A Pidgin voiceover that sounds like the street, not a textbook

Why choose a Pidgin voiceover

English ads can sound like a bank. Pidgin sounds like the market, the bus park and the group chat, which is exactly where buying decisions happen. It works across ethnic lines, from Warri to Port Harcourt to Lagos to Benin City, so one Pidgin ad can reach people who would each prefer a different local language.

It is not right for everything. A hospital, a law firm or a bank may want Nigerian English for trust. A food spot, a fashion brand, a phone accessories shop or a show promoter usually sounds better in Pidgin. When in doubt, make both and see which gets more replies.

Four Pidgin voices

Each one has a different energy. Play the samples first.

• A warm, friendly Lagos woman, relaxed, like she is talking to a neighbour
• A firm, confident man, clear and trusted, like a radio presenter in Benin City
• A bright, playful young woman with plenty of energy, like a market hype woman
• An excited, fast talking young man, like a street ad that makes everyone look

How to write a Pidgin script

Write it the way you say it. Pidgin has no single official spelling, so pick the common forms your audience knows: 'wetin', 'dey', 'una', 'na', 'abeg', 'e don land'. Read it out loud. If it sounds like English with a few Pidgin words sprinkled in, it will sound fake. If it sounds like your customer talking, you have it.

Keep it short and punchy. 'Fresh fruit, we go bring am reach your door. Order today!' beats a long sentence about premium quality produce. Put the price in a way people say it: 'Na only five thousand naira'. Use / for a short pause before the punchline and // before your phone number.

• Open with energy: 'Una don hear?', 'Oya, listen!', 'Abeg no dull yourself'
• One offer, one price, one way to order
• Say the business name at the start and the end
• End strong: 'Call us now now!' or 'Send WhatsApp sharp sharp'

From English to Pidgin in one tap

Already have an English script? Choose Pidgin and press Translate my script. It is free, and you see the Pidgin next to your English so you can change any line that does not sound like your area. Then add tricky names to Pronunciations once, so 'Ikorodu' or your brand name is said right every time.

How it works

1. Write or translate

   Type your Pidgin script, speak it with the mic, or translate from English free.

2. Pick a Pidgin voice

   Warm, firm, playful or fast talking. Play the samples.

3. Add rhythm

   Mark pauses with / and //, stress words between stars, and choose the speed.

4. Make and download

   See the price, make the take, download it or put it under a video.

Questions and answers