Connect with us

Entertainment

Movie star Akeem Mair is the entertainment industry’s up-and-coming icon !!!

Published

on

By

AKEEM MAIR

Movie star Akeem Mair is the entertainment industry’s up-and-coming icon. In his career as an artist, he has appeared in several movie productions including Its on You, 417: Person with a Gun, Gangster City, Jolly Boy Friday, Life of a Villain, Red, Fine Line, Happy Birthday, The Kidnap, etc.

Akeem has signed with two agencies: Commercial Talent Agency (under Sarah Angeli) and Minc Talent (under Mariko Ballentine). At 33, Akeem is in his prime. With his noteworthy work ethic and passion, he is destined for greater heights. In fact, he has over 5 million views for a single video alone – the time when he appeared for The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which Ellen described as “the best episode she’s ever seen.” Also appearing on Iyanla’s Fix My Life on Oprah’s network, Apex Legends commercial with over 1 Million views on YouTube, Let’s Make A Deal with Wayne Brady, and many more.

Besides this feature with Shoutout LA, Akeem appears in many publications such as Voyage LA, 360 Magazine, Cliche Magazine, Occhi Magazine, KB Popculture, Kivo Daily, Naluda Magazine, Tha Wilson Block Magazine, The Hype Magazine, Dark Magazine, Vents Magazine, We Entertainment News, Star Central Magazine, Natfluence, US Reporter, American Reporter, Time Bulletin, Top 15 Entrepreneurs, LA Wire’s Top 20 IG Accounts to Follow in 2020, and many more.

How did you get started in acting?

I didn’t grow up thinking I wanted to make it out of Hollywood. I actually wanted to be a financial banker. I watched Michael Douglas in the movie called, “The Game,” and I was hooked. The 2000 BMW 740 i, the classy suits, and the stock exchange office. From his personal maid that lives with him in a fancy mansion, I was convince to be financed banker. But one day while working at Ralph’s grocery store, a loyal customer changed my destiny. I was a cashier at Ralph’s when a customer I knew quite well was apparently in a sad mood. So I did my best to brighten up her day using my big positive personality that my customers loved so much. I remember saying, “hi it’s so good to see you again, I hope you found everything ok?” She said quietly, “yes thank you!” I told her, “usually  I see you smiling but whatever you’re going through I know God will pull you out of it!” “ He’ll never give you anything you can’t handle!”

After the transaction I said, “have a bless day, I hope to see you again!!” She stood there frozen for a minute and then finally looked at me. I could see the tears in her eyes when she replies, “Are you an actor?” I said, “No. Why do you ask?” She said, “Because you have this big positive energy. You move people by it. You lifted my spirits after I just lost my home in a foreclosure today.” Her words cut deep within me. After my shift, I rushed home and wondered, What would my life look like if I was a successful Actor? I thought about how I could help millions of people with my big personality the same way I helped her. It was that night I knew I wanted to become an actor. I searched how to get started in acting and it lead to me to Central Casting. And as they say, the rest is history!

What is the most rewarding aspect about being an actor? 

It’s most rewarding when you inspire people around you to go after their dreams or fight for whatever they want in life. Sometimes you don’t notice that people are watching you secretly. I remember a few years back when I was going through a serious depression and had given up my pursuit in making it in Hollywood. One of my friends notice I disappeared from the entertainment world and reach out to me to find out what happened. I told him, “it’s been rough and my progress became stagnant. A big casting director slammed the door in my face and I crashed my truck.” After hearing that my friend said, “that’s why you quit??” He said, “let me be honest with you bro I was so inspired by you and what you’ve been able to accomplish. I said to myself if Akeem can do it, then I can do it!” “You can’t just quit bro because you will let me down!” He really opened my eyes that day. I didn’t realize that people are watching me and low key keeping tabs on me. One day I turned  the lights off in my bedroom and stared into the darkness pondering on what I wanted to do and all of the people who are counting on me to stick with it. This time I attack my dreams head on while carrying the weight of everyone’s expectations on my back. When you hear people tell you how inspired they are by what you do everyday it is the most rewarding feeling.

