There’s a quiet certainty to Charles Babalola. Not the kind that demands attention, but the kind that earns it. His is a talent bound by discipline, conviction and the pursuit of excellence. Over the past decade, he has carved out a career built on intention rather than noise, choosing roles that favour complexity over easy wins and stories that leave a mark long after the credits roll.
That instinct finds its latest expression in Fightland, the new boxing drama executive produced by Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson. The series drops Babalola into a world fuelled by ambition, fractured loyalties and barely contained violence. As Ezekiel ‘Zeek’ Marshall, he steps into the ring not as a fighter but as a promoter- charismatic, combustible and determined to build a legacy in a sport where every relationship carries the threat of collapse. Babalola approaches the role with the same forensic curiosity that has become a hallmark of his work; immersing himself in the rhythms of boxing culture before letting instinct take over. For him, every character demands its own language, its own physicality, its own truth.
It’s that commitment to honesty that runs through everything he does. Whether stepping into the chaos of a boxing promoter or an entirely different world, Babalola is driven by the pursuit of truth, above all else. He speaks with the conviction of someone who understands that representation isn’t about perfection but authenticity, allowing complicated characters the space to exist without compromise. The ambition isn’t just to build an impressive filmography but to create work that resonates, challenges and reflects the communities it reaches.
Off screen, there’s a striking absence of pretence. Family remains his anchor; music soundtracks his downtime and football can still inspire the kind of optimism only England fans can truly understand. Beneath the warmth sits an unmistakeable hunger. Babalola isn’t chasing fleeting moments or career milestones for their own sake; he’s chasing performances that endure. The kind that inspires the next generation watching from the sidelines, wondering whether there’s room for them too. Judging by the confidence with which he’s moving, he’s already giving them their answer.
Who were your biggest influences growing up?
Chiwetel Ejiofor, David Beckham, Jermain Defoe, Sir Alex Ferguson.
What excites you most about a new role?
Firstly, I’m excited to be back on TV screens, laptop screens and households across the world with this new series. It’s a blessing. I’m excited for everyone to see my work on this character. I loved playing this role. He’s a complex soul. Full of chaotic and intense energy. I’m intrigued to see how the audience will receive Zeek and Fightland.
What’s your process when preparing for a new character?
The preparation is always different. Every character requires its own method of prep. I always implement the fundamentals: character, physical presence and truth. Then everything else is dependent on the character. I usually start with reading the script as many times as I can. That’s an exciting part of the process for me. The early stages, the unknown, the birth of ideas. The more I read, the easier it becomes to understand the character and their world. Research is also an important part of preparation. It needs to be thorough and extensive. In this role I play a boxing promoter. I watched videos, read articles, watched old interviews, spoke to boxers, trainers, referees. All with the intention of learning more about the boxing world and the life of a promoter. Matchroom’s The Greatest Showman was on Netflix at the time and that was great insight into a particular way of promoting.
Jacket, jeans and boots: Timberland
Sunglasses: Palm Angels
As a British actor working internationally, do you feel the need to represent the Black British experience to audiences outside the UK?
I’ve always been about telling stories and playing characters that I believe in. I’m a proud Black British Nigerian man, who happens to be an actor. I’m blessed to be in a position where I can represent my culture and portray these characters from our world, whether they’re flawed or faultless. Some of my work will depict the Black British experience, and I know every time that I will portray these roles as honestly as I can. That’s what I’m fighting for on set every day.
Fightland brings together boxing, crime and family dynamics. What was it about the project that made you interested?
Three things. Boxing, Zeek, and 50 Cent. I love my boxing. When I was a kid, my dad would wake me up at 4am to go and watch Lennox Lewis’ fights at our neighbour’s house. I’ve been locked in. The boxing landscape is loaded with drama and when I read the scripts, I could see the world they had created. My character Zeek was a huge part of me doing this job. I loved the character from the first time I read it. I felt he was one of those characters with a lot of depth. I knew I could do something interesting with him. I loved that he was a young bull in a cutthroat boxing world trying to create his own legacy. There was a lot of substance in that. The turbulent relationship between Zeek and his dad was another dynamic that really caught my attention early on. And of course, Fifty. He’s a legend! Fifty bringing his universe to the UK, to create a new boxing crime drama appealed to me.
