DJ Slugo has been performing since the early 1990’s as a founding member of Chicago’s infamous Dance Mania label, along with co-conspirators Paul Johnson and DJ Deeon.
Daft Punk credits him by name, and references his track “DJ’s On the Low“, on their iconic song “Teachers.” He was featured by name recently on HBO’s hit TV show Ballers along with his track “I Ain’t Yo Baby Daddy.” Slugo has done remixes for major artists such as Nina Kraviz”s “Ghetto Kraviz” and Missy Elliott’s “Work It”, and has collaborations on the horizon with artists and labels in France, Brooklyn and Japan.
Early Days and Influences:
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: What initially drew you to the Ghetto House scene in Chicago? Were there any specific DJs or producers who inspired you early on?
DJ Slugo: I wanted to change the old school House sound to more of what was going on in my environment. My cousin DJ Geno inspired me early on to start DJing.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: How did you develop your signature sound and style? What elements make your music distinctly “DJ Slugo”?
DJ Slugo: I developed my sound from being raised in the Robert Taylor Holmes. My drums in my music is one of my distinctive traits that make it a DJ Slugo Record.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Looking back, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced in establishing yourself as a DJ and producer in the early days of Ghetto House?
DJ Slugo: One of my biggest challenges was getting people to know that I was a DJ and not just a Ghetto House/Juke DJ
Chicago Scene and Impact:
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: In your opinion, how has the Chicago Ghetto House scene evolved over the years? What are some of the biggest changes you’ve witnessed?
DJ Slugo: Well I can only speak for Ghetto House. We have evolved for sure, but we are nowhere near where we should be. The biggest change I have witnessed is our sound being played and copied in other countries.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: What impact do you think your own work has had on the scene and its legacy? Do you feel you’ve helped shape its future in any way
DJ Slugo: I can say for certain that I know have made a huge impact on the scene and its legacy with hard-working ethics. And yes, I know I have shaped its future by instilling my work ethic into the producers I have worked with.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You’ve collaborated with many iconic artists. Can you share a memorable experience or highlight a collaboration that stands out for you?
DJ Slugo: I wouldn’t point out just one specific collaboration because I loved and enjoyed the majority of the collaborations I have done with anyone. But, I will say working with the underground artists on collaborations is a lot more fun, because they a extremely creative when they are in that hungry stage of their career.
Production and Legacy:
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Walk us through your creative process when producing a new track. Do you have any specific rituals or techniques you use
DJ Slugo: No rituals here. I Just sit at the drum machine and computer and let the ancestors lead me.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: What are some of your upcoming projects or goals? Are there any new ventures you’re excited about exploring?
DJ Slugo: I have a new Vinyl Only album, Ghetto House Music Vol.2 , dropping in May for my birthday. I’m exploring a lot of things outside of music that have me really excited, but I never speak on things until I’m actually almost done doing them.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Looking ahead, what advice would you give to aspiring DJs and producers who want to carve their own niche in the electronic music landscape?
DJ Slugo: Know your craft and always continue to perfect it. Also, understand that this is a business that you’re getting into. So learn the music business the same way you are learning music.
Bonus Question:
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: If you could curate a dream Ghetto House party with any DJs or artists, past or present, who would you invite and why?
DJ Slugo: My Dream Party would be the ones we had in the 90’s, but with the knowledge we have now. I would invite anybody that’s coming to enjoy themselves and enjoy the music.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Well DJ Slugo, thank you for your time and this interview. You have been officially BANGED! GO BANG!!!
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Freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com. In addition, he’s an Author, Singer/Songwriter, Actor, Model, Poet, Dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
Photos provided by Holle Thee Maxwell & Connie Carroll:
When you mention the name ”HOLLY MAXWELL”, you have mentioned a name that is respected all over the world. She IS “THEE entertainer’s entertainer” and IS better than she has ever been before! Musically, this lady has done it all, traveled everywhere and knows everybody that is somebody and is equally well known by the same somebody’s.
HOLLY MAXWELL at birth was named HOLLE’THEE MAR CLA RO DE’ MAXWELL. She is now using the spelling of her real name HOLLE’THEE MAXWELL. A native of Chicago, Illinois, born October 17th, 1945, HOLLE THEE’ was destined to be one of the world’s greatest entertaining performers.
