Category: Celebrity Faith and Inspiration

Yvonne Orji, known for her breakout role as Molly in HBO’s ‘Insecure,’ is venturing into the animated world with Prime Video’s ‘The Chosen Adventures.’ This new series beautifully marries faith-based storytelling with Orji’s signature playful humor, and she recently shared her excitement with BOSSIP about bringing this project to life.

From ‘Insecure’ to Animated Adventures

‘The Chosen Adventures’ follows the journey of a nine-year-old girl named Abby and her best friend Joshua as they explore life in ancient Capernaum. Guided by a talking sheep and the clever character Pigeon, voiced by Orji herself, the series offers a whimsical take on biblical stories. Orji described the experience as tapping into the “whimsical, wondrous nature of a little child” and reconnecting with that early sense of wonder that comes with new faith.

Voicing the Witty Pigeon

When asked about her character, Pigeon, Orji couldn’t hide her enthusiasm. She described Pigeon as a character who embodies all the things she loves about herself: being funny, witty, street-smart, kind-hearted, and no-nonsense. “Can we have a little bit of cinnamon, sugar, and spice?” she asked, and the answer was a resounding yes. Orji found it fun to amplify her own personality traits for the animated world, creating a sharp and witty sidekick alongside Sheep, voiced by Paul Walter Hauser.

Faith as a Guiding Force

At its core, ‘The Chosen Adventures’ explores how encountering Jesus can change one’s perspective. This message deeply resonates with Orji, who shared that her own faith journey has been transformative. She reflected on how her perspective has shifted from her earlier days focused on “faith, family, and maybe some football” to embracing diverse experiences while keeping Jesus at the center.

Orji emphasized that her current career path, which includes her master’s in public health and aspirations of being a doctor, was not part of her original plan. “This was not a Yvonne Orji dream. This was a God-led dream,” she stated, highlighting how a life-altering encounter with faith has shaped her reality and opened doors she never imagined.

A Solo Journey in the Booth

While ‘The Chosen Adventures’ features a talented voice cast, Orji’s recording process was largely a solo endeavor. She explained that voice acting often involves working alone in a booth, sometimes hearing other actors’ takes to match energy, but often relying on direction via Zoom and notes from writers. Orji embraced the efficiency of this method, stating, “Give me a note, I got you—as long as I understand.”

From her Emmy-nominated role in ‘Insecure’ to her stand-up specials and now this animated series, Yvonne Orji consistently finds projects that blend humor, heart, and hope. She believes that in a fast-paced, questioning world, stories that make children pause and feel seen are a true win. ‘The Chosen Adventures’ aims to do just that, proving that faith can be funny and purpose can still be playful.

In honor of LGBTQIA+ History Month, we’re shining a spotlight on Tré Melvin, a true digital pioneer whose evolution from viral comedy sensation to a spiritually-rooted musician is nothing short of a rebirth. For over a decade, Melvin has been a force online, and now, he’s channeling his experiences into a powerful new musical era focused on healing, spirituality, and empowerment.

From Viral Visionary to Spiritual Storyteller

Long before the days of TikTok trends, Tré Melvin was crafting unforgettable digital content. His series ‘This Is A Commentary’ and the iconic character Watermelondrea became cultural touchstones, proving that parody and purpose could go hand-in-hand. “I learned early that people would rather hear the truth through a joke,” Melvin shared, explaining his early embrace of comedy as a vehicle for truth-telling. His early work, which he created, directed, and edited himself, laid the groundwork for an artist unafraid to reflect the times.

A Near-Fatal Accident Sparks Transformation

Melvin’s life took a profound turn in 2020 following a near-fatal car accident and the loss of his best friend. This period of silence and introspection led him inward, ultimately guiding him toward a deeper connection with his spirituality. “My music is completely led by my connection to spirit,” Melvin revealed. “It’s my most vulnerable side.” He now views this time not as a disappearance, but as a “divine redirection.”

While many know him for his comedic genius, Melvin acknowledges the balance between light and dark within him. “Through music I can finally give the dramatic pieces of me,” he explained. “I’m so Scorpio; so tapped in, so connected and I’m just grateful to be able to heal through it.”

The Music and the Mission: ‘Amphetamine’

The centerpiece of Melvin’s rebirth is his forthcoming sophomore album, ‘Amphetamine,’ set for release in January 2026. Having made music since childhood and studied theater and music at institutions like Stivers School for the Arts and briefly at Juilliard, this project marks a return to his most authentic self. The album, which required re-recording after a hard drive corruption, blends classical training, gospel roots, and layered harmonies, creating a cinematic sound inspired by artists like Beyoncé, Jhené Aiko, and Labrinth.

Melvin describes his creative process as divinely guided, often receiving messages in his sleep that translate into his visuals. He approaches his music not as individual songs, but as a complete album that tells a story from beginning to end. ‘Amphetamine’ is envisioned as a “visual” and “audio-visual” album, aiming to offer a holistic experience for listeners.

Community, Power, and Black Liberation

Melvin sees his current moment not just as his time, but as “the Collective’s time,” emphasizing the need for unity and community, especially in the face of societal challenges. His upcoming work across film, music, and TV is dedicated to reminding people, particularly Black individuals, of their innate power and connection to source. “The most important part of Amphetamine and everything to come is to remind us of our power, specifically Black people. We were stripped of our innate magic, our connection to source. It’s time to remember.”

Building His Own Table

After launching his YouTube channel 14 years ago, Melvin now guards his early work behind a paywall, asserting his independence. He’s building a multimedia empire called Tré House, aiming to rival established players like Parkwood and Tyler Perry Studios. “I’m not here to beg for a seat at anyone else’s table. I’m here to build my own and show other Black artists we can do the same.”

Shadow Work and Owning His Power

Melvin reflects on growth and accountability, understanding that “when you point the finger, there are always three fingers pointing back.” He sees himself and others as mirrors, attracting experiences through their own energy. His ultimate goal is for people to feel their own power by witnessing his evolution, emphasizing that this requires “shadow work” and facing challenges head-on.

With his birthday single “I Didn’t Mean It” dropping October 28th and ‘Amphetamine’ arriving in January 2026, Tré Melvin is stepping fully into his purpose. His rebirth is a testament to intention and the profound power that emerges from embracing one’s authentic voice after periods of silence. Fans can follow his journey and updates at @tremelvin on social media and tremelvin.org.