Oscar-winning actress, Lupita Nyong’o’s journey from Nairobi to Hollywood is a testament to resilience and self-discovery.
In her early career, she felt compelled to shed her Kenyan accent to fit into the American film industry. This transformation, undertaken during her time at Yale School of Drama, was not merely technical but deeply emotional. Nyong’o described the process as a “betrayal,” leading to nights of tears and a profound sense of losing a part of herself.
Despite mastering an American accent, Nyong’o faced an ironic twist when casting directors later requested her natural Kenyan voice for roles. This realization prompted her to embrace her authentic accent, recognizing it as an integral part of her identity. Her mother played a pivotal role in this acceptance, reminding her that her accent reflects her unique life experiences.
Today, Nyong’o proudly uses her Kenyan accent in various projects, including narrations and voice roles, symbolizing her journey towards self-acceptance and cultural pride. Her story resonates as a powerful narrative of embracing one’s roots amidst external pressures to conform
