Other than big African-American stars like Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan and Angela Bassett, the movie also draws a lot of its talent from Africa. The cast is made up of actors with rich African heritage; from Lupita who has Kenyan roots to others of Ugandan and Southern African descent.
Lupita Nyong'o
Our Kenyan star will play the role of Nakia, a Wakandan female warrior and possible love interest of protagonist T'Challa. She is sent on missions around the world seeing as she's a spy. Her abilities include hand-to-hand combat and using armour such as ring blades. According to the Black Panther wiki, she has a flair for getting into conflict with others but all this for the good of the Wakandan nation. However, it would be a plot twist if Nakia sides with Killmonger, the villain played by Michael B. Jordan as it is in the comic books. That would be the most unexpected turn of events.
Atandwa Kani
He is a South African actor best known for his roles in TV shows such as Ashes to Ashes which aired on DSTV's E-Africa channel. He will be playing the role of young T'Chaka, who is the king and patriarch of Wakanda. He is T'Challa's dad, the younger version. T'Challa is the lead character played by Chadwick Boseman.
Connie Chiume
If you have been watching South African TV series Rhythm City, then you definitely have seen her. She has been announced as one of the African actors to play a role in the movie. She stars as a mining tribe elder. She will add strength to the movie which will be star-studded. In an interview with their local paper, she said, "I have worked on many international films shot in South Africa but this is the first time that I have worked on an international film based in America. It was amazing and a completely different experience."
John Kani
T'Chaka is the king who will die and leave the throne to T'Challa. John Kani is also from South Africa and he has acted in various movies. His most notable appearance is in Captain America: Civil War.
Florence Kasumba
The Hollywood actress with Ugandan roots, who also happens to be based in Germany, will reprise her role as Ayo. That is the character she played in Captain America Civil War. This time, Ayo's background will be revealed as one where she's part of the female warriors of the Wakandan kingdom, Dora Milaje.
Daniel Kaluuya
You saw him in the horror film Get Out and now you will see him in Black Panther. He is of Ugandan heritage too and will play the role of W'Kabi, the second in command to T'Challa. In the comics, he is a loyal chief of security which means we should expect him playing action scenes where he defends his king.
Danai Gurira
The actress with strong Zimbabwean roots will be playing a central character in the movie. Alongside Florence, she plays Okoye, the leader of the elite female warriors Dora Milaje and advisor to T'Challa. She represents the old guard and traditions in Wakanda which will see her in conflict with Lupita's Nakia.
