BET Newsletters are subject to our Privacy Policy and Terms She expresses her pride for her heritage, passion for dance and dedication to making sure that Rwandans (and Africans), as a whole have more opportunities. She had to dance. Coyne: How did you go about building such a large following? Silver: With the video, everyone always talks about the background being so dark and stuff and the dancing is so happy. They were all betting on it. Silver: I'd love to work for Beyonce. Sherrie Silver was born in 1994 in Rwanda. Coyne: You're also a big philanthropist. Silver: That's a good question, actually. "This is America," Childish Gambino's most recent beautiful yet philosophical music video, recently went viral. I don't like to claim any home, to be honest. Then obviously, someone like Donald who is a triple threat or quadruple threat. ✨⁣ ⁣ This Black History Month, we’ve partnered with @bet to #ShareBlackStories and support #Advocates doing amazing work on Instagram and beyond. Coyne: When you were creating these videos were you thinking about how to go viral? Coyne: Was he a fan of yours before you two started working together? If you haven’t marveled at Sherrie Silver’s choreography, well, you clearly haven’t been paying attention. The actor and his wife Kyra Robinson Epps posted photos on Instagram. A prominent figure in the choreography world, Sherrie Silver is known for the viral music video "This is America." Check it out here: “I #ShareBlackStories by sharing the stories and talents of different dancers around the world and the amazing things that they do,” says movement director and advocate Sherrie Silver (@sherriesilver). Or any really creative genius. It started with like, two sewing machines, and now they've got about...I don't remember. From entertainment, beauty, tourism, fashion and food.” Tell me about that mission. Eventually, she did have to have that conversation with her parents after her movement videos became so popular, that she no longer had a choice. About Sherrie Silver in 'This Is America' by Childish Gambino, Her Story - Sherrie Silver choreographed the “This is America” video directed by Hiro Murai, which portrays the U.S as a great country but which faces issues of gun violence, drug abuse and racism. I want to take more homeless kids off the street. 26-Year-Old Dancer Sherrie Silver Choreographed Childish Gambino's Viral Video For 'This Is America'. BET Newsletters are sent by BET Networks, 1515 Broadway, New York, NY 10003. www.bet.com, TRENDING IN Or is the internet wrong about that, too? 26-Year-Old Dancer Sherrie Silver Choreographed Childish Gambino's Viral Video For 'This Is America' The London-native travels back to her roots to engage her community. New episodes drop every Tuesday in February. ", she says about her reluctant emergence to her higher calling. Coyne: What was your favorite part of working on the video? To perfect the moves from "This is America," be sure to check out Sherrie's tutorial. Coyne: And you just posted your videos to Instagram? How beautiful and bright the world would be,” says Sherrie, who splits her time between the US and the UK. This Is America ist ein Song des US-amerikanischen Rappers Childish Gambino, dem musikalischen Künstlernamen des Schauspielers Donald Glover. In between performances, the 23-year-old, Rwanda-born dancer is curled up in a pink blanket at her apartment in England. I feel like it's such a unique and diverse culture. You may opt-out by, If you haven’t skimmed at least one think-piece about Childish Gambino’s “This is America,” you haven’t been on Twitter in the past week. "This Is America" is a song by American rapper Donald Glover, under his musical stage name Childish Gambino. His name is Fam [Udeorji]. Coyne: So what's next for you? Silver attended the VMAs “on behalf of the team” and even accepted Glover’s awards for him onstage. "Accidental" because the 26-year-old Rwanda-born Londoner was terrified to tell her parents that she wanted to pursue dance as a career. I want you, for example, to watch Donald's video and see the kids and me dancing in it, and I want you to want to join in, and I want you to feel like these kids just landed from Africa. [Laughs.]. If you haven’t skimmed at least one think-piece about Childish Gambino’s “This is America,” you haven’t been on Twitter in the past week. I [also] built a vocational training center for ladies who have a rough past, you know sex works and ex-drug addicts, turned their world around, and just giving people a chance. Samantha Knowles Draws Attention to Black Hair Discrimination, Fans Will Not Be Happy About This Male R&B Singer Calling Out Beyoncé, SZA And Cardi B, Hip-Hop Reacts To The Tragic Death Of Leah LaBelle, Michelle Obama Hilariously Breaks Down Why Melania Trump's Inauguration Gift Exchange Appeared So Awkward, This 13-Year-Old Cheerleader Serving Some Serious Sassy Face Is Taking Over Twitter As Everyone's New Favorite Meme, Man Films Racist Old Navy Encounter Where Store Managers Accused Him Of Stealing The Jacket He Wore To The Store, Why Kobe