The young actor, Folajomi Akinmurele amazed audiences across the globe through his portrayal of young Simba in Black is King. This 7-year-old has shown his talent and artistry by handling the role with exceptional grace. With this huge accomplishment under his belt so early in his career, this young star is on his way to building a legacy.
How have you been keeping busy this summer?
I’ve been acting, playing basketball, rapping, swimming, writing, playing soccer and football.
You have a great selection of activities. Have you noticed your life changing since you started acting?
No, because ever since I was younger, I wanted to be actor or a basketball player. I didn’t know which one, so I decided to keep trying them both out.
Which one would you say is your favorite: acting or basketball?
This is so hard. I’ve done basketball more than acting but both of them are my favorites. I’ll say acting, because in acting you can do anything. I can always do basketball as my second hobby. So, on my free time when I have a break from acting, I can go play basketball.
Were there any movies or actors who inspired your acting career?
Ummm, myself. And Space Jam is the best. My favorite part of Space Jam was the beginning. It was cool to see acting and basketball together. Will Smith is really cool too. I saw him in the trailer for Bad Boys 3 and it was awesome.
What are some of your favorite movie genres to watch?
I like more funny movies. I can laugh at anything, I’m the laughiest person ever. I’m the laughing clown at school. I’m really good at laughing.
Are you looking forward to going back to school?
Well, maybe when there’s no corona virus. I had online school before summer break, and it was cool talking to all my friends on the computer. Instead of them like talking and touching and all that stuff, now I have my own space. I can talk to them by myself in my own area.
Did your school have any acting classes you joined?
Well I did an acting class in school. In my school, there’s like these different programs, it’s not like a free class program. Like when you’re finished with school sometimes, there’s rec and they have programs like tennis. I didn’t sign up for tennis I signed up for acting and the basketball program.
What acting tips did your class teach you to help you prepare for your roles?
I don’t remember that much, because it was a while ago. But I like listening to music to warm myself up. Getting into my zone by myself helps a lot. I also listen to our playlist on Spotify, the Black is King playlist, to get prepared.
That playlist is incredible from beginning to end! What’s your favorite song?
Find Your Way Back and Mood Forever. Oooo, also Black Parade. They all help me start my day!
Great choices! How was your experience when trying out for your role in Black Is King?
It was fun and cool. I liked it; it was very very very fun. I was nervous at the start but then I got used to it. Then when I was getting into it, I was like, I’m not nervous anymore.
How was it working with Beyonce & Jay Z?
I didn’t get to meet Jay Z, but we were at the same place at the same time. But it was really cool working with Beyonce. She’s nice and cool, and it was a great experience.
What are some of your favorite memories from filming Black Is King?
My first favorite memory was filming Spirit, because that was the first video. I also liked the scene where I was flying, that was really exciting!
How was it seeing yourself on screen?
It was really cool. It was amazing seeing myself on my TV. But I was so embarrassed because my mom kept on pausing it. She would keep pausing it and scream “Ooooo, that’s my baby! That’s my baby!”. So, I just finished it the next morning and watched it four times after that.
Were your friends excited to see you acting on TV?
Yes, my best friends. Like one of my friends who I play basketball with a lot called me because you saw me on Access Hollywood. He was screaming!
Has any of your friends accompanied you with pursing your acting?
No, I do other things with my friends. Like my one friend, we play virtual basketball. We both have hoops at home, and we play HORSE. So, I’ll shoot, and he’ll be watching me shoot, and then let’s say I make it, he’ll shoot the shot that I make. We also play Fortnite, NBA 2K20, Minecraft, roadblocks, and sometimes I go swimming with my little sister.
That’s great you still make time for your other hobbies! In 10 years when you’re seventeen, what would you like to see yourself doing?
I’d like to see myself becoming a major actor or like the best basketball player.
Do you have an advice for other children actors that want to follow in your footsteps?
Yes, I want them to know to never give up and remember we are kings and queens and our ancestors are looking over us.
Tiara Cooper
