Conversation with Septimius the Great

Who is Septimius the Great? Why that name? Below is my conversation with the artist, covering his 3 time invitation to be a participant in America's Got Talent, and using that platform to transition into being a recording and performing artist touring the country.

Where do we start? I think lets just get right into it. What year were you on America’s Got Talent?

September 2015

Why did you opt for AGT and not American Idol?

AGT actually called me from my youtube music videos (which had hundreds of thousands of views) and invited me to come as a VIP auditioner and I accepted for the last 3 yrs.

Hold up. You’ve participated in AGT for 3 years? 2013, 2014, 2015?

2013 – Got called to VIP audition in NYC, went straight to the celebrity judge round for TV, got x'd but didn't make the edits for the TV airing.

2014 – Got called to VIP audition in Baltimore, MD, had to do 3 mini auditions before the celebrity judge round but didn't make it.

2015 -  Got called to VIP audition in NYC, went straight to the celebrity judge round for TV, got x'd and it aired in September 2015 (video on my website)

How was it like getting to be on it?

It was a great experience, fun and eye-opening to learn about reality TV. Plus I always enjoy meeting and chatting with Nick Cannon.

It must have been nice meeting him. What was most interesting about meeting him?

2013 – Funny and loved my costume

2014 – Remembered me and we laughed and I gave him my number for future business meeting hopefully (video clip is on my website)
2015 – Loved my costume again

I hear some of these reality shows have insane contracts they have you sign. How was AGT’s?

AGT is just like the rest – they are very strict but provide you with one of biggest avenues and national platforms to showcase your talent. But they do and will own you if you place in top 10 from 1- 5 years.

Who did you meet in the whole process?

I met Nick Cannon, Howard Stern, Sharon Osbourne and Howie Mandel for the 2^nd time, but met Mel B for the first time.

Out of all the celebrity judges, who were you the most excited to meet, and why?

Heidi Klum because she and I have that Fashion connection

What did you learn from the process?

Just how reality TV is mainly for ratings, though they also try to discover unique talent.

Getting the ax is never easy because it basically is someone rejecting you. How did you feel about it, and how did you bounce back to continue the grind?

It was not a disappointment to me because my mindset was to get on TV but not really to win. It was simply a vehicle to expose my talent to a national audience, and make some business connections.

Let’s go back to the beginning. What was your dream as a child, and how did you embark on music?

I never dreamed of doing music as a child, I was intrigued by business and loved animals. But after entering the arts as a model, then being a fashion cooridinator and later an event producer, I embarked on being an entertainer, which landed me into becoming a music artist and entertainer in 2010.

Ah! So you’ve been an artist in music since 2010. How would you look back on your 6 years in the game?

Its been both a disappointing yet rewarding experience. Disappointing in the sense of meeting people who have good and bad intentions and really cant help my type of brand. Rewarding because I have accomplished so much in a short period of time so far.

You have a CD out. How would you describe your music?

My 1^st project is geared around being a Roman Emperor of Music (Septimius The Great) with an urban dance/edm sound which infuses edm/dance, hip hop, house and mixing collaborations of R&B, Opera and Rock.

(Available on iTunes)

Hey, how did you come up with your name, and where are you from?

The name was derived from my research in discovering a Black King or Ruler, and I discovered Septimius Severus - 1^st Black Roman Emperor from Africa. So I then created Septimius The Great

What was the creative process behind your CD?

I create from the idea of the story I want to tell, then finding a beat for it that I like, and then create the story lyrically with high energy beats.

You know what my favorite song is. LOL!! What is yours?

"I am Fashion" is my baby.... because it crosses all genres of music, crosses all industry from music to fashion, crosses purpose from music to self-esteem and feeling good.

I saw the clip of you signing to a record label. Congratulations. What label are you signed to and what do you like about your label?

It's a small independent label – M.A.M records out of Baltimore, MD – I don't like being with a label unless they are able to help me financially to achieve my goals of getting to the next level.

