Pellau Magazine: Highlight on Zakiya Gill

Bio

Zakiya Rashida Gill was born on the 20th April 1990 and grew up in the rural community of Guayaguayare. At an early age Zakiya always displayed the ability to grasp and learn quickly, it was because of that her mother enrolled her in school at the early age of two because “She knew too much!”

Zakiya refused to blend in and her individuality is what distinguished her from others when she was younger and continues to do the same for her now. While attending Guayaguayare Roman Catholic School, Zakiya found her first loves swimming and football, which she still plays up to this day. It was at Mayaro Composite School however that Zakiya began to dabble in other activities. Her mother, a dance instructor opened her own school and Zakiya became a member of the Guayaguayare Youth Performers. She gained a wealth of experience while touring the country with the dance troupe.

Zakiya’s first formal introduction to drama came when she was getting ready to perform with her dance troupe at the “Prime Minister's Best Village Trophy Competition” at the Queens Park Savannah. A performance she experienced opened up her appetite yet again to try something new. Her first monologue “Anatomy of a laugh” (written by Mr. Val Cabrera) landed her at first place in the district finals of the National Best Village Competition in the Traditions of Carnival Category in 2004. She wasn't only the best that year, but also the youngest performer to qualify at age thirteen. She also had her own masterpiece “Nobody Love Me Anymore”, a monologue about HIV/AIDS, which again took her around the country spreading awareness about the deadly virus.

Zakiya continued to perform and compete and in 2006 she was the 3rd Place District Winner in the Ambassador Song and Verse Contest. After moving on to the newly opened Guayaguayare High School, while in form four Zakiya aided the school to success during their participation in many cultural events such as the National Music Festival. Zakiya received the school’s Principal Award for her success in both academics and extracurricular activities. In 2007 she received the Education Award from the Mayaro Past Pupils Association and the Education Award from the Guayaguayare Village Council and went on to pursue A Levels at Rio Claro High School. The trend of success continued as she excelled both academically and in other activities. She won 1st Place at the college’s Folk Festival, and winning Miss Personality and a Drama Award in 2008. She continues to pursue her studies at the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), her major, Behavioral Sciences.

Other accomplishments and awards from 2009-present include:

2009- Drama Award: Civilian Conservation Corps

2010- Finalist: Prime Minister Best Village Trophy Competition: La Riene Rive

2010- Finalist: Prime Minister Best Village Trophy Competition: Poetry

2011- 1st Place: Prime Minister Best Village Trophy Competition: Traditions of Carnival2011- 1st Place: Mayaro Regional Carnival: Traditional Monday Night MasAt present, Zakiya is making serious moves in order to advance her status as an established actor, dramatist and spoken word artiste. She loves the stage, the exhilarating feeling she gets when she hits the stage is “addictive” she says. Zakiya is a boiling pot of enthusiasm, willingness, talent and focus. She is definitely one to keep your eyes on in the near future. She is currently working on some upcoming projects and participating in the Best Village competition in the Spoken Word category.

Highlight Interview- Zakiya Gill

Q1: Who are you?

A: I am Zakiya Gill, the chick with multiple personalities lol.

Q2:   What are 3 words that describe you?

A: Eccentric, loving and sensitive.

Q3:   Who or what inspires you?

A: God and music.

Q4:   Define success.

A: Success is a journey not a destination. It’s an ongoing process.

Q5: What sacrifices have you made for success?

A: If you really want success you don’t view your actions as sacrifices but as necessities. It’s all about creating that balance.

Q6: What is the standout moment to you in your writing/performing career so far?

A: That would have to be performing for the President of my country, His Excellency Professor George Maxwell Richards. That was a little surreal….I real show off! lol.

Q7: What hobbies/interests do you have outside of writing and performing?

A: Dancing, football, drumming and music.

Q8:   What are some of your immediate upcoming projects?

A: Currently I am preparing for the preliminary round of the Prime Minister Best Village Poetry Competition and I am also a finalist in talent contest hosted by South/Central Island Productions.

Q9:   Where do you see yourself in 3 years?

A: Writing and Performing. I can’t see myself doing anything else.

Q10: What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

A: Maybe this is a bit ambitious but I really want to do Broadway shows and write a few books.

Q11: Tell us about your writing. What sort of pieces do you write and how did you first discover your talents?

A: After my mother realized that I was serious with this drama thing, she got me a writer. His name is Val Cabera and he wrote for me for like two or three years. I’m very thankful that he did, as in a way he helped shaped the performer I am today. However I didn’t feel like his pieces were the true representation of me, so I took a chance and wrote what I felt in my heart and since then I never stopped. It would take me years to realise that this was a talent lol it just felt right when I did it. What I write are inspirational and educational pieces, so people could walk away feeling enriched and edified.

Q12: How did you transition your writing to actual performing on stage?

A: It took a lot of focus and rehearsals. I still have to envision whatever I write on paper and how am I going to effectively execute a performance. I have to place myself into that situation and convince myself that I am going through those emotions and keep it in. When I reach on stage I stay committed to the character and just let myself go.

Q13: What quality do you value most in your friends both male and female?

A: I value their spirituality, honesty, humbleness and loyalty.

Q14: Which place would you like to visit before you kick the bucket?

A: Egypt.

Q15: What do you get complimented most about?

A: My writing ability and my smile.

Q16: Monologues are usually very deep, emotional and tell a story and yours are no different. Where do you get the inspiration from to write such touching pieces?

A: From observations, I am very observant and conscious about other peoples feelings. Since I am such a sensitive being, at times I get caught up in other people pains and I just write. It’s kind of hard to explain lol.

Q17: Who is the most interesting person you've worked so far and who do you wish to work with in the future?

A: The most interesting person I’ve worked with so far is the producer from my Mayaro Vibes days Varsha Paray and I am yet to work with Tyler Perry, notice I said ‘yet to’ lol. But I am willing to work with anyone that is willing to work with me.

Q18: What is keeps you going in the face of defeat/adversity?

A: GOD.

Q19: What are some of the challenges as a young person in your field?

A: Exposure…the industry is so small and it’s very difficult to get your name out there. Plenty hard work yo!

Q20: What advice would you give to other youth with interest in perusing a similar path?

A: If you have the talent and believe this is what you want then go for it! Just know that it is not an easy ride and challenges would occur. Surround yourself with genuine people that would edify you. Put God first, never sell yourself short and just be FEARLESS!

Q21: So you write and perform your pieces and are comfortable on stage. Do you have any interest in maybe branching off into other areas of performance? Possibly singing or acting? If so what genre of music would you want to get into and what sort of plays/movies would you want to act in?

A: Honestly I am very contended with who I am and what I do. But I have been getting a lot of encouragement to branch off into music. If I ever pick up the challenge I’ll do rapso, soca, dancehall and rap. As far as movies go I’ll do every genre….lol I never limit myself.

If you were

A celebrity: Lady Gaga

A city: Vatican City

A guy: My brother... Warren Gill

A food: Cornmeal porridge

An animal: An eagle

An expression: Joy

An object: iPhone 4

A fragrance: Heat by Beyonce

An adjective: Fearless!!!