This archive report was first published on 15 September 2019.
Published on September 15, 2019, Nigerians on social media are up in arms over the decision by American film company HBO Max to pick Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong'o to play the role of a Nigerian character in the limited series 'Americanah'.
The series, based on Nigerian novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's best-selling novel of the same name, follows the story of Ifemelu, a young Nigerian woman who moves to the US and grapples with racism.
However, many Nigerians online have protested the move to give Lupita the role, arguing that there are many talented actresses in the West African nation who perfectly fit the character.
Some users pointed out that Lupita is not Igbo or Nigerian, and that the role should have been given to a Nigerian actress who speaks the Igbo language and has the actual accent.
Others defended Lupita's casting, saying that an actor can play any role and that Lupita is the best actress for the part.
