Musa Aden
Musa Aden is a Somali American actor and filmmaker. His journey to acting began with his love of hip hop music and on the set of music videos. Those experiences allowed him to appreciate the art of acting and aspire to become one. Musa understood the challenges that lay ahead to becoming an actor, however, overcoming those challenges was not compared to the path that he took coming to America. Musa and his family escaped the civil war in Somalia and sought refuge in Kenya prior to being relocated to America as refugees. Musa was 10 years old when he and his family arrived in Salt Lake City Utah. Musa was able to overcome the language barrier and culture shock by exposure to hip-hop music and culture which facilitated his assimilation into the urban city faster than his parents.
His first experience in the filming industry was “Manakobi” directed by K’naan. Even though the project was never released, that experience allowed him the opportunity to learn and meet the legendary American actor Robert Redford, who was an advisor on “Manakobi”. Talking with Robert Redford had a profound impact on Musa. The first question Robert asked him was if he had an agent, which Musa did not have at that time because he did not view himself as a professional actor. However, as a quick learner, Musa noted their interaction and started to implement Robert’s advice.
What are some of the projects you have worked on in the last 12 months?
I worked on Malbatt misi Bakara Netflix International feature film for a supporting lead role, I had to travel to two different countries with four different cities within Turkey and Malaysia.
Wrapped on Little America Apple TV + series for a supporting role for one episode and it will be aired on December 9th this year.
I also worked on Algea God Of Pain a horror movie. I am one of the Producers and also Audio guy.
Plus I worked on the Graduate feature film for a day player role.
Who is your favorite person on set?
Rumi she is really fun person to be around.
What project have you worked on that made you a better professional?
The shoe box movie because it was our first short SAG project. I have learned a lot as a producer, how to communicate with your actors, Casting directors, & crew. The happy worker feature film which was the first feature film that I got hired for and it changed my whole experience working with LA actors.
What advice do you have for your fellow actors or for people interested in pursuing acting as a career?
My advice to them is to start joining filmmakers page, work on student films to gain experience, Network Network Network Network is the biggest key in this film industry. also join acting classes and not to worry about getting an agent, they will find you just focus on building that resume. also try to control you feelings, because this is not an easy job, you need to be ready for rejections. When you get the chance to audition, do your best and move to the next because getting the chance to audition is already a win for you because those directors got to see your performance.
Musa began taking acting classes and looked for acting opportunities. At this time Musa met Jd Allen, the founder, and owner of Inglewood films. Inglewood films was a small movie studio. Musa began to work with Inglewood films as they grew, and Musa fell in love with the work they were doing. He started to work behind the scenes and gain technical experience by working on sound production and as a production manager. In 2022 Musa executive produced the horror film Algea: God of Pain, which was directed by Jd Allen, who is also an executive producer. After a few years, Musa’s hard work and determination started paying off. His first SAG film role was in “The happy worker” directed by Duwayne Dunham. His first leading role was in the short film “Thirst”, in which Musa was nominated for the best leading actor. Musa recently appeared in the highly successful comedy series “Little America” on Apple TV+ as a supporting lead actor. Musa also just finished filming “Malbatt Mis Bakara” international feature film in which he appeared in as lead supporting role. The film will be released in theaters worldwide in 2023 and will stream on Netflix worldwide shortly after. This film required him to travel to multiple filming locations, including Turkey and Malaysia.
Musa continues to learn and grow as an actor, he understands that no one makes it alone and would like to thank all of the people that have assisted him along the way. Jd Allen who has taught Musa about the technical aspect of filming.
Musa’s background as a refugee and working actor allowed him to recognize an opportunity for him to give back by inspiring young refugee youth through acting and filmmaking. Musa recalls times when he started acting and being told to stop and focus on school or do something else with his life. He focused on achieving his dream even though he has not realized his full potential in the film industry. Musa wants to use his platform to encourage others to also pursue their dreams and become a mentor.
