Stormzy says his acting debut is ‘all about joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth'
Stormzy has said his acting debut is 'all about the joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth'.
The 31-year-old British rapper has just launched his new production company, #Merky Films, and the performer – real name Michael Omari – will be taking the leading role in Big Man, a 24-minute short film and the first project from his new company.
He said in a statement quoted by Variety: 'I hope you love our first project, Big Man, as much as we loved making it.
'For me, it's all about the joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth – that feeling like life is one big adventure and the world's your playground.
'I hope it inspires you to dream bigger, live louder, and hold on to that unapologetic energy that comes with being young.'
The film, directed by Academy Award-winner Aneil Karia, tells the fictional story of Tenzman, a former rap star facing an uncertain chapter in his life. It is set for release on YouTube at 8pm on Wednesday 18 June, and was made in association with Apple.
Stormzy's new venture builds on the expanding #Merky brand, which already includes #Merky Books, #Merky FC and the #Merky Foundation.
Merky Films aims to increase access to television and film for Afro-Caribbean and other underrepresented communities.
Its stated mission is to champion new voices by creating projects that 'connect communities, celebrate culture and inspire meaningful change'.
A development deal is already in place with Netflix to create multiple projects, including a 'powerful drama series' and a 'seminal biopic', with additional talks ongoing with other film companies.
Speaking about the launch of #Merky Films, Stormzy added: 'I always say: music is my first love, but film is my second. #Merky Films is something I've been dreaming about for ages – a space for powerful British stories and a solid home for fresh, unexpected art. It's a natural next step for everything we do at #Merky – sharing our stories, spotlighting important voices and making room for those who deserve to be seen and heard.'
He also expressed hope the company will help elevate new talent, adding: 'We always like to give that opportunity before the world latches on and catches up.
'I definitely, in 30 or 40 years' time, want to see whoever wins the best director of the year at the Oscars to say that the first thing they directed was for #Merky Films.'
Future projects from the production house will include documentaries, animations and mockumentaries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Perth Now
5 hours ago
- Perth Now
Babyshambles guitarist Patrick Walden dies aged 46
Former Babyshambles star Patrick Walden has died aged 46. The guitarist - who starred in the British rock band alongside Pete Doherty, Drew McConnell, Mick Whitnall and Adam Ficek - has passed away, with the news being announced via Babyshambles' official Facebook page. A statement read: "It is with deep regret and sadness that we share the news of Patrick Walden's death. "We feel very fortunate to have known, loved and worked with him and we kindly ask for respect and privacy during these difficult times. "Peter, Drew, Mik, Adam. (sic)" Patrick performed in a variety of bands - including Fluid, the Six Cold Thousand, and The White Sport - before he joined Babyshambles back in 2003. The rock group - who were formed by Pete during a hiatus from the Libertines - released three albums together, including Down in Albion in 2005, Shotter's Nation in 2007 and Sequel to the Prequel in 2013. The Libertines re-formed in 2014, but Babyshambles continued to perform sporadic shows and festivals throughout that year. In 2024, Pete revealed that a Babyshambles reunion was in the works. The 46-year-old musician admitted that the band were hoping to reunite to mark the 20th anniversary of their debut album. Pete - who was well-known for his turbulent personal life during his time in Babyshambles - told NME at the time: "It is on the cards. We will get back together and get in a room with the instruments and play through the old songs, then get on stage and do it. "But it's the who and the when that needs to be worked out. I think we'll just keep that one on the horizon and deal with that one next year." Meanwhile, Patrick also worked as a live guitarist and as a session musician for a number of well-known artists, including James Blunt and Whitey.
Perth Now
7 hours ago
- Perth Now
Stormzy felt 'challenged' by Big Man role
Stormzy found it difficult to "totally separate" himself from his Big Man character. The 31-year-old star plays a rapper in his first lead role, and Stormzy admits that he struggled to distance himself from his movie character. The award-wining star - who plays Tenzman in the new film - told BBC Newsbeat: "It was really tough if I'm honest. "It felt like I'm playing a rapper but I am a rapper, it's tough to totally separate." Big Man is the first release from Stormzy's #MerkyFilm production company, and the rapper has revealed his long-term ambition for the enterprise. He shared: "What we've tried to do at Merky, whether it's music, sports, whatever, we do we just want to stand in our truth, tell our stories, but also not from the same perspective that it's always been told from. "Even being black British, it's such a nuanced experience – you've got the black experience, you've got the British experience, and then you've got the black British experience. "We want to tell it from our perspective which is nuanced, it's brilliant, it's different, it's not always the same, it's not a monolith." Stormzy felt "challenged" while making the movie, but he still enjoyed the creative process. The Vossi Bop hitmaker said: "It was really tough but it was a challenge I was so honoured to be a part of. "I like to be challenged, I like to be a bit uncomfortable so I love it." Stormzy previously explained that his acting debut was "all about the joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth". The rapper also hopes that the 24-minute short film will serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring stars. He said: "I hope you love our first project, Big Man, as much as we loved making it. 'For me, it's all about the joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth – that feeling like life is one big adventure and the world's your playground. "I hope it inspires you to dream bigger, live louder, and hold on to that unapologetic energy that comes with being young."
Perth Now
14 hours ago
- Perth Now
'Frankly, I think those things are rather silly...' Monty Python legend John Cleese not interested in a knighthood
John Cleese would refuse a knighthood if he was offered the British honour. The Monty Python star previously turned down the offer of a CBE and a peerage and he is adamant that if the Honours Committee and King Charles selected him for the most prestigious accolade and make him "Sir John Cleese" he would say no to the title because he doesn't need, nor want, the validation. When asked if he would turn down a knighthood in the New Year's Honours List, he said: 'I would. I simply don't need that sort of validation. "It's enough for me to know - because people often tell me - that I've helped them through difficult times by making them laugh. They come home, turn on an episode of Fawlty Towers and the world doesn't seem quite so bleak. That's my reward. "Frankly, I think those things are rather silly. Cleese's fellow Monty Python troupe member Michael Palin did accept his knighthood and although he isn't interested in receiving he accolade the Fawlty Towers actor was happy for his long-time friend. In an interview with Candis magazine, Cleese said: 'Good luck to him. I was genuinely pleased. I call him Sir Mickey: that's how I always address my emails to him, He's a lovely guy.' Cleese, 85, is proud to be in an exclusive club of men who did snub a knighthood, a list which includes late rock star David Bowie and The History Boys writer Alan Bennett, 91. The comedian said: "Just look at those men who have turned down awards and titles: David Bowie, Michael Frayn, Alan Bennett and Albert Finney. I have respect for them.' Cleese admits his political beliefs are still on the left when it comes to the distribution of wealth, despite him presenting a show on right wing TV channel GB News. He said: "I'm more to the left economically. I think greed is in danger of killing everyone. "People should be paid good salaries, where possible. We should be generous, not try to save money so billionaires can get richer.' The Life of Brian actor also wishes the world would lighten up and enjoy more "good old-fashioned laughter". Cleese added: "I think we need much more laughter in the world. I'm not advocating mean teasing. Just good old-fashioned laughter. There's nothing to beat it.'
