Unless you are living under a rock, you probably have seen Sinqua Walls starring as Shawn in the new Starz drama series Power. If not, he has also played in The Secret Life of the American Teenager as Daniel, Teen Wolf as Boyd, Pair of Kings as Pierce, and in Once Upon a Time as Lancelot. When he was younger, he enjoyed playing sports and has always had a passion for acting. As a child, he would participate in plays and rehearse the lines of his favorite movies. Impressed and incredibly intrigued with Walls’ passion for acting, we asked him about his experiences on and off set, and he opened up about his role in Power and an upcoming project.
Cliché: Can you tell us a little about the Starz drama series, Power?
Sinqua Walls: Power is an American drama television series on Starz created by Courtney Kemp Agboh and produced by the rapper Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. The series follows James St. Patrick, nicknamed “Ghost,” owner of a popular New York City nightclub. In addition, he is a major player in one of the city’s biggest illegal drug networks. He struggles to balance these two lives, and the balance topples when he realizes he wants to leave the drug ring in order to support his legitimate business.
What is the story behind Shawn, the character that you play?
Shawn is the surrogate nephew of Ghost, played by Omari Hardwick, and the son of Kanan, played by 50 Cent. He is being groomed by Ghost to rise up the ranks in the family business and is learning the tricks of the trade of a world that is very foreign to him.
How did you feel when you first landed the role as Shawn? What was the process like?
I was excited. I was looking forward to the opportunity to be a part of very racy and high-concept material and Power came along at the right time. From the first episode script I was excited about Power, and I knew that Courtney Kemp Agboh was a very, very talented writer. I loved the authenticity in her words.
Are you thrilled about the planning of season two?
Absolutely! It gives us more time to expand this world and dive into the characters we’ve created. It’s truly a blessing and I’m incredibly thankful and excited for everything that is on the horizon.
How was it working alongside 50 Cent?
50 is a diligent and hardworking person whose energy is infectious. He’s got such a light and is by far one of the smartest men I’ve met in this business.
Is your role in Power similar to any roles that you have previously played?
Not at all. Just from the content alone, this world is unlike any I’ve played in before, and I’m excited about the possibilities of where it could go.
Aside from your role in Power, you will also be starring as Tyler in the featured film Believe Me. Can you give us the synopsis on that film?
It’s Ferris Bueller meets Ocean’s Eleven. In an unorthodox attempt to make money for college, four friends start a fake Christian organization and go around preaching the gospel and keeping the money for themselves.
Have you already begun preparing for that role? If so, what are some techniques that you use to get yourself ready?
I like to use a mixture of techniques from Meisner to Chekov. In film, no one thing will work because you always need different elements to bring out the emotions you want to convey. I try to use what I feel works best in the moment.
Do you feel that you can relate to the character Tyler?
Yes! He has a high moral compass and at least tries to do the right thing. I try to live my life in the same fashion.
Out of all the roles you have played, which has been your favorite experience and why?
That’s a hard one. I’ve liked them all and have been fortunate to play characters who always have a very sincere and redeeming quality to them.
Photos Courtesy of Quavondo
Interview With Sinqua Walls “The Power of Hard Work” was originally published in Cliché Magazine’s Aug/Sept 2014 issue