In your opinion, what’s the plus in being with a label, as opposed to being an independent artist maintaining complete creative autonomy and answering to no one?

My label allows me to be me which is rare but not being with a label makes the road harder and long to achieve the goal. But it's a more peaceful journey to do it on your own.

I see you on twitter with your active itinerary. Where’s your next performance and project?

7/17 – Richmond, VA

8/8 – Baltimore, MD

8/20 – NYC

9/17 - NYC

10/6 – Baja, Mexico

Who’s your dream artist to work with and why?

I would love to work with Will.I.Am, Pitbull, Cee-Low, Lady Gaga or even P.Diddy.

What should we be looking out for from you in the near future?

I have 3 new single releases to come out is September, January, March and then album June 2018.

So are you taking a break in 2017?

Hell no !!! I now have a better formula for my success with a new album coming out and several single releases. All in motion right now

As you probably know, I’m a born again Christian. What belief system do you subscribe to?

Christian as well, very spiritual but not much into religion – if that makes sense

I think it does. It means you’re not into the whole institution of church and attending church. You’re more into a relationship with God. Did you have a bad church experience to make you come to this conclusion?

No bad experience just realized that church is more a business these days, and my lack of time. I have just as good of a direct connection with God through Jesus on my own, as I have being in a church

Alright, if you say so. So what would you say to young artists trying to chase their dreams and try out for TV shows like AGT and The Voice?

Don't focus on winning but focus on doing your best and get better each round you get thru. Listen to your coach but stay true to yourself.

Some people focus more on the fame than the artistry or craft. What is your opinion on that?

It's important to do this not for fame (not to compensate for esteem issues, respect, neglect, etc) but to be creative, create and get people to like what you do and have an appreciation for it as well

Any last words from you brother?

The Septimius Group, LLC is my brand and watch out for the next couple of years to be Quadruple Threat in Music, Fashion, TV/Film and Education.

Wow! Quadruple threat. That’s what’s up! And the take home lesson here is, never ever give up on your dreams, and pursue every opportunity you get. Life is not going to roll a red carpet out for you to achieve your dreams. You have to go out and press to achieve it.
Thank you Septimius for the conversation. You can connect with him on these social media networks:

Website - http://www.septimiusthegreat.com/index.html
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/septimiusmusic
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Septimius-The-Great/137821669574184
Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/user/blkmodelboi
InstaGram - http://instagram.com/septimiusthegreat 

Conversation with Evans Ogboi

Below is the Conversation I had with MOBO Award winning artist, Evans Ogboi, whose new music video "Shout Hallelujah" was released today.

How time flies. How would you say the last few years have been to you?

Glorious! I must say. The Lord is truly faithful to His word.

Who would you say you are, and what you say you do?

I am a music minister, a songwriter, music producer, gospel recording artiste and music director for RCCG Living Faith Connections, London.

You’ve come a long way. And we know we can credit the Grace of God to your success. What else would you attribute to your success?

I'm so grateful to God for my parents who not only released me but supported me in my pursuit.  I also thank God for destiny helpers. Men and women sent by God into my life to mentor and help me through the different stages of my life.

You are now based in London full time, right? Was your ambition to always relocate there, considering you had a thriving business venture back Nigeria?

 Well, not really. I believe so much in the will of God for our lives. Interestingly, my dad advised I relocated from Nigeria once I told him I wanted to do music full-time. He stressed his desire for me to do this professionally. Obviously, he believed the music industry abroad was better and more structured. I didn't know things would work out this way. I came schooling and then got employed. Looking back, I can tell you, God is a master planner. 

In your opinion, can a young successful man in Nigeria be limited in the height of success unless they relocate to the Western world?

 Ooo not at all! You can succeed anywhere when you remain connected to the Source. I know so many successful people in Nigeria and I mean that in every sense of it. Success is a lot of things though. I believe finding your life's purpose and passionately pursuing it, striving always to be in God's perfect will for your life is what brings fulfilment.

