{"id":29163,"date":"2026-04-25T14:31:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-25T12:31:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=29163"},"modified":"2026-04-25T14:31:26","modified_gmt":"2026-04-25T12:31:26","slug":"sa-voices-concerns-as-british-actress-cast-as-miriam-makeba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/sa-voices-concerns-as-british-actress-cast-as-miriam-makeba\/","title":{"rendered":"SA Voices Concerns as British Actress Cast as Miriam Makeba"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Cynthia Erivo, a celebrated British actress, is poised to portray the iconic musician and activist Miriam Makeba.<\/span><\/p>\n

This casting decision, involving a British actress for a pivotal South African musician and Apartheid activist, has elicited a wave of online responses.<\/p>\n

The Wicked<\/i> star will depict the acclaimed Pata Pata<\/i> artist in the R300 million film The Road Home<\/i>, produced by StudioCanal and MultiChoice.<\/p>\n

British actress takes on role of Miriam Makeba<\/h2>\n

Jabu MacDonald confirmed on Friday, 24 April 2026, via X (Twitter) that Cynthia Erivo is set to assume the role of Miriam Makeba. He also noted that Thabo Rametsi will play Hugh Masekela, and filming for the multi-million-rand project will commence in Cape Town in June. His post read:<\/p>\n

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\u201cA R300 million StudioCanal and MultiChoice film is in the works, titled \u2018The Road Home\u2019 with Cynthia Erivo set to play Miriam Makeba and Thabo Rametsi as Hugh Masekela. Filming is set to begin in June 2026 in Cape Town.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

For more details, see the post here<\/a>:<\/p>\n

SA responds to Cynthia Erivo’s casting as Miriam Makeba<\/h2>\n

Following the announcement on X, many South Africans voiced their thoughts, with numerous individuals criticizing the choice of Cynthia Erivo for the role of Miriam Makeba. Suggestions for local actresses included Thuso Mbedu, multi-talented Zo\u00eb Modiga, and former Freshly Ground frontwoman Zolani Mahola, to name a few.<\/p>\n

Here are some reactions:<\/p>\n

@ToyaDelazy stated:<\/p>\n

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\u201cThuso Mbedu\/ King Tha\/Zolani Mahola\/ Bonnie Mbuli\/ Simphiwe Dana.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

@sibumabena commented:<\/p>\n

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\u201cCynthia Erivo is absolutely incredible, and her portrayal in the Aretha Franklin biopic is notable\u2026 BUT\u2026 Zo\u00eb Modiga is the ONLY person that should be playing Mama Afrika 🥹\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

@LwandoMbelu said:<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt\u2019s people thinking South African actresses weren\u2019t called to audition to play Miriam Makeba, which they were. Top SA agents knew the brief and put forward their best talents. Cynthia Erivo earned the role. And strategically, her global profile expands reach.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

@just_norika expressed:<\/p>\n

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\u201cI don\u2019t know why, but this is making me angry. No offense to Cynthia (who is a giant in her own right), but do we not have local talent? Also, already by the way she pronounced ‘Miriam Makeba’, I\u2019m not confident in her ability to pull off Qongqothwane 😭💀\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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