Being the real me without apology | MaameYaa Boafo | TEDxAccra

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  • čas přidán 14. 06. 2015
  • A beautiful story is told of a young African girl who travelled all over the world and finally settled in the United States with the dream of becoming an actress. After several unpleasant yet interesting experiences, she finally gets to be the actress with working permit in the US. MaameYaa Boafo tells her story
    MaameYaa Boafo is a professional actress. Growing up in Pakistan, Sudan, Kenya, Switzerland and Ethiopia, MaameYaa’s upbringing has made her an artist with a hear t for culture, travel and humanity.
    This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

Komentáře • 316

  • @thelmarmitchell
    @thelmarmitchell Před 7 lety +147

    So greatful for black women on the "screen". A blessing to see yourself even in another culture.

    • @ruser0084
      @ruser0084 Před 6 lety +1

      If you are seeing yourself on the screen, doesn't that suggest that the culture factor is trivial or nearly moot?

  • @SueLyons1
    @SueLyons1 Před 8 lety +66

    Eloquent, passionate, honest. May she have all the best luck in her acting career.

  • @dnifty1
    @dnifty1 Před 7 lety +117

    Moral of the story: the best and brightest from Africa should be trying to build up their own entertainment industry to provide opportunities for Africans to show themselves in their full glory on film. Last I checked Nigeria has a big film industry which is ready and waiting for some of these talented Africans to take to the next level..... Cinematography, acting, writing, directing and all these other skills can and should be applied to making African cinema the epitome of black excellence/identity on film in all of its aspects.... Recall the greats like Ousmane Sembene and others. As opposed to telling stories about fighting racism because black actors and actresses seem to only know how to go to Europe and America to try and find fame.
    In fact many of these black women's stories told at TED talks remind me of the movie "Black Girl" by Ousmane Sembene from 1966. And here we are 50 years later still telling the same story....

    • @Marie-md5yj
      @Marie-md5yj Před 7 lety +13

      dnifty1 Yassssh!! You said it all! For some reason we (Africans) tend to belittle our homeland opportunities. Now I know there are many obstacles to building our own things but I believe if we collectivelly were ready to invest our knowledge in our homelands, we would also find the means.

  • @SueLyons1
    @SueLyons1 Před 8 lety +45

    "I always felt I wasn't good enough but you have to push through that"

  • @iMSoFlyiBlowMyMind
    @iMSoFlyiBlowMyMind Před 9 lety +198

    she's such a gifted speaker, goodness. I watched all 17 minutes without fast forwading to find a "more interesting part.: She's such a gift and I enjoy her acting on an african city. Maame Adjei (Zainab) in the audience..hello!

    • @johnyscash6878
      @johnyscash6878 Před 4 lety

      She's beautiful, quirky and graceful...love it 😍😍😍

  • @LavenderLife007
    @LavenderLife007 Před 8 lety +52

    shes a great actress.

  • @SueLyons1
    @SueLyons1 Před 8 lety +48

    "Be that person and completely unapologetically."

  • @khalidjacob1956
    @khalidjacob1956 Před 7 lety +13

    beauty and intelligence combined in this woman is mezmerizing, much luv from your ethiopian brother.

  • @mirikiri9956
    @mirikiri9956 Před 7 lety +198

    Love me some Ted Talks! It's like travelling the World via CZcams!

  • @YouTubeUserDS3
    @YouTubeUserDS3 Před 8 lety +54

    she is a beautiful woman💕

  • @KateTriumph
    @KateTriumph Před 8 lety +84

    You are amazing, and you have made us proud as African. Great work.

  • @ubahkeyse5350
    @ubahkeyse5350 Před 7 lety +104

    from somalia as africans honey we are so proud to u 😍😍😍

  • @jedidiahslaboda5620
    @jedidiahslaboda5620 Před 7 lety +2

    The way her voice shifted when she talked about her parents, you could tell how much respect, love, and admiration she had for them.

  • @khancharlie8508
    @khancharlie8508 Před 7 lety +55

    Brilliant.Beautiful.Articulate.Fierce.
    She's a modern educated cultured woman....reminds me of Viola Davis

  • @louisansong702
    @louisansong702 Před 7 lety +28

    she is so gorgeous

  • @katherineshamshi7692
    @katherineshamshi7692 Před 7 lety +26

    she is so inspiring..

  • @silentecho4445
    @silentecho4445 Před 7 lety +4

    I wasn't paying attention too her hair, more like noticing her on a spiritual level, how honest (nervous), and sweet she iz.

  • @zheahra
    @zheahra Před 8 lety +15

    She's gorgeous! Love her in An African City!

  • @franqbeans
    @franqbeans Před 8 lety +21

    I've been following Maameyaa since A A C. I've seen her in a few other things, love her!!!

