Ikubese’s film Mzigo premieres in Lagos to raise sickle cell awareness
In a major step toward changing public perception of sickle cell anaemia, actor and filmmaker Emmanuel Ikubese has launched Mzigo (The Burden), a film dedicated to raising awareness about the disease and inspiring hope within the sickle cell community. The film, which stars Daniel Etim Effiong, Seun Ajayi, and Tanzanian actress Elizabeth Michael, was premiered at a private screening in Lekki, Lagos, as part of a broader initiative called the Mzigo Project. Ikubese said his passion for the project was born from personal loss after his cousin died of sickle cell complications in 2020. “I wanted to create something that breaks the silence, myths, and stigma surrounding sickle cell,” he said. Speaking at the event, Ikubese explained that Mzigo — which means “burden” in Swahili — portrays the emotional, physical, and social weight carried by people living with the disease […]
