Quan-Dajai Henriques is making waves not only for his remarkable portrayal of a young Bob Marley in Paramount’s “Bob Marley: One Love” but also for his burgeoning music career, proudly claiming kinship with dancehall superstar Sean Paul.
Rotten Tomatoes scored the film at 35% amidst ongoing discussions regarding the casting choices for the main roles in the biopic, but writer Aaron Neuwirth has given high praises for the performance of the Jamaican actor in “One Love,” saying Quan-Dajai’s performance is the best in the film among the cast led by British actor, Kingsley Ben-Adir in the role of the elder Marley.
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In an exclusive interview with WMV in Los Angeles at brunch organized by Paramount Pictures, Henriques shares insights into his connection with Bob Marley’s legacy, and his upcoming musical endeavors. He draws parallelisms between his own journey and that of the legendary Marley.
“To portray the icon in his emerging times in Rastafari and in music is something surreal because I am an emerging musician as well,” Henriques reflects.
The young singer acknowledges the ubiquitous presence of Bob Marley’s music in the world, describing how Marley’s songs have been woven into the fabric of everyday life. “Everybody knows Bob,” he remarks. “Bob is like in everything. We drive by and we hear One Love as kids, and we sing it at graduation and stuff.” Yet, Henriques emphasizes that his deeper understanding of Marley’s music came at a pivotal moment in his life when he needed inspiration the most.
“People were telling me on social media that I need to do this,” he recounts, discussing the genesis of his involvement in portraying Bob Marley. “I thought to myself, I need to do it.” With determination, he submitted his audition clip, leading to a journey that took him to Jamaica, where he immersed himself in Marley’s legacy and brought his character to life.
Reflecting on his acting debut, Quan-Dajai expresses gratitude for the opportunity to explore a different facet of the performing arts. “I realized I can,” he says. “It was the first time acting, it’s a different part of the performance arts that I got to put my foot in, and I really like it.”
Henriques finds a profound connection between his music and the solitude of individuals, seeing it as a means to deliver a positive message to those who need it most. “I found my music in place of solitude,” he shares. “People in their solitude and in their moments, it would be a good message for them.”
Looking ahead, Henriques teases an upcoming release—a collaboration with Sean Paul’s Dutty Rock productions, set to be released on the 23rd of February. With a hint of anticipation, he describes it as “social commentary,” suggesting that his music will continue to echo the themes of introspection and societal reflection.
“I found my music in place of solitude, people in their solitude and in their moments it would be a good message for them,” he said.