Holle’ Thee sang her first song at age of five years young professionally. Still, unlike most, she gives all due respect and credit to a higher spiritual power for creating her parents, Marcellus and Eula Thee Gladys, for being her sole inspiration to continue being musical, starting with classical piano and singing opera, in German, French and Italian.
Holle’ Thee to this date, is the only American from African descent to have been presented in concert at THEE age of 12 years young at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House, presented by noteworthy Rev. Dr. Lena McLin and her mother, Eula Thee.
Holle’ Thee has graduated with two master degrees in music, one from Roosevelt University, Chicago Musical College, Chicago, Illinois and the other from the world class Julliard School of Music, New York, New York.
Holle’ Thee was THEE first and only to perform a live show in flight aboard a 747 TWA Jet, going from Chicago to Costa Del Sol, Spain in 1972 to sing for President Franco.
Holle’ Thee replaced Tina Turner with the musical Legendary Ike Turner Review and was the only vocalist that toured with jazz great organist Mr. Jimmy Smith for three years. She has opened shows for The Mighty Dells, The Tempting Temptations, The Spectacular Spinners, Music Legend King Curtis, Legendary comedian/actors Slappy White and Redd Foxx, Pop Music Legends Captain and Tennille, Oscar Award-winning living legend actor Louis Gossett Jr., and too many more to mention.
Holle’ Thee is a favorite on THEE Chicago Blues Festivals, 2005, 2009, 2011 and 2013, 2015.
2014 & 2017 – Inductee into Thee Chicago Blues Hall of Fame.
2015 – Life Time Achievement Award from Chicago Music Awards.
2009, 2011, 2015 – Holle’ Thee represented the Chicago Blues Festivals on popular television station WCIU on “You and Me In The Morning” during the Aly Bockler segment.
2015- Life Time Achievement Award from Chicago Women in The Blues.
June 2015 – Holle’ Thee was featured in a documentary about the “Grandfather of Rock and Roll”, legendary Ike Turner in a television show entitled, “UNSung.”
2016 – Holle’ Thee received a resolution from The City Council / City of Chicago, Mayor Emanuel and Alderwoman Pat Dowell for Holle’ Thee’s seven decades / 65 years devotion in music, also celebrating her 71st birthday.
2023 – Nominated for Literary Award for “Freebase Ain’t Free” by the Black Arts and Culture Alliance of Chicago.
Holle’ Thee represented on poster and all advertising, the first time ever “Women of The Blues”, Coast to Coast Collection of photographs from photographers from all over THEE world photographing women Blues singers from across the country at Firecat Gallery, Chicago, IL, the University of Chicago, to The Blues Museum in St. Louis, Missouri; all produced by Orman Music and Media.
She is a featured part of THEE Chicago Women in THEE Blues 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and with many radio interviews and television appearances under her belt.
Holle’ Thee was the entertainment producer and host of “STRAIGHT TALK PRESENTS MUSIC” on Mondays at www.starplanettv.com.
Holle’ Thee is a graduate model and accomplished songwriter; having written many originals on her CD’s and “Ain’t God Something” for THEE internationally known Blues artist great, legendary Bobby Blue Bland.
THEE Icon, THEE musical living legend, THEE exceptional talents given by God to THEE one and only, Ms. Holle’ Thee Maxwell
Legendary Holle Thee Maxwell….. THEE Original BLACK BLONDE BOMBSHELL!!!
GO BANG Magazine: Where were you born and raised and how would you describe your childhood?
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: I was born in Chicago at Providence Hospital…..My childhood was filled with music, for my mother was an opera singer. So, I learned to sing opera (classical music) at a very young age..
GO BANG Magazine: Looking back on your incredible seven-decade career, what milestones stand out as most meaningful to you?
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: There are so many. Did you read my bio’s, short and Wikipedia? My life with Ike Turner, who they destroyed with Annie Mae’s help, and my singing with jazz organ great Jimmy Smith. Also, being THEE first and last to ever entertain on a TWA flight in THEE air from Chicago to Spain..to perform for President ..Franco….Also I was THEE first Afro American 12 year young child to ever be presented at Civic (Lyric) Opera House singing French, German and Italian. There have been so many wonderful actions of God in my life, I can’t remember and them all!…Just read my stories as they come this year!
GO BANG Magazine: You’ve seamlessly navigated diverse genres throughout your career, from opera to blues. What drives your artistic curiosity and versatility.
