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Promising American actor, Darone Okolie opens up on Nigerian father, Nollywood and more

Darone Nkem Okolie is an Atlanta-based promising young actor making waves with his method acting and ability to play a diversity of characters. In his short career as a performer in short films,  TV films and more recently in webseries, Darone has warmed himself into the hearts of viewers around the world. Born in Washington, […]

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Darone Okolie

Darone Nkem Okolie is an Atlanta-based promising young actor making waves with his method acting and ability to play a diversity of characters. In his short career as a performer in short films,  TV films and more recently in webseries, Darone has warmed himself into the hearts of viewers around the world.

Born in Washington, D.C. to Sheila Lucas and Alexander Okolie, he considered John Ellis Nabinett Jr, a police officer and former football coach as his father while growing up.

Darone traveled out of Washington D.C. as much as possible because of the violence, and found his passion for acting as a solace most of the time. During his high school years, he began playing football and baseball, and he excelled – winning several titles.  He landed a $50,000 scholarship and was faced with the option of Acting school at American Academy Of Dramatic Arts (AADA) or Clark Atlanta University (CAU).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtkTIXt_lJM&t=6s

He opted for Clark Atlanta University because he wanted that college experience and to be the first generation graduate from college. He used college as a way to chase his dreams as a actor and that brought him to Atlanta, Ga.

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I caught up with Darone to find out more about his journey into acting, family, passion and future plans among others.

How would you describe yourself?

My full name is Darone Nkem Okolie. Most people would describe me as an character but I would just say I’m a humble, hungry dude that came from nothing and want the best out of life because I have seen the worst already. My faith in God has grown tremendously but not through success; just for listening to that 6 year old prayer in the shower years back and having faith in me to carry his glory.Darone Okolie 2

How was your childhood like? Did you ever live in Nigeria?

I grew up in S.E Washington, D.C. My childhood was tough but it wasn’t the location that made it tough. It was the people and their vibes. My city trains you mentally and physically to protect yourself but everybody was inside a box when I was coming up. I wanted better for myself so I made several sacrifices to win in life, and that was through athletics and education. Graduating from college at Clark Atlanta University was not just my goal, it was proof that young black men in my city could do more for themselves and I wanted to challenge the system that said we couldn’t. I traveled a lot as a teen but never to Nigeria because of the passing of my father, so I decided when I graduated that I was gone travel there to embrace the heritage and culture my family honour.

Did you have troubles with your Nigerian father growing up as your online profile seem to suggest?

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Establishing my career as a performer meant making my story public to the world. I was always nervous of how I would speak of who my dad was because I grew up in a place where I didn’t know who my father was, but I knew what a father was supposed to be like (If that makes sense). I had several people come around claiming to own the title “Father” but the only person I considered “DAD” was John Nabinett.

Actress Azizat Sadiq returns to Nollywood with 'Chi’s Journey'

My Nigerian dad was not absent he came around but It takes more than that to be a dad. Everything I am came from my mother Sheila Lucas and John. It’s hard to speak on a man that’s not here no more by the grace of God. I did grow up with my Nigerian family also, but I don’t know them as well as I wanted. So, I still have some family bonding to do.

How did acting start for you?

As a kid, I was always active and re-enacting whatever I saw. I didn’t know I had a gift until I started bringing my family’s attention to it every holiday, performing songs and monologues. Unfortunately, I could never turn it on in class when I had to get up and speak. So, I decided to research the way actors got into characters to portray somebody else on screen. Being that I was really shy as a kid, I let my pride stop me from certain opportunities. Therefore, I mastered the art of method acting and my improv skills came natural. I didn’t have a Theatre Program in any of my schools so everything I learned was through experience.Darone Okolie 1

What has your journey into acting been like?

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My journey into acting has been amazing. After spending my whole life in D.C., I knew Atlanta, GA was where I needed to be. This is my 4th year here and I’m filming more than ever. Every challenge that I’ve been through had been a blessings because I learned so much from them. The biggest challenge as an actor is knowing yourself so you won’t lose yourself to your character. The highlight of my career would have to be my tour to LA, a month ago. That’s when I knew that all my hard work was paying off.

Yvonne Nelson finally shares photo of her dad

What has been your most memorable role yet?