So you arrive in London……how did you figure out your niche, and invest yourself in it? I’m sure you’re aware of the fable of Johnny arriving in London and getting devoured by it. Speak on how you placed boundaries on yourself to achieve your goal

Well, it was clear what I came here to do. I came over to study music production and audio engineering at SAE institute London. SAE is one of the biggest creative media institutes in the world. By the help of the Holy Spirit, I continued to be extremely focused. I would listen and learn. I began to ask a lot of questions and did a lot of research. I began to pray and take small steps as I was led. It's amazing how things are still unfolding. The key remains, maintaining a relationship with the Holy Spirit. He knows where you are trying to get to. He designed your life's journey. It's a lot easier when we ask Him.

Lets talk about you winning the MOBO Awards. What project did you win that for, and what category?

I wrote a song for my church originally for a conference but we eventually added that song to an album project which we titled "Beyond the Norm". That's the song that got the nomination. We finally won. Living Faith Connections choir. Best Gospel Act 2014 MOBO awards.

So did you do the red carpet. Did you see any artists you had admired?

Emmm, we didn't make the red carpet as we were held up in traffic. Thank God we arrived in good time to join the ceremony.

What?? You missed out on doing the red carpet at the MOBO awards? That must have been a disappointment. But hey, you ARE a MOBO award winner, so who needs red carpet trivia?

LoL…. Yeah.. yeah..

How does it feel being an the exclusive class of individuals who has won a MOBO?

Hnmmm…. It's humbling. I didn't set out to win any award, that was never the goal. However, the bible tells us that if we seek the Kingdom of God first, every other thing will be added. This is my experience and it feels really humbling and encouraging seeing every other thing being added. God's word is true.

What was it like when you won the category you were nominated for, and had to walk up to receive your award from Mel B (Scary Spice)?

WoW! What a night it was. My pastors were around and we sat at our table having a great time. Next thing we hear was the announcement for the gospel category and I think I went blank for a few seconds after I heard our name announced as the winner. We couldn't believe it. We ran up the stage to receive the award. I was truly overwhelmed. I knew it could only be God.

Some would call that a mountaintop experience. How do you prevent yourself from believing the hype, and staying true to your authentic self? 

Well, when you know where you are coming from, I think that humbles you. Truth is, I get really humbled seeing God do great things in me and through me. It's really humbling.

Growing up back home in Nigeria, how did you become so versed in being a musician and instrumentalist? Church involvement no doubt, but it’s a lot more than that. Talk about your journey in becoming a musician

Well, I started out as a child playing drums back in Church of God mission Benin City Nigeria. I played a couple of years and then moved on to keyboard. I'm self taught so I reproduced what I heard in my spirit. Glory be to God. I started playing professionally in 2002 when I moved to Lagos. I started directing music for ministries and started producing artistes as well. All by the help of the Holy Spirit. Halelluya.

                                                                                                                    

How many solo CDs have you released? When did you release your debut CD?

I currently have 2 CDs out. I released my debut titled "Miracle" in 2007 and then my most recent album was released in 2014 titled "Songs From My heart".

Purchase music from iTunes

Purchase music from iTunes

How many singles have you released from your latest cd?

Two, so far. The third is coming really soon.

This new single “Hallelujah”, it is a traditional praise song sung in African worship services. You took it, and flipped it into a modern praise jam. What was it about this song that made you want to flip it the way you did?

Excellent question sir. I was out on a missionary trip to Northern Nigeria with a team I use to direct music for. Since I had the keyboard in my hotel room, I would have times where I would worship with it and play around sometimes. One day, here came this super idea. I began to program the different parts as I heard the sounds in my heart. Thank God it was a workstation. Long story short, I developed the concept over the coming years and that's how it came together. A beautiful piece. 

Hmm, how long have you directed music…..?

Well, I'll say for about 13 years professionally.

