New York City Is a Welcome Challenge

Sahr Ngaujah's father would have liked him to pick a steady career — but the Brooklyn-based actor chose a life in the arts, and it's worked out for him so far.

Ngaujah is best known for his role as Nigerian musician Fela Kuti in the 2009 Broadway musical FELA!, for which he received a Tony nomination. He also writes, directs, works as a DJ and a promoter.

"It takes a lot of creativity and cleverness to make it work," Ngaujah said. Diversity is key, he added, in order to thrive as an artist in New York City.

Ngaujah's story is part of a collaboration between BRIC TV and WNYC. The video was produced by BRIC TV.