Why do we change our accents to imitate Americans?
"If I keep the SA accent, I'm only going to play a refugee" - Atandwa Kani.
Atandwa Kani stars in the much-anticipated Marvel movie 'Black Panther'. It releases today in South Africa.
The actor has been in America for a few months and has already developed an American accent.
Read: South African actors shine at 'Black Panther' premiere
It's not uncommon for an accent to change ever so slightly when you move to a different place. We're human after all, and naturally adapt to our surroundings, but I've always wondered why South African actors lose their accents completely to make it in Hollywood?
Take a look at Charlize Theron and Arnold Vosloo as examples. If you knew no better, you would never know their country of origin. I mean, Charlize has even altered the pronunciation of her surname. Don't get me wrong, I admire them - their work and how successful they've become, but the accent thing always makes me wonder.
Read: 'Black Panther' movie sheds new light on Africa
In an interview with Metro FM, Atandwa opened up about the reason behind his change of accent.
In reality, if I am going to forge a life for myself this side and I am insistent on keeping a South African accent, I am only going to play a refugee - the guy who gets shot in the head in the second scene. I am going to play general Mfumfu. I want much more than that.
I honestly battle with people putting on fake American accents when they are South African born and bred.
Putting on an American accent to be given a better a chance, at a better role, do you reckon that would translate as legit?