Florence Kasumba
Florence Kasumba (born 26 October 1976) is a Ugandan-born German actress. She is best known for her portrayal of Ayo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and her acting in German and Dutch films. She also played Senator Acantha in "Wonder Woman" (2017), Shenzi in "The Lion King" (2019), and the Wicked Witch of the East in the NBC television series "Emerald City" (2017). Early life. Florence Kasumba was born on 26 October 1976 in Kampala, Uganda. She spent her childhood in Essen, Germany, where she attended elementary school and high school. After watching the musical Starlight  Express at the age of 12, she was inspired to become a performer. She earned her degree in acting, singing, and dancing from Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Tilburg, the Netherlands. Kasumba is fluent in German, English, and Dutch. She resides in Berlin, Germany. Acting career. While she was still studying in college, Kasumba landed her first professional film role, Silke, in the Dutch motion picture hit Ik ook van jou. After graduating from college, she performed in many musicals, such as "Chicago", "The Lion King", Cats, West Side Story, Evita, and Beauty and the Beast. Florence Kasumba traveled  to New York City and was cast in the title role in Germany’s premiere production of Elton John’s international hit musical Aida. She also played Lisa in Germany’s premiere cast of Mamma Mia. Kasumba has appeared in a variety of Dutch, German and English language films and television series. Kasumba made her Marvel Cinematic Universe debut in the 2016 film "". Her role was credited as a security guard for Black Panther. Kasumba reprised the character, Ayo, a member of the all-female Dora Milaje fighting squad, in the "Black Panther" solo film, "," and the streaming series "The  Falcon and the Winter Soldier". She played Senator Acantha in 2017's "Wonder Woman" and the Wicked Witch of the East in the NBC television series "Emerald City". She splits her time between U.S. and German film and TV productions. In 2019, Kasumba landed the character of Shenzi in the computer-animated remake, "The Lion King" (2019) directed by Jon Favreau. alongside Keegan-Michael Key, and Eric André as Kamari and Azizi. Awards and nominations. She was nominated for the Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television & Arts Award for International Rising Star in 2016, against Lupita Nyong'o, John Boyega and Lisa  Awuku. Kasumba appeared alongside Nyong'o in "Black Panther".