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John Legend is set to play the late singer and activist Harry Belafonte in an upcoming Bill Condon film, reports Variety. The Road Home, which is currently in production, focuses on Hugh Masekela, considered the father of South African jazz, and fellow legend Miriam Makeba while the duo toured South Africa with Paul Simon during Apartheid. Thabo Rametsi will play Masekela, Cynthia Erivo will play Makeba, and Guy Pearce will play anti-Apartheid advocate Archbishop Trevor Huddleston (who famously boycotted Simon’s Graceland tour).
“I was honored to know Mr. Belafonte as my friend, mentor and collaborator in the struggle for justice,” Legend said in a statement. “He was an incredible human being who lived a monumental, revolutionary life. He was the epitome of an artist and activist who set a standard for me and so many others who stand on his shoulders. I count it a privilege to be entrusted with the role of Harry Belafonte in this special film.”
Legend won an Oscar in 2015 for his Selma soundtrack single “Glory.” His last LP, a children’s album produced by Sufjan Stevens, dropped in 2024.