Lupita Nyong’o is making headlines once again, and this time it’s for a powerful reason.
The Oscar-winning actress recently launched her new podcast Mind Your Own. On the podcast she opened up about embracing her Kenyan accent after years of masking it.
LUPITA NYONG’O’S ACCENT
The 41-year-old actress has captivated audiences with her performances. She is now showing the world that her voice, just like her acting, is something to be celebrated.
On the debut episode of her podcast, Nyong’o candidly shared the challenges she faced as a young actress, according to People.
Born in Mexico and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, she moved to the U.S. to pursue her dream of acting. “I had a complicated relationship with the way I speak,” she admitted.
LUPITA NYONG’O AND FITTING IN HOLLYWOOD
The pressure to succeed in a highly competitive industry led her to alter her natural accent.
During her time at Yale School of Drama, she decided to learn how to speak like an American, according to The News.
It was a strategic move. “I made this pact with myself that I would learn how to sound American in a way that would guarantee me a career in acting,” Nyong’o revealed.
LUPITA NYONG’O ON IDENTITY
The talented star had realised there wasn’t much representation of Kenyan accents in Hollywood.
She recalled feeling that without adopting an American accent, her chances of success would be slim, according to In Style.
Her efforts paid off. Nyong’o shared a memorable moment when a casting director expressed surprise at learning she was Kenyan.
“She said, ‘Oh my goodness, you don’t have an accent.’ I was elated but also crushed. I had rid myself of myself,” the actress reflected.
LUPITA NYONG’O AND 12 YEARS A SLAVE
This emotional conflict stayed with her, even as she achieved success.
Things began to change in 2014 when Nyong’o was about to start the press tour for 12 Years a Slave. After winning critical acclaim for her role, she made a bold decision.
“I called my publicists and said, ‘From tomorrow, I am going to return to my original accent. I want to send a message that being African is enough.’”
Her publicists had never heard her speak in her Kenyan accent before.
RECLAIMING HER IDENTITY
Nyong’o’s choice to reclaim her identity was backed by her mother.
Her mother told her, “Your accent is representative of your life experience,” which gave the actress a sense of peace.
This profound moment was pivotal for Nyong’o, who now proudly embraces her unique voice. “I guess this accent is called Lupita! I don’t know who could claim it but me.”
ALL ACCENTS DESERVE SPACE
For South African fans, Nyong’o’s story is both inspiring and relatable.
Many South Africans face the pressure to adjust their accents, particularly in global industries.
Nyong’o’s journey serves as a reminder that African identities, voices, and accents deserve space and recognition on the world stage.
Her message rings clear: authenticity is strength.
Nyong’o is now using her voice to tell important stories.
LUPITA NYONG’O’S NEW PODCAST
Her new podcast Mind Your Own, produced by Lemonada Media, explores the experiences of Africans in today’s world.
She describes the show as one that uncovers “the personal, intimate, individual and quirky stories that give light to who we are as Africans today.”
Nyong’o’s voice will also be heard on the big screen.
WILD ROBOT
She lends her voice to the titular character in The Wild Robot, an animated film due for release on 27th September.
With a cast that includes Pedro Pascal and Catherine O’Hara, Nyong’o is ready to dazzle audiences once again.
In reclaiming her Kenyan accent, Lupita Nyong’o is proving that being African is enough – and that her voice, in every form, is a powerful tool.
HAVE YOU EVER FELT PRESSURED TO CHANGE YOUR ACCENT TO FIT IN?
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