In the vast, unpredictable world of film, few stories are as poignant as that of N!xau Toma, the Namibian actor who starred in The Gods Must Be Crazy, a cult comedy that grossed $90 million. Toma, playing the role of Xi, an unsuspecting tribal leader who discovers a glass Coca-Cola bottle that upends his peaceful world, became a cinematic icon. Yet, despite his performance, he received only $300 for his work.
Released in 1980 and directed by Jamie Uys, The Gods Must Be Crazy tells the humorous and chaotic tale of Xi’s journey to return the bottle, believing it to be a disruptive gift from the gods. The movie was an international sensation, drawing audiences into its unique plot and Toma’s charming portrayal. But behind the laughter was the reality of Toma’s compensation.
At the time, Toma, an Indigenous Bushman from Namibia’s Kalahari region, was unfamiliar with the concept of money and reportedly let his $300 fee blow away, unaware of its value. Recognizing this, Uys later compensated him with 12 heads of cattle and arranged for a monthly stipend, along with $20,000 in a trust fund for him.
For Toma, acting in The Gods Must Be Crazy was a life-changing experience, as it marked his first journey beyond his community. The production team even flew him back to his village in Tsumkwe, Namibia, every few weeks to help him manage the cultural transition.
Despite his international fame, Toma remained a humble figure, living simply until his passing in 2003 at around age 59. His story remains a bittersweet reminder of the film industry’s complexities and the journey of an actor who, unknowingly, became a legend.
