The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
FilmThe Latest

Exclusive: Creator Courtney A. Kemp and Actor Joseph Sikora Talk ‘POWER’

by Imani Cruz July 6, 2016
by Imani Cruz July 6, 2016 0 comments
3.7K

The Knockturnal spoke with creator of the hit show Power along with one of the show’s lead actors, Joseph Sikora.

The STARZ drama, is set in the streets of New York City, where executive producer 50 Cent was raised and pulls his inspiration for the show from. Courtney A. Kemp, the show’s creator, teamed up with 50 Cent to build off of his vision and implement her own as well.

Initially, Kemp set out to tell her father’s story through Power. Though, the trajectory of the series ended up being ultimately changed, as Kemp’s collaboration with 50 Cent made it clear that he sought to have music at the forefront, and both her father’s story and 50 Cent’s began to merge. “50 and I both are students of the 48 laws of power. He and I both wanted to tell a story that was about power, so things came together really easily. So we merged sort of his story and my dad’s story into the Ghost character. Then we decided to go ahead and tell that story a little bit through the 48 laws of power and just how power works,” she said. Kemp added that although the two do share a similar outlook on life, they do not share similar life experiences, which required team work between them to make the project work. “He wouldn’t know what it’s like to go from being a girl to a woman, any more than I would know how to go from being a boy to a man. So we had to work together to make those two things work and be believable.”

While 50 Cent is the most recognizable face of the show, his influence comes primarily from his suggestions and conversations with Kemp. “50 and I talk a lot in the beginning of the season. Sometimes, something we talked about from 2013, I’ll put in the show and he’ll be like ‘Oh wow! You remembered that?’ You know, my first career is really as a journalist. So, if you think about it, I really have been profiling him for the last four years. So, he’s an inspiration, a muse, and a collaborator.”

In reflecting on her personal success, Kemp refers to her role as both a woman and a mom as driving forces that stick with her through her journey in the industry:

“Trying to be a mom and a show runner is exceptionally difficult. Most of the people I know, who are successful show runners, have a stay-at-home spouse, if they have children and I don’t. When I got pregnant, Robert and Michelle King, from ‘The Good Wife’ said ‘Now, you will never be in the right place.’ And, what I say to young women that want this job is that you can’t have it all. You have to decide what it is you want for your life. What is your ideal life? Then, drive in the direction. I am so fortunate to help other women and provide an environment that is safe. Where they will be promoted and taken seriously. But at the same time, there is a price and I pay that price.” she said. “Still to this day, when there are show runner meetings, I go in, let’s say there’s 60 people there, there’s 5 women. 2 people of color – and I’m counting myself in both of those. A lot of meetings, I’m the only woman. That happens a lot and it happens more than I’m the only person of color. And that’s tiresome. It’s really tiresome. I’m tired of the fact that there are so few of me anywhere and I write about that on the show a lot.”


For three seasons, Joseph Sikora has reprised the role of Tommy on Power. Tommy is Ghost’s former friend and partner, who finds himself deeper into the drug game, while Ghost is on his way out. However, Sikora says that Tommy isn’t limited by his storyline description.

Credit: STARZ

Credit: STARZ

As with the rest of the cast of characters, Tommy evolves into someone who is much more complex than a villain, yet still maintains attributes of the dark, ruthless character that he sets out to play.

Sikora believes that the authenticity of the streets of New York in Power can be attributed to show creator Courtney Kemp Agboh and 50 Cent, who names NYC as his stomping ground.”’50 Cent, who is such an accessible executive producer and comes from those streets that we’re trying to portray. He’s been very influential in terms of storytelling and carrying the characters so that by season 3, Tommy is very lived in … It is New York, but it’s our New York of power.”

