Outrage as South African Actress Bonnie Mbuli Bags a Zimbabwean Character Role on American Drama Series the “Parish”

Controversy Erupts Over Casting of South African Actress Bonnie Mbuli in Zimbabwean Character Role for American Drama Series ‘Parish’

Zimbabweans have expressed outrage following the release of the much anticipated American drama series “Parish.”

This comes as renowned South African actress Bonnie Mbuli was casted to portray the role of a Zimbabwean character in the drama series.

The “Parish” drama series premiered on the 31st of March 2024.

A Tale of Power, Crime, and Family Dynamics Unfolds in “Parish,” Featuring South African Actress Bonnie Mbuli

Parish is a gripping crime drama television series that takes inspiration from the acclaimed BBC One series, The Driver.

Controversy Erupts Over Casting of South African Actress Bonnie Mbuli in Zimbabwean Character Role for American Drama Series 'Parish' — Controversy Erupts Over Casting of South African Actress Bonnie Mbuli in Zimbabwean Character Role for American Drama Series ‘Parish’ (Image Credit: Facebook/ earGround)

The show revolves around the life of a taxi driver whose existence takes a dramatic turn when he unwittingly becomes entangled with a notorious Zimbabwean gangster known for exploiting undocumented immigrants at the U.S. southern ports.

South African actress Bonnie Mbuli portrays the formidable character of Shamiso Tongai, the daughter of a prominent Zimbabwean crime lord operating in the vibrant city of New Orleans.

Casting Controversy Sparks Criticism and Displeasure Among Zimbabweans in Drama Series “Parish”

The drama series which has already garnered significant attention has sparked criticism from Zimbabweans. Many Zimbabweans are expressing their dissatisfaction with the casting choice of South African actress Bonnie Mbuli in the series.

Social media users argued that Zimbabwean actors should have been cast for the Zimbabwean characters instead of South Africans. Netizens suggested that they should have casted internationally acclaimed Zimbabwean actresses, namely, Danai Gurira or Chipo Chung and as well as actor Tongai Chirisa for the roles.

Additionally, some netizens have voiced their displeasure with the actors’ pronunciation of Shona words, claiming that the accent was off and that insufficient effort was made to ensure accurate pronunciation and accentuation.

Here are some of the reactions;

@Kerri Choga;

They should have picked zimbos honestly

@Terence Gandidze;

So they couldnt get a Zimbabwean to take the role or take language classes?

@Nigel Mpumelolo Mxegi;

So pakashaya any Zimbabwean who went for auditions?🤔

@Kudzai Vimbiso Grace Tseriwa;

Are there no Zimbabwean actors who could have spoken Shona without butchering it? Or they could have just portrayed a South African family and spoken Zulu

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