We recently connected with Malachi Rivers and have shared our conversation below.

Malachi, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Moments

“Moments” is a riveting 9-episode digital series, each under 13 minutes, delivering intimate snapshots of characters’ lives at their breaking points. This exploration of black trauma and mysticism delves into mind reading and hidden truths unveiled by therapist Dr. Winston. As the series unfolds, an enigmatic narrator (Rutina Wesley) introduces time travel, weaving an intriguing layer of self-discovery. “Moments” paves the way for a potential expanded episodic journey, delving deeper into characters’ histories and relationships, all while authentically addressing themes of healing and transformation within the mystical. With a standout ensemble cast and thought-provoking storytelling, “Moments” promises an unforgettable and empathetic viewing experience.

New Series ‘Moments’ Brings Group Therapy Topics Alive With All-Star Cast

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m Malachi Rivers, and my journey into the world of entertainment has been nothing short of exhilarating. Born in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and trained in the vibrant artistic hub of New York City, I’ve had the privilege of exploring various creative avenues and leaving my mark in multiple domains.

Acting: I’m an award-winning actor, and I’ve had the honor of gracing some of the world’s most esteemed stages, including iconic venues like the Kennedy Center and The Apollo Theatre. You can also catch me on the silver screen, where I had a significant role in the Oscar award-winning film “Mank,” directed by the renowned David Fincher, now available for streaming on Netflix. Not to mention, I’ve portrayed diverse characters in several television shows and films, including a series regular role as “Brian Donovan” on Tubi’s “Rhonda Mitchell M.D.”

Writing and Producing: I’m not just about performing; I’m also a writer and producer. I’ve been involved in crafting engaging narratives for various projects, including my own series titled “Moments.” “Moments” is a riveting 9-episode digital series, each under 13 minutes, delivering intimate snapshots of characters’ lives at their breaking points. This exploration of Black trauma and mysticism delves into mind-reading and hidden truths unveiled by therapist Dr. Winston. As the series unfolds, an enigmatic narrator, portrayed by Rutina Wesley (known for “Queen Sugar” and “True Blood”), introduces time travel, weaving an intriguing layer of self-discovery. “Moments” paves the way for a potential expanded episodic journey, delving deeper into characters’ histories and relationships, all while authentically addressing themes of healing and transformation within the mystical. With a standout ensemble cast, including Sufe Bradshaw (from “Veep”), Desean Terry (featured in “The Morning Show”), Jeff Gardere (known for “Love & Hip-Hop” and appearances on CNN), Thomas Hobson (recognized from “That Girl Lay Lay”), and many other buzzing actors of color, “Moments” promises an unforgettable and empathetic viewing experience. We are currently, in post-production.

Another Digital Series: Another exciting venture I’m a part of is “Sparks,” a 6-episode digital series that I both star in and serve as the showrunner. “Sparks” tackles important themes like teenage bullying and gun violence, shedding light on these critical issues through a thought-provoking narrative. We are currently, in pre-production.

Music Supervision: My journey doesn’t stop at acting and storytelling. I’ve also been recognized for my work as a music supervisor. In fact, I received the 2020 Indie Series Award for “Best Soundtrack” for my role as a music supervisor on the award-winning digital series “Poz Roz.” I’m passionate about curating the perfect musical backdrop to enhance the storytelling experience.

Spoken Word and Music: In the realm of spoken word, I’ve had the privilege of touring with Blue Note Jazz artist Marcus Strickland Twi-Life Group. As part of this incredible journey, I lent my voice to the highly successful jazz album “Open Reel Deck” as “The Voice.” We took our music all over the United States and the world, even gracing the stage at NPR.

As a rapper, I’ve had the opportunity to travel and collaborate with some incredible talents, including Latin Grammy-nominated Tamela Hedstrom and Grammy award-winning Doddlebug of The Digable Planets. These experiences have enriched my artistic repertoire and allowed me to connect with audiences through the power of music.

