You may recognize Damani Sease as rapper U-God, in the hit Hulu series, “Wu-Tang: An American Saga.” Starting as a stunt part for the Wu-Tang series, the actor worked his way up to a regular and series favorite for his first real acting role.
“Wu-Tang: An American Saga” tracks Wu-Tang Clan’s formation and rise to become the unlikeliest of American success stories. Premiered in 2019, the show tells a fictionalized story of the formation of the hip-hop group and is gearing up to air their third and final season on February 15th.
In an interview with the Los Angeles Watts Times, Damani Sease discussed how he started his rise to stardom, portraying U-God in the show, and even the upcoming series.
Los Angeles Sentinel: Have you always had a passion for acting? When did your journey start?
Damani Sease (DS): I always wanted to do something in the entertainment industry, whether that be acting, singing, dancing, or whatever else, but I never really pursued that dream. I played football and I stuck with it, but skip some years later, I was in high school, got recruited, and went to college [at Lycoming College], and I discovered I’m not really taking this football thing serious.
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I used to skip practices, I wouldn’t go a hundred percent at games, and even though I was a talented individual, I just knew I wasn’t passionate about it. So, I asked myself what did I want to do? I remembered being a kid, thinking about acting, and so I called my parents one night, told them I was going to dropout and pursue acting as a career. Thank God for the parents I have. They supported my dream and said, “If that’s what you want to do go ahead.” I dropped out that same month, and I booked my first co-star. That was a sign from God for me.
LAS: Tell me about your character, U-God, on “Wu-Tang: An American Saga.”
DS: People know U-God as the quiet one in the group, never getting much of the shine. According to some people, he doesn’t get out too much, but I just feel like he’s unique in his own way. I’m so glad to have the role. This character feels so much like me in just so many ways. Everybody in the group is known as something and U-God I known for his bass-filled voice that everyone loves. He’s a team player and he’s been through a lot, but he’s always there for his brother, no matter what they’re going through.
LAS: You said you guys are similar. How so?
DS: When I was doing my research on U-God, watching all his interviews, reading his book, “My Journey into the WuTang,” opened my eyes. And then after talking to him, we connected right off the bat. I just feel like I’m the younger version of him. It’s hard to prepare for a role for this because it’s such an iconic group, especially him, but it wasn’t too much for me besides studying his voice. But, I’m really much like him in a lot of ways.
LAS: How did you prepare for this role?
DS: Oh God, a lot of YouTube. I’ve watched every Wu-Tang interview there is on YouTube, studying mannerisms and, like I said before, his voice. Listening to music, trying to get the cadence down, and I talked to him a lot. I also read his book a couple of times, which really helped me because the book is his life from when he was young to when he got that fame. So, it gave me a lot of information.
LAS: What does it mean to you to be a part of telling Wu-Tang’s story, as well as the show?
DS: I’m going to say it’s a blessing, but it’s so much more than that. You know, my parents growing up back in this time when Wu-Tang came out, they were fans of Wu-Tang’s music and now their son is playing one of the original members [in the show]. It’s a crazy experience, especially for my first big role. I wouldn’t want anything else.
LAS: You voiced on how you and U-God are similar, and that there are a lot of rewards, but are there any challenges that come with playing him?
DS: The voice. The voice is always the hardest part. I got to the point where I felt like I was overdoing it, so I’d do little experiments. In season two, I would switch up my voice every now and then to see what the fans would like the most. I don’t know if anybody peeped that, but it was a risk. I feel like this business is all about taking risks sometimes.
LAS: Is there any advice you’d give to fans, or young actors, trying to follow in your footsteps?
DS: Don’t follow in my footsteps, definitely follow your own. Just be yourself, have faith, and believe in yourself. I had so many people tell me I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing now. Don’t listen to them, and always believe in yourself.
The third and final season of “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” premieres on Hulu on February 15. To keep up to date with Damani Sease, check out his Instagram (@damanidsease).
