Kerry Washington Is Learning Igbo And Embracing Nigerian Culture

Kerry Washington is learning Igbo and showing off her skills.

The actress shared what she’s learned when she tweeted birthday wishes to actress Uzo Aduba, “Ncheta ubochi omumu gi. Ekele diri Chineke.”

Loosely translated, “Remembering your birthday day. Praise be to God.”

Washington is married to Nigerian-American former NFL player Nnamdi Asomugha, who has inspired her to embrace Nigerian culture. The actress told InStyle in 2015, “Nnamdi’s parents are Nigerian immigrants. His father passed when he was young. When you marry into the Igbo culture, you get a new name. My name is Ogechi. I wear it on a necklace my mother-in-law gave me.”

The couple also gave their children Igbo names. Their daughter’s middle name is Amarachi and their son’s middle name is Kelechi. 

Aduba later responded to Washington, tweeting, “Heh! Nwannem nwanyi, i na asu Igbo??!? Maka o di mma! Nwanne, daalu maka ubochi omumu m.”

“Heh! My sister, you speak Igbo? That’s very good. Thanks for the birthday wish.”

Washington is fully embracing Nigerian culture and we hope she continues to flex her language skills.