Black Is King, Beyoncé’s new visual album on Disney+, has taken the world by storm after its Friday release. But the young star at the center of the film, Los Angeles resident Folajomi “FJ” Akinmurele, is capturing people’s hearts.
According to Variety, Akinmurele, who is represented by Afritalent Agency, made his acting debut in Beyonce’s “Spirit” music video, and Beyonce loved his acting ability so much that she cast him as young Simba in her visual album.
Before the film was released, Akinmurele sent his fans a message of thanks on his Instagram Thursday. “Thank you all for the love and the support,” he said. “It means a lot to me.”
Fans also had a lot of positives to say about Akinmurele’s portrayal.
I am so thrilled for the boy who plays young Simba! I enjoyed his portrayal so much ❤️ #BlackIsKing
— A Mili (@Milisa_SJ) July 31, 2020
#BlackIsKing was phenomenal! The clothes ???????????????? and the young boy that played young simba, he was superb. Star quality written all over & through him. I see it!! And lastly, THEE BLUE IVY CARTER was gracious enough to let her assistant Beyonce pop up in it here & there.
— ʍɛɨռɛ ʟɨɛɮɛ (@emquegeeaye) July 31, 2020
I hope everyone that worked on Black is King is having a good day. Especially young Simba.
— Efemena (@efemena__) July 31, 2020
the young boy playing Simba is so cute. that scene when he was rapping along to Jay Z’s lyrics ???????????? #BlackIsKing
— . (@bIackcindy) July 31, 2020
I know the parents of actor of young Simba in #BlackIsKing are so proud because I sure am ????
— Tee (@teelindsay_) July 31, 2020
While Akinmurele has yet to be announced to star in future projects. However, with someone like Beyoncé in his corner, it’s probably only a matter of time before he lands his next big role. Until then, as Variety reports, he is doing what most children love doing–playing outside, working on his basketball game, singing, and playing video games.
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WATCH: New, Full-Length Trailer Released For Beyoncé’s Disney+ Film, ‘Black Is King’
Photo: Disney+
