Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Star David Friebe Lami Explains Decision of Name Change to Its Origin ‘Lami’
David Friebe Lami who debuted on Beyond the Gates as Isaiah Hawthorne, the brother of Jacob Hawthorne (Jibre Hordges), back in 2025, is going into 2026 with a new perspective and change to his acting name and more.
The Beyond the Gates star took to his Instagram to explain why he is shortening his name to just Lami and its origins and significance in his life from growing up until now. Lami debuted on the CBS daytime drama in October of 2025 and has been a love interest for Eva Thomas played by Ambyr Michelle.
The actor started his post with, “I’m changing my name,” before launching into how he came to this decision. Lami is not only an actor/model, but as BTG viewers have seen on his social media account, a very talented musician and musical artist.

Photo: CBS
‘Goodbye David Lami Friebe. Now it’s Lami. Singular,” he explained. “The return to my roots. Lami is my birth name, given to me by my parents. It’s Liberian, named after a relative my father looked up to. I was Lami until about five years old when i woke up from a dream and asked my parents to call me David. They said “aight bet” (don’t quote me on that) and from that point David was my nickname. After we moved to California, throughout school I had a tough time fitting in, and the name “Lami” always stuck out like a pimple. I’d always rush over to ask a new teacher to change the name sheet before roll call, so that they didn’t call my legal name “Lami” out loud. I thought it was embarrassing to be different. So it was David for awhile. Those fears and insecurities stayed tucked in my pocket all the way up until high school.”
Taking us from high school till now, Lami, added, “Then I grew up. I gained a voice. Started putting myself out there. My senior year I released my first EP, and with that release I turned those pockets inside out. I chose myself, and embraced my authentic identity. I released under the stage name LAMI. But I was still David to those around me. Until I met Nia. She was the first person to ignore David and call me Lami until I started introducing myself as such. She was also the one who encouraged me to take acting classes, write scripts, shoot films. I gained a new level of confidence and skills, but I kept the name “David Lami Friebe” for all things film-related to separate that side of myself from my music, still under “LAMI”. That split in artistic personality survived until now.”
Speaking on the challenges of the often unforgiving world of the acting and music world, Lami added “This industry has a way of shaking up your world, throwing unexpected curveballs and f*cking up your plans, and I’ve learned that the best thing you can do to manage the volatility is to stay true to yourself, trust yourself, trust your work, and lean on your loved ones. Who I am is the same when I’m singing or acting, holding drumsticks or operating a camera. My art and expression comes from the same place. So there’s no need for two different stage names. There’s no need for six syllables. We can keep it blunt. Straight to the point. Lami.”
So, what do you think about what Lami had to share about his upbringing and experience which led him to now go by a singular name? Are you enjoying his performances on Beyond the Gates? Let us know via the comment section below.
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I can’t tell you the sleepless nights I have endured over this issue. Than k you Lami
That was thoroughly unnecessary snark, but you do you.
Gunta 1. Bougie yotch behind the keyboard… ZERO. Thank u Eva.
Soap rags post just about any type of article related to BTG or anyone associated with it just to help boost ratings.
Pardon me, do you know Dottie? You seem
To travel in the same circles.
Her last name certainly isn’t Angelou, Huh Maya?
I love that he made this decision for himself.
Beyond the Gates
BEYOND THE GATES Preview: Who’s Trying to Silence Hayley?

This week on all-new episodes of Beyond the Gates, Banneker U. homecoming continues on Monday, October 5, when Tyrell (Jaden Lucas Miller) shocks the Duprees and Richardson families, while Bill (Timon Kyle Durrett), Vernon (Clifton Davis), Elon (Malachi Malik) and Joey (Jon Lindstrom) scramble knowing Hayley (Marquita Goings) is in possession of audio recordings that would reveal their involvement in a dark secret.
That secret is a few years back when Martin (Brandon Claybon) killed a racist attacker while severely beating another man named Kenneth, in what followed followed was a subsequent murder orchestrated by Bill and Joey that was covered up as a “robbery gone wrong!”
Now, in the latest video teaser for the action in and around Fairmont Crest from October 5-9 (see below), Hayley becomes the target as many people want to silence her or gain access to the recordings she has. It was those recording, which Hayley used to blackmail her husband, Bill, in order to stay out of jail for trying to kill him! Oh, what a tangled web we weave.

