Babirye Bukilwa (who styles their name in lowercase) is a multi-talented British-Ugandan actor, playwright, poet, and model. They are widely known for their role as Vanessa, the central love interest of the protagonist Kwabena, in the BAFTA-winning series Dreaming Whilst Black, starring Adjani Salmon.
In February 2026, they returned to screens for Season 2 of the series on Paramount+ and the BBC. Beyond acting, Bukilwa is a critically acclaimed voice in British theater, recognized for their plays that explore mental health, Black queer identity, and the working-class experience in London.
Quick Facts
- Full Name: Babirye Bukilwa (formerly Vanessa Babirye)
- Age (as of 2026): 34 or 35
- Birth Year: 1991
- Profession: Actor, Playwright, Poet, Model
- Nationality: British
- Known For: Dreaming Whilst Black, Beautiful Thing (Stage)
- Education: National Youth Theatre
Career Overview
Bukilwa has been in the entertainment industry for over a decade. They first gained traction as a stage actor, notably in the 20th-anniversary production of Beautiful Thing in 2013. Their collaboration with Adjani Salmon began with the original Dreaming Whilst Black web series in 2018, where they played Vanessa.
Their playwrighting career skyrocketed with their debut play …blackbird hour, which was shortlisted for several major honors, including the Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting and the inaugural Women’s Prize for Playwriting. They followed this with …cake (2021), a prequel exploring themes of motherhood and mental health. In early 2025, …blackbird hour received its world premiere at the Bush Theatre in London.
Personal Life & Background
Born in Homerton, London, and raised in Bethnal Green, Bukilwa is of Ugandan heritage; their mother moved to the UK from Uganda before they were born. They grew up in a council house with a twin sister and an elder sister.
Bukilwa identifies as Black queer and uses they/them pronouns. They have been vocal about the importance of authentic representation for dark-skinned Black women in media. A life-changing motorcycle accident at age 25, which resulted in a broken knee and a period of deep depression, was the catalyst that led them to begin writing their first play.
Relationship Status
As of 2026, Babirye Bukilwa has not publicly shared information regarding their current romantic relationship status. Their public platform remains focused on their creative work, mental health advocacy, and the amplification of Black British queer narratives.
Physical Appearance
Bukilwa has an industry “playing age” ranging from mid-20s to mid-30s. They are known for their striking features and have worked as a model alongside their acting and writing careers.
FAQs
Here are the most common questions people ask about the TV personality.
What role does Babirye Bukilwa play in Dreaming Whilst Black?
They play Vanessa, the love interest of Kwabena. Their character explores a “meet-cute” romance that becomes a significant emotional anchor in the series.
What is Babirye Bukilwa’s ethnicity?
Bukilwa is British-Ugandan. They were born in London to a mother who immigrated to the UK from Uganda.
What are Babirye Bukilwa’s pronouns?
They use they/them pronouns and style their name in all lowercase.
What plays has Babirye Bukilwa written?
Their notable plays include …blackbird hour, its prequel …cake, and The Master’s House. Their work has been shortlisted for the Bruntwood Prize and the Alfred Fagon Award.
Is Babirye Bukilwa in Dreaming Whilst Black Season 2?
Yes, they appear in the second season, which premiered on February 20, 2026, on Paramount+.
Did Babirye Bukilwa have a stage career before TV?
Yes, they were a highly regarded stage actor for years before Dreaming Whilst Black became a TV hit, appearing in productions at the Leicester Curve, the Bush Theatre, and with the National Youth Theatre.
Content Sources:
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