I binge listen to your new cd sometimes, and I hear Kirk Franklin’s style resonating. He must have influenced you (who hasn’t he influenced?). Any other influences that help define the sound you have now?

Yes! Kirk is a legend! As a male gospel artiste, I have been influenced by a lot of other male gospel artistes. I love traditional gospel so people like Pastor John P.kee, Hezekiah Walker, Fred Hammond, Pastor Donnie Mcclurkin, Malvin Sapp and a lot of other amazing artistes really helped me. I would learn all their new stuff. I'm either teaching it to the choir somewhere or learning a solo. This not only helped me find my sound but it also helped my worship experience growing up. Praise God!

You are a happily married man, your spouse being an artist herself. Have you two collaborated together?

Ooo yes we have. Purist is an amazing writer as well. We wrote a song together titled "Pray" which is on Purist's EP. We have a video for that as well which has been prayed severally on turning point. You can also find it on youtube.

Purchase Purist music on iTunes

As two people in the music business, how do you keep centered in your relationship? Any conscious commitments you do that readers can learn from to do as well in their relationships?

I believe when it's meant to be, there's really no struggle. We love what we do and its so easy as we enjoy every bit of it. Purist is involved with all my projects, she travels with me everywhere I'm invited to minister and I do the same when she's invited. It's such a unique blend. To God be the glory.

So what should we expect from you this year?

I'm set to release the official video for "Shout Halleluya" (released today) and I'm so excited about this song. Watch out for that. I'll also be releasing some other videos later in the year. Purist is also working on a new album project which I'm producing. Watch out…. this one's fresh. We can't wait to share it with you all.

To the young man or woman dreaming of achieving success, what would you tell them to commit to?

Any last words to share with the readers?

Keep the dream alive. It's so easy to get discouraged and quit. Anybody can do that. Be excellent on every level. Don't wait for the BIG break. Determine to be productive where you are. Never despise the days of small beginnings. Develop and maintain a close relationship with the Holy Spirit. He will guide you and show you your life's path. With Jesus on your side, you will always win.

Conversation with Calvin Bonds

I have known Calvin for a handful of years or more now (how time flies), and he's always been a gracious friend. A Grammy listed singer and accomplished actor, as well as being a leadership consulting coach about to complete his doctorate degree, and a wonderful Christian young man. Here's our conversation.

Calvin, where do we start? You seem to be so diversified; I guess the easiest way would be to start with your passion. What are you passionate about? What do you have a heart for?

Hahahaha…You remind me of that voice in the back of my head that says pick one thing and stick to it why don’t ya! I must say it has been quite the journey diving in so many different arenas, but my overarching God-given passion is helping people through love.  Under that umbrella you will find entertainment, leadership and business, and education.

I remember a while ago I saw a picture of you on the Grammy Awards Red carpet…..So you are a songwriter, and a singer? How do readers get a chance to explore your musical talents?

 I am a member of the National Academy of Arts and Sciences (NARAS) where I wrote three songs that made the Grammy Entry List for international acclaimed artist, Frankie DeCarlos. 

My songs include:

“Changing Colors” (Album Title-Frankie DeCarlos/2008)

“Loves Empire” (Album Title- Empire/2011)

“A Sunrise” (Album Title-9/2013)

Frankie DeCarlos and Calvin Bonds on Grammy Awards Red carpet

You can find my songs on Itunes, Amazon, and other major music purchasing platforms. You can an also buy them from Frankie DeCarlos Store

I am also an opera singer. I had the pleasure of studying opera in Pisa Italy for a couple of summers and I have been performing opera and spirituals every since then when time allows.

Opera? Wow! Black Pavarotti? *Smile*. What sort of operatic voice do you have? For none operatic aficionados, who are you comparable to? (I hate comparism, but here I am doing it. Hahaha.

Hahaha I am a baritone/bass.  Pavarotti is indeed one of my favorite singers.  I’m intrigued by his passion for singing

What arias do you do?

