Words Mary Oluwawo
Nigerian British actress Wunmi Mosaku is still celebrating her Screen Nation award for ‘Best Female Performance’. With lead roles in the movie The Citadel and BBC 2 drama Dancing on The Edge, both due in 2012, you’ll be seeing a lot more of Mosaku in the new year.
The star of I Am Slave, Ruined and Vera found time to speak with ARISE about her childhood, Hollywood and the representation of black people in the industry.
What did it mean to you to win the Screen Nations award?
It means a lot for an actress because it means people are paying attention to your work and appreciate it.
Why do we need ceremonies such as the Screen Nations?
In the BAFTAs this year, not one black entertainer was nominated. They are not even pretending to be racially equal; Trevor McDonald was awarded an achievement BAFTA but there is not one person that wasn’t of Caucasian heritage nominated. It’s sad because there are a lot of good non-Caucasian actors.
How did you get into acting?
I’ve sung, danced and acted from a really young age but I had two left feet. I did math and further maths and economics [at school] like a good Nigerian girl but acting is the only thing I feel confident and comfortable doing.
What did your parents say when you told them you wanted to act?
My mum was very supportive. My dad said: “Are you insane? What kind of idiot demon has entered you?” He’s happy now obviously.
In I am Slave you played a young girl abducted from her home in Sudan and sold into slavery in London. How did the role affect you?
It makes you really question humanity. It is an evil thing to do; to enslave a child, take away her name, rights and her religion. It’s so easy for people to fall into cruel behaviour.
What was it like playing a Sudanese girl when you are actually Nigerian? Did you study Sudanese culture or did you fit into the role easily?
I had to study the religion of Islam and the female role in that. Nigeria is very different [to Sudan], it’s bustling, loud, and actually, there’s a lot of fear, anxiety and paranoia in Nigeria.
Many black British actors eventually end up in Hollywood why do you think this is?
If you’re doing well here why not try and do well overseas? It’s not just black actors it’s every actor, no one wants to narrow their horizons. I’ve only started thinking about America recently I will go when I have to. I want to know if what I’ve got appeals to them.
Is it still hard for black actresses to get decent roles?
There are stereotypes and those who are clever enough not to write stereotypes. I’ve been very lucky I have an agent who puts me up for those black roles and the things in between.