ZBEK hoping for big break
ZBEK (Zealously Be Embracing Knowledge) is hoping he can make the transition from music videos to the silver screen. He recently returned to Jamaica after participating in several auditions in New York City.
“While out and about, I was often stopped by complete strangers who recognised me from my roles in various music videos. Others simply wanted to know if I was a model,” the 34-year-old told the Jamaica Observer.
The Clarendon-born thespian said he auditioned for a role in Godfather of Harlem, an HBO series which will feature Hollywood’s A-lister Forest Whitaker, as well as Vincent D’onofrio and Giancarlo Esposito. Written by
Chris Brancato, the television series will look at American crime boss Bumpy Johnson taking on the mafia.
ZBEK also auditioned for a role in an upcoming 20th Century Fox film, Passport to Iron City.
According to ZBEK, he learned of the auditions through social media. Despite not landing any roles, he said he has learned from the experience.
“Given my height and slim structure, I also plan to pursue modelling as it could open some other doors. This is also in keeping with my philosophy that we should use everything that God has given us towards our betterment and the betterment of society,” he said.
ZBEK’S given name is Jermaine Nelson. He attended Central High School in Clarendon and participated in several Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Speech and Drama Festival for the school.
ZBEK is featured in music videos, including Vybz Kartel’s Real Youth (2016), Busy Signal’s Stay So
(2018), and most recently, Wayne Marshall’s Glory To God (2018).
He has had several other roles in various TV and film productions. They include the role of Okeen, a lover boy, in the short film Perfect Love, which won an award at the Greater August Town Film Fest in 2018; Mango Wars (2017); Flight (2018); and Savannah (2017).