JAHI WINSTON IS EXCITED ABOUT BEING INDIVIDUAL

BY IRVIN RIVERA

PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION STYLIST: ANDREW PHILIP NGUYEN, GROOMING: KATHY P SANTIAGO
Shirt: VEGAN TIGER, Windbreaker and Pants: PRO CLUB, Jewelry: LOUPON Denim Coat: KRISTINA K, Varsity Jacket: JNG

Rising star JAHI WINSTON plays Kevin Presley in Netflix’s WE HAVE A GHOST- a comedic and emotional film that explores the themes of family, grief and trauma and how the characters were able to evolve and learn from each other.

Jahi has always been involved with the arts. He Started performing at church plays and school productions, then at ten years old, he auditioned for the production of The Lion King in Broadway and got the role of Young Simba. Since then, he has done TV, film and worked with a lot of notable actors like Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, Taraji P. Henson, Anthony Mackie, Davie Harbor and more.

In this exclusive interview, Jahi Shares his unforgettable experiences in filming Netflix’s We Have a Ghost, his character evolution, the highs and lows of filming, creative process, acting, music and more.

Shirt: VEGAN TIGER, Windbreaker and Pants: PRO CLUB, Jewelry: LOUPON Denim Coat: KRISTINA K, Varsity Jacket: JNG

Hi Jahi! How are you? How have you been since the release of Netflix’s We Have a Ghost?

I’m doing great! The response to the movie has been so cool to see. I’ve gotten a lot of sweet messages from people who’ve told me they watched it with their families, they had a great time during it, and how much they connected with the emotional themes as well as the crazy, comedic moments. It feels good to know that people are receiving the movie as we all hoped and intended. It’s kooky, campy, nostalgic, silly, and has a lot of heart; I’m happy to see all those elements resonating with people.

How would you describe your character Kevin Presley’s evolution throughout the film?

When we first meet Kevin, he’s jaded and reeling from the strained relationship with his dad. He feels invisible amongst his peers as well as his family. You could say that he’s a ghost himself in his everyday life. Then Ernest comes along, and for the first time in a while, he can find this sense of familiarity and friendship in another person, albeit a dead person, ha. I think the most noteworthy aspect of Kevin’s journey is how his determination to save Ernest inadvertently leads him to heal his relationship with his father. It speaks to a broader concept – when we help others in their healing, we, in turn, can heal ourselves.

What’s special about this project?

In my opinion, there are a lot of things special about this project. The most obvious thing is that it’s a direct play or twist on the classic horror movie trope of a family moving into a house and being subsequently tormented by a supernatural presence. In our movie, the “ghost” is really bad at being intimidating, and he ends up upending the family’s life in a completely different way – one that the audience may or may not expect. It also has a lot of ulterior themes about family, grief, trauma, etc., making it more than a typical, cheeky family movie; this is one reason why I was excited to be a part of it.

What’s the best part about playing your character?

My favorite part about playing ‘Kevin’ was that I got to bring many of my traits to him. I am a natural introvert, and it felt great to lean into that with him. I like to believe I’m an empath, and Kevin’s desire to help Ernest comes from a deep place of empathy and compassion for what Ernest had to endure being trapped in that house; it makes the audience fall in love with him, I think. Also, his wardrobe! I commandeered a lot of his clothes after we wrapped.

RIGHT: Vest: PAS UNE MARQUE, Top: LUCA FALONI, Pants: H&M, Boots: JEAN-BAPTISTE RAUTUREAU, Necklace: LOUPN

What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming?

I would say the most significant challenges we faced were with the weather. We started production in the summertime, and the heat was such a nuisance that you’d be all sweaty and completely drained by the end of the day. We also shot in Louisiana during the heart of hurricane season, so there were a lot of lightning delays. We actually had to evacuate for a month when Hurricane Ida hit. Because of the delays, we ended up finishing the shoot much later than anticipated.

How did you manage to rise above the challenges?

I was fortunate enough to work with such amazing people. We had the best crew. They were so focused and committed to finishing the movie, despite the chaos with mother nature. Everyone around me maintaining an optimistic attitude motivated me not to complain and do the best job that I possibly could. It made the rough patches a lot more durable.

What’s the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of making the film?

I think the most memorable moment was shooting the car chase sequence. We filmed most of it on location, about an hour outside of NOLA, in this town (that shall remain nameless) that was a little creepy and had a weird, questionable history. Every time I watch that part of the movie, I can’t help but think of that town and how much I never want to go back there! It’s the most high-energy moment of the movie, and it easily took the longest to shoot. I called it “the sequence that never died” because every time I thought we had finished it, we found ourselves back in that weird place and that hot-ass car! Haha! It was fun, though—an unforgettable experience.

You’ve been on Broadway, done TV, film and worked with a lot of notable actors (Kevin Hart, Bryan Cranston, Taraji P. Henson, Anthony Mackie, Davie Harbor, etc.) What is your proudest moment ever from acting?

