Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has revealed the surprising reason he cannot speak Yoruba fluently even though he grew up in Lagos. The star shared the details during a recent appearance on the CreativiTea with Linda interview, where he opened up about his childhood environment and how it shaped his cultural identity.
Arukwe clarified that he was raised in Festac Town rather than the more commonly assumed Surulere. He explained that the neighbourhood was dominated by Igbo residents, which limited his daily exposure to Yoruba speakers.
“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,” he stated.
The actor, who hails from Nkwerre in Imo State, noted that while he can follow conversations in Yoruba to a reasonable degree, he does not feel confident enough to speak the language freely. His upbringing in a predominantly Igbo community meant he had few opportunities to practise the language that dominates much of Lagos life. This admission has struck a chord with many Nigerians who grew up in mixed urban areas yet struggled to master the local tongues of their cities.
Arukwe’s comments come at a time when the actor continues to expand his range on screen. He recently took on a Yoruba character in the film Colours of Fire and even attended language classes to prepare for the role, showing his willingness to stretch beyond his natural background. Born on August 6, 1983, in Lagos and trained in economics before fully committing to acting, Arukwe has built a solid career with standout performances in projects such as Chief Daddy 2 and A Tribe Called Judah.
Fans have reacted with a mix of amusement and understanding, recognising that living in Lagos does not automatically grant fluency in Yoruba when the people around you speak something else.