I’ve done songs like Lasciatemi morire, Amarilli mia bella, Caro Mio Ben. I also sing spirituals like Wade in the Water, and Go Down Moses.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say you’ve explored acting as well. Can you talk about your acting opportunities and endeavors?

Sure Kenneth, I have a background in acting and modeling. I moved to Los Angeles for acting and got my break booking a national Pizza Hut commercial. Since then, I have been on shows like America’s Next Top Model, It’s Christmas (movie), Days of Our Lives (soap opera), The Story of Jonah (movie), Addicted to Blood (Movie) and a host of other things.

Someone saw me working out in the gym one day in Los Angeles and asked me to be in their fashion show. I was SOOO skeptical about that. I took a chance and it actually launched my modeling career. I have had the pleasure of runway modeling in various fashion shows in the United States and Africa.

Ah! Supermodel you. Lol. How did you get involved in the Hollywood scene, and what would you tell a young aspiring actor?

I got involved with Hollywood through being persistent. And that’s what I would tell aspiring actors.  Be persistent and keep God in front of everything you do! Your life depends on it in this industry.

Now that we have your aesthetic and artistic ventures out of the way, lets talk about your leadership training. You’re a consultant in this? I am venturing out to say your educational background legitimizes you in this field…..

Hahaha yessir Kenneth! I am Global Leadership Training Consultant and Coach specializing in Organizational Development. Through using unique ways of creating a safe environment for transparency and creative expression, I have been humbly fortunate to help advance organizations around the world including United States, China, Hong Kong, Nigeria, and Mexico.

A diverse background in education grounds my position in leadership. I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in English and Music from LeMoyne-Owen College. I have an Executive Masters in Business Administration from Irvine University, graduating as valedictorian. I went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from University of Phoenix with a Masters in Education in Adult Education and Corporate Training. And I am completing my Doctorate in Organizational Leadership (Business) from Pepperdine University in Malibu California.

Very impressive. Does your consulting agency have a website readers can visit to learn more, and maybe contract your services?

Thanks Kenneth, I can be contacted on Bonds Storytelling. I am also on all of the major social media sites

Has this always been your heart? Have you always known this was the route you were going to travel?

I had no idea that I would take this path.  God is truly directing me on my journey.  That’s the only way I know when to go right or left, keep straight or take a different path.  Having a relationship with God helps make the impossible possible.

For someone still trying to make sense of their route in life, their lane or their path…..how would you encourage them to find their path?

I would encourage them to seek God in fasting and prayer.  I would also say take an inner look at those things that you like to do or that you feel strongly about. Ask yourself, “How do I make those things careers?” After prayer and research…GO FOR IT!!!

Hmm…..Fasting and prayer. It appears you have a very personal and intimate relationship with God. Care to elaborate on how this came about? How did you discover this relationship, and become so grounded in it?

Sure, it would be my pleasure. This relationship came from being out here in Hollywood starting in 2002 not knowing anyone. I couldn’t depend on anyone but God.  All I could remember was the teachings I received back in Memphis from my mother and my church. Everything I learned was put to the test, because the devil tried to attack me in so many ways. Because of those many dark moments I am closer to God. God met in my breaking points and He’s been with me every since.

Life obviously hasn’t always been rosy with you. Would you care to discuss lessons you have learned from the trials life has spurned you?

I would be honored to. I learned that you cannot put your trust in people. I have been burned so many times and it’s nothing BUT GOD that has helped me to forgive and continue loving. Another lesson is to become an entrepreneur. Working for someone can always be limiting in some shape form or fashion. And you are not promised to have a job the next day.  Get your own stuff going. Get multiple streams of income and learn how to work smarter and not harder.

For someone who thinks being successful in Hollywood and having a personal and committed relationship with God are contrary, how would you address this?

