When people ask me what my nationality is, I love to explain to them who Assyrians are and how we still are around. I've even started reading so many books on our civilization because it is so fascinating. I feel ancient and rich with culture, and no one or nothing can ever take that away from me.
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Sharokina Hasso
Singer / Actress / TV Presenter HB tv
Jan 12 2010
Sharokina Hasso is an Actor, Singer and a TV Presenter with HB Tv and began her career at a very young age. You may recognise her from her role in the Assyrian comedy movie "Akh Min Khimyani." Sharokina has come along way, now hosting HB Tv, an independent Assyrian and ethnic IPTV channel and releasing 2 singles.
For those that don't know you, tell us who Sharokina Hasso is?
I'm a great friend, an annoying sister lol, and a hardworking daughter. I started off in the well known Moor La Qa Drugs documentary that was created by Samir Bahi of Ashur Drama Group and my uncle and father Edward and Hermiz Hasso. Since that age, I have been involved in the media of the Assyrian community here in Chicago. I'm a television host, an actor, a songwriter, a singer, and an entertainer. For the past 10 years I have been hosting Assyrians Around The World TV, which airs here in Chicago. I have also done some acting/modeling in the American industry, as well as been in the Assyrian Movie Ekh Min Khimyani and recently my main hobbies are writing and singing music, as well as the newest talent recruiter / producer for new shows airing on HB TV (Hasso Broadcasting Television).
You've come a long way since the Assyrian "Say No to Drugs" video that was popular worldwide. What current projects are you involved in?
My newest single Walk Away is available worldwide on all music outlets such as iTunes, Amazon, Shockhound, Rhapsody, and many more. Currently I'm very involved in the new Assyrian Television Network, HB TV, which is not affiliated with any political groups and is completely independent. I'm working on producing new programs in the Assyrian language specifically made for this generation as well as recruiting new talent. Anyone and everyone is always welcome. My main goal with this new channel is to show the Assyrian people and their talent worldwide, as well as preserve our culture and heritage by using media as a source.
You have chosen to pursue your singing career in the English language with songs such as "high heels" and "walk away." Why did you decide to sing in English rather than in Assyrian?
My dream as a child was to become a prominent actor in the American industry. I was always told to sing and shared my ideas with a few Assyrian artists. Although I never received any feedback or guidance from the Assyrian artists, I received a great amount of support pursing a career in the English language. This doesn't mean you won't hear any Assyrian songs from me in the future, but at this point, maybe more talented Assyrians can come out and we can all break into the American industry the way Latinand Reggae did.
Who/what inspires you?
My family! Plain and simple, they have been by my side and supported every decision I have made in my life. They never pushed getting married or finding a husband but always stressed obtaining the highest level of education before anything. Because of my education, I thank them so much, for it has helped me be the strong, thick skinned, independent women I have become and I could not have done anything without their motivation and unconditional support. I would also like to give a trillion thanks to all of you, including myoomta.com, who show support and recognize Assyrians working in the entertainment industry. When I get all the positive feedback from supporters worldwide, I know that what I'm doing makes people laugh with my movies, proud when I speak the language, and sing and dance to my songs. That is very inspiring.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
Alah rikhmana haha. I would really like to be in about 10 box office films by then and have won about 2 Grammys and 4 Oscars, but realistically what I know will happen is I'll be Dr. Hasso (Ph.D) by then and producing many Assyrian/English hit shows on HBtv as well as have at least 3 complete albums.
What does Sharokina like to get up to in her spare time?
I love hanging out with my loved ones and just being myself
We all have a favourite Assyrian meal. What's yours?
Oh wow I love Middle Eastern food, actually I just love to eat and love food. Riza and shoorwit bumya (okra) is my favorite. I actually just had two full plates earlier.
What makes you proud to be an Assyrian?
The rich history that we have is what makes me so proud of who are. Assyrians established an empire that included the entire fertile crescent and Egypt. We were strong mighty people, and it makes me proud. When people ask me what my nationality is, I love to explain to them who Assyrians are and how we still are around. I've even started reading so many books on our civilization because it is so fascinating. I feel ancient and rich with culture, and no one or nothing can ever take that away from me.
What disappoints you about being an Assyrian?
Wow I like these questions. Although I feel it's obvious, it is so unfortunate that although we were one of the strongest and earliest civililizatons, I don't feel that there is enough support to keep us as strong as we should be. Currently we are extremely separated and grouped up so much it drives me crazy. I'm not a politician nor have I ever been involved in any Assyrian politics, but my honest opinion and disappointment is simply this. If we stopped the bickering, stayed together as a solid group, and gave unconditional support to each other, we would have more than just one seat in the Iraqi parliament.
If you could choose 3 people to be stranded on an island with, who would they be and why would you choose them?
Just one person, a genie in a lamp with unlimited wishes. By doing that, I could wish for my two sisters, Stella and Sandra, since there is never a dull moment with them. I would then continue wishing for my family, my closest friends in the world, and then wish for directors, producers, and actors, so we could shoot and air a reality show from this island. Now that would be a hit.
Any final words?
Thank you so much for this interview and support from everyone, visit my sites, and please Subscribe to HBtv today! If you are a writer, producer, or actor, I want to hear from you! And always remember, life is not a popularity contest but rather about accomplishing your dreams through hard work.
