Part 1: 30 Most Notable Africans of 2013
08 Jan 2014
#2. CHIWETEL EJIOFOR
Country of Origin: NIGERIA
What: As the lead character in 2013’s breakout hit, 12 Years A Slave, Chiwetel Ejiofor has carved out a place for himself in history as one of the most nuanced, powerful and versatile actors in the entertainment industry. With movies like Amistad, Talk to Me and Salt to his credit—as well as numerous, award-winning theatrical performances—Ejiofor was chosen by director, Steve McQueen, to play the lead role in this epic film because:
"[He] was always going to be Solomon Northup for me. I was looking for someone that had that genteelness, that kind of humanity. Knowing that humanity was going to be tested under certain duress and circumstances, I needed a person who could actually keep hold of that, even through periods of extraordinary trying and extraordinary situations where it would be tested to its absolute limit. He was the only person.”
Why I’m Inspired: At only 36, with a quiet wisdom beyond his years, this multiple award-winning actor hasn’t shied from skillfully telling the most difficult of stories, from Amistad and 12 Years A Slave to his lead role in the screen adaptation of Chimamanda Adichie’s Half of A Yellow Sun, and upcoming role as Patrice Lumumba in Aimé Césaire's A Season in the Congo. With more award nominations than there is room to list in this write-up, Ejiofor is definitely one to watch.
Julian B. Kiganda
Julian B. Kiganda is a passionate creative, expert brand builder, published author and founder of Bold & Fearless. A native of Uganda and Rwanda, she has 15+ years of experience as a multicultural design and communications expert. She’s created powerful brands for clients such as the African Union, Turner Construction, and the Freedom House Museum. Julian and her work have been featured in numerous media including: The Washington Post, ABC News, NBC4, FOX5, Associated Press, Communication Arts, Huffington Post, NPR, and ARISE Magazine. In 2014, she co-authored and published her first highly-acclaimed book, “Whose Shoes Are You Wearing? 12 Steps to Uncovering the Woman You Really Want to Be,” and is on a mission to empower women to walk boldly and fearlessly in the shoes God made just for them!
This is the most outstanding, Courageous out put. Proud of it. Keep on.
Thank you Tekie! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It’s so important that we recognize our own and I hope to see more lists like this from others in the future.
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