Nigerians Online Protest as Lupita Nyong’o Assumes Role of Nigerian Character in New Series
Nigerians on social media are up in arms over the decision by American film company HBO Max to pick Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong’o to play the role of a Nigerian character.
Lupita will star on a limited series ‘Americanah’, which is based on Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s best-selling novel of the same name.
In the 10-episode series, Lupita will act as Ifemelu (Lupita), a young, beautiful, self-assured woman raised in Nigeria, who as a teenager falls in love with her classmate Obinze.
Living in a military-ruled country, they each depart for the west, with Ifemelu moving to the US, where, despite her academic success, she is forced to grapple with racism.
On the other hand, Obinze, a son of a professor, hoped to join her in the US, but with post-9/11 in America, he is denied a visa. He relocates to the UK and becomes an undocumented immigrant after the expiry of his visa.
Nigerians online protested the move to give Lupita the role, arguing that there are many talented actresses in the West African nation who perfectly fit the character.
“Why tf is Lupita in this if she’s not Igbo or Nigerian? This is literally like having a Japanese person play a Korean person..makes no sense, ” Halimee said.
“The whole point is that there are a lot of Nigerian actors who would have PERFECTLY executed the role and Lupita being cast just shows that the story isn’t respected enough bc they just gave the role to their go-to “African” girl.”
She added: “The story is of Nigeria and a Nigerian, was written by a Nigerian and it’s only right to honor the author by portraying the story the closest they can to the book.”
Another user suggested: “How about Yvonne Orji? Since she’s actually Igbo and Nigerian why can’t she play it? SMH”
Donis noted: “Seriously? Use an Igbo actress dammit I can’t deal,I feel the forced Igbo accent already.”
Nena said: “But we have a whole Nigerian actress who speaks the Igbo language and has the actual accent. We LOVE Lupita, but please give @GenevieveNnaji1 this role. Thank you.”
Kenyans online, however, hit back at Nigerians, saying that Lupita was chosen due to her prowess.
“Someone needs some schooling. An actor can play any role. Moreover, @Lupita_Nyongo is the best there is out there. Shouldn’t you be proud that it’s even a real African who has gotten that role? In most cases it’s African American who finds it hard getting the accent right,” Peet Home said.
Dave noted: “If your Naija actors in Hollywood who have had a 20-year career can’t do better to earn themselves an oscar let @Lupita_Nyongo do it,,,,just sit down and be humble.”