Joaquina Kalukango (born 1988 or 1989) is an American actor and singer best known for playing Nelly O'Brien in the Broadway musical Paradise Square, for which she won the 2022 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. She was nominated for Best Actress in a Play in 2020 for portraying Kaneisha in Slave Play. In addition to her theatre work, Kalukango has appeared in One Night in Miami..., When They See Us and Lawmen: Bass Reeves.
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Early life
Born in Atlanta, Kalukango is of Angolan descent, and her parents arrived in the United States as political refugees. She has three siblings. In 2007, Kalukango became a YoungArts alumnus. She attended the Juilliard School. Due to her heritage, Kalukango wants to work on roles that showcase the Black experience.