Why I Can't Speak Yoruba — Uzor Arukwe

Uzor Arukwe

Award-winning Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has revealed that his upbringing significantly influenced his language skills, particularly his inability to speak Yoruba fluently.

He made this known during an appearance on CreativiTea with Linda.

Noting how he was born in the Festac area of Lagos, Arukwe explained that the community's heavy domination by Igbos largely impacted his ability to fluently speak the Yoruba language.

He shared that he grew up surrounded by Igbo neighbours, which deeply immersed him in the culture. According to the actor, he understands Yoruba to some extent but cannot speak it.

He said:
"I grew up in Festac. That’s where all the Igbo people are. That’s why I can’t speak Yoruba. I understand to some extent. But yes, I grew up in Festac, and all my neighbours have always been Igbos."

Uzor Arukwe, who is one of Nollywood's top stars for his standout performances, particularly his "odogwu" roles in films like Omoni Oboli's 'Love In Every Word', recently lamented how producers frequently typecast him into Igbotic "odogwu" characters.