I don’t know if I have one particular moment - I think the fact that I get to do what I love on this level is a source of pride. I started working when I was very young, and I always wanted to be a performer, so the fact that I have gotten to be a part of so many cool projects and work with so many amazing people is very, very special – and certainly not something that I take for granted.

Jumpsuit: OAK & ACORN, Boots: JEAN-BAPTISTE RAUTUREAU, Jacket: H&M

Everyone’s process is different, and each has a unique approach to things. Can you walk us through your creative process whenever you go and film a scene?

I’ve yet to find one specific “thing” that works for me; it depends on the day and how I feel. Some days, I have to tune everything out, play music through my earphones, and go into myself. Those moments of stillness help a lot when I’m struggling to access a particular emotion or a place of depth that my body can’t quite connect with. Then there are other times when being social and interacting with people helps me get through the day. It’s a nice balm for when I’m struggling with the long hours or when I get a little lonely or restless. It depends on what’s required of me on that day of shooting.

How did acting start for you? Was it something that you’ve always wanted from a young age?

I started acting professionally when I was ten years old. I had always dreamt of being an entertainer; I was obsessed with musicals and classic “genre” movies like Back to the Future, The Princess Bride, and War of the Worlds – to name a few. I had an abnormal fixation on being a performer. At first, I would only perform in the plays at church that my mom would write, school productions, impromptu at family functions, or just by myself in my room…For literally no one. When I was ten, I auditioned for the Broadway production of The Lion King on a random Saturday, ended up getting the role of Young Simba, and moved to New York with my mom about a month later. I started regularly auditioning for other things shortly after, but that was pretty much the genesis for me.

Who and what inspires you?

I think my family inspires me the most. When I think of my childhood, the way that I was brought up, and all of the things that I had dreamed of one day accomplishing as a child, it motivates me to keep pressing forward during moments of discouragement or doubt. Thinking of my parents and everything that they instilled in my siblings, and I never fails to give me a different perspective whenever I think of quitting or possibly taking a break (which there’s nothing wrong with doing, by the way). I feel blessed to be able to have my family with me as I continue to evolve and grow as an artist/human.

Jacket: TELL THE TRUTH, Top: LUCA FALONI, Jeans: BLVCK, Boots: ASOS, Necklace: LOUPN

Let’s talk about your music. Where are you on your music journey right now? How is it so far?

I love music. It’s the only thing I’m equally passionate about other than acting. I would say that I’m in a pretty good place creatively. I’ve spent the last couple of years trying to learn my voice and figure out what I wanted to talk about as an artist and how I plan on presenting myself outside of my work on screen. I look forward to sharing more of who I am through my music soon, and hopefully, people will connect and resonate with it in the same way they do with other projects I’ve been a part of.

What’s your dream project?

I’d love to produce and star in something simultaneously. I’m very much in love with every aspect of the creative process, not just acting. So, one day (soon, hopefully), it’d be cool to be at the helm of a project that I helped develop and had a vital role in getting made. Also, it’d be a great way for me to allow other people to have opportunities and learn more about a side of the business that I’m not as well-versed in.

Which Directors / Filmmakers do you want to work with?

So, so many! Bong-Joon Ho, Steve McQueen, Rian Johnson, Barry Jenkins (love, love him), Greta Gerwig – that’s my shortlist. Although I’m most interested in working with up-and-coming directors, it’s cool to be part of someone’s journey before becoming the most realized version of themselves.

Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?

I have an equal love for all the characters I’ve played. But being in The New Edition Story is an experience I’ll never forget. It was one of the first things I ever did, and I was able to form so many lifelong relationships from that one project. Plus, people still refer to me as “lil Ralph” whenever they see me in public which is very sweet...Gotta love it.

**LEFT:** Top: H&M, Pants: ASOS, **RIGHT:** Jumpsuit: OAK & ACORN, Boots: JEAN- BAPTISTE RATUREAU, Jacket: D.RT

What are you most excited about in the near future?

I think I’m most excited about becoming an individual. I’ve spent a lot of time with my parents, probably more than the average kid, just because of how close they have to be to me with my career and everything. I didn’t have the standard trajectory of graduating high school and then going off to college - I spent a lot of time at home in between graduating and working on set, and while I’m very grateful for that time that I got to spend, I know that very soon it’s going to be time for me to be a big boy and leave the nest. I’m not rushing that process, but I’m very excited to see what that will look like; me trying to be a grown-up! I’ll still have my mom on speed dial, though. Of course!

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

Don’t take any moment for granted, be as present as possible! Easier said than done, but it’s so true.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

If I were a book, I’d be The Alchemist. It’s one of the greatest stories about self-exploration and the path to becoming the truest version of oneself. It says a lot about me and where I am now in my life…Just figuring things out one page at a time.