Actress set to play Miriam Makeba trolled over singing clip [video]

A clip of British actress Cynthia Erivo talking about Miriam Makeba – and singing one of her iconic songs – has elicited a strong reaction from South Africans. The screen star, of Nigerian descent, is expected to portray the songstress in an upcoming biopic.

The news has been met with public backlash, with many questioning why a South African artist was not chosen instead.

BACKLASH OVER CYNTHIA ERIVO SINGING MIRIAM MAKEBA’S SONG

On social media, a clip of Cynthia Erivo being quizzed about her knowledge of Miriam Makeba has gone viral.

In the clip, the British actress joins in on singing Makeba’s 1967 hit song, Pata Pata.

Erivo claimed that she was “studying” the life of the singer, adding: “I love her….she’s a bada**”.

In the comments section – which has since been disabled, Erivo was criticised over her pronunciation of Miriam Makeba’s name. Many even questioned how or why she was cast as the iconic performer.

@cyns.court Her little dance🥹✨ she’s the happiest soul! #cynthiaerivo #musiclover ♬ original sound – cyn’s court🧚🏾

‘I HOPE I CAN DO HER JUSTICE’

Last month, news broke of Hollywood-produced South African musical drama, The Road Home.

The R300 million film will explore the true-life events of music and politics during the Apartheid era.

It will focus on the late jazz musician Hugh Masekela, who was exiled from South Africa, and went on to form the Graceland band alongside singer Miriam Makeba, who later became his wife.

South African thespian Thabo Rametsi will play Masekela, while British actress Cynthia Erivo will take on the role of Makeba.

In a Facebook post, Erivo addressed her upcoming role.

She shared: “I have had a Miriam Makeba shaped space in my heart for aeons now, and the thought of bringing her to life this way is scary, a challenge. She is and was singular. I can only hope that with hard work, I can do her the justice that she so deserves, and I am deeply honoured to be given the opportunity to try.

She added, “If you don’t know who she is, you should. A legend, a storyteller, a healer. Mama Africa”