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: Thee simplest way to answer that is….I’ve been blessed with an enormous amount of talent and I just was never and will never settle for being less than God intended me to be..I am setting my sites now on being THEE first black senior woman in Country music.
GO BANG Magazine: As the only American of African descent to perform at Chicago’s Lyric Opera House at such a young age, how did that experience shape your perspective on the music industry?
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: That experience of being able to sing opera in different languages fluently, enabled me to switch my music into jazz singing very easily, (especially) after being raped by my stepfather and my mother shooting him dead. While singing, she was hand cuffed behind THEE curtains! That had THEE effect on me to change my music from opera to jazz!
GO BANG Magazine: Collaborating with legends like Ike Turner and Jimmy Smith must have been unforgettable. What did you learn from these collaborations that continue to influence your work?
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: THEE main thing I learned from them both was to know you’re THEE best and let THEE world know it….while at THEE same time help those that probably won’t appreciate your help…but it makes me feel good to be in a position to help! I just watch now who to help!
GO BANG Magazine: It is your mission to clear Ike Turner’s name. You recount a different man than who is commonly reported in the press. Please describe your friendship with Ike Turner and why it is so important to you to clear his name.
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: Entertainers always, always get a bad rep and especially from those that I ask, “What closet were you hiding in to know all you babble about?” and most too often, they shut up! I know how it feels to be accused falsely. Even now, I go through that with THEE last of so called friends, whom I am slowly eliminating even now…Ike was a musical genius that a self-abusive Annie Mae, along with “white man America” destroyed…. He was given an unjustified bad rep and I will, as long as I live and after my death, keep telling the truth that lies about him, I will not allow to stand!!! Read my book, THEE untold story about Ike, entitled, “Freebase Ain’t Free!” He died and I’ll keep riding with him and his spirit in me We loved each other, spiritually!!! Ike was my Ride or Die!!!!
GO BANG Magazine: What rituals or routines do you use to prepare yourself for a powerful performance?
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: There are no rituals that I go through. I am just a natural… No effort! I love what I can do…so i just go and do it! I keep thanking God!
GO BANG Magazine: You’ve captivated audiences worldwide, earning the title of “Queen of Entertaining Entertainers.” What do you consider the essence of true entertainment?
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: THEE essence of true entertainment is having THEE natural ability to relate and talk to your audience like they’re family. You must be able to act what you’re singing about and take your audience where you need them to be with you and where you want them to go with you….Just don’t stand there and sing! Anybody can do that! You must be an “Entertaining Entertainer!”
GO BANG Magazine: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who dream of achieving similar success and longevity in their careers?
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: First, you must believe in yourself wholeheartedly! Do not allow yourself to be with those unlike yourself! Never allow others’ thoughts about you, if negative, to get in your way! You have to get and stay out of your own way first! Do not allow yourself be be fearful…Be fearless! Tackle challenges! ALLWAYS ALWAYS, CHALLENGE YOURSELF! Reach higher and higher! Success is not what others think of you or defining who you are….as long as you remain what God designed you to be within his creation…you are already successful!!!
My longevity comes from me telling THEE truth and laughing a lot and when obe doesn’t like it I laugh more!
GO BANG Magazine: Throughout your journey, what challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: I have had so many challenges in my life, too many to tell about now…but I overcame them all believing God didn’t create me to be “nothing” with all THEE talent I had and I still have…Read my new book and see my life story documentary entitled, “All Kinds A Rape From Opera to THEE Blues!” when they come out!!! That will tell it all!
GO BANG Magazine: With such a rich experience, you decided to self-publish a book entitled “Freebase Ain’t Free.” Please describe what inspired you to write the book and what it is about.
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: What was done to Ike and what was done to me inspired me to write “Freebase Ain’t Free!” Just how dirty entertainment can be destroying Ike and how others outside of entertainment attempted to destroy me! Thee book is about my life and love for Ike and myself He had my back! I had his!!! Read it when you need THEE truth about us both!
GO BANG Magazine: Looking ahead, what legacy do you hope to leave behind with your music and influence?
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: I would love to leave behind a “Black Musicians Matters” Museum behind, telling just our stories with nothing else mixed in, just our musical histories, along with mine .
(Photos below courtesy of Hyde Park Records/Facebook)
GO BANG Magazine: Lastly, on Saturday, February 17, 2024 @ 2pm, you have an event in Hyde Park, Chicago, IL. Please invite our readers to your event as and tell us all about it?
