He’s sitting back and enjoying the ride!
For years, we have reveled in the glory that is Black cinema, platforming our own heroes in an industry that doesn’t always give them the recognition that they deserve. Amazing talents like Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, and Samuel L. Jackson have paved the way on the shoulders of giants like Sidney Poitier and Cicely Tyson while still striving to open doors for young talent along the way.
But just when you think we’ll never find another like them, a Michael B. Jordan comes along, a Quinta Brunson peaks over the mountaintops, and a Danielle Brooks becomes an EGOT nominee. Decade by decade, we’re reminded that the seeds sown are always bringing up fresh crops, and as we look to the hills for that next great spark, we run into the next generation of stars taking over, and we find a gem like Mekai Curtis.
The breakout star in “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” Curtis recently sat down with Because Of Them We Can to discuss his journey as a young creative, his perspective on acting, and his exciting plans as a rising star in the entertainment industry.
A native of New Jersey, Curtis credits his father, who plays the piano, for introducing him to music. He grew up drumming, and his parents noticed that talent at an early age, helping to nurture it. Eventually, the family moved to Los Angeles, and a random on the street interaction with a talent agent led to Curtis’ first audition opportunity. He tried acting for a while, testing his chops with commercial work while also trying to be a normal child. After receiving a football injury, it was Curtis’ mom who pushed him to lean in fully to his creative side.
“I got hurt, and my mother was like, you’re never putting pads on again. And that’s when I was like, alright, cool. I guess we’ll go full creative,” Curtis joked.
His talents took him to Missouri, where he eventually landed a gig with Disney. After working with the kid-friendly brand for some years, Curtis felt he had finally gained the chops to launch out into the deep, recognizing that as an actor, he had a unique gift. His determination prevailed and honing his craft helped lay the foundation for future success.
In 2021, Curtis emerged as the star of “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” the third installation in the Power universe from executive producers 50 Cent, Courtney A. Kemp, and Sascha Penn. The drama series is set in the ‘90s and tells the origin story of Kanan Stark, a villainous character portrayed by 50 Cent in the original “Power.” In a sort of urban coming-of-age story, Curtis plays the young Stark as he navigates the throws of teenage and young adulthood while simultaneously navigating the underworld he inherited from his mom, Raquel, played by actress Patina Miller, who runs the family’s criminal enterprises.
A behemoth of a role for any actor, the world of “Power Book III” is as intricate as it gets. In addition to the storytelling, Curtis has also mastered a unique dialect that is as much Kanan Stark as it is the real-life 50 Cent, his on-screen interactions throwing social media into a frenzy week after week. At just 23 years old, Curtis’ ability to master this level of acting is proof that the kids are, in fact, alright. For the young talent, being a part of a cultural phenomenon like the “Power” universe isn’t the pressure people think it is, but one he considers a blessing, as Curtis attempts to approach his character in a way that resonates with audiences and reflects the authenticity and nuance needed for such a role.
“I am a vessel, really. So, I get to reflect whatever world I’m stepping into. I get to bring to light just what is around…I thank God for the responsibility of it…So I just wake up every day and just try to be there…I just get up, and I envelop in what’s happening, and I’m there, and I don’t ever try to wear it as a pressure because it’s not,” said Curtis.
A lot of the poise he has is due to consistently keeping his crafts sharp. Season 3 just wrapped, and the cast is already filming Season 4, but in between shoots, Curtis took some time to play drums on an R&B tour. Being able to navigate his gifts seamlessly helps to put things into perspective and keeps the work fun. He’s hoping to continue producing at this level and leave a legacy he can be proud of in the future. Curtis told us he derives constant inspiration from everyday people and his own personal experiences, and with the success of “Raising Kanan,” we are eagerly anticipating what’s next for him.
“In the realm of what I want to leave behind, it is all about legacy. I want everything, too; I’m already stepping into it. I’m grateful to be a part of such a cultural staple…and to tell such a prestigious story. That’s just the sort of [thing] I’m going to be in line with for the rest of my life. I do it at the highest level and will continue to because I love it and because that’s where I’ve been placed for a reason.”
Cover photo: ‘Raising Kanan’s’ Mekai Curtis Is Proof That Hollywood’s Next Generation Is Just Getting Started/Photo by Guido Venitucci/APA