Black Celebs Who Speak 5+ Languages Fluently

Many famous multilingual people learn languages through their family history, by moving to different countries, going to school abroad, or working in global careers. These celebrities—who speak five or more languages—use their skills in interviews, performances, community involvement, and international projects. They often move seamlessly between languages like those from Africa, Europe, and Romance-speaking regions, depending on the situation. Their ability to speak multiple languages usually comes from being raised in homes where different languages were spoken, growing up in multiple countries, or living and working abroad for extended periods.

Trevor Noah

Growing up in Johannesburg with a Xhosa mother and Swiss father, he was exposed to many South African languages alongside English. He frequently incorporates Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana, Tsonga, and Southern Sotho into his performances and comedy. He also learned Afrikaans through school and his community, and occasionally uses German, connecting to his Swiss heritage.

Dikembe Mutombo

Growing up in Kinshasa, he first learned Lingala and other languages spoken in Congo from his family. He then became fluent in French through school and English while studying at a university in the United States. Playing basketball internationally helped him pick up Spanish and Portuguese. Throughout his work in Central and East Africa, he’s also used Swahili and Tshiluba to connect with people.

Iman

The Somali-born supermodel had a multilingual upbringing thanks to her family’s diplomatic life and the schools she attended. She learned Somali and Arabic growing up, then added Italian and French through her education and time spent in Europe. Later, she became fluent in English as her modeling career took off in the United States and the United Kingdom.

Alek Wek

Growing up in South Sudan, she became fluent in Dinka and Arabic. After moving to the UK, she learned English through school and everyday experiences. Working in fashion hubs across Europe helped her pick up French and Italian, which she now uses for both modeling work and her efforts to help others.

Boris Kodjoe

He was born in Vienna to parents from Ghana and Germany, and grew up speaking German. He learned English while living and working in the United States, and picked up French and Spanish through school and international work. His Ghanaian background also means he speaks Twi.

Angélique Kidjo

The singer from Benin was raised speaking Fon and Yoruba. She learned French in school, first in Benin and then in France. She uses English for her recordings, tours, and interviews. She also performs in Mina and Portuguese, and frequently includes several languages on a single album.

Miriam Makeba

Throughout her decades-long career, this South African legend sang in multiple African languages – Xhosa, Zulu, and Sotho. When she toured internationally, she added English to reach wider audiences. During extended periods living abroad, she also recorded and performed songs in French and Portuguese, bringing African languages to listeners around the world.

Serge Ibaka

Growing up in Brazzaville, he became fluent in Lingala through his community and French through school. Playing basketball in Spain allowed him to master Spanish, and his time in the NBA solidified his English skills. He also picked up Portuguese from training and interacting with Portuguese-speaking teammates and the media.

Lupita Nyong’o

Originally from Mexico City but with Kenyan heritage, she grew up speaking Spanish and later revisited to continue her studies. English is her primary language for professional and media interactions. She also speaks Luo and Swahili, learned through her family and education in Kenya, and has studied Italian for acting roles in stage and film.

Yemi Alade

This Nigerian singer performs and records music all over Africa and Europe, releasing songs in multiple languages. She incorporates English, Pidgin, Yoruba, and Igbo into her music and community work. To connect with more listeners in West and Central Africa, she learned French. She also uses Swahili and Portuguese when performing in East and Lusophone African countries.

Waris Dirie

Raised in the Horn of Africa, the Somali model and activist is fluent in Somali and Arabic. She later added English and Italian while working in Europe, and picked up German during her time living in Vienna. Knowing French helps her work with various international organizations.

Djimon Hounsou

Originally from Benin, he’s fluent in French, which he learned in school and used in his professional life. He also works in English for film and media projects. Growing up, he spoke Fon and other Gbe languages common in his area. His travels throughout West Africa and Europe helped him pick up even more regional languages, useful for connecting with diverse communities.

Wyclef Jean

Growing up in Haiti, he learned Haitian Creole and French as a child. After moving to a new country, he became fluent in English through school and by listening to music. His travels and work with other musicians introduced him to Spanish, which he now uses in his songwriting. He’s also had the opportunity to use Portuguese while recording with artists from Portuguese-speaking countries.

Akon

He grew up in Senegal after being born in the United States, and speaks Wolof fluently from everyday conversation. He learned French through school and work in Senegal, and later picked up English through education and his career in music. He also utilizes Spanish and Arabic when working with others and promoting his work throughout different areas.

Sho Madjozi

I’ve been really captivated by this artist’s approach to language. She truly puts Xitsonga front and center in her music and how she presents herself, which is fantastic. It’s interesting to note she’ll switch to English when dealing with the press or brand partnerships – a practical move, of course. But her linguistic range doesn’t stop there! You can hear Swahili woven in, a result of her studies and time spent in Tanzania, and she actively incorporates Sepedi and isiZulu through collaborations and performances. It’s a really vibrant and thoughtful way to connect with different audiences and showcase her diverse background.

Richard Bona

Originally from Cameroon, the bassist was raised speaking Douala and other local languages. He picked up French in school and at the beginning of his career. After moving to the US, English became his main language. He later learned Spanish while working in Latin music and also performs songs in Portuguese.

Joel Embiid

Growing up in Cameroon, French was just a natural part of my life – I learned it at school and spoke it every day. When I started pursuing basketball and came through the NBA’s program, English quickly became my main language. Then, while training and recovering from injuries with some Spanish-speaking teammates, I picked up Spanish too! And of course, I still speak Basaa, my native language, and other Cameroonian languages when I’m with my family. It’s amazing to be able to connect with so many people in different ways.

Youssou N’Dour

As a music critic, I’ve been consistently impressed by this Senegalese singer’s linguistic versatility. He primarily sings in Wolof, which really grounds his work, but he’s clearly comfortable navigating multiple worlds. French is his go-to for official business and connecting with festival organizers, and he effortlessly switches to English for performances and interviews with international press. What’s even more fascinating is his fluency extends to Serer and Pulaar, and he’s not afraid to incorporate Spanish or Portuguese when collaborating with artists during his tours – a true testament to his global reach and artistic openness.

Hakeem Olajuwon

Originally from Lagos, he grew up speaking Yoruba. He became proficient in English through education and playing basketball. He also learned Arabic through religious studies and community involvement. Working with diverse teams allowed him to pick up French, and he’s used Hausa when participating in community outreach.

Share your favorite multilingual moments from these stars in the comments.

2025-11-18 03:46