Holle’ Thee Maxwell: THEE event is a book, CD, signing along with THEE sale of BLACK MUSICIAN MATTERS tee shirts. It will be held at Hyde park Records 1377 East 53rd Street Saturday Feb. 17th from 2pm until 5pm// I’ll be signing my book and all my CD’s and THEE tee shirts are from my organization call THEEMaxxeMomMusicGroup@gmail.com Come and see some folks you aint’ seen in along time, if they ain’t dead! Love IS!!! BMM See you soon!
Freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com. In addition, he’s an Author, Singer/Songwriter, Actor, Model, Poet, Dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
As most of you know, our brother in House music, Jesse Saunders suffered a severe stroke in November of 2022. Since then, he has been hospitalized, then in rehab, non-vocal, getting fed through a tube, his walk staggers, and he had been trying to get back to some semblance of normalcy. Just recently, his health took a turn for the worse and he collapsed on the kitchen floor where he lives. His blood sugar and blood pressure were both dangerously off the charts. Right now, Jesse needs our help in a big way. He is NOT in a good place–he cannot afford the care he needs in the rehab facility and is at risk of being released without further help. This is an URGENT matter, as he will be evicted from the care facility by the end of this month, if we cannot get him the funds to maintain his care. Let’s all step up to get him the care he needs.
“Team Jesse” is supporting this cause, which includes: His brother DJ Wayne Williams, his Chosen Few brothers Alan King, Tony Hatchett, Andre Hatchett, Terry Hunter, and Mike Dunn. DJs Chip E, Joe Smooth, Maurice Joshua, Eric Esmoove Miller, Steve Silk Hurley, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Eric ET Taylor, Lori Branch, Celeste Alexander, Dee Jay Alicia, G Whip, Greg Winfield, DJ Spen, Hans Cherry, Reggie Corner, Angie Tee, and the list is growing from around the world.
We ask that people not only donate what they can but SHARE it with everyone across every platform.
Jesse’s history • Considered one of the founding fathers of House music, Jesse released the first commercially available House record, “On & On” (1984) with Vince Lawrence. • Instrumental in shaping the early sound of Chicago House with its raw, minimalist style and use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine. • Renowned DJ, playing at Chicago’s legendary warehouse parties in the 1980s and continuing to perform globally today. • Prolific producer, releasing numerous solo albums and singles, along with remixes and collaborations with other artists. • Founded multiple record labels, including his own imprint, Jes-Say Records, and worked extensively in music and film production. • Author of the book “House Music… The Real Story” (2008).
Early Life and Influences: Jesse Saunders was born and raised on the south side of Chicago. He developed a love for music at a young age, inspired by R&B, soul, and disco. By 15, he started DJing at parties and clubs, later becoming a resident DJ at the iconic Playground venue.
Birth of House Music: In the early 1980s, Saunders, along with Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy, experimented with combining disco, electro, and European synth music, crafting a new sound that would become known as House. Saunders’ “On & On” became a defining track of the genre, sparking its growth and popularity.
Career Highlights: Throughout his career, Saunders has released several influential albums and singles, including “Love on Mars” (1984), “Can’t Turn Back” (1988), and “The Funk Phenomena” (1993). He has collaborated with artists like Larry Heard, Marshall Jefferson, and Robert Owens, and remixed tracks for Madonna, Kylie Minogue, and others.
Beyond Music: Beyond being a musical pioneer, Saunders has been involved in various ventures. He founded record labels, worked in film production, and served as a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. His book, “House Music… The Real Story,” chronicles the genre’s early days and his own contributions.
Legacy: As a member of the Chosen Few DJs, Jesse Saunders is revered as a true legend in the world of House music. His innovative spirit, technical skills, and dedication to the genre have left a lasting impact. He continues to inspire DJs, producers, and music lovers worldwide.
