Saturday Night Live has searched high and low for Black female representation after coming under fire for its lack of diversity. Since Maya Rudolph’s 2007 departure, the show has seen a drag-ful Kenan Thompson in many-a-skit when a simple solution would have been to hire a black female cast member years ago.
NBC announced today that Sasheer Zamata has been added to SNL’s lineup. Zamata, a Brooklyn native, triumphed over two dozen other hopefuls.
The University of Virginia alum received training from the Upright Citizens Brigade, responsible for such talents as Kate McKinnon and Bobby Moynihan, and has performed at comedy festivals and created videos for College Humor. Zamata will make her debut on January 18 in this year’s first episode of Saturday Night Live hosted by emo-rapper Drake. Catch the episode on January 18 at 11pm EST on NBC.