Egyptian officials ban archaeologists over portrayal of black celebrities as rulers of ancient Egypt
Egyptian officials have banned Dutch archaeologist from the country after an exhibition was launched which portrays black American singers, comedians, and musicians as the rulers of ancient Egypt.
Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (RMO) in Leiden were condemned by the authorities in Cairo following the launch of their exhibition titled ‘Kemet’.
Kemet, which means ‘black land’, explores the ancient civilisation through jazz, soul, and funk music to show the ‘significance of ancient Egypt and Nubia in the work of musicians from the African diaspora’.
The exhibition shows a number of black American stars as popular historical Egyptian figures. This includes, Beyoncé and Rihanna as Nefertiti, American rapper Nas as Tutankhamun, and Eddie Murphy as Ramesses.
However Dutch archaeologists have been banned from the Saqqara burial ground, near Cairo because of the portrays which have been described by as ‘falsifying history.’
Museum Director Wim Weijland told Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad: ‘The accusation of falsifying history is inappropriate. This exhibition has been made with great care.
‘As scientists, you don’t accuse each other like this. I want that qualification to be withdrawn.’
The controversy comes after Netflix received backlash for their casting of black British actress Adele James as Cleopatra.
The show has been subject to ‘blackwashing’ claims after James was cast despite historical records showing Cleopatra was Macedonian-Greek.
The ban comes as a big blow to RMO who have been active in Sakkara since 1975.
Related: Abia pastor who allegedly r@ped his 13-year-old domestic worker denied bail
Last updated: Just Now
See All Latest Nigerian Music Right Now!!!
Share On:
Top 10 Hottest Songs
Nigerian / African Music Ayo Maff – God Is Working
Nigerian / African Music Dremo – Man To Man (Remix) ft. Ycee
Nigerian / African Music Nonso Amadi – Greedy
Nigerian / African Music Nasty C – No Typo
Nigerian / African Music Mavo – Use Me ft. P.Prime
Nigerian / African Music Bahd Man Niko – Life Is A Vibe ft. Wizard Chan
Nigerian / African Music ASAPtheDJ – Liquor ft. BoyPee, Hyce, Brown Joel
Nigerian / African Music Odumodublvck – They Love Me
Nigerian / African Music Phyno – Uzo Ano ft. Flavour
Nigerian / African Music Illbliss – Kpowai