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
(Chicago, IL) Opening tonight, “IRL” at Goodman Theatre, is Highway Patrol—Emmy Award-winning actor Dana Delany’s (China Beach, Desperate Housewives) true personal story crafted entirely from her digital archive of hundreds of tweets and direct messages on Twitter. Together with three-time Emmy Award nominee Dot-Marie Jones (Glee’s Coach Beiste) and emerging Chicago actor Thomas Murphy Molony (A Christmas Story, The Musical at Marriott Theatre and Fun Home at Paramount), Delany stars as herself in the world-premiere production she assembled with co-creators Dane Laffrey, Jen Silverman and Mike Donahue, who also directs. The creative team includes Laffrey (Set Design), Enver Chakartash (Costume Design), Jen Schriever (Lighting Design), Sinan Refik Zafar (Sound Design) and Yee Eun Nam (Projection Design). Highway Patrol appears in the 856-seat Albert Theatre January 20 – February 18, 2024. Tickets ($25 – 90; subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/Highway or by phone at 312.443.3800. Highway Patrol is presented by special arrangement with Mark Gordon Pictures and is the winner of a 2023 Edgerton Foundation New Play Award. The Goodman is grateful for the support of the Edgerton Foundation (New American Plays).
TIMESTAMP: October, 2012: “@DanaDelany, Are you married? If not, I’d marry you.” When Cam (Thomas Molony), a 13-year-old fan in a desperate medical situation captures actress Dana Delany’s attention on Twitter, she’s quickly swept into an intense, around-the-clock online friendship with the whole family—including Cam’s care-giving grandmother, Nan (Dot-Marie Jones). But when Cam starts relaying messages received from beyond, Dana is thrust into a world where unexpected revelations raise the question of how far we go to love and be loved.
Highway Patrol Playwright and Text Curator Jen Silverman Based on the Digital Archives of Dana Delany Created by Dana Delany, Mike Donahue, Dane Laffrey and Jen Silverman Directed by Mike Donahue January 20 – February 18, 2024
Dana….. Dana Delany Nan, Others….. Dot-Marie Jones Cam….. Thomas Murphy Molony
Understudies for this production include Meighan Gerachis (Nan, Others), Brennan Monaghan (Cam) and Rachel Sledd (Dana).
Assistant Direction by Jamal Howard Set Design by Dane Laffrey Costume Design by Enver Chakartash Lighting Design by Jen Schriever Sound Design by Sinan Refik Zafar Projection Design by Yee Eun Nam
Line Production by Malkia Stampley Casting is by Lauren Port, CSA.
ENHANCED AND ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES
Visit Goodman theatre.org/Access for more information about Goodman Theatre’s accessibility efforts.
ASL-Interpreted: Friday, February 16 at 7:30pm – An American Sign Language interpreter signs the action/text as played.
Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance: Saturday, February 17, 12:30pm Touch Tour; 2pm performance – The action/text is audibly enhanced for patrons via headset.
Spanish Subtitles: Saturday February 17 at 7:30pm.
Open-Captioned: Sunday, February 18 at 2pm – An LED sign presents dialogue in sync with the performance.
February is Black History Month, and Chicago, its birthplace, offers a vibrant tapestry of events and experiences to celebrate the rich contributions of the Black community.
Here are some ways you can join the celebration:
Immerse yourself in history:
Bronzeville: Take a self-guided walking tour of Bronzeville, a historic neighborhood renowned for its significant African American figures and landmarks. Visit the Monument to the Great Northern Migration, the Bronzeville Walk of Fame, and the Ida B. Wells-Barnett House. Chicago History Museum: Attend their Family Event on February 9th for artmaking activities inspired by African American art and stories. DuSable Museum of African American History: Explore their permanent exhibitions and special programs highlighting Black achievement and culture.
Engage with the arts:
Chicago Symphony Orchestra: Experience the CSO’s Black History Month celebration featuring diverse composers and artists. Victory Gardens Theater: See their production of “Pass Over,” a powerful play exploring themes of race and power. Green Mill Cocktail Lounge: Immerse yourself in the legacy of jazz at this iconic venue, a mainstay of Chicago’s vibrant music scene.
Support local businesses:
Bronzeville Collective: Discover unique handcrafted goods and artwork from Black vendors. Semicolon Bookstore & Gallery: Browse their curated selection of books by and about Black authors. Soulful Chicago: Explore their website for a comprehensive list of Black-owned businesses in various industries.
Attend community events:
Black History Month Community Celebration at Taylor Park: Enjoy performances, activities, and vendors celebrating Black culture. Chicago Public Library Black History Month Programs: Participate in author talks, film screenings, and discussions hosted by different branches. Black Girls Rock! Chicago: Celebrate and empower young Black women through this inspirational event. These are just a few suggestions to get you started. Remember, Black History Month is a time for reflection, education, and action.
