Today we’d like to introduce you to Himie Freeman, Zacchaeus Towner and Meshach Young.
Himie, Zacchaeus, and Meshach, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Brothas is Broke started out at as a catchphrase inspired by Himie. As three broke underclassmen college students, we weren’t ever able to partake in college activities such as partying, going out to eat, and hanging out with friends. I was inspired to create Brothas Is Broke when I saw it as a hashtag in Freeman’s IG bio. From there, I knew we could create something great that people would love. In summary, we are just three broke college kids who happen to be funny and creative. – Zack Towner
My story is I remember meeting Himie in an English class spring semester 2016 of our freshman year. I remember him being this big guy with a huge afro and I could definitely tell he was in his shell, but it was like we automatically hit it off, even though we didn’t hang out like that outside of class. Then I remember, after the summer was over, it was by chance that I met Himie and Zack in line at the Starbucks at school, where I first met Zack. He transferred from the college in my hometown back up here and I thought he was one of the funniest guys I had met! I remember telling him that I was the Prince of L’s, but he insisted he deserved that title and I laughed til I cried. After that, it was like I was everywhere with them, doing everything, and that was around the time Himie and I had started doing plays together and everything else we could get involved in around campus. I think it was the end of 2017 when Zack approached me for Brothas is Broke and at first, I wasn’t too thrilled with the idea, but I’m glad I accepted and they chose me as the member because they honestly could have chosen anyone. – Meshach Young
I don’t know about not being able to partake in partying and hanging out with friends (we broke but damn!), but I came up with the “Brothas is Broke” phrase as a natural thing because some of these folks be asking to do too much like we ain’t in school. Brothas is Broke was meant to happen long before it actually did. Zack and I used to make Vines back in high school for fun and we had talked about doing YouTube in passing but never really talked about it in a serious manner. Meshach and I have been friends since our early college years and have been in a number of creative projects together, our chemistry is tested and proven (we’re gonna star in Bad Boys 4 years from now with Martin and Will, but that’s another story). I know I met these guys for a reason and seeing them become closer through this process has been amazing too. – Himie Freeman
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As of right now, the main obstacle comes from lack of high-quality equipment. We believe that we have high-quality content, but it is a struggle to get a hold of high-quality equipment. Being that we are a trio, it helps out when splitting the cost of something. – Zack Towner
I think the main obstacle is sometimes not being able to immediately gather ideas and come up with a skit. It’ll be so many great directions a skit can take, but we have to remember that we can only do so much in a given time, and then I also feel like having limited resources at times can hinder us (i.e., money, equipment, schedule conflicts, etc.), but it’s all good because we never let that stuff compromise our creativity. – Meshach Young
My main obstacle is working in a group and understanding that even though you feel you’re right about some things, you have to realize that your ideas aren’t always going to be chosen. We’re a trio so the majority rules and even if I feel one way about something, the other two knuckleheads may feel different (I’m usually right though). – Himie Freeman
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Brothas is Broke is an entertainment comedy group that specializes in skits but will eventually expand to other forms of entertainment such as podcasts, short films, and more. I specialize in the visuals of Brothas is Broke. As the primary director and editor of our videos, it my job to come up with creative shots, dialogue delivery, the scenery of a skit, and other on-screen aspects. – Zack Towner
I’ve written the majority of our skits and have starred in them all too. I also have structured a lot of our live performances and just come up with stuff to do for Brothas is Broke. I think Brothas is Broke is one of the funniest things in the world and can’t wait for the world to see. – Himie Freeman
I specialize in writing and the comedic relief. I indulge in a bit of everything, so wherever I need to be I’m there, ya know? I’m especially good at ad-libbing and thinking quick on my feet because it all comes naturally. – Meshach Young
What were you like growing up?
I was a loudmouth but not too crazy cuz my parents didn’t play about disobedience (those African beatings hit different…literally). I loved sports and music (as I do today), and I was very social but didn’t have a lot of friends. I was someone everyone knew at school but they knew about stuff I did (I was obnoxious), they didn’t really know me. I always felt different because I never really tried to fit in with crowds, I did love to entertain people though and I tried it through everything (acting, rapping, writing, etc.). I guess I never stopped. – Himie Freeman
Growing up, I was very intelligent, energetic, and full of comedy and joy. I would always look at the bright side of things, and I would try to add happiness to everyone’s lives, plus I was smooth as hell. I took care of my family and friends. – Meshach Young
When I was younger, I was extremely weird and goofy. I haven’t really changed much at all, to be honest. I’ve always been pretty quiet when I’m around people I don’t know, but I’ve never been shy. I was also the goofy, funny kid in class while growing up. – Zack Towner
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brothasisbroke.com
- Phone: 6788221735
- Email: fhimie12@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brothasisbroke/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrothasisBroke/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrothasIsBroke
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