Some people stumble into their calling. Others walk straight toward it with quiet persistence. For Yinka Ladeinde, the journey to voice acting wasn’t straightforward—but it was intentional. Raised in California by Nigerian parents, Yinka grew up navigating two cultures, two worlds—and a well of creative potential that couldn’t be ignored.
In this heartfelt interview, Yinka shares how she transitioned from a stable government job into full-time voice over work, carving out a unique space in both the audiobook and commercial voice over industries. From her love for storytelling to her Nigerian-American identity, Yinka lets us into the faith, grit, and imagination that power her performances.
Whether you’re just starting out or navigating your next big leap, this conversation is packed with inspiration, honesty, and practical wisdom.
Can you give us a brief introduction about yourself?
Hi, my name is Yinka Ladeinde. I was born in Nigeria, but my family moved to the United States—California, specifically—when I was about two years old. So, I essentially grew up in California. Still, since my family is Nigerian, my parents spoke Yoruba to us while we were growing up, and we would respond in English. I understand Yoruba, but I don’t speak it fluently.
There was a time in high school when I wanted to be an actor. But coming from a Nigerian family where education is highly prioritized, I didn’t think that dream could become a reality. Instead, I took a different path, joining a faith-based nonprofit organization that led me to live in Brazil for a while, then Texas. I worked as an administrator there before returning home in 2012 to finish school. I earned a degree in counseling and eventually landed a job with the local county, working as a social services caseworker.
In 2021, I finally made the pivot into voice over, realizing I could actually make money doing something creative—something I’ve always been drawn to.
Now, I work as a full-time voice actor. I’ve done commercial, corporate e-learning, promos, trailers, animation, video games—you name it. Basically, I do anything that sounds fun that I could get paid for.
Where are you from and how does that affect your work?
Though I grew up in America, being Nigerian absolutely shapes my work. It has opened up opportunities to play a variety of characters, especially in audiobooks featuring Nigerian-American or Nigerian-Canadian characters. Being able to bring that representation to life is really special to me.
Being cast in Iyanu was surreal. I didn’t see it coming, but it’s such a joy to be part of something that connects to my heritage. Even though I was raised in the U.S., I still very much claim Nigeria as home—despite people sometimes trying to tell me otherwise. The reality is, I grew up in two worlds. Outside, I was immersed in American culture, but at home, my parents were strictly, proudly Nigerian. That duality shaped my worldview—and my work.
My first project with a Big Five publisher was a book written by a Nigerian Canadian author, and I played the Nigerian Canadian main character. So yes, my background continues to play a huge role in the stories I help tell.
What was the motivation to become a voice artist?
I’ve always had a dramatic streak. As a kid, I wanted to be a singer. Then in high school, I discovered acting—and it just clicked. While traveling with the nonprofit, I had opportunities to write and perform spoken word poetry, sing, and even write songs. But after that season ended, I spent a long time doing nothing creative.
During that time, audiobooks became my creative outlet. I’d listen to narrators delivering incredible performances and think, I want to do that. I would research how to become an audiobook narrator but never actually took the leap. I already had a stable government job with benefits and a pension, something people dream of. So I kept putting it off.
But then the COVID-19 shutdown happened, and I started to reevaluate everything. I didn’t enjoy my job anymore, and I was doing zero creative work. So, I set a goal at the end of 2020: In 2021, I would put myself out there—submit a sample, take a class, something—just to see if audiobook narration was for me.
And that’s what started it all. Once I began pursuing audiobook work, I discovered the whole world of voice over—commercials, animation, video games. I realized I could actually make more money doing something I was now obsessed with. That’s what truly launched my career in voice acting.
How do you define success as an artist?
Success looks different for everyone, but for me, it started with one clear goal: I wanted to make enough from voice over to replace the income from my day job. That, to me, was success—making a living doing what I love.
Now that I’ve achieved that, the goalpost has shifted. I’m aiming to land SAG-AFTRA union jobs that pay residuals. I’d love to do a spoken word piece for a Nike or Adidas commercial. Those are the kinds of creative benchmarks I’m striving for now.
But the core of it remains the same: being able to support myself doing something I’m passionate about. If I’m making enough to live and provide while doing what I love—that’s success. Everything else is a bonus.
How do you bring audiobook characters to life?
It all starts with reading the entire book. I need to understand the story, the characters, and their backstories. When I was younger, I had a vivid imagination—I could get lost in pretend worlds for days. That imagination still serves me today.
When I read a story, it plays in my mind like a movie. Once I start narrating, the characters come to life through my voice. Sometimes, I draw inspiration from people I know or emulate specific celebrities if the author requests it.
I also rely on memory files. Once I find a character’s voice, I save a clip under that character’s name. That way, I can revisit it whenever they speak again, ensuring consistency. Ultimately, it’s about making a choice and committing to it until it feels right.
What inspiration can you give to beginners in the industry?
This could happen for you, too—but not without sacrifice.
There will be sleepless nights. You might lose some of your social life. You’ll work hard, spend money, and push yourself more than you ever have. But it’s absolutely worth it.
Yes, it’s stressful. But think about it: the pay is better than many 9-to-5 jobs, and if you love performing—if you love storytelling—this path is deeply fulfilling.
So my advice? Work hard. Be committed. Be consistent. And know that yes, it is worth it—but only if you’re willing to put in the work.
Yinka Ladeinde’s story is one of intentional transition, artistic curiosity, and cultural depth. From a successful career in the public sector to a thriving presence in the world of voice acting, Yinka embodies the power of reinvention. Her ability to seamlessly blend her skills as a performer, storyteller, and writer sets her apart—and her commitment to crafting characters, honouring her heritage, and staying grounded in her creative process is nothing short of inspiring.
Whether she’s behind the mic voicing audiobooks, video games, or animations, Yinka brings precision, warmth, and imagination to every role. Her journey reminds us that the creative path doesn’t always begin in the arts—but with clarity, courage, and skill, it can flourish there.
To explore more of Yinka’s work and keep up with her evolving career, follow her on her website, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn.
Let her journey remind you: your voice matters—and there’s room for it.