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Biography

Sheila Munyiva is an Kenyan actress and film director. Known for Rafiki (2018), Country Queen and L'invité (2000). Munyiva was born in 1993 in Nairobi. She grew up watching Hannah Montana and believed that her skin should be lighter and her hair should be straight. She visited the UK frequently because her mother lived there. Munyiva studied to be a news anchor in college before changing her major to Film Production. After graduation, she worked on her writing by attending writing Master Classes. In 2018, Munyiva played Ziki, a free spirit who feels conflicted and is torn between love and security, in Rafiki. The story is based on the novel Jambula Tree by Ugandan writer Monica Arac de Nyeko and details the love that develops between two young women, where homosexuality is forbidden. Although she impressed director Wanuri Kahiu at the audition with the love of her life, Munyiva was hesitant to take on the role until a queer friend convinced her of its importance. The movie was banned in Kenya, where homosexuality is illegal. Rafiki became the first Kenyan film to be shown at the Cannes Film Festival. Munyiva was featured in the Vogue UK issue as the best look and make-up in the Cannes shoot. Ann Hornaday of the Washington Post praised Munyiva's "captivating, unforced chemistry" and co-star Samantha Mugatsia. Munyiva was nominated for best actress at the Africa Movie Academy Awards. In 2019, Munyiva played doctor Anna in the TV series Country Queen. In July 2019, she made her debut as Sarafina in the musical Sarafina! Munyiva volunteers as a mentor for girls at a non-profit school in the slums of Kibera. She has directed several commercials in Kenya, and is working on her first short film, Ngao, based on her childhood experiences.