Celebrating Nigerian-British Actor, Producer and Activist, John Boyega
This week, we are celebrate Nigerian-British Actor, Producer and Activist @johnboyega. John Adedayo Adegboyega, 29-year-old, was born to British Nigerian parents.
Boyega Exudes his Blackness and African roots with pride. It's no surprise that he took to the stage to express his solidarity towards the black lives matter rally at hyde park, London in June, 2020.
John Boyega attended Westminster City School in London before enrolling at South Thames College to study for a National Diploma in Performing Arts. He enrolled at the University of Greenwich to study BA Film Studies & Media Writing, but dropped out to focus on acting.
Boyega first gained to recognition in his native Britain with his performance as Moses in the sci-fi comedy film; Attack the Block (2011). As his acting career progressed, he played a drug dealer in the criminal world of gun running in the film 'Junkhearts.' He landed a role in John Ridley's boxing drama "Da Brick," which is based on Mike Tyson's life. He did, however, face a setback when HBO decided to cancel the film. He never gave up hope, and in 2012, he landed a role in the film "My Murder." In 2013, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's historical fiction novel 'Half of a Yellow Sun,' about the Nigerian civil war, was adapted where he was featured and played a major role in the movie.
His big break came in the starring part in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens,' in which he plays Finn, a storm trooper who deserts the force after witnessing brutality on his first combat mission and then fights back for justice. The film was a major box office success, and his performance received positive feedback. In 2016, Boyega founded Upperroom Entertainment Limited, his own production company. Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018), a sequel to the 2013 film Pacific Rim, was co-produced by his business and Legendary Entertainment. Jake Pentecost, played by Boyega, is the film's main character.
In respect to his great works and performance in the movie industry, Boyega was featured on the cover of 'Screen International' magazine in 2011 as one of Fionnuala Halligan's 'UK Stars of Tomorrow.' He has been nominated for numerous accolades for his work, and for his appearance in 'Attack the Block,' he received the 2011 Black Reel Award for Best Actor. For his role in 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens,' he also received the BAFTA Rising Star Award and the Empire Award for Best Male Newcomer.