Our guest today, Nebil Rajo, was nominated as the best lead actor in Canada. Born in Eritrea and then moving to Canada at a young age, this young and aspiring artist did not take time to blend in with a new culture and follow his dreams in theatrical arts. His exquisite and authentic acting skills, along with his dedication and passion, got him nominated as the best lead actor in the movie “boost”. His appetite for creating extraordinary works is still at its highest.
Please introduce yourself, Nebil.
I was born in February 1992 in Asmara but moved to Toronto, Canada, with my mother when I was four. I bounced from journalism to the school of law until I finally chose to commit to theatrical art, and I have since been performing. I went from commercials to television to film, and now I’m in a position of writing my own stories and my own feature film. I am so happy to come back to my place of birth. I have come back here often, but this time around it is a bit different. I’m here to stay longer.
Now that you’re independent, how are you doing in Eritrea?
A lot has changed actually. I was a kid when I came back here last time, and, as a kid, you don’t really appreciate the little things and it used to take me a long time to adapt. To be back in an environment that’s completely different from where I live was challenging. But this time, I know exactly what to do here. My perspective of my place of birth has changed over the years, and this is an exciting thing for me. There’s something relaxing about coming back here. Everyone is confident about themselves. They are who they are and do what they do and not in any kind of crisis with themselves.
What made you commit to theatrical arts after bouncing from one field to another?
It runs in the family. I spent a lot of time with my uncle, Alamin Alimuz, who was involved in acting and productions. I looked up to him for a long time. I think from a young age, I subconsciously began to deposit certain memories. One way or another art is part of my family. I have uncles who do a little bit of poetry and a cousin who is a good performer and actor. So I was always interested in film and drama. I used to watch a lot of movies and recite lines, and this helped me to learn the language fast. When I got to the point where I didn’t know what I wanted to do, I still felt I was going to do some form of writing and create stories. And once I made that decision, I never looked back. I think my biggest concern was my family. Like any other parent, my mom wanted me to focus on my academics and get a degree in law or engineering because she didn’t know much about art and performing. Once I got into art, though, it was natural. I was booking commercials in the first year and was on TV three months after I decided to do acting. Everything aligned the way it was meant to and worked out. And my mom started embracing the fact that this might be a family thing and a family gift.
What do you think about the way our culture is portrayed through art to the world?
When I look at my background and where I come from, I see a story. I feel like there’s a goldmine. Our culture has never been put in front of the camera in a big way. I’m interested in cultivating ideas about Eritrea. Of course, you shouldn’t be impulsive; you’ve got to take your time to understand its history. It’s a responsibility. I would love to start the process as soon as possible so that everybody can see it and enjoy it. I also would like to do it in a respectful and tasteful way that celebrates us. It can be entertainment but also an experience. We can give the world an experience they never had. Coming here is also part of my homework. I want to touch every part of this place as much as possible and step outside of Asmara and investigate, experience and absorb firsthand so that I can go back and have the confidence to write something or add to what I have so far and make something that people can be proud of. I want to represent my culture and don’t want for there to be any misinformation or misinterpretation of what I’m trying to do.
There are a lot of young people out there who struggle to stay committed to a path they choose. What would your advice be for them?
Try to be independent and not be influenced by what people want you to be or to do. I think it’s important for you to get away from anything that can be a distraction. I believe that deep down we all have an idea of what we want to do. We are just afraid to take a leap maybe because we don’t know how it’s going to pan out. If you’re interested in something, you should just have the faith and go for it. If you genuinely feel that this should be a part of your life, you’re going to find your way. You just have to go through the struggle. There’s going to be a time of doubt but if you stick to it, there’s always going to be a way for you to get to the other side. Don’t get in your own way is my advice to those young people.
You are the lead actor in the film where you accomplished a great success. Tell us about it.
The script of the movie, ‘boost’, was meant to be about two Asian characters. The writer wanted to tell the story of a first generation kid living in the West, trying to fit into the new world as he comes from a totally different background. But I guess he couldn’t find Asian actors that were fit to play the characters, and I got a chance to audition for the movie and ended up becoming the lead actor. The interesting part is that the writer wanted a different culture and an immigrant’s experience to be a part of it. And I suggested that we do it with my culture since it’s a movie about two black kids and I can share my experience and culture. So the character was changed from a hyphenated Asian to a hyphenated Eritrean. There was a scene in the film where I had a conversation in Tigrigna. That was a profound moment for me. The film was different from others that are produced in Canada. You know it had an edge and people loved that it was a new wave. I was given the most prestigious award in Canada for best lead actor. It was my first lead in a film and it ended up being a great introduction for me.
I was definitely on cloud nine. It was surreal. I mean I did a play, a live stage theater show and also got nominated for the best actor of the theater division. And I also got selected to be at one of the Canadian film centers. I was there for six months working on my craft and learning other aspects of film making, such as writing and producing. But the movie ‘boost” was a great stepping stone for me. I was very excited and proud after hearing the news of the nomination because I had been very critical of myself.
What’s next for Nebil?
I want to do a lot more writing and create my own opportunities and stories that are connected with me just like the movie ‘boost.’ I want to be involved in meaningful and inspiring works. I never really had a blueprint on Eritrean actors in the West who are doing their thing. That never was the case and I had to be the first one. I just really want to inspire young Eritreans who are interested in art, productions and stories. I just want to be active and some form of evidence (demonstration) that it is possible to be the best in what you do.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, Nebil. We wish you all the best.