Carlos Leal, son of Spanish immigrants, was born in Geneva in 1969. He is the co-founder and singer of the Swiss hip hop group Sens Unik, who have been extremely succesfull in both Switzerland and France since the early 1990’s.
As one of the first francophone hip hop bands, Sens Unik incorporated a female voice in a way that didn't just serve decorative purpuses but created a unique style to the music. Sens Unik also combines hip hop with socially critical rap lyrics. Their music has been popular throughout Europe for over ten years and has received numerous awards.
Sens Unik's music has been used in successful and controversial films such as La Haine, directed by Mathieu Kassowitz, and in Neutre, directed by Xavier Ruiz.
In 1993, Carlos appeared on the big screen for the first time in Samir's acclaimed documentary film Babylon 2. Based on this and further experience as a performer in video clips he decided to take on acting. Among others he took acting classes with Jack Garfein, Philippe Naud and Eric Garmirian.
In the meantime acting has become a second career for Carlos Leal. However, he remains committed to making music and wil continue to give concerts.
The role of Paco is Carlo's first leading role on the big screen.
Filmography (selection)
2005 Snow White, drama, 113min, directed by Samir
2005 Angel Hart, short film, 5min, directed by Goce Cvetanovski
2004 Demain j'arrête, short film, 32min, directed by Nicole Borgeat
2004 Coupé Court, short film, directed by Hugo Veludo
2003 Hilde’s Reise, drama, 90min, directed by Christof Vorster
2003 Love Express, comedy, 90min, directed by Elena Hazanov
2003 Les Amateurs, comedy, 93min, directed by Martin Valente
2002 Anomalies Passagères, TV drama, 83min, directed by Nadia Fares
2002 Ta Sœur, short film, 9min, directed by Martin Valente
2002 Soulfingers, short film, directed by Florent Alainguillaume
2001 Week-end break, short film, 14min, directed by Jean-Paul Cardinaux