Growing up I was different things to different people. To my family I was their Canadian boy that was going to the NBA; well at least division 1 in the NCAA. At school, the potential scholarship athlete but I consistently resisted against systemic oppression, which resulted in me sent to the office. Born & raised in Toronto’s underbelly, Regent Park, whether I was Jamaican to the cops or Canadian to my family (& other Caribbean’s), ultimately I was still from the hood. Poverty has its benefits: increased social interaction due to lack of entertainment amenities (I didn’t have nothing, no Nintendo, no computer) so I went outside. I was always good with people, which made performance easy and lead me to wear multiple hats like Actor, Rapper, Videographer (Camera Man), Director, Manager, and then my most important identity; I became a father. I take the most pride and care in this job because it means a new generation will have at least some of the “tools of privilege,” like having both parents in your life. Now I’m the “work horse” for FAMTV directing, hosting, admin. We are all works in progress though I’ve transformed many times “I’m the same Old G”!
Andre