I was born in London and also educated here. I got my BA in drama (performance) and continued to study drama and acting outside of education in whatever way I could. My parents are from East Africa, and they came to the UK when they were very young.
2. Did you ever think or dream of being an actor?
Yes I decided when I was 12, that acting was something I really wanted to pursue. I always loved the arts. There was so much freedom for me in performance, whether it was theatre and being part of school plays, or drawing and painting, to writing and dance.
3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?
It's a combination of ability and mindset. Yes you need a degree of talent and passion for doing it. But also consistency and perseverance. Things do not happen on their own. You have to day in, day out be committed to the process, even through the rejection. There has to be that inner core belief that you are not only deserving of the opportunities but also that you can deliver. There is a degree of luck but if your not ready when that luck strikes, then you can miss the blessings.
4. If not this, what would you be doing?
Probably criminal psychology!
5. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?
I would say again perseverance is key. It's not about how many times you get kicked down but how many times you can rise up. (To paraphrase "rocky)
You have to love the process more than the outcome. If your driving factor is fame and money, your choosing the wrong profession.
6. What is your mantra of success?
Take how much however little and do the best you can with it.
7. Which is your favorite book and why?
Probably the Alchemist. I love Paulo Coelho as a writer. The book is through-ly inspirational, and reminds us that we need to grow in the process. Sometimes we are not ready for the blessings we wish for. I can't have a conversation without referencing God.
We didn't arrive here because the universe popped and humans appeared, God's hand is evident in life every single day, so I consider myself quite a spiritual warrior. So when I say blessings, I am taking about the purpose God prepares for us in advance.
We don't need to chase external validation or become worthy of those blessings. We are born worthy. The problems appear along the way. Except there not necessarily problems but lessons and trials. The Alchemist for me is about changing your perspective.
However, it is difficult to just pick one book as I love books! Recently I read a beautiful book called unqualified by Steven Furtick which was great, as well as emotional intelligence by Daniel goleman, which is intense but all about human behavior.
However, it is difficult to just pick one book as I love books! Recently I read a beautiful book called unqualified by Steven Furtick which was great, as well as emotional intelligence by Daniel goleman, which is intense but all about human behavior.
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