Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Amplify Voices’ Zeke Thomas

Zeke Thomas’ career began in music. He was an NBA All-Star DJ for five years and has produced his own tracks, including “Love Me Sober” and “BLACKNESS.” But, he’s also continuously grown and expanded into a businessman, activist, a mental health advocate, and the first male spokesperson for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. Needless to say, Zeke is no stranger to leading much-needed conversations on important topics.

As host of the new series Amplify Voices, now streaming on Revry, Zeke invites folks—from athletes and actors to politicians and activists—to participate. They have discussions about issues facing the Queer and BIPOC communities as well as lifting up and showcasing Queer and BIPOC voices.

We talked to Zeke about Amplify Voices, his career, and his work as an activist.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Zeke: Growing up, I was surrounded by all different types of people and their music tastes. It made me fall in love with soul music, Motown, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, and many artists but especially Michael Jackson.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Zeke: The biggest influence on my career has come from my parents. The influence has been to lead with being a good person first and everything else will follow.

PC: In addition to music, you’re also an advocate for various causes and initiatives that you’re passionate about. How did you discover your voice as an activist? Why has this always been so important to you?
Zeke: Being an artist and a DJ has allowed me to lend my talents to many organizations as a performer for their charitable events. Aligning with causes I was passionate about evolved into more as I became an advocate or ambassador for the ones I felt most connected to. I come from a family of activists, which is important to point out that service runs deep in my blood. Disney even produced a movie, A Mother’s Courage, about my grandmother and her activism. We all must make the system work for us even if the system is broken. Never give up fighting the power!

PC: Tell us about Amplify Voices, the inspiration behind the series, and how it came to fruition.
Zeke: The mainstream media has historically lacked diversity. We developed this original series with the help of Revry TV to change that and pass the mic to incredible humans you should know more about. The show embraces conversations and debates to achieve heightened intersectional understanding across the Queer and BIPOC global community. I’m excited for people to check it out and join the conversation!

PC: This is the first TV show that you’ve created and produced. Did anything surprise you about the process? What was the biggest takeaway?
Zeke: What surprised me about the process was that it was possible. We worked hard as a team, but I wouldn’t take no for an answer. Many people said that this was impossible to do, but here we are. We did it! My biggest takeaway is that if you want to do something, you can!

PC: As we look ahead to 2021, what does the year hold for you?
Zeke: I look forward to getting back in the recording studio and making some music truly. I was in the studio the other week with a producer friend, Eddie Tyler, and it just made me remember the magical feeling I get creating.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Zeke: The Whispers.

PC: First album you bought?
Zeke: Kelly Price’s Soul Of A Woman.

PC: First concert you attended?
Zeke: Backstreet Boys.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Zeke: Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation. I think this album is more relevant today than others. “State Of The World” and “The Knowledge” are two of my favorite songs off of the album.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Zeke: Disney World.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Zeke: Ginger ale.

To keep up with Zeke, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Amplify Voices on Revry today.