Lupita Nyong'o and 'The Woman King' Controversy
- Daphne, FNDR of Tough Convos
- Aug 17, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
In the vibrant tapestry of Black history and culture, there exists a web of stories that shed light on the trials, triumphs, and complexities faced by the Black community throughout history. One such story that recently captured headlines is the "Woman King" controversy, a tale interwoven with cultural awareness, African heritage, and the enigmatic decision of Lupita Nyong'o, a respected black female leader in the entertainment industry, to not act in it. But beyond the headlines and speculations, the heart of this controversy lies in the commitment to preserving history and telling stories with accuracy.
Table of Contents:
The Woman King Controversy
The "Woman King" film set out to spotlight the extraordinary tale of an all-female military unit within the Kingdom of Dahomey, a powerful West African nation renowned for its fearless warriors.The narrative promised to delve into the heart of Black culture and showcase the remarkable legacy of African women who fought valiantly against colonial forces. The casting of Lupita Nyong'o, an Oscar-winning actress of Kenyan-Mexican descent, as the lead seemed like a perfect fit, igniting excitement within the Black community and beyond.
However, the production took an unexpected turn when Lupita Nyong'o chose not to proceed with the project, leaving many curious about the underlying reasons. The central concern stemmed from Lupita's commitment to maintaining the accuracy of African culture and history in the storytelling process, and the potential for the story to be inaccurately told or sensationalized.
The Documentary “Warrior Women with Lupita Nyong’o”
Enter the Lupita Nyong'o Woman King documentary, a revealing exploration that aimed to unearth the rationale surrounding the actress's decision. The documentary provided an intimate look into Lupita's journey and thought process, shedding light on her commitment to preserving the authenticity of African culture on screen and the importance of presenting the all-female military unit of the Kingdom of Dahomey as they truly were – fierce and skilled warriors with unwavering dedication to their kingdom, and playing a pivotal role in African history.
The heart of the matter, as uncovered by the documentary, “Warrior Women With Lupita Nyong’o”, lies in Lupita Nyong'o's unwavering dedication to cultural awareness and sensitivity. Deeply rooted in her African heritage, Lupita expressed concerns about how the story of the Woman King was being approached and the potential for misrepresentation. In the short, she commented that she “grapples uncomfortably with the tribe’s legacy of violence” in the short documentary on the Agojie tribe she released just prior called, “Warrior Women With Lupita Nyong’o”.
The real-life "Amazons of Dahomey," as they were known, were a remarkable group of women warriors who served as the King's bodyguards and played an integral part in defending their kingdom against colonial forces. Their training was rigorous, and their loyalty to the Dahomey monarchy was unparalleled. Backlash also ensued around the fact that the Agojie tribe and Kingdom of Dahomey participated in the European slave trade. Lupita's concern about inaccuracies were warranted, and highlighted her dedication to honoring these women's memory and the historical significance of their contributions.
Why Did Lupita Walk Away from the Woman King?
Lupita Nyong'o's departure from the Woman King was not an act of refusal but a conscious choice to ensure that the narrative remained true to its historical and cultural context.
It also serves as a testament to her role as a Black female leader who champions authenticity and respect for Black culture. Her decision prompted essential conversations about the importance of cultural awareness and the responsibility of filmmakers to accurately portray marginalized communities and their histories.
In the wake of this controversy, the entertainment industry found itself at a crossroads, grappling with the complexities of storytelling, representation, and the weight of historical accuracy. The Woman King incident underscored the significance of collaboration between creators and cultural advocates, highlighting the necessity of consulting those with intimate knowledge of the subject matter.
The Woman King controversy reminds us that cultural narratives aren’t just entertainment—they shape how history is remembered and whose voices are amplified. Leaders who develop cultural intelligence understand that accuracy and respect in storytelling matter just as much in the workplace as on the screen. It’s about recognizing perspectives, honouring legacies, and building trust across differences.
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