(L-R) Leon, Michael "Mr. Brightworks" Stephens, Beres Hammond, Bob "Mr. BET" Johnson (photos by gburkeimages.com)
By: Richard Johnson - The Jamaican Observer
MANY people find it hard to believe he's not Jamaican — or, has Jamaican roots. When Leon arrives in the island, according to him, customs officers oftentimes say: "Welcome home" and everyone greets him like family.
Truth is, this New York native has been visiting for more than 20 years, having fallen in love with the rich culture and the infectious reggae music. In fact, Jamaica Tourist Board once dubbed him 'Jamaica's Best Friend'
The Sunday Observer caught up with the Cool Runnings star recently, just moments before he jetted out of the country. He was here for the Jamaican launch of Triple The Focus, a web-based magazine that covers the local entertainment scene as well as Caribbean and North America.
Leon, who was in the island last year recording with veteran reggae singer Beres Hammond, says that project has been on hold due to his busy schedule.
"It's been crazy, but a good crazy," he says, describing is itinerary.
He is awaiting the release of two films he shot late last year, has just signed on to do another and is also heading to the stage in a play called King of Funk, which chronicles the life and times of '70s/80s rock star Rick James. Leon will play James in this production.
"There are a couple of movies set to be released. There's Ex Free, a romantic comedy which also stars Darrin Dewitt Henson from Soul Food and Sherry Headly from Coming to America. I have also completed Soul Ties, a drama based on a book of the same name by author Tee Austin. I am blessed to have done these projects," Leon explains.
He continues, "when I get back to Los Angeles, I will be completing negotiations to do another film, The Cheaters Club -- about an agency set up to catch men who cheat, and I'm excited about that project," he adds.
However, once he's here in Jamaica, no conversation is complete without talk of music. He is the front man for a band -- Leon and the Peoples -- which produces a sound he describes as reggae soul.
"We have a single we are about to release by the summer called Love Is A Beautiful Thing, so that's something to look forward to."
There is a tinge of sadness on his face as he shares that due to his hectic schedule he might not be able to tour with his favourite reggae act — Beres Hammond — this summer.
The Sunday Observer had to ask Leon his thoughts on the passing of R&B superstar Whitney Houston. Both were cast in the film Waiting to Exhale, although they did not share screen time.
"The night before she passed, I was at an event with Bobby Brown and... who woulda' known? Who woulda' known?," he says repeatedly, shaking his head and starring into a wall inside the hotel's lobby. "All we can do is celebrate her life and career."
The interview ends as the lanky actor has to rush to catch a flight back to Los Angeles, his fifth flight in seven days.
