We recently sat down and got to know Kenosha’s own viral sensation Koerri Elijah. Koerri is a naturally inclined journalist who captured much of the action happening in Kenosha last year and inadvertently created Kenosha’s own reality show as thousands of people tuned in to his Facebook page night after night to see what was really happening in the streets.
Although he is most well known for his livestreams, Koerri is a digital content creator who is providing a wide array of material on his Facebook page, from interviews with local politicians on his podcast Oh Word, to his thoughts on the latest Playstation on his Play Legit podcast. Let’s get to know Koerri in this exclusive Q&A with Donny Stancato.
Q. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
A. Several new ventures in and maybe on TV or something.
Q. What other services are you going to provide for the city of Kenosha going forward?
A. I look forward to working with Kenosha Community Media and other businesses and organizations to help them grow.
Q. How do you mentally prepare before one of your live videos?
A. I don’t – I just do it.
Q. Are you getting away with the guy on the street & doing more editing videos/podcasts type media?
A. I’m looking to continue to create and expand into all types of media, not just limited to live streams and podcasts.
Q. Do you see yourself working with other media companies?
A. If it’s the right fit I’m open to collaborate with anyone.
Q. Is it true you’re a Jockey model now?
A. Haha no but we are working on building our relationship so who knows what’s in store for the future.
Q. What does 2021 have in store for you?
A. A lot of work, the grind never stops.
Q. How many skateboards do you own?
A. 7? I just got a shipment from Penny Skateboards so I think that’s right.
Q. Has fame changed the way you think?
A. Yes and no, I try to keep the language clean due to all of the people who let their kids watch my content but at the end of the day I am an adult lol
Q. Were you surprised by how peaceful Kenosha has been since the decision on not to press charges on the office who shot Jacob Blake?
A. No
Q. Most views on one of your lives?
A. 542K
Q. What was your most memorable moment in 2020?
A. A positive one? Being a keynote speaker
Q. How do you maintain such a positive attitude while seeing some of the worst people have to offer?
A. There’s always light in the darkness so I focus on that.
Q. Do you consider yourself a role model?
A. Now I suppose I do even though that was never really my intention.
Q. Can you tell us about some of your merchandise?
As for now I have a Koerri Elijah merch store with shirts and hats n stuff. I try to collaborate with artists to keep it fresh. In the future I’ll be rolling out a line that’s a lot less “Koerri” oriented. Get your Koerri merchandise here
Q. What’s next for Koerri?
A. Just going to keep working on expanding and creating content I’m passionate about.
Q. Have any thoughts about running for political office?
A. Everyone’s dreamt of being the president haven’t they?
Q. What is Play Legit?
A. It’s a gaming website that I write and produce content for. It’s all about gaming and real talk. We cover all types of gaming and nerd culture topics
Q. Favorite museum in Kenosha?
A. CLEARLY the dinosaur museum. I happen to be a lifetime member.
Q. Favorite park in Kenosha?
A. BASIK
Q. Would you rather have endless money or endless love?
A. Endless money, neither guarantees happiness lol
Q. For a day trip, you going to Milwaukee or Chicago?
A. If sports aren’t involved, Chicago
Q. If you could star in a movie, what movie would it be?
A. Black Panther 2
Q. Favorite video game?
A. The Skate series
Q. What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue a career similar to yours?
A. Start, that’s the hardest part.
Q. Favorite pizza place in Kenosha?
A. I don’t have a favorite but I’m digging Kaiser’s pickle pizza at the moment
Q. Ranch with pizza?
A. Only if it’s from a KUSD cafeteria
Q. What is your favorite streaming service, or favorite way to watch TV?
A. I use my Apple TV to stream everything
Q. Favorite local place to see a band?
A. Hattrix
Q. Who is your favorite all-around band or musician?
A. Bloc Party
Q. Favorite Kenosha event?
A. Taste of Wisconsin
Q. If you could be a superhero, which one would you be and why?
A. The Flash, I could go into detail but we don’t have enough time for that, ha.
Q. Who do you look up to professionally?
A. Elon Musk
Q. What is your favorite TV show?
A. Currently, New Girl. I was late to the party and as a single person in their 30s it resonates with me.
Q. What is your favorite movie?
A. The 1990 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. It’s a cinematic masterpiece and the greatest comic book adapted into a film.
Q. Favorite junk food?
A. Cheesecake
Q. What was your first job? And what was your worst job?
A. My first job was at Popeyes, my worst job was probably Huhot.
Q. What is your favorite thing about your career?
A. I control my own destiny
Q. What’s your go to karaoke song?
A. It would be Regulate, but you will never catch me doing karaoke
Q. Big star or the spot?
A. Big Star
Q. Favorite ninja turtle?
A. Donatello
See more about Koerri Elijah at www.Koeri Elijah.com
Also like and follow him on Facebook by Clicking here
Listen to his podcast ‘Oh Word with Koerri Elijah” Spotify link
Follow Koerri on YouTube by Clicking Here
Check out Play legit.net
Koerri will be a guest on Happenings Q&A on am1050WLIP Fri. Jan. 29th at 1:30pm
Want more KOERRI? Listen to a local interview he did http://bit.ly/KoerriSpotify
or http://bit.ly/KoerriApple
Q&A and Photos by Donny Stancato
Edited by Jason Hedman
(This piece first appeared in the 1/14/21 issue of the SMART READER)
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