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Entertainment

J'can experience inspires movie

BY CECELIA CAMPBELL-LIVINGSTON Observer staff reporter

Friday, June 29, 2012



A chance meeting on a Jamaican beach with a Rastaman and a marijuana-induced dream 10 years ago, inspired hip-hop artiste Kevin 'Kama' Clarke to write his first screenplay.

Now, he is looking forward to that script, Balance, coming to life through American actor Bokeem Woodbine, who is supporting the project.

Clarke says Balance was conceived "in the weirdest way". He was relaxing on the beach with his girlfriend when a Rastafarian walked up to him in Montego Bay and offered him a ganja spliff.

"I always smoked but not the real Jamaican weed," he told Splash.

His first brush with Jamaican 'high grade' was mind-blowing. He went to sleep and recalls having an intense dream.

"It gave me a great idea, I had to turn it into a movie," said Clarke.

Balance is a love story in an urban setting. Its lead character, who grew up in a hustler's environment, is caught up with outsmarting his arch-rival without resorting to violence.

Filming will start in early 2013 with release slated for year end. Woodbine, who has co-starred in films like Dead Presidents and Ray, was in Jamaica recently and noted Balance will be mark his move into movie production.

Clarke, who has been involved in music for the past 12 years, was born in Toronto, Canada to Trinidadian parents. He recorded songs such as Kama's World with hip-hop legend Doug E Fresh in 2000, which was followed by Messing With Me and Independence Day in 2003.

Also in 2003, Clarke appeared in What It Takes, a documentary launched at the Reel World Canadian Film Festival.

His latest song, Alligator Dance, is a collaboration with deejay Elephant Man.



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