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The statue depicts the scene from the 2017 film where Kaluuya’s character is hypnotised by his girlfriend’s mother and finds himself receding into "the Sunken Place", a suppressed metaphysical abyss.
Embracing heritage
At the unveiling of the statue, Kaluuya caught may people’s attention as he embraced his Ugandan heritage.
He turned up at the unveiling in a striking burgundy suit, paired with a black shirt and a golden pendant featuring the Buganda Kingdom logo, a clear nod to his Ugandan roots.
Kaluuya’s public connection to his Ugandan heritage has always been strong, and his decision to wear the Buganda Kingdom pendant speaks volumes about his pride in his ancestry.
Kaluuya, born in London to Ugandan immigrants, often speaks passionately about his African identity, and this public display of his cultural heritage further solidifies his deep connection to his roots.
He has spoken before about his Ugandan roots, revealing in interviews how his upbringing was shaped by traditional Buganda values instilled in him by his mother.
Read: How Daniel Kaluuya’s experience with hard life in Uganda changed his work attitude
He often discusses how his family’s culture and their journey from Uganda to the UK influenced his perspective on life and art. In a 2021 interview, Kaluuya noted that Buganda traditions of storytelling and oral history helped shape his approach to acting, making it more personal and introspective.
At the unveiling, Kaluuya’s gratitude was evident as he expressed his appreciation for the public’s support.
"We make art for people, we make art for people to watch and to think and feel things, so the fact that it's come back in this way is the best blessing," he said, clearly moved by the honour.
He also acknowledged the significance of the occasion, calling it “a bit of an overwhelming moment.”