Betrayal! Lupita Nyong'o Opens Up On Kenyan Identity

One of the most profound changes she made was altering her Kenyan accent to fit the demands of the American film industry. This decision, as she shared on the podcast, felt like a deep personal betrayal. Nyong'o's journey began at the Yale School of Drama, where she sought to refine her acting skills. She expressed a desire to move beyond instinctive acting, aiming to understand her capabilities and improve where necessary.

"The first permission I gave myself to change my accent or allow my accent to transform was going to drama school," she stated. The process of mastering an American accent required intense focus and technical understanding of her vocal instrument. Despite the professional necessity, Nyong'o admitted, "Making those new sounds in a context that wasn’t the classroom felt like betrayal."

“I went to drama school because I didn’t want to just be an instinctive actor. I wanted to understand my instrument. I wanted to know what I was good at, what I was not good at, and work on the things that I wasn’t good at. And one of the things I wasn’t good at was accents.”

The emotional toll of this transformation was significant. Nyong'o recounted nights of tears and self-doubt as she worked to suppress her natural accent. Yet, this challenging journey bore fruit when she landed her breakthrough role in Steve McQueen's '12 Years a Slave,' earning her an Oscar. This accolade opened doors to blockbuster films such as 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' and Marvel's 'Black Panther.'

Lupita Nyong'o has emerged as a pivotal figure in reshaping African representation in Hollywood, breaking barriers and redefining narratives around African identity. With her Oscar-winning performance in '12 Years a Slave,' Nyong'o not only captivated audiences but also brought attention to the depth and complexity of African stories.

Her role as "Patsey" highlighted the historical injustices faced by Africans and brought a raw authenticity to a narrative that often goes overlooked in mainstream cinema. This film marked a significant moment, showcasing the talent of African actors and the importance of diverse storytelling.

"The process of deciding, ‘OK, I’m going to start working on my American accent and I’m not going to allow myself to sound Kenyan,’ so that I’m like monitoring and really trying to understand my mouth in a technical way to like make these new sounds. You know, I didn’t feel like myself and I cried many nights to sleep…many, many nights,” she explained

Beyond her individual performances, Nyong'o's presence in Hollywood has sparked broader conversations about representation. By taking on roles in films like 'Black Panther,' where she portrayed the fierce and resourceful "Nakia," she contributed to a cultural movement that celebrates African heritage and superhero narratives.

This film not only achieved commercial success but also resonated with audiences around the world, affirming the importance of African voices and stories in the global cinematic landscape.

Moreover, Nyong'o has used her platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry. She has been vocal about the need for more authentic representation, encouraging filmmakers to tell stories that reflect the richness of African cultures and experiences.