This archive report was first published on 16 September 2019.
Published on September 16, 2019, a heated debate has been brewing on Twitter between Kenya and Nigeria over the decision to cast Lupita Nyong'o as the main character in the movie Americanah.
The movie, based on Chimamanda Adichie's novel, is a Nigerian story that centers around two Nigerians who fall in love but find themselves separated by immigration issues.
According to WarnerMedia Entertainment, the movie will be produced by Giant, an American production company.
Lupita Nyong'o expressed her excitement about the project, stating, 'It is an honour to bring Ms Adichie's brilliant book to the screen.'
However, Nigerians have been quick to express their displeasure with the casting, citing that the movie will lack an authentic Nigerian accent.
Some have argued that Nigeria has a wealth of talented actresses who could have played the role, making the casting of Lupita Nyong'o seem like an outsider's attempt to tell a Nigerian story.
