Yesterday, I attended a meeting for TalkBlack Atlanta, an African-American discussion group that meets the first Saturday of each month at African-American-owned businesses throughout the city. Yesterday’s discussion was on the black woman. I thoroughly enjoyed discussing issues pertinent to what African-American women face in our day-to-day lives, and I will be back!

One of the points that we discussed is how we are portrayed in the media – think “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” and how we don’t fight to ensure that the images of us are positive or at least really realistic. One panelist Dr. Alicia Simon noted that years ago, CBS tried to create a reality-based remake of “The Beverly Hillbillies,” in which a rural family would be moved to a Beverly Hills mansion for hilarious mischief and mayhem I’m sure… After public outry including a congressional hearing according to Simon, that reality show was shut down before it even started…

Well, my Delta Sigma Theta Sorority sister and line sister Kendra Muñoz aka “Beauty” and her husband Carlos aka “C-Los,” two wonderfully gifted artists, are in the process of developing a family-oriented, positive reality show “GigFlip180.”  (READ: You will not find any basketball wives on this show!) This variety show is actually the brainchild of C-Los Muñoz! The duo are currently raising money to fund the production of their first show…Read on for my Q&A about the program…

What is GigFlip180?

GigFlip180 a hip variety stage show where celebrities showcase their hidden talents.  Our show “GigFlip180” is designed for the whole family to enjoy, bringing the household back together like the good old shows of yesteryear: one room – one television – one family! The show is reminiscent of “The Flip Wilson Show” with several funny skits, songs & dance grooves to offer side-splitting comedy and a musical display of talent. Celebs come on the show, and they appear on the show right alongside me, (C-Los) & my beautiful spouse and co-host Beauty in awe-inspiring, comedic scenes!  Whether they’re an actor, singer, dancer, rapper, or sports figure – they must “flip” the “gig” that has made them famous “180 degrees.”

How & why did you come up with the concept?

As a boy,  I was intrigued with television. I used to think tiny people were inside playing around. As I got older, I loved watching “Sanford & Son,” “Good Times,” “The Brady Bunch” and “The Flip Wilson & Carol Burnett Shows.” Those shows taught me life lessons on how to treat people with decency and respect. Because of all those great shows, I was fueled to become an entertainer. So, I built up enough courage to audition and  land a gig in a professional theater company.  After working with the theater company,  I auditioned and landed my first TV role. I was amazed at the fact that I was going to be on TV! I was like Wow! Following that TV gig, I was signed to a major record label. With recording, touring and TV appearances, I wasn’t able to watch any TV because I was too busy being on it.  LOL.

Now, today TV has turned into a projection of violence and sexual exploitation. I believe TV was invented with the  family in mind where entire families can sit down in one room, watch one television and enjoy a program without fear of explicit content.  So I created a family variety show that will help redirect television to its more encouraging, empowering and inspiring roots. This show entertains the entire family with good old-fashioned clean fun. Celebrity guests appear on the show flipping the gig that’s made them famous. They will not perform what has made them known by millions…They got to “flip” it!  They must demonstrate they’re worthy of the title of superstar. It’s the return of good, clean TV!

Tell me about your background and what has prepared you to pursue this project.

I got my first big break as an actor, singer, dancer and choreographer in the renowned Boston Youth Theatre directed by Elaine Koury.  After that, I landed a lead role in a television special called “Don’t Give Up.” Since I loved the excitement of live performing, I decided to shift my focus to music entertainment, and I began touring and appearing on TV (“Soul Train” and BET) and performance stages across the country with Billboard- charting, Polygram R&B recording group Finest Hour.

Then, I became a member of Marky Mark’s Funky Bunch.  In the late ’90s, I relocated to Atlanta, working with Marvelous Development Center and Devyne Stephens’ Upfront Megatainment.  During my over 20 years in entertainment, I have worked in many capacities including  working as an an entertainment consultant, road manager, choreographer and artist developer. I have worked on several projects with many celebrities including Sean “P-Diddy” Combs, Dallas Austin, Robert Townsend, Patti Labelle, Maurice Starr, OutKast, Jazze Pha, Goodie Mob,  Raven-Symoné, Ludacris and Pink.

With a wealth of entertainment experience, I have launched Zonum Media Group, the media production company that is producing “GigFlip180!’

What is Kickstarter & why are you using this service? Why is there a deadline date?

Kickstarter is the largest funding platform for creative projects in the world. Every month, tens of thousands of amazing people pledge millions of dollars to projects from the worlds of music, film, art, technology, design and other creative fields.  It is a new form of commerce and patronage.  It is not about investment or lending. Project creators keep 100 percent ownership and control over their work. Instead, they offer products and experiences that are unique to each project.  Projects are ALL or NOTHING FUNDING, which means a project on KICKSTARTER must reach its funding goal before time runs out or no money changes hands.

This policy protects everyone involved. Creators aren’t expected to develop their project without necessary funds, and it allows anyone to test concepts without risk.  Each and every project is an independent creation.  Projects are big and small, whimsical or serious. We thought that getting involved with Kickstarter would be a perfect opportunity  for supporters to directly connect to a project that speaks to their heart…

Some people may want to ask me, C-Los “You’ve worked with a lot of people, know a lot of people – you don’t need Kickstarter, do you?” And my answer would be, I am not too sure it’s about if I need Kickstarter or not. I just know this is the perfect platform to get us, not only connect to our fan base but connect to people that are looking for a refreshing change from what they are used to seeing.  Also, when someone puts a pledge behind you, it gives you that feeling of validation that says what you are doing is a good thing and you should continue in your pursuit because we need more positive shows for families in the world…

We have to raise $139,000 by Sept. 6 or we lose it all. To date, we have raised $766. The money is needed to shoot the stage show before a live studio audience, including securing the venue, celebrities, the pay for cast & crew members and other  budgeted items.

How do you donate, and what do you get for your donation?

To donate or what we like to say, make a pledge, you must go to Kickstarter.com. (Click on the link.) Incentives for pledging are listed on the website.

Sounds like a worthy cause to me…

Any thoughts?

P.S. Check out a promo video for “GlipFlip180” below…

Watch this video on YouTube.

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