The Chi: An Authentic Tale of Chicago’s Heartbeat – An Interview with Daniel J. Watts

In the vast expanse of television series, few resonate with the authenticity and raw emotion that “The Chi” brings to the screen. This Showtime hit, set against the backdrop of the vibrant and complex city of Chicago, captures the essence of its people, their struggles, and their triumphs. Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Daniel J. Watts, a multi-talented artist who breathes life into the series with his portrayal of Pastor Ezekiel. Our conversation explored his creative journey, the depth of his character, and what makes “The Chi” a standout narrative in contemporary television.

Meeting Daniel, even virtually, is a whirlwind experience. His energy and passion for the arts are palpable. When asked about the roots of his creativity, Daniel reflects on his upbringing. “I come from a family of teachers and preachers,” he shares, “so maybe it’s just also that explosion of people who maybe felt like they didn’t have the opportunity to delve into their creativity that I was able to.”

Daniel recounts how his loving and encouraging mother pushed him towards the arts, fostering a safe space for him to explore and express himself. This nurturing environment allowed him to discover that art was his preferred mode of communication. Whether through singing, dancing, acting, or writing, Daniel’s artistic endeavors are a testament to his multifaceted talent.

He is a multifaceted artist who sings, dances, acts, writes, paints, choreographs, and engages in spoken word and poetry, showcasing his diverse talents across various mediums and projects, including television, film, and theater.

Daniel intertwines the act of creation with the art of storytelling. “Whatever that medium might be,” he explains, “I also paint.” So what do I have in my heart? I’m a poet first, I would like to say.” This intrinsic connection to storytelling is evident in his approach to every role he undertakes.

His process involves asking essential questions about the nature of his art. “Is this a poem? Is this choreography? Is this music? Is this a play?” For Daniel, the answer is always a resounding “yes.” His commitment to answering the creative call, no matter the form it takes, is what sets him apart as an artist.

Daniel’s ability to balance his work across television, film, and theater is nothing short of impressive. He views these different mediums as interconnected, each feeding into the other.

Currently, he is a Co-Choreographer and Co-Lyricist for a new musical about Abraham Lincoln’s relationship with Frederick Douglass, a project that simultaneously nourishes his writing and dancing spirits.

“They all inform one another,” Daniel notes. “The schedules are the schedule, so you just tweak, move, and play. It’s a game of chess.” His enthusiasm for this intricate balancing act is evident. “If I was only doing one thing, I’d be bored out of my mind,” he admits.

When it comes to “The Chi,” Daniel’s connection to the series runs deep. He auditioned for the show multiple times before finally landing a role, a testament to his perseverance and dedication. His eventual meeting with Lena Waithe, the series creator and EP, proved to be the catalyst for his involvement. She came to support him at an event, which reminded her of a hole she was trying to fill for The Chi.

“The appeal of ‘The Chi’ is its very, very Chicago nature,” Daniel explains. People who truly understand and have lived in the city write the show, making it stand out. This authenticity is what makes the characters and their stories resonate so deeply with the audience.

“The Chi” is more than just a series about Chicago; it is a mirror reflecting the multifaceted nature of Black communities. Daniel underscores that the show does not confine itself to a singular portrayal of Black people. “It’s a human story. It involves individuals coping with a variety of everyday life challenges. Everyone is dealing with a variety of everyday life challenges, ranging from relationships and homosexuality to people’s relationships within the church. It’s not uncommon to have a cousin who is a drug dealer and an uncle who serves as a pastor. That’s real. We’re not really stretching the imagination outside of reality,” he says.

The characters are familiar, and their struggles and triumphs are real and relatable.

Daniel’s portrayal of Pastor Ezekiel adds a new layer of intrigue to “The Chi.” His character is enigmatic, leaving audiences guessing about his true motives and intentions. He’s new. We don’t know where he came from,” Daniel says.

To bring Ezekiel to life, Daniel delves into the complexity of his character. He challenges himself to find the human side of what might initially seem like a villain. “What’s interesting to me about villains is, one, finding that part of me,” he explains. By exploring these less visible parts of himself, Daniel creates a nuanced performance that keeps viewers engaged and questioning.

As “The Chi” concludes its latest season, the stakes are higher than ever. “It’s gotten dangerous. It’s gotten cutthroat. It’s gotten… Everything is a cliffhanger,” Daniel reveals. The children in the series are now participating in adult activities, adding a new dimension to the narrative.

This season promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, questioning allegiances, and rooting for different characters. “The Chi is really good at using discomfort as a tool to not only express difficult ideas but raise difficult questions,” Daniel says. It’s this ability to provoke thought and reflection that makes “The Chi” such a powerful series.

All episodes of season six of THE CHI are streaming on the Paramount+ With Showtime Plan