Toheeb Jimoh: A Rising Star Shaping the African Diaspora Narrative in Film

Think about this. Have you ever wondered what it takes to bridge two worlds without losing yourself in the process? How can someone embody their heritage while navigating a foreign landscape, pushing boundaries, and shaping the narrative for future generations? Toheeb Jimoh, a British actor of Nigerian descent, is answering these questions with his work, redefining what it means to be a creative force from the African diaspora.

Through his powerful performances in roles like Sam Obisanya on Ted Lasso and Tunde in The Power, Jimoh is doing more than just acting—he’s building a platform for cultural representation, fighting for more nuanced roles for African creatives, and showing the next generation of entrepreneurs and creatives that there’s no limit to what they can achieve when they embrace their authentic selves.

The Power of Identity: Straddling Two Worlds

To understand Jimoh’s impact, you have to understand the complexity of his identity. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Jimoh’s childhood was defined by two worlds: the fast-paced, modern streets of the UK and the deep-rooted traditions of Nigeria.

He moved back and forth between these worlds, experiencing the richness of Nigerian culture in his early years and later returning to the UK as a pre-teen.

This bi-cultural upbringing gave Jimoh an intimate understanding of what it means to live between two cultures, to straddle contrasting worlds. As a child in Nigeria, Jimoh was labeled a “London boy” by classmates—an identity he didn’t even remember but that set him apart from his peers.

But when he returned to London at seven, things weren’t much easier. His Nigerian accent became a source of alienation, and as young Jimoh tried to fit into British society, he found himself pushing away the very culture that made him different.

“My Nigerianess was the thing that set me apart from other people,” he recalls. “It felt like if I wanted to fit in, that was the thing that I needed to get rid of.” He changed his accent, tried to suppress his heritage, and even lost touch with aspects of his cultural identity. But that only lasted for so long.

Years later, Jimoh would embrace the fullness of his heritage, something that would prove instrumental not only in his career but also in how he has shaped his roles and contributions to film.

His experience growing up as an African in Britain, constantly navigating his cultural identity, is precisely what makes his portrayal of Sam Obisanya so powerful. Through Sam, Jimoh channels the journey of many members of the African diaspora—adapting to a new world without abandoning the cultural values that define them.

The Intersection of Heritage and Representation in Media

As an actor, Jimoh’s Nigerian heritage is more than just an element of his personal history—it’s an essential part of his craft. His most high-profile role, Sam Obisanya on Ted Lasso, is rooted in his experience as a young Nigerian adjusting to life abroad. What sets this role apart, however, is that Jimoh didn’t just play Sam; he helped shape the character.

Originally conceived as Ghanaian, Sam was rewritten to reflect Jimoh’s Nigerian roots after he was cast. This may seem like a small change, but it had a significant impact on both Jimoh’s performance and the cultural relevance of the show.

In a pivotal moment during the show’s third season, Sam opens a Nigerian restaurant in London—a decision that Jimoh helped to influence. He consulted on the design of the restaurant, the menu, and even the way the character’s cultural pride was conveyed.

The result was more than just a restaurant on a TV show; it was a piece of Nigerian culture, authentically represented. Jimoh explains, “For me, the important thing was just having a bit of authorship in how Nigerian stories are told.”

This wasn’t just an act of creative consultation—it was a reclamation of the power to tell African stories, one that transcends the simplistic narratives often assigned to African characters.

By working to ensure that Sam’s story felt true to his Nigerian roots, Jimoh was participating in a larger movement toward authentic African representation in media. As African creatives and entrepreneurs continue to push for greater visibility, Jimoh’s experience shows how the intersection of heritage and art can shape not just a performance but a cultural moment.

And it’s a moment that’s resonating beyond the confines of Ted Lasso. Jimoh’s advocacy for more representation and the broader push for African diaspora visibility has created a ripple effect throughout the industry. In an interview with The New York Times, Jimoh emphasized, “People are demanding more from storytellers…acknowledging that Africans and members of the diaspora are not a monolith.”

He’s not alone in this push; other stars like Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You), Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education), and Samuel Adewunmi (The Last Tree) have also worked to portray African characters in a way that defies stereotypes and showcases their complexities.

The cultural specificity of Sam’s Nigerian background is just the beginning. Jimoh’s larger vision for African actors in the diaspora is to see them cast in a variety of roles, not just those defined by their ethnicity.

“As much as I want to play Nigerians and be a voice and spokesperson for Nigerian people, that’s not all of who I am,” he says. “I’m also a Black British kid.” This desire for a broader range of roles highlights the importance of allowing African diaspora creatives to diversify their portfolios, to explore stories that transcend the borders of race and heritage.

