Lupita Nyong'o Boyfriend: Who Is Selema Masekela and Why Did the Black Panther Star Break Up With Him?

Lupita Nyong'o boyfriend, Selema Masekela, is newly single following a heartfelt Instagram post from the Black Panther actress announcing their split, PEOPLE noted.

The Instagram post, shared on Thursday, also carried a message of self-reflection and resilience in the face of heartbreak.

Nyong'o, 40, began her message by acknowledging the many pressing issues in the world and expressed her thoughts for those who are suffering.

She then revealed her personal truth, stating that she was "in a season of heartbreak" due to a love that had been "suddenly and devastatingly extinguished by deception."

Despite her urge to retreat and hide, Nyong'o emphasized the importance of facing her pain, seeing it as a measure of her capacity for love. She chose to confront her emotions, hoping her experience would be useful to others grappling with heartbreak.

Nyong'o concluded her message with a call to "face our pain so we don't spread it," without mentioning Masekela by name.

There was no immediate response to the announcement from either Nyong'o or Masekela's representatives.

The separation was revealed a day after Lupita Nyong'o was spotted attending a Janelle Monae concert with friends, including actor Joshua Jackson, following his wife Jodie Turner-Smith's divorce filing.

Lupita Nyong'o and Selema Masekela

The couple's relationship started when Lupita Nyong'o boyfriend, Selema Masekela, confessed to having a crush on the Black Panther actress in 2016, per E! News.

"Hypothetically speaking, of course," he tweeted at the time, "let's say you're seated behind Lupita Nyong'o on an airplane, what would be your opening line?"

Their connection grew stronger over the years, with Nyong'o attending the opening of his surf apparel company, Mami Wata, in 2022.

Lupita Nyong'o and Selema Masekela's love story was a tale of affection and admiration that was made public in December 2022.

In a celebratory Instagram post at the time, Nyong'o shared their relationship with the world, writing, "We just click!" and adding the hashtag "#thisismylove."

Selema also expressed his love and affection for Lupita in a separate post, describing their hearts as "synched" and referring to her as "my whole and actual love @lupitanyongo."

Their relationship appeared to be blossoming, with Nyong'o celebrating Selema's birthday just two months before the announcement of their split.

In an Instagram post, she affectionately referred to him as the "Sunshine Human," expressing that every day was filled with good energy and joy when they were together.

Selema, in response, described himself as the "luckiest man alive,"

Lupita Nyong'o Boyfriend, Selema Masekela

Selema Masekela boasts a diverse career spanning entertainment and philanthropy. He began as an intern at Transworld Publications in 1992, according to Hollywood Life.

His contributions include being an NBA sideline reporter for ESPN in 2003-2004 and co-hosting "The Daily 10" on E! until its cancellation in 2010. For 13 years, he hosted the X Games and Winter X Games.

Masekela also hosted and produced VICELAND's "VICE World of Sports," exploring sports and culture intersections.

His philanthropic involvement includes co-founding "Stoked Mentoring" to guide at-risk youth through action sports. He served on advisory boards for "The Lunchbox Fund" and "The Skatepark Project."

Lupita Nyong'o boyfriend, Selema Masekela, supported organizations like the Surfrider Foundation and Life Rolls On. He made appearances in films like "Point Break" (2015), "Uncle Drew" (2018), and an episode of "Sneakerheads" (2020).

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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