Ameyaw Meets
Haitian actor, Tony Delerme talks about African movies, his career and more
Miami-based actor, Tony Delerme is considered more than just a sex symbol in his home country of Haiti; he is a man of many talents, diverse knowledge and with a bright future in film not only as an actor but also as director. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tony was faced with several challenges when he […]
Miami-based actor, Tony Delerme is considered more than just a sex symbol in his home country of Haiti; he is a man of many talents, diverse knowledge and with a bright future in film not only as an actor but also as director. Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Tony was faced with several challenges when he moved to US in pursuit of his dreams but never relented on his determination to succeed.
Although Tony has succeeded in various disciplines including sports and modeling, he gravitates towards his first love – acting – rather naturally. Whether as a heartbreaking playboy or vengeful assassin, he always executes his role with near perfection. I caught up with the actor to find out more about his second movie as a director, ‘Miami Hound Dog’; his journey into acting; the way forward for Haitian movie; his aspirations and more.
Ameyaw Debrah: How was growing up for you?
Growing up for me was a little difficult because I was being raised by a single parent who had migrated to a new land. My mom worked hard to raise us right. Being from Haiti wasn’t the easiest because people in the States didn’t really like Haitians at the time so I got into a lot of fights.
Ameyaw Debrah: So when did you start acting?
I started acting as a child in Haiti. Doing plays and I used to film soap operas that me and my sisters would come up with. Then in high school I quit football to join theatre and TV production. The coaches were not too happy about that.
Ameyaw Debrah: And what inspired you to get into acting?
I think it’s something that was always in me. I always felt lost before I realized my passion for acting and film making. After high school I went to college for Electrical Engineering which I did well with, but hated very much. Then one day, just a day after watching ‘Pulp Fiction’ I fell in love with film and decided to change my major to film production.
Ameyaw Debrah: What have been some of your roles so far?
I played a play boy in ‘Lamoure et Lamitie’ (Love and friendship). In ‘Where’s The Justice’ I was an emotionally disturbed man who was robbed at gunpoint in his own home and soon realizes the lack of police justice in a black neighbourhood. He is now cornered and has to take things into his own hands. I also played an ex military officer in search of revenge for his son who was murdered by the Haitian mafia in ‘The Birth of an Assassin’.
Ameyaw Debrah: When did you get you breakthrough role?
My breakthrough role had to be in ‘Lamoure et Lamitie’. It appealed to a lot of women because I played a smooth character and a lot of guys liked it because the story was about young Haitians living in America.
Ameyaw Debrah: Are you currently working on any project?
I am right now working on ‘Miami Hound Dogs’. This is my second project as a writer, producer, and director. It’s a dating comedy based on three guys and there experiences with the opposite sex. Things never seem to go their way. I play Cairo, a mid 20’s guy in search for his place in life, while encountering different woman that don’t really help his situation. He is kind of an airhead and always seems to end up in bad situations.
Ameyaw Debrah: What has been your favourite role so far?
I would say Cairo on Miami Hound Dogs because he is really off the wall and he says the craziest things. He is somewhat a space cadet. I like cocky characters.
Ameyaw Debrah: What has been the most challenging role so far?
My most challenging role would have to be the character I played in ‘Where’s The Justice’. It was hard to play someone that was cornered, afraid and somewhat antisocial because all that is the opposite of me.
Ameyaw Debrah: What have been the challenges of your journey so far?
The challenges of my journey has just been staying busy and getting to the next level. I would like to do film all across the globe and it takes time to build that name so I can be able to do so. Another big challenge would have to be that a lot of times other filmmakers make themselves believe that I’m just a good looking dude and I don’ have substance. I prove them wrong every time.
Ameyaw Debrah: What have been some of the highlights for you so far?
The Highlights of my career is whenever a fan comes up to me and tells me how much they enjoyed my performance and how they believed in my character. At the end of the day that is really important to me. I would also have to say that doing this interview is one of my highlights as well because this means that I have crossed to another market. I like that.
Ameyaw Debrah: How big is the movie industry in Haiti?
Haitian films sell through out the world. Now if you ask me if we are reaping those rewards I would tell you no. The bootleggers are killing us.
Ameyaw Debrah: As a film maker, how can the situation improve?
I think it could improve and grow by creating the art for the whole world and not just Haitians. Art is meant for everyone to appreciate.
Ameyaw Debrah: Do you have any role models in the industry?
To be honest with you I admire Will Smith, Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington and Johnny Depp. When it comes to directors I have go crazy for Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez films. They made me want to be in film.
Ameyaw Debrah: What is your dream movie role?
Every chance I get to act is like a dream to me. It’s an opportunity that not too many people get.
Ameyaw Debrah: Is there any role that you wouldn’t ever play on the screen?
I would play any role that I feel would help me grow as an artist. I would not play in a film which has actors placed in it because of their star-power and not their talent. It is important to have a film with serious actors that fit the role. And no films with titles like ‘the hair salon’, ‘barbershop’, ‘barbeque’ or any of those other ghetto names for me.
Ameyaw Debrah: How did the earthquake in Haiti impact on you and the movie industry there?
I think the earthquake impacted my value on life, because I realized how quickly you can loose everything. It motivated me to work hard and attempt to be more successful so I can give back to my people.
Ameyaw Debrah: Do you see yourself succeeding in Hollywood?
I think hard work is the way to make it to Hollywood. I’m preparing ‘Miami Hound Dogs’ specifically for that. I think my way is through the major film festival. Cannes, Sundance, Tribecca, Toronto. That way I can show Hollywood what I have to offer.
Ameyaw Debrah: You look fit, have you ever been a model?
I have done some runway modeling. I’m too muscular for ads.
Ameyaw Debrah: What are your tips for staying fit?
I don’t think people should follow my workout routine because it is insane with a lot of heavy weight. I go to the gym everyday and I go hard. I don’t eat junk food and never eat after 8 pm. The best advice I could give is when you hit the gym, hit it hard. It is not socializing hour it is time to take care of yourself.
Ameyaw Debrah: Do you watch African movies?
I love African movies. It is a way for me to see the motherland and experience some of their issues. I love Desmond Elliot’s work in ‘Reloaded’. He is a top-notched dude. I like the fact that he creates his own content and it is different from anyone else’s work. We have a lot in common.
Ameyaw Debrah: Would you like to star in a Nollywood film?
I love Nollywood. I like the fact that Africa is creating its own films. It’s a beautiful thing. I would love to do a Nollywood film. It would be a great experience and I get to show the people what I have to offer.
Ameyaw Debrah: What would you like to achieve in your career say in the next 5 years?
My dream is to be a household name in the next 5 years.
Ameyaw Meets
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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Asari Music highlights new single ‘Like Dat’, balancing college with music and more
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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I single-handedly popularized Shea Butter in the United States – Margaret Andega
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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
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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Fashion
Why Ghanaian-American Jeffrey Ampratwum is the menswear expert to watch in fashion!
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 Jeffrey’s 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.
AD: Jeffrey, Ɛte sɛn?
Jeff: Haha, Eye.
AD: I had to test your Twi really quick! You know most Ghanaians who are born in the states don’t have a clue about the language unless it’s 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, I’m really decent when it comes to using Twi. I’m 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?
Jeff: When I was younger and in school, particularly in the Bronx – it wasn’t 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.
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 couldn’t 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 connoisseur’s 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. It’s 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.
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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