God cares about everyone group of people, including Hollywood. He cares so much until he sent Jesus to die for Hollywood. If you know Jesus, and you are pursuing a career in Hollywood, then go for it. Be successful and become a voice. I am a living witness that souls can be won for Christ by being a light in Hollywood

Part of what inspires me about you is your social involvement. How did you or do you get involved in social causes, and what motivates you to keep on giving?

I got involved I social issues as a result of my own life. I grew up in the hood and it was only by the grace of God that I didn’t end up drugs, in a gang, or even dead.  I saw and experienced so much as a young African American man that I had to do something. Now my plight is to give people of color the things that I didn’t have growing up.

At this point in your life, where do you see yourself going from here?

My goal is to love more.  When this phase of life is over, I will be a willing vessel to do whatever God has next for me. I wish I had a linear answer but I don’t. I am okay with that as long as God is leading.

What do you think about the fellow in California who won part of the $1.6 billion powerball? And I hear in CA, you don’t have to pay taxes on lottery wins, unlike in other states.

I hope he pays his tithes! Hahaha! I do hope he spends some of his money to help people.

According to the California Lottery Winners Handbook, winnings are completely exempt from state and local taxes. Federal Taxes average between 25 to 30 percent. However, in 2013, federal taxes in California went up to 39 percent. I said all of that to say, the IRS is going to get their COINZ no matter what…Hahaha!!! My advice would be for winners to look into charitable donations and tax advantaged accounts

Rofl!! You’re right, Uncle Sam don’t play! He sho nuff gets his coinz!
Any last words you would love to share?

Keep God first and create your own destiny. You only get one chance at this life.  Make it count through love.

How do readers connect with you?

Readers may Google me, “Calvin Bonds” for my social media platforms on Facebook, Linkedin, IMDB, personal websites, etc.

Thanks for giving me a voice through this platform.  

Conversation with Levi Otis

I must confess, although I was acquainted with Levi Otis on facebook, I really wasnt familiar with his work. We got to talking (and I had to do a quick education via IMDB lol), and here we are.

Hello Levi. I’m going to be honest from the get go. I am unfamiliar with you or your work, so this is a learning process for me too. How was your Christmas holiday period?

Well my holiday was well thank you. I spent time with friends and preparing for season 2 of my web series underPAID, and still promoting my series “Christian Brothers” with the film festivals.

We are going to come back and touch on these two projects. Who would you say Levi Otis is?

Levi is a busy man lol, I am a productive person, A great friend a very passionate out going person

What are you passionate about? Someone once said passion is that thing inside that pushes you to act, give birth to concepts, dreams and visions. So again, what are you passionate about?

Lol so much, I am passionate about my new film Company LeviNLA Film and the projects that I am working on 24/7 to get out to the public. Be on the look out for season 2 of “underPAID” and Season 2 of “Christian Brother” I take great pride in producing quality projects and working with some great talent as well as new upcoming talent. I enjoy being a actors first real project.

I became acquainted with you from seeing a reality series you posted online. Can you talk about underPAID? How did you dream this, and venture out to birth it?

                                                            Trailer to "underPAID"

Well how I came up with the idea of underPAID, I use to work at a group home out here in California. I was the group home therapist / Supervisor there. Well just the stuff that I saw there was really funny to me and this was from the staff not even the clients. I had staff borrowing money form clients and getting upset when the clients ask for their money back. Staff taking the clients food cooking it for their self. All kinds of craziness. So one day I was at the beach just relaxing and I thought this would be a funny comedy and it all started from there and underPAID was born. But the original title was “Dysfunctional Group Home” And also I would like the readers to check out my other series “Christian Brothers” as well. It’s really funny but totally different from underPAID.

Ah! I have a similar project going on. When I was in rehab for meth addiction, I met all sorts of characters from all walks of life, so I’m developing a fictional novel on this.

Well I am glad to see you doing better my brother and trust me I know comedy comes from everywhere.

What more should we expect from this interesting series? This is Season One, right?

