This archive report was first published on 30 June 2021.
On June 30, 2021, Ekoroi shared the fascinating story of Nǃxau ǂToma, a Namibian bush farmer and actor who became an unlikely star in the 1980s.
Nǃxau ǂToma was paid $300 for his role in 'The Gods Must Be Crazy,' a movie that went on to make over $60 million and catapult him to international recognition, earning him the title of 'poor celebrity.'
Before his appearance in the films, Nǃxau ǂToma had little experience beyond his home in Namibia. He was a member of the San, also known as Bushmen, and had only ever seen three white people before being cast in the movie.
When director Jamie Uys gave him his first cash payment of $300, Nǃxau ǂToma allegedly let it blow away in the wind because he did not understand its value. This was despite money already being a serious matter for other San, who often relied on purchased food and government aid.
However, Nǃxau ǂToma was able to negotiate for nearly $500,000 for his appearance in the sequel. He came from a culture that did not value material possessions, and consequently, he had not learned money management skills.
Despite this, he was able to use some of his income to build a brick house with running water and electricity for his family. He also bought a used car and hired a chauffeur, as he had no desire to learn how to drive.
After his film career ended, Nǃxau ǂToma returned to Namibia, where he farmed maize, pumpkins, and beans, and kept several head of cattle. He converted to Christianity and was baptized as a Seventh-day Adventist in July 2000.
On July 5, 2003, Nǃxau ǂToma died from multiple-drug-resistant tuberculosis while on an excursion for hunting guinea fowl. He was about 58 or 59 years old at the time and was buried in a semi-traditional ceremony at Tsumkwe, next to the grave of his second wife.
He had six surviving children and left behind a legacy as one of Namibia's most famous actors.
