Winston Duke, well known for his role as M’baku in the ‘Black Panther’ film, has been given Rwandan citizenship.
Duke recently made headlines as one of the gorilla naming participants in the 19th Kwita Izina gorilla naming ceremony.
During the event, he named a young gorilla “Intarumikwa,” which means “Resilient Giant,” in honor of his late mother’s conservation principles.
“Intarumikwa means “resilient giant.” You could suppose I picked that name for myself, but that is not the case. That moniker was inspired by a resilient giant in my own life. My lovely mother, who died last year, taught me the concept of perseverance as a single mother.
“I am extremely proud and grateful for Rwanda’s efforts in the field of gorilla conservation.” To me, you and your lovely land are both Intarumikwa. From your past to the job you are doing today and will continue to accomplish, you are all great examples. “You are all strong giants,” he added.
Mervel Duke’s role in Black Panther was described as a superhuman with tremendous strength and a gigantic in size, capable of lifting up to ten tons. He was additionally shielded in order to have increased endurance, agility, and durability. His fighting style was similar to that of a gorilla.
On September 2, President Kagame hosted Duke, who is also a Partners in Health Global Ambassador, and his co-star Danai Gurira, an actress and UN Women Goodwill Ambassador, in a special meeting in Village Urugwiro.
Duke was born on November 15, 1986, in Argyle, Saint Paul, Trinidad and Tobago, and spent his childhood in Brooklyn, New York, where his family moved when he was nine years old. The actor has received praise for his performances in films such as ‘Black Panther,’ ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ ‘Us,’ ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ and ‘Avengers: Infinity War,’ among others.
I meant it all!
Such an honor! https://t.co/yQier5nLWy— Winston Duke (@Winston_Duke) September 4, 2023
Notably, he contributed his voice and expertise to ‘Batman Unburied,’ a Spotify-produced dramatized podcast featuring legendary DC characters.
Duke’s educational path took him to the University of Buffalo, where he obtained a Bachelor of Arts in theatre. Following that, he earned a Master of Fine Arts in acting from Yale School of Drama, from which he graduated in 2013.
