The modern world is filled with notable people of different heritages and cultures. As Black History Month is a time for reflection about such things, I would like to celebrate my Nigerian heritage and the achievements of a specific set of people!
Many Black people are often assumed to be Black American, Black British, Black Caribbean, African or to hail from other parts of Africa. This is often not the case. There are a number of ‘household names’ who claim Nigerian heritage. This article takes a look at who they are, where they’ve come from, and what they’ve achieved.
Uzo Aduba: Actress and Ambassador
Uzo Aduba is an American actress, best known for her role as Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren from Orange is the New Black. Both of Aduba’s parents originate from the Igbo tribe in Nigeria, and moved to Boston, USA, where Aduba was born.
Aduba is an accomplished actress who has worked in television and film, and on stage. As of 2022, she has received three Primetime Emmy Awards, five Screen Actors Guild Awards, three Golden Globe nominations, and a Tony Award nomination. She remains one of only two actors to win an Emmy Award in both the comedy and drama categories for the same role.
However, her achievements don’t stop at the silver screen. Aduba is also known as an advocate. In 2017, her support of the LGBTQ community was recognised with a Point Courage Award from the Point Foundation and, in 2018, she became Heifer International’s first-ever celebrity ambassador to Africa.
Richard Ayoade: Actor, Comedian, Filmmaker and Writer
Ayoade is perhaps best known as character Maurice Moss, the socially inept IT technician from British sitcom, The IT Crowd. However, Ayoade’s successful career shows that, whilst he is clearly as intelligent as Moss, he is anything but inept!
Born to a Nigerian father and a Norwegian mother, British-born Ayoade has enjoyed success in many areas of the entertainment industry. In addition to his acting, he has written several award-winning plays, and directed music videos for bands such as Arctic Monkeys, Kasabian, and Vampire Weekend. He is a featured comedian on panel shows such as 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, and was the host of The Crystal Maze during its revival.
Ayoade’s voice is now as recognisable as his face. He has worked on many animated films and TV shows, such as Lego Movie 2, Soul, and Disenchantment. He also read Roald Dahl’s The Twits for Penguin Audio’s audiobook collection.
Whilst his career goes from strength to strength, Ayoade shows no sign of narrowing his professional interests. He is now working on two children’s books of his own: The Book That No One Wanted (pub. 2022) and The Fairy Tale Fan Club.
John Boyega: Actor
John Boyega is a British actor who was born in London to Nigerian parents. He is best known for his role as Finn in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Last Jedi, and Rise of Skywalker.
Boyega enjoys a successful acting career that spans film, television and theatre. He has worked in a wide range of roles, including drama, comedy and, most recently, historical – as King Ghezo in The Woman King, a 2022 film that tells the story of Dahomey’s Agojie warriors. To date, Boyega has won several industry awards, including the BAFTA Rising Star Award (2015) and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor (2020).
Like many of his fellows, Boyega is also known for his activism. He was part of a celebrity group who spoke at a Black Lives Matter rally in Hyde Park, and he has openly criticised Disney’s treatment of Black characters in their works.
Nigerian celebrities: Just three of many…
This article focuses on some of the best-known names in the industry – but these Nigerian celebrities are not alone! Nigeria has produced a swath of talent over the years, and you can discover more by BuzzNigeria’s article here.
About Black History Month 2022
The theme for this year’s Black History Month is ‘Time to Change: Action not Words’. It highlights the importance of making tangible change to combat racial bias within organisations and businesses.
This is something at which KTAS excels! For example, our Recruitment and Selection training programme focuses on removing unconscious bias, and instead promotes a competency-based hiring process. To find out more and take ‘action’, visit our website: https://www.ktands.co.uk/
