Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o is set to debut her highly anticipated podcast, Mind Your Own, on September 19. This new storytelling series promises a unique exploration of the African diaspora, weaving together personal narratives and cultural insights from across the globe.
Mind Your Own marks Nyong’o’s exploration into podcasting, a project she has been developing for the past five years. The series, produced by Snap Studios and distributed by Lemonada Media, will be available on major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and Spotify. Each episode aims to shed light on intimate and diverse stories from various corners of the African diaspora, from Nairobi to Los Angeles, and Johannesburg to Toronto.
In an Instagram post, Nyong’o described the podcast as a response to her own feelings of homesickness and a desire to connect with other Africans navigating multiple cultural worlds. “This podcast is about the personal, intimate, and quirky stories that truly reflect who we are as Africans today,” she said. “It’s for anybody who has ever felt alien in one way or another; for everyone considering what it really means to belong.
The ten-episode series will feature voices from across the African continent and its diaspora, showcasing six African languages and music from 15 different composers. Nyong’o, known for her roles in Black Panther and 12 Years a Slave, will not only share her own experiences but also bring to light the rich and varied stories of others.
The production team behind Mind Your Own includes executive producers Glynn Washington and Mark Ristich, with Regina Bediako serving as the managing editor. Trailer music for the series is by Lauryn Newson, Cheflee, and Ehiorobo, original theme by Sandra Lawson-Ndu x Peachcurls ft. Ehiorobo, and the series combine talents in editing, engineering, and design.
“Working with such a talented team to bring this series to life has been an incredible experience,” Nyong’o said. “I’m thrilled to share these powerful, authentic stories with a global audience.”
A near-3-minute-long trailer is out for listeners and they can expect new episodes of Mind Your Own to be released weekly, with the first two episodes dropping on September 19.
