Malcolm Kamulete has accomplished plenty in his short career. Playing Ra'Nell in Top Boy. Securing a lead role in BBC One musical drama Champion.
But the actor's proudest accomplishment? Making his mother proud.
"The first time I was able to see, and actually understand, how happy it made my mum seeing me on screen!" recalls Kamulete. "I always get chills when I think of it."
May he continue doing so for many years to come.
What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?
There are so many excellent projects that come to mind but I would say Champion is the project I am most excited about! I cannot wait for the world to meet these amazing characters and learn about who they are and what they represent. There is something in the show for everyone!
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
My proudest professional achievement would be the first time I was able to see, and actually understand, how happy it made my mum seeing me on screen! I always get chills when I think of it. Other than that, I’d say following through with the craft in the first place! Without the initial decision to start, I would not be where I am today.
If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?
Even if I could, I wouldn’t change anything! I truly believe in everything happening for a reason and I am sure all of us having different journey’s is just part and parcel of that.
Vest, All Saints; Rings, 7879; Suit, Kingsman at MRPORTER; Loafers, Grenson
What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?
I hope to achieve the ultimate level of peace of mind. I feel like it’s hard to switch off sometimes, especially as a creative. The constant thinking and creating can be a draining process. So yeah…peace of mind definitely.
Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration outside of my family is myself! I would like to think that I look for validation inwardly rather than outwardly, so gratitude is always a must. I’m constantly learning new things about myself that definitely inspire me.
Tell us something nobody knows about you…
Hmmm… I’m pretty boring in regard to that but I love anime! And if I wasn’t acting, I’d probably be a professional (maybe semi-professional) footballer, ha!
T-shirt, A Bathing Ape; Jacket, All Saints
Style
What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?
My favourite item of clothing would probably be my Arsenal shirts. I’d say that’s quite self-explanatory but I love Arsenal quite literally too much haha! I’ve supported them since forever and I don’t plan on changing teams anytime soon!
Favourite accessory – watch / jewellery / etc – and why is it special to you?
My favourite accessory would be a customised silver ring that was gifted to all the cast and crew on Champion as it was a really nice memento to take with us after all the hard work! It had “Champion ‘22” engraved on it to signify the name of the production and the year we filmed it.
What's been your most embarrassing style fail? An outfit or item you now regret wearing?
Honestly, I play it safe more often than not, so I wouldn’t usually find myself in a situation where I am regretting outfit choices. There was one time that I attended an industry brunch in more informal wear than anyone else and I did feel slightly out of place… for all of 5 minutes haha!
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Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?
I have lost so many items of jewellery, clothing, console games…you name it! There are so many things that I miss that I cannot find anymore!
What’s next on your shopping list?
Next on my shopping list would probably be something from Diesel as I frequent them more often than not. If not, then I may treat myself to a Nintendo switch sometime soon!
What would you buy if money was no object?
I would buy infinite wisdom and knowledge because knowledge is absolutely priceless. I would also probably own a lot of a real estate... one can dream.
Champion begins Saturday 1 July at 9:15pm on BBC One, with all episodes then available immediately on BBC iPlayer.
