Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ulato Sam. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ulato, thanks for joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful we only need an opportunity. Without an opportunity, either created, earned or taken, we can never actually try. Whether the opportunity is big or small, whether we’re excited or scared, having the chance to attempt something we deem worthwhile is the entrance to the path of success. Personally pursuing success has felt like running on a treadmill, it feels stagnant, but it’s not until I step off the machine that I learn how much I’ve gained. My dream is to lead a film or television show that marks a decade and generation. Quite often I gauge my success on how close I am to actualizing this dream; what I forget in this comparison is that what I’ve accomplished has created the opportunity to believe in and pursue this dream, and as I said an opportunity is all I need.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m an Actor and Entertainer who works in Stage, Television and Film. I strive to compliment every collaboration with urbane creativity, educated perspectives and an Irie sense of fun. I started as an on-air personality and hosting live broadcasts and daytime television in Jamaica and The United States. Shows and events such as ListenMi News, the AJA’s Jamaica Independence Celebration and the Georgia Jerk Festival were my first steps to pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts focusing on Acting. I’m most proud of my creative flexibility, willingness to lend myself to art and how happy my collaborators and audiences are with what I deliver.

As an Actor I’ve performed in European, Caribbean, American and North African Markets, I’ve garnered credits on Netflix and MAX, performed in Tête à Tête: The Opera Festival, worked with the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, the SITI Company and the Warsaw Stage Society, with my collaborations on Oprah’s 2020 Vision Tour and Tony Robbin’s Virtual World tour being two of my biggest highlights. I’ve continued hosting events for The CACAO’s Caribbean Day Festival, Island Tribe’s Coachella Festival, Google’s Black Google Network and Meta’s Black @ Meta Juneteenth Celebrations. To know I’m making an impact on the world through my art lets me know the Jamaican National Pledge is alive and well in my heart.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an Artist & Creative is knowing I’ve moved someone in an intangible way. When it comes to originating a role and being part of a cast/ensemble, each person is being trusted to honour the story, the writer’s voice, the director’s vision and the audience’s time with their part of the story and storytelling. To know that I am present and honest enough for people to empathize, love, hate or even despise my character gives me a special kind of peace. Zooming out and realizing that everyone is striving for that moment reminds me to stay humble and gracious. Trust between the team and ensemble is a beautiful thing to experience, cohesion is what makes the best productions, and it takes mindfulness and patience. I believe my value in Altruism is why my art is rewarding. I can improve your wellbeing by telling a story well but I can change your life if I can make you believe it.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want to inspire the world yes but I have a few things that I would like to accomplish in this lifetime. The dream is to lead a tv show and film that marks a decade, a piece that redefines the way people relate to Culture and People on a global scale; there are so many amazing stories to be told especially in the Caribbean. In the long run I’d like to open a University in the Caribbean rooted in a world class interdisciplinary arts education. In this way I can give access to those who would in most instances be denied it. The National Pledge has always been a guiding light in my life, it reminds me of my values and what the ‘why’ behind my ‘why’ is. I always remember that “I promise to stand up for Justice, Brotherhood and Peace, to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly, so that Jamaica may, under God, increase in beauty, fellowship and prosperity, and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.”     

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ulatosam.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/youlatoe
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Youlatoe/
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/youlatoe
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Youlatoe

Image Credits
Photographer: OneShotJohn – https://www.oneshotjohn.com/ – IG: @oneshotjohn Styling: Matty Flea – IG: @matty.flea @67flea Production: Connor Mitchell – @the_realconnormitchell