Nollywood actress Adunni Ade, known for her roles in Nigerian movies, in a recent interview with Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme, revealed her feelings about speaking the Yoruba language.
Born to a German-American mother and a Yoruba father, Adunni Ade explained that she found it draining and sometimes nerve-wracking. She indicated a preference for English, which is Nigeria’s lingua franca, suggesting that other languages should be set aside.
“Speaking Yoruba is draining, sometimes it hurts my nerves.”
— Adunni Ade pic.twitter.com/xVpTAGstyN
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) March 5, 2024
Ade also shared her struggles in the Nigerian film industry, mentioning that scripts are not typically written for individuals who look like her.
She highlighted the challenges faced by actors who do not fit the conventional mold in Nollywood, stating that despite the rise in skin lightening, being light-skinned and being partly white are distinct experiences.
Adunni Ade emphasized that despite these obstacles, she remained determined to contribute to the industry, eventually transitioning into filmmaking as a producer.
She emphasized her commitment to diversity in casting, affirming that anyone who can interpret a character has a chance on her set, regardless of their background or appearance.
