We recently connected with Onaji Rouse and have shared our conversation below.

Onaji, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects that I am currently producing, is part 1 of my film series titled DRAFTED: Origins. It’s a live adaptation spin off sci-fi series of my comic book Odina. I’ve always wanted to produce tv and film because of the respect I have for the industry and the time that goes into creating these projects. I used to just sit back and try to find a way to break into this industry. Which is hard for actors and even harder for writers.

This industry doesn’t wait for anyone so some it’s about building your own table and taking that initiative to get your stuff up and going. I think that’s why this project is so special to me because I really pushed myself into that leadership role and stepped into my power of getting it done and not waiting on Hollywood. It’s been a learning experience but at the same time the most gratifying as well. It makes you appreciate so much that goes into the process.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

Sure! My name is Onaji Rouse and I am a writer, producer, comic book creator and publisher. I’ve always been the creative type since I was a kid. My mom said I used to make up characters and give them background stories. Ha! Now I get to do that as an adult. I used to do theater growing up so I’ve always wanted to get into acting so a few years ago I started taking acting classes. and in class one night I wrote a monologue that impressed the instructor and he advised me to get into writing more as well. So I began taking screenwriting courses and reading scripts. I currently have 6 titles (Odina issues 1-4, Kandake, Sister-X) that I am publishing under konkret comics. Odina is my flagship title about a young African-American woman who learns that she can’t escape her true calling of being a hero even when she tries too. I also created a live action spin-off series called Drafted, which is about a group of individuals with super powers who all live in Atlanta and eventually have their lives cross paths with each other. I am super excited to show everyone the film. I worked with one of the dopest directors, and some of the most talented actors in Atlanta. I can’t wait for the people to see what we created.

I think what sets me apart from most is the fact that I have such a true passion for the craft. Sometimes the mission you originally start out with shifts and the overall picture and purpose becomes bigger than you. I think one of my main dreams is to showcase the talent of artists here in Atlanta. Most of the time Atlanta doesn’t get the respect it deserves when it comes to the pool of actors, writers, directors, and producers we have. I would love to be that bridge to showcase that we are a force alone to be reckoned with.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My original goal was to definitely have representation of black men and women, especially black women in sci-fi and it still is however, now in the overall picture. I would love to have black creators, writers, directors and producers at the forefront of creating tv and films outside the box. Oftentimes as a people we’ve been limited on how we’ve been portrayed in the media and I do believe that there is more than one way to be black.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think when it comes to black artists and creators. Every little bit counts. Most of us are not either allowed in certain rooms or have the support of a major corporation behind us. So everything we do is grassroots. Created from scratch. So when it comes to the support of these artists. It can range from so many things to sharing their work to showing up for them in some way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/OnajiRouse?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=fb8a8d78-3ad6-4619-b80d-8c1c85a09179
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/obsoletestudiollc/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Obsolete_studio
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/u6FjtwzF8qc
• Other: https://konkret-comics.myshopify.com/collections/odina-collection