Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o has opened up about her journey in concealing her Kenyan accent to secure acting roles.
In the first episode of her new podcast, “Mind Your Own,” Nyong’o shared how she felt compelled to adopt an “American” accent to fit into Hollywood.
Born in Mexico and raised in Nairobi, Nyong’o explained that while she was proud of her African accent during her time at Hampshire College, the pressure to conform grew when she attended Yale School of Drama.
She recalled making a pact to sound American, believing there was “no market” for actors with Kenyan accents.
Nyong’o revealed that after intensive voice lessons, she was able to hide her accent. Despite the positive feedback from casting directors, she admitted feeling both elated and crushed, realizing she had “ridden herself of herself” in the process.
In 2014, ahead of her 12 Years a Slave press tour, Nyong’o made the decision to stop concealing her accent. She informed her publicists that she would return to her original voice, wanting to send the message that “being African is enough.”
Her mother’s support was crucial, reassuring her that her accent reflected her unique life experience. Nyong’o now embraces her voice, remarking:
“I guess this accent is called Lupita! I don’t know who can claim it but me.”
