Ladies and gentlemen - the multifaceted, multi-talented Mad Hatter is in the house! Anwar Saeed is a proud son of Chi-Town who acts, writes, DJs, draws - heck - he does it all! And he does it HIS WAY!! Take a trip through the life of a bold and talented artist - if you dare!
Where did the name “Madd Hatter” come from?
“Madd Hatter” originated in high school during my freshman year.
What does it mean?
Well, most people see this name to portray that I am a mean person, but that is definitely not the case. I’m more passive than you think. They called me Madd Hatter because I wore a lot of hats then, and I still do.
Anwar Saeed is not your typical “African American” name. Tell us about your history – where did the name come from?
It’s actually an Arabic name. My Grandma gave me this name. Anwar means “The Bright One”... Saeed means “Happiness”
You are a multi-talented entertainer – you sing, you write poetry, you act, DJ, drawing, etc. Of your many talents, which one is your primary focus right now and why?
Wow! You really did your research. I love acting. It’s something that I always wanted to do. I also write a lot so poetry would definitely have to play a major role here.
How did you develop your artistic style?
Well, I come from a long line of artists. My grandfather was a painter, and my uncle is a cartoonist. I learned everything about art from them. As far as music goes and writing, I think that is just something I developed on my own.
Are there any other types of creative expression that you enjoy?
Not really, you pretty much covered it. Oh! Well, you forgot to mention modeling. Haha!
How has your family influenced your entertainment career?
In more ways than you think. They have all played such a major role in my successes. They have really played the role of being my personal entourage.
Why is artistic expression so important to you?
I feel as though if a child has some sort of artistic ability, it can help them freely express themselves as a person. Art acts as a form of release or therapy. So, when you mention artistic expression to me it serves as an artistic bible to my life. I HAVE a lot to say to the world and sometimes words don’t help so you have to find other ways to get your word across.
How long have you been an actor?
Not long at all. 1 year. I’m really just getting started on a professional level. I have done several projects outside of professional experiences. I used to do a public access show with my uncle that showcased the best in Japanese Animation. It was really fun. We used to do interviews, video game reviews, conventions, and all sorts of interesting things.
Tell us about your latest two movie projects – “Jerks” and “Strapped”.
That is something that I can’t talk about. It is protected by contract. All I can say is that it was a surreal experience that will not go replaced! I CAN say a bit about “Jerks” though. “Jerks” is a student film that I was in that was directed by my good friend Jonathan Skachman. It has a very comedic vibe to it.
Tell us about your radio show?
Ah, Pulse Radio –Chicago! This is a project that I created while I was an intern at a local radio station (102.3FM WXLC). At first it wasn’t much, but then I started to get a lot of listeners so it developed into something that has become the very FIRST radio station of North Chicago, IL. It showcases unsigned artists and indie artists in all genre’s to the fullest and people LOVE IT!
Who’s your favorite model and why?
I would have to say Tyra Banks & Eva Pigford because they are such beautiful women, who really try to help others make it in the industry. They seem as though they are down to earth people, with a lot of knowledge, and that is who I want to be.
You appear to have a genuine love and appreciation for diverse cultures. Where did you gain your love for different cultures?
That is something that I acquired on my own. I used to always watch different types of television shows, Spanish channels, Japanese Music Stations, Country. I was all over the place. I really take liking to the Japanese culture because as I stated earlier, I love art., and it seems as though the Japanese culture focuses on art to a high extent.
When did you develop your love of Anime?
Wow! I wasn’t expecting this question. My uncle had introduced to Anime when I was 4 years old. The first anime I ever watched was Ranma ½. I loved the fact that it told a story, and at that age…I LOVED STORIES! So, with that being said, I knew it was totally different than Ninja Turtles or Looney Tunes. You would watch those cartoons and then the next time you watch it, there would be a totally different plot, but if you were to watch Naruto for example, has a very in depth story to it.
Has it influenced your art? If so, how?
To a great degree! Dragonball Z and shows like that have really made me take a superior approach to art. I have developed my own style since then.
Your poem, “Blood Fuck” is a wild ride filled with powerful images. Tell us what it’s all about.
A lot of people enjoy my poems. They say they are very “deep. In fact my poetry has been recited in The Chicago House of Blues. I also had won a NAACP award for my poetry. “Blood Fuck” is my second favorite poem, aside from my very emotional poem “Three Days”. “Blood Fuck” is about me. It tells the story of all of my failed relationships and how I wanted revenge on all those people who have hurt me, and what goes in my mind when things like that happen. Kinda insane huh?
How do you feel about where you are in your career?
I’m loving the way my career is going at this moment. I do admit that things are slower than I would want them to be, but aside from that I couldn’t be any happier about my successes. I have accomplished a lot, and I plan to continue to do JUST that. I have a lot to say and I’m just waiting for the perfect time to tell them.
Why do you think you are so shy around women?
I think it goes hand in hand really. Let’s face it! Women are VERY difficult to talk to. Well, maybe it’s just me. I never know what to say to them. I freeze up. It’s so funny that I can write about romance and stuff in my poems and in short stories and people are like, “Wow! You know a lot about love!” but they are SO wrong! I think another reason is because I fear rejection. I always think a girl is going to say ‘No’ to me, and I can’t stand that word.
