Eloquence no doubt is a significant component for conveying the overriding message or thrust of any media story be it on radio, television or stage; good and coordinated diction connotes quality clarity, poise, and confidence. This however has been misconstrued for the use of British and American accents by many Nigerian Producers and actors. Observably, this colossal diversion within the entertainment industry was pivoted by the ravaging syndrome expressed in news casting, TV and Radio talk shows and now infiltrating and finding roots amongst other entertainment media outlets, film and Stage acts inclusive. The usage of these accents are dominant in the industry, with various memes, social media arguments, and articles by bloggers, where many express that is a ‘backward African mentality’, ‘aftermath of colonial bondage’, and if the purpose is to communicate and the audience are Nigerians, what then is the need for the accents. While the point of global market might arise, many are of the opinion that our way of speaking should reflect our culture, identity and should be accent-neutral as possible. Using ‘Beat Fm’ (radio station), Beverly Naya (Nollywood actress) and ‘Hear Word’ (stage production) as paradigms, this study decries the submissive perversion of placing British and American accent over the sensitivity of the Nigerian culture and language. This research adopts the mixed method of qualitative and quantitative approach as many viewers and listeners’ opinions within Lagos state will be sampled and discussed statistically and descriptively. The choice of Lagos state is a result of its position as the hub of all entertainment in Nigeria, a metropolitan city where majority of the Nigerian entertainment contents are produced, premiered and sold. Many of the artistes also reside within this region.
Keywords: Diversion, American Accents, British Accents, Accent-Neutral.