Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Malcolm Sommons . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Malcolm thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
I Learned everything about journalism while I was in college at Florida A&M University. I majored in Journalism and graphic communication, and while at FAMU I learned the skills of a professional journalist. There are writers, photo journalist, news anchors, reporters, entertainment, digital journalists, etc. FAMU taught me everything from being a journalsit from writing a news story or script, to directing a newscast. Most of my time spent at FAMU was on the radio, 90.5 The Flava Station, and Sirius XM Channel 142 HBCU, which produced a show called FAMU Now. Radio sharpened my interview skills. I’ve done interviews with faculty and deans, politicians such as Senator Bobby Powell Jr., Civil Rights and catastrophic personal injury Lawyer Attorney Benjamin Crump, Actor Dr. T’Keyah Crystal Keymah who performed as a mother on one of my favorite childhood shows “Thats So Raven”, and many others. During this time I was still learning, this was just the beginning for me. One thing I love about FAMU’s faculty is that they will push their students further than they’ve ever believed they could go. I learned to be confident, and to conduct my interviews as if they were normal conversations. I then took everything I learned from FAMU and applied it in my life now. These same skills have been sharpened throughout the years. I bought my first camera in college. I wanted to film myself conducting interviews, vlogging about my day and life, etc. That later turned into me starting my own production company, SureHanded Productions. I was able to take those skills on camera, and as a journalist and travel around the world and interviews with some of my favorite stars such as Fantasia, Mike Smiff, Megan Thee Stallion, Dubba-AA, Boosie, Juvenile, Ice Berg, Master P, Romeo, DC Young Fy, Nick Cannon, Tommy Lister Jr., OT Genesis, Zaytoven, DJ Drama, DJ Scream, OJ Da Juiceman, Jim Jones, Tiny, King Combs, and many more. I don’t believe I would want anything to speed up my learning process. I believe I’m where I suppose to be. I believe in God’s timing. The obstacles I’ve been through to get to this point now only got me stronger. I’ve lost a lot of great footage as a videographer, I’ve been told no on numerous occasions. None of these obstacles stood in my way. I actually embrace the negative, it gives me fuel.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
Hello, my name is Malcolm Maurice Sommons II. I was born and raised in Riviera Beach, FL, which has a population of about 35,000 people, 69.36% being Black. Growing up I’ve always wanted to be an entertainer. I also had a passion for cooking which a lot of people don’t know. A serious passion that is. I use to stay up late and watch iron chef America every night. I loved the competition, and the ability to create great meals by using random ingredients. I’ve always liked the challenge. A small challenge I had as a youth was being myself around my family. I was shy. I didn’t believe my ideas or vision was welcomed by my siblings so I come off as “quiet” to some people, and still do. That made me more independent, not wanting to depend or trust peoples opinions or advice. I believe I still feel that way being that I travel alone a lot, and do a lot of things without asking avoiding the “No”, which could be both good and bad. So why not become a chef? How did I get into the entertainment industry? I believe I was always here, I just didn’t know the name of the career. I grew up playing drums, singing, acting, and even speaking in church. This gave me my confidence I have now on stage. It allowed me to practice and sharpen my skills at a young age. The love for a camera started as a kid when my mom use to film my siblings and I with her camcorder. I always wanted to help my mom film. I use to sneak and grab the camera knowing I could get in trouble just to go film. I was fascinated. My mom filmed our sports games, plays we may have acted in, etc. Watching those videos of myself on screen opened my eyes. I knew then I wanted to be one of those kids on Disney channel, or Nickelodeon. My intentions wasn’t to fall in love with film, I only bought a camera to film myself. After getting so many requests from people about pictures and videos, that led me to learn more so that I can get paid, which I didn’t think about before buying a camera. I am now a multi-media journalist, barber, music artist, comedian, DJ, and film producer. Back in 2014 I had a vision to start my own show. I grew up always wanting to be an entertainer, or comedian, or actor. I believed if I started my own production company or show, then I wouldn’t have to wait on anyone to put me on television. That’s when I made “The Malc Show”. “My name is Malcolm, and there is a show everywhere I go”, is what I usually say. What I am most proud of is that after being told no, and what I couldn’t do so many times. I didn’t let anyone else discourage me once I started my brand. I didn’t take much advice from anyone if it was negative. I didn’t allow people to change my vision on my productions, I stayed true and is still true to myself. My favorite saying which is also on my apparel is “Be The Best You”. This saying reminds me that with anything I am doing always remember to just be the best version of myself. If I’m on stage doing comedy, or filming, or teaching, whatever it is that I am doing, I have to be the best version of myself. Apart of being the best me, also includes giving back to my community. I have a non-profit with my mom called Parianna Precious Hands Inc. We have both a feeding ministry and a mentorship program “Parianna Royal Kings And Queens”. Every Wendsday and 2nd Saturday of each month we feed the community giving out fresh produce, greens, meats, flowers, drinks, and other things. Each month we may feed about 1200-1700 people. We also host a Christmas toy drive every year giving out toys to 300 children, as well as a back to school drive. In our mentor group each month we cook with a guest chef on zoom, and include other activities throughout the month which could be arts and craft, a field trip, attending an event, guest speaker, etc. We’ve been serving the community of Riviera Beach and West Palm Beach for 8 years now and expect to grow larger to help more families.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
What drives me every day is knowing that I am chosen and have a purpose and duty in this life. My family is huge. I have a lot of brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. I have a duty to my family to “be the best version of myself” I know that I’m a bread winner and leader to my younger siblings. Everything that I am doing for me, isn’t for me, it’s for my kids and grandkids.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is being able to make people smile, laugh, and feel great. In order for me ti feel good about my art, is seeing others happy with what I’m giving them. I want to make people feel special, and show that God’s gift isn’t being waisted. If I can inspire people with my gift and keep God in the mix, then I’ve done my job.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @themalcshow
- Facebook: The Malc Show
- Twitter: @surehanded
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/user/surehanded8082