MaameYaa Boafo is a Ghanaian actress who plays the main character, returnee journalist Nana Yaa, in Ghana's acclaimed An African City series.We met while dressing her character, and have been enthusiastic fans of her creative work since! MaameYaa is also known for her performances in 2016's award winning New York, I Love You, and the series Conversating While Black. We caught up in the park on a warm day to learn more about her:
What is your relationship to Osei Duro?
The first time I heard of Osei Duro was when one of my cast mates had an awesome pair of pants as her wardrobe piece of An African City, then I was stoked when I found out that I would wearing one of the dresses in an upcoming episode. I've been a groupie ever since.
What do you do? How did you get started?
I'm an actor and got my start by taking a chance at it. After not getting in to acting graduate school the first time,as discouraged as I was, I put myself in a one year conservatory for training and then auditioned a second time to get in. After getting my MFA I moved to New York and started pounding the pavement.
Where do you find inspiration?
As a third culture girl, I know this is cliché but I find inspiration everywhere... okay I'll narrow it down to 3... : My family, Classic Black and White movies, and my iTunes playlist.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My experience as a typical day for an actor in New York is that it will never be typical: one day you're working on an audition, or you're doing a 6 week run on a show or running around town trying to go to 4 auditions in 3 hours.
How does the city you live in influence your creativity?
Spending a day out in New York is a free masterclass you meet so many different character just commuting to your destination alone so I'd say just walking out the door is the first step to choosing what you're going to take and keep with you by the time you walk back in.
What are the top 3 places we should check out in your city?
1: Bryant Park - You have to experience an outdoor movie night specifically there.
2: A theatre house to watch a show. Broadway is fantastic but I've also seen some amazing off and off -off Broadway shows. A few of my favorites are The Public, Signature Theatre and National Black Theatre.
3
. Chai Wali restaurant in Harlem. They have the best lamb chops. EVER .
Is there any music you're especially loving right now?
These 3 albums are currently on repeat: Abiah's album Bottles, Seu Jorge's The Life Aquatic Sessions, and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
You're hosting the dinner party of your dreams. Who is invited (anyone, dead or alive) and what's for dinner?
This is hard! I would have to have a dinner party every week for a year to host all my dream guests but for this week, Malala Yousafzai, Wole Soyinka, Malia Obama, Forrest Whitaker, Taiye Selasi, Yo Yo Ma, Missy Elliot and Robin Williams
Appetizer: Ceviche,, Roasted Shishito Peppers, Lentil Samosa
Dinner : Chai Wali lamb chops, my mother's Jollof (Modified for my vegan friends but there will be Chicken stew on the side for my carnivorous squad) Chilean sea bass
Dessert: Hazelnut Dacquoise, vegan coconut icecream and seasonal fruit
I think I've tried to have some gluten free and dairy free options for my guests- I'd make a great hostess.
Next week, I'll bring out mean Vegan Lasagna, and some Cornish Hens...
