Lupita re-discovers her voice after a decade as a 'Mexican-American'
Peter Kimani
By
Peter Kimani
| Oct 03, 2024
Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o has launched a podcast in which she narrates her life at home and abroad. Of course, Lupita has narrated many tales, including reading her children's book, Sulwe, for an audio book. What's distinct is that Lupita is doing it in her Kenyan accent.
Again, one might be tempted to ask what sort of voice Lupita has been using in her record-smashing film roles, such as 12 Years a Slave, or even Black Panther that utilises science fiction to reinvent Africa in American imagination.
The answer, simply, is that to earn those roles, Lupita went to a drama school to learn the ropes, which included, most likely, speech therapy to erase her "first language interference."
I understand that's a common practice in broadcast media, as reporters and presenters are expected to polish their accents for foreign audiences. The idea is to "tune" your accent and sound like an American.
Or that's the fiction that I have read about speech therapy, as I am yet to encounter an English man or woman who speaks like an American. They insist on their natural accents, which suggests there are power dynamics between accents and races. Those from the Northern hemisphere are allowed to thrive as symbols of diversity, those from these sides of the world are erased.
READ MORE
Kakamega youth, women eye avocado export cash after skills training
Portable kitchen: Designer taps into space-saving trend
Kenya urged to pilot AI regulatory Sandbox in bid to lead Africa's digital future
MPs pledge site visist as KTDA gives progress on hydro power project
Why Gen Zs are not sending money to parents
The true impact of Iran-US war on the Kenyan economy
KPA steps up plans for expansion of Kisumu Port
Infrastructure, trust key to cities success as Nairobi, Rome stagnate
HF Group posts 40pc jump in full-year net profit to Sh1.4 billion
How personalised developments are reshaping local property market
Having made her breakthrough, Lupita is now powerful enough to dictate her terms, so she's regaining her Kenyan accent. And those who don't like it can take a ride. I don't know what happens to her Mexican-American identity, though. Her Kenyan heritage is yet to be acknowledged in the way she's framed in American media.