new film and is launching a Fortnite experience in 2026.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 6:33pm

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Roycel Cooks, also known as Rawcel, is an accomplished artist, songwriter, producer, and mentor who has worked with major music acts like the Black Eyed Peas. As the president of the nonprofit ZupaLove International and one half of the duo ZupaNova, Cooks has found success both in the music industry and through community service. In 2025, Cooks landed a starring role in the film "A Heart Full of Hope," and in 2026, ZupaNova is set to release a new single and launch a unique music-and-gaming experience on Fortnite called "ZupaWorld."

Why it matters

Cooks' story highlights the multifaceted talents and contributions of Black artists and innovators in the entertainment industry. His journey from collaborating with global superstars to founding his own successful music duo and nonprofit showcases the power of perseverance, creativity, and community engagement. As the entertainment landscape continues to evolve, stories like Cooks' remind us of the importance of amplifying diverse voices and supporting the next generation of Black leaders.

The details

Over the course of his career, Cooks has worked with a wide range of artists, including Ray J, Randy Jackson, Macy Gray, and Sevyn Streeter. In 2017, ZupaNova began touring internationally, and the duo has since released two singles that charted on the US pop charts. Cooks and ZupaNova have also been recognized for their community service and nonprofit work, receiving awards from the State of California Senate, the County of Los Angeles, and the NAACP.

  • In 2024, Roycel Cooks and ZupaNova were awarded by the State of California Senate, County of Los Angeles, the City of West Covina, and the NAACP.
  • In 2025, Cooks has a starring role in the movie "A Heart Full of Hope," which premieres late that year.
  • In 2025, ZupaNova created a theme song for the movie "A Heart Full of Hope" called "Holiday" to be released on Tazmania Records on July 4th.
  • In 2026, ZupaNova is set to release a new single produced by two-time Grammy-nominated artist/producer Phazehop.
  • In 2026, ZupaNova is launching a one-of-a-kind music-and-gaming standalone experience on Fortnite called "ZupaWorld."

The players

Roycel Cooks

Also known as Rawcel, Cooks is an artist, songwriter, producer, mentor, actor, and the president of the ZupaLove International 501c3, founder of the Los Angeles international duo ZupaNova.

ZupaNova

A Los Angeles-based international music duo founded by Roycel Cooks.

Black Eyed Peas

A global music sensation that Cooks has collaborated with as an artist, writer, and producer.

Fergie

Cooks' classmate who went on to become an official member of the Black Eyed Peas.

Suzanne DeLaurentis

The producer of the film "A Heart Full of Hope" that Cooks has a starring role in.

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What they’re saying

“2025 Roycel has a starring role in the movie A Heart Full of Hope, premiering late 2025, produced by Suzanne DeLaurentis & The Mendez Foundation and directed by Dale Fabrigar.”

— Roycel Cooks, Artist, Songwriter, Producer, Mentor, Actor, and President of ZupaLove International (reel360.com)

“ZupaNova created a theme song for the movie called 'Holiday' to be released on Tazmania Records July 4th on Independence Day 2025.”

— Roycel Cooks, Artist, Songwriter, Producer, Mentor, Actor, and President of ZupaLove International (reel360.com)

“In 2026, ZupaNova is set to release a new single produced by two-time Grammy-nominated artist/producer Phazehop. The song, called One, will be featured in a one-of-a-kind music-and-gaming standalone experience on Fortnite called ZupaWorld , launching in February 2026.”

— Roycel Cooks, Artist, Songwriter, Producer, Mentor, Actor, and President of ZupaLove International (reel360.com)

What’s next

In 2026, ZupaNova is launching a one-of-a-kind music-and-gaming standalone experience on Fortnite called "ZupaWorld."

The takeaway

Roycel Cooks' multifaceted career, from collaborating with global music stars to founding his own successful duo and nonprofit, exemplifies the power of Black creativity, entrepreneurship, and community engagement in the entertainment industry. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists and innovators seeking to make their mark and leave a lasting legacy.