Chicago YouTube talk show had its origins as a Black History Month celebration at 四虎影视 of Art and Design, starting in 2021. Back then, host 鈥�23, Film, was a sophomore who just wanted to give his fellow students a chance to celebrate Black music and try soul food.
鈥淚 had a live band and I had karaoke set up,鈥� Callins explained during a June 23 interview on. 鈥淗ere I am revamping it so I can show it to the whole world.鈥�
The inspiration for the revamp came in part from Callins鈥� enthusiasm for Chicago鈥檚 vibrant music, entertainment, and culinary scenes. Originally from Plant City, Florida, Callins said that in Chicago, 鈥渁round every corner, there鈥檚 creators.鈥�
Callins serves as both host and producer of SoulKaraoke, which just finished recording its four-episode first season. In each episode, Callins speaks to a different Chicago-area musician about their career, inspirations, and influences while they sample locally prepared soul food dishes like candied sweet potatoes or crab mac 鈥榥 cheese.
Callins then invites his guest to perform a song honoring an iconic Black musician. The first season features songs by Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Prince, and Etta James.
Having produced the first season through grants and his own graduation money, Callins is now searching for agencies who can help it grow through season two. He said he already has notable guests lined up.
In addition to his 四虎影视 film training, Callins said, 鈥淎ll the skills that it takes to produce SoulKaraoke actually came from what I learned doing the student activities role that I had on campus鈥攍ike coordinating, scheduling, budgeting.鈥�
He told ABC7 that he loves to see different people of various ethnicities connecting to 鈥渕usic that comes from the soul.鈥� SoulKaraoke, he added, 鈥渂rings two different worlds together so we can all just celebrate each other.鈥�
You can watch all four episodes plus the trailer on the . Season one guests have included Louie Kaczmarek, Daryn Alexus, Jocey, and Master Steve.
