South African actress, singer, and television personality Nandi Madida is enjoying a wave of recognition both at home and abroad after her performance in Beyoncé’s globally acclaimed visual album and film, Black Is King. Her role as Nala in the project not only placed her alongside international icons such as Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Kelly Rowland, Pharrell Williams, and Naomi Campbell but also earned her a shout-out from celebrated American actress and producer Taraji P. Henson.
Black Is King, which was written, executive produced, and co-directed by Beyoncé, serves as a visual companion to the 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift. The project was designed as a cultural celebration and storytelling piece inspired by Disney’s remake of The Lion King. The film featured a mix of African and international talent, with some of South Africa’s finest artists gracing the production, including Connie Chiume, Warren Masemola, Moonchild Sanelly, Busiswa, and Lindi Mlaba.
Madida’s portrayal of Nala drew attention across the globe. Her performance caught the eye of Empire star Taraji P. Henson, who congratulated her publicly, writing: “CONGRATS BEAUTIFUL!!! Saw you in #BlackIsKing.” For Madida, the recognition from such a respected Hollywood figure marked a significant moment in her growing international profile.
Back on South African soil, Madida has also been basking in another career milestone. In August, she celebrated winning her first South African Music Award (SAMA), a moment she described as both humbling and rewarding. Together with rapper KO, she took home the award for Best Collaboration for their hit single Say U Will.
Although the SAMAs were hosted virtually this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Madida only recently received her physical award. She proudly shared the golden trophy with her fans on Instagram, posting a heartfelt video message.
“Guys, I’m so excited. Thank you so much for making this happen—my first SAMA, and it’s all because of you,” she said in the clip. She also used the opportunity to build excitement for her upcoming single Organic, which she revealed was set to drop on September 18, 2020.
Madida explained that the song was deeply personal, designed as a tribute to Black women and their strength: “I’m so excited because it celebrates Black women and all their magic.”
Nandi Madida Earns Praise from Taraji P. Henson for ‘Black Is King’ Role
While the congratulations and applause poured in, Madida also found herself at the center of online debate following a candid post on Twitter. She shared a personal story about how her son’s school friends reacted when they realized she was the actress who played Nala.
In her now-deleted tweet, she wrote: “Dropped off my son at school and it’s been a while (we haven’t been to school since March), and I realized today that to some of Shaka’s toddler friends I am Nala… I heard a ‘Wow! Shaka’s mom is Nala! Black Is King!’ The power of Disney.”
The post sparked mixed reactions. Many fans applauded the innocence and excitement of the children, praising the story as a heartwarming reminder of the cultural impact of Disney and Beyoncé’s project. However, others were more skeptical, questioning whether the anecdote was exaggerated for effect.
Despite the online debate, there is no denying that 2020 marked a defining year for Nandi Madida’s career. Between her acclaimed role in Black Is King, her recognition from Taraji P. Henson, and her first SAMA win, the star has cemented herself as one of South Africa’s most versatile and celebrated entertainers.
Madida’s journey also reflects the broader success of African artists on the global stage. Beyoncé’s project, in particular, placed African storytelling and talent at the forefront of global pop culture, giving stars like Madida a platform to showcase their artistry to millions worldwide.
As Madida continues to build on this momentum, her fans are eager to see what comes next. With Organic promising to celebrate identity and heritage, and her growing international recognition, she appears well-positioned to continue breaking boundaries.
For Madida, the recent milestones are not just personal victories but also moments that highlight the importance of representation. Her pride in showcasing African excellence—and the global applause she is receiving—signals that her career is moving into an exciting new chapter.
From red carpets in Johannesburg to praise from Hollywood, Nandi Madida is living proof that African talent continues to rise, resonate, and inspire.
Source- Persfin
