A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization
Industry Collaborations
In 1999, a few short years before becoming a regular on Mad TV and creator of hilarious characters like Luther, President Obama's Anger Translator, Keegan Michael Key graciously served as Technical Advisor for Buku Productions', "Mom's Mabley: The Naked Truth." His professional, comedic input was immeasurable. Plus, he refused to accept a dime for bringing so much funny to Reuben's script. Thanks a million Keegan!
"Bopha!"
"Bopha!," means "arrest," which was happening far too often to blacks in the Apartheid days of South Africa. Reuben Yabuku played 14 characters in this acclaimed drama at the Attic Theatre in Detroit.
Reuben's earlier experiences as a TV/film actor and radio announcer prepared him for his duties as Artistic Director, Producer, Writer, and Director for Buku Productions Theatre Company. His aim is to educate, inform, and entertain audiences in Southeast, Michigan and beyond.
Gifted Hands
Reuben brings his thirty plus years of media experience forward and continues to present positive entertainment through Buku Productions Theatre Company’s stage plays and public service activities. As a commercial, TV and film actor, Reuben recently appeared in the principal role of Pastor Ford in “Gifted Hands,” the touching TV movie about Dr. Ben Carson which starred Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Kimberly Elise.
Over 30 Years of Media Experience
Detroiters who are old enough remember the name Reuben Yabuku from 1975 to 1982 when Reuben was a very popular Disc Jockey at Detroit’s powerhouse R&B radio station, WJLB-FM 98. He shared the airwaves with colleagues like Donnie Simpson, Al Perkins, Al Allen (formerly of Fox 2 TV News), and Martha Jean “The Queen.”
Church Girl
Reuben directed the nationally toured hit play, Church Girl, for Angela Barrow-Dunlap Entertainment. This star-studded musical production featured Demetria McKinney, Robin Givens, Angela Winbush, Karen Clark-Sheard, Tasha Paige-Lockhart, Tony Grant, and Sean Blakemore.
The videotaped adaptation of Church Girl is currently playing on Nexflix and BET Television.
Photo courtesy of:https://www.pinterest.com/pin/241716704970314139/?lp=true