Author: GO BANG MAG
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!!!!!
Shared from The Obama Foundation
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!
Photos courtesy of Facebook
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Written and Directed by Jackie Taylor
Opening: December 03, 2023
Closing: January 14, 2023
$101.50 – $101.50 including fees
Tix: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35140/production/1156931?performanceId=11275344
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)
Dancers pictured: (female) Cortney LaFloy & (male) Pierre Andre’ Evans @ Chosen Few Picnic’s 25th Anniversary (2015) in Chicago, IL
Information reprinted from https://www.facebook.com/akaBA
Pictured above: Andre Pierre “The Dancin’ Machine” aka Pierre Andre Evans
Harry Kappen is a Dutch producer, musician and music therapist. His latest full album ‘Escape‘ (Spring 2022) contains songs about escaping reality, escaping violence, even life, escaping into love, dreams or art. It became a personal journey with personal lyrics. ‘Barefoot in the Dew‘ was the only single from this album.
In the beginning of 2022, Russia attacked Ukraine and the atmosphere in Europe changed completely. During the summer, Harry realized that there were no protest songs in the Dutch charts. In general, you could say that musicians do not speak out against abuses and threats, while there is reason enough to protest, you would think. (Ukrainian war, climate change, fake news, ignorance, etc.) How different it was in the 60s and 70s during the Vietnam War. So, Harry made this new song about this subject and released the single ‘Wargames’.
In November 2022, ‘The Freedom Inside‘ was released. Instead of complaining and grumbling about the state of the world around you, it may be better to feel the freedom inside to change yourself and thus make a constructive contribution.
Then came June 2023, “Not All of us Agreed”, another separate single release. This song is an indictment of the rapid development of new technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, and the many questions it raises for human beings.
Harry played in many bands in the Netherlands and throughout Europe. He composed his first song when he was 10 years old. He played with his sister Hanneke in Kapsonic and released an album with her called ‘Kapsonic’.
Harry is an admirer of David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Prince, Radiohead, Scandinavian pop music by Björk and Motorpsycho. Sometimes their music reflects in Harry’s eclectic music.
Harry is a multi-instrumentalist. His work as a Music Therapist requires him to be able to play a variety of instruments, including voice, in order to connect with his clients in different ways. This is necessary both in the treatment of individual clients and in system therapy (for example, in dysfunctional families).
GO BANG! Magazine: What was life like for you growing up in the Netherlands?
Harry Kappen: I was born in Groningen, a city in the north of the Netherlands. I had a carefree childhood. Music has been very important to me since primary school, first miming in front of the class, later followed by playing in many bands. My sister played the guitar and I soon couldn’t contain my curiosity and started to discover the guitar myself.
GO BANG! Magazine: How did you get an interest in music and when did you know you wanted to pursue it professionally?
Harry Kappen: Groningen has a lively music scene and there are many opportunities to perform in the city. Making music and composing songs was second nature to me. It became a part of me that I never stopped doing. I have really written a lot of songs and pieces of music. I continued in music without really thinking about it; recording in studios, recording other bands as a producer, making music for occasions, for radio and Dutch TV.
GO BANG! Magazine: For those that may not be familiar with you, you are a multi-instrumentalist. What instruments do you play and which are your favorites?
Harry Kappen: I mainly play guitar and bass, but gradually I learned to play the drums and understand how the piano/keyboards works. Through a lot of recording and producing, I have been able to gain a lot of experience over the years.
I don’t have one instrument that is my favorite, I like arranging a whole, a unity. I don’t see myself as an excellent instrumentalist, but more of a generalist.
GO BANG! Magazine: Who are some of the people that inspire you as a singer, songwriter and musician?
Harry Kappen: The musicians who are inspiring to me are and were Paul McCartney, John McLaughlin, Jeff Beck, Prince, Radiohead and many more. Often it was also individual songs that inspired me; I mention ‘Wichita Lineman’, ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’, ‘Smoke on the Water’, ‘Creed’, etc. It is often an atmosphere that grabs me.
GO BANG! Magazine: One of your recent songs titled “Wargames” was written as a response and protest to Russia attacking Ukraine. Can you please explain this single to our worldwide readers?
Harry Kappen: A lot changed in Europe in 2022, because of this Russian attack on Ukraine. A war with a lot of casualties, refugees all over Europe, and a Russian leader who threatened Europe and NATO with a nuclear attack. While this was happening, I looked at the Dutch music-charts, the top 40 or 50, and saw there were no “protest-songs” on it. How different that was in the 60s and 70s during the Vietnam-war. During this period, the protest-song was invented (there was Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Billy Joel, John Lennon (“Give Peace a Chance) and a lot more. But now? Maybe some independent artists have protest-songs, but in the mainstream charts there were none. So, I felt I had to make this little contribution by releasing “Wargames.” During the solo, you might discover a musical reference to Jimi Hendrix, who played the US anthem in Woodstock and reflected on the Vietnam war. I really liked that idea.
