Joaquina Kalukango

Joaquina Kalukango is a talented American actress and singer, celebrated for her remarkable portrayal of Nelly O'Brien in the Broadway musical *Paradise Square*. Her outstanding performance earned her the prestigious Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 2022. Prior to this accolade, she garnered critical acclaim with a nomination for Best Actress in a Play at the 2020 Tony Awards for her role as Kaneisha in *Slave Play*.

Beyond her impressive theater achievements, Kalukango has ventured into film and television, featuring in notable projects such as *One Night in Miami...*, *When They See Us*, and the upcoming series *Lawmen: Bass Reeves*.

Kalukango's artistic journey began early; she was recognized as a YoungArts alumnus in 2007 and later pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the prestigious Juilliard School. With Angolan roots, Kalukango's parents emigrated to the United States as political refugees, an experience that deeply influences her passion for portraying the Black experience in her work. Driven by her heritage, she is committed to taking on roles that highlight and celebrate the richness of Black narratives in the performing arts.