‘They made me five shades darker’ – Majid Michel on toughest acting role
Actor Majid Michel has revealed that his role as a ruthless military ruler in the 2011 movie Somewhere in Africa: The Cries of Humanity remains the most challenging of his acting career. The discomfort was largely because of the demanding physical transformation required to bring the character to life. In an interview on Joy Prime’s […]
Actress Majid Michel has disclosed that his portrayal of a ruthless military leader in the 2011 film Somewhere in Africa: The Cries of Humanity stands as the most demanding role of his career. In an interview on Joy Prime’s PrimeTime, Majid discussed the extensive physical transformation and accent changes required for the character General Yusuf Mombasa.
The movie, set in the fictional town of Kimbala, depicts a brutal military coup and the ensuing violence and oppression. Directed by Frank Rajah Arase, the Ghanaian-Nigerian production delves into themes of political instability, military takeovers, and the fight for human rights. Majid explained that the makeup process, coupled with military attire and bright stage lighting, made the experience incredibly uncomfortable.
The chemicals used in the makeup, coupled with the intense heat and uniform, led to heavy sweating, causing the makeup to fade. Constant reapplication, especially around the eyes, was necessary to maintain the character’s look. The challenging nature of the role extended beyond the makeup, as the film’s production spanned over a month, involving numerous personnel for large-scale scenes.
Despite the difficulties, Somewhere in Africa: The Cries of Humanity garnered seven nominations at the 9th Africa Movie Academy Awards, with Majid winning Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performance as General Mombasa.
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