He holds a starring role in Better Mus’ Come, a Jamaican film set in volatile 1970s Kingston, written and directed by local cinematographer Storm Saulter. SO caught up with American actor Roger Guenveur Smith, who was sought out to play the role of Prime Minister in the film. Who knew that he wasn’t from The Rock?

What are your earliest memories of Kingston?

The first time I came to Kingston I was a student, and I was taken straight from the airport to Tuff Gong Studios. There was a musical artist there at the time, Bob Marley, recording Survival. That was my introduction to Jamaica — a pretty profound one.

What do you miss when you are not in Kingston?

There’s a certain vibe here that is unlike any other… the combination of sounds, tastes and warmth. It’s very unique to a city that’s obviously a bustling metropolis, but also so close to nature.

What are your favourite home comforts?

I suppose my books and my music. Those are the tangible comforts. The intangibles are love, kindness, happiness.

What would you do if you were Mayor (of Kingston) for a day?

(Laughs) I would declare my day as Mayor of Kingston ‘Anti-pothole day’, and would gather resources of the city to effect the filling of the potholes. And I mean that in the physical and metaphorical sense as well. Nicole showed Kingston how vulnerable it is to nature. The resources of Kingston and the country have to go toward the protection of the people.

Share with us the title of the last book you read.

Beneath the Underdog, by Charles Mingus. It’s an autobiography.

What are your middle names?

I only have one: Guenveur.

And the last bit of music that stirred your soul?

Nas and Damian Marley; it was heartening to see hip-hop and reggae coming together, especially two young men who are sons of distinguished musicians. It was nice to see talent coming together that way.

What was your last bit of retail therapy?

I’m kind of a sucker for books and music. But, the last thing I had ‘just because’ was at Devon House — a rum-raisin with pistachio, and that was pretty indulgent.

Which cologne(s) are you currently splashing?

Probably warm salt water.

What is your preferred beverage?

Ting is pretty special.

What was your most memorable meal in Kingston?

Probably at Maiden Cay, there was a barbecue out there. It was pretty fantastic to be eating in the middle of Kingston Harbour.

What are your current projects?

Better Mus’ Come, of course. And I have another I’ve been working on called Mooz-lum. I play a strict Sunni Muslim father to a young boy in college, circa 9/11.

I also have a film coming out called Son of No One with Al Pacino.

I’m continuing to do my work on stage as well, with my latest play entitled Juan and John, which is a play based on a story of two baseball players who had a notorious fight but eventually reconciled. It’s a beautiful story on forgiveness; it’s already been shown in New York and Santo Domingo. I will be premiering it in Los Angeles next year. This is a play I’ve written, directed and performed.

What upsets you?

Injustice, intolerance.

Share your favourite spots on the island.

The Blue Mountains, Port Antonio, Negril, St Elizabeth.

Share some places in your black book.

I think anyone who’s in New York should walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, especially at night or at sunset. Also, first-time visitors to LA should go to the Watts Towers. It’s an amazing structure built out of scrap metal by Simon Rodia over a 30-year period.

What’s your advice to a first-time visitor to Kingston?

It’s always important to read the history of the place you’re visiting, so you’re not just going to a hotel (or home) without knowing the rich history on which Kingston stands.

What’s your philosophy?

“Get up, stand up.”