You co-wrote, co-directed and played the lead role in Anuvahood, how pleased are you with the film?

I'm very pleased, I never thought I would be in a position so young to be able to actually create my own movie from start to finish, Anuvahood really was my baby!

Why did you decide to do the film?

Personally I just got sick of all the UK urban street films being put out there, they were always gritty and depressing and I felt it was time to bring a little comedy into it. Just like America made films like Boyz In The Hood then slowly started to put out comedy films like House Party, that was what I wanted to do here; take it old skool and change the game up.

Was it easier to perform given you co-wrote and co-directed it?

It was easier in the sense that I knew how I wanted Kenneth (the lead character Deacon plays) to be right from the very start and I didn't have to convince any other director, it was just me. But at the same time there was a lot of added stress knowing that I had to be responsible for another 55 cast members and make sure they get everything on point. That was the most stressful side, I knew exactly how I wanted everything to be, right down to the last detail, sometimes I think I'm mad! (laughs). For me it's all in the very small details and that's what I think made this movie stand out from other UK urban films.

The film came out in March in the UK, how does it feel to still be promoting it in November for Australian audiences?

It's kinda crazy but the more countries around the world that warm to Anuvahood the better. Invite me down!

Have you ever visited Australia?

No, not yet but I would really like to go there soon. When I was 16 I went up for a casting for Neighbours. They were looking for a London kid at the time, I didn't end up getting it but if I did... Who knows? I could have been a well known face down-under!

Do you expect Aussies to understand the film?

I'm really not sure, I hope so. I've never been to Australia but would love to see what people thought. If I'm honest it was only the young UK audience I had in mind when we were making it, if they were happy then I was happy! So you should know when you're watching Anuvahood that this really was a real slice of London, people really do talk like that, nothing has been watered down for commercial reasons.

How real is Anuvahood?

Very real! (laughs). The word on the street here is that it's the most realistic urban London film to come out of the UK.

You were once mugged for your trainers, are you careful what you wear now?

Nah, not really. I just try and avoid the chicken shop where it happened!

What advice, if any, would you give to someone about to be mugged for their trainers?

If he's got a knife up your neck, just give him the trainers! (laughs).

Do you have a preference in terms of whether you're writing, directing or acting?

Not really. I find writing the hardest and directing the most stressful. Acting seems to come quite naturally but in the end I really do love all three. Over the next couple of years I'm going to try my best to balance them all. There's a lot of ideas going around in my head right now.

Do you get bored easily?

It depends what I'm doing. I can get bored easily but when I'm doing the things I love, ie making films and doing music then no, I dont get bored.

So any upcoming projects?

Outside Bet, Payback Season and Comedown are some of the movies I have coming out next year.

Who's the best person you've worked with?

I learnt a lot working with Bob Hoskins and I love every time I get to work with Jaime Winstone too.

What's the best project you've been involved in?

Everyone of them has been so different so I've enjoyed all of them for different reasons. I'd probably have to say Anuvahood just for the fact it was my own work. It was the hardest to make but the most rewarding at the same time.

You're also a rapper, any plans to switch to a music career?

I'm looking to take a couple of months off next year so I can finish some of the music projects I've started. You will be hearing more of my music on the film soundtracks too. There's gonna be a lot more from me to come.

By Omar Soliman
@wiz52