Yes what you saw was season one. I am 75 % complete with rewriting season 2. I have went back to the drawing board and revamped the concept of the show. I listened to the fans and the ghetto critics lol and I think everyone will be pleased with season 2 and it’s growth. It will be filmed in a different style and the jokes are super funny. Also longer episodes.

What about “Christian Brothers”? Season 1 is done, right? What can you tell us about it, how you got inspired to create it, and what should readers expect?

                                                    Trailer to "Christian Brothers" 2015

Actually Christian Brothers season 1 is done and currently out. We filmed this in April of 2015 and currently it has been accepted in a few film festivals. Now I created this show for a digital channel (TPN TV) via the Roku streaming device . With this show I wanted something different from underPAID. So I had a idea for a show about two brothers who were forced to live together. And they are night and day. This concept actually hit me one early morning I was out hiking. It is sort of a take on the "Odd Couple" It is really funny. You can check it out on TPN TV via roku or you can catch the first 3 episodes on my YouTube channel 

What other artistic output do you have out there that readers can explore to get more acquainted with your gifting?

Lol I really love to write, but I do dabble with sketching a little lol

Lol! You dabble with sketching? You wanna tell us more about that? (hehehe)

Well I like to sketch blue prints of houses. I actually went to college to be a architect  lol but came out being a juvenile therapist lol go figure

Levi, HOW did you even get into this field you are in? It looks so daunting and exclusive, yet you seem to have cracked into it.

Well I have always had a love for this. In high school and college I was in drama club. There I would write plays and we would put them on for our peers. So it only made since once I moved to Hollywood I would take it up a notch.  I met other people who had the passion such as myself  and I started working different gigs in production and meeting more people and building great relationships. Once I felt I was ready and more knowledgeable I start writing my own projects.  I have been blessed to work with some great people who has given me great advice and encouragement.

What would you tell that young man or lady reading this, and trying to follow in your footsteps?

If you want it go for it. Don’t be afraid to fail because that’s part of the journey. Always ask question, observe and never be afraid to do things your way. Make positive relationships and do not burn bridges.

I know you have some “thangs” baking in the oven. LOL. What should we expect from you not only in 2016, but in the nearest future?

Well I am working on season 2 of underPAID that will film in the end of Spring, I also have started writing season 2 of “Christian Brothers”, I will film my new show “Drink Of The Day” this summer and I am scheduled to direct a few music videos and some short films as well as appear in two new movies. Real busy year lol

A new show “Drink of the Day”, directing music videos and short films, appearing in two movies……I hail you brother! You got a busy and promising 2016 lined up indeed. God is good, and much success to you.

Thank you so much man, I truly love this journey

I know from personal experience how funding can be challenging. How has that been for you?

Yes funding is a challenge, But I do have a go fund me account, I do bake sales, always looking for investors. The money I make form other gigs I put aside for projects. Because I want my cast to be paid as well as my crew. For some actors I was their first paying gig. And I offer full IMDb credits for their participation

What’s your GoFundMe account? I wont mind sowing towards something promising, and I’m sure a lot of others wont mind doing the same.

That means the world to me, #SupportIndieProjects Here is the link  https://www.gofundme.com/86g0g0

(I encourage readers to donate and support with whatever they can. The amount we spend on our coffee, snacks or lunch can easily be sown in someone's dream. #JustSaying)

Are there any causes that are close to you that you’re involved in?

I work with “Love My Neighbor Foundation” I am the secretary. What we do is feed the homeless every Thursday. I am there to support on location when I can.

(Love thy Neighbor Foundation can be connected with on Facebook. If you want to donate your time, finances, etc, you can reach out to them)

Any last words you wanna leave with our readers?

If it makes you feel good, just go for it. We can always redo what we did today tomorrow if need be

How do readers connect with you?

There are many ways to reach me Facebook/ IG/ Twitter. And also please subscribe to my YouTube channel  or just search Levi Otis or LeviOtisNLA