This archive report was first published on 10 October 2019.
On October 10, 2019, Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong'o took to The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon to demonstrate her rap skills, captivating the audience with her impressive freestyle.
During the performance, Nyong'o paid tribute to singers Jay-Z and Beyoncé for referencing her in the Lion King Soundtrack song, Brown Skin Girl. She also rapped about her achievements, including winning an Oscar and launching her new book, Sulwe.
Published in 2019, Sulwe tells the story of a girl whose skin color is darker than everyone else's in her family, exploring themes of colorism, self-esteem, and the importance of inner beauty.
"She needs an Oscar for that pretty dark skin. Pretty like Lupita when the cameras close in. Drip broke the levee when my Kellys roll in. I think tonight she might braid her braids. Melanin too dark to throw her shade. She minds her business and wines her waist. Gold like 24k, okay" Nyong'o freestyled, leaving the audience in awe.
