Samuel “Blitz” Bazawule can hardly contain his own smile and emotions as he talks about the experience of directing the musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s award-winning novel “The Color Purple,” which opened Christmas Day to glowing reviews.
The 2005 Kent State University graduate, who earned a degree in business administration, recently joined the movie’s powerhouse cast in a sit-down interview with Jennifer Hudson on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” Bazawule talked about the challenge of making some of the story’s most iconic scenes, including the moment when Walker herself gave him feedback on the film.
Watch the interview:
The film features performers such as Taraji P. Henson, Danielle Brooks, Colman Domingo and former “American Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino.
In a review of the film, Mark Meszoros of The News-Herald raved about Bazawule’s interpretation of the novel, stating the film delivered “enthralling scene after enthralling scene.” Meszoros also noted that the Ghanaian multimedia artist's credits include making 2018’s “The Burial of Kojo” and co-directing Beyonce’s “Black Is King.”
Now based in New York, Bazawule has become known for his creative work as an award-winning filmmaker, musician, visual artist and author. Before moving to the Big Apple, Bazawule made a name for himself here in Kent as a hip-hop artist, which is where the moniker “Blitz the Ambassador” originated.
In a 2005 article from the Daily Kent Stater, Bazawule said Kent State is where he found himself:
“This is where I found Blitz. Prior to my Kent State experience, I was just an emcee. I was just out here rapping,” he said. “I was talking about what everybody else is talking about. Until I take certain classes Oscar Ritchie Hall, freshman year — and I get hit with so many facts that I could have, should have, known coming from where I come from.”