Finding his niche in the Jamaican theatre and entertainment industry wasn't an easy task, but he approached the venture with confidence and enthusiasm. - Contributed
Keisha Hill, Gleaner WriterIn 2011, Caribbean actor Justin Hadeed Awn established himself in the show The Blackburns Of Royal Palm Estate on CVM Television, playing one of the lead roles as Farouk Tavares.
Director Lennie Little-White had his heart set on Hadeed Awn for the role. The show was a monster hit that did wonders for everyone's career, including Hadeed Awn's, and earned him his first award for one of the top 5 Actor in Jamaica by Jollywood Jamaica.
"I just walked into the offices at Mediamix, filled out an application and some time after, I got called for a screen test. Months down the line, I got called for the part," Hadeed Awn said.
Since then, he has become an enduring figure in the world of film. Born in Edison, New Jersey, Hadeed Awn's parents divorced when he was young and his mother moved them into his grandparents' house in Jamaica.
Hadeed Awn found himself often repeating the plots and voices of characters he had seen in the movies and in real life. He found a haven in the entertainment world, and his interest soon blossomed into a full-time career.
He also has a strong eye for fashion, derived from his experience as a model in the United States for international brands such as Polo, Macy's, Arden B, Coach, Victoria's Secret, Ralph Lauren, Nautica and French Connection.
"I have always been creative growing up," Hadeed said. "I packed up everything and came back to Jamaica when my grandfather died in 2007. He had plans for me to come back and work in the family business, but I have always wanted to create something for myself and express my creativity," Hadeed added.
Upon his return to Jamaica, Hadeed, in fact, started in the family business at Serv-Well (a family-owned and operated entity since 1950), with his primary goal being to bring in new clients. " I loved being in the factory and interacting with the employees. Without them, there would be no business," Hadeed said. Serv-Well is still the only manufacturer of state-of-the-art beach and pool furniture as well as gas stoves.
Finding his niche in the Jamaican theatre and entertainment industry wasn't an easy task, but he approached the venture with confidence and enthusiasm. "I did some research and basically found out what was happening in the creative industry. I really had nothing to lose by trying, and the people I interacted with were quite receptive," Hadeed Awn said.
His recent works include acting in two different parts in the play calledIn The Red And Brown Water and modelling for The Wedding Expo held at the Wyndham Hotel. Prior to this, he was a guest celebrity judge for an event at the Immaculate Conception High School and appeared in the music video for Badmind Dem A Pree by I-Octane featuring Bounty Killer.
"I started more into filming but I am making a transition into plays and commercials. I can't determine how people see me, but I always feel that if you want to know me just ask, only God can judge me," Hadeed Awn said.
Hadeed Awn has worked with various artists, writers, producers, directors and companies, including Lennie Little-White, Munair Zacca, Peter Lloyd, Paul Issa, Rass Kassa, Jay Will, Rick Elgood, Mediamix, CVM, Gyptian, Tarrus Riley, Sean Paul, Shaggy, Sean Kingston, Tesanne Chin, and others.
He also plays Santa for kids during the Christmas season.
Hadeed Awn also starred in the world's first 3D destination film in partnership with The Jamaica Tourist Board and Exposure Limited and on visitjamaica.com.
keisha.hill@gleanerjm.com