2 mins
In this special Black History Month spotlight, we celebrate the future, Bukky Bakray.
The future shines bright for East Londons Bukky Bakray.
21 year old Bakray has always had an interest in drama going back to her school days, but what she didn’t know was that her interest and talent would blossom into what has been an exciting, and rewarding debut across the world of TV, Movie and Theatre.
One of her most notable performances being her breakout as lead Olushola, aka Rocks, in Sarah Gavron’s 2019 film Rocks.
Bakray delivers a performance which is both heart-wrenching and heart-warming in a film centred around family, community, friendship and responsibility.
It was this film, in which a then 19 year old Bakray displayed an undeniably touching performance, that led to her becoming the recipient of the BAFTA Rising Star Award, a category in which she is the youngest winner. This role also awarded her a nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role, and in the same year appeared on the 2021 Forbes 30 Under 30 list.
It’s exciting to think about what Bukky has to offer us, having displayed such potential so early into her debut, it is interesting to consider how she will explore her talents, and how she will broaden her acting range.
We are given some insight into Bukky’s range within the genres of thrillers and horror in the Netflix film Strays, where she takes on the eerie and mysterious role of Abigail, who becomes a taunting nightmare, and a reminder for the lead Neve, played by Ashley Madekwe. Bukky’s other performances, one of my personal favourites being her subtle, yet impactful role in the BBC limited series You Don’t Know Me, hint that there is much more to be seen from her in this genre, whether it’s leading or supporting Bukray has an impact in every production she partakes in.
As a theatre lover myself, it is only right to acknowledge the special way that Bakray lit up the stage in Matilda Feyisayo Ibini’s Sleepova. It is clear that Bakray is someone to look out for in Black British TV, and beyond.