Kerry Washington, the celebrated actress known for her compelling performance in the political thriller series Scandal, recently revealed her humorous side while standing firmly in her husband’s corner during a spirited jollof rice debate. The playful exchange unfolded at the 2025 NAACP Awards, where Washington participated in an entertaining video segment with People magazine on Feb. 22, 2025, with the footage later released on March 5.
The culinary showdown
When faced with the age-old West African culinary question of choosing between Nigerian jollof rice and Ghanaian jollof rice, Washington initially attempted diplomatic neutrality, expressing her desire to avoid being drawn into the debate. However, her allegiance quickly became clear as she proceeded to declare with conviction that anything Naija would naturally be superior, affirming it as an undeniable truth.
Her declaration comes as no surprise considering her marriage to Nigerian-American former NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha, highlighting the good-natured rivalry that has long existed between enthusiasts of these two distinctive variations of the beloved West African rice dish.
Social media erupts
Washington’s playful endorsement triggered an immediate response across social media platforms, particularly Instagram, where fans rallied behind her culinary loyalty. Supporters expressed their appreciation with enthusiastic comments revealing newfound appreciation for the actress, while others affectionately dubbed her their favorite Naija wife. Some followers playfully cautioned against stoking the flames of this long-standing debate, suggesting that Washington avoid initiating such contentious culinary discussions.
The enthusiastic reactions underscore the cultural significance of jollof rice throughout West Africa and the friendly yet passionate competition between Nigeria and Ghana regarding which country prepares the superior version of this iconic dish.
Household debates
During the same interview, Washington revealed that similar culinary discussions frequently occur in her household, especially between her husband and her Shadow Force co-star Omar Sy, who is of Senegalese heritage. The actress expressed excitement about her upcoming action thriller, scheduled for release on May 2, 2025, while sharing how these food-centered conversations have become a regular feature in their family life.
Washington acknowledged with humor the ongoing historical debate surrounding jollof rice’s origins, which many food historians attribute to Senegal. However, she noted that her husband maintains a healthy skepticism about these claims, adding another layer to their household’s playful culinary discourse.
Privacy as priority
Despite their respective careers in the public eye, Washington and Asomugha have deliberately maintained a private family life. Washington previously explained their approach to balancing fame and family, noting that from the very beginning, she and Nnamdi have been protective of their partnership and relationship because they wanted it to belong to them. This conscious decision has allowed them to cultivate a life removed from constant public scrutiny, which they consider fundamental for their children’s well-being.
The couple parents two children together: 10-year-old daughter Isabelle Amarachi Asomugha and 8-year-old son Caleb Kelechi Asomugha. Asomugha also has a teenage daughter from a previous relationship. Washington’s dedication to both her family and her husband shines through consistently in her limited public comments about their home life, demonstrating a partnership built on mutual respect, cultural appreciation, and genuine affection.
Cultural identity and family bonds
Washington‘s light-hearted defense of her husband’s culinary heritage extends beyond mere food preferences, reflecting the deeper integration of cultural identity within their family dynamics. As they continue to navigate the complexities of public careers while maintaining personal privacy, Washington and Asomugha exemplify how cultural heritage and family values can harmoniously coexist with professional success.
The jollof rice debate, while seemingly trivial, offers a glimpse into how the couple honors their diverse backgrounds and incorporates cultural elements into their family narrative, creating a rich environment for their children to develop appreciation for their heritage.
As Washington continues to take on challenging roles and exciting projects, her commitment to family and cultural respect remains steadfast, offering fans an occasional and delightful glimpse into the values that shape her life beyond the screen.
