Jamaican actor, educator and Grammy-nominated musician Hector Roots Lewis, who made his Hollywood debut earlier this year as drummer Carlton “Carly” Barrett in Bob Marley: One Love, reflects on his journey with Shelley Ann Innis.
How has your experience been since then? Bob Marley: One LoveDebut?
I have experienced far more support and engagement from people and communities around the world, and most importantly, from my home country of Jamaica. It was more than I expected, as I was so engrossed in the process of creating art…Being an actor is a whole different world and space…I am thrilled to share in such a great legacy as Carlton “Carly” Barrett, and I am so happy to be the vehicle to tell that story, alongside some of the best in the industry.
Barrett was called “the man of reggae drumming’s finest” – how did playing him impact you personally and professionally?
It was a real honor to tell the story of Carlton Barrett. There are theoretical approaches to drumming, but he transcended that and basically played what he felt. His sound was born from listening to many different genres of music: jazz, funk, soul, disco, especially American music.
Researching Carlton’s legacy brings me back to my time as a student at the Edna Manley College of Visual Arts. I fondly recall creating a timetable for this project and have come to appreciate the contributions that Carlton and Jamaican culture have made to the global music scene.
It also taught me the courage and purpose of being a musician, something that was reinforced by conversations I had with my nephew, Aston Barrett Jr., while making the album. Bob Marley: One LoveCarly lived a life of purpose, one enriched not by material satisfaction but by the power of music.
You’ve come into contact with many influential people throughout your life and career, who would you most like to work with and why?
The list is so long and I’ve already had the opportunity to work with some dream collaborators. As I get older, I really wish I could have worked with my mom. [singer Barbara Jones, described as the “Billie Holliday of reggae”]I am always looking to produce her music, harmonize with her, and apply the sage advice she gave me, especially at the height of her career, to further contribute to her legacy, and I hope to continue to do so with every production I create.
Are you currently working on any projects?
My latest single “Possibility” was released on May 31st and was produced in collaboration with Johnny Kozmic, an incredibly talented producer and engineer from California. It represents a deliberate step forward in evolving my sound and not limiting my artistry to a genre. You will be hearing more about this on my upcoming album.
Production-wise, I just started working with a special artist called KA$E. This is my way of getting closer to the heart of music and I’m really excited to show that side in my art. Apart from that, I’ve mostly been practicing different instruments and doing some writing sessions at home and in the studio.
In the last few years, I have become more daring in my art and more innovative in my attitude towards music. Music is more than my passion. It is my life’s work, shaped by a lineage of talent. So I put more emphasis on sound, acoustics, vocal projection, vocal sensation. My evolution is about sharpening my ears and putting my heart and experience into my work.
Any final words you’d like to say?
I want to thank everyone who has supported my journey over the years. Creating art and sharing it with the community is really important to me. Music is healing, but it’s also a journey of self-discovery. I’m excited to see where this road will take me, and I’m honored that music continues to lead me on a path of justice and grateful for every step of the way.
