Keke Palmer: An Interview with the Star of Akeelah and the Bee

Keke Palmer played a national spelling bee contestant in the film Akeelah and the Bee and had a lead role in the Disney Channel Original Movie Jump In! In her acting roles, she has had the chance to star with majors like Larry Fishburne, Angela Bassett, Tyler Perry and Samuel Jackson to name a few. What I've learned however, it that this talented young actress is not content to rest on her laurels as she is now embarking on a singing career with a debut album So Uncool,on Atlantic Records.

Keke took time to speak with us recently and tell the world why it's important to "Keep It Movin!"

Saba,Ink: Hey Keke, how are you?

Keke: Good, how 'bout you?

Saba,Ink: Great thanks. I have to say that you looked really cute a the Teen Choice Awards.

Keke: Thank you.

Saba,Ink: So, was that planned in advance or was it a last minute deal?

Keke: I had been planning for that and what I was going to wear. I knew it was going to be so much fun.

Saba,Ink: So, watching new comer Sean Kingston win and getting ready to do your whole music thing, did it get you excited about the possibilities of what you can do musically?

Keke: Oh yes! I am so excited to show people my singing and dancing abilities.

Saba,Ink: So what's a typical day like for you right now.

Keke: It's been so much radio promotion. I wake up around 1or 2 am, going to a lot of radio stations, talking about my new single "Keep It Movin" as well as my album debut, Sept 18 entitled "So Uncool." It's just been a lot of busy days with all that kind of stuff.

Saba,Ink: "Keep It Movin," is that something you wrote? What's the deal there?

Keke: It is a song by my producer in California. It's about having fun, being a kid or young adult or however old you are. It is about living life the best you can. The video touches on that with the color and movement.

Saba,Ink: I have to admit that I've had my pre-teen and her girlfriend check it out, and they did get into it. So, you've passed the test with them (laughing).

Keke: (laughing) Well that is great!

Saba,Ink: (laughing) It's also been passed around to their MYSPACE crew who seem to like it as well. So you might be good.

Saba,Ink: So how did you come up with the title "Uncool?" Is that about you or just about being uncool in general?

Keke; The whole idea is about being different and not ordinary. People think that nerds are uncool but they are so cool about being themselves that it IS Cool.

Saba,Ink: Ok, that's cool. I like that..

Saba,Ink: Now that you've been so fortunate to have worked with people like Angela Bassett, Larry Fishburne, Tyler Perry and all these wonderful talented folks, I know they have "schooled" you at some point or another.

Keke: They have all been great because they've helped me by going over scenes with me and helping me rehearse my roles.

Saba,Ink: What special advice or words have any one of them given that really stands out in your mind.

Keke: Well, when I was doing a scene with Angela Bassett that had crying in it, she told me to think about personal experiences and I actually started crying.

Saba,Ink: Your parents have made many sacrifices like moving the whole family to LA to allow you to pursue your career. What was the most memorable moment during that journey?

Keke: We drove to California for 4 days and 3 nights. The whole trip brought our whole family closer together..

Saba,Ink: Now did you have a gig when they decided to move?

Keke: No. I had just come off from Barbershop and a lot of the producers were telling my mom that it would be good to move out there. When we got there, I started to get work and all these wonderful things started to happen.

Saba,Ink: Now that you're out there and doing the Hollywood thing, are there any cute guys you've got your eye on?

Keke: (laughs) maybe so, maybe not, you know.

Saba,Ink: Can we get a hint? Is he an Actor, Singer, What?

Keke: Ummm...

Saba,Ink: (laughs) Good for you. You've learned media 101, you ain't puttin' your business out there.

Saba,Ink: Other plans? Any tours?

Keke: Oh yes, I'm doing Disney Tour, Home For The Holidays and a movie with Samuel Jackson coming up called The Cleaner.

Saba,Ink: I've heard of the movie. What do you play in the movie.

Keke: I play Samuel Jackson's daughter.

Saba,Ink: Oh, that's exciting.

Saba,Ink: Akeelah and the Bee was so powerful. Was there something you learned from the movie?

Keke: Be myself always, never change to fit what other people think I should be.

On that note we ended the conversation with the Ms. Keke Palmer. She is a bright, articulate and definitely a rising star.