What sets you apart from other actors or actress in the industry?

What sets me apart from everyone else in Hollywood is that I’m not afraid to fail or dream big. You’re gonna be doubted, called delusional, or laughed at for having big dreams. And it may even come from people you care about like your friends and family. I didn’t care. Some people are afraid to stand out and try new things because it leads to failure and it’s uncomfortable to be in the unknown. I didn’t care. My strong faith has always been my biggest weapon. I just refused to think small or doubt if it will work out. I have always carry the idea that God has my back in everything I do. So regardless if the opposition is stacked high against me, I’m always attacking. Sometimes I fail and do I’ll do it again, fail and keep going like I didn’t fail at all. I am a go getter at heart and so nobody needs to baby me. I got this!

So, how are things going today? How did grit and resilience lead to your eventual success?

Things today are going better than they were years ago. Since recovering from my depression and attacking my dreams in a different way of thinking than before, I booked a Nintendo Switch Apex Legends Commercial, Dominguez Firm Commercial still airing on TV, appeared on CBS Let’s Make A Deal last December, Appeared on Ellen Degeneres Show August 2019, Booked two feature films “It’s On You” and “Black Caesar Pirate King,” Appeared in several Magazines such as Naluda Magazine, 360 Magazine, Vents Magazine, Kivo Daily, LA Voyage, We Entertainmemt News, KB Pop Culture, The Hype Magazine, The Native Influence, Occhi Mag, Cliche Magazine, Tha Wilson Block Mag, Star Central Magazine, NY Wire’s Top 25 Individuals, US Reporter’s Top 15 Entrepreneurs, LA Wire’s Top 20 IG Accounts to Follow in 2020, and many more. I feel like grit and resilience is in every in I do. How you must hold your head up in all your auditions. Even if doesn’t go your way, know that you did your best and there are so many opportunities still out there. Being resilient even if you don’t have a lot of money and you got so much to pay for like acting classes, online services, clothes, and stuff like that to make it in this business. The grit and resilience to stay up in the middle of the night to get things done when you hear people sleeping or watching tv in the other room. It’s not easy but it’s my passion. I must have grit and resilience to make it!

Where do you see yourself in the entertainment industry in the next 10 years?

In the next 10 years I see myself doing exactly what Denzel Washington or Will Smith has done with their respective careers; win an Oscar, become A Lister, be apart of plenty blockbuster movies, become a household name, a true superstar in Hollywood. My main goals has always been the same in this industry, I want to be at the top of the mountain. It’s never been about the money or the fame but being the greatest of all time! What I’m asking for is tremendous hard work and sacrifices but I’m willing to pay the cost.

IG: Akeem Mair (@akeemmair) •

FB: Akeem Mair

Youtube

 

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

Abeni Nazeer: Healing, Hustle, and the Power of Storytelling

Published

on

By

Abeni Nazeer: Healing, Hustle, and the Power of Storytelling

“My filmmaking journey has always been tied to my growth as a woman,” she says. “Every time life forced me to evolve, I used to go into hibernation—disappear from everyone until I came back stronger. But now, I’ve learned how to keep showing up, to keep creating and sharing while I’m still doing the inner work.” Some artists find their voice through success. For Abeni Nazeer, she found hers through healing.

That balance between purpose and presence defines where Nazeer is today. “Every day I focus on loving the parts of myself that need attention,” she explains. “And it’s wild how much life starts aligning when you work on yourself from the inside out.”

Breaking Through with Sin

One of those alignments was her breakout project, Sin—her first feature film as a director. The opportunity came from Dutch (Kwame), the film’s writer, who discovered her after seeing a music video she directed for her sister. “He told me he liked my eye and wanted me to bring his story to life,” she remembers.

Sin came with challenges—four producers, multiple creative directions, and the constant tug between business and vision. “It was a learning curve,” Nazeer admits, “but it was also magical.”

