Ghanaian music superstars Amaarae and Sarkodie just landed their first acting roles. They join Michaela Coel’s highly anticipated HBO and BBC drama, First Day on Earth.
HBO and BBC announced the expanded cast in early April 2026. Ama Serwah Genfi (Amaarae) will play a character named Nana. Michael Owusu Addo (Sarkodie) will appear as himself. Their inclusion marks a major milestone for Ghanaian representation on global television.
What Is ‘First Day on Earth’ About?
First Day on Earth is an upcoming drama series written, executive produced, and starring Michaela Coel (I May Destroy You, Chewing Gum). The official synopsis reveals a deeply personal story:
Henri (Coel) is a British-Ghanaian novelist whose life has hit a standstill—her writing has dried up, and her relationship is going nowhere. When she accepts a film job in Ghana, her ancestral homeland where her estranged father lives, she hopes for a fresh start. But upon arrival, neither the job nor her father turns out as expected. Henri is pulled into a world of new friendships, secrets, lies, and joy, forcing her to question her identity, heritage, and sense of belonging.
The series is a co-production between HBO and the BBC, produced in association with A24 (the studio behind Euphoria, Everything Everywhere All at Once).
Full Cast List: International and Ghanaian Stars
Newly Announced Cast (April 2026)
Amaarae as Nana
Bukky Bakray as Sunny
Rakie Ayola as Maame
Adam Lundgren as Asger
Ray BLK as Jacqueline
Kobna Holdbrook as Smith Steve
Dan Skinner as Chris
Daniella Arthur as Kennedy Gladys
Jameel Buari as Ronald
Sam Delich as Klubeck
Fisayo Akinade as Adekunle
Ghanaian Cast Members
Sarkodie as Himself
Joselyn Dumas as Jessica
Sister Deborah as Ama
Adjetey Anang as Edmund
Akofa Edjeani as Athena
Roselyn Ngissah as Eresi
Akrobeto as Honam
Godwin Namboe as Police Officer
Lady Jay as Herself
Previously Announced International Cast
· Thandiwe Newton
· Maxine Peake
· Danny Sapani
· Ncuti Gatwa (Sex Education, Doctor Who)
Why These Casting Choices Matter
For Amaarae, this is history. The “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” hitmaker has never acted before. Fans can’t wait to see how her bold artistic vision translates to the screen.
For Sarkodie, it’s a natural fit. He plays himself—a cameo that grounds the story in real Ghanaian culture. As one of Africa’s most decorated rappers, his presence adds instant authenticity.
For Ghana’s creative industry, this is a turning point. Global streaming giants are finally putting local talent front and center—not as background extras, but as named characters in a prestige drama.
“This marks a landmark moment. You have Amaarae and Sarkodie sharing scenes with legends like Adjetey Anang and Akrobeto. That’s powerful.” — Industry observer
What This Means for You as a Viewer
Tired of Africa as a backdrop? So is Michaela Coel.
Unlike productions that use Ghana merely as scenery, First Day on Earth puts the country at the heart of the story. You’ll see:
· Veteran Ghanaian actors like Adjetey Anang and Joselyn Dumas
· Comedy legend Akrobeto in a dramatic role
· Music stars Sister Deborah and Lady Jay crossing into acting
Expect authenticity. Expect nuance. Expect Ghana shown on its own terms.
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First Day on Earth brings together a powerhouse creative team, a deeply personal script from Michaela Coel, and the exciting acting debuts of Amaarae and Sarkodie.
For Ghanaian fans: This is your moment. Watch your music icons share the screen with legendary local actors on a global platform.
For everyone else: Get ready for one of the most anticipated television events of 2026.