Jacket, jeans and boots: Timberland
Sunglasses: Palm Angels
Your character Ezekiel ‘Zeek’ Marshall is described as brash and unpredictable. What was it like getting into his head?
It was a lot of fun! There’s a lot going on in Zeek’s head. He’s had a traumatic past that the audience doesn’t really see but he talks about it in one of the later episodes. I understood that Zeek is misunderstood and walking through life with a chip on his shoulder.
Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson has built an impressive TV empire. What did his involvement signal to you about the project and did his involvement make this an even more exciting opportunity?
Most definitely! You’ve only got to look at the waves he’s made in television over the last 10 years. Monster shows. Multiple universes created. Iconic characters. How can you not be excited.
Top: Fear of God ESSENTIALS
Trousers: Bershka
Boots: Timberland
What’s been your most memorable day on set in your career?
Any one of the days working with Joaquin Phoenix and Chiwetel Ejiofor on Mary Magdalene. Two actors I’d looked up to standing either side of me on set. That was wild!
What kind of stories are you passionate about bringing to audiences?
Unapologetic stories that reach communities and act as a mirror to their lives.
Top: Fear of God ESSENTIALS
Trousers: Bershka
Boots: Timberland
Is there a character you’ve played that has stayed with you?
Never.
How much of yourself ends up in a performance?
Depends how close the character is to me. Maybe a tiny sprinkle if it feels appropriate.
Jumper: BOSS
Trousers: Lazyport Sporting Club
Shoes and socks: Charles’ own
Is there a role that has felt like your ‘breakthrough’ moment?
Yes and no. An actor can feel a breakthrough moment is coming but, you never truly know in this game. Until your project comes out and you feel how it’s received, it’s all just speculation and mind games.
Is there a dream role you’d love to play?
I’d love to play a musician. I love music. The musician’s lifestyle has always fascinated me. They channel their creativity whilst fighting the demons of a savage industry. Similar to acting. It can be a crazy lifestyle. Playing Fela Kuti would be a dream role. There is so much of his story to be told. He is a pioneer. One of the greatest musicians to come out of Africa. I still feel when I mention him to people their reaction is “Who? Ohhhh that guy! Yeah, I’ve heard of him but don’t know much about him.” He makes me proud to be Nigerian. A biopic of his life needs to be done well though. It’s one of the stories you cannot compromise on. It’s probably part of the reason why one hasn’t yet been made.
Jumper: BOSS
Trousers: Lazyport Sporting Club
Which artists (in any medium) are inspiring you right now?
Sampha, Alfa Mist, Kelela, Cleo Sol ,Stephen Graham, Cailee Spaeny.
What do you enjoy outside of acting?
Travelling the world and learning new cultures as well as spending time with my loved ones. Listening to music, gigs and events, skating, watching the footy, the gym, learning Spanish.
How do you stay grounded?
My family. They’re my people. They keep it real with me. I always make sure that I’ve got good people around me. It gives me the energy I need to take on life.
When you look back on your career years from now, what would make you feel truly proud?
My work gaining critical acclaim. My work having a real impact on people’s lives and inspiring the young world. That would be cool.
Fightland is streaming on STARZ and launches on SKY Atlantic 27th August.
Follow Charles on Instagram @charles_babzy
Team:
Photographer: Jacquetta Clark @jacquetta.clark
Lighting Technician: Isabella Armora @howimwastingtime
Fashion Stylist/Editor: Charmaine McKoy @charmainemckoystyle
Deputy Editor/Interview: Sean McKoy @sean.mck
Styling Assistant: Carol McKoy
Grooming: Meera Shah @meeramua
Videographer: Nana Opoku-Agyeman @official_solarflare
Cover Design: Sofia Devita @sofiaxdevita
PR: Simon Hargreaves @satellite414screen