Bryant’s Daughters Were Appointed New Guardians, After Joseline Hernandez Breaks Down Over Losing Custody, Stevie J Issues Petty Response, Pregnant Ciara And Her Family Crush 'Something New' Choreography In Adorable Tik Tok Video, Get Exclusive Tyler Perry Content and More With BET+, It's a Woman's World in American Gangster: Trap Queens, Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort Special. Silver: Instagram, YouTube, and I performed for the president of my country [Rwanda] as well, so that definitely helped open some doors. I'd love to work for Rihanna. Coyne: You've been getting a lot of attention for choreographing the “This is America” music video, but you had a successful career before that, too. Silver: I remember on set the kids were literally making jokes like, "This is gonna get a hundred million [views]." I'm happy to tell people, "Hey, we didn't have water in my house growing up! I kind of just pushed them and sometimes send it to other pages, and they'll pick it up. Silver: So, there's 49 women right now. You can't tell me if I'll be seeing you there? This is gonna be viral." STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS, TYLER PERRY AND CLASSIC HITS, Madea’s Farewell The Play - Virtual Museum. When the video hits 100 million, I'm planning to release the video for it. movement director. It's because even coming from somewhere there is poverty, where there has been war, one thing that has always stayed relevant and is still relevant now is dance. Silver: No. "No, this is gonna get fifty million." A post shared by Instagram (@instagram) on Feb 4, 2020 at 11:36am PST, Meet movement director and advocate Sherrie Silver (@sherriesilver). 6,974 Likes, 43 Comments - Sherrie Silver - African Queen (@sherriesilver) on Instagram: “This Is America Vibes @childishgambino _ Photography by @sydgaw” sherrie silver. Cast: Childish Gambino SZA. There's nothing that he really can't do. This Is America Childish Gambino; Veröffentlichung: 5. Silver: Of course, being able to be myself and bring myself and my culture to the world's stage. Photo by @seanwhitty, courtesy of Sherrie Silver. Silver: I kind of live off the plane. The official dance This is America choreography tutorial part 2 by the choreographer herself, Sherrie Silver. Coyne: The response to This is America has been huge, and so much of that has to do with your choreography. creative producers Fam Rothstein, Ibra Ake executive producers Danielle Hinde & Jason Cole Video Commissioner Camille Yorrick. Coyne: How long have you been on the road? On Sunday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, This Is America, the dark, violent but equally high … By clicking submit, I consent to receiving BET Newsletters and other marketing emails. Coyne: How many women have gone through the vocational training center? philanthropist . Coyne: Were you a big fan of Donald Glover/Childish Gambino before he reached out to you? "This is gonna be viral. I obviously didn't expect it to be this viral. Choreographer Sherrie Silver discusses working with Childish Gambino on his politically-charged "This Is America" video. me, I stand for taking Africa to the world and taking the world to Africa. Silver: I would say that's what completes my life…Wherever I go, I feel like it's my duty to redevelop schools, to put kids in school. It’s an hour before she’s due to perform, and less than 48 hours after the video she choreographed for Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” went viral. Since we passed 23 sewing machines, I stopped counting…One of the women, she told me that one day she was standing on the road, trying to get paid, which is 3,000, normally, Burundi francs—three, four dollars—and one day she gave up, and she just sold herself for 1,000—one dollar and a half—just so she could eat that night. I don't like reviews. Sherrie Silver, the choreographer of Childish Gambino's stunning new ''This Is America'' video, teaches fans how to do the dance moves from the visual. And I was kind of listening to them like, "Aw, these kids are cute. from Hiro Murai PRO . I used to go to the well!" Learn more about Sherrie’s life and work, today on our story and new to our IGTV. She’s undoubtedly exhausted, but the fatigue doesn’t show. u.n's ifad advocate for rural youth. “Being from Rwanda has shaped me today by instilling culture in me. Even now, I'm going to have the “This is America” celebration party, where all the kids are going to get to have this free workshop. The clips were discovered by the niece of Glover’s manager, who immediately hired Silver to work on “This Is America,” a video that has accumulated 442-plus million views, been nominated for four Grammys, and won three MTV VMAs last August. 