The Chi, is a Showtime original drama series created by Chicago native Lena Waithe. The show illustrates the complexities of life on the south side of Chicago. The core group of characters represents different age groups. Fans of the show receive the opportunity to witness the characters’ everyday struggles as they fight through adversity and attempt to navigate their lives in a positive direction.Â
January 7, 2018, was the original release date for the pilot. The Chi became an instant success. For two seasons, the show gave the viewers powerful narratives that they could relate to. A combination of compelling storylines and great cast chemistry proved to be a winning combination for the show. Unfortunately, the series took a big hit when it lost a few of its cast members. Despite the losses, the show was able to retool the cast for season three. The Chi added familiar names such as Lil Rel Howery, Kandi Burress, Luke James, and a rising star who is also a product of the windy city.
Jasmine Davis was convinced at an early age that acting would be a part of her future. She was fascinated with the art, especially when she watched action movies. Davis wanted to get into acting, but she didn’t know how. She was able to practice her passion when she participated in talent shows for her grandparents during anniversaries and birthdays. Jasmine and the other kids would act, sing, and dance. Participating in those talent shows added more fuel to the fire as Jasmine’s interest in acting intensified. Years later, Jasmine decided to take that leap of faith and move to Los Angeles in pursuit of her dream. Sports/Entertainment Journalist Vince D’Writer had a chat with actress/model Jasmine Davis.
Vince: Describe your SwagHer. What makes Jasmine Davis, Jasmine Davis?
Jasmine:Â What makes Jasmine, Jasmine is her ability to have a sense of humor. I’ve been known to have a fly kind of laid back sexy down to earth cool, yet very adventurous and silly sense of humor. I think what helps me stand apart from a lot of people over the years is I’m multifaceted. I’m down to earth, I’m cool, I’m chilled, but I don’t need to be seen. I love having fun, I have a good sense of humor, and I like to joke around. I’ve been told I have this flirty, sexy swagger about me that I accept. So I think that’s what makes Jasmine Davis who she is.
Vince: What was your first acting gig?
Jasmine:Â I did a few minor plays in Chicago, but when I arrived in Los Angeles, my first acting gig was a low budget sci-fi film. It was my first time on the green screen, and I never saw the film because I don’t remember the name of the film and I lost contact with the director. Hopefully, if they see this, they will contact me because I don’t know what happened with that.
Vince: How did the opportunity for you to join the cast of The Chi develop?
Jasmine:Â I basically just came out to my agent. They were getting a lot of scripts. I was getting a lot of bad scripts about transgender women, and I was at the point that I was like you know what, I’m not going to do this. I’m not playing any more transgender roles. This is ridiculous. Then this role came along, and my manager and agent were like we have something for you, and you should read it. I ended up reading it, and I was waiting for the ball to drop that they’re about to be on some b.s. with this character and make it all about her sexual orientation and not humanize her. I read it, and I was like, wow, they’re humanizing my character, and it’s a really good love story. I did the audition, and then I got the callback. After that, I got a call after the callback, asking for a bio. At that point, I knew I had the part.
Vince: Imani and her boyfriend Trig, who is played by actor Luke James have a strong bond. How would you describe their relationship?
Jasmine:Â I would describe their relationship as conscious coupling. They’re very conscious of the concept of who they are and where they come from, which is two different worlds. They know how they benefit each other. It’s like the yin and the yang. Trig came from a very rough upbringing, and Imani came from a decent home up until that incident with her father. She is a very calm and nurturing woman. She’s very methodical in her thinking before she does something, and Trig is a man who is like I’m about to do my thing if somebody pisses him off. They compliment each other very well, and there is a lot of trust and loyalty between them.
Vince: How is it working with Lena Waithe?
Jasmine:Â Lena is amazing. Unfortunately, I never met her. We talked on the phone and we text. I text her, and she texts me right back. That’s the thing I truly appreciate and love about her. If I have a question about something, she is there. It makes me feel great to have someone on my side who understands a woman being in the industry, especially a woman who is part of the LGBT community, Black, and who comes from my city. The fact that this woman comes from my city and I’m working on her project is amazing. It’s like the stars were aligned, and it’s a blessing. She’s my sister for life.
Imani solidified herself as a fan favorite during a scene when Trig approached a house in which a dangerous situation could develop. When he noticed Imani standing by his side at the front door, he asked why she didn’t stay in the car like she was told? She responded by stating, “I’m your bodyguard.” The reply made viewers aware of the fact that on top of being the level headed one, Imani is also Trig’s ride or die. The actress behind the character is looking forward to the future. Jasmine Davis has set industry goals, such as booking a Marvel character role and scoring a role as a Bond girl. She is also venturing off into the world of music as her new release is scheduled to drop in December. In the meantime, if you need to get caught up, you can catch Jasmine Davis and the rest of the cast of The Chi on Showtime on demand.
