By Staff
With a voice that commands attention and a presence that lingers long after the camera stops rolling, Kenya Cabine has built a career grounded in authenticity, preparation, and creative range. As both an actor and voiceover artist, he navigates the ever-evolving entertainment industry with the kind of resilience and purpose that defines longevity. Whether he’s bringing depth to animated characters or stepping into emotionally complex roles on screen, Cabine approaches his craft with clarity, heart, and a relentless commitment to excellence. His journey is not only a testament to talent but to the power of discipline, spiritual grounding, and vision.
How does your approach differ when you’re behind the mic versus in front of the camera?
My approach is similar in ways yet different. Behind the mic, I need to be clear on the tone of the script and whether it calls for a reassuring, friendly, exciting, sexy, comedic, professional, stoic, sad, confident, warm, or laid-back delivery. In the voiceover business, clients are very clear on what they want, so I strive to give them exactly that. In front of the camera, I need to understand the character I’m portraying and the expectations of the writer and director. Gaining clarity before working on any voiceover or acting project is essential. However, getting in front of the camera typically requires more studying and prep work than recording in a studio.
As a voiceover artist, how do you bring personality and depth to characters the audience never sees?
I apply the same technique I use for on-camera acting. I perform a character analysis of the individual I’m portraying. That means doing a deep dive into what motivates and influences the character’s actions and beliefs. For example, if the character is a horrible person, I ask myself: what happened in his life to make him that way? Understanding a character’s truth is what brings them to life.
What are some misconceptions people have about voice acting, and what would you like them to understand?
When people find out I do voiceovers, they often say, “I’ve always wanted to do that,” or “My family member has a great voice and wants to get into voiceovers.” The biggest misconception is that you must have a distinct and unique voice. While it helps to have a great voice, acting skills are crucial. My job is to interpret scripts and bring the words to life. Without acting skills, you can’t create believable characters or tell compelling stories. Also, voiceovers aren’t limited to video games or animated movies. There’s work in TV and radio commercials, audiobooks, industrial narration, e-learning, and more. Additionally, voiceover talents must record and edit their own audio, which requires proficiency in audio software like Adobe Audition and Pro Tools, along with knowledge of file formatting, acoustics, and microphone technique. Voice acting is not easy—it’s a hustle. You must constantly audition, market yourself, deal with rejection, have a disciplined work ethic, and spend long hours recording.
How do you prepare mentally and emotionally for a role, whether it’s dramatic on-screen work or commercial voice narration?
I prepare by “doing the work.” You’ll hear actors say that often. It means analyzing the script and the character, understanding intentions, and identifying emotional nuances. Preparation also includes being on time to set, submitting audio files and auditions promptly, and always being professional.
Who or what has inspired your creative journey the most, and how have they influenced your craft?
James Earl Jones has had a major influence on my journey. I can’t count how many times I’ve watched his stage performance in Fences. His voice is magnetic and undeniable. He represents the generation of Black actors that exemplified excellence. I also admire Jharrel Jerome—his performance in When They See Us was outstanding. Wendell Pierce, James Avery (rest in peace), and Reginald VelJohnson have also inspired me. They’ve paved the way for actors like me by breaking stereotypes and portraying fathers, love interests, and leading men, regardless of size. And most importantly, my mother. She enrolled me in acting classes at the Alliance Theater when I was twelve because she recognized I was a creative. She was an incredible woman who loved her “Goo Goo Baby,” even when I was grown.
How do you maintain versatility in an industry that often wants to box talent into a particular category?
I maintain versatility by pursuing challenging roles. Because of my size, I often get cast as a thug, security guard, or police officer. I’m grateful for the opportunities, but in reality, plus-size men of color are also teachers, lawyers, doctors, husbands, and more—characters that should be reflected in media. The industry is becoming more inclusive, but there’s still progress to be made.
Can you share a moment in your career that tested your resilience and what you learned from it?
Absolutely. As a working actor and voiceover talent, your resilience is tested every day. I receive auditions regularly across theatrical, commercial, and voiceover platforms. Even with a positive outlook, it’s frustrating when I don’t land a role I wanted. That’s why I remind myself that just getting the opportunity to audition is a win. Many actors never get that chance. Getting seen by casting directors is a win. I work in a business where I hear “no” often, but one “yes” can change everything. One of my favorite quotes is from The Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
What advice would you give to emerging actors or voiceover artists trying to break into the business?
Take acting classes. I recommend The Actors District and The Actors Gym in Atlanta. Get amazing headshots. Submit for roles through industry websites like actorsaccess.com and castingnetworks.com. Find an agent to represent you—they are the gatekeepers who can get you auditions. This career path isn’t easy. You must be spiritually grounded, focused, respectful, professional, and optimistic to thrive.
What does success look like for you today?
Today, success looks like being seen in the rooms I always dreamed of. It’s surreal when people already know my name before I introduce myself. Directors are reaching out because of my work ethic. People associate me with integrity, professionalism, and presence. I’m constantly evolving and learning more about this fascinating craft.
How do you balance your personal identity with the many voices and characters you embody professionally?
When I’m on set or behind the mic, I become the character. I once played a henchman who was abusive to women—he was awful. But as soon as the director yelled “cut,” I was done. That’s part of the job. It’s not difficult for me to leave the character behind and return to myself.
How do you stay grounded and creatively fueled in such a competitive industry?
I love attending acting class. Big shout out to The Actors District and The Actors Gym. There’s nothing better than being surrounded by other creatives. Training can be tough, but it’s vital. Everyone wants to act, but not everyone wants to put in the work. I want to be respected by my peers, so I take the work seriously. I also believe that spiritual grounding is essential in this business.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work as both an actor and a voice artist?
I want people to look back on my projects and say, “Kenya made me laugh,” “Kenya was amazing in that role,” or “I recognize that voice anywhere.” My legacy will reflect growth—from my first television appearance to my final theatrical film. I want to be remembered as a phenomenal actor who delivered quality work and left a lasting impact.
Social Media
Instagram: @kenyacabine
Facebook: @kenyacabine1
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