From a small Midwestern town to the heart of Hollywood, filmmaker Joshua Anyasike—known musically as King JA—has journeyed across continents to pursue his dream. Born in Kazakhstan and raised in Dawson, Minnesota, he is now set to debut his thesis film “Lujah” at the Los Angeles Film School. But “Lujah”, a gospel rap movie musical, is more than just a graduation project; it is a powerful statement of his mission to inspire, connect, and uplift through storytelling.
Anyasike’s fascination with film began with the Back to the Future trilogy. As a young boy, he was captivated by its imaginative world and the sense of wonder it evoked. “I loved how it made me feel, how everything came together in a way that was both entertaining and meaningful,” he reflects. Today, as a filmmaker, Joshua aims to evoke that same sense of magical cinema through ”Lujah,” creating an experience that stays with viewers long after the credits roll.
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The title “Lujah”” —a nod to “Hallelujah”—reflects Joshua’s message of gratitude, faith, and purpose. “Hallelujah means ‘praise God,’ and that’s the energy I want ‘Lujah’ to convey,” he shares.
Set in a non-denominational church, “Lujah” tells the story of a protagonist grappling with the inner struggle between flesh and spirit, a theme Joshua believes will resonate universally. “Even if you’re not religious, the energy of ‘Lujah”\’ is something you can relate to. It’s about that universal battle we all go through to find purpose and strength within ourselves.”
Driven by a blend of gospel and rap music, “Lujah” promises an emotional experience grounded in faith and self-discovery. The protagonist—a powerful yet vulnerable character—faces temptations and external pressures, reflecting the challenges of holding onto faith while navigating life’s demands.
“He’s anointed in spirit but weak in the flesh,” Joshua says. “We all feel that push and pull between who we want to be and the distractions around us.”
Joshua’s vision extends beyond his art; he encourages others to approach life with curiosity and humility. “Be a sponge and get involved,” he advises. “You’re never too good or not good enough for anything. Try every position and embrace every opportunity. You never know what might spark something within you—don’t let fear stop you from trying.”
For Anyasike, connecting deeply with others is essential, as he believes each person holds an image of God within. “If you talk to anyone long enough and go deep enough, you’ll find yourself and you’ll find God. That’s what makes all art, whether music, film, or life itself, a reflection of something divine.”
Anyasike’s artistic influences go beyond film. Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror has impacted him profoundly, reminding him that meaningful change begins within. “If I want to bring love and happiness to others, I have to cultivate that within myself,” he explains. This dedication to self-growth and positivity drives “Lujah” and is reflected in Joshua’s commitment to creating work that leaves audiences with a lasting sense of connection and purpose.
“Lujah” is not just a film to entertain but a transformative experience. Through “Lujah,” Joshua hopes to inspire moments of joy, connection, and reflection, encouraging viewers to tap into their own inner strength. “Even if they’re not religious, I want them to walk away feeling something that stays with them,” he adds.
As he prepares to graduate, Joshua envisions an even broader future: building a studio that produces films and music dedicated to uplifting and inspiring audiences. He is not merely entering Hollywood to build a career; he is setting out to create a space in the industry where positive, faith-driven stories can thrive.
With ”Lujah,” King JA steps into Hollywood with a directorial debut that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. For Joshua Anyasike, this film marks the beginning of a journey as a storyteller and visionary—a journey fueled by his desire to connect with audiences and share stories that reveal the strength within us all.
