liberia - Taji Mag

Born and raised in West Africa Liberia, Diezie Sahn is a promising actor, screenwriter, and director, specializing in martial arts and fight choreography, now based in Atlanta. He has acted and performed stunts in several short films, despite battling a speech impediment, and has received the CMF and TERMINUS “BEST ACTOR” Awards. His recent Lead role in the P.S.A, “Corona Man,” went viral. Before breaking into the film industry, Diezie lived in an Ivory Coast refugee camp during the Liberian Civil War. He refuses to allow anything to stop him from achieving his goal of empowering others through film.

Taji Mag (TM): What inspired you to become an actor?

Diezie Sahn (DS): I remember vividly at the age of 7, in the town we were living called “12 houses,” my siblings and I were attending a small community school and my mother had been encouraging me to sing in church. She decided that she would register me to perform in the Bible play, “King Solomon”, and I was to play King Solomon. I was completely terrified! Here I was, a stuttering 7-year-old child, who now had to perform in front of hundreds of people at the end of the school year. The entire school would think I was a joke. I was upset with my mother and didn’t care to see what she saw in me, but my mother was relentless. She drilled the entire play with me for days so that I would be prepared for the role. To this day, I still remember my lines. When the big day came, I was beyond ready. That was when I realized that acting and performing was my purpose in life. On stage, I can speak freely through the characters and truly express myself. For the first time, my voice was heard. I felt free and happy.

TM: What films, directors, and/or actors have influenced you?

DS: Every film I’ve ever seen growing up influenced me in some ways. Western films, the Asian martial arts films that were popularized at the time, and Nigerian (Nollywood) films. I was intrigued by the Asian films because of the action, the western films introduced me to real acting, and the Nigerian films opened my mind to telling our own African stories.
I believe that life is a busy intersection we all crossing through to create a path that fits each of us. My influences are the ones like myself who didn’t allow stuttering to stop them from becoming great: Bruce Willis, Steve Jobs, Samuel L Jackson, James Earl Jones, Legendary B.B King, Steve Harvey, Harvey Keitel, Kendrick Lamar, Elvis Presley, John Gomez, Marilyn Monroe, Emily Blunt, Julia Roberts. The list goes on! They inspire me to persevere.

TM: What type of films do you most look forward to creating/participating in?

DS: I look forward to playing James Bond one day or I’ll create my own James Bond-style movie with an African actor as the lead. I’d also like the opportunity to play a superhero. I think it would be awesome to see an African man in the sky doing something out of the normal beside flying to out of his country.

Follow Diezie Sahn’s journey at on Instagram!

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It’s an honor to be training under my Shifu Shi DeRu #acting #actor #actress #actorslife #theatre #film #actors #love #tiktok #movie #model #art #drama #comedy #theater #martialarts #cinema #movies #hollywood #casting #nolloywood #music #artist #tv #director #instagram #Marchfall #instagood #boxing #calisthenics

A post shared by Diezie Sahn (@dieziesahn) on Sep 14, 2020 at 2:41pm PDT

ARWAY (Ah-way) means beautiful/old lady in KRU a local language in Liberia. The KRUS are not unique to Liberia, as they can be found in different communities around West Africa, with slight variation in the language. ARWAY bags are made by Liberian artisans, living and working in Liberia. Their staff travel around West Africa to handpick cloths, skins, and wood that makes their bags unique. They believe it is important that they ensure Liberia continues to maintain a low carbon emission record, thus all items are made out of materials that were produced locally, or were recycled.

ARWAY bags are made from the finest West African Ankara and leather, to ensure durability. Fabrics are handpicked, and designed to fit all. They work with local Liberian artisans in various sectors to create “One Of A Kind” couture bags. ARWAY stands for authentic African style, enduring craftsmanship, and innovation. ARWAY bags are made for customers seeking unique items not for their closet ONLY. We are proud to design bags that are functional, stylish, and embellish to ensure all eyes are on you. ARWAY collections are inspired by various tribal groups in Liberia – Mel, Kru, and Mande – and the authenticity of their traditions.

The Bassa Collection

The Bassas are located on the coast, and were one of the first ethnic group to interact with foreigners. Thus, they are known for being great Cleaners and Cooks. Most Liberians will tell you if you want a good housekeeper get a Bassa person. The collection is depicted out of the Bassas’ ability to remain salient, but important. The rich and vibrant African prints are interwoven with snakeskin and leather material.

The Gola Collection

The oldest of the Liberian tribes and they are known to be reserved. Which many interpret as being mean spirited. “When you enter a Gola town no one lives there”. This collection is made out of snakeskin, vibrant colors, and seals which depict the Golas’ self-reliance ethos.

The Kru Collection

“Peace was in Heaven until the Krus arrive”. The Krus are known to be the fighters. Always assertive willing to exert themselves and will do anything to protect their own. This collection is made out of alligator/crocodile skins for the bold and funky that are embedded within Kru couture.

The Lorma Collection

The Lorma are seen as loyalist. The Lormas are viewed to be honest and will always have your back. The Lorma collection is made out of sheep leather. This collection is versatile in simple hues and style.