Adam Waheed
Mega Influencer, Actor, and Comedian on the rise, Adam Waheed is using his voice and platform for the greater good. Having been included in Forbe’s “30 Under 30 Class of 2020,” Waheed has gone from digital to screen with his indie film TRIBES. It won Best Comedy at LA SHORTS AND just so happens to be the “first of its kind to feature every type of race and gender.” On top of his success in this industry, giving back is a huge part of his plan which he continues to act on. During a trip to Bali, in partnership with Karmgawa, Waheed unveiled a new school for underprivileged children, “The Adam Waheed School.” Here at TITLED, we had the chance to get to know him more as well as his take on certain things in our world. After all, we are all interconnected in different ways and it is important to remember that together we are stronger.
On FRIENDSHIP
Friendships have served as guidance throughout my life. I always take into consideration what my friends have to say. They have been there for me through the good times and the bad times. They are a big part of who I am today.
On FAMILY
Family is important because their love and support are unconditional. Whether you fail or not, they will always be there for you. My family has instilled core values that I have carried with me throughout my life and journey.
On SEXUAL FLUIDITY
It is important for people to express themselves and be open about how they feel. It’s our responsibility to support each other and not make anyone feel bad about their sexual preferences.
On FAITH
Faith is a big reason why I am where I am today. I am a big believer in God and that anything can be accomplished through Him.
On GENDER EQUALITY
I believe that some of the norms in our society need to be changed in order for gender equality to truly be possible. We should not limit what a person can accomplish based on their sex. I truly believe that we are all created equally.
On SOCIAL MEDIA
Sometimes we underestimate the power of social media and how important it truly is. It has made the world much closer, and for many who once did not have a voice, a means to express themselves. It has connected the world in a way it has never been connected before. I’m excited to watch social media connect us even more as it continues to grow.
On CLIMATE CHANGE
A lot of people don’t realize how real climate change is. If we don’t take action now, it might be too late down the road. We need to take better care of how we use our planet and act now rather than continuing to wait.
On IMPORTANCE OF POLITICS
It’s our responsibility to express our rights to vote in order to make sure we put the right people in power who will do the best for not only our country but the entire world.
On TECHNOLOGY
I believe the time we are currently living in is the best time to be alive. Due to technology, we have information at our fingertips and are able to connect with anyone anywhere, at any time. We can utilize it to learn and access anything we want at any scale in a matter of seconds. I look forward to the evolution of technology and am grateful to be a part of this era.
On IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL STYLE
Your personal style defines who you are. From the way you dress all the way to how you create. It gives you your own unique self identity and makes you, you.
On CULTURAL DIVERSITY
Cultural diversity is fascinating to me because I love to learn about other cultures and the norms within them. I keep cultural diversity in mind when I create content so that my work is not relatable to only one specific group, but can be relatable to everyone and anyone globally.
—————————-
Tell us more about the story behind your Indie film “TRIBES.” What was its purpose? How did the filming process go?
The purpose of the film was to show that no matter how we separate people based upon age, sex, race, etc., we all have commonalities and ultimately are all connected as part of the human race.. The filming process was amazing because of how diverse the cast was and being able to film a project that included everyone.
When your audience watches it, what do you hope they will feel? Gain from it?
I hope that it gives the audience the different perspective of knowing no matter how you separate people based upon different subgroups, we are all the same.
Congratulations on being included in Forbes 30 Under 30 Class of 2021! What was your first reaction when you got the news?
I received the news at about 5am while I was up editing. I was super grateful and humbled. It was unbelievable to receive such an honor. Then I got back to editing what I was working on.
How would you describe the key to your success?
Believing in myself no matter what others have to say. Whether people are saying positive or negative things about you, that doesn’t matter. All that matters is what you believe about yourself.
In what ways has comedy helped you in life? What kind of impact has it had on you as a person?
It has helped me accomplish anything and everything I ever have. It has opened so many doors. I believe that if you can make someone laugh, you can win anyone over. I have used that philosophy to obtain everything I have thus far.
Share with us more on how you give back to the world. In what ways can people do more (on both smaller and larger scales)?
I have used my platform to be an advocate for education globally. I built an elementary school and I plan on building many more. I think the most important thing we can do is continue to spread awareness on topics that are important. Word of mouth goes further than you think so it is important to continue using our voices.
What do you believe needs to be worked on the most in 2021?
Unity. It’s important that we all come together as people to support and love each other.
Any resolutions for this year?
To make more people laugh and to spend more time with friends and family!
TEAM CREDITS
@tilted.style
Talent ADAM WAHEED @adamw
Photography STORM SANTOS @stormshoots
Styling VERONICA GRAYE @veronica.graye
Interview by ALEXANDRA BONNET @alexbonnetwrites