So, Chimamanda Adichie‘s latest novel ‘Americanah,’ is to be made into a movie with actress Lupita Nyong’o as Ifemelu. For those of you who have not read this award winning book by Nigerian author Adichie, please pick it up NOW! Americanah basically tells the story of two young Nigerians, Ifemelu and Obinze, who are separated after falling in love. Determined to leave a nation riven by military dictatorship, Ifemelu secures a place at an American university. Obinze is unable to secure a visa for a country suffering the aftermath of 9/11 and instead suffers as an undocumented immigrant in London.
According to ‘The Guardian News,’ Nyong’o, who won the best supporting actress prize in March for her turn in Steve McQueen’s 12 Years a Slave, is set for a lead role in Americanah. The film, based on Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s prize-winning novel, will be produced by Brad Pitt under his Plan B banner.
“It is such an honour to have the opportunity to bring Ms Adichie’s brilliant book to the screen,” Nyong’o said. “Page after page, I was struck by Ifemelu and Obinze’s stories, whose experiences as African immigrants are so specific and also so imminently relatable. It is a thrilling challenge to tell a truly international story so full of love, humour and heart.”
Adichie’s book won the 2013 US National Book Critics Circle award for fiction and was named one of the 10 best books of the year by The New York Times Book Review, the BBC and Newsday. Adichie is the 36-year-old author of Purple Hibiscus and Half of a Yellow Sun, which has also recently been made into a film.
After being asked to also appear on the soon coming Star Wars movie, Lupita is certainly in high demand! If you’re a fan of Chimamanda’s novels then you will understand why We’re definitely looking forward to this one!
These are certainly exciting times for Chimamanda, a figure for young aspiring Nigerians/Africans who dream big. Go Chimamanda and of course, Lupita!
No Matter where you come from, Your dreams are Valid. – Lupita Nyongo
Integr8.Africa 