Nigeria’s Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama Breaks New Ground With Role In ‘Star Trek: Discovery’

Nigerian actress Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama continues to soar on the global stage, landing a major role in the hit American sci-fi series Star Trek: Discovery. This talented Nollywood star is cast as “The Progenitor” in the show’s producers’ much-anticipated 10th episode and part of the show’s fifth season, better known as Life, Itself.

The Star Trek series has been admired for its creativity and ability to extend its viewers’ horizons, and it is the perfect setting for Somkele’s charisma. This new chapter joins the increasing list of African talents having a breakthrough in Hollywood films. Recently, Paramount+ announced that season 5 ‘will take viewers on a space treasure hunt’ and Somkele’s character will be inextricably involved in it.

Excited to be part of the legendary franchise, Somkele displayed her joy on Instagram by announcing the big news. Her fans have been leaving congratulatory messages in her comment section and do appreciate what a step up this is to her career.

In fact, for those who have followed Nigerian cinema, Somkele is not at all unfamiliar. She earlier rose to the spotlight as the Ebola survivor, Dr. Ada Igonoh, in the 93 Days Nigerian film on the nation’s successful fight against the Ebola virus. The position earned her a number of laureates, such as the AMVCA Trailblazer Award as well as The Future Awards Africa Prize for Acting.

Also, as a romantic comedian, Yemisi Disu in The Wedding Party I and II, which are two of Nigeria’s highly successful movies, strengthened her position as a highly admired act.

Acting in Star Trek, Somkele is switching to a much higher level and gets to know the foreign spectators. Star Trek: Discovery itself has been revolutionary since its creation in 2017 due to the show’s casting and narrative choices. Mushekwa explains that Somkele’s cast in this classic Sci-Fi movie is not only a personal triumph but also a return of African talents to Hollywood.

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Her fans and critics alike are waiting to see how she will handle the intricate sci-fi world of Star Trek, which has been a progressive storytelling franchise in the world of science fiction. One can only expect that she will stage yet another captivating performance by looking at her portfolio.