  • @puritykaroki765
    @puritykaroki765 Před 8 lety +13

    u are an inspiration to many African n non African women

  • @karenkana588
    @karenkana588 Před 9 lety +47

    Extremely inspirational and amazing to stumble. Needed this!

  • @julietonyinye2846
    @julietonyinye2846 Před 7 lety +14

    she is such a great speaker

  • @ladymargaret2294
    @ladymargaret2294 Před 7 lety +17

    You are a phenomenal woman! Asante

  • @digdingdong
    @digdingdong Před 8 lety +8

    She's moved and moving. Love her!!

  • @Timetrae
    @Timetrae Před 8 lety +117

    Awesome message. Thanks for sharing!! I love "An African City"

    • @yonn
      @yonn Před 8 lety

      Can't wait for season 2!! We got a sneak peek recently!

    • @2802lise
      @2802lise Před 8 lety

      +Yonnette Joseph (Oni) season 2 is out already on their website every Sunday ! :)

    • @yonn
      @yonn Před 8 lety +4

      +2802lise hmm I see, I didn't know that. I thought they only had the CZcams videos and so all I've seen is one 4 minute video on CZcams from season 2. Thanks for the heads up!

    • @2802lise
      @2802lise Před 8 lety +4

      +Yonnette Joseph (Oni) No problem! Enjoy :)

  • @alriyaad
    @alriyaad Před 7 lety +10

    OMG SHES GORGEOUS!!!!

  • @ofeibea
    @ofeibea Před 9 lety +20

    Great speech. Well communicated.

  • @firstaddlove2622
    @firstaddlove2622 Před 7 lety +6

    YOU ARE A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY!!! Just beautiful!!!

  • @pauletchian6108
    @pauletchian6108 Před 8 lety +37

    lovely hair....flamboyant woman.
    am in love

  • @babyzcudie
    @babyzcudie Před 8 lety +12

    Wow, she went to Hood College in Maryland! My cousin graduated from there last year.

  • @silviamwendia9439
    @silviamwendia9439 Před 8 lety +12

    Amazing! Absolutely love you MaameYaa and the whole cast & crew of an An African City

  • @donaldoji6399
    @donaldoji6399 Před 7 lety +13

    Gosh! she is so beautiful!

  • @116nataly
    @116nataly Před 7 lety +1

    I am currently searching for a work visa in the US and this video has lifted my spirit 🙀😍

  • @legendshome4931
    @legendshome4931 Před 7 lety +4

    Her message has transformed my inner world. I love it more more

  • @Halonablack
    @Halonablack Před 7 lety +16

    Oh my! Such a confirmation for what I want to do. If you want something that doesn't exist, create it. Powerful!

  • @mariadavis8023
    @mariadavis8023 Před 8 lety +13

    I get in the way of myself ... Wow ! Thank you

  • @theraineyboys
    @theraineyboys Před 7 lety +8

    I adore her outfit! Especially her colorful top! :-)

  • @miracleshappen4483
    @miracleshappen4483 Před 7 lety +12

    Very inspiring. You are perfect never let anyone tell you how to be yourself.

  • @murrietallen4465
    @murrietallen4465 Před 8 lety +3

    she was great. Every young person can be inspired by her message.

  • @frederickallgood801
    @frederickallgood801 Před 8 lety +13

    she is beautiful and awesome

  • @simplytrinabean
    @simplytrinabean Před 8 lety +8

    so much of this story is mine thnks for the encourgement

  • @novembertalespinner
    @novembertalespinner Před 8 lety +10

    This is such a positive message. I really enjoyed the honesty and the challenge to create what you need.

  • @nawal10
    @nawal10 Před 7 lety +21

    Omggg when she said Rutgers I had to comment! I'm a Rutgers graduate myself Rutgers is awesome! Also she's so beautiful and talented 😍

  • @bellamywest63
    @bellamywest63 Před 8 lety +24

    I loved your presentation MaameYaa, and I am enjoying the character you play on An African City. Looking forward to seeing you in more film projects.

  • @Sibisi
    @Sibisi Před 8 lety +2

    As a lady thinks, so is she! I soo love you li'l girl. May God continue to protect you and your loved ones.

  • @Kobe29261
    @Kobe29261 Před 8 lety +20

    Rock on soul-sister!

  • @undaunted1065
    @undaunted1065 Před 6 lety

    I could listen to Maame Yaa Boafo talk all day. And yes, as the saying goes, she's "easy on the eyes", but even more than that--she is melodic on the ears. Truly radiant.
    Maybe it's been said already in the comments, but appearance-wise, with her beautiful facial structure, slim build, poised with a graceful strength, she'd make a great Lauryn Hill in a biopic that is brought to life by the RIGHT hands AND hearts.

