Akosua Busia began her professional acting career at age 16, securing a scholarship to attend the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Born in Accra on 30 December 1966, she is a member of the royal family of Wenchi and the daughter of Kofi Abrefa Busia, a former prime minister of Ghana.
Early Roles and Screen Debut
Before attending drama school, Busia appeared as Juliet in a Shakespearean production at Oxford University. Her film debut occurred in 1979 with the adventure title Ashanti. After relocating to Los Angeles, she featured in the 1983 horror film The Final Terror. Her portfolio expanded during the 1980s with roles in Badge of the Assassin and the 1986 adaptation of Native Son, as well as the television movie Hard Lessons.
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International recognition arrived in 1985 when she portrayed Nettie Harris in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple, an adaptation of the Alice Walker novel. Her subsequent career included performance credits in Rosewood, directed by John Singleton, and Antoine Fuqua’s 2003 film Tears of the Sun. She also maintained a presence on television, including appearances in the series ER.
Writing and Directorial Pursuits
Beyond acting, Busia is an accomplished novelist and screenwriter. She authored The Seasons of Beento Blackbird in 1997 and served as a co-writer for the 1998 film adaptation of Toni Morrison’s Beloved. Her songwriting credits include the track Moon Blue, produced in collaboration with Stevie Wonder for his 2005 album. In 2008, she directed a biographical film regarding her father titled The Prof. A Man Remembered. Her later work includes the 2024 film In Search of a Blessed Life: He Who Hath and the documentary Stevie Wonder in Ghana: In Search of a Blessed Life.
Return to Stage and Recent Activity
Following an 18-year hiatus dedicated to raising her daughter, Hadar Busia-Singleton, she returned to the performing arts in 2016. She appeared in the stage production of Eclipsed alongside Lupita Nyong'o. Her work in the off-Broadway run of this play earned her an Obie Award for Distinguished Performance.
Fast facts
- Born: 30 December 1966, Accra
- Notable film: The Color Purple
- Education: Royal Central School of Speech and Drama
- Notable writing: The Seasons of Beento Blackbird
- Spouse: John Singleton (1996-1997)
- Daughter: Hadar Busia-Singleton
Questions readers ask
What is Akosua Busia's royal background?
She is a princess of the royal family of Wenchi, a subgroup of the Ashanti people in Ghana.
Did Akosua Busia collaborate with Stevie Wonder?
Yes, she co-wrote the song Moon Blue for his 2005 album, A Time 2 Love.
