Wunmi Mosaku

About this episode

The episode explores the life and career of British actress Wunmi Mosaku, highlighting her achievements and connection to her ancestry.

She’s already won a Bafta for her portrayal of a hoodoo healer in the Southern gothic, Sinners. But can British actress Wunmi Mosaku win an Oscar too? Mosaku says her role has helped her connect with her ancestry and find parts of herself she thought she had lost. Born in Nigeria in 1986, Wunmi moved to Manchester as a very young child, growing up in Hulme and Chorlton with her parents and two sisters. Her first taste of performing came aged seven when she joined Manchester Girls Choir which she remained a member of until she was eighteen. But it wasn’t just singing where she excelled. Her sixth form drama teachers spotted her talent and she successfully auditioned for RADA. A decade after graduation she won her first Bafta for her portrayal of the mother of the murdered London schoolboy Damilola Taylor. American directors must have been watching as she began spending more time working stateside. She was cast in sci-fi series Lovecraft Country followed by a trip to Baltimore for a role in We Own This City. Then director Ryan Coogler got in touch and now she’s tipped for an Oscar. Stephen Smith charts the rise and rise of Wunmi Mosaku.

People in this episode

Host: Stephen Smith

Guest: Wunmi Mosaku

Topics covered

• acting
• film
• heritage
• personal growth
• awards
• biography

Keywords

• Wunmi Mosaku
• Bafta
• Oscar
• acting career
• heritage
• RADA
• Lovecraft Country
• We Own This City
• Damilola Taylor

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: RADA

Books & works: Sinners, Lovecraft Country, We Own This City

Places: Nigeria, Manchester, Hulme, Chorlton

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