GO BANG! Magazine: Then your single “The Freedom Inside” was released, which is an urge for people to look inside of themselves. What inspired you to write this song?
Harry Kappen: ‘The Freedom Inside’ is also critical, but has a more positive vibe. ‘Don’t try to change the world, but change yourself first’ is the message. We all know we live in troubling times with war, climate change, indifference, etc. There’s a lot of complaining everywhere (social media!) and declining trust in governments. Harry says, “If you want to change the world, stop nagging and whining at others and start to change yourself first and search for the freedom inside you to do so!”
GO BANG! Magazine: More recently in June 2023, “Not All of Us Agreed” was released. It’s themed around the highly-controversial new technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (AI). Please tell us more about that song.
Harry Kappen: ‘Not All of Us Agreed’ is a song about the threats of new technologies, such as A.I., for intimate contacts between people. What will be real in the future and what will be artificial. Is the news we see fake or real? Are we only going to communicate with our government via robots? Will every human just turn into an algorithm? Technology is developing so fast without normal people like you and me having a grip on it. Shall we just have to cope with it and adjust or do we still have some influence on something? I’m just saying, ‘Not All of Us Agreed’….
GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a songwriter and musician, you are also a Music Therapist. What exactly is a Music Therapist and what do you do?
Harry Kappen: In music therapy, I treat my clients through music. Many disorders and unhealthy patterns become audible in making music. The audible ‘wrong’ music that this produces can be improved in the music. It is a safe practice place to indirectly deal with your real problems, to go and look for solutions, and then translate them into real daily life.
As a Music Therapist, I help youngsters and adolescents to cope with a variety of problems in an institution for youth care, problems caused by development disorders or/and behavior disorders.
The fact that I’m a multi-instrumentalist comes very handy in my work as music therapist. It’s important to be able to connect musically with a client quite quickly on every instrument. Also, I help families who are struggling with dysfunctional patterns. Music therapy is a great way to make these patterns audible and curable.
Besides my work as a Music Therapist, I work as a lecturer and tutor on an international master’s degree in music therapy in Rotterdam, in the Netherlands (Codarts).
GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve played in several bands in the Netherlands and throughout Europe. Are you planning to play in the US anytime soon?
Harry Kappen: At this moment I don’t know. It would be nice to do so!
I really enjoy being in the spotlight and performing, but I also aspire to a role as a composer and producer for other artists. I am sure that with my experience, I can help many people to move forward.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, what would you like your legacy to be? How would you like to be remembered?
Harry Kappen: As a musician. I hope that people just enjoy my music. In December, I will release a new single called ‘One Life’. You may check my website for the latest developments. www.harrykappen.com
As a Therapist. I hope, well, I know, to be (remembered as) a game changer for young people, by offering my ears, heart and skills.
GO BANG! Magazine: Thank you for this interview and continued success! You have now been officially BANGED!
Harry Kappen: I’m honored to be banged, thank you!
Support | Shop | Explore
Neighborhood Champions Leading the Way!
RSVP REQUIRED:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bronzevilles-small-business-saturday-largest-southside-holiday-kick-off-tickets-749149445157?
The Absolutely Anything Essential gift shop along with over 20 vendors, service providers and small business owners invite you to support, shop and explore in Bronzeville. This 8th year Neighborhood Champion celebration will be held on Saturday November 25, 2023 from 10 am until 5 pm. This event is great for the entire family, diverse shoppers, those who love being creative and small business supporters seeking an all in one Southside Holiday kick-off experience and showcase. This year’s theme “neighborhood champions leading the way”, echoes the conversation of “If you shop big box, you can shop with us small business owners”, thus motivating residents to support businesses a short stroll or bike ride from their home and workplace.
Deemed the largest Southside Holiday themed media noted community building event, kicks off with the invite-only CBBN sponsored V.I.P. catered breakfast prepared from 8:30 am to 10 am held inside of the historic previously noted as the Supreme Life Building, followed by a full day of shopping and family crafting excursions from 1 pm to 4 pm sponsored by Quad Communities Development Corporation. Additional Holiday fun follows, mid-afternoon with free cocoa, Holiday carolers, live dance performances, a kids zone hosted by The Black Star Project and concludes at 5 pm. with the annual 35th and King Dr., business corridor Christmas Tree Lighting sponsored by My Block My Hood My City, the Bud Billiken Parade and the Defender Charities.
