Sharjah: America’s celebrated TV host and comedian Steve Harvey wants to launch a show in this region and would like to interview His Highness Shaikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
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Speaking to Gulf News at the Sharjah International Book Fair, where he was the principal guest of honour on Friday, the Emmy Award-winning entertainer, radio personality and motivational speaker said he was pleasantly surprised about the reception he received in Sharjah.
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“When I came here, I was talking to my wife…Maybe I will come here into different regions and do…like…a one-man show.”
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He said it would be more of a motivational show that shares inspirational life stories with “lots of graphics” and “not too much” of comedy.
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He said he would like to share his experiences with the audience here. “What I have learnt about success and overcoming and winning when you feel like you are losing it.”
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Asked for his top picks for interviews, he said he wishes to interview the Sharjah Ruler, who made him feel comfortable when he met him.
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“Sitting with him was so powerful for me. He made me so comfortable with who I am and my faith and my way of living.”
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Harvey said he would also like to interview someone who is involved in tourism here. “That is important because you have got to exchange the culture.”
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He also confirmed that his famous self-titled US show Steve on NBC would not return despite requests from his fans.
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“Look, I am more famous globally because of my clips that go viral, not because of my TV shows. So why don’t I do that? Just make something that is viral,” he said, laughing when asked about his future projects.
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Journey of struggle, success
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From being a homeless person to becoming a household name across the world, the African American entertainer has had an amazing journey of struggle, survival and success.
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When asked if African Americans have it easier now compared to his time or if he thinks there is still a need for change socially and politically, Harvey said: “I think they are in a better position because the opportunities are there. I think there are still a lot of things that are very much the same.”
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He then compared the situation after President Barrack Obama’s administration. “I think after President Obama left office, we actually took a couple of steps back…I think when President Obama left office, the country [started] suffering. I think it is suffering now.”
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“It is going to be more difficult because there seems to be a climate that is brewing…that is making it okay to verbalise your racism and your bigotry about people.”
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“Look, we have done crazy stuff since President Obama left office. But in spite of it all, I think young African-Americans are still in a great position to succeed because a lot of them have the right mindset. At the same time there is a lot of work to be done because in our country, we have a lot of problems we still need to resolve.”
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However, he said, he will never give up on America because it is his home and it has moulded him into what he is now.
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“It is where I was born and grew up. My family is there…my friends are there. The city that made me is there. I was shaped and moulded in all those streets and in its neighbourhoods. I still love it…but I think there is work to be done. I think there has to be some exchange we have to have globally that could brighten everybody.”
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Asked if he wants the current administration to do anything specific to make the changes he is looking forward to, he said: “We can’t get our administration to do nothing. No, we can’t. They are on TV all day. All they do is fight. I don’t see this government trying to help anybody except themselves… Nobody is reaching across to us to talk.”
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“I just try to encourage people to get themselves together…No matter who is in the White House, you can be okay in your house and that is how I live my life.”
###Steeve Harvey, during an interview at the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah: Antonin Kélian Kallouche/Gulf News
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