2 years ago. I’m just so glad to be from a place with so much culture, color and vibes.” ⁣ ⁣ This Black History Month, we’ve partnered with @bet to #ShareBlackStories and support #Advocates like Sherrie doing amazing work on Instagram and beyond. Coyne: That's a powerful attitude, and I'm sure that also influences your dance as well. "Growing up being African, you can't wake up and tell your parents you're going to be a dancer. That's really important for me. Have you? Silver: I hate being cliché. ⁣ ⁣ “My vision for the future is a world where everyone has the same opportunities to achieve anything that they want to, no matter where they’re from or what color they are,” says Sherrie, who splits her time between the US and UK. From Left To Right: Meet The 30 Under 30 Politicians, Attorneys And Founders Who Will Shape The Next Decade Of Law & Policy, Governor John Kasich Is Concerned About The Direction Of The United States, On Being A Front Stabber: A Conversation With Anthony Scaramucci, Investing in Relationships: A Conversation With A Sustainable Wine Cofounder And Her Investor, The World’s Greatest Gathering Of Young Entrepreneurs, The Forbes Under 30 Summit, Just Amped Itself Up, These Under 30s Just Raised $8M From Diplo And Celebs To Make Matcha Energy Drink Competitive with Red Bull, PODCAST: Meet The Under 30 Lerer Hippeau Principal Pursuing The Steepest Learning Curve, The Renowned Under 30 Chef Who Aims To Hire And Mentor All Immigrants, PODCAST: The Cofounder of a $300 Million Juice Company Exits To Start Lifestyle And Cosmetics Brand, This Is America: Pro Makeup Artist Juan Tamez, Goes Beyond Glam To Share His Immigration Journey, Donald Glover hasn't been reading any of the think pieces. Like, the one that went viral first, I used my phone. It's a source of joy for us, no matter what we're going through. I was more so focused on Afrobeats and dance music, so when he was introduced to me, I obviously went and looked him up and was like, "Oh, whoa!". I've seen a lot of attempts online. It lets people know, "Oh my god, I can achieve, too.". I've seen some interesting ones and some amazing ones. I want to choreograph for the more influential artists of course and kind of bring a change to the game... For the charity, that's the most important thing. Coyne: Are you going to be joining the Childish Gambino tour? Users can unsubscribe at anytime. They really liked me, so every year I would get to close the road in my country, and I got to have a big outdoor dance workshop [where I would] give out mosquito nets, blankets, food, and health insurance packages, and stuff for free. I'd love to work with Donald again. I'm like a hero in my country right now. I've gone from LA time to New York time to Turkey time to now London time, and on Tuesday, I'm going to Africa. Silver: My whole brand is about inspiring the world. She’s best known for her work in the dance community, but has dedicated her life to giving back to others around the world — especially in Rwanda, where Sherrie was born. There is nothing better than that. Silver: For about three years, since 2015. I've been really busy, just fighting the jet lag. Born in Rwanda, Silver moved to the UK aged five, and at 23 has gained fame for her innovative approach to dance, which includes actively promoting African dance to wider audiences. Sherrie talks to the BBC about coming to … She i the founder of Unique Silver Dancers. I didn't even put any effort into it. "No, it's going to get one hundred million." Did you expect that level of reaction when you went into the project? There's so many countries in Africa, and everyone just needs to know about it, and everyone needs to know how we dance, everyone needs to know what we eat. The woman behind the dance moves that rocked the internet in Childish Gambino's provocative "This Is America" music video is a 23-year-old phenom named Sherrie Silver — … Right now, from the ones I've got, I am also trying to purchase the land where they live so it can be a permanent situation until they're eighteen, so there are not any worried. I feel like it's such a unique and diverse culture. All rights reserved. They're going to get food, presents. Sherrie Silver, the 23-year-old 'This Is America' choreographer opens up about working with Donald Glover. Childish Gambino - This is America. I'd love to hear about that work as well. instagram.com/sherriesilver 4.) Every time I tried to make something and said this one is going to be viral, it wouldn't be the viral one. You know, he's a big deal! Coyne: For the sake of fact checking, you're 24 years old, correct? The dance phenom is best known for her work with Childish Gambino for his viral "This Is America" video and song that debuted in 2018. Silver: I want everyone to learn the moves. Silver: I'm 23, but the internet says I'm 24. I said, “What else can I do? © 2020 BET Interactive, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Entertainment Television LLC. Everyone is just so excited back home. Das Stück wurde von Glover, Ludwig Göransson und Young Thug geschrieben und im Mai 2018 veröffentlicht. “It just shows that as a dark-skinned girl from Africa, … Silver: His manager's niece found me. New episodes drop every Tuesday in February. Silver: I got to England yesterday. Published February 4th Silver: You're just going to have to wait and see. She was actually recruited for "This Is America," on recommendation from Childish Gambino's manager's niece. On top of that, just being able to work around creative geniuses, to be honest, because they had Hiro [Murai], the director; he's incredible. 