She’s the unforgettable butler ‘Sheila Cannon’ in Shonda Rhimes’ Netflix hit The Residence, and this September, Edwina Findley brings her star power, wisdom and boundless optimism to Cape Town as the headline speaker at FAME Week Africa—the continent’s leading platform for film, television, music and fashion.
For two decades, Edwina has captivated audiences worldwide, from her breakout role as ‘Tosha Mitchell’ in HBO’s The Wire to starring in Tyler Perry and Oprah Winfrey’s If Loving You Is Wrong, and delivering powerhouse performances in Treme, Ava DuVernay’s Middle of Nowhere, and the award-winning Free in Deed. Her recent roles in Netflix’s The Residence and Amazon’s The Power prove she’s as versatile as she is magnetic.
But it’s her off-screen impact that makes her a perfect fit for FAME Week Africa. As co-founder of Abundant Life University, she champions the next generation of storytellers, helping aspiring actors, creatives and leaders claim their voice and purpose. Her book, The World Is Waiting For You—with a foreword by Viola Davis—is a rallying cry for dreamers everywhere. Guided by faith, grounded in authenticity and committed to building bridges across cultures, Edwina embodies the values of creativity, connection and empowerment that define FAME Week Africa.
“I am deeply honored to be part of FAME Week Africa and to connect with the incredible storytellers and creatives across the continent. As a Liberian-American myself, I know that Africa has always been a wellspring of authentic voices and powerful narratives. I’m thrilled to empower dreamers, build bridges across cultures and inspire the next generation of artists to claim their voice and step boldly into their purpose.”
“Edwina’s story is one of resilience, vision and unstoppable positivity,” says Martin Hiller, FAME Week Africa’s Portfolio Director. “She inspires with her craft, uplifts through her words and leads with her heart—exactly the kind of energy and insight we want to share with our audience. Her presence promises to be a highlight of the week, delivering an unforgettable blend of inspiration, storytelling and practical wisdom for industry professionals and dreamers alike”.
Taking place from 1–6 September 2025 in Cape Town, FAME Week Africa is where Africa’s creative industries meet to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. Featuring MIP Africa (film, TV, and content market), Muziki Africa (music industry showcase), African Fashion Forum, and the FAME Shorts Film Festival, it’s the must-attend event for creatives, industry leaders, and global buyers passionate about African talent and stories.