Kaluuya arrived at the unveiling in a striking burgundy suit, complete with a black shirt and a golden pendant featuring the Buganda Kingdom logo, a subtle yet powerful tribute to his ancestry. Photo/Courtesy
British-Ugandan actor Daniel Kaluuya was recently honored with a statue in Leicester Square, London, commemorating his unforgettable role in the psychological thriller Get Out. The statue captures the haunting scene from the 2017 film where Kaluuya’s character, Chris, is hypnotized into “the Sunken Place,” a dark, metaphysical state of helplessness. Kaluuya’s performance in Get Out earned him global acclaim, but the unveiling of this statue was significant for more than just his career — it became a moment to celebrate his deep connection to his Ugandan heritage.
Kaluuya arrived at the unveiling in a striking burgundy suit, complete with a black shirt and a golden pendant featuring the Buganda Kingdom logo, a subtle yet powerful tribute to his ancestry. His attire wasn’t just a fashion statement; it was a reflection of his pride in his roots. Born in London to Ugandan immigrants, Kaluuya has always been open about the influence of his heritage on both his personal and professional life.
In interviews, he has spoken about how traditional Buganda values, instilled in him by his mother, shaped his worldview and his work as an actor. Kaluuya credits Buganda’s storytelling traditions as a key factor in shaping his approach to acting, making his performances feel more personal and introspective. His embrace of his heritage at this public event felt like a continuation of that deep connection to his cultural identity.
During the unveiling, Kaluuya expressed heartfelt gratitude for the public recognition of his work, saying, “We make art for people, for them to watch, think, and feel things, so the fact that it’s come back in this way is the best blessing.” Clearly moved by the honor, he called the moment “a bit overwhelming,” acknowledging the significance of his statue standing among other notable figures in Leicester Square.
Beyond the personal milestone, Kaluuya’s gesture of wearing a Buganda pendant signals his continued commitment to representing his heritage on the global stage. His story, one of immigrant roots and cultural pride, continues to inspire many, particularly within the African diaspora, as he balances his British identity with a strong sense of connection to Uganda.
The statue is not just a symbol of his acting prowess, but also a testament to his journey from the son of Ugandan immigrants to a globally celebrated actor — and a reminder that he remains deeply tied to the culture and values that shaped him.
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