Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mohammed Ojarigi. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mohammed, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

As a creative my job is to not only reflect the times but come with solutions to that plague our communities in a negative matter . At OJARIGI ENTERPRISES LLC / www.ojarigi.art we produce work that transcends the screen or theatrical stage, our work creates social change to each community it inhabits. Currently our Guardin Roots Experience program in conjunction with The SHARE Program is making waves. This is a program which helps develop urban gardens in food desert communities. This program also helps those coming home from incarceration and combats recidivism. Providing community with healing modalities and healthier food options. Another project, which is doing well in the school systems and can be seen on Amazon prime is my short film (Your Land) which challenges audiences to take a deeper look into history of native blacks. There is a curriculum component with this piece, which helps students inquire deeper questions about history given to them. Lastly, a theatrical piece entitled Greenwood 1964, another historical piece with a curriculum that examines a pivotal time in American history. This narrative brings to the forefront the audacious efforts of luminaries Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte as they ventured into the Deep South – Mississippi, a state notorious for its racial tensions. Their mission? To amplify and support the voices advocating for voting rights, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with courageous leaders like Fannie Lou Hamer and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Mohammed, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I got into acting in high school and was bit by the bug. I absolutely loved it. It was completely therapeutic, and my soul was tied to it. As I developed and grew into the art form, I begin to notice the power within the craft, what it can do to shape messaging you want to give to the world. I went to UNLV and studied theater and upon graduating move to Los Angeles. Here I started a successful career as a commercial actor, making pretty good money. I had a short stent on General Hospital the soap opera and a few independent projects. However, I begun to miss Theatre, my Foundation and the opportunity arose for me to operate my own blackbox theater in East Hollywood. I called it MOments Playhouse. I had some of my most wonderful years opening the door for artist who could not get into so-called lucrative theaters too give their work a chance to be seen or workshopped. I also began teaching several acting classes and created my very own technique business model BizB4Show Academy (www.bizb4show.com) . Where I share pivotal insight into the business of the entertainment industry to empower artists entering the business, combined with fantastic acting techniques and coaching. I have gone on to train some notable actors that have broke through in Hollywood. My goal and mission for the MOments Playhouse Theatre was to provide a home and safe place for all who enter, without any hoops to jump through. Basically aiming to provide something I wish was available for me on my arrival to Hollywood. Providing space for artists thrive and build an organic community of support. This is the one artistic venture. I am most proud of (MOments Playhouse Theatre)

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My most proud artistic endeavor MOments Playhouse Theatre. I had to unfortunately pivot from because of greed and a bad situation. I was financially being exploited and had to cut ties with my beloved Theatre. The owner of the space and person I negotiated with for the Theatre had me between a rock and a hard place. I myself share blame. Sometimes you want something so bad that you don’t evaluate all factors efficiently. I learned a great deal from this situation, to not force anything, no matter how sweet something may sound. What’s meant to be is already yours. I am a firm believer that karmic debt always pays (good/bad) . I put my blood sweat and tears into that MOments Playhouse and God told me it was time to let it go because of the position I found myself in. After releasing the Theatre, I immediately immersed myself into my work as a writer, producer, director, teacher. After a while, a new opportunity arisen to be at the helm of a beautiful Equity theatre house in West Hollywood. It wasn’t forced, it was organic and a perfect opportunity. For the past few years, I have been the Producing Director of the 99 seat Equity theatre house (Greenway Court Theatre). And I absolutely love my Theatre family here. God is great!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Do you know the saying if you love something let it go, if it comes back to you, it’s yours if it doesn’t then you know.? I think if people really internalize the art of letting go, it can attract what you really need or deserve. We try to hold on to things because we want to control so much but in reality we have very limited control and once you understand, the things you can control and release the things you can’t you can operate in the world much more fluid.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ojarigi.art
• Instagram: @Ojarigi.artistry
• Youtube: K.P.O.V TV kids point of view TV (my family Channel)
• Other: https://www.bizb4show.com

Image Credits

Kevin Tidmore – photographs of Mohammed Ojarigi himself in theater, pink purple jacket. (2) photos.