Defying Expectations: Rafiki and the Paradigm of LGBTQ+ Portrayal in African Cinema

Abstract

This article examines Rafiki (2018), a groundbreaking Kenyan film by Wanuri Kahiu, as an important shift in the representation of LGBTQ+ narratives in African cinema. This study investigates the film's narrative, thematic components, and social setting, positioning Rafiki as a cultural artifact that defies cinematic traditions and societal standards in Africa. In contrast to the mostly negative portrayals of LGBTQ+ life in African media, which often emphasize themes of marginalization, tragedy, and ostracization, Rafiki offers a nuanced tale of love and perseverance between two young women, Kena and Ziki. The film explores the connections of religion, class, politics, and familial relationships to illustrate the challenges of same-sex relationships within a mostly homophobic culture. The article analyzes the wider ramifications of Rafiki’s global response and the restrictions imposed by the Kenyan Film Classification Board (KFCB), which first prohibited the film due to its “gay content.” This ban emphasizes the socio-legal obstacles encountered by LGBTQ+ populations in Kenya and demonstrates the transformational capacity of film in promoting inclusion and acceptance. This paper examines Rafiki’s intersectional themes, its portrayal of LGBTQ+ experiences, contribution to discussions on cultural representation, queer visibility, and creative freedom in African cinema, and argues that Rafiki transcends mere cinematic representation, serving as a key cultural statement that shows the capacity of African cinema to catalyze social transformation, advocate for variety, and stimulate worldwide discourse on equality and human rights.