Actor #KofiSiriboe has a very exciting week ahead of him! This weekend, his movie ‘Kicks’ premieres and tonight, his first major role on #QueenSugar, created by #OprahWinfrey and #AvaDuVernay, premiered on OWN. The series chronicles three siblings, Nova (True Blood’s #RutinaWesley), Ralph Angel (#KofiSiriboe), and Charley (#DawnLyenGardner), who live very different lives, but must come together after a life-changing event takes place in their hometown. Considering how blown away we were by the show after viewing it at the #EssenceFestival, we were eager to find out how Siriboe was selected for this role. Well apparently, Ava DuVernay’s selection process is more spiritual than traditional.
TSR: What was your audition process like for Queen Sugar?
KS: “I got emailed about the project and I was immediately attracted to the character, so I went in to read for the audition. It went really well, so next I was introduced to Ava DuVernay. When I met her, that was it! It was super surprising, but it made me feel good, because she really knew what she wanted. She said that she was casting on what she felt in her spirit, so for her to see it, believe it and then put me in a position to manifest her vision was cool.”
TSR: In the first episode, we get acquainted with your character Ralph Angel who comes home to Louisiana after being in jail and is adjusting to being a single father. He struggles to want to belong after being in isolation for some time, so what experiences were you able to pull from in order to play this role?
KS: “I’ve been isolated in my own way prior to this role, so I brought that to this character. He feels isolated in feeling like he’s got a point to prove, yet he wants to be accepted at the same time and wants to be apart of a collective, but doesn’t know how, because he’s socially awkward and has anxieties. I tried to get into the mind of Ralph Angel and learn those characteristics that he would identify with. His struggle is very universal.”
TSR: So, what would you like for viewers to take away from your role as well as the show in its entirety?
KS: “I want people to be able to see the characters and to be able to reflect on people like them in their lives whether it’s a family member, friend or co-worker. I just want people to be a bit more sensitive and empathetic and patient with the people around them, because it’s so easy to judge someone else from a stereotype. Hopefully Queen Sugar will encourage people to be cognizant of other people’s internal and external struggles and encourage them to celebrate life regardless of any faults that we may have.”
Now, to answer the question of the hour, yes, Kofi is single! This LA-born, Ghanaian-rooted Pisces isn’t necessarily looking for a relationship at the moment, however, in the event that he was, his ideal woman is confident, laid back and loves God. Can I get an ‘amen’?!?!
Roommates, Queen Sugar airs tonight at 10pm on and again tomorrow at 10 on OWN and we encourage you all to tune in. Plus, the series has already been renewed for season 2 which is practically unheard of these days! With that being said, grab plenty of snacks (and tissues) and tell us how you liked it! Let’s chat below!
TSR STAFF: Talia O. @theclosetratchet on Instagram & @tallyohhh on Twitter!
