Nothing wrong with switching accents as an actor – Ama K Abebrese defends Leila Djansi

Award-winning actress and presenter Ama K Abebrese has backed movie director Leila Djansi’s advice that Ghanaian actors should learn to switch their African accents to American or British accents in order to secure more roles.

Leila Djansi in interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty urged African actors to learn to swtich their accents before seeking international jobs.

According to the 'Sinking Sands' director, speaking with an African accent during auditions in the West can go against an actor.

She added that she has lost a number of jobs due to her African accent.

Her comments has however gotten many talking and some saying she is asking African actors to change their identity by trying to behave like westerners.

However, actress Ama K Abebrese in an interview with Doreen Avio said there is nothing wrong with what Leila said adding that she believes actors must be versatile to better enable their acting prospects.

She stated that she totally understands the “Sinking Sands” director adding that she has seen auditions like that.

“I totally understand where Leila is coming from because the reality of the matter is when you are in LA, Nollywood, sometimes you get that cast profile and they say American or UK accent or we looking for someone with a Jamaican or Ghanaian accent and I have been to auditions like that, for her as a director to say that, there is nothing wrong with it”, she said.

Ama K. Abebrese was was quick to add that the situation does not apply to everyone.

She mentioned names like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Djimon Hounsou among others who have the same accents in movies adding if actors are able to learn different languages, it gives them a better chance when auditioning.

“I know how people like to sensationalize, and go like Leila is saying you should go and speak LAFA. I dont think what she said is bad but not everbody has to do that”.