Reading through your blog entries reveals a lot about you as a person. Tell us about your complicated relationship with black women – what has happened to make you think that they aren’t attracted to you?
All black women that I have come in contact with either really made me feel bad about myself. They would talk so much stuff about me it would almost make me tear up. I know what you’re saying, “Man up!” but see, the problem is, I’m a lot more emotional than most men out there. Black Women play an intimidation factor with me. I’m sort of afraid to approach them because I would think that all of them are going to dog me out about something or pick out all of my flaws. I NEVER met ONE black girl that was nice to me. NEVER!
How did that make you feel?
It honestly makes me feel as though I’m giving up on my own race. It makes me feel as though I’m not doing what I should be doing to impress this beautiful black woman.
What is a normal day like for you?
My normal day consists of me checking e-mail, checking my voice-mail, working on some acting monologues, and heading downtown to do some modeling and acting auditions.
Where do you work?
I am a Radio DJ for Pulse Radio – Chicago, and I am a Music Producer for Independent Record Label – Melancholy Island Productions
Do you have any children, any pets?
No, I don’t have any children. I want kids though. Real bad! I always wanted a little girl. And I have a demon cat by the name of ‘Chloe’. That cat is Devil Possessed!
What other interests and hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy playing videogames and playing rounds of soccer and tennis. Those are great stress relievers.
Tell us more about you - what would you like the world to know about you?
World! My name is Anwar Saeed! There are a lot of things you don’t know in this world that I am willing to share with you! I am not your average black man. I WILL make an impact on this world, and I will become a successful actor. That is a promise!
What is your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to make it big in the modeling / acting industry and make some cash so I can help my fellow African-Americans and other nationalities. I feel as though we as a diverse nation need to get together and not look at each other as a color or race. We need to look at each other as a whole. We need to support each other regardless of color or race, and that is what I plan to do. I plan to help as many unfortunate individuals as I can for as long as GOD will allow me.
If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go and why?
I would go to Japan. That was predictable wasn’t it? You might have thought of me to say something like Africa right? Well, the thing about that is - Africa is basically my own lifestyle; my grandmother is so into the African culture you would think we stayed in Africa. So Africa is NOT a place I would want to visit at this time. I chose Japan, because as I stated earlier, it consists of a huge artistic background and a ton of things that interests me. It would be an amazing experience for me.
Who are your favorite famous artists? What do you like about them?
I really like Kat Deluna (New Musical Artist) and Prince. Prince leaves such a mark on my soul. My father (R.I.P) loved everything there was about Prince. Considering I never really knew my father because he died before I could get to know him, I made it my business to see things from his perspective. Kat Deluna on the other hand is such a free spirit who had a dream to become a singer, and I love that about her! That just goes to show you, follow your dreams.
Who are your favorite artist friends?
Can’t think of any at this time…too many to name.
What was your most embarrassing moment as an artist?
Thankfully, I never had an embarrassing moment as an artist.
What was you proudest moment as an artist?
I would have to say when I competed in a National Convention in Las Vegas and beat everyone 1st Place for “Best Scene”. That is something that will go down in my history book.
What do you think is your best feature?
Everyone asks me this and I can never answer it! I think my eyes are nice and my smile.
How do your family and friends feel about your career as an artist?
As I stated before, they are like my cheerleaders
The Ladies want to know! Are you married, in a relationship, or single?
Single and hating every minute of it!
What does The Madd Hatter look for in a woman?
[laughs] Many people call me shallow but I like a girl with some good looks! I want a girl who knows what she wants in life. I want someone who is funny, creative, and intelligent.
What is the most important thing in your life right now?
Family. You can’t get anywhere without them.
Have you ever been in love?
Honestly, I can’t count how many times this question has surfaced and I would have to say out of the girls I have dated, I never felt as though it was love.
On a scale of 1 to 10, how important is sex in a relationship?
Wow. I would have to say 7/10
What is the sexiest thing about men?
Uh, I don’t know about the rest of the men, so I will just judge myself and say that my intelligence and my goofiness. Not to sound conceited of course.
What is the sexiest thing about women?
That they take a lot of stuff! They are very powerful in everything that they do and they all have some distinct feature that makes them different than the other.
Tell us something about yourself that the world would be surprised to know?
I have opened a show for Fergie of The Black Eyed Peas in Chicago, IL
Tell us what you want us to know about Anwar Saeed that we haven’t asked today.
There is nothing else to say but put in some shameless plugs, like:
CHECK OUT MY MYSPACE: myspace.com/maddhatter1
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Ladies and gentlemen - the multifaceted, multi-talented Mad Hatter is in the house! Anwar Saeed is a proud son of Chi-Town who acts, writes, DJs, draws - heck - he does it all! And he does it HIS WAY!! Take a trip through the life of a bold and talented artist - if you dare!
Quote this article on your site
Ah, Pulse Radio –
How do you feel about where you are in your career?
How did that make you feel?
Who are your favorite famous artists? What do you like about them?
Family. You can’t get anywhere without them.
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