Hector Lewis happy with debut in Marley biopic as drummer Carlton Barrett
Published:Wednesday | July 12, 2023 | 12:13 AM
Singer-songwriter Hector Donald Lewis can now officially add actor to his credits having made his acting debut during a teaser appearance in the official trailer released by Paramount Pictures for the highly anticipated biopic, Bob Marley: One Love.
The film stars Kingsley Ben-Adir as the iconic singer and activist, while Lashana Lynch plays his wife, Rita Marley.
Hector Donald Lewis plays the role of Jamaican musician Carlton ‘Carly’ Barrett, the longtime drummer for Bob Marley and The Wailers. Carlton Barrett and his brother Aston ‘Familyman’ Barrett played on all of Marley’s hit albums for Island Records - Natty Dread, Rastaman Vibration, Exodus and Kaya.
On 17 April 1987, a gunman shot and killed Barrett outside his home at Bridgemount Park Avenue in Kingston. He was 36. A court ruled was that the incident was orchestrated by his wife and two men. All were imprisoned.
In tribute to Carlton Barrett, weebly.com wrote: “Like Bob Marley, Carly Barrett has no equal as a reggae musician: the level of sophistication of his writing, playing, and arranging is unparalleled. Carlton is the alpha & omega of reggae drumming, and one could devote years to emulating his brilliance.”
Hector Lewis shocked his fans across his social media platforms with the major announcement last Thursday. The son of iconic Jamaican singer, Barbara Jones, he wrote, “To be a part of this official biopic for the great Bob Marley is an honour and a joy… a dream come true… another big stepping stone that represents the people of Jamaica.”
He ended his post by thanking the community that “believed in di I” as he welcomed this new professional chapter.
Produced in partnership with the Marley family, the movie “celebrates the life and music of an icon who inspired generations through his message of love and unity”.
Writing about the film shortly before the trailer was released, Bob’s first son, Ziggy, stated, “Filmed in England and Jamaica the cast and crew represent one of the most unique creation to ever come out of a Hollywood studio. Authenticity fills the screen with numerous Jamaican actors doing us proud in representing the culture. Filmed at the actual places where Bob walked, played football and sang like Trench Town and Bull Bay in Kingston, it is an artistic creation that we are proud of and want you to enjoy to be entertained but also to be inspired. The family produced it with Paramount studio and for us it represents the continuation of Bob’s message and growth.”
He added that “with this release we look forward to inspiring not only the long-time fans but also the younger generation, giving them a vehicle that opens the door to explore Bob’s life and music and in so doing expand his universal message of unification, justice and peace throughout the earth. We do this with purpose and are delighted to share with you the trailer for Bob Marley One Love the movie. RASTAFARI.”
Producers on the film include Robert Teitel, Brad Pitt, Jeremy Kleiner, Dede Gardner, Ziggy Marley, Rita Marley, and Cedella Marley. Executive producers include Richard Hewitt, Orly Marley and Matt Solodky. The movie is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green, who made his directorial debut with King Richard. Zach Baylin, the screenplay writer for King Richard, wrote the script for the Marley film.
The Bob Marley: One Love biopic is set to hit theatres on January 12, 2024.