Keenan Renfroe a Jackson State University senior Business Management major from Memphis, TN has made his way onto the big screen. He is appearing in the new James Brown movie "Get On Up" which hit theaters Aug 1, 2014. His love for music lead him into auditioning for the part of a musician. He was not really sure if he would get the part, he says he was just going for the experience.
"I first heard about the role from one of my best friends/roommate. We were getting ready to head to the mall on a Saturday afternoon and he read it to me from a text. I immediately stopped what I was doing, made my way to the audition, and got there 15-20 minutes before it ended!" said Renfroe.
As we all know the popular sounds of music we hear today, wouldn't even be around, if it wasn't for the "Godfather of Soul" James Brown. Hip hop, R&B and other genres of music still till this day sample his unique sound of music. Renfroe, is playing the role of "Clayton Fillyau" whom was one of James Brown's drummers and also responsible for some of the rhythmical, funky beats that many producers sample today.
Since the tender age of 2, Keenan picked up his first pair of drums and immediately fell in love. He says drums are his main focus but he's equally talented in percussive instruments such as the xylophone, marimba, snare drum, and timpani. He loves all styles of music from gospel, jazz, latin, and rock just to name a few .
Chadwick Boseman plays the amazing role of James Brown in biopic film. In the movie you can definitely tell he studied James Brown mannerism and tonality. He had his dance moves down to the tea, everything was on point and precise. I don't want to share too much with you, but you should check out the movie to see what I'm talking about. Renfroe shares his experience of working with Boseman and some of the other actors in film.
"Things didn't feel surreal until the first rehearsal I had with Chadwick Boseman in the 1962 Apollo scene. He's a phenomenal actor, singer, and dancer. Things had gotten even more surreal when we were headed to actually film. It's truly like another world out there; a life changing experience!"
He also mentioned, "I met, Nelsan Ellis (Bobby Byrd), Craig Robinson (Maceo Parker), Keith Robinson (Baby Roy), and Brandon Smith (Little Richard). They didn't give any serious, inspirational quotes or anything. They were just so cool and laid-back and conversed with us as if they were just normal people. In fact, Craig Robinson often asked "Man where the food at round here" whenever we were on rehearsal break!"
We all have heard of actors/actresses, doing crazy things In order to betray a role of someone else. They have to lose weight or gain weight, or even cut their hair. We've seen Will Smith gain weight for the movie "Ali" to look more like Muhammad Ali. It's all apart of being a actor/actress. Keenan explains what it was like for him to get prepared for the role of Clayton Fillyau.
"After getting the role, they told the other musicians and myself to immediately grow out our hair - facial hair included. That was my first time growing out my beard, and I was actually growing to like it. On the day of filming, the stylists killed my dreams after completely cutting my beard despite the fact that I had waited nearly two full months to grow it. They left the small afro, thick sideburns, and mustache to portray the looks of Clayton Fillyau".
If you haven't already you should check out the new James Brown movie "Get On Up", because it's amazing. You'll fall in love with his funky good time music all over again. Be sure to look out for Kennan Renfroe in the Apollo scene.
"This is my first time on the big screen. Although acting is not my passion, I enjoy impersonating people so I would definitely take the opportunity if it was to present itself". Renfroe added.
So "Get On Up" and head to a movie theater near you!!