Madina Nalwanga is a Ugandan actress and dancer who gained international recognition for her leading role in Disney’s biographical film “Queen of Katwe” (2016). Discovered in a community dance class in Kampala with no prior acting experience, she was chosen from nearly 700 candidates by director Mira Nair to portray Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi. Her heartfelt performance earned critical acclaim and several prestigious award nominations, establishing her as a rising star. At 17, she made history as the youngest individual on Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list. Her journey from selling corn in a Kampala slum to global stardom is an inspiring story in contemporary African cinema.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Madina Nalwanga |
| Date of Birth | March 15, 2002 |
| Place of Birth | Katwe, Kampala, Uganda |
| Nationality | Ugandan |
| State of Origin | Central Region (Kampala) |
| Partner | N/A |
| Occupations | Actress, Dancer, Vocalist |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
Early Life and Education
Born on March 15, 2002, in Katwe, one of Kampala’s poorest neighborhoods, Madina grew up in extreme poverty. She often helped her family by selling corn on the streets alongside her mother. Her father worked as a motorcycle taxi driver while her mother cleaned supermarket toilets.
At four, Madina followed a neighbor to join the Sosolya Undugu Dance Academy in Kampala, where her talent was recognized and her education was subsidized through dance participation. She lived in a dormitory at Kibuli during her training. Over time, she became a skilled dancer and vocalist, singing in multiple languages.
Madina later attended Grand Valley State University in Michigan, USA, marking a significant milestone beyond her humble beginnings. She has six siblings and credits her surviving hardship to the strength of her family.
Career
Madina’s entry into acting was sudden and remarkable. While attending a dance class at age 15, she was discovered by a casting director looking for a lead actress for “Queen of Katwe.” Mira Nair selected her for the role after auditions involving 700 girls, despite Madina’s lack of acting experience.
The film, which premiered in 2016, tells the story of Phiona Mutesi, a girl from the slums who becomes a chess champion. Madina received widespread praise for her genuine and emotional portrayal. Her co-star Lupita Nyong’o mentored her through acting techniques and became a maternal figure, which was especially meaningful due to Madina’s separation from her biological mother at a young age.
An illustrative moment of her humble background was when David Oyelowo took her to see “Jurassic World,” and she revealed it was only the second movie theater visit of her life. Besides films, Madina also appeared in a 2016 music video and the 2020 TV series “Dance with Valentino.”
Personal Life
Madina comes from a large family in Uganda and has six siblings. Her childhood separation from her immediate family to pursue dance training was challenging but pivotal for her future. Her close relationship with Lupita Nyong’o during filming offered her much-needed maternal support. Currently, details about her romantic life or any children are not publicly known.
Net Worth
Madina Nalwanga’s net worth is estimated to be around $500,000 as of 2025. This figure reflects her earnings primarily from her breakthrough role in Disney’s “Queen of Katwe” and her subsequent work in entertainment, including music videos and television series.
Filmography
- Queen of Katwe (2016) – Lead role as Phiona Mutesi
- Young Cardamom & HAB: #1 Spice (2016) – Music Video
- Dance with Valentino (2020) – Television Series
Awards and Nominations
- Most Promising Actor, Africa Movie Academy Awards (2017) – Winner
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress (2017) – Winner
- Women Film Critics Circle Award (2017) – Winner
- Critic’s Choice Award for Best Young Actor/Actress (2016) – Nominee
- Black Reel Awards for Outstanding Actress (2017) – Nominee
- Las Vegas Film Critics Society Sierra Award (2016) – Nominee
- Forbes “30 Under 30” youngest inductee at age 17 (2018)