27.3k Likes, 891 Comments - Sherrie Silver - African Queen (@sherriesilver) on Instagram: “Had so much fun featuring in and choreographing "This Is America", This is for Africa! Then one time, [an account with 12.8M followers called] the Shade Room picked it up—one of my videos—that went viral, and literally, my following just raced up. Silver: I was a fan of his work, but I didn't know him as much, in terms of his acting and all this stuff. In a … She is the face behind Childish Gambino’s Grammy winning song this is America. Coyne: On your website, it says, "I'm on a mission to educate the world about African culture. He's Donald's manager. Even I came from poverty, and I'm never ashamed of it. We're gonna celebrate with them next week by throwing a [party] for homeless and underprivileged and disabled kids. The 22-year-old wore an abaya to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. She used to watch my videos, so she showed it to him. Coyne: Well, I'm excited to see what's next for you and for the tutorial to come out too. There's so many countries in Africa, and everyone just needs to know about it, and everyone needs to know how we dance, everyone needs to know what we eat. Sherrie Silver rushes into a coffee shop in the West Norwood neighborhood of London, hair flying wildly around her face, offering an apology and a breathless hug for being late. Sherrie Silver is a Rwandan choreographer and a model who is based in the UK. , A post shared by Instagram (@instagram) on Feb 4, 2020 at 12:11pm PST. My friends try to send me some, but I didn't. Sherrie Silver is in Istanbul, Turkey, answering questions for this interview while applying her makeup. So, I said, let me just finish [school], 'cause I consider myself not too bad when it comes to the books. Coyne: I know Donald Glover hasn't been reading any of the think pieces or online commentary. Coyne: You mentioned you're hoping to work with more artists. Sherrie represents the first advocate in a month-long series in partnership with Instagram, where we will be exploring the different facets of what it means to "share black stories". How did you get your start? 426.9k Followers, 1,199 Following, 1,235 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Sherrie Silver - African Queen (@sherriesilver) Then, Fam showed it to Donald, and then apparently, Donald was like, "Let's book her.". of Use. Here, she discusses dance, community, philanthropy and what’s next. If you haven’t marveled at Sherrie Silver’s choreography, well, you clearly haven’t watched Childish Gambino's "This is America." Silver: For me, I stand for taking Africa to the world and taking the world to Africa. Meet 23-year-old Sherrie Silver, who masterminded the dance choreography on Childish Gambino's This is America. But there's more to the Rwandan … Sherrie Silver, who was behind acclaimed video This is America, launches virtual dance ‘petition’ to promote investment in farming These kids are real cute." The couple continues to fill our timelines with their sexy displays of affection. If you haven’t marveled at. Choreographed by Sherrie Silver, an African dance teacher and choreographer, the dancing itself has layers to it. STYLE. The other magic ingredient in the creation of the video came via choreographer Sherrie Silver. But … She’s best known for her work choreographing Childish Gambino’s iconic “This Is America” video, but has dedicated her life to giving back to others around the world — especially in Rwanda, where Sherrie was born.⁣ ⁣ “Imagine if every single human got up and did a positive thing — even just give a compliment to somebody. She is known for her work on Childish Gambino: This Is America (2018), … “I want people to know that, as Black people, there is so much power in knowing what you can bring to the table, and bringing other people with you is even more important, doing it as a community.”⁣ ⁣ “I #ShareBlackStories by sharing the stories and talents of different dancers around the world and the amazing things that they do,” Sherrie says. But what I love about the women is they are just so brave to share their backgrounds, and they are using it to inspire people, and I think life is about [that]. dancer . Silver: I was actually acting before [my choreography took off]. Be as cliché as you can possibly be. So, it's like flying the flag. I can kind of dance, I guess, so let me take that seriously a little bit,” and I did it as a side thing. Is there a master plan? Have a guess. Anyone on your bucket list? I want you, for example, to watch Donald's video and see the kids and me dancing in it, and I want you to want to join in, and I want you to feel like these kids just landed from Africa. Sherrie Silver became an accidental dance sensation. Silver: You're going to have to wait and see. Childish Gambino - This Is America (Official Video) - YouTube Thank you…”