In an era where most people are more concerned about living in the moment than leaving a lasting legacy of success for others, Donovan Watkis is a refreshing change from the norm. Author, actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist – he wears many hats as he creates a myriad of enterprises with a goal of generating sustainability not only for his future, but that of his children and the wider society.
Persistent, spiritual, goal oriented and artiste/entrepreneur are some words that would best describe this ambitious go-getter with a penchant for turning ideas into investment opportunities. “I’m an artiste,” declares Watkis, “and I say it with pride. I’m interested in creating my art and selling it to the world. You have to put your art out there for the world to scrutinise. If you don’t, then it’s just art for yourself.”
Intent on building a brand synonymous with successful ventures, Watkis recently completed an audio book entitled “JR’s Hope: Thoughts on Improving from up the Street”. Told in 32 chapters, the book covers ideas on improvements in everything from family and manhood to society, parenting and of course, improving self. Released on Father’s Day 2016, the publication is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble as well as www.jrshope.com. “It expresses thoughts coming from various experiences I had. We all improve in some way or form and the degree to which we improve is the degree to which we believe in having a better way of life. So having a hopeful outlook is important if we intend to improve.”
At a time when people are more caught up in social media than sitting down leafing through a book, Watkis sought to pass on his insight and knowledge in as interactive a format as possible; hence the idea of an audio book took shape. “Unfortunately a lot of people are not into reading these days, so for those who don’t have time for a physical book, they can grab an audio book and listen to it in their cars as they drive.”
A book, he felt, was the best way to capture and document information for generations to come. “I am into legacy building for my children, and writing a book is the best way to teach them. I want to encourage my sons to read at least 10 minutes a day, as readers are leaders. If I create lifelong readers they will be leaders. It is also to inspire other people to read. It’s a very easy read with concepts that are pertinent yet not so deep that it is unrelatable.”
People may not readily get that Watkis is not only super family-oriented but that he also possesses an innate spirituality that has served him well. “People may not realise that my sons have me wrapped around their fingers. I’m super gentle and patient with them. I pick up my son from school so I never sacrifice time with my children. Also, I spend a lot of time developing myself spiritually. I pray, fast, meditate and read ancient scriptures so I seek to develop my spirit which is an ongoing process.”
A thespian of no mean order, Watkis shared that he got into theatre by accident. “I auditioned for Edna Manley and out of the 200 people that came out, I was one of two chosen. I found a love for theatre when it started helping me understand myself. You have to take an honest look at yourself to be an actor. It taught me to be a reader because I had to read scripts, biographies and Shakespeare etc. It also taught me to be empathetic of other people’s situations.”
Acting he said also led him to be an entrepreneur. “I did the movie ‘Better Mus Come’ for which I got paid 20 thousand for 5 days of work and my death scene lasted all of one minute. I said ‘no man, I need to make my own movies and manage my own art form and control it.’ Nowadays I tell people write your own script or else you will forever be begging someone for a job.”
With that mind-set, Watkis has not looked back; making the smooth transition from being an actor to now managing several artistes, including Iceman aka ‘Slash’. Recently, he also worked on ZJ Liquid’s Album ‘M Squared’. That is just one of several creative projects that bears his name, as he also released a song with Iceman called ‘Reggae Rio’. The tune turned out to be the biggest and most popular one played in the Jamaica Village at the Olympic Games, as it salutes Usain and all the athletes for the tremendous job done to bring glory to our country.
To continue reading, purchase Vol.8 #8, 2016 Issue.