I’ve played every role you could think of from gangster, doctor, policemen, to zombie characters. The most exciting role for me thus far would have to be a film where I got hung on a tree. It taught me so much and disciplined me as an actor. Diversity is key in this industry so I make sure I select roles that show every part of life.

You have also been involved in web-based movies and series, do you see that as the future?

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I actually don’t have a lot of Web Based movies or shows. I just recently did my first Web Series called ” About Him”. This was a struggle for me even though I’m not gay because the attention I was getting from it. The Internet phenomenon is huge because there are so many websites sponsoring shows and movies. Especially, for upcoming writers and producers that don’t have the money.The Internet is the perfect spot to get your work out there.

https://ameyawdebrah.com/photos-nadia-buari-spotted-with-father-of-her-twin-in-accra/

Do you have any major projects in the pipeline?

“Do more and talk less” is the quote I go by. There’s a couple big movies in the pipeline but I can’t share the information until it’s final.You can follow my IG: @Darone.Okolie or check my IMDB to check out my credits if interested.

Where do you want to go with your acting career?

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I’m living my dream as we speak. My ambitions as an actor is to be as consistent as possible and remember how I got here. I want to be able to take care of myself and my family so I have a long way to go.

Many actors with African roots are making waves in hollywood, what do you think of the development? 

I haven’t met too many actors with African roots in Hollywood, but I’m sure there are some great talented folks out here. Having that root makes us unique and opens the door to so many roles.

Are your familiar Nollywood and would you consider a role in Nollywood?

Yes, I am familiar with the Nollywood industry. I actually auditioned for a project shooting in Africa. Hopefully, I’m looking to work a lot more over there once I graduate and take time out on my schedule.The Rookies BTS

What should your growing fanbase expect from you in the future?

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I have 6 films coming out this year that you can expect and they are ‘The Products of the American Ghetto’, ‘The Rookies’, ‘Strikers’, ‘My Annoying Dead Brother’, ‘Turnt’, ‘Money Back Guaranteed’, and ‘The Liar, The Snob, and The Bully’. There is also a music video that I’m featured in called “Pipe Dreams” by Salim Bakari..

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Ameyaw Meets

Oprah Winfrey & Blitz Bazawule answer my questions about ‘The Color Purple’

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Oprah Winfrey & Blitz Bazawule answer my questions about ‘The Color Purple’

In April, I had the opportunity to join a Zoom Q&A session with Oprah Winfrey and Blitz Bazawule, courtesy FilmOne Distribution. The conversation was around the bold remake of ‘The Color Purple’ scheduled for release this Christmas!   (more…)

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Ameyaw Meets

Asari Music highlights new single ‘Like Dat’, balancing college with music and more

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Asari Music

Week-in week-out I get to interview one of the many faces in showbiz and this week on Ameyaw Meets, Asari Music is the one. She’s a young, upcoming and very talented Ghanaian-American singer – who in case you haven’t heard, is out with the hottest song you might hear all week. (more…)

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People & Lifestyle

I single-handedly popularized Shea Butter in the United States – Margaret Andega

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According to Margaret Andega, a Kenyan entrepreneur in Atlanta, she was the driving force behind the commercialization of Shea Butter in the US during the late 90s. (more…)

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People & Lifestyle

He went from cooking on Instagram to owning a food truck in Atlanta and more… the story of Quabena’s Kitchen

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story of Quabena’s Kitchen

The COVID-19 pandemic birthed many opportunities for people all over the globe. For one Ghanaian living in the US, the pandemic reconnected him with his passion which has now become a full-time job.

Quabena’s Kitchen shared with me his story about how he went from cooking for family and friends, to sharing content of his cooking on Instagram page at the height of the pandemic, which has now transformed into a thriving catering business in Atlanta, Georgia.

Quabena’s Kitchen services now include a food truck providing Ghanaian and West African delicacies to Africans and non-Africans alike, with ambitions of a restaurant on the cards!

Watch this exciting story on Ameyaw TV below:

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Read Also: The chef behind Fufu Pizza is about to open Afro-Fusion Cafe in Atlanta

 

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Ameyaw Meets

The chef behind Fufu Pizza is about to open Afro-Fusion Cafe in Atlanta

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US-based Liberian professional chef, Chauncy Yarngo caught the attention of the world with his amazing creations such as fufu pizza, fufu taco, plantain burgers and more. (more…)

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Fashion

Why Ghanaian-American Jeffrey Ampratwum is the menswear expert to watch in fashion!

