In an upcoming series that focuses on the singer’s turn as a French Resistance spy for the Allies during World War 2, Janelle Monáe is set to star as pioneering entertainer Josephine Baker
Monáe — whose Met Gala look this week was reportedly inspired by Baker — confirmed the role on Twitter Wednesday:
During a period where American audiences were still segregated, the US-born Jazz Age icon Baker spent the majority of her career in Europe, where she became one of the continent’s biggest performers.
Using her fame to infiltrate high society for information as well as freely travel around Europe to spread messages to allied countries, during World War II, Baker became a spy for the French Resistance against the Nazis during their occupation, For her service, Charles de Gaulle awarded Baker with several honors, including naming her to the Legion of Honor.
In 2019, Monaé declared Baker “My QUEEN” in response to a tweet celebrating the trailblazer’s many accomplishments.
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Author: Al Denté
Photo: Thomas Böcker