Sikora cites his Chicago upbringing as a source in which he pulls from to accurately portray Tommy as well. “Just living life. I’ve definitely created the character based off of some young men that I’ve come across in my youth, running around the streets of Chicago. Which can be a pretty interesting place. Men with corny jokes, that always seem to have death in their eyes. That was an aspect of Tommy that I really wanted to make sure was there. People can often fall into the two dimensionality of it and try to be angry or try to be scary. And, that’s not really how people act in my experience.”

castPhotos_11_hires-Sikora-color

At the end of season 2, we saw a major shift in the relationship between Ghost and Tommy. Sikora says the damages are irreparable and Tommy and Ghost will never be as close as they once were in season 3. “It’s the old expression that a man can never walk into the same river twice, for it is not the same river nor is he the same man.”

Sikora ultimately decided that in order to reflect his character onto the screen, he needed to view the role as an achievement as opposed to anything else. The Chicago native added that as long as everyone plays their part in excellence and does not seek to micromanage, things will always run smoothly – especially in maintaining the relationship between producers, directors and actors. Viewers that tune in to season 3 will see the fate of Tommy and Ghost’s friendship and the unexpected plot twist that occurs.

Season 3 of Power premieres on STARZ July 17.

Courtney Kemp AgbohJoseph SikoraPower
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Imani Cruz

previous post
Janelle Monae & Kendrick Lamar Perform at The White House
next post
Exclusive: Bernard Flowers Talks Rise to Fame

Related Posts

2025 Teen Vogue Summit Recap: Full of Fun,...

September 30, 2025

“Jay Kelly” — It’s a Hell of a...

September 29, 2025

San Sebastián Film Festival: A Review

September 29, 2025

Brother Magazine’s Style Kings NYFW Party: Celebrating Black...

September 28, 2025

Daniel Day-Lewis Talks Pushing Aside His Pride to...

September 27, 2025

P1Harmony Breaks Down ‘EX,’ Spanish Version, Dream Night...

September 27, 2025

Julia Roberts Jokes That Andrew Garfield is Her...

September 27, 2025

Hot Ones Celebrates Ten Years of Star Studded...

September 26, 2025

4th Annual 1 World Festival Brings Community Together...

September 26, 2025

Roxstar Entertainment Lights Up TIFF 2025 with A-List...

September 25, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Visit the @Complex x @Aepsa_official Pop-Up for ‘Rich Man’ in LA with The Knockturnal! ✨

From exclusive merch and photo cards to signatures and more — ~ 100% worth the visit 

⏰ Sept 16–17 | 11 AM – 7 PM PT
📍 433 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles

#Aespa #Complex #RichMan #KPopMerch #AespaInLA #KPopFans #Kpop #Karina #Giselle #Winter #NingNing
NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet tr NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet transformed the runway into a dazzling celebration of bold prints, playful silhouettes, and timeless style. From Surrogate’s Court to the city streets, the collection truly captured the spirit of the modern woman. 💄

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stars-stripes-and-alice-olivia-by-stacey-bendet/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor

-
#NYFW #AliceAndOlivia #StaceyBendet #RunwayStyle #FashionWeek
Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cook Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cookies, Oreos & a cold glass of milk… and @nickbarrotta on the red carpet celebrating 30 years of the iconic milk mustache. 🥛🍪

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #GotMilk #NickBarrotta #TylerPerrysTheOval #MilkMustache
On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferg On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferguson spoke with us at the @gotmilk 30th Anniversary Milk Mustache Celebration, where the campaign unveiled its bold new focus on everyday Californians as the real icons. 🥛✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #PriahFerguson #StrangerThings #MilkMustache #RedCarpet #GotMilk
First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turn First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turning the spotlight on breakout stars and fresh wins. 🎬🥇✨

Read about the rising talent redefining televisions biggest night.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/emmy-awards/

✍️: Danielle Biondi

-
#Emmys #Emmy #EmmyAwards #Emmys2025 #EmmyWinner #Film #AwardWinning #AwardSeason
We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with @bacardi and @mtv! 💫
History met history last night 🗽🎬✨ The Ha History met history last night 🗽🎬✨

The Hamilton movie premiere transformed the Delacorte Theater into a stage of its own, as the original cast and creative team reunited to celebrate a story that changed Broadway forever. From the first note to the final bow, the revolution continues. 🎭📜

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/under-the-stars-at-the-delacorte-theater-hamilton-premiere-original-cast-in-attendance/