Upcoming Projects: Currently, I’m in pre-production for a short film titled “Tie.” This poignant story explores the complex dynamics and the lack of a father-son bond, touching on themes that resonate deeply with audiences. Notably, I’m not only the lead male actor but also the writer of this beautiful narrative.

In a nutshell, I’m a passionate and multifaceted artist dedicated to telling diverse and meaningful stories. My commitment to authenticity, storytelling, and artistic excellence sets me apart in the entertainment industry. I’m excited about my upcoming projects, including “Moments,” “Tie,” and “Sparks,” and I look forward to continuing to connect with audiences through my work.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the ability to connect with audiences on a deep emotional level and to inspire meaningful conversations. Whether through acting, writing, producing, or music, I have the privilege of telling stories that resonate with people, evoke their emotions, and provoke thought.

The human experience is a beautiful and sometimes messy tapestry of emotions, experiences, and stories. I’m deeply drawn to showcasing the intricate layers of this experience, revealing how we can be simultaneously vulnerable and resilient. It’s in these complexities that we find the true essence of humanity.

One of the aspects of my craft that I cherish the most is the opportunity to write and perform monologues. Monologues offer a unique platform to delve into the depths of a character’s journey and experience. They allow for a deep exploration of emotions, thoughts, and inner struggles, providing a rich and engaging glimpse into the human psyche. It’s through these monologues that I can truly connect with audiences, offering them insight into the multifaceted nature of the characters I portray and the stories I tell.

Seeing how my work can touch hearts, challenge perspectives, and spark important discussions is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a powerful reminder of the impact art can have on individuals and society as a whole. Knowing that my storytelling can bring about empathy, understanding, and change is what drives me to continue creating and pushing boundaries in my craft.

Moreover, the creative process itself is immensely rewarding. It allows me to explore the depths of human experiences, push my own limits, and constantly evolve as an artist. It’s a journey of self-discovery and growth that brings me immense satisfaction.

Ultimately, the most rewarding part of being an artist is the opportunity to make a difference, to leave a lasting impression, and to contribute to the rich tapestry of human culture and expression. In these moments of vulnerability and authenticity, I believe we can foster empathy, understanding, and a profound connection with the audience. It’s a powerful way to celebrate the resilience of the human spirit while acknowledging the challenges and triumphs that make us who we are.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

A lesson I had to unlearn on my creative journey was the notion that art needed to be perfect. I used to believe that there was a standard of perfection to attain in every piece of art I created. This belief was rooted in the idea that I had to meet external expectations, that every note or critique about my artistry had to be flawless. It was a stifling mindset that often left me feeling constrained and hesitant to fully express myself.

The backstory to this lesson unlearned is a realization that there is no such thing as perfect art. No matter how hard you work or how dedicated you are, there will always be critics, notes, or comments about your work. Understanding this allowed me to shift my focus away from the unattainable goal of perfection and toward the pursuit of sincerity and quality in my art.

This shift in perspective was liberating. It meant recognizing that I didn’t need external validation or permission to create. I came to understand that my worth as an artist wasn’t tied to whether I was on a hit show or writing for one. I had the power to create, to tell the stories I believed in, and to share my unique perspective with the world.

The most important lesson I embraced was to keep creating and to continually improve my craft. Waiting for someone else to give me the green light or seeking constant validation from others was no longer my focus. Instead, I learned that the only way to get better at my art was to simply do it – to create, to learn from my experiences, and to evolve as an artist.

In essence, I unlearned the idea of waiting for perfection and replaced it with the understanding that sincerity, authenticity, and the courage to create from the heart were the keys to my artistic fulfillment and growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: MalachiRivers.com & HarvardArtsProductions.com
• Instagram: MalachiRivers
• Facebook: MalachiRivers
• Linkedin: MalachiRivers
• Twitter: MalachiRivers
• Youtube: MalachiRivers

Image Credits
Photographer – Lelund Durond & Grooming Reginald Raphael Graphic Designer for Moments Poster – Reginald Ross