Actress Queen Ajima is Making Waves Starring in Multiple Movies Set to Release in 2023
Actress Queen Ajima is taking the entertainment industry by storm with two new movies, Bora and LA Undercover set to release in 2023! We spoke with this multi-talented artist in an exclusive interview about her transition from dancing to acting and her motivations!
“I’m not in this industry to become famous. I just want to create art, have fun, and get lost in the characters I play in order to make the audience feel something.”
By: Omar Cook
Actress Queen Ajima is taking the entertainment industry by storm! Queen is a multi-talented artist most known for her roles in known HULU's All I Want for Christmas, Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story, and BET's Haus of Vicious". Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Queen is a first generation American whose parents migrated from Sierra Leone.
Queen has been involved in performing arts since she was 8 years old where she first starred in Shakespeare's "Henry IV: Part 1 & 2". From there, Ajima slowly moved on to dance, modeling, and writing over the years. Her modeling credits include LA, NY, Africa, and Swim Fashion Week just to name a few while she has also danced for multiple recording artists such as Jhene Aiko's "Lyin King" music video.
Aside from dancing and modeling, Queen has starred in multiple independent films and commercials. Her next two upcoming projects are two major independent movies, Bora and LA Undercover, which she stars in, that are set to hit the film festival circuit and streaming this year.
With so much on her plate already, Ajima is taking to her career to the next level as she is set to make her directorial debut in her comedic, short action film which she also wrote called Capture The Flag. Ajima received her Bachelor’s in Psychology from California State University, Northridge, which has helped her in her career to better understand the characters she plays. Even with such a demanding schedule, Ajima finds time to pour into herself and her hobbies which include dancing, working out, cooking, karaoke, and more dancing!
It’s just a matter of time before you won’t get enough of hearing this upcoming star’s name!
Queen Ajima stars in the movie, LA Undercover
We talked with Queen ajima in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been acting and how did you get started?
Queen Ajima: I have been acting for the last 4 years. I honestly started off in the entertainment industry modeling. A friend convinced me to go to an open call for a fashion show our sophomore year of college and I ended up getting booked as a model. After that I continued in the model world for a few years and was able to do LAFW, NYFW, Swim Week, Africa Fashion Week and was even the face of Ankara Fest representing Sierra Leone, where my family is from. At the same time, I was heavily in the dance world as well.
Most people know that dance is my first love, as I’ve been dancing since I was maybe 8 years old. I was able to work with artists such as Jhene Aiko and Tank thanks to some amazing friends who choreographed for them. Slowly but surely, I ventured off in acting. I always wanted to act, but I was such an extremely shy person and was afraid of others’ opinions. Once I took an improv class and learned to laugh at myself after a truly hilarious experience, I felt confident about pursuing a career in acting and continued with commercial, on camera, and scene study classes.
Who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite entertainers?
Queen Ajima: I’d say Phaedra Harris has been my biggest influence in helping me along my journey. She was the first acting class I took where I was truly pushed, challenged, and felt made me a stronger actor and person. She has worked with me in class and privately, been very blunt with me which only strengthened me as a person and has been very motivating and supporting towards me in my career. I’m very thankful to have met, worked, and been booked by her as well!
My favorite entertainers would have to be Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Margot Robbie, Regina King, Chadwick Boseman (R.I.P.) and Michael B. Jordan.
What projects do you have coming up?
Queen Ajima: I have an action, comedic short film where I’m making my directorial debut on called Capture the Flag that I will be submitting into film festivals. I have a feature film called Bora that has been accepted into a few film festivals and will also be on two streaming services that will be announced later this month. I also have another feature film called LA Undercover that has also been accepted into film festivals that I’m very excited to have been a part of!
What do you feel is your favorite role and why? Do you have a dream role?
Queen Ajima: My favorite role would have to be my character Chantae I played on All I Want for Christmas that’s out on HULU now. I’ve always wanted to play a character that was the complete opposite of me in real life, so in this case it was a crazy, mean girl. I really had fun on that set playing her. My dream role is me being casted in a Marvel film! I love action as I have been training in fight choreography for nearly 5 years, so my goal is to be a lead in a Marvel film where I can do a majority of the fight scenes myself. Whether it’s in a Black Panther film or a new character that hasn’t been introduced yet, that is my dream!
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Queen Ajima: Seeing my friends achieving their goals and dreams motivates me like crazy! Seeing their wins lights a fire under me, because if they’re winning, I am too. It makes me feel like I’m that much closer to achieving mine as well. It makes me work even harder to stay focused.