✍️: Lauren Wire

-
#Hamilton #Broadway #HamiltonMovie #DelacorteTheater #LinManuelMiranda #BroadwayLegends #StageToScreen #MusicalTheater
✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @dis ✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @disneyfamily x @lalalandkindcafe are serving up the sweetest collab of the season — from Mickey drink sleeves to Munchlings surprises 🎁 Don’t miss it before it’s gone Sept. 16!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/mickey-friends-bring-whimsy-to-la-la-land-kind-cafe/

✍️: Ashley Lopez 

-
#Disney #LaLaLandKindCafe #DisneyCollab #DisneyMagic #CoffeeLovers #MickeyAndFriends #DisneyFoodies
From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan ev From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan everlasting impact, the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards celebrated the artists and executives shaping the culture today. 🎤🎸💥

With honorees like @leonthomas and @gelo alongside hip-hop’s legends, the night was a reminder that the genre’s future is just as powerful as its past. 🤩

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cardi-b-leon-thomas-gelo-wu-tang-clan-more-honored-at-2025-billboard-rb-hip-hop-power-players-awards/

✍️: Nishat Baig

-
#Billboard #RnB #HipHop #PowerPlayers #CardiB #WuTangClan #LeonThomas #Gelo #RnBMusic #HipHopCulture #MusicAwards
PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this tim PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this time it’s for tickets to see LU KALA 💥

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see her at Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 10th! Join us as we dance the night away to some of her top hits like Pretty Girl Era and Hotter Now 🎶

To enter hit the link 🔗 in our bio and fill out the form. Winners will be contacted through email! 

📍MUST BE IN NEW YORK CITY
🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. 👏

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/kai-on/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-

#KaiOnTour #KAI #KAIatTheShrine #KpopInLA #EXO #KpopSoloist #KpopConcert #KAI2025 #ShrineLA
🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with 🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with “The Paper” — the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. 🖋️ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

📺 Watch the full interview now 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/the-paper-puts-a-newsroom-spin-on-classic-workplace-comedy/

✍️: Alyssa Threadgill

-

#ThePaper #VideoInterview #WorkplaceComedy #BehindTheScenes #IndieTV #ComedySeries #CastInterview #OnSet #TVTalk #MakingTheShow #WritersRoom #BTS #NewSeries
🎥✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Steal 🎥✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Stealing open up about stepping into this gritty new story, the challenges on set, and why this film is unlike anything they’ve done before.

Catch our exclusive video interview now!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/austin-butler-cast-talk-new-movie-caught-stealing-video/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
#AustinButler #CaughtStealing #MovieInterview #ExclusiveInterview #FilmFeature #BehindTheScenes #Hollywood #OnSet #NewMovies #EditorialContent #CastInterview
Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in the world. We put our detective skills to work at @resortsworldlv to see if it lives up to the hype 🎰 🪩🥂💃🕺

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #resortsworld #hilton #sliving #zoox #zouk #stubbornseed #alle #nightlife #vegas #elderbrook
When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospita When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospitality, and @parisvegas combine you get @thebedfordbymarthastewart 🇫🇷🤤 Our recent trip to the legendary homemaker’s restaurant in Las Vegas had us positively stuffed.

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #marthastewart #thebedfordbymarthastewart #parislasvegas #frenchfood
@zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiO @zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
@zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn @zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his firs A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his first ever solo tour, #KaiOn 🐺✨ This is ‘Growl’ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group ma 🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group making waves at KCON 2025. In our exclusive, they open up about growth, music, and their U.S. debut story.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/hitgs/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#HITGS #KCON2025 #KPopGroup #RisingStars #KPopOnStage #KPopInTheUS #GlobalStage #KPopExclusive #MusicAndCulture #NextGenKPop
📍 Culture has a new home. Complex x ESPN’s fl 📍 Culture has a new home. Complex x ESPN’s flagship opening blended sport, sound, and style into an experience that set the tone for what comes next.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/complex-x-espn-flagship-grand-opening-a-night-of-style-sports-and-sounds/

✍️: Winnie Ren

-
#ComplexxESPN #FlagshipOpening #Complex #ESPN
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch