Two of Jamaica’s most esteemed actors, Dahlia Harris and Kadeem ‘Kenzic’ Wilson, will take centre stage as guest speakers at this month’s highly anticipated staging of Kingston Creative’s ‘Networking Meetup’.

The award-winning actors will take on a new type of lead role as they share the mastery of their craft and offer on-site mentorship and career advice.

The event, which is set to take place on Friday (April 28) at F&B Downtown from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m., will see the two decorated theatre-industry leaders highlighting the importance and impact of the local theatre and the performing arts, as well as detailing their personal journeys in navigating the field.

Wilson, who has won multiple international and local awards for his roles in various theatrical productions and was a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Youth Award for Excellence in Arts and Culture in 2014, said the initiative is one that will allow him to influence young actors.

“My intention is to motivate them to get started.  Our industry needs young, talented entrepreneurial leaders with the skills, abilities and creative bravery to bring something new to the business.  We’ve been locked away from the world for three years because of the COVID-19 pandemic and now we’re back to some normalcy. We should take this opportunity now to step forward and see ourselves shine,” Wilson said.

Speaking to the importance of industry newcomers making the right connections, Wilson, who also won ‘Best International Actor’ awards at both the LA Sun Film Festival and the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival, said, “Networking is key to finding your tribe.  There are plenty of places, people and resources out there to get you where you’re needed.  Go out, communicate, collaborate – this is one of the best ways to be successful and achieve greatness together.”

Meanwhile, Harris who is the chief executive officer of DMH Productions will share her vast experience in the theatre space.

Through her independent production company, the actor has helped and mentored several young Jamaican actors, preparing them for the big stage.

DMH specialises in providing employment for creative talent; exploring critical social issues through the arts; and advancing the global presence of Jamaican theatre, television and film content. 

The Caribbean Hall of Fame inductee will also provide insight from her extensive career in television and radio, and as a director in film and theatre.  

Organised by Kingston Creative, the Jamaican arts nonprofit that works to develop a healthy creative ecosystem and build a vibrant art district in downtown Kingston, the ‘Networking Meetup’ functions as an inclusive space for creatives, cultural practitioners, academics and entrepreneurs to network and engage in discussions centred around new ideas, solutions and concerns for the cultural and creative industries. 

Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in open mic segments and perform short skits, poetry and music.