Who did Connie Chiume play in Black Panther? Tributes pour in as veteran South African actress dies aged 72 

Connie Chiume, who gained recognition for portraying Zawavari in Black Panther, has recently passed away on August 6, 2024, at the age of 72. Although her cause of death remains unknown, Chiume's son Nongelo told Newzroom Afrika that she was taken to the hospital for a medical procedure.

Connie's family shared the news of her demise through a statement on Instagram, saying that she died at the Garden City Hospital. The post further stated:

"The Family asks for privacy during this difficult period. The family will communicate further details."

Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture of South Africa, also expressed his grief in a statement, saying that Connie Chiume would be an inspiration for the upcoming generation of artists.

"Her performances brought joy, inspiration, and a sense of pride to countless South Africans. She was more than an actress; she was a beacon of strength, resilience, and grace. Man' Connie's contribution to the arts not only entertained. She inspired, educated and uplifted communities throughout our country," the department said.

Apart from Black Panther, Chiume even appeared in some TV shows including Zone 14 and Queen Sono. She also featured in short films such as Lerato and What Did You Dream?

Meanwhile, netizens took to the comments section of the latest post on Chiume's Instagram page to pay tribute to her, with most of them sending their prayers to Chiume's family.

Fans pay tribute (Image via Instagram/conniechiume)

Fans pay tribute (Image via Instagram/conniechiume)

Connie's survivors include four children and further details related to her personal life are yet to be revealed.

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Connie Chiume played one of the lead roles in Black Panther

Also known as Connie Temweka Gabisile Chiume, she managed to accumulate a huge fanbase with her performances over the years. As mentioned, Connie Chiume appeared as Zawavari in Black Panther, which turned out to be one of the most successful films in 2018 from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The character was the former leader of the Mining Tribe and a part of the Wakandan Tribal Council. She was present during the coronation ceremony of T'Challa at the Warrior Falls and she did not oppose the mission to capture Klaue in a mission led by Black Panther.

While Erik Killmonger entered Wakanda and was brought in front of the Tribal Council, he said that he wanted the throne as a result of which Zawavari began laughing. However, she became silent when Killmonger revealed that he was N'Jobu's son, N'Jadaka.

After Killmonger defeated T'Challa and threw him down the waterfall, Zawavari had to bow in front of Killmonger. She was present when Killmonger decided to export the Vibranium weapons to Wakandan spies around the world.

Zawavari later became the Elder Statesman and after Ramonda's death, Zawavari organized a coronation ceremony for Shuri. She chose Shuri and Sope for the combat and while the former left the ceremony, M'Baku stepped in and took the position of the king.

Apart from receiving positive reviews, Black Panther was a recipient of multiple nominations at the Academy Awards in 2019. It was followed by a sequel, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, in 2022.

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Connie Chiume started her acting career on stage

Connie Chiume completed her graduation in 1976 and later underwent training as a nurse. However, she soon developed an interest in acting and recalled her journey in an interview with the Sunday Times in 2022.

"The first time I was on stage was in Greece in a play titled Shola Shola. That opportunity was magical. I was also cast in a classic American opera and I wasn't even trained in opera," she said.

Connie Chiume gained recognition when she made her television debut with Inkom' Edla Yodwa, which was followed by multiple films like In My Country, I Dreamed of Africa, Black Is King, and Seriously Single.