Black Panther Captivates African Film Enthusiasts
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Africans can’t get enough of the first Marvel superhero movie featuring a predominantly black cast. Black Panther has garnered enthusiastic reviews from both critics and audiences who have attended its premieres in Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa, among other countries.
South Africa hosts Black Panther stars
Some cast members traveled to South Africa for the premiere, with Kenyan-born actress Lupita Nyong’o expressing her excitement on Twitter by stating, “the excitement is spellbinding.” She shared, “A gift to be back in the motherland to bring #BlackPanther here for the South African Premiere. The joy, love, and excitement here and worldwide is spellbinding. Something really special is happening! #WakandaForever #BlackPantherSA”
Zimbawean-born actress Danai Gurira also tweeted about “taking Black Panther to the motherland,” as she headed to South Africa.
Nigerians celebrate
In Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, film fans, Nollywood stars, and comics gathered for the screening of the movie. Many attendees wore traditional Nigerian robes and gowns, with some choosing to don specially made outfits inspired by the film’s futuristic take on African attire.
“Black Panther is a film that celebrates black excellence. Bringing it to Nigeria is especially exciting,” said Bolaji Kekere-Ekun, a 33-year-old filmmaker. “The people who made the film were very specific about the references they used in relationship to Africa. They are pulling from the best fashion and art,” he added.
Wakanda
Black Panther is set in the fictional African nation of Wakanda. The narrative follows the new king, T’Challa/Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), as he faces challenges from rival factions. The fictional nation is portrayed as a lush land with breathtaking waterfalls, where spacecraft resembling tribal masks fly over a modern metropolis. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the film also features actors such as Michael B. Jordan, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’o, and Forest Whitaker, and it has received extensive acclaim after years of criticism surrounding the under-representation of black individuals in Hollywood.
Ugandans claim Wakanda
Ugandans, including actors Daniel Kaluuya and Florence Kasumba, who both feature in Black Panther, have been highlighting connections between Wakanda and Uganda. One Twitter user noted, “When you watch Black Panther, look out for location on the globe. It’s not a coincidence that Wakanda rhymes with Uganda. Our character is named O‘Wakabi, and you see Murchison Falls, rift valleys, impenetrable forests, and the mountains of the moon!” Another user emphasized, “The young one of Uganda is a Wakanda. After all, Wakanda is a fictional East African nation bordering Uganda — it might as well be our baby.”
Insights shared on social media highlight that filmmakers envisioned Wakanda as a blend of various real African nations, economies, and cultures, including Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and the Congo. Oscar-nominated Daniel Kaluuya has been seen in traditional Ugandan Kanzu attire at the world premiere. With several scenes filmed at locations such as Mountain Rwenzori and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in Southwest Uganda, it’s easy to see why many feel a connection to Wakanda.