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At the start of the Victoria era, early 19th century – the English began to tone down the royal style dressing of the French army, namely those adorned in prestigious regalia and heavy embroidery. It was a sign of English nationalism and sparked a new wave of appearance in men. A few decades later, the suit was born and heavily influenced those in Italy and America. The British and the Americans have a rich revolutionary history, of course, and coincidentally the British colonized the African country – Gold Coast – until 1957 when they declared their independence and changed their name to Ghana. 

 

As part of an independent Ghana, a host of individuals began to exercise new freedoms and venture out of the country into new territories. Many Ghanaians set their eyes on American travel and a wave of trail blazers left the country and settled in the infamous New York City. For most, it was an opportunity to plant new seeds in the hopes that their children would be afforded even more opportunities for a prosperous life.

 

One of these children of the diaspora is Bronx-born Jeffrey Ampratwum. The only child to Kate Bampoe and Eugene Asante-Ampratwum Mpere, who met in the Bronx after immigrating from Ghana. The dynamics of having African parents and being raised in a heavily eclectic environment gave rise to Jeffreys style and prose. More importantly, we can honestly say that there are only a handful of Ghanaian-Americans living in the states that can exhibit a special presentation that reflects both their African heritage married with the esthetic of their nationality. We recently caught up with Jeffrey to discuss how his early influences provided him with a framework to now become such a strong force in the menswear industry in fashion.

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Jeffrey. 

AD: Jeffrey, Ɛte sɛn?

 

Jeff: Haha, Eye.

 

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AD: I had to test your Twi really quick! You know most Ghanaians who are born in the states dont have a clue about the language unless its spoken fiercely in the home.

 

Jeff: You are 100% correct with that. Ha. But for me, I was lucky in that my mother took me to Ghana before I even knew how to use words. So, in actuality, Twi was the first language and vocabulary I learned, and in essence, English is my second language. So, Im really decent when it comes to using Twi. Im a cheat code! But keep that quiet. Ha.

  

AD: How much of the remnants of the Ghanaian culture factored into your approach to your style and presentation?

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Jeff: When I was younger and in school, particularly in the Bronx – it wasnt always your proudest moment to be from Africa or to say your family was African. Part of the silly embarrassment was perhaps from the narratives that were spinning on television. Americans were being indoctrinated with visuals of feed the children” which only highlighted the extreme poverty in a few Africans countries. The images and broadcasts were all the same, for decades. So called philanthropist and humanitarians took camera crews into ravaged areas and televised starving children for us to see here in the states. I believe that had a profound effect on young boys and girls born from African parents.

Jeffrey

However, as for me – I always looked at being dark skinned and being deeply rooted into my African culture as a super power. I liked the idea of being different, even though all the kids in all my classes were also children of immigrants. They just couldnt grasp the concept of it at that time. So, from there, it was showtime. My Uncle, Joseph Ken Mintah – was the pioneer as the first in the family to travel to the states – he had extreme style. My mother also is very detailed with her sense of jewelry and fragrances. I adsorbed it all. 

 

AD: Did you start dressing in traditional African attire? What do you mean exactly?

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Jeff: Not exactly! But, being an only child really allowed for me to sit deep in thought for long periods of time. Being left-handed allowed for me to be extremely dexterous and detailed. And being raised solely by my mother further allowed me to pay attention to the importance of clothing and accessories – as she dressed herself each morning. It was the ultimate cocktail and I was already drunk with creativity. I started customizing all the clothes I had. By no means were we wealthy, so I had to manage just a few outfits for school.

 

My styling began when I would turn 5 outfits into 15 – so essentially, a 5-day school week became New York Fashion Week for me. I would airbrush my sneakers, turn Old Navy sweaters inside out for a fleece appeal, and cuff my jeans in 4 different ways depending on my footwear. This soon became a bad habit and made me late for school many mornings.

 

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AD: You see, if you are late to school in Ghana back then – you might as well have sat by the road to hide from both your mother and headmaster! What was college like for you then?

