Empire has been one of the biggest hit on FOX, since it hit screens early last year. In it's 3rd season this year, it has become known not just for Cookie & Lucious (the wonderful Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard) but several new actors and their characters. Serayah is one of those finds, who started her TV career with this show last year. Now her character Tiana Brown has become a beloved and integral part of the show.
Born in Encinitas, CA, Serayah is an actor, singer and dancer. She recently wrapped the lead role in the feature film “Burning Sands,” which is scheduled for release in 2017. In addition to her acting credits, Serayah is known for her role in Taylor Swift's mega-hit video “Bad Blood,” and is now working on a debut album of her own. She currently resides in Chicago.
Art Shrian had a chance to talk to Serayah recently. Here are the excerpts:
Art: Hi Serayah, thank you for your time. How are you?
Serayah: Good, how are you?
Art: Good, thanks. Congratulations on your wonderful show. I wonder, you’ve been part of the show since beginning, so looking at the evolution of your character, Tiana, where would you like it to go in next season or coming seasons? And as a person who’s also in similar shoes being a singer yourself, how does playing this role impact you in your personal life?
Serayah: Well, as far as my personal life, it impacts it in the way of being on TV and being recognized, but I think it’s pretty black and white because it’s glitz and glam for Empire, but I’m still working on everything in my personal life as far as other projects and things like that. I think for Tiana, the evolution of the character has been amazing, but I would like to just see her I guess do more of the music and everything that we’ve seen her do but I think just hear more from who she is maybe and things like that that we haven’t really seen from her.
Art: Considering you’ve spent a couple years with the character now, do you get to talk to the writers and improvise or is it still very scripted at this point? How is the environment on set?
Serayah: The environment on set is great, but as far as the writers, yes, before the season, I sometimes get to sit down with the writers and just think of different plots and things that could go on with my character. It doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to happen or it’s going to roll out that way because of all the other characters, but I definitely throw out ideas.
Art: That’s awesome, and that must be fun. You’re part of this wonderful show that’s kind of breaking the mold of TV shows for people of color, black TV shows that are more universal and after that, we have so many wonderful shows since, from Power to Atlanta, that are doing the same thing and expanding that universe. How does it feel to be part of such a wonderful show? And what’s your message to other storytellers, performers who are in similar space who will expand their space?
Serayah: What I really admire about the show that I’m on is not only that it is a black or relatively African-American cast but just that we’re seen in the light of not only black people can come from in the gutter or have nothing, but they can rise and become moguls and millionaires and things like that. So that’s what I really admire about the show. Also, I think it’s really amazing that now at this time we get to have black television back and see it back in action. For the young kids watching, it’s great.
Art: Absolutely, it reflects the world we live in, and that’s wonderful. So last question, what’s your favorite TV show right now that’s on TV? What do you like to watch when you get some time?
Serayah: I’m really into this show called Insecure. It’s on HBO. It just came out. It’s hilarious!
Art: Wonderful, it’s an amazing show.
Serayah: You like it? Yes, it’s amazing. Also the other show that I like is Power, and I really enjoy, I really like Blackish too. It’s a cool comedy. It’s super ditsy and funny and quirky.
Art: I completely agree. I love Insecure. It’s amazing. You should check out Atlanta if you get a chance, if you haven’t. It’s a wonderful show.
Serayah: I watched one episode, but I haven’t got to really get into it. It looked really good the way that it was shot.
Art: Thanks again for taking the time and congratulations on the show and your album coming out.
Serayah Thank you. Thank you!
SERAYAH (Tiana on EMPIRE)
Born in Encinitas, CA, Serayah is an actor, singer and dancer. She recently wrapped the lead role in the feature film “Burning Sands,” which is scheduled for release in 2017. In addition to her acting credits, Serayah is known for her role in Taylor Swift's mega-hit video “Bad Blood,” and is now working on a debut album of her own. She currently resides in Chicago.