Rogen “Ruppi” Walker

Director, Editor, Graphic and VFX Designer, Creative & Director of Now or Never Entertainment

Style Observer (SO): How did you come up with the name, The Now or Never Club?

Rogen Walker (RW): This name came through a strategic rebrand a few years ago after being known as RD Studios for so long due to the growth of the team and the mindset we had to develop given the state of the industry at the time due to the pandemic. The name came to me naturally and fit so well.

SO: Was your career choice written in the stars or were you simply determined to carve out a niche in the music industry?

RW: To put it simply, I love art and entertainment and I still engage in other areas of the industry outside of what I’m most known for. I still love all areas of the industry and wish I could multiply myself to experience all areas. I zeroed in on being a music video director due to the overwhelming demand but I wouldn’t say it was destiny but more of a strategic choice as all creatives need an outlet to express themselves and I found mine. I still work in the other areas when I can.

SO: Tell us about that first big breakthrough?

RW: I suffer from imposter syndrome so I am still waiting on that ‘BIG BREAKTHROUGH’ so my team and I just lock in and work every day.

With every project, Rogen Walker sees the importance of helping to shape an artiste’s career by staying deeply invested in their vision and growth.

SO: Was there ever a Plan B for Rogen Walker?

RW: I have a plan named after every letter of the alphabet. Thank God I’m still at Plan A.

SO: What would your advice be to a group of interns eager to follow in your footsteps?

RW: If you have talent, a good work ethic and 100 per cent believe in yourself, then come work for TNONC and watch your dreams come true!

Rogen Walker frames the shot for dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel (seated, left) and hitmaker DJ Khaled on the set of the music video God Is The Greatest.

SO: Who do you most admire in your industry and why?

RW: In an industry where only 10 per cent make it, I respect and admire everyone who is dedicated and committed enough to be in that small percentage.

SO: You are known for directing and shaping high-profile music videos. What in your opinion was lacking prior to your entry and how do you maintain that competitive edge?

RW: It has always been a rough industry from the beginning. I wouldn’t say it is any easier now but over time you get tough enough to deal with anything that comes in the way. I just focus on myself and do what feels right every day. I wouldn’t say I am competitive; our team is just constantly improving the standard in the industry. From those early days to now it has always been a tunnel vision focus on myself and my team. And with our clients, we don’t just see ourselves as people they hire for a project. We’re invested in their careers, their vision and their growth, to the point where we become staples in their career.

SO: You were quoted, some six years ago, as saying that there was a need to “land the right projects with the right editors and directors”. How are we doing today? Are we getting sufficient international collabs?

RW: Yes, the growth is there. I have worked with a lot of the people I used to look up to and artistes I listened to. We keep growing despite it all and realised the value in building the right people ourselves.

Rogen Walker (left) shares the frame with dancehall artiste Rajah Wild.

SO: Are local creatives on the right path?

RW: Yes, we definitely are! The challenges are not limited to us. We do have global musical challenges; for example, with the advancement of AI and other factors, but we will be good.

SO: On to more personal matters… what does Ruppi do to unwind?

RW: Work is so filled with entertainment, travelling and other activities that unwinding for me is just being home isolated with my phone off.

SO: Share with us a few of your creature comforts.

RW: Cooking my own meal, chilling with my son, my dog and other things…

Rogen Walker (left) and dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel inspect a take on set.BYDC

SO: Driving from Kingston to a shoot in Black River, what are you listening to?

RW: Usually as a crew we all travel together with everyone fighting for the aux. Usually a mixture of dancehall and hip hop from different eras. If we produced a song/s recently then that’s on replay.

SO: Which countries are on your bucket list?

RW: Japan and Thailand. I love places with a strong history and culture. I have yet to visit those two.

Rogen Walker (left) with dancehall artiste Dexta Daps.KDCREATEDIT

SO: How would you describe your fashion style?

RW: Ruppi, just me.

SO: Where would you take a first-time visitor to Kingston?

RW: To one of our videoshoots! That’s a jump into the culture.

Rogen Walker (foreground) Now Or Never Entertainment director, on location.

SO: What are your favourite foods?

RW: Ackee and salt fish, stew peas and fried chicken from Nana’s Kitchen.

SO: What are you drinking?

RW: Appleton Rare Old Fashioned

SO: Finally, what’s your personal credo?

RW: Now or never!

Appleton Rare Old Fashioned Ingredients: 2oz Appleton Estate 12 year-Old Rare Casks Rum Dash or two of Angostura Bitters 1 barspoon of brown sugar Method: Combine ingredients Add rum Strain into a rock glass over a single large ice cube (Photo: Naphtali Junior)