David MylesStage presence is something that multi-award-winning British R&B/Soul singer, actor, and entrepreneur, Leyton Benta, takes seriously. With a musical career spanning over nearly two decades, it is excusable to forget that the independent singer-songwriter is still only in his early thirties.
Having released his first mini-album at 12 years old and other projects over the years, and having been offered two lucrative major record deals while still a teenager, as well as four more similar record deals around his mid-twenties, Leyton remains resolute in his principles.
Opting to continue to release his music independently to assure sovereignty over his artistic creations, the songwriter has now released two full-length albums, Find Yourself and his latest offering Speak On Out.
From his time at school, Leyton’s charismatic presence and meticulous craftsmanship were recognized by his peers, paving the way for multifaceted roles in school productions and plays, such as the Artful Dodger in Oliver Twist, Roger in Grease, and Rooster Hannigan in Annie.
With a large appetite for acting, it was only a matter of time before Leyton joined acting agencies such as The Harris Agency, The Kingdom school of arts, and Identity Drama School in the past. Leyton, who is also a model has since appeared in short films, features, independent projects and advertisements, and on September 12th, the accomplished singer will feature in the forthcoming film, Heer Express.
Directed by Bollywood actor Umesh Shukla, the film chronicles Heer, a young woman pursuing her aspiration while contending with the expectations of her family. The film was shot in India and numerous locations within the United Kingdom, and Leyton will showcase his acting and singing abilities to viewers.
Speaking on the film, Heer Express Leyton said: ‘’It is a family of love, warmth, but also adversity. My role in the film specifically embodies playing the role of Kevin Lewis. A devoted musician on a mission to spread love and unity to everyone he meets. As he forges the path, he also embarks on a heartwarming journey with his lover called Sasha, who is played by Charlotte Hazelby, and both get married in the film. So, we celebrate a marriage and build a life together whilst on my stride of putting forward great things through being a musician at the same time.
The film also elevates intimate connections of understanding as ‘’Kevin becomes a vital part of her family, especially during unforeseen tragedies that unfold in the film, illustrating how family ties can strengthen even amidst challenges’’ states an exclusive press release from Leyton.
Having worked on several productions with individuals affiliated with the film, such as with casting director, Rachita Kapoor whom he met in 2017, Leyton has played a myriad of roles including a Rastafarian. ‘’Rachita got to know more about the work I did, which you can see all over social media and in movie productions, especially. Udita Kapoor [Casting director], then later discovered and presented my work of excellence to other productions that enabled them to see what I was already able to do and encounter which led to further establishments’’ says Leyton.
’I know that whatever is meant to be happening, is meant to be happening in the ways it is supposed to be because I am not desperate. I am eager, but I am not desperate.’’
Click to enlarge
After being invited to audition for the role of Kevin Lewis in Heer Express, an elated Leyton was offered the part. To be given the role, Leyton had to read over some of the scenes he would potentially play, and then he was recorded playing the brief for the role.
The opportunity to star in the Heer Express could not be more opportune. There is a diversity of things that I do on my journey, whether it is on the music side, or where I have travelled to spread my journey. I felt that this was a great opportunity, as many people are gravitating towards me on the whole India side as well. It is amazing how much Indian people are on my journey, so it also helps with your truths and expressions getting out to more other places in the world’’ says the West London native.
Leyton has collaborated with new and seasoned actors and actresses, such as Prit Kamani, Divita Juneja, Gulshan Grover, Sanjay Mishra, Ashutosh Rana, and Meghna Malik from India. Actresses and actors from the UK that Leyton worked with in the film include Sarah Lockett, Ben Walton-Jones and Charlotte Hazelby.
The chemistry among the cast was said to be electrifying for Leyton and he believes that ‘’I am bringing something different to the scene, and I feel that is what people will remember you for. It is not just that I act or sing in the film.”
Leyton elongates his unfeigned appreciation to the whole team of Heer Express, but is keen to mention some additional notable names: Assistant Director, Yousuf S. Basrai; First Assistant Director, Deepak Chauhan; Producers, Ashish Wagh, P Sanjay Grover, Mohit Habra; and Co-Producer, Sampada Wagh.
From a teenager, Leyton was never hypnotized by the glitz and glamour of showbiz. Perhaps that’s why it was relatively easy for him to decline illustrious record deals that dangled in front of him. ‘’I don’t care about being famous, but I care for the longevity of what my influences and impact leave on my supporters and connectors. asserts Leyton. ‘’The world deserves to see an honest gifted human being doing the righteous work without selling out’’ he added.
Click to enlarge
Speaking on remaining grounded in his probity, the Leyton said: ‘’I know that whatever is meant to be happening, is meant to be happening in the ways it is supposed to be because I am not desperate. I am eager, but I am not desperate.’’
Filming for Heer Express commenced late 2023, and Leyton deliberately remained tight-lipped about the project, preferring to take the stance of ‘’well done is better than well said’’ a quote attributed to one of the so-called founding members of the United States, Benjamin Franklin. However, the quote can be heard among the proverbial and philosophical Caribbean diaspora domiciled in North America and the UK.
During that period, Leyton has had several hiatuses. Underscoring something that occurs far too customarily in the creative arena, Leyton said: ‘’Even though you’ve done a lot. You’ve achieved. You’ve overcome. You’re established. There will always be those who try to get you for free and not want to pay. So, I don’t work for free like that. If I was starting out, that would be a whole different story. You have got to take yourself seriously’’.
Leyton’s lows were compounded by his mom being diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2023, which meant he had to cancel plans abruptly to ensure he was present at hospital appointments and examinations.
‘’This has still been going on throughout the whole of 2024 and this year as of now. She [mom] has already had the replacement already. She has had a couple of procedures, but at this moment she is still not feeling that better, but the process continues on within the healing period’’ says Leyton.
‘’At the same time, I have to also have time when I am not socializing as much because I need time to emotionally bring myself back to focus’’ the singer adds.
Leyton Benta’s Official Website
