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Naira Marley discloses that his dad banned speaking of English at home
Naira Marley, the British-Nigerian singer, shared the reason behind his fluency in the Yoruba language despite growing up in London, UK.
He revealed that his dad enforced a rule in their household, prohibiting the use of English and allowing only Yoruba to be spoken. As a result, he became well-versed in the Yoruba language and predominantly raps in it.
He revealed this in an interview with Cool FM Nigeria in Lagos.
Naira Marley said: “What made it easy for me [to blend with Nigerian street music] is that I grew up in South-East London, Peckham to be precise. That is like small Lagos, you know what I mean?
“And all my life in England, my dad banned speaking English in the house. So, we had to speak Yoruba and all these Yoruba stuff. I still listen to Fuji. We eat African foods. Even though I’m in England, it was like I’m still in Nigeria. Yeah, it was easy for me. When I came back [to Nigeria], people didn’t really know I came from London.”
The singer said he could have been a footballer, adding that he played for Arsenal youth team while in England.
Watch video below:
“My dad has never allowed us to speak English”
– Naira Marley pic.twitter.com/TqaM7wxJAE
— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) July 19, 2023