Join us for a day brimming with empowerment, inspiration, and festive cheer! Let’s come together to appreciate the significance of preserving and strengthening our community through the support of local businesses, the enjoyment of unique experiences, and the vibrant spirit of Bronzeville.
What is the Absolutely Anything Essential Gift Shop? The Absolutely Anything Essential Gift Shop of Chicago, is a certified MWBE incubator retail space, and local tourist destination, offering a platform for small business owners, entrepreneurs and hobbyists alike to showcase as well as sell their works, services, classes, experiences and products at its flagship store, located at 3521 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL. 60653 which is conveniently located just a short drive south of the McCormick Place and a 5 minute drive east of the Chicago White Sox Stadium on King Drive.
What is Shop Small Business Saturday? American Express publicized the initiative Small Business Saturday 13 years ago as an American shopping holiday held on the Saturday after US Thanksgiving during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Saturday, November 25, 2023 is Small Business Saturday® – a day to celebrate and support small businesses in their communities.
WHAT: 2023 Small Business Saturday: Support~Shop~Explore – Bronzeville!
WHEN: Saturday November 25, 2023 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. *8:30 am breakfast
WHERE: 3521 through 3501 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60653. Free street parking
COST: Free to tour & shop *Breakfast additional cost *Wheelchair accessible.
RSVP REQUIRED: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bronzevilles-small-business-saturday-largest-southside-holiday-kick-off-tickets-749149445157?
Chicago, IL – Stewart Music Emporium presents performer Gregory Stewart, 2023 Jeff Award nominee (Reasons: A Tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire) in a limited run of his tribute Just One of Those Things (And More): The Nat King Cole Story, December 8, 2023 – January 7, 2024, at Venus Cabaret Theater, 3745 N Southport Ave. The opening is December 9, 2023 at 7:00pm.
Tickets, $60-$70, are on sale at MercuryTheaterChicago.com. Performances are December 8-9 at 7pm, December 10 at 3pm, December 21-23 at 7pm, January 5-6 at 7pm and January 7 at 2:30pm.
In Gregory Stewart’s production, he reveals the perseverance and tenacity of a musical legend who made an indelible mark on the music industry during the height of racial and social unrest. Stewart will perform all of Cole’s best-known melodies, including the favorites “Unforgettable”, “When I Fall In Love”, and “The Christmas Song”, among others.
Music heals the soul, and Nat King Cole bridged the racial line by leading with love. Just One of Those Things (And More): The Nat King Cole Story, is about a remarkable human being and trailblazer. His catchphrase, “Just one of those things,” reflected his attitude toward the world during his time.
Stewart will be joined by musicians Will Oats (piano), William O. Whitehead III (drums), and Isaiah Horne (bass). The creative team includes Janine Stroemer (director), Ameer Roberts (creative direction and set design), Janine Stroemer and Aundria TraNay (writers) and Jessica Taylor (hair and make-up).
Gregory Stewart comments, “If it weren’t for Nat King Cole, there wouldn’t be a lot of entertainers that we love so much performing today. Nat became the first of many historical moments. He was the first African American to be a host on national television. He was the first African American to have a residency in Vegas. He was the only African American man to build and be the face of Capitol Records. The music industry would not be as powerful as it is today if it were not for Nat King Cole’s contribution and his fight for equal opportunities for everyone. Nat was faced with endless obstacles, and he still rose to the top. I am honored and proud to pay tribute to an icon that deserves more recognition than what he is getting.”
Gregory Stewart, Jr., became a music enthusiast at an early age. As a child prodigy on the Southside of Chicago, Gregory was shaped by diverse types of musical genres that helped establish his career in the entertainment industry. In 2018, Gregory’s talent brought him to live abroad in Osaka, Japan where he completed a two-year foreign entertainment contract with Universal Studios. While in Japan, Gregory produced multiple independent musical performances featured in nightclubs, entertainment venues and events.
After returning to Chicago, Gregory established his roots as a professional entertainer throughout Chicagoland, including as one of the lead singers of the popular band Maggie Speaks. Gregory was nominated for a Jeff Award for the role of Philip Bailey in Reasons: A Tribute to Earth Wind & Fire at Black Ensemble Theater. Gregory performs as a cross-cultural entertainer, paying tribute on stage with renditions of historical artists that have made indelible marks in the music industry. He produces his own productions under Stewart Music Emporium and will release his debut album, “Back in Love,” in early 2024.