 

Jeff: Right! Ha. It grew legs during my undergrad. Now all the pretty girls were around, I had more freedom to come and go, and more importantly – I had a stage to showcase my style. I joined a student club in the SEEK Program, and soon became the President and started hosting a string of events based around fashion. 4 years and a bachelors degree later, there were 6 fashion shows and 3 beauty pageants under my belt. Huge successes. I started to doubt my real educational reason for attending college, which was to become a dentist. Fashion was dancing on one shoulder and dentistry on the other. But somehow, I figured out how to still involve the two. My best buddy, Kenny – whom I met at the college on the road to become dentists – made it through. So, I live vicariously through him. And now, coincidentally – together we’ve developed a brand – a service of bespoke mens luxury shoes and women’s handbags, and ready to wear womenswear shoes as well. Named, Kenjeffreys. It is serendipitous because all of the products are sourced and handcrafted in Haiti and infused with Ghanaian culture. As Kenny is from Haiti, we properly employ artisans within the community and focus heavily on our social impact.

Following undergrad, I then began at FIT as student, really just trying to test my styling hand – and to learn more about the industry. While there, I came across extremely talented and knowledgeable fashion professionals that have really guided me. Namely, Sadia Seymour and Joseph DeAcetis. Both wildly experienced, patient and embedded with a wealth of information. Respectfully in womenswear and menswear. You cannot beat that, and I am grateful for it.

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AD: That is strangely unique and admirable. Talk to us about how all those experiences and inspirations give rise to the Jeffrey or Che we see today and ultimately, where that places you in your field of fashion and menswear.

 

Jeff: Sure. Great point. I have been indoctrinated by the basic principles of creativity as an adolescent – with respect to clothing. That is extremely hard to shake. Innately, styling was my ultimate form of communication, seeing that I was a shy introvert. So now, I still revert back to those same feelings…. the feeling of home, warmth, memories, great food and innocent fun. My approach now is exactly the same in the sense that when I am dressing, styling or designing for someone – I am taking into account their entire repertoire and holding a mirror in front of them which reflects the items that they love most. It is a skill that perhaps only empaths are only able to exhibit.

 

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Having the ability to read into thoughts and connecting with the motivating spirits that drives people – is a gift. I ran the New York City marathon three times, and the 2nd time I ran it in a tuxedo! It was my ultimate homage and pledging of allegiance to fashion. Ha.

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I also believe my extensive traveling experience has aided to the arsenal. Recent trips to Ghana always resets a creative instinct with me, as I look around and arrive back to a place of self-awareness. It feels right. My cousin Harry knows where to be to capture the real essence of the land. And, coincidentally enough, I am often back and forth to the UK as well. Savile row in London, England -as you know – is a menswear connoisseurs Disney Land. It is the traditional hub for the world’s best tailored-bespoke suits. Naples and Florence are a close second. However, sartorially, the British have etched their names in the fine-art making of the suit. I do though spend most of my time in Brighton, UK. Its where my love is and also like a second home for me. The culture there is infused with various styles and the community is inviting. The Duchess of Brighton-Hove, Lady Donna and her amazing friends will assure that you have a great time! 

 

AB: Finally, talk to us about your styling approach with respect to specific talent that you work with.

 

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Jeff: Definitely. This is perhaps an area you cannot teach. It is learned with years of experience and even reading the room wrong most times. I tell my fashion students often that they have to continue shooting airballs at the basket. Get out the miss shots, now – and properly learn your subjects. For example, if I am styling a celebrity for the red carpet – several nuances are to be considered before arriving at a dress or a tuxedo. Such as, what stages in life is your talent currently in, how body conscious are they and what are they most nostalgic about. These (and some of my other secrets that I cannot give away) are the pillars to nailing great style, image and presentation.

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If I am shooting for a magazine in a studio – its party time. If you are not dancing as a model or grooving as a photographer, you are are in the wrong business, per say! Haha. With me, you are very liable to hear everyone from Bob Marley, James Brown, MJ, and Jay-Z to Queen, Lady Gaga, Biggie, Nas and Beyonce all on the same playlist. I say that to say: I enjoy what I do in fashion, and I will always represent the joys of that. I believe that is what makes me an enigma in this industry. Always professional however, but make it subjective and inject areas of your creativity wherever you can. Particularly in menswear – I keep a very intimate and close pulse on traditional, casual and street styles of these sub genres – and study them gravely like the science they are. That all still comes from sitting deep in thought as I did
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