7 Ways to Honor Black History Month
Educate Yourself on the Black History in Your Community.
Photo courtesy of Facebook & Article reprinted from Mixmag Magazine
Black Coffee is currently receiving medical treatment after he was involved in a “severe travel accident on a flight” while travelling to a show in Argentina, supposedly from turbulence.
Please join me in prayer for a full recovery for Black Coffee.
As we come to the close of 2023, GO BANG! Magazine and myself, Pierre, would like to wish you and yours a HAPPY HOLIDAY season and a prosperous New Year.
Please take care of yourself and your loved ones, and make a POSITIVE difference in someone’s life, each and every day.
Live life to the fullest every day, because tomorrow is not promised to ANY of us!
Dance like no one is looking and for GOD’S sake…. GO BANG!!!!!
Santa… err… President Obama stopped by an elementary school on the South Side of Chicago on Tuesday to spread some holiday cheer, and one student couldn’t believe her eyes!
Take a LOOK!!!
We hope this brings a smile to your face and puts you in the holiday spirit. Forward this to a friend to keep spreading the cheer!
Ozie Nzeribe, also known as “ZMNY” is an 18-year-old international rapper with genres reaching Hip Hop, melodic and lyrical Rap, R&B, and Afro Beat.
He’s an Actor, Model, Humanitarian, and well-rounded scholar who appears as a series regular role on “Swagger”, with Kevin Durant’s basketball drama series on Apple TV produced by CBS. He recently appeared in a guest starring role on Jamie Foxx’s “Dad Stop Embarrassing Me”. He will also be in the upcoming film, “I Want It All” in the role of Ty, alongside, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Rick Ross, Lil Durk, Nas, Busta Rhymes and more.
You may have seen him in his recurring role on the hit Showtime series, “Shameless” as Todd, an oversized scary kid with a big heart.
Catch him in “The Mr. X Family Show” on the Africa Independent Television network, Beyoncé’s “Black is King” film/music video, and in an upcoming American Drama Miniseries, “Little Fires Everywhere” starring Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon.
Ozie has appeared in an Adidas commercial with Childish Gambino and has also appeared in Louis Vuitton’s 2019 Men’s Spring Print Campaign.
Ozie, “Zmny” at age 13 recorded a song “Hater-Free” with R&B artist Ray J Norwood, Brandy’s brother. He also collaborated with other popular African and American Hip Hop artists. Ozie was the youngest to have a “Grammy Party” approved by the Grammy’s Recording Academy Governance.
Ozie is a role model for kids of all ages and uses his platform to help inspire and empower. As a Youth Ambassador, Ozie has touched many teens’ lives internationally. In Nigeria, he sponsors and donates to a youth charity group to help end racism and poverty in their communities. Ozie’s compassion compels him to go in the streets of Lagos around Christmas time to clothe and feed the impoverished. Ozie’s empathetic quality is honorable.
As a stellar student, Ozie received several Estella Awards due to his excellent grades and humanitarian efforts.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Where were you born and raised?
Ozie Nzeribe: I was born and raised in Monrovia, California.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: How and when did you get started in acting and modeling?
Ozie Nzeribe: I stumbled into acting while in a recording studio making music. I was approached by an acting manager about a possible acting job. Although I was skeptical at first, I was talked into it by my mom.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Over the years, you’ve appeared in numerous tv series and more recently you’re working on “I Want It All”, alongside several Hip Hop heavy hitters. What can you tell our readers about that role and the show?
Ozie Nzeribe: Unfortunately, I’m not allowed to discuss details regarding the film until I get the greenlight from the producers. Guess you guys are just gonna have to wait.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Kevin Durant has a basketball tv drama series on Apple TV titled “Swagger” and you’re a regular on the show. How did you become a part of the show, please describe your character and what you like most about the role you play?
Ozie Nzeribe: I booked my series regular role on “Swagger” after my agency acquired the audition. I originally read for a different part, but instead booked my current role as Royale Hughes. Royale is a dyslexic sub-par basketball player with a wealthy dad and insanely unmatched basketball knowledge.
Kevin Durant’s “Swagger” Official Trailer
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: In addition to acting, you are also an international rapper, known to flow to Hip Hop, melodic and lyrical Rap, R&B and Afro Beat. At 13 years old, you recorded the song Hater Free” under the name of Zmny, with Brandy Norwood’s brother Ray J Norwood. How did that opportunity come about, and can you please introduce yourself to our readers that may not be familiar with Zmny, to give them a feel of Zmny, the recording artist.