  • @raic3283
    @raic3283 Před 7 lety +6

    Omg Poetry! I love An African City!

  • @airparris
    @airparris Před 7 lety +32

    i like her voice

  • @allisonmicheledesigns
    @allisonmicheledesigns Před 8 lety +4

    Congrats to you MaameYaa!! This was enjoyable to watch. Mr. Abiah is a lucky man!!

  • @superflyrico
    @superflyrico Před 8 lety +10

    Such beauty and strength :-)

  • @khrisnduba2567
    @khrisnduba2567 Před 8 lety +5

    Look forward to what you'll achieve more and more in your career, so beautiful and ambitious! Love her!

  • @tabokamoalosi1494
    @tabokamoalosi1494 Před 7 lety +12

    she is so articulated. inspiring story.

  • @sibzism
    @sibzism Před 8 lety +4

    OMG! you've literally spoken my world! Thank you so much! xxxx

  • @myfriendscallmelee
    @myfriendscallmelee Před 2 lety +1

    The Benedict Society brought me here. Absolutely beautiful, funny and talented. I'm gonna need more of her!

  • @DorianParpari
    @DorianParpari Před 8 lety +3

    She is so talented. I enjoy her work so much!

  • @asumanamarafa1705
    @asumanamarafa1705 Před 6 lety +3

    Absolutely love your confidence and passion for what you do! You did amazing! OMG!

  • @TheShadesoftruth
    @TheShadesoftruth Před 7 lety +4

    Hey MaameYaa...what a wonderful Journey and a wonderful story...you are the one we have been waiting for!!!

  • @patricelewis8457
    @patricelewis8457 Před 5 lety

    I watched this on my tv and I had to come to my phone to comment and say that you are truly inspiring and your passion shines through. Keep pushing. Never stop. Much love.

  • @michalokonda9243
    @michalokonda9243 Před 5 lety +1

    From Kenya. You just did justice to my selfesteem.iam encouraged to be better

  • @adrianhardeman8865
    @adrianhardeman8865 Před 8 lety +5

    i just fpund this young lady and o love the internet show called an africanCity. I am inspired this Ted Talk. Love this.

  • @MiJeyra
    @MiJeyra Před 7 lety

    That's so beautiful Maame, such an inspiration to all the African girls out there. All that discrimination happened for you to be the leader you are! Adorable in and out!

  • @7428tony
    @7428tony Před 7 lety +1

    She's so natural and original

  • @princemensah1011
    @princemensah1011 Před 9 lety +3

    True talent worthy of celebration... Continue breaking all boundaries. Kudos! Thanks for the inspiration yeah

  • @naturalone88
    @naturalone88 Před 8 lety +4

    I love An African City!!

  • @elAlbaniL504
    @elAlbaniL504 Před 6 lety

    Hello people I am from Honduras Central America and I am follower of inteligent people in you tube I think this is an important manner to grow up mentaly I never went to school in my childhood but I am very happy because I ve learned to speake English,catalan,and to play the guitar watching videos in you tube this is my teacher CZcams.I am very thankfull with technology and persons like this interesting woman.thank

  • @ZanzibarKumquat
    @ZanzibarKumquat Před rokem

    That was so goood!!! I love emphasis that she placed on community and also nurturing yourself. When we are able to accept ourselves the world follows. Very important to remember, thank you!

  • @narniagirl1574
    @narniagirl1574 Před 5 lety

    It was very touching to see how proud her father was of her. It is easy to see why she is so courageous: she comes from good stock, with a father like that, who cared that a child not his own was separated from their family -- and worked to reunite them. Beautiful, positive, erudite young woman. I wish her well in all her endeavors.

  • @vinson753
    @vinson753 Před 7 lety +1

    So good I can feel her emotion through her challenges

  • @kartenklatscherin367
    @kartenklatscherin367 Před 7 lety +1

    very inspirational. i love to see motivated african women who create beautiful things

  • @patmanowili
    @patmanowili Před 8 lety +12

    If I had the chance I would unashamedly and with lots of passion and enthusiasm make you My wife...you're so wise.

  • @ayananaku9857
    @ayananaku9857 Před 8 lety +6

    thank you sis

  • @nalao4542
    @nalao4542 Před 7 lety

    Breathtakingly Beautiful, her looks, her nature..........I wish you all the best in your career and in life. I look forward to seeing you in film. Continue to be modest and true to yourself.

  • @akilahleandre7490
    @akilahleandre7490 Před 7 lety +1

    Such an inspiration! Thank You for sharing. I needed to hear this at this time!

  • @rockroll8958
    @rockroll8958 Před 7 lety +1

    beautiful speech. very inspiring

  • @25marshalyn
    @25marshalyn Před 7 lety +8

    Wow! Curves to die for. Beautiful and eloquent!

