Making People Laugh Is His Passion – Meet Entertainer JULIAN ASIEDU of JagonzyTV

Welcome back! Sorry I have been on a hiatus lately. That just means I gave you enough time to catch up on articles and to be caught up on. As a part of the triple threat I had introduced to you, Wendy the Fashionista from Heshima, and then secondly I introduced you to Deana the social entrepreneur from Ezibota. Now the final piece of the puzzle, I am bringing you is Julian the entertainer from JagonzyTV.

Now we know my obsession with all things YouTube. I was watching some shows and entertainers, and I came across this gentleman. Honestly I watched his short skits and I was hooked because it was something different and refreshing. I actually met Julian Asiedu, the CEO/Founder of JagonzyTV (JTV) back in May and had a conversation with him then about his company. I have posted some of his work on Facebook. I was interested in his use of real life experiences and turning them into skits. I was interested in how he did it and how he manages to constantly put out entertaining material for his fans. He uses his culture to entertain for example, by speaking Twi (a native Ghanaian language). One of his mantras is “S3 Moa Munim Dada” which means, “you already know” in Twi and staying true to one’s self.

On YAotM, I appreciate authenticity. The names of the companies I have interviewed, Ezibota, Heshima and Jagonzy and even if we wanted to throw Dunia in there. They all carry very unique names and with a meaning. The names get you fascinated and excited. That is why I chose these particular three young people to partake in the triple threat series.

I asked my readers when I started doing the triple threat series what does fashion; comedy and media have in common? Well to be honest, they don’t have much in common that meets the eye. The connection between these 3 extraordinary talents is they took something really small and turned it into their own. As did the other extraordinary individuals that I have had the pleasure of encountering during this process.

Here is the final piece to my Triple Threat Series, Mr. Julian Asiedu and JagonzyTV. Have fun reading and remember it is all about the freedom. “Freedom of Speech.” You will have to read to know what that means.

Name: Julian Asiedu
Age: 24
Origin: Accra, Ghana
Educational background: AAS in Information Insurance, Cyber Security, Virtualization, and Forensics from Century College Minnesota
Occupation: Security Technician, Computer Systems Analyst, Entertainer, Comedian.

1) What is your story?

Julian AsieduI was born in the state of 10,000 lakes Woodbury, Minnesota. Raised in Accra, Ghana. My childhood and schooling took place in Ghana; then I came back to the United States when I was 17. Why Minnesota? I hate the cold but most of my family lives here especially on my mom’s side. She has been here since she was 14, and so will her kids according to her. Even though I was born here, I was raised in my motherland, so I had to re-adapt to the system when I returned after many years. I graduated from Saint John’s Senior High School in Ghana but went for a year of high school at Stillwater Senior high. I was involved in sports like soccer, track and field, and wrestling. In college I was a student Ambassador, involved in cyber defense competitions, leadership clubs, speech, you name it.

2) 3 words to describe yourself?

Leader, Hard-worker and Focused.

3) Favorite thing about being Ghanaian?

Being a Ghanaian is like me carrying a world-cup. It’s a peaceful land filled with a lot of natural minerals, good people, and fine sweetable sexy women ha-ha. Just that our leaders are using my mother for gambling but in a few years hopefully that will change.

4) How do you get started in comedy?

Good question. I never dreamt of doing comedy. Even my parents look at me and shake their heads because their “doctor” now makes people laugh. The talent had been sowed into me but the right time came when I got to the states. It started about 3 years ago in my basement. Got a webcam and recorded myself talking about issues affecting my country, and how to make it a better place. Didn’t know my words and actions were making people’s days and nights — the comments I was getting were great and kept flowing like pipe water. After a full year doing the webcam stuff, I decided to move to the next level, so I started writing scripts, directing them, and my partner Sam Armstrong was shooting and editing. There has been good progress every year, so the crew is working hard to produce, and provide more funny videos

5) Jagonzy? What does that mean and who gave it to you?

I got that name when I was in grade 6. Back then, you hear names like, poison, killer, spirit, disease, ketchup, ahahahahha. These are names you will hear when you move to different areas so I wanted a name that would be unique. A name I won’t share with no one. A name that would be hard to pronounce but is so catchy that you would learn how to pronounce it by force… lol. The JA is from my initials Julian Asiedu, and as for the gonzy, it means laughter in a different language but will let you guys do some research on that. That’s how I got the name Jagonzy.

6) How did JagonzyTV begin?

Just like the name goes, I added the TV to that sweet name because when I started comedy, one of my dreams was to be on TV. Even if my face wasn’t on TV, I wanted my brand to be published out there somewhere. My mom always used to tell me to use my tongue to say positive things so it comes through. Things are still in the pipe line, and part of that dream has already come to pass. So yeah that’s how the JagonzyTV began.

7) Freedom of Speech, what does that mean to you?

Freedom of Speech means to me, be yourself and say what you want to say. Feel free to say what is in your heart. Africans feel like they cannot be open and say anything because they feel like they will be judged and looked down upon. I give myself and others the platform to express themselves.

8) Some of your favorite moments while filming?

Favorite moments while filming? There is a lot. I have more than 20 skits and a few short films but let’s see. Hmm. One of my favorite moments was in my first ever skit titled African Pickup lines, which has almost 20,000 views on YouTube now. This was when the game actually started because I had to put my writing into action, work with the crew as a team to make that video successful. Another moment was when I myself got behind the first time, I had been using a webcam for a whole year; now look at me holding a DSL camera. A lot of favorite and funny moments while filming but I will save that for part 2.

9) Where does your material come from?

I get my materials from nature. When I say nature, I mean what we see around us, and also music. I love music especially R& B. Most of my skits from When Things Go Wrong came from music I listen to. Sometimes I watch my old videos, and get other ideas from them.

10) What does your team consist of?

Script Writers, Directors, Photographers, Editors, Actors, Actresses, Musicians, and Dancers.

11) Who is your favorite director?

James Cameron: Director of the movie Titanic. One thing that he talked about in one of his interviews that I learned is that no matter how good your camera is, if your story line is not good your movie won’t sell for a long time. Even though Titanic is an old movie, there is no way you can hate that storyline.

12) What is your favorite role that you played?

I love playing the father role in most of my skits. Haven’t played a major role yet in the industry yet but we will see how it goes when the tables turn around.

13) What do you identify more with: actor, producer or director and why?

I will say actor because I see myself in front of the camera more than producing or directing.

14) What do 5 years look for Mr. Julian?

In five years, I will still be the founder and CEO of Jagonzy, will have a family, will be in (Ghallywood, Nollywood and Hollywood), owning a bigger recording/video studio. I also see myself owning a production studio that will engage the youth to practice their skills in acting, directing, and production.

15) Any advise for our readers and our young people?

Never stop trying just because you feel comfortable. Be self-determined in all your work, aim high, keep achieving greater heights, and always keep pushing till you can’t push anymore.

JAGONZYTV VIDEO

SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS
Facebook: JagonzyTV
Instagram: JagonzyTV
YouTube: Jagonzy200

Samy TshimangaSamandu Tshimanga, who goes by Samy, is a college graduate from Indiana University South Bend with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and a minor in Sociology. She loves the study of people. She is a freelance analyst and talks about politics, human rights and whatever else floats her boat. Her column Young Africans On The Move with Samy showcases exceptional young people making a difference in the community and in their countries back in Africa. Originally from Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Samy currently resides in Indianapolis. Twitter: @chic_cocobelle

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