Ozie Nzeribe: I’ve been infatuated with music my whole life. By the time I turned 12, I wanted to make my own music. So, my mom and I sought out an artist to collab with in the hopes of giving my first song a good push. The artist I decided on was Ray J.
My stage name Zmny, pronounced Z Money, was first coined by my dad when I was a kid, because I was obsessed with money and the Z being the second letter in my name. I currently go by my actual name, Ozie.
“Hater-Free” with R&B artist Ray J Norwood
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Who are some of the recording artists that have influenced you?
Ozie Nzeribe: Artists that have influenced me, from the top of my head, out of order, I would have to say Post Malone, J. Cole, Chance The Rapper, Lord, Juice WRLD, Tyler, The Creator, Lewis Capaldi, Justin Bieber, Kyle, and many more.
“Function” – Zmny ft. Ana Lou
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: Who are some of the actors that have influenced you?
Ozie Nzeribe: Actors that have influenced me, from the top of my head, out of order, I would have to say Dylan O’Brien, Chadwick Boseman, Ryan Reynolds, Frankie Muniz, Tyler Posey, Denzel Washington, and many others.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: You are also a humanitarian, a scholar, and a role model. Many entertainers do not like to hold the responsibility or title of being a role model. How do you feel about being characterized as a role model and what type of responsibility does that title place on you as an individual?
Ozie Nzeribe: I personally wouldn’t want to be characterized as a role model, because of the weight it bears and the responsibilities for countless others I would be agreeing to carry. I don’t aim to be a giant beacon for others to follow because no human is infallible. I only wish to become the best possible version of myself. I’m spreading joy and good vibes through my art and spreading love and kindness as a person, while still learning and growing. But, if my actions and what I stand for helps others along the way, I am happy to continue doing so.
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: If you had the opportunity to work with any actors/recording artists/producers in the world, who would it be and why?
Ozie Nzeribe: For actors, all out of order would be Reynolds, for his unfiltered raw comedy, Jenna Ortega, because of her versatility and dedication to her roles, and Tom Holland for his ability to portray American and for his work on “Spider Man.”
For music artists, Tyler, The Creator, because I’ve loved his style of Rap since middle school and his rapping voice. Lorde, because I’ve loved her music for the longest and has always put joy and good vibes in my house. Then Post Malone for his rocker/mellow musical style.
ZMNY X OLAMIDE- “STREET TREASURE” VIDEO
GO BANG! MAGAZINE: What’s next on your agenda and what should our readers be on the lookout for from you?
Ozie Nzeribe: Season 2 of “Swagger” on Apple TV+, airs this June, so watch out! I will be working on a lot more music this year. I’ll be adding in a couple more genres too. You may also see me in a film or two this year, and another show!
Last but not least, Kevin Feige, Sarah Finn, James Gunn, and all the other esteemed members of marvel, if you’re reading this, I think I would make a great addition to the family as Miles Morales (Spider-Man), just to put it out there. 😉
GO BANG! Magazine: Well Ozie, I want to thank you for granting me this interview. I also want to inform you that you have now been officially BANGED!!! GO BANG!
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
It’s the 47th Anniversary of Jackie Taylor’s holiday classic hit “The Other Cinderella.” It’s been almost five decades and Cinderella is proving to be ageless. The story line remains the same – Cinderella is from the projects, the Stepmamma works at the Post Office, the Brothers are from the Hood, and the Fairygodmamma hails from Jamaica! At the helm of the Kingdom of Other is the King and the Queen and everybody – even Dorothy – has soul. This fun-filled story will have you laughing and dancing in the aisles. Of course “The OtherCinderella” always brings something new to the party every time she takes the stage. So expect a few intoxicating and wonderful surprises. “The Other Cinderella” has lasted for many generations because her message is timeless – “You’ll have a lifetime of hopes and dreams of successes and failures in planning life’s scheme – there will always be heartaches that you must go thru – but you live through them all – because of the spirit in you.”
**IMPORTANT INFORMATION** If you require wheelchair accessibility seating, please call the box office at 773-769-4451. Your E-ticket will be sent to your email. For your convenience, you can print your ticket at home or bring it on your mobile device. Valet Parking is available for $10 (CASH ONLY)
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
