For the Season 1 finale of Odejuma, Harry chats with James Rogers III, a celebrated screenwriter and executive producer whose creative path is truly inspirational. Growing up in Compton, James never imagined a life in Hollywood until a film class with his father sparked a passion that would reshape his future. From working as a production assistant on a Frank Ocean music video to writing for 'The Mysterious Benedict Society' and now serving as an executive producer on 'The Chi', James reflects on the lessons, pressures, and triumphs of his journey.

Together, they unpack the power of representation, the beauty of collaboration, and the art of telling stories that honor the complexity of Black life. Warm, insightful, and deeply human, this conversation celebrates creativity, authenticity, and the magic that happens when we dare to imagine ourselves on screen.

Watch 'Rocky Road on Channel Three' here: https://bit.ly/RockyRoad3

Watch 'The Chi' here: https://www.paramountplus.com/shows/the-chi/

Connect with James on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesearliii/

For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

In this episode of Odejuma, Harry speaks with Lamb, the visionary co-founder of Frolic, to discuss the importance of joy, faith, and community in queer spaces. Lamb shares his journey from the Bahamas to Atlanta and Boston, explaining how his experiences have shaped his mission to make nightlife more inclusive for queer and trans people of color. They explore the origins of Frolic Weekend, which started as a small gathering and has grown into a national celebration of queer joy and belonging. Their conversation delves into the intersections of culture, faith, and identity, offering a heartfelt reflection on how grace, openness, and purpose can lead us toward liberation. This episode serves as an inspiring reminder that building community begins with understanding your “why” and creating spaces where everyone can truly thrive.

Connect with Lamb on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lookdeeper/

For tickets to Frolic Weekend 2026 (as well as the link to the WhatsApp Community): https://www.wearefrolic.com/events/frolic-weekend/

For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

In this episode of Odejuma, filmmaker Steven Chew takes us on a journey through his artistic evolution from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles. He discusses his latest project, 'Orion’s Quest', which reimagines Black queer love in the realm of science fiction, weaving together themes of self-love, identity, and belonging. This conversation examines the delicate balance between creative passion and professional work, highlights the importance of preserving Black art, and addresses the ongoing need for authentic representation in film. Rooted in curiosity, this dialogue serves as a reminder that storytelling is not merely a form of truth-telling but also a way to honor our lived experiences, challenge erasure, and keep our collective stories alive.

For more information on Steven's work, follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chewchronicles

You can also visit his website here: https://www.chewchronicles.com/

For updates on Orion's Quest: https://www.instagram.com/orionsquestfilm/

For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

In this episode of Odejuma, Harry chats with Ashe Jaafaru, a performer and storyteller based in the Twin Cities. She shares her journey into theater, the influences that shaped her creative path, and the profound impact of performing in "Maybe You Could Love Me." Together, they discuss the vibrant Black and queer art scene in the Twin Cities area, focusing on themes of collaboration, community, and the therapeutic power of storytelling. Ashe also explains how art serves as both a sanctuary and a form of resistance, a space to process emotions, nurture connections, and celebrate our stories

This conversation serves as an inspiring reminder of how Black voices and stories continue to redefine contemporary theater, enriching our collective understanding of love, identity, and belonging.

For more about Ashe: https://www.instagram.com/ashejaafaru

For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

In this episode of Odejuma, Harry chats with musician and advocate 2AM Ricky to dive into the connections between artistry and social impact. He opens up about the profound loss that has shaped his creative journey, shares the story behind his name, and discusses the freedom he feels in crossing genre boundaries, explaining how this contributes to his work. He also discusses the health challenges he has faced, the essential need for representation in reproductive health, and his goal of creating safe and nurturing spaces for children.

A central part of their conversation revolves around House of Move, 2AM Ricky’s initiative aimed at supporting BIPOC queer and trans creatives, along with the mentorship that has guided him along the way. Through his honest and vulnerable storytelling, Ricky highlights how music can be a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and community transformation. This episode celebrates Black queer voices, the impact of advocacy, and emphasizes the importance of inclusive stories in driving social change.

For more about 2AM Ricky: https://2amricky.com/

Watch the MOVE music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wABeALW9es

For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

In this episode of Odejuma, Harry chats with writer and actor Ryan Walker-Edwards for a heartfelt conversation about storytelling, identity, and his acclaimed short film, "Man Code." They explore the power of sharing personal stories and emphasize moving past trauma-centered views of queer life to highlight joy, intimacy, and humor.

Ryan shares his journey from Birmingham to the screen, discussing how his Caribbean heritage and cultural background influence his work, also emphasizing the importance of creating art that resonates with queer folk. The conversation also addresses the challenges of gaining visibility in the arts, the need for more nuanced storytelling, and the importance of self-care in sustaining a creative career.

Through Ryan’s experiences and the success of "Man Code," this discussion serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of authentic representation and how Black queer voices are reshaping contemporary storytelling.

Watch Man Code here.

To stay connected with Ryan, follow him on Instagram.

For more information on Harry, visit: Harry Itie

In this episode of Odejuma, Harry chats with multi-hyphenate artist Ibimina Dominique Thompson about art, identity, and resilience. Ibimina takes us through her journey as a Black trans woman in the arts, starting from her early days in church plays and culminating in her powerful performances on major stages. She reflects on the challenges of transitioning in the theater world, the weight of societal expectations, and the power of self-acceptance.

Ibimina also opens up about her acclaimed projects Bad Africans and Love is Like, her vision for creating spaces where Black trans narratives can thrive, and the lessons she’s learned about love, growth, and representation along the way.

Follow Ibimina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bardestafrican/

For more information on Harry, visit: Harry Itie

In this episode of Odejuma, Harry chats with Writer and Scholar Adebayo Quadry-Adekanbi about the complexities of queer identity in Nigeria. Adebayo draws on his experiences living between Nigeria and the UK to not only share his journey of discovering his queerness but also speak to the historical impacts of colonialism on current anti-LBGTQ laws and what visibility truly means in places where homophobia runs deep. They dive into the politics of safety, how queer spaces are being commodified, and the role of the elite in shaping how people view queerness.

From cultural practices that quietly affirm queerness to the contradictions we all face, this episode challenges listeners to understand the complexity of navigating queerness as a Nigerian. With a blend of vulnerability and critical insight, Adebayo presents a bold vision of what it means to live authentically as a queer individual. Their conversation serves as a poignant exploration of identity, resistance, and the potential to envision queer futures beyond borders.

For more information on Harry, visit: About — Harry Itie

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