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Nomzamo Mbatha and Thuso Mbedu heralded among rising Black Hollywood stars

MPHO RANTAO

SOUTH African actresses Nomzamo Mbatha and Thuso Mbedu have become big names to watch in the Hollywood scene, joining the cozy company of some of Hollywood’s rising talent.

Mbatha and Mbedu have been included in the global “20 Black Hollywood stars to watch out in 2021”, a list compiled by American lifestyle magazine Essence that shines a light on Black entertainers who have their impression in the cutthroat entertainment industry. 

Actress Thuso Mbedu. Picture: Supplied

On their website, Essence detailed that their list is based on how Black Hollywood has continued to stand up and make a difference on (and off) the screen. 

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The magazine also details how the names of rising black talent are becoming known to mainstream media due to the growing production companies that push for black stories to be told, such as Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY studios; Viola Davis’ JuVee Productions and Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society – which was created with the purpose of uplifting black names for black lead roles and promoting stories by black voices.   

Nomzamo Mbatha has just completed the filming of ‘Coming 2 America’, the sequel to the 1988 film starring Eddie Murphy, in an undisclosed role. 

The actress became well-known for her debut role as Thandeka in the South African soapies ‘Isibaya’ and ‘Umlilo’, her debut film ‘Tell Me Sweet Something’, and for her humanitarian efforts as an ambassador for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR).  

READ:  Thuso Mbedu, Barry Jenkins speak about making slavery drama 'The Underground Railroad'

Thuso Mbedu, also currently based in the USA, has become an exciting face to watch in the arts as the actress was nominated at the 2018 International Emmy Awards for her role in ‘’. 

Mbedu is set to make her international debut in the Barry Jenkins directed ‘The Underground Railroad’ – an Amazon Video limited series set to be released this year.

Other names from the list include sister duo Chloe x Halle, actress and model Ryan Destiny, comedian Quinta Brunson, ‘One Night in Miami’ actor Eli Goree, British-Nigerian actor Damson Idris and ‘Batwoman’ actress Meagan Tandy. 

Actor Damson Idris, R&B duo Chloe x Halle and Actress Meagan Tandy all included in Essence’s list. Picture: Supplied
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By The African Mirror

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