**Peter Andre Responds to Criticism Over Portrayal of Jamaican Gangster in New Film**
Singer and television personality Peter Andre has spoken out following criticism of his latest acting role, where he portrays a small-time criminal masquerading as a Jamaican gangster in the forthcoming film ‘Jafaican’. The project, helmed by British-Nigerian director Fredi Nwaka, has sparked debate after its trailer was released, with some viewers raising concerns about cultural appropriation.
Andre, best known for his pop music and reality television career, plays Garry Buckle, a conman who navigates both London’s underworld and the vibrant culture of Jamaica. The film centres around Buckle’s elaborate scheme, which involves adopting Jamaican dress and accent to blend in with local communities — a narrative device that has drawn both intrigue and controversy.
Appearing on ITV’s ‘This Morning’, Andre, now 52, recounted his surprise at the backlash the film received. “I was honestly quite shocked,” he told hosts, reflecting on the lengthy development process behind ‘Jafaican’. According to Andre, the film’s production took nearly three years to complete and involved extensive input from Jamaican collaborators.
Director Fredi Nwaka also emphasised the importance of authenticity throughout the project. He revealed that the production was guided by prominent Jamaican figures, including comedian and actor Oliver Samuels, who were consulted on the script and during filming. “At any point, if anyone from the community had said the project was inappropriate, we would have stopped,” Nwaka said, underlining their attempts to ensure the film was respectful.
Filming included significant moments on location in places revered by the Jamaican community, such as Judgement Yard — home to reggae sensation Sizzla Kalonji. The filmmakers say they received a warm welcome and approval to shoot there, further assuring them they were proceeding in good faith.
Despite these assurances, the film’s trailer sparked controversy. Some viewers took issue with Andre’s use of a Jamaican accent and his donning of artificial dreadlocks for the role, questioning whether the performance perpetuates stereotypes. Andre addressed these concerns directly, highlighting his own Greek heritage. “People often make fun of Greeks in films, with over-the-top accents and visual stereotypes,” he explained. “I always find it light-hearted, as long as it’s not malicious. I would only take offence if it was genuinely harmful.”
Nwaka has offered the public a chance to form their own opinions by making ‘Jafaican’ available to stream via the video platform Vimeo for 48 hours, starting at midnight on Friday. The director said he hopes viewers can see the film in its full context before drawing conclusions.
Andre, known for chart-topping hits like ‘Mysterious Girl’ as well as his television appearances, expressed his enthusiasm for the film’s future, hinting at the possibility of a sequel set in a new country with new characters. In a light-hearted exchange, he even suggested that popular presenter Alison Hammond take on a role in the next instalment.
The debate surrounding ‘Jafaican’ touches on broader issues of representation and the responsibilities artists have when engaging with cultures not their own. While the filmmakers insist their intentions were to celebrate Jamaican culture in collaboration with those from within the community, the controversy highlights the complexities of navigating cultural boundaries in entertainment.
As streaming becomes ever more accessible and international audiences more vocal, stories like this are likely to become increasingly common. The industry’s responses — both defensive and reflective — demonstrate that questions about cultural portrayal are here to stay, demanding nuance and ongoing conversation.