Today we’d like to introduce you to Kareem Amado
Hi Kareem, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
As far back as I can remember I’ve always expressed an interest and love for the arts. I think back to when I was kid, I was always dancing, be imaginative, singing, writing and reading. I grew up as an only child so due to me not having any siblings to play with I would get lost in my imaginary world. Thats when music & books became my friend. I was introduced to Michael Jackson’s music and short films, as he would call it, when I was 3 years old and I would be such in awe of his dance moves that I would try to imitate them. My grandfather would record me performing in front of the television everyday. I discovered my love for singing & dancing at a young age and knew that was what I wanted to be when I grew up, a performer. My mother noticed this talent within me and signed me up for my first talent show at the local mall where I sang TLC’s “Baby , Baby , Baby” I won third place and was awarded a cassette tape with me singing on it, I would play that cassette tape everyday. Throughout my childhood I was in theatrical shows, talent shows, dance competitions, local festivals and etc. I’ll never forget one talent show in particular where I got a standing ovation for and Chris Brown was a guest performer at that very talent show. After high-school I moved to New York to pursue my dreams and attend college. There were times where I would just be walking the streets of New York City and randomly run into celebrities, artists in particular, its as if God was giving me signs that I’m on the right path and to not give up. I started carrying a disposable camera with me so I could capture these encounters. My first ever selfie was with Shakira with her head sticking out of a Taxi cab. I then started interning at Inter-scope records and had the opportunity to promote artists on the label, sit in on studio sessions, attend industry events and etc. Being at Inter-scope taught me about the business side of the industry and gave me a work ethic that I would need in this competitive world. While I was at Inter-scope records I was given the opportunity to dance on MTV’s TRL while Run Dmc and his family was hosting. My dreams were coming true before my very eyes. While I was still in college I became a co-founder of a media company/youtube show called “Rhythm Addict TV” established in 2011. Joanne Juele , founder and creator, initially brought me on as a host to cover the east coast dance scene to conduct interviews with industry choreographers and dancers.
The mission of the channel is fill a void in the dance community and give the world access to what goes on behind the stage, what it takes to be a dancer and shine a spotlight on the often over looked back up dancer. I conducted my first ever interview with the legendary tap dancer Savion Glover (most notably known as Gregory Hines protege) and the rest is history. This new endeavor prepared me for entrepreneurship, as well as public speaking and being comfortable on camera. RATV opened doors for me to travel overseas and perform as back up dancer for Chinese artists. Today I’ve expanded my horizons and no longer limit myself to just the music & dance industry. I’ve been actively working in all areas of entertainment including radio, television, film, podcast and fashion. In just 4 days I’m traveling to London to walk for D’bPhor in London Fashion week. Each opportunity lead me to discover a new passion or desire within myself that hadn’t yet known and with that opportunity gave me the skills I needed to succeed. Through it all, I’ve learned that the key to success lies not just in pursuing one’s passions, but in being open to new opportunities, embracing challenges, and continuously learning. Each experience has taught me valuable skills, from communication and public speaking to time management and adaptability.
As I look to the future, I’m filled with anticipation and excitement. I know that there will be twists and turns, but I’m ready to take on whatever comes my way. I’m proud of the person I’ve become, and I’m grateful for the journey that has brought me here. In the end, it’s not just about achieving success; it’s about staying true to oneself, nurturing one’s passions, and using one’s talents to make a positive impact on the world. As I continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry, I’m reminded of the wise words of Michael Jackson, “Don’t stop ’til you get enough.”
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I wish I could say it was a smooth road but along this journey I battled with depression, rejection, loneliness, fear of failing, identity issues, betrayal, and homelessness. My first year in New York City I was homeless. I went from shelter to shelter because I refused to go back to my hometown and live with the regret of never trying. I look back and don’t regret any of it because those battles / struggles truly gave me a tough skin and forced to me to grow up. I had to overcome rejection and being okay with hearing no and not fitting in and not internalizing it as “I’m not good enough” or “something is wrong with me” In those dark times I truly found out who was in my corner and who was not. I was forced to be alone and face my “demons” and slay them! I remember crying to God everyday and asking for him to guide me, take away the pain, and open doors for me. Those prayers were later answered but I had to endure the suffering for awhile and find that in the suffering God was teaching me to have patience and persevere through the pain. God used that pain to birth a love for writing. During that time I began journaling, songwriting and writing poems. With each letter that I wrote I felt myself becoming a healed version of myself and being liberated from the pain. In those dark moments I found God and discovered my true identity. Faith & hope is truly what carried me out of those challenges and helped me overcome the obstacles that I faced. I had to let go of comparing myself to others and be content with what I had and who I was. Once I started being grateful for the little that I had at the time I found that it ushered newness to enter into my life. I believe a- lot of what I was experiencing was indeed spiritual. I was literally in a battle with my ego. The old self and his habits had to go. The battle was so intense because I was beginning to charter new territory that no one in my family has ever charted before and I was forging a new path for myself. Those walls, those barriers, those limitations had to come down! As I look back, I realize that my journey was never about the destination; it was about the journey itself. It was about the growth, the lessons, the transformation. It was about becoming the person I was meant to be.
