'Ghett'A Life' actor does music too

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

The real story behind the life of Kadeem Wilson is a far cry from the villain he plays in the latest Jamaican hit movie Ghett'A Life.

While convincing in his role as 'Gully Rat', a bad man or don in his politically divided community, Wilson is on the right path in real life.

Wilson received rave reviews for his first role in a movie, but acting is not new to the 20-year-old.

Hailing from Franklin Town in Kingston, Wilson has long been acting throughout the island. Stints with the Bible Society of Jamaica and 'Paper to Stage' literary workshop has seen the youngster travelling throughout the island developing on his acting skills.

Before Ghett'A Life, roles in plays like Caught In A Net and acquiring an associate degree in the performing arts at the Excelsior Community College contributed to Wilson's edgy performance.

"I've been acting a long while now, it is something I've always wanted to do," he told The Sunday Gleaner recently.

Wilson nabbed his first movie shortly after leaving Excelsior and travelled across the island for what was a sudden audition.

"I was on set in Ocho Rios for a Chris Martin video and got a call from my manager about an audition I was to attend. I rushed back to town and got the script and when I was auditioning Chris Browne was smiling from ear to ear," Wilson explained.

'real jamaican product'

According to the young actor, his first movie was a 'marvellous experience'.

"It makes me proud to know that Ghett'A Life is a real Jamaican product, everybody working on it was Jamaican, down to the investors."

Now that the movie is behind him, Wilson has the time to work on his other performing arts endeavour, music.

Using the moniker Kenzie, Wilson has been in the music industry for the last two years. His most recent effort is The One with Andy Livingston. Wilson, who works with Granny Boy Records, is hoping to earn just as much success in his music.

"Right now, I'm working on campaigning some of my singles and working on finishing up a song I did before called Can You Hear Me."

As well as deejaying, Wilson is also looking forward to an upcoming role in a play for Oliver Samuels called Who's The Don.

"I'm just looking to take my talent as far as it goes and show people who I am," he said.