Photo: CBS
Meanwhile, Bill and Dani’s (Karla Mosley) shared history continues to draw them closer together, while Kat (Colby Nixon) seems to be enjoying her time with Izaiah (Lami), after Eva (Ambyr Michelle) decided not to come to the Banneker homecoming gathering. Will Kat and Izaiah become even closer? Stay tuned.
Now below, check out the official Beyond the Gates spoilers for the action in and around Fairmont Crest this week.
Monday, October 5
Anita hears disturbing news from Vernon. Dani gets the cold shoulder. Bill won’t give up without a fight. Nicole offers Deanna a reality check while Vanessa dodges some big questions. Martin & Smitty enjoy a full house. Jacob & Naomi align their priorities. Tyrell drops a major bombshell on his family.
Tuesday, October 6
Anita and Dani’s update blindsides Nicole. Vernon puts Bill on notice. Hayley scores a big win… at a big cost. Leslie defends her actions. Jacob confronts Izaiah. Kat’s bold words leave Eva shaken. Chelsea issues an important warning.
Wednesday, October 7
Vernon comes to the rescue. Dani presses Bill while Andre troubles Ted. Hayley’s caught totally off guard. Eva faces the future while Izaiah’s distracted. Leslie’s devoted to drama. Marcel and Joey practice persuasion.
Thursday, October 8
Andre dredges up Dani’s past. Anita finds comfort in music while Nicole is candid with Vanessa. Ted and Ashley are in cahoots. Leslie gets Hayley scrambling and Randy is fed up. Noah gives Deanna a different perspective.
Friday, October 9
Vernon shares the ugly truth with Anita. Nicole makes good on a promise. Naomi doesn’t back down. Madison leans on Chelsea after risking it all. Smitty draws a hard line with Martin. Vanessa and Joey hear Heather out. Ted’s trip with Shanice proves unforgettable.
Check out the video preview for this week’s episodes of Beyond the Gates below.
Then let us know, who do you think might be chloroforming Hayley? Will she get away with her blackmail, and be able to out maneuver everyone to continue to have a ‘get out of jail free’ card? What do you think Tyrell has to say during Banneker homecoming that will come as a surprise? Share your thoughts and theories via the comment section.
Beyond the Gates
TUNE-IN: ‘Beyond the Gates’ Banneker Homecoming Episodes, EP Sheila Ducksworth Speaks on Impact HBCUs Have in Real Life

As previously reported, kicking off today, is a two-part Beyond the Gates, when The Duprees gather to celebrate Banneker University’s homecoming weekend.
The producers and writers are taking an opportunity to spotlight the rich traditions of the long-held tradition of attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through its fictional university.
The episodes are today on CBS and stream on Paramount+ on Friday, October 2 and next week on Monday, October 5, where in true Beyond the Gates fashion, there will be some surprising drama that ensues when someone shows up!

Photo: CBS
BANNEKER REFLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS
Sheila Duckworth, (executive producer, Beyond the Gates) spoke to Soaps.com to give some insight on the decision for the series to illustrate the ties that bind with HBCUs.
“It was important that we have this school as almost a character on our canvas, right from the beginning. Beyond even education, HBCUs have been pivotal when it comes to everything from economic progression and fostering a sense of community to the development of leadership skills,” explained Ducksworth. “From the beginning, we wanted to illustrate that what the Duprees are able to do in the world was a direct reflection of the impact HBCU’s have in real life.”
EVERYTHING HAS ITS PURPOSE
The EP talked about how purposeful the elements that integrate Banneker into the overall story of Beyond the Gates are including: the Dupree family door knocker that is a lion, the mascot for the fictional university, plus, the upcoming fight song that the cast will sing together on the Monday, October 5 episode, and the painting the hangs at Fairmont Crest.
That portrait of Vernon Dupree’s (Clifton Davis) father, George Cheeks Dupree, that hangs prominently at the country club, was named after CBS executive George Cheeks (now Chairman of TV and Media, Paramount), and as Ducksworth says of the legacy of Vernon’s father, “He was the architect of Fairmont Crest.”
So, are you looking forward to these episodes honoring HBCU traditions with the Dupree and the Richardson clans? What surprises do you think might be in store come next week? Let us know via the comment section below.
Beyond the Gates
‘Beyond the Gates’ Honors HBCU Tradition with Banneker University Homecoming Episodes

Beyond the Gates is set to air two upcoming episodes on Friday, October 2 and Monday, October 5 on CBS, which will feature the residents of Fairmont Crest gathering at the Dupree family home for a spirited tailgate ahead of Banneker’s Homecoming, decked out in the university’s signature crimson and gold.
The episodes celebrate African American heritage by showcasing the longstanding homecoming traditions of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCU’s) through the show’s fictional Banneker University.
With five generations of the Dupree family having attended Banneker, Homecoming is more than a celebration – it’s a cherished family legacy. For the Duprees and the Fairmont Crest community, it offers an opportunity to honor their shared history, celebrate their HBCU pride, and come together for a special day filled with family, friendship, and tradition.

Photo: CBS
BANNEKER U. FIGHT SONG
The excitement culminates with a spirited bus ride to the game, where the entire group proudly sings “Fight On,” Banneker University’s beloved fight song and we know the cast members of Beyond the Gates CAN SING! Ahead of the episodes, CBS released some promotional photos and more to engage viewers to tune-in to the 15-time Daytime Emmy nominated daytime drama.
The series is produced by CBS Studios, as part of the CBS Studios/NAACP Venture, in partnership with P&G Studios, a division of Procter & Gamble. Created by head writer Michele Val Jean, executive producers include Val Jean, Sheila Ducksworth, Julie Carruthers, Tracey Thomson, Leon W. Russell, Derrick Johnson, Anna Saalfeld and Lela Coffey. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

Photo: CBS
Beyond the Gates is broadcast weekdays on CBS (2:00-3:00 PM, ET/1:00-2:00 PM, PT) and is available to stream on Paramount+**.
*(live and on-demand for Paramount+ Premium plan subscribers, or on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. *Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service, as well as on-demand. Paramount+ Essential subscribers will not have the option to stream live, but will have access to on-demand the day after the episode airs.
So, are you glad to see Beyond the Gates continuing to shed light on Black excellence through its soap opera platform? Is the Dupree family, quickly, if not already, become one of your favorites families in all of daytime drama? Let us know via the comment section below.
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