Transparently speaking, I’m still trying to figure out how I define success. Lately I’ve been struggling with imposter syndrome, where I’m thinking what I’m doing and achieving isn’t enough or where it should be. Which is why strengthening my mind in reading, workouts, healthy eating, and meditation for myself has been a high priority for me lately versus when I was doing it for others. I’d say I’m taking the steps towards being successful, which I’d like to believe will be defined as happiness for me.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Queen Ajima: I think every creative sacrifices a lot in different ways, but I don’t want to use that word. If you’re sacrificing, you’re giving up one thing to gain another. They weren’t sacrifices to me, they were specific choices I made with the support of my loved ones to help elevate myself and my career. I chose not to get enough sleep because I would work at my part time job for 12hr shifts days in a row to maintain a steady income just to come home after and study lines just to be up the next morning for work again. I’ve chosen to not have a social life at times, where friends would tell me they can never reach me because my phone is on silent most of the day just so I can focus on classes and becoming a stronger actor. Thankfully my friends have always been supportive because they see the results. Every choice I make is always for a specific reason and the biggest choice I make is learning to put myself first and take care of me mentally, physically, and spiritually to make my dream a reality.
What aspect of working in the industry excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Queen Ajima: I’d say being able to create and become a different character on each set is what excites me the most about this industry. Seeing how women and people of color are treated in this industry compared to their white counter parts when it comes to roles, pay, and sometimes support in this industry is what discourages me. I’m grateful to have family and friends that continue to encourage me no matter what though.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 10 years?
Queen Ajima: I envision myself not only the lead in films and tv series, but also creating more projects and directing them myself! I want to also be so business savvy in this industry that I’m able to create opportunities for others to achieve their goals with my own production company, and my creative think tank sessions, and my database for creatives. I see myself being successful on screen and behind the scenes.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the entertainment industry?
Queen Ajima: Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask for help. People want to help others that help themselves and do the work. You can’t come into this business asking someone how this works. If you truly want to be in this world, you must do the work, do the research, look up everything you can and get as many questions as you have answered on your own first. After that, don’t be afraid to ask even more questions, because at least then you’re already prepared and understand more than when you decided to make this jump into this industry. Breaking into the entertainment industry is difficult, and can sometimes be disheartening, but so long as you have a pure love for it, you’ll be rewarded in so many ways. Whether it’s finding a tribe that have the same drive as you, encountering other creatives that motivate you to create on your own, picking up new gems you can apply to your daily life, to eventually celebrating your wins (your bookings) no matter the size!
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your art?
Queen Ajima: What fills up my cup is being able to be in the world of art, creating, performing, imagining, etc. Make sure to fill up your cup with what makes you happy. Don’t think, just do.
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Exclusive | J Hawk Talks the Release of His Latest Project 'Mixed Emotions'
North Carolina rapper, J Hawk talks family, having music as his therapy, and his recent project Mixed Emotions in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“My family motivates me and success to me is when they are all good and not just me.”
By: Adonis Armstrong
North Carolina rapper, J Hawk brings that late night, riding in the car vibe and it’s hard to find a bad track from this rising artist. His most recent project, Mixed Emotions, features 10 must listen to tracks; all fire, no skips! He also recently collaborated with fellow NC artist, Worve, on a hot new single “Out the Window”. J Hawk is one to keep an eye on and is set to drop more new music in 2023.
J Hawk ft. Worve - Out The Window (Official Video)
We talked with J Hawk in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
J Hawk: I’ve been making music for about 10 years now and I got started back in high school rapping with friends.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
J Hawk: One of my favorite artist is Drake. I like his delivery, flow and what he talks about in his music.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
J Hawk: Drake, J. Cole, Tory Lanez, Bryson Tiller, The Weeknd, H.E.R., Big Sean, PartyNextDoor, Giveon, Beyoncé, Jhene Aiko, Bad Bunny, Lil Baby. The list goes on!
What inspired you to create your EP “Mixed Emotions”?
J Hawk: Just life. To help me vent. It’s my therapy.
What is your favorite track on the project and why?
J Hawk: Reasons, I like the way it all came together.
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
J Hawk: Sometimes conversations with friends, family, and certain vibes help me make new music.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
J Hawk: My family motivates me and success to me is when they are all good and not just me.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
J Hawk: It’s more riding music, that certain people can relate to. I like to make my music meaningful.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
J Hawk: I couldn’t tell you the formula. I’m not sure there is one.
J Hawk - Reasons
Who is your greatest inspiration?
J Hawk: Mom and pops.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
J Hawk: Drake for sure. He has timeless music and the numbers speak for themselves.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
J Hawk: I would say “personally” I like to make every line I write down to be felt. Whoever has came in my life and has had a moment with me, I want them to be able to hear it and remember that moment we had.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
J Hawk: Going into the studio and laying it down and playing it back. Just hearing it all come together feels amazing.
