Meet the Wakandan Ladies Who Outshone the ‘Black Panther’
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Wakanda a fictional, technologically advanced country surrounded by lofty green mountains, magnificent waterfall and sky full of cirrus clouds is protected by Black Panther, better known as T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman). T’Challa, son of T’Chaka (John Kani), is the leader of the Panther Clan. Wakanda derives its power and technology from the metal that had hit it a thousand years ago as a meteor. This metal is the most powerful metal in the fictional Marvel Universe, called Vibranium.
King T’Challa is definitely the superhero for a bold new age. But many viewers would argue that the most pivotal role was not played by T’Challa or the antagonist Erik Killmonger (Michael B. Jordan), but rather by the women of Wakanda!
The film portrays Wakandan women as being ferocious, strong, passionate, and intelligent. Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), the mother of T’Challa guides her son towards his new responsibility, and is ever-ready to do all it takes to save her beloved nation.
There’s loads of chemistry between T’Challa and Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o), who’s far more than the stereotypical superhero ‘love interest’. A dedicated and accomplished Wakandan intelligence operative, she’s steadfast in her loyalty to her country, while also determined to help people in misery all across the globe. Okoye (Daniya Gurira) is symbolized as powerful, muscular, fierce black beauty. She is the general of the Dora Milaje (the king’s personal protective force). Okoye acted fierce and loyal towards her country, exemplifying in every way a powerful woman of substance and authority – prepared to even stand against her lover W’Kabi in order to fulfil her duties.
“It is very exciting being a part of such an iconic movie because of the crew we’re working with. Everyone is so professional. People are just so good, you come to set and everything is prepared. You just get into this world, you just look around and you think ‘wow it’s amazing’. I’m allowed to be here and it’s fun” said Florence Kasumba, who portrays Ayo, a fighter in the Dora Milaje.
The Wakandan lady who’s probably generated the most buzz none other than Shuri (Letita Wright), sister of T’Chaka and the mastermind behind the technologically advanced Wakanda.
Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira told ET in an interview that they are both very picky about African stories and how they are going to be handled because they have been mangled many a time by Hollywood, so it was important for them to hear the vision of director Ryan Coogler. Needless to say, his vision left them impressed.
Bassett was extremely proud of this movie, that painted a surreal view of African culture, its topography and its women. She expressed her feelings about the movie in an interview with Jess Cagle on People TV. Bassett said, “It is something that no one ever believed, no one has ever seen. We believed in this, we would tell our kids you’re of kings and of queens. We try to instill a sense of pride, and this is that moment where we can look on that screen and see all of that history that we’ve read.”
Black Panther is a celebration of the African Continent, the African culture and the African people – but particularly black women, who have only fairly recently managed to carve out their own niche in a pop-cultural environment that previously marginalized and neglected them.