We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ulato Sam. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Ulato, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Right now a normal day is a combination of culture, fitness, community & and entertainment. Being part of a production like Bob Marley Hope Road has brought me closer to home while showing me what the world has to offer. Las Vegas is definitely an amazing city and Mandalay Bay the perfect place to spend my time performing. The rich history of the space and the amazing content of this show come together to make my days artistically challenging and fulfilling all at the same time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an actor from Kingston, Jamaica. I’ve been performing in theatre, tv and film in the United States, Jamaica and Europe; and I’m currently one of the leads in Bob Marley Hope Road at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. I do my best to intersect my culture and creativity in all that I do, while remembering to be incomprehensibly unique. My background in Track & Field gives a competitive drive that compliments the fast pace of the entertainment industry, while my family background anchors me in mindfulness and a solid education. I have degrees from Morehouse College & UCLA, which afforded me collaborative study at the Grotowski institute in Poland and BADA at Oxford University. My art consists of global perspectives, and urbane refinement that delivers no matter the market or medium.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My Grandfather Bancroft Huntley Murdock set a foundation that my family stands on in a remarkable way. He left school at a young age to help his parents and siblings. He would eventually turn to farming and teach myself, my brother and cousins the value of patience, ingenuity and resourcefulness. He showed me that the dirtiest jobs are the ones that communities need the most and that respect is not just for the people around you but the plants, animals and tools that compose the world you live in. His memory is embodied in my work ethic and my love for storytelling- a talent he was well known for.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Alienation was something that I would do everything to avoid. I would have to learn that there is so much to gain my standing on your own. You learn to trust yourself and your intuition, you discover what you actually like and enjoy, you examine your own opinions and feelings, and most importantly you learn how to be self sufficient. It was when I started to be more comfortable on my own, more authentic and comfortable with not being the stereotype or the carbon copy, that I started to find new community and to reinforce the friendships that were genuine. As they say sometimes God’s rejection is just protection.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I’m sure they would all say something unique however I think they would say the strength and quality of our bonds. One of my biggest inspirations is the joy of the people I surround myself with. I do my best to create strong bonds so that whatever community I’m part of can flourish. I know that it’s not easy to do things alone however having the right kind of company on your journey makes it possible to go further and more enjoyable. If I can support or uplift, compliment or tackle a challenge my friends are taking on I’m more than happy to help them, because not only do I help them but I learn something I may not had I remained in my bubble.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m with my brother & mother. I’d also say when I’m with my cousins Con, Kal & Cam. Even the most mundane of tasks can turn into adventure when we’re together. Most importantly it’s the shared understanding that home is when we’re together and not a physical place. As I’ve grown older I recognize that the people I share my experiences with are what make it the best so big up mi Bredda Tunde, the lads Con, Kal & Cam, the Triad – Dane & Skiggy and never forget all those chickens Ernest.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Youlatoe
Image Credits
Mike Kirschbaum
Bob Marley Hope Road
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
