British actress Cynthia Erivo cast as Miriam Makeba sparks debate among South Africans

Posted on April 25, 2026
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Cynthia Erivo to play Mirima Makeba in upcoming film

Cynthia Erivo is set to take on the role of iconic South African singer and activist Miriam Makeba in an upcoming film.

The news was confirmed by entertainment commentator Jabu MacDonald, who revealed that the project, titled The Road Home, is a major production backed by StudioCanal and MultiChoice with a reported budget of R300 million.

Filming is expected to begin in June 2026 in Cape Town.

According to MacDonald, Thabo Rametsi has been cast as jazz legend Hugh Masekela, while Guy Pearce will portray Archbishop Trevor Huddleston.

“A R300 million StudioCanal and MultiChoice film is in the works, titled ‘The Road Home’ with Cynthia Erivo set to play Miriam Makeba and Thabo Rametsi as Hugh Masekela. Filming is set to begin in June 2026 in Cape Town,” the post read.

While the announcement generated excitement for the high-profile production, it also sparked criticism from some South Africans who questioned why a local actress was not chosen to portray “Mama Afrika.”

Social media users quickly began suggesting alternative names they felt would better represent the role.

One user wrote: “Thuso Mbedu/ King Tha/Zolani Mahola/ Bonnie Mbuli/ Simphiwe Dana.”

Another added: “Cynthia Erivo is absolutely incredible, and what she did on the Aretha Franklin biopic speaks volumes about her ability… BUT… Zoë Modiga is the ONLY person that should be playing Mama Afrika.”