Welcome to The Come-Up, where up-and-coming Gen Z talents will gather on the road to the top. In this issue, we will discuss with the energetic duo Saniya Sidney and Demi Singleton what brings them happiness and what they hope to leave a mark in the world.
You can't talk about tennis if you don't talk about the legacy of Venus and Serena Williams, they are the two greatest players in the history of the sport. The new movie "King Richard" delves into the origin story of Compton tennis giants, starting with the extraordinary dreams of their father Richard (played by Will Smith in vim). Believing that his daughters have both talents and professional ethics, they can become the best in the game. Richard spends all his energy to realize their true potential. Final result? Thirty Grand Slam titles, millions of dollars, a place in the US Tennis Hall of Fame, and the greatest athlete of all time.
The epic journey of Venus and Serena to the summit was brought to life by Sanya Sidney and Demi Singleton in "King Richard", and the universe is really nothing like This is a better combination to play the iconic sisters when they were young. Just like Venus and Serena, Sanyya and Demi are just a click away. The stars seemed to have known each other for a lifetime, joking with each other, having their own secrets, and even finished speaking each other's words. This kind of bond formed in the star-studded sports drama studio tells the common experience of becoming a child star in Hollywood—especially the uniqueness of growing up under the spotlight as a young black child. Although life as child stars is certainly not easy, Sanya and Demi are calmly coping with the ups and downs of their challenging careers, instead focusing on the impact they think their work will have on future generations. The job is not easy, but it is meaningful. More importantly, they had a great time.
We connected with King Richard’s stars through Zoom, and proceeded with all their favorite things—including Beyoncé’s golden records and their very specific fast food orders—and their lofty dream of continuing to be Hollywood actors. A lively breakdown.
Saniyya: Chopova Lowena top; Zara sequined mini skirt, available at zara.com; Jeffrey Campbell boots; Swarovski ring. On Demi: NorBlackNorWhite Black Heart layer dress, available at norblacknorwhite.com; Urban Outfitters socks; No Name sandals; Bonnie Clyde Show and Tell sunglasses, available at bonnieclyde.la; Zara necklace.
Demi: I was born in Louisiana, but I am from New York City.
Saniyya: @saniyyasidney, but I am not proficient in social media at all.
Demi: Pisces-the greatest constellation!
Saniyya: Mikey Williams, a high school basketball player. He is very...talented.
Demi: In other words, she thinks he is cute! My photo is a self-portrait with my best friend in the mirror of Flipper's in New York City.
Where have you seen me
Saniyya: The Roots remake, Hidden Figures, Fences, or American Horror Story: Roanoke
Demi: On Broadway (Rock Academy and the Lion King as young Nora) or the Godfather of Harlem
Where to see me next time
Sarnia and Demi: King Richard!
NorBlackNorWhite All Hearts layer dress, norblacknorwhite.com; Urban Outfitters stockings; nameless boots; Bonnie Clyde sunglasses.
Because I am passionate about
Saniyya: BLM, support the children of St. Jude’s Hospital and reduce animal hazards.
Demi: Feminism and racial equality.
Saniyya: For me, it's Princess Tiana and Wonder Woman.
Demi: Oh my god—I dress up as Princess Diana every Halloween, and the bedspread! But I also really like the black widow in the MCU.
Saniyya: In-N-Out, especially animal fries with extra cheese. (I am a vegetarian.)
Demi: One 12 pieces of chicken nuggets, one large fish fry and one lemonade from Chick-fil-A, with buffalo, Polynesian and Chick-fil-A sauce.
Saniyya: Since we worked together, my mother and my manager are like my second mother. Professionally, I would say Kerry Washington and Viola Davis.
Demi: All the women in my family have shaped me like I am today and taught me to pursue my dreams. And Beyonce and Halle Berry.
Song i know all the lyrics
Saniyya: I have been obsessed with One Direction since I was a child, so I have to say "Drag Me Down".
Demi: Almost any Beyoncé song-I am obviously a member of BeyHive-but I would choose "Love Drought".
Sarnia: Grilled! Shouting to my mother because she bought me the Easy Bake oven when I was seven years old.
Demi: Fashion, but especially shopping and styling clothes.
