Ama Abebrese

Ama K. Abebrese is a British-Ghanaian actress, television presenter and producer who has built an international career, appearing in acclaimed films and helping raise the global profile of Ghanaian cinema.

Early life

She was born Ama Konadu Abebrese on 3 May 1980 in Kumasi, and was raised in West London. She began her media career young, presenting television in her teens at a London youth channel, and hosted talk shows on which she interviewed international stars including Rihanna, Akon and Ziggy Marley.

Breakthrough

Her acting career took off when she won Best Actress in a Leading Role at the 2011 Africa Movie Academy Awards for her performance in Sinking Sands, an award that introduced her to audiences across the continent and beyond.

International films

She went on to appear in high-profile productions, most notably the 2015 Netflix film Beasts of No Nation, directed by Cary Fukunaga and starring Idris Elba, in which she played the mother of the young protagonist. She narrated and produced Blitz Bazawule's acclaimed The Burial of Kojo, and featured in Azali, Ghana's first Oscar submission.

Standing

Actress, presenter, producer and advocate, known for her work on social issues including colourism, Ama K. Abebrese has become one of the most internationally recognised Ghanaian screen talents, a bridge between the country's film industry and the wider world.