Zangba Thomson is an award-winning author (“Three Black Boys”, “Single Man Married Man”), a conscious emcee, screenwriter, Editor-in-Chief at Bong Mines Entertainment, and creator of Ma Benson's 100% All-Natural Shea Body Butter. His creative works have been seen on or talked about in major media outlets such as FOX 5, NBC, Today, Fox & Friends, Kathy Lee & Hoda, Arise 360, Shade 45: Sway in the Morning, ABC, Daily Mail (UK), Vibe Magazine, Centric TV, HOT 97, Essence Magazine, and The Tom Joyner Morning Show. Not too long ago, Thomson received a "Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition" from Congressman Charles B. Rangel for his literary achievements, commitment to strengthening our Nation, and making a difference through volunteering service in urban communities.
Tell us about your experience at the Hip Hop Film Festival? I had the pleasure of attending the Hip Hop Film Festival two-times. On both occasions, my experiences there were great, the staff was super friendly, and I was blessed with the chance to network and connect with many so different creators from various parts of the world. Also, the four-days of festivities were well-organized, entertaining, and educational. Furthermore, I felt honored to be nominated in the screenwriter category, by a solid organization that I discovered to have a firm hip-hop foundation.
Why are stories from the culture important? Stories from the culture are extremely important because they speak on behalf of the people who belong to the Hip Hop culture. Also, cultural tales showcase how we live as a community and as a nation of creators. Furthermore, there’s unmatched respect that comes with cultural stories because they are rich with truths (our truths), and told from a place within us, where only the heart and soul resides.
What projects are you working on now? On December 2019, I added another high-octane tale to my #ThreeBlackBoys urban fiction series, entitled, “Three Black Boys: The Hotep Brother Manuscript” (Volume 2), which is the action-packed sequel to “Three Black Boys: Tomorrow After Supper” (Volume 1). This time around (the main characters) Barnes, Demus, and Baker are enlisted to travel to Monomotapa, Alkebulan (the original name for Africa), to face a nemesis they thought they had destroyed. It’s an awesome read that is keeping readers at the edge of their seats.
Also, when I am not promoting my novel, I am working as editor-in-chief at Bong Mines Entertainment, a place where I create evergreen music reviews for a select group of up-and-coming, independent, and well-established artists.
Why do you think the Harlem Film House and Hip Hop Film Festival are important? The Harlem Film House is important because it provides a learning platform that inspires and encourages people (e.g., filmmakers, actors, and others) to dream the impossible dream. Also, it provides the necessary tools or resources to support filmmakers in their quest to follow that star, no matter how far it might be. On the other hand, the Hip Hop Film Festival is equally as important because it rewards, acknowledges, and highlights talented individuals who are ready to showcase their talents to the world. In a nutshell, one platform plants and nurtures, while the other celebrates the harvest and maturity of those who blossomed