Photo Credit: Quantrell D. Colbert/Amazon Studios
Coming 2 America screams women empowerment. King Akeem’s wife and three daughters all have key roles in proving that women are just as good as men in everything they do. Whether it is ruling a country, being a great warrior, or making the best decisions, the women in this film come out being superior.
Similar to the first Coming to America film, the storyline plays out with a prince wanting to branch out on his own to find the true love of his life. In the fictional African land of Zamunda, it is a royal tradition for the heir of Zamunda to have an arranged marriage. Prince Akeem objects to this royal tradition, and instead he travels to America to search for not only a wife, but a special connection. Something that he could not see himself having if he was to agree with an arranged marriage. In Queens, New York, Akeem falls in love with the lovely Lisa McDowell, who later becomes his wife. Even though his father disapproved of his decision, Akeem’s mother was the one to approve and encourage Akeem to fight for what he believed in.
As for the Sequel, Coming 2 America puts Akeem’s son in the same situation. After finding his son, Akeem rushes him into the process of arranging his marriage back home in Zamunda. Ignoring his wife and daughters’ feelings, Akeem lets the pressure of his father take over his decision-making. However, Prince Lavelle chooses to go his own route to find his wife, like his father. Lavelle falls in love with his royal hairdresser Mirembe, stands up to King Akeem, and allows his sister to take position as Queen of Zamunda. In the end, both movies symbolize the power and strength of women.
The hidden message in Coming 2 America is to inspire women to stand for what they believe in, and to not give into the social norms of their society. The women are the reason Zamunda is continuing to innovate and improve. From King Akeem’s wife, Lisa, played by Shari Headley to Akeem’s Daughters, they all bring knowledge, hope, strength, and attitude to the film.
During the Coming 2 America press conference, Tracy Morgan, who also starred in the film as Uncle Reem, stated, “If you look at the movie from Mirembe’s character, to Akeem’s daughters, to his wife, to his mom… that was it for me. In this world, we are not here without the Black woman.”
To add to Morgan’s comments, the actress Luenell, who is also in the film as Livia said, “all the women were majestic, from the flower girls to everyone else. And there’s no weak women in this movie.”
The strength of the women in the film begins with Queen Lisa Joffer, when she establishes her dominance and stands her ground to her husband Akeem. Akeem stresses the fact that he needs to find a male heir to the throne and follow his royal tradition, while also leaving his eldest daughter out and not considering her to be fit for the position. Something the Queen does not like at all.
While expressing her anger towards her husband’s decisions, Lisa states, “What happened to you Akeem? You were supposed to change things. You were supposed to bring this kingdom into the 21st century. But instead, you push our daughter aside, someone who has dedicated her life to this country. And because she’s a woman, she can’t be your heir?”
Not giving in to her husband’s ways, Lisa shows her power even more when she kicks him out of their bedroom. Think about it. The King of Zamunda was kicked out of his room by a female. Something that has probably never been done before by anyone. Due to his wife’s actions, Akeem eventually realizes his wrongdoings and does the right thing for his family, and Zamunda. With his power, the power that his wife made him realize he has, Akeem goes against the law his country has had for centuries and changes it to allow his daughter Meeka to become Queen after him, instead of his bastard son.
Following in the Queen’s footsteps are her three daughters Meeka, Omma, and Tinashe. The girls are not your ordinary spoiled princesses. They are highly skilled warriors who practice fighting with men daily. When King Akeem was absent due to a visit to America, his three daughters defended Zamunda from an attack by a neighboring country. The scene when the girls come out on top speaks volumes for females.
In an interview, Omma, who is played by Bella Murphy, states, “It was really cool to play a character like that because I just felt so empowered. I feel like the story shows how women can do just as much as men, and if not, they can do it even better.”
Showing great maturity throughout the film is Akeem’s daughter Meeka. Even though Akeem is seen putting Meeka down and ignoring her urge to become the heir, she still shows her leadership and faithfulness to Zamunda. To her, Zamunda always comes first, and she soon accepts the fact that she may not become Queen if that is what’s best for her country. From helping her bastard brother prepare to become king, to defending her country from their greatest enemy, Meeka proves her ability to be a great clever, bold, and loyal leader. It is clear that the rulers of Zamunda are women.