Working alongside Lou Gossett Jr., a legend in his own right, became a defining moment. “He treated me like family. He shared so much wisdom, welcomed me into his home, and showed me what real artistry looks like,” she says. “And my leads, Angel and Bella Black—they gave everything. Sin wasn’t just a movie; it was a family. It was chaotic and beautiful at the same time.”

 

Stepping into the Next Chapter

Now, Abeni is stepping into her next creative evolution. Her upcoming series, Barely, is currently in development and will likely find its home on Tubi or Amazon Prime. “It’s raw, real, and emotional,” she says. “It tells the kind of story that reminds people they’re not alone.”

Following that is her bold new horror film, Rush, which premieres November 21 at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills on Wilshire Boulevard. “Rush shows another side of me,” she says. “It’s intense, it’s daring, and it’s rooted in everything I’ve learned as both a director and a woman. It’s about taking risks—creatively and spiritually.”

A Director with Purpose

When asked what drives her, Nazeer smiles. “My mission as a director is simple: to tell the truth,” she says. “I want my films to make people feel something real—to spark conversation, to make them see that healing and growth can be beautiful. Every story I tell is part of my evolution. And honestly, I’m just getting started.”

IMG 4850

Courtesy by Abeni Nazeer

Continue Reading

Entertainment

The Rise of Sylina Renae: Creativity, Confidence, and Control

Published

on

By

The Rise of Sylina Renae: Creativity, Confidence, and Control

In an age where authenticity and ambition intersect, Sylina Renae emerges as the blueprint for the modern multifaceted woman. She’s not confined to a single title or trajectory—she’s rewriting the playbook of what it means to be a creative, entrepreneur, and empowered force in today’s world. Whether she’s modeling, creating content, or building her brand, Sylina turns every endeavor into a reflection of self-definition and purpose.

The Many Hats She Wears

Sylina’s presence—both online and offline—is a tapestry of roles, each one adding depth to her evolving narrative.

  • Model & Creative Talent: Known online as Sylina The Model, she showcases her work and creative visuals across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Her aesthetic ranges from editorial sophistication to everyday confidence, bridging glamour with realness.
  • Influencer & Motivator: Beyond the lens, Sylina uses her voice to inspire. Her posts often carry messages of empowerment, self-worth, and ambition—cementing her image as not just a face, but a mindset.
  • Entrepreneurial Visionary: Behind the artistry lies a businesswoman. From creative consulting to brand collaborations, Sylina leverages her skills to create opportunities, blending artistry with strategy.

Together, these dimensions define her as more than a “multi-talented powerhouse”—they reveal a visionary who understands that creativity and commerce can coexist beautifully.

Redefining Womanhood and Modern Success

1. Multiplicity as Strength

For Sylina, success isn’t about fitting into one box—it’s about building many. Her journey challenges the old narrative that focus equals limitation. Instead, she proves that embracing versatility is a superpower, not a flaw.

2. The Merge of Personal and Professional

In a digital culture obsessed with perfection, Sylina’s openness feels refreshing. She shares moments of process, growth, and reflection, reminding followers that progress isn’t linear—and that humanity is part of the brand.

3. Self-Definition and Ownership

Phrases like queenpreneur, go-getter, and freedom creator aren’t just taglines—they’re affirmations of agency. Sylina owns her narrative, choosing how she’s represented, and empowering others to do the same.

Lessons from Her Story

For anyone crafting a career in the modern creative space, Sylina’s journey offers valuable insights:

  • Leverage your platforms wisely. She uses social media not just for aesthetics, but for connection and opportunity.
  • Diversify your income. From modeling to content partnerships, Sylina’s business model reflects adaptability.
  • Lead with authenticity. Her transparency makes her relatable—and relatability builds trust.
  • Stay consistent. In a crowded digital world, her clarity of voice and message keeps her distinct.

The Challenges Behind the Shine

Even the most dynamic careers face friction. Sylina’s multidimensional approach means navigating:

  • The credibility dilemma—balancing expertise across multiple fields.
  • The burnout battle—managing energy across creative, business, and personal fronts.
  • The public perception paradox—how audiences interpret ambition and change.

