Looking out this window at the city below, I'm thinking about how close I came to self-sabotage. How one decision nearly cost me everything.

The Audition That Humbled Me

I gave The Porter everything—body, mind, spirit. Went all in for the lead role of Zeke. After callbacks, a producer session and availability check. They passed.

A few days later, they offered me Henry. A smaller role. Way smaller.

I said no.

I didn't feel it honoured my gifts. I've always been intentional about the stories I tell, the roles I take. This wasn't it.

But producers Charles and Marsha—people I respected deeply—came back three times. Sweetened the offer. Sent a personal note. My sister said, "Do it."

So I said yes.

That one decision changed everything.

When Opportunity Meets Fear

The producer of “It Comes In Waves” Amir Zagara watched “The Porter” and was impressed with my performance. After researching me and watching my demo reel on IMDB, he felt I’d be perfect to play the lead role of “Akai”.

Director Fitch and I clicked immediately. My debut feature. My first time carrying something this big.

I was excited, then terrified.

So terrified, I almost asked them to recast it. That's the moment—when opportunity meets fear and you either step up or step back.

I chose faith.

Anchored myself in Scripture. Psalm 23. Philippians 4:13. Hebrews 11. Preparation became my weapon against fear. I worked. I prayed. I trusted. 

{https://youtu.be/yQ_-UCmQVt8?si=Myxay76dJNBa-te0}

Playing Akai Changed Me

Akai is layered, wounded, searching. A young Rwandan man wrestling with generational trauma and the power of forgiveness. To play him, I had to investigate myself—understand high versus low-functioning trauma, open up conversations about mental health in communities where we don't always talk about it.

After screenings, people told me they saw themselves. The DMs came flooding in. Some said it hit too close to home. Others admitted they had to look away.

That's what storytelling is—connection through vulnerability.

I've been blessed, but I'm no stranger to asking for help. I ask questions, lean on mentors, family, read, listen, learn. Growth requires humility. Sometimes the answers are in other people.

If this film helps even one person talk, ask, and heal? That's everything.

{https://www.instagram.com/p/DJt2eTLtYss/?hl=en&img_index=2}

The Moment I'll Never Forget

At our Toronto screening, near the end of the film, I looked away from the screen and into the crowd. Every single eye was locked on Akai's journey.

Then I looked back at the screen and realized—that's me.

A Divine pause. God saying, See what I'm doing?

Nothing but gratitude.

After the Q&A, Fitch and I walked outside. Half the theatre was still there, lining both sides of the street, clapping, cheering, celebrating.

If I had said no to Henry, none of this would exist.

The Momentum Keeps Building

It Comes in Waves—a film about memory, healing, and the Rwandan diaspora navigating identity, trauma, and resilience in Canada—premiered at the American Black Film Festival in Miami to rave reviews.

Then Side Walk Film Festival, where it won Best Narrative Feature Audience Choice Award.

Then Reelworld Film Festival, as their opening night film, where it swept five of seven major awards, including Outstanding Feature Film Actor for me.

We've been selected for the Austin Film Festival and UrbanWorld Festival in New York—both Oscar-qualifying.

Everyone is talking about it.

And to think I almost turned down playing Henry.

The Ripple Effect

Out Standing premiered at TIFF's 50th Anniversary to a two-minute standing ovation. I believe It Comes in Waves opened that door. They saw I could lead. That trust landed me a role in their ten-million-dollar feature.

It's wild what's behind our yeses and nos.

That's why I pray over every decision. You never know how one choice sets the course for something incredible.

Saying yes to Henry almost didn't happen. That "small" role led to the career-defining one.

And this is only the beginning.