Discussions about colorism in Ghana’s entertainment industry have resurfaced following actress and entrepreneur Beverly Afaglo’s revelation of the struggles she faced early in her career due to biases favoring light-skinned actors.
Speaking on The Career Trail program on Joy Learning TV and Joy News, Afaglo disclosed that many movie producers preferred casting fair-skinned actors, believing they looked better on screen. “Producers would outright tell you that fair-skinned actors appear more appealing on camera, so they often got leading roles,” she revealed. This preference, she noted, made it difficult for dark-skinned actresses to secure major roles, limiting their opportunities in the industry.
Image Source: myjoyonline.com
Her remarks have sparked conversations among aspiring actors, including students at the University of Ghana’s Theatre Arts Department. In a recent discussion with Univers Entertainment, student actors shared their perspectives on the alleged bias, offering a mix of personal experiences and observations.
Some students agreed that colorism exists, citing instances where fair-skinned actors were seemingly prioritized for lead roles, particularly in romantic and commercial productions. One student pointed out that casting choices often go beyond talent and are influenced by publicity.
“When choosing people, sometimes it has to do with publicity too. So let’s say you choose the right people to cast in your play, and based on who they are and where they are from, you get an audience already. It increases your market and your reach.”
While acknowledging the presence of bias, another student argued that its impact depends on the medium of performance.
“If it’s theatre, I wouldn’t say the buy-in still depends on looks. In theatre productions, looks are not as important because what we look out for is whether you can execute the characterization well. But if the story requires a specific description, then looks come into play.”
Some students also highlighted the business side of the industry, where appearance is sometimes prioritized over talent, particularly for female actors.
“That’s when you see a director or producer casting a fair-skinned person and leaving a dark-skinned person for a menial role. Sometimes producers prefer using fair-skinned actors simply because of their complexion. They think it’s easier to sell them, especially the ladies. So, someone might not be a great actor, but because they are fair, they get the role. It’s all about business.” a level 400 student said.
However, not all students felt the bias was as widespread as suggested. Others argued that while colorism may have been a dominant factor in the past, the industry is gradually evolving, with more opportunities being created for actors based on skill rather than skin tone.
“Now, it’s more about skill and presence on screen. A lot of dark-skinned actors are thriving and even becoming fan favorites.” another level 400 student said.
The ongoing debate highlights the complex nature of colorism in Ghana’s entertainment industry. While progress is being made, Afaglo’s revelation and the perspectives of emerging actors suggest that conversations about fair representation and equal opportunities in the industry remain crucial.
Story by: Kelvin B. Annor-Yeboah | Univers Entertainment