Yet, it’s her resilience that sets her apart. Instead of resisting change, she embraces it—treating evolution as part of her personal brand.

What’s Next for Sylina Renae

If her trajectory is any indication, Sylina’s next chapters will only expand her influence. Whether through new creative collaborations, entrepreneurial ventures, or a signature brand project, she’s building something that transcends trends.

Her journey is not just about personal success—it’s about representation. It’s a reminder that the modern woman doesn’t have to choose between passion and purpose, art and ambition, or vulnerability and strength.

Sylina Renae isn’t just reimagining womanhood—she’s redefining what it means to thrive in a world that finally celebrates complexity.

 

Continue Reading

Entertainment

MAD Mike’s Root of All Evil: A Raw Testament from the Underground

Published

on

By

MAD Mike’s Root of All Evil

The underground hip-hop world thrives on authenticity, and MAD Mike’s latest solo release, Root of All Evil, embodies that spirit completely. Dropping under Lost Soul Productions, the project delivers a heavy dose of raw lyricism, unflinching honesty, and dark, unrelenting production that makes it one of the most striking underground albums of the year.Featuring a roster of underground mainstays including NEMS, Lex the Hex Master, Mr. Hyde, Termanology, and Roc, the album doesn’t just lean on big names. Instead, each collaboration was carefully curated to match energy, tone, and purpose.Every feature feels organic, like a natural extension of the story Mike is telling, adding depth to the overall body of work.

 

IMG 1056

 

At the heart of Root of All Evil lies the chemistry between MAD Mike and producer C-Lance, who provides a sonic backdrop drenched in dark atmospheres and metal-inspired grit. Their creative partnership, sharpened over multiple projects, has reached new heights here. With Albert Charlemagne’s mixing and mastering at Brooklyn Dragon’s Lair tying it all together, the result is a record that’s as sharp sonically as it is lyrically devastating.Thematically, the album pushes beyond MAD Mike’s earlier Nature of the Beast. Where that project explored demons within, this one confronts them head-on, using the framework of the seven deadly sins to reflect on cycles of trauma, broken family ties, and toxic relationships. It’s an album that doesn’t shy away from pain but instead transforms it into something cathartic and empowering.What makes MAD Mike stand apart in the horror-core lane is his ability to channel vulnerability through aggression. His guttural screams and fire-forged delivery aren’t gimmicks—they’re survival. The darkness in his music isn’t for shock value, but a way to turn suffering into strength and connection, echoing the legacy of artists like Tech N9ne and Ill Bill.With Root of All Evil now out, MAD Mike shows no signs of slowing down. More solo work is already on the horizon, promising an edgier, rock-infused direction, while new Dual Diagnosis music is also on the way. For fans of underground hip-hop that demands attention, Root of All Evil is more than just an album—it’s a declaration, a release, and a reminder that the underground is still alive with voices unafraid to bare it all.“This album is about breaking toxic cycles and turning pain into power,” says Mike.With steel-forged beats from C-Lance and the razor-sharp mix from Albert Charlemagne, Root of All Evil cements MAD Mike as one of the most unflinching voices in underground hip-hop.Tracklist Highlights:

  • Blasphemy (feat. Lex the Hex Master)
  • Shed Blood (feat. Mr. Hyde)
  • You Can Get It (feat. NEMS | prod. The Arcitype)
  • Blood Squirt Fever (feat. Roc)
  • Cuttin’ Da Chain (feat. Termanology)

Stream the album now and follow the movement:

Tracklist – Root of All Evil (2025)

  1. Intro
  2. Blasphemy (feat. Lex the Hex Master)
  3. Shed Blood (feat. Mr. Hyde)
  4. You Can Get It (feat. NEMS | prod. The Arcitype)
  5. Blood Squirt Fever (feat. Roc)
  6. Cuttin’ Da Chain (feat. Termanology)
  7. Outro

Produced by: C-Lance
Mixed/Mastered by: Albert Charlemagne @ Brooklyn Dragon’s Lair

 

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2022 Leonard Magazine; Email theleonardmagazine@gmail.com & contact@leonardmagazine.com