By Edson Baraukwa | Africa Guardian
Renowned actress Lupita Nyong’o is embarking on a new venture: a podcast that brings to light the richness and diversity of African life.
Throughout her illustrious career, Nyong’o has vividly portrayed African characters, both real and fictional, earning her critical acclaim and a place in Hollywood history as the first Black African actress to win an Oscar. From her roles as Nakia in Black Panther and Nakku Harriet in Queen of Katwe to her performance in Eclipsed on Broadway, Nyong’o has consistently brought African stories to the forefront. Now, she’s taking on a new challenge—telling real African stories through her narrative podcast, Mind Your Own.
Launched on Thursday, Mind Your Own delves into what it means to be African, featuring perspectives from Kenyans, Ghanaians, Nigerians, South Africans, and more. Born in Mexico and raised in Kenya, Nyong’o takes listeners on an intimate journey across Africa, exploring the joy, complexity, and vibrancy of the continent’s people and cultures.
Nyong’o’s own experiences have shaped this new project. Growing up in Kenya, she was a fan of American TV shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Step by Step, but nothing could have prepared her for the cultural adjustment she faced when she moved to the United States 20 years ago. As she navigated life as a foreigner, she turned to NPR’s This American Life for comfort, drawn to its storytelling style that humanized America one narrative at a time.
This storytelling inspired Nyong’o to imagine a similar platform for African stories—stories that go beyond the typical media focus on famine, war, and corruption. She knew firsthand that Africa’s music, literature, fashion, food, and people were far richer and more complex than what was often portrayed.
Despite her success in Hollywood, including winning an Academy Award and an Emmy, Nyong’o couldn’t let go of her dream of sharing African stories with the world. Five years ago, as podcasts surged in popularity, she revisited the idea.
Radio holds a special place in African culture, as Nyong’o observed growing up in Kenya, where her father and other men would listen to football matches, news, and music on the radio. This influence, combined with her understanding of the challenges of bringing African stories to a global audience, led her to choose the podcast format. It’s a way to popularize African narratives affordably and accessibly, broadening global perspectives on what it means to be African today.
Mind Your Own, produced by KQED’s Snap Studios and distributed by Lemonada Media, debuted its first two episodes on Thursday. One episode tells the story of a grave-robber in Kenya, while another follows a Ghanaian musician’s unexpected journey to success 25 years after his career began. Nyong’o guides listeners through these tales, connecting them to her own experiences and those of her audience. For instance, before sharing the story of Ghanaian musician Yaw Atta-Owusu (known as Ata Kak), Nyong’o reflects on her struggle to retain her Kenyan accent during the press tour for 12 Years a Slave. Similarly, she introduces the story of Kenyan grave-robber John Kibera by recalling a childhood moment when she chose not to tell the truth.
The remaining eight episodes will be released weekly. In a world where it seems every celebrity has a podcast, Nyong’o’s stands out for its focus on storytelling rather than self-promotion. While her name may draw listeners, it’s the engaging narratives and polished sound design, including music from African artists, that will keep them returning.
In the first episode, Nyong’o highlights the phrase “mind your own,” a common expression across Africa that serves as both a warning and an invitation. Speaking to ELLE.com, Nyong’o explained that she wants listeners to feel as though they’ve been welcomed to a dinner party where captivating conversations naturally unfold.
“I wanted to create that sense of intimacy, where if you’re African, this table is set for you; and if you’re not, you’re invited to join and share in the experience,” she says. “This is a place of abundance and gratitude.”
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