Lencia Kebede Becomes Broadway’s First Full-Time Black Elphaba in ‘Wicked’
Written by Site Hub on March 7, 2025
Lencia Kebede made Broadway history this week, becoming the first Black actor to assume the role of Elphaba full-time in Wicked. The Los Angeles-born first-generation Ethiopian American previously spent five years on tour with Hamilton before making her Broadway debut on Tuesday.
Singing the iconic “Defying Gravity”, Kebede described the moment as overwhelming and deeply personal, connecting with her African ancestry and sense of empowerment. In the audience, 60 friends and family members—including her mother, cousins, and college choir director—watched her make history.
Kebede follows in the footsteps of Black actresses who have played Elphaba in Wicked, such as Saycon Sengbloh, Lilli Cooper, Brandi Chavonne Massey, and Alexia Khadime. Her journey to Broadway was unexpected—she originally planned for a career in law or public policy before following her passion for theater.
Reflecting on her electrifying debut, Kebede said she felt the presence of her late father and grandmother, calling it a magical and unforgettable night.
Source: AP News
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