Today, I stand tall, a warrior who has faced his demons and emerged victorious. I am no longer the same person I was when I first arrived in New York City, homeless and broken. I am stronger, wiser, and more resilient. I am a testament to the power of faith, hope, and perseverance. And I know that no matter what challenges lie ahead, I will face them head-on, armed with the knowledge that I am capable of overcoming anything that comes my way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a entrepreneur/minister/content creator/podcast host/dancer/actor/model/brand ambassador. I have 20+years in dance training , 15+ years as a teaching artist, 20+years of performing, 3 years of acting, 3 years doing ministry work. 1 year content creating and 7 plus years hosting/commentating.
I’m currently signed to Dynasty Models and Talent in Boston and Donahue Models and Talent in Rhode Island. I’m a Co-founder of Rhythm Addict TV (youtube.com/ user/RhythmAddictsTV) , an East Coast dance media company. I was featured in New York Time Out Magazine, Village Voice Newspaper, online publication R Legacy (issue.com/Rlegacy), Entertainment Post for my style & artistry, Photograp[her] Magazine as a cover model & NBC News for my philanthropy work in the community (https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna26271339) I’m most proud of my recent accomplishments and victories. I got fired from my 9-5 job during the pandemic in 2021 and never looked back. I almost lost my life in a car accident that year and I prayed and said to myself at the beginning of 2022 that I wanted to start doing what I love full time and truly commit myself to my artistry. I wrote down and made a vision board & said I would star in a commercial and movies and it happened in that same year. I believe once you in vision something you can achieve it. I recently appeared in a commercial for the luxury watch brand Audemars Piquet alongside PGA golfers, I was featured on the deus and mero show on showtime appeared alongside Keenan Thompson. Most recently shot a commercial for ESPN, We works, Haribo Gummy Bears as well as filmed movies alongside Mike Epps, Jenna Ortega, & Dakota Johnson. Before that I was proud to have hosted my own radio show 89.9 FM in Rhode Island something I never saw myself doing. I’m currently using my influence and education to mentor the youth. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I can do it all. I never want to limit myself or put myself in a box. I remember when people used to label me as a just a dancer and I knew in my heart that I was called for something greater and that I just needed time to discover the other talents I possessed. For awhile it was hard for me to express myself in other ways but it took for me almost losing my life to explore those uncharted areas and share them with others. Now, I’m taking it to the next level. I’m working on a new project, a docu-series that showcases my journey as a multifaceted artist, minister, and entrepreneur. It’s a story of resilience, perseverance, and faith. I’m excited to share it with the world and inspire others to chase their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem. I’m also launching my own production company, which will focus on creating content that promotes positivity, diversity, and inclusion. My goal is to create a platform that gives opportunities to underrepresented voices and talents.
As I look back on my journey, I’m reminded that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and make a change. I’m living proof that with hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks, you can turn your vision into a reality. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had, and I’m excited for what the future holds. Bring it on!
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I would have to say whenever I volunteer and when I’m doing ministry work is when I’m the most happy. I’m the most happy when I’m serving others because in those moments, I feel closest to my purpose. There’s a sense of fulfillment that comes from putting others’ needs before my own, and it’s a feeling that’s hard to find elsewhere. When I’m volunteering or serving in ministry, I’m not worried about what I’m getting out of it or what I’ll receive in return. My focus is solely on making a difference in someone’s life, and that freedom from self-interest is incredibly liberating. Plus, there’s a sense of community that comes with serving alongside others who share the same passion and values. We’re all in it together, striving to make a positive impact, and that camaraderie is incredibly uplifting. But I think what really brings me joy is seeing the impact that our collective efforts can have on people’s lives. Whether it’s a smile on a child’s face, a glimmer of hope in someone’s eyes, or a sense of relief in a struggling family’s situation, knowing that I’ve played a small part in bringing about that change is what truly fills my heart with happiness.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amaredeus/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Amadomiio
- Twitter: https://x.com/Amadomiio
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RhythmAddictTV
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/amado-miio
- Other: https://linktr.ee/AmadoMio
Image Credits
Joanne Juele @rhythmaddicttv
Lexi K Photo Co
Shaun Morse for Fire In The Eye Photography
Elbert Baez @elbert.portraits
Dilenia Carolina Rodriguez @Dileniation