Reclaiming Nigerian Narratives: Jimoh’s Advocacy for Representation

Jimoh’s advocacy for African actors extends beyond his own career—it’s about creating a space for others to flourish. He wants more African actors in the diaspora to have access to roles that challenge the narrow, often limiting expectations placed upon them.

For too long, African actors have been typecast in roles that reinforce simplistic or negative stereotypes. Jimoh believes this should change. “We need to stop putting African actors in boxes,” he says. “The possibilities are endless.”

In a broader context, this call for expanded roles for African diaspora actors aligns with the larger global movement for more inclusive representation.

According to a 2022 Diversity and Inclusion Report by The British Film Institute (BFI), Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) actors remain underrepresented in British cinema, making up only 15% of on-screen roles despite the UK’s growing diversity.

In response, organizations like The African Film Festival and The Pan-African Film Festival have been at the forefront of creating opportunities for African filmmakers and actors, with a focus on telling stories that resonate with the African diaspora community.

Jimoh’s role in amplifying the voices of African diaspora creatives extends beyond acting. He’s an active participant in discussions around film production, directing, and storytelling, advocating for African creatives to have more agency in how their stories are told.

His work is a testament to the belief that representation isn’t just about showing faces on-screen; it’s about allowing people to tell their own stories, on their own terms.

Breaking Boundaries: From Nigerian to Shakespearean Roles

Jimoh’s success is not confined to roles that are defined by his ethnicity. In 2023, he took on the role of Romeo in Romeo and Juliet at the Almeida Theatre in London, an iconic Shakespearean part traditionally cast with white actors.

““These violent delights have violent ends,
And in their triumph die like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume.”

Your family teaches you to hate.
You meet someone forbidden.
You act without thinking.

Verona is a powder keg of blood-lust and rage, with death threats proudly shouted in the streets. As two families wage war, will a young couple become the next sacrifice of this brutal feud?” Romeo and Juliet – By William Shakespeare, Directed by Rebecca Frecknall.

For Jimoh, this was more than just an acting challenge—it was an opportunity to redefine what it means to be a Black British actor in a classically British role.

His portrayal of Romeo received widespread praise, proving that Black British actors can embody roles that were historically reserved for white actors. As Jimoh reflects, “It was a challenging and rewarding experience… It allowed me to put my own stamp on a classically British role.”

By stepping into this space, Jimoh not only broke boundaries within the theatre but also sent a message that Black actors can—and should—be allowed to play roles across genres, from historical to contemporary.

This groundbreaking moment also underscores the broader issue of diversity in the theatre and film industries.

According to The National Theatre’s 2022 statistics, while the theatre industry has made strides in diversity, there remains a significant gap in casting that reflects the UK’s demographic makeup.

Jimoh’s successful run as Romeo exemplifies the potential for greater inclusivity and serves as a model for aspiring Black creatives who dream of breaking into traditionally white-dominated spaces.

Influencing the Next Generation: A Legacy in the Making

For Jimoh, success is about more than just career milestones—it’s about building a legacy. His dedication to shaping the African diaspora narrative in media is helping to pave the way for the next generation of creatives and entrepreneurs. For young Black British and African diaspora creatives, Jimoh’s story is proof that with persistence, authenticity, and a commitment to cultural representation, the possibilities are limitless.

Jimoh’s influence goes beyond his roles on-screen. As he continues to build his career, he is also giving back to his community by mentoring young creatives and advocating for greater access to opportunities.

He understands the importance of providing mentorship and support to emerging talent, especially in industries where access to resources and networks can be limited.

The African diaspora has long had a rich history of entrepreneurship and cultural impact. Jimoh’s work and advocacy are part of this larger movement of African diaspora impact, where creative expression becomes both a form of resistance and empowerment.

Conclusion: A Vision for a Future Full of Possibilities

Toheeb Jimoh is more than just an actor—he is a catalyst for change. Through his diverse roles and unwavering commitment to cultural representation, he is helping redefine what it means to be a part of the African diaspora in today’s global media landscape.

He represents the future: a future where African creatives and entrepreneurs are able to share their stories in their own voices, where African culture is celebrated and not confined to a singular narrative, and where every young person from the African diaspora can dream bigger, knowing they have the power to shape the future.

As Jimoh continues to break down barriers, his message remains clear: embrace who you are, challenge the status quo, and leave a legacy that will inspire generations to come. The African diaspora’s influence in creative industries is just beginning, and Toheeb Jimoh is leading the way.