  • @nabi980
    @nabi980 Před 7 lety +4

    youre soo awesome...love you guys on african city.great inspiration

  • @morganb4993
    @morganb4993 Před 8 lety +66

    her hair is always on fleek! how do i get mine like that??

    • @uhururex3261
      @uhururex3261 Před 8 lety +11

      Jamaican black castor oil

    • @acajudi100
      @acajudi100 Před 8 lety +8

      Apple cider vinegar, olive oil, spray bottle, and work hair coils with fingers, gel, and tie with scarf. Wear your own style. I love a bun on top, and outside, I wear a scarf, dice I am Muslim.

    • @AnnieSpecial92861
      @AnnieSpecial92861 Před 7 lety +10

      acajudi100 Shea butter. ......

    • @mulinzinga9981
      @mulinzinga9981 Před 6 lety +1

      make it

  • @tevalo
    @tevalo Před 7 lety +1

    Bingham!! Yay ... I have the same story... in the Caribbean and perplexed as to why i have an American mindset.

  • @Mzasweedy
    @Mzasweedy Před 8 lety +4

    Great inspiring story! 👏👏👏

  • @AD-yp8gh
    @AD-yp8gh Před 7 lety

    such a beautiful Queen with brilliance.
    original speaker like her self knows the struggle and loves being open and honest.She knows her roots and speaks about today! listen with you ears not with your eyes.Focus on the message.

  • @gilberthmpahleni7804
    @gilberthmpahleni7804 Před 7 lety

    Wów! what an Intelligent,Inspiring & Trué Beautiful African Queen... My 5yr'old Daughter has to See & Follow'this. Love & Appreciate U'Lady. Thankx só Much!!!

  • @katharynhead6199
    @katharynhead6199 Před 8 lety +7

    Great talk! Keep it up - you are inspiring!

  • @effieyam
    @effieyam Před 8 lety +7

    Wow that was great, thank you!!

  • @nemrac4321
    @nemrac4321 Před 8 lety +12

    You are a blessing.☺

    • @SueLyons1
      @SueLyons1 Před 8 lety

      What a beautiful thing to say

    • @claraalfaia
      @claraalfaia Před 7 lety +3

      +Sue Lyons how amazing is to see strangers showing love! God enjoys

    • @missflorencek8569
      @missflorencek8569 Před 7 lety

      The Sincerest One and so inspiring!

  • @dorcasmuthuri6020
    @dorcasmuthuri6020 Před 7 lety +1

    such an awesome speech. wow! I really love your natural look. let's embrace our natural look. you're so inspiring.

  • @dominiquepettway5397
    @dominiquepettway5397 Před 3 lety

    So motivating! ❤️❤️ I hope the acting career of her dreams come to her. So well spoken, gifted and positive. Beautiful

    • @Logan-eb4fr
      @Logan-eb4fr Před 3 lety

      She's acting in a show on Disney+ called "The Mysterious Benedict Society" if you want to see her act.

  • @adrianhardeman8865
    @adrianhardeman8865 Před 8 lety +3

    love this.

  • @brendon1611
    @brendon1611 Před 7 lety +1

    She is very beautiful and inspirational.

  • @leobekayombo8087
    @leobekayombo8087 Před 7 lety +5

    Beautiful African woman !

  • @charlesosei-bonsu7747
    @charlesosei-bonsu7747 Před 7 lety +5

    Cute, Amazing, fascinating and impressive...Love it.

  • @SweetGaBrownin
    @SweetGaBrownin Před 7 lety

    Absolutely beautiful and so genuine with good intention. What the world needs to see❤

  • @alumbehellen8121
    @alumbehellen8121 Před 7 lety

    Thank you for being brave to follow your passion. I will recommend all the storytellers under our Sigana mentorship program to listen to you during our first unit class. Secondly, i have really learnt a lot in this 17 minutes. Stay blessed

  • @bellaboomz
    @bellaboomz Před 7 lety +3

    Shout out to the BSC! Those books were my JAM!! 😅

  • @enochzhaba
    @enochzhaba Před 6 lety

    Her massage brought me a change thanks

  • @karenelizabethmitchell-kee1058

    Thank you for such a wonderful message. I know we will see more of you!

  • @ebbaffour3269
    @ebbaffour3269 Před 5 lety

    Very intelligent woman! I am happy for you that you pursued your dream. There are greater things ahead for you.

  • @therealzilch
    @therealzilch Před 5 lety

    What a lovely, intelligent, inspiring, African woman. Gives one hope.

  • @sadhana3205
    @sadhana3205 Před 7 lety

    she is so real and vulnerable

  • @Ofa337
    @Ofa337 Před 7 lety

    Such a Wonderful Sister and Amazing Inspiration!