Spotlight Tuesday: Lupita Nyong'o - Black Gold In Hollywood

The Oscar weekend has come and gone. We were all thrilled as many women stepped out in pretty evening gowns. As usual, there were the razzles and dazzles. We saw some of the old faces, we welcomed newcomers. One of such newcomers was Kenyan-Mexican, Lupita Nyong'o. She came to the movie scene some years ago and has already begun to make a name for herself.

Lupita was born to Luo parents in Mexico,and later moved back to Kenya to attend secondary school. She described her upbringing as a nice one in a semiurban environment. Lupita Nyong'o's father is an academic, while her mother works with a non profit organization and owns a communications company.

While in Kenya, Lupita was a member of her school's drama club and took up a minor role in Oliver Twist. She later played the role of Juliet in a dramatic enactment of Romeo & Juliet. Lupita returned to Mexico to learn Spanish. She speaks English, Kiswahili and Spanish, making her a polygrot.

The actress is also a music director. She also featured in a Kenyan Television miniseries called Shuga. Of her skin, she said that Alek Wek's success in modelling on the international scene gave her hope that very dark-skinned African women could succeed after all.

Lupita was nominated for an Academy Award, popularly called Oscar named after Oscar Wilde, for her role as Patsey in 12 Years A Slave. She was cast alongside British born Nigerian actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor. This would be her first time being nominated for an Oscar. She won the Best Actress in a Supporting Role award, beating other nominees such as Judi Dench, Julia Roberts and Jennifer Lawrence, to clinch the award.

To many, Lupita's win was one of pride for Africa. Among those who felt this way was Kenyan President who congratulated the actress on Twitter and described her as 'Pride of Africa.' Many people believe that the Oscar win was of the politics of skin - to boost the image of the femme noir. However, Lupita Nyong'o isn't lacking in talent nor grace. Her education, including a MFA from the Yale School of Drama, has empowered her for her work in film, theatre and drama.

I am happy that a dark African has given hope and courage to many African young women and girls around the world who struggle with self esteem, identity and image. Lupita said 'No matter where you're from, your dream is valid.'

To all who will dream along with this black gold in Hollywood, let's keep the fire burning. Dreams become reality through hard work, resilience and doing the right thing. Keep the dreams coming; keep them coming. Character is more important than luck. However, Lupita Nyong'o would agree with me that it's been a lucky few years for her as she has won many of the awards for which she was nominated.

Congratulations to Lupita Amondi Nyong'o. She has truly inspired her generation. Let her light continue to shine as we look forward to seeing her in more equally challenging roles.