We’re always in awe when an artist can move seamlessly between music, film and art, showing a natural ability for each.
David Bowie did it with ease back in the day, in modern times Donald Glover’s creativity knows no bounds and now Nora Lum, better known as Awkwafina, can add her name to the list of stars whose versatility is a key part of who they are.
The New York-born rapper, actor and comedian has burst onto the scene in the last few years and her trajectory in the business is only going in one direction.
As a musician she’s released two solo albums and last year rose to fame by starring in Crazy Rich Asians, a film that became one of the largest-grossing romantic comedies of all time.
Now, she’s back on the big screen with the release of The Farewell, a movie that follows a family who gather around a dying relative who’s none the wiser that her life is near its end.
We caught up with the multi-talented star in London to talk about her latest Hollywood work and how she broke onto the scene.
So, why did you adopt your stage name Awkwafina?
I think I channel her to gain confidence in situations where I’m insecure. Awkwafina is what I present to the world, and Nora is who I go home to. In my first video, I wanted to be anonymous. It was stupid because I got fired from my job because of it anyway. Awkwafina came into existence when I was 15, 16 years old. So she is a part of me. You want to appear strong and set a good example about loving yourself. But the truth is, sometimes you don’t.
Was it weird for you to start seeing that name up on billboards?
The first time that name was really put on something crazy was Ocean’s Eight. You’re reading all these credits, and then you come across mine. People were incensed about it on Reddit. It stuck out like a sore thumb. But without the Awkwafina, I felt like something would be lost. I’m not ready to lose her yet.
Did you get any London tips from Helena Bonham Carter?
I had never been to London until last year. It was really cool. I don’t often go to cities and walk around and say, “I could live here.” I really don’t do that. I probably have only done that with London. Being a New Yorker grounds you in every way. You can dress in the nicest clothes and be whoever you think you are, but when you’re on those streets, you’re just in a school of fish. I walked around London and I felt New York there.
Are you a fan of any British comedians?
Yeah, I love Jack Whitehall. I love the Absolutely Fabulous girls. [Laughs] Ricky Gervais is great. I love The League of Gentlemen and The Mighty Boosh.
How about British rappers?
Skepta! I like UK grime. I like the sample box – I like the production of UK grime.
Did you predict that Crazy Rich Asians would be such a success?
When Crazy Rich Asians came along, I told my team: “I know this is going to be important. I don’t care if they cast me in it – the fact that it’s happening at all is important.” I made it a point to tell them that. And I got the part because of that. We had a gut feeling that it would be big. I would see these kids crying, coming out of screenings. You don’t realise the power of representation until you feel it and you know you’ve been missing it.
Did you always think you’d move to dramatic indies like The Farewell?
It wasn’t that I wanted a foray into drama. It was this script – I’d never seen something quite like it, both as an actress and as an Asian-American.
Your character, Billi, is a mixed-up New Yorker who jumps at the chance to reconnect with her dying grandmother. Your own gran helped raise you after your mum died. Did you feel connected to her story?
I only saw strong women around me because my grandma was so strong. She told me that all the things I came home crying about – like being bullied or my voice – were the things that were going to make me special.
Do you think that both Crazy Rich Asians and The Farewell have some very deep ideas about Asian families?
These movies are about families in crisis and everyone has been around their family in a crisis. But more so than that, there’s a deep reverence. There’s a term, ‘filial piety’ that you’ll almost never hear outside of the context of East Asian studies.
It has to do with the relationship between the younger generations, their elders and their ancestors. It’s an undying respect. There are certain tropes that are very true to Asian culture. You can’t call them stereotypes. They’re just aspects of our culture.
The Farewell requires a lot from you, dramatically. Were you ever worried about delivering?
I didn’t know if I could cry. I was worried about my Mandarin. I was worried about doing drama for the first time. But you have to choose the projects that speak to you. All those insecurities vanished because it was so real. It was a real connection I had with Billi, as if I were living it. And maybe that’s the key to dramatic acting.
How will Awkwafina handle the awards buzz?
If people say I’ve arrived in a serious way, I’ll have to use my platform to give others a chance. Because that’s what I want. I need there to be representation behind the camera and in front of the camera. I need that for me.
The Farewell is released in UAE cinemas on October 24.
