Emmanuel Imani, a celebrated actor, writer, and director, is gaining recognition for his ability to blend diverse narratives with African culture in the global cinema landscape.
His debut film Demons addresses Afro-Queer culture and the harsh realities of homophobia. Inspired by stories of prejudice and violence faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in Lagos, Imani felt a personal responsibility to tell this story.
A friend had shared disturbing articles about the dangers queer individuals face while dating, which resonated deeply with Imani, especially as he reflected on his own privilege of legal protection in the UK.
He expressed guilt for the stark contrast in freedoms and safety. “In Lagos, my friends live in what they describe as ‘cages.’ Nigerians are being ‘Keto’d’ by the very authorities meant to protect them. Who will police the police?” he questioned. Through Demons, Imani not only highlights these injustices but also calls for unity and action. “In an ideal world, love should be free from hate,” he said. His hope is for Africa to evolve into a place where love and acceptance thrive, urging audiences to fight for the Africa they deserve.
Following Demons, Imani is set to direct his first feature film, Ibeji. This political horror explores themes of African mythology, British culture, and supernatural rituals.
Initially resistant to horror, Imani was encouraged by his producer and inspired by a conversation about Jordan Peele’s Get Out. Like Peele, Imani aspires to create thought-provoking and genre-bending films.
“Expect a fresh, multilayered African take on Get Out,” he shared, emphasizing his aim to bring African myths and political commentary to a global audience.
As an actor, Imani carefully chooses projects that align with his creative vision. He thrives on scripts that challenge and nourish him, citing Black Earth Rising, Riches, and Geek Girl as examples. His role as Simon in Riches, a Nigerian queer stylist navigating family power struggles, was particularly fulfilling. “It was delicious!” he said, encouraging those who haven’t seen the series to do so.
Imani’s passion for African representation stems from his frustration with negative portrayals of Black people in Western media. Growing up in the UK, he longed for stories that showcased African excellence and diversity – “Black people are not a monolith”.
He now joins creatives like Abby Ajayi and Kunle Afolayan in creating narratives that make Africans proud. “We need to see ourselves, the way we see ourselves” he emphasized.
Balancing acting, writing, and directing is demanding, but Imani finds immense joy in storytelling. While he humorously admits to enjoying the “soft life,” his dedication to creating impactful stories outweighs the challenges. “Yes, it’s hard work, but my career and my people bring me so much joy,” he said.
For aspiring actors and filmmakers, Imani advises a commitment to learning and exploration. “Study the greats and find your voice,” he urged.
Training, while not essential for everyone, enriched his artistic journey. He also emphasized the importance of cultural understanding, encouraging young creatives to explore the world and let their experiences shape their art.
Reflecting on Nigerian cinema, Imani pointed out the need for pride and execution comparable to Afrobeats. While he appreciates the charm of Nollywood’s telenovela-style films, he believes international projects must meet higher standards.
Praising The Black Book for its quality, he called for more productions that inspire pride in Nigerians. “We need the same pride and execution in our films as we have in Afrobeats,” he concluded.
With a career dedicated to redefining African narratives, Emmanuel Imani is not only showcasing African culture on the global stage, but also inspiring the next generation of storytellers to do the same.