Leeann Huang jacket; Zara turtleneck sweater; regional pants; nameless sneakers; Bonnie Clyde sunglasses; Urban Outfitters earrings, Urban Outfitters ring.
Saniyya: Darius and Nina from Love Jones.
Demi: Meredith Gray and Derek in "Grey the Intern."
I see the time I represent in TV/movie
Saniyya: Venus and Serena's tennis match. I remember telling my mother when I watched them play that I also wanted to wear beads in my hair.
Demi: Chinese Annie McLean of Ant Farm on the Disney Channel. I really think she is a singer, she also likes acting, because it really is me.
How i want to change the world
Saniyya: I hope that the role I play can inspire people, because there are too many actors that inspire me. I can’t wait to let the little kids see Demi on the screen and say: "Wow, these girls can do what they like in movies, so I have to go there to chase my dreams too!" I just Want to inspire the younger generation to do what they like to do.
Demi: For me, I want to change the world by sharing important stories. As an actress, my job is to participate in stories and projects that tell important stories, especially the stories of black writers who have not always had the opportunity to share before. I think this can educate the world and make the world a better place.
Saniyya: It must be an action character. I like a situation where another person and I lift the car above our heads while saving the world from complete destruction. I can kick my butt but at the same time it's something very beautiful and composed.
Demi: I am a super fan of superheroes, so I think a storyline similar to Black Widow will be very interesting-to help save the world and also figure out my place in society.
In Saniyya: Sandro windbreaker; Zara top; Zara pants; nameless boots; Zara earrings; Zara necklace. On Demi: Zara button; Dauphinette strawberry chain mail crop, available for purchase on nordstrom.com; double XX series jeans; Dr. Martens boots.
If I don't act...?
Sarnia: Yes. I still want to be the center of attention because I want to inspire people... I think it's a celebrity chef. Maybe there is my own cooking show and give my audience tips on how to get better in the kitchen.
Demi: To be honest, I really never imagined myself doing anything outside of art. So if it is not acting, it may be as creative as a director, a producer or something related to fashion.
Saniyya: I really want to sit down and talk to Princess Diana. When you watch some documentaries and shows about her life, it is obvious that she feels very misunderstood. I think at times like this, someone can talk and let them put down their hair and be themselves, which is really important for people. I want to be the one of Princess Di, and give her space so that she can say whatever she wants, even for a short while.
Demi: It must be Nina Simone and Maya Angelo. These two women are so iconic and have made so many contributions to the black community. From Maya Angelou, I really want to dig her brain and get some wisdom from it, and for Nina Simone... I just want to make her laugh and give her some happiness.
On Demi: Serpentine trenches; Zara houndstooth suit jacket, available at zara.com; Urban Outfitters stockings; nameless boots; Zara beret; Swarovski ring. In Saniyya: Topshop leather jacket; Cult Gaia Vivek top, available at cultgaia.com; Cult Gaia Wynn pants, available at cultgaia.com; nameless sneakers; Bonnie Clyde off-white and pink plum blossom sunglasses, available at sense.com Buy; Urban Outfitters necklace; Urban Outfitters earrings.
How i want my audience to feel
Saniyya: I really hope people take their children to see King Richard, because this is a great family movie. If you are between 6 and 10 years old, you will see different people and their expectations of you as you grow up, especially if you are a young black girl. We are told what kind of person we should be in this world, so it is important for those around us to improve us and help us become the person we want to be. For parents, I hope they will regard Richard and Oracene (Aunjanue Ellis) as preparing for Venus and Serena to be the best parents, and then apply with their children at home. It's like, "When you walk out of this house, I hope you have goals like Venus and Serena."
Demi: I hope people know Richard Williams better. I think he is a misunderstood person and this movie will eventually let people see why he does what he does and how great he is. His plan worked-his child is one of the greatest athletes in the world! ——I think this movie will give people a chance to understand his motives.
Sarnia: Have fun! It is important to make work fun and powerful. This is also why playing Venus and Serena is so free for us-and why Richard makes sure they have fun before tennis becomes a job.
Demi: Also, don't take everything too seriously. You can see that Sanya and I are just a pair of fools. Don't be so serious in life, because... well, to be honest, it's bad to be serious all the time. Have fun and do what you like to do. Who cares what others say?
Demi: Just be you, hush.