Skepta: I’m bored of the black James Bond narrative

Grime artist Skepta expresses discontent with the typical black James Bond storyline, asserting that his film will explore the origins of a hitman employed by the secret service.

The grime artist Skepta says his debut film is the backstory of a “hitman who works for the secret service”.

Rapper Skepta has revealed his decision to create a film centered around a black undercover secret service agent, expressing his disinterest in discussions about casting a black James Bond. Titled “Tribal Mark,” the debut film marks the artist’s foray into directing, producing, and acting. Skepta, known for his role in pioneering British grime music, aims to establish an anti-hero character for black actors. The short film follows the life of Mark, a Nigerian immigrant who navigates the challenges of adapting to London’s culture, eventually facing incarceration as a teenager for firearm possession. Skepta, portraying the mature Mark, introduces himself with a nod to the iconic James Bond line: “I’m Mark. Tribal Mark.”

Discussing the film’s inspiration, Skepta emphasized its focus on the “disconnect experienced by an immigrant residing in the UK,” a theme he personally identified with. Despite being born to Nigerian parents and raised in Tottenham, north London, the artist was clear that the movie is not a biographical account of his own life. In a lighthearted remark, he added, “I don’t share Mark’s profession as a hitman.”

The grime artist has labeled Tribal Mark as a precursor to his expansive cinematic universe, spotlighting black male protagonists. The storyline revolves around a “hitman employed by the black secret service,” portraying him as “an anti-hero akin to James Bond but with more intricate layers.” Drawing parallels to the 2019 Oscar-winning film The Joker, which delves into the origin of Batman’s adversary, the artist asserts that his short film serves as an exploration of the journey that transforms Mark into Tribal Mark, offering insights into the character’s motivations and evolution.

Skepta expressed his desire to create a unique character specifically for black actors, citing his boredom with the ongoing debate about whether an actor of color could portray James Bond. Drawing a parallel, he pointed out that it wouldn’t be appropriate for white actors to constantly seek the role of Black Panther, emphasizing the importance of respecting the character’s racial identity.

The iconic role of the 007 agent, originally created by novelist Ian Fleming, has historically been portrayed by white actors, with Daniel Craig being the most recent. Speculation about the next Bond actor has been widespread since Craig’s departure announcement in April 2020, and discussions about the possibility of a black actor taking on the role have been frequent.

Notably, Idris Elba was among the names considered, but he revealed on the SmartLess podcast that the racist backlash he faced in connection with the role was “disgusting and off-putting.”

Produced by Skepta’s independent production company, 1PLUS1, this isn’t the first instance of the rapper showcasing his do-it-yourself approach. His 2016 album, “Konnichiwa,” which earned him the Mercury Prize and included hits like “That’s Not Me,” “Shutdown,” and “Man,” was entirely recorded in his bedroom and directly marketed to fans online, bypassing the traditional music industry apparatus.

Since then, the artist has dropped another album in 2019 titled “Ignorance is Bliss” and made a notable appearance on ASAP Rocky’s “Praise the Lord” single, which successfully charted on the Billboard Hot 100.

He had earlier expressed to the BBC that the internet has opened up numerous opportunities for individuals not suited for large corporations, emphasizing that “DIY is the future.”

To unearth fresh industry talent, Tribal Mark showcases a cast and production team comprising 90% minority ethnic members.

Despite major studios pledging to reassess their diversity practices in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, a recent report from USC’s Annenberg reveals that they are still falling short in producing films featuring people of color. Jude Carmichael, who portrays a young Mark in the film, expressed his hope that young black audiences will finally see authentic representation created by individuals who share their background.

Skepta explained that his decision to venture into filmmaking stemmed from a desire to move beyond the brief snapshots presented in three-minute music videos. He aims to tell a more nuanced and emotionally resonant story, emphasizing the authenticity that comes from real experiences. While acknowledging the fiction in his music videos, Skepta believes his film will be universally relatable.

Adam Strawford, the co-producer of the film, noted that the narrative will strongly resonate with those who were not born in the UK and have had to adapt to life in the country. Overall, the film seeks to address the persistent gaps in representation and offer a genuine portrayal of diverse experiences.

Identifying primarily as a musician, it comes as no shock that his latest film incorporates a fresh track titled “Diligent” from his upcoming album, “Knife and Fork.”

However, the song, initially named “Gas Me Up,” sparked controversy amid accusations that the accompanying artwork alluded to the Holocaust. The artwork showcased a gathering of men with shaved heads, with one individual bearing the tattooed phrase “Gas Me Up” across his head.

Skepta has issued an apology and recognized the potential for offense, though he refrained from delving further into the matter.

He mentioned that one of the primary influences for his latest album was food.

Describing it as a pivotal aspect of his heritage, Skepta expressed that his latest album revolves around the profound advice from his grandfather to his mother, emphasizing the importance of success and the tradition of using cutlery at meals.

The concept of using a knife and fork has played a significant role in shaping my parents’ journey, but now I find myself drawn to the simplicity of eating with my hands.

Food serves as a prominent theme in the film, serving as a conduit for Mark to maintain a connection with his cultural roots.

As Skepta sets his sights on Hollywood, he aspires to replicate the success of his music career with his upcoming movie franchise, particularly the first full-length film centered around Tribal Mark. Plans are already in motion, delving into details such as the character’s choice of car, dining preferences, linguistic abilities, and wardrobe choices, showcasing a deep commitment to the project.