As a result of the opening of an exhibition that presents black American singers, comedians, and musicians as the pharaohs of ancient Egypt, Egyptian authorities have prohibited a Dutch archaeologist from entering the nation.
After the opening of their “Kemet” display, the authorities in Cairo denounced the Dutch National Museum of Antiquities (RMO) in Leiden.
Kemet, which translates to “black land,” uses jazz, soul, and funk music to examine the ancient culture in order to demonstrate the “importance of ancient Egypt and Nubia in the work of musicians from the African diaspora.”
The exhibition features several black American celebrities dressed as well-known historical Egyptian figures. This includes Eddie Murphy as Ramesses, Beyoncé and Rihanna as Nefertiti, and American rapper Nas as Tutankhamun.
The controversy comes after Netflix received backlash for their casting of black British actress Adele James as Cleopatra.
Despite historical evidence proving that Cleopatra was Macedonian-Greek, the show has been under fire for ‘blackwashing’ allegations since James was cast.
The prohibition is a serious setback for RMO, which has operated in Sakkara since 1975.
