Makgotso Monyemorathoe got the opportunity of a lifetime to star in an upcoming American blockbuster film starring her best friend Thuso Mbedu. When news broke many congratulated her for this achievement, especially since she once revealed how she struggles to land roles.
Makgotso M will be starring in a Hollywood film titled 'The Woman King' and she will be playing one of King Ghezo’s, played by John Boyega, wives.
Thuso Mbedu got applauded for helping her friend land this role but this absurd claim got slammed by Mbedu. She said her friend Makgotso got briefed and then she auditioned. Mbedu said she is very proud of her friend and is deserving of all these accolades.
Mak got a brief. She auditioned and got the role. I am very proud of umngani wami because she deserves all that’s good that the world has to offer. All credit goes to her. No ladders here.
Mbedu then further went on to say she has to let her best friend's light shine as her time came and passed, "I didn’t misunderstand it. I’m addressing a specific group of people who chose not to see Mak at all in this time by alluding that she got the job because of me. This is her win. She is my friend. I had my moment. I’d like to shine light on her because I’m very proud of her."
Makgotso once spoke about not being able to land movie roles because of her background. "I am an African. A South African Zulu and Pedi woman to be precise with British citizenship too because I was raised in England from a very young age. I speak Zulu more fluently than Pedi because I was raised by a Zulu woman and on occasion, you will hear one of the many South African accents when I speak English infused with a certain kind of British accent. (because there's not just one British accent).
"Which is absurd because I am both of those things. Also, black British roles have been a myth lol. And I have been told (not in so many words) to accept it because that's is just how the industry is."
She also spoke about not discrediting dark skinned people's problems, "Also, please hear my heart. In expressing the discrimination I have faced and continue to face for looking the way I do, I am not disregarding the discrimination that darker-skinned black people have faced and are still facing. In talking about my struggles and pain, I am by no means disregarding another person's struggles and pain.
"I say all of this to say this: Representation is important. When I watch TV, film, theatre or print/digital media we should see all kinds of people from different backgrounds, different abilities, different sexes, sizes etc. Art is an imitation of life. And life is not just black and white. Tall or short, slim or curvy. As a people, we are so diverse. I learn something new every day. If I'm not cooped up in the house lol."
Thuso is currently a beacon of light for many South Africans and Phil Mphela gave her her much deserved flowers for playing lead in a Golden Globe winning series.
A South African black girl is a lead in a Golden Globe winning series.
Let that sink in, and know that what Lupita said is true… your dreams are valid.
Thuso Mbedu is truly carrying the hopes and dreams of many creatives.
