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You were born in the UK, raised in Canada and have Bajan roots. Where feels the most like home and what’s your favourite thing about that place?

You know that’s a bit of a complicated answer for me because it’s not quite as simple as, “In West Philadelphia, born and raised.” I was born in Wrexham, North Wales, however, we had lived in Liverpool and then moved to Chester. We then moved to Barbados, all before I moved to Vancouver, Canada, at the age of 4 and a half. Yes, I did a lot of moving around in my early years. I love them both and have family in both places. My family, my roots are in Barbados and even though it’s not where I grew up, it’s the origin of who I am and so it’s very much home for me. The people, my family, the culture, the food, the beaches… It truly is paradise. On the other hand, Vancouver and the lower mainland are my home base and where I grew up. It’s where my Mothership is located. My Mom, my family and close friends are all there. Vancouver also provided me the opportunity to have a career in film and tv, as it’s always been a huge hub for our industry. It’s such a beautiful city. They don’t call it beautiful BC for nothing. The mountains, the forests, the ocean, the fresh air really helps to keep me grounded and centered. I’m fortunate to have them both as my sanctuary.

Growing up, did you have any relationships with black programming or sitcoms?

Of course! They all inspired me a great deal. Shows like Different Strokes, The Jeffersons, Good Times, What’s Happening, The Cosby Show, A Different World, Martin and of course, the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, are where it all started.

How did you feel to be stepping into the shoes of a character already portrayed by another great actor, in this case, the late James Avery?

It has been quite an honor. A huge blessing and a privilege, and something I hold very dear. There was definitely some overwhelm at the beginning, but I believe that “If the Lord takes you to it, he’ll get you through it”. It would have been nice to have gotten to meet him and hear some of his stories. He was amazing! He had such a beautiful energy, presence and a controlled power in his work. I do my best to infuse some of his essence into the role, mixed with my own and a little Barack Obama charm and swag for today's generation. I look at this opportunity as a tribute and a celebration of the late, great, James Avery. RIP.

How are you managing being more recognizable since the success of BelAir?

Well, it has been quite an adjustment that’s for sure. It’s been pretty wild. It’s nice to hear about the impact the show has had on people’s lives and the role I’ve played in that. I have heard some very touching, heartfelt and very personal stories. It’s those moments that remind me that this is all so much bigger than us, and why I love this art form. Storytelling is such a beautiful and powerful medium, and as we know, with great power comes great responsibility. I’ve been having a very positive experience with it all so far but can imagine how crazy it can get. You have to still protect yourself. We wouldn’t have a career if it wasn’t for our audience and all our supporters so I always remind myself to have an attitude of gratitude.

I saw on your Instagram that you ride. When did you discover your love for horseback riding?

Yes, I love horses. They are such beautiful, powerful and majestic animals. I first discovered my love for riding, in my first TV role. A show back home in Vancouver called, Neon Rider, was about a ranch for rehabilitating troubled teens and I played a troubled teen named Twist. I was about 16-17 at the time and my character and I both had to learn to ride on the show. I'm not gonna lie, I was quite intimidated. It was a scary experience at first, but it was a perfect experience cause that fear was authentic and served the character. I then soon relaxed, got comfortable and found my stride. There’s a calming spirituality about horses that’s so beautiful. They have a high level of emotional intelligence. They can feel what you’re feeling energetically. So it forces you to be confident and in control cause if they smell that you’re not, they’ll be taking you for a ride, very quickly. I then followed that up with some more riding in a movie called “Red Riding Hood” in 2011. I like to get out and ride whenever I’m given the chance.

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You’ve posted a lot of black American history figures on your social media, John Lewis, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass. If you could talk with any of these historical figures who would it be and why?

Great question. They’d all be great to break bread and have fellowship with but if I had to choose only one, it would be Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a peaceful leader and during those times that was very difficult and required a lot of emotional strength. It says so much about his faith and his character. He lead by example of what he wanted to see in the world, and that was “peace”. He had a magnificent spirit and was a man of so much integrity, principle, and class. In 2016 I had the honor to work at home in Barbados, to film an important docudrama called Barrow: Freedom Fighter. I played Errol Barrow, who was the first Prime minister to get Barbados their Independence from Great Britain in 1966. He is often referred to as the Martin Luther King Jr. of the Caribbean.

On set, you mention your wife stars in Power, Book 2 Ghost and I see that your wife is Caroline Chikezie, who plays Noma. What is it like to watch your wife embody this ruthless drug lord?

I’m very proud of her and what she’s done with her character. She’s been killing it... Literally! I sleep with one eye open now because she’s been playing her character a bit too well. I'm like, 'Babe, we need to talk…’ I’m a fan of the Power franchise and she’s been such an unstoppable force, a perfect addition to the Power-verse. It's nice to have someone who does what you do because you speak the same language and there’s mutual respect and understanding.

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And I want to open the floor for you to share any last words or comments for our readers and people supporting you.

Well, you don’t want to live with any regret and this life is short. So, if you have a dream, a desire, a passion, or a goal, go for it. We miss 100% of the shots we don't take. Know that you're enough. Stop comparing yourself to others and make a plan. Stay in your lane and run your race but most importantly, know where it is that you want to go.

Art Director & Photographer: Ammar Thomas @iam.ammarjamal | Fashion Director & Interview: Nigel Isaiah @nigel_isaiah | Grooming: Gloria Espinoza @_gloriaespinoza for Honey Artists @honeyartists | Location: The 9 Studios | Special Thanks: ImPRint @imprintpr

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