J Hawk - Moving Forward
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
J Hawk: On top like I’ve seen for years.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
J Hawk: I’ve played in the NFL, I’ve acted on Hulu, in movie theaters and commercials. I’ve modeled for companies and been on billboards. I’ve made great music and now that I turn 30 this year I see that this will be my best year yet!
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Exclusive | Nadiya Talks Her Latest Mixtape 'Summer Nights'
Virginia R&B singer, Nadiya, talks the release of her latest mixtape 'Summer Nights' and expressing herself through her writing in exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“The more I learn about myself and the world, the more I’m motivated to create. Not just for myself but because I want to share that feeling with others.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is R&B singer Nadiya! Nadiya hails from Chesapeake, Virginia and at the age of 20, this artist that carries a seasoned voice. She is currently a junior at the University of Mary Washington where she is studying Computer Science and Music Technology. Nadiya released her mixtape Enlightenment last year and followed with a joint mixtape called Summer Nights this year!
I promised my family a bachelor's degree at the minimum. But when doing homework or I’m not making music, I love writing/journaling, reading, or watching some type of cartoons. I’m also really into meditation and yoga. I’m a very contemplative person and I love learning new things about life. My main goal in life is to do what I love, see the world, and have happiness.
Nadiya is an up and coming artist that has an excellent catalogue of music already at an early age and is showing no signs of slowing up!
We talked with Nadiya in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MAKING MUSIC AND HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
Nadiya: I wrote my first song at about six, but I’ve only recently started putting music out the summer of my freshman year of college. I just kind of got tired of waiting for an opportunity to put myself out there and started recording on my own in my closet at home. Music has been my thing since I can remember. I don’t come from a crazy musical family, but it's just always been something I felt like I needed to do.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Nadiya: I’m influenced by tons of people, too many to count. My biggest influences you can maybe hear in my music are probably Amy Winehouse or Jhene Aiko. My all time favorite musician is definitely Frank Ocean. He writes the most beautiful music I’ve ever heard and I have so much respect for him. If I could ask for anything, I would want to just be there with him during his process of creating.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Nadiya: This is a really good question that I honestly have never thought about before. I think a collab with JID, Blood Orange, or J. Cole would be crazy.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Nadiya: My favorite song I wrote would have to be “Love is Right Here.” I love the meaning behind it, like telling someone you don’t have to look far because I’m right here to love you. I love the idea of giving love to someone because I have the ability to. Also, I’m a big fan of the harmonies in the chorus. My next favorite would be “U Care.” The process of that song is my favorite. I remember just getting the idea and hammering it out in like 3-4 hours, and writing as I go. The songs that just naturally happen like that are always the best.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Nadiya: I've been doing more collaborative stuff this year with other artists, but I plan on getting another solo project out in the next few months. If you want to check out one of the collaborative projects I worked on this summer they’re here:
Nadiya - Summer Nights
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Nadiya: I have to have a beat that speaks to me but there’s no crazy process behind it. I kind of just feel it really. I always want my music to represent me authentically, so writing is just me expressing myself and how I feel in the moment.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
Nadiya: The more I learn about myself and the world, the more I’m motivated to create. Not just for myself but because I want to share that feeling with others. I think that would be the definition of my own success, being able to reach as many people I can and being able to spark some sort of inspiration in others and be what my favorite artists were for me for others.
How would you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
Nadiya: I think my music can be described as smooth, soft, maybe sweet R&B. I’m sure anyone whose spoken to me would agree that it’s pretty much a painted picture of who I am. I think what separates me from other is my openness to different sounds/feelings. I want to continue to open myself to many more sounds and types of music.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Nadiya: Not exactly. I believe that most artists are successful because they have something new to offer that others don’t, something that can separate them from others.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
Nadiya: Everyone that I love is an inspiration to me. I learn so much everyday from the people in my circle and that pushes me to do the things that I love which is create. However, of course I definitely want to do this for my family and my future family. Whenever I think about that, there’s always inspiration.
In your opinion, who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Nadiya: Definitely Beyonce. She has built everything she has mainly with just her talent which is something I can respect. Her fanbase is a prime example of just how influential she is and how she will continue to remain successful while her legacy carries on. There’s no denying that.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Nadiya: I try to be as uplifting as possible. We all go through shit, I, out of anyone, can definitely understand that. I try to relate to every emotion cause at the end of the day we’re all going through different varieties of the same thing. We all want the same thing. We all want to be happy. A big part of my music is just the process of learning life as I go and that encompasses all different types of emotions.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Nadiya: My dreams are still in the making. Being in school, I have to make sacrifices all the time whether it be to study later and write now or vice versa. I would say that moving away from my family would definitely be the biggest sacrifice I would make just because I’m such a big family person.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Nadiya: Definitely hearing the end product is my favorite. I’m always like “ Wow, I really did that shit.” Feeling the result of what you yourself created is a feeling that you can’t really compare to others. I probably feel the most discouraged if I’m not getting the results I initially heard in my head before recording. Ultimately, it always works out in the end.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Nadiya: It might sound crazy but I don’t really like to think too deep into the future. I don’t like to have giant expectations for the way my life pans out, I’d rather let things run how they should. I would say that the only real goal I have for the next few years is moving from the east coast to the west, which I think ultimately would benefit me and my music.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Nadiya: I for sure don’t have all of the answers to this life, but I would encourage others to stay true to who you are first. There’s a lot of people doing things for the wrong reasons- trying to be like someone else, ultimately not benefitting their true self. I don’t think that’s cool or helpful. It takes a while to really find yourself- I’m still deep in the process, but if you dedicate everything to finding out who you really are, that’s when everything falls into place I believe.
Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Nadiya: I’m still pretty young, I just turned 20, so I expect my music to grow and change along with me. This is all a process as I’m still trying to find myself so I appreciate any and everyone who appreciates me as an artist.
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Exclusive | Singer NIKO Talks Being Versatile as an Artist And Working on Her Debut EP
Detroit singer, NIKO talks having versatility as an artist, creating her debut EP, and being inspired by her grandmother in an exclusive interview! Check it out here!
“I don’t want to be put in a box by society because the industry does enough of that. If you hear me singing R&B one day and Rock the next, mind your business.”
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Detroit native and singer, NIKO! This artist brings a chill vibe to her music, with tracks you can vibe to at anytime. For the past few years NIKO was always featured on other's music and projects until she finally decided to take matters into her own hands. NIKO blends her aggressive attitude with her melodic voice while utilizing her skills in sheet music and songwriting. This a young artist who is doing music the right way; add her to your playlist!
We talked with NIKO in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
NIKO: Although I knew the creative realm was for me for a long time, I always wrote in middle school and then I started recording features once I got to highschool. However, it wasn't until 2018 that I finally recorded my written music.
Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
NIKO: I’m most inspired by Jazmine Sullivan, Jhene Aiko, James Fauntleroy and Frank Ocean. I’ve always clinged to artists who never hesitated to get their point across regardless of the style.
What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
NIKO: I would love to collaborate with Smino, Anderson Paak, James Fauntleroy and Ty Dolla $ign. All of them are very versatile, any song they touch is quality.
What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
NIKO: Since I've only just started recording all of my creations are on Soundcloud, everyone's favorite sound by me is “Needed You”.
What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
NIKO: I’m currently working on an EP, I'm still unsure of the title. I want it to be perfect, for my first official project.
How do you generate new ideas for your music?
NIKO: I don't have a set process when generating new ideas for music, some ideas come from how I’m feeling in that moment. Most times I'll listen to the beat and hum different melodies then insert keywords I hear.
What motivates you and how do you define success?
NIKO: As cliche as it sounds, my source of motivation comes from my hometown, Detroit. I'm from a city where the history of music is monumental and talent is everywhere. Success is more than just having commas in your bank account but also being mentally stable and satisfied with the hard work you've put in.
How do you describe your music to people and what separates you from other artists in your genre?
NIKO: My music is nice nasty, I don't mind to hear a soothing beat and snapping on it. I like to think I bring a contrast to my music. I want people to hear the beat and expect me to sing a certain way about a specific subject and it turns out completely different.
Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
NIKO: Not necessarily formulas sound so strict, I think strategies are the key to being a successful artist. It's all about that individual artist and their goal and purpose. Being in a creative realm should never have limitations or rules.
Who is your greatest inspiration?
NIKO: My greatest inspiration is my grandmother Joyce, though she's been without us for a few years and I lost her way before I started taking music serious. I can still feel her tough love from here. I like to think she's helping God clear the debris from my path to allow me to become the highest version of myself.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
NIKO: Rihanna is so bossy, not only is she musically complex but she makes boss moves and makes sure her bag is solidified.
Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
NIKO: It's a merge of anger and passion because majority of my anger comes from a place of passion.
What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
NIKO: I had to take a break from school, because it was too time consuming for me. I do plan to go back in the future, but right now I figured why not work on plan A first and then go back to plan B.
What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
NIKO: The same thing that excites me most is the same thing that worries me sometimes, which is being an open book and singing about my deepest emotions. However, I'm aware that it is necessary to reach the goal I've set for myself, I choose to be that voice for the speechless.
Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
NIKO: I see myself recording and touring with many different talents and mentoring a younger musically inclined generation. I plan to be more than just an artist or vocalist, there's so much more I want to accomplish even outside of music.
What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
NIKO: Patience IS a virtue. Nothing comes overnight and if you believe you deserve it then never allow the waiting game to deter you. Hone AND own your material. Perfect your craft while you wait because there's always work to be done.