Stogie Kenyatta
Jamaican born and Brooklyn bred; Stogie Kenyatta was classically trained at the Afro American studio in Harlem, the Henry St. Settlement, and Al Fann Theatrical ensemble. He was a finalist in the N.Y. State theater competition with artistic director, John Houseman. An avid athlete, Stogie excelled in basketball, football, swimming and martial arts....
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Jamaican born and Brooklyn bred; Stogie Kenyatta was classically trained at the Afro American studio in Harlem, the Henry St. Settlement, and Al Fann Theatrical ensemble. He was a finalist in the N.Y. State theater competition with artistic director, John Houseman. An avid athlete, Stogie excelled in basketball, football, swimming and martial arts. He came West to College, where he studied, Screenwriting & Political Science at the University of California & later; privately with Ivan Markota at the Van Mar Academy for Television & Film acting.In the coming years he amassed over 30 television credits from Sit-Coms, Film to Soap Operas. Stogie has tremendous range as an actor, & the ability to lose himself in a role. A character actor with leading man looks he has authentic Jamaica, British and African dialects; and has played Jamaicans as well as a Somali immigrant on film. In 1994 stogie took to the stage as a stand up comedian & in a few short years, he was performing at comedy clubs around the country. His comedy is clean & has been described as witty, sarcastic, & charming with a Caribbean flair. He co - headlined a USO comedy tour in Tokyo, Japan and Okinawa. He has appeared on the Gulf of Mexico, the south of France, and London, England, Colleges, and Comedy Clubs around the Country . As a screenwriter Stogie has written several screenplay's some of which were optioned and directed several music videos. He is also the Writer/Artist of the acclaimed One Man Show on the life of Paul Robeson. "The World is my Home - The Life of Paul Robeson".The play has been performed at over 300 Universities, The Museum of NYC, The Univ. of the West Indies & the US Embassy in Barbados. The first show to be performed at the National Civil Rights Museum & The Board of Ed. of the US Virgin Islands for shows in St. Thomas & St. Croix. It is the number 1 show on the US & Caribbean College Scene & has performed in Theaters all over the world. The show won the NAACP Theater Award for BEST SOLO SHOW, became the #1 show on the US & Caribbean College Circuit & generated almost $3 million in revenue. This play is the most challenging performance of his career & the piece of work of which he is most proud.A character actor w/ Leading Man appeal; Stogie sets the Stage on fire in this tour de force performance. As he transitions between the 12 characters it becomes clear you're witnessing a gifted performer in his finest hour on Stage. The play; a Tribute to the Legacy of this tortured American Genius; hopes to inspire others to emulate the life of Robeson & propel them to greater achievement & a more noble life. To awaken a new generation so that the lost brilliance of Robeson doesn't remain lost. To let all people know; that the best of Paul Robeson lives in all of you & with it the power to change the World. Show less «
It is a validation of my passion, talent, writing, persistence a show with a message of peace fulfilling my desire of using Art to help save...Show more »
It is a validation of my passion, talent, writing, persistence a show with a message of peace fulfilling my desire of using Art to help save the soul of humanity. It is with an open humble heart my soul mate Meechi & I begin our 15th year of touring this passion piece. I am taking time to reflect on how lucky I am to be able to do this for a living & to fully embrace the journey. All of it in its entirety, the financial challenges of living the freelance lifestyle of an artist, and my own fear that in an industry that often rewards mediocrity; that my next bow will be my last. This is more than just a show for me; it's a prayer for the forsaken & forgotten. A story of heart & hope, of broken promises & broken dreams, a love song for the brave & broken-hearted, who found enough forgiveness in their tortured souls to live, laugh & love. For my two children, my royal boy Kahaari Shakoor & my angel baby Tunisia Aminah, to remind them that this life is a short journey & broken dreams hurt more than broken bones, to find your passion & contribute a verse.For my ancestors, descendants of those stolen/lost/found tribal travelers; who like me, late on their bills & late on their dreams, that their silent prayers don't remain unanswered. I do it to inspire, educate & entertain; and to remind us while we're sharing this brief moment on the Third Rock from the sun; to embrace our common humanity with kindness.To all those that have booked the show around the world & all the fans, friends old & new that I met along the way and came out to the shows, you have now become part of my journey and for that I thank you. Show less «