Like many South Africans, Somizi Mhlongo has shared his disappointment at the casting of British actress Cynthia Erivo as South African songbird, Miriam Makeba.
The leading lady is part of a new Hollywood-produced biopic called The Road Home. It also stars South African thespian Thabo Rametsi as musician High Masekela.
SOMIZI SPEAKS OUT ON CYNTHIA ERIVO BEING CAST AS MIRIAM MAKEBA
In a video posted on his TikTok account, Somizi shared his frustrations and disappointment that a non-South African actress had been cast as Miriam Makeba in an international film production.
“Most South Africans are unhappy, including myself, about these Hollywood producers taking our stories and telling our stories. The frustration is valid and warranted.
“We have the best actresses and actors in this country…and I’m talking global standards. They don’t give a F about our support”.
Somizi went on to explain the dynamic of casting in international film production, noting that big names like Cynthia Erivo would attract audiences. However, he found fault with South Africans who signed off on their stories being told by overseas filmmakers.
Images via X
He continued: “We are angry at the wrong people…There is someone who signs everything off. It could be a relative, it could be an estate, a company or someone with the rights.
“That person no longer has a say. They can only approve of the script before they sign everything. Those are the people we should be focusing on. How do you sell your souls because of money?
“The sooner the government invests in the arts and culture, the more money there is in this economy”.
@somg63
‘JUSTICE THAT SHE DESERVES’
Last month, news broke of Hollywood-produced South African musical drama, The Road Home.
The R300 million film will explore the true-life events of music and politics during the Apartheid era.
It will focus on the late jazz musician Hugh Masekela, who was exiled from South Africa, and went on to form the Graceland band alongside singer Miriam Makeba, who later became his wife.
South African thespian Thabo Rametsi will play Masekela, while British actress Cynthia Erivo will play Makeba.
Production will begin in Cape Town in June.
In a Facebook post, Erivo addressed her upcoming role.
She shared: “I have had a Miriam Makeba-shaped space in my heart for aeons now, and the thought of bringing her to life this way is scary, a challenge. She is and was singular. I can only hope that with hard work, I can do her the justice that she so deserves, and I am deeply honoured to be given the opportunity to try.
She added, “If you don’t know who she is, you should. A legend, a storyteller, a healer. Mama Africa”
