Madagascar is a popular animated movie that has captured the hearts of many people. The movie is about a group of animals that escape from a New York zoo and end up on the island of Madagascar. One of the characters that stood out in the movie is Moto Moto, a smooth-talking hippopotamus that catches the attention of Gloria, a female hippopotamus. In this article, we will explore the actor behind the voice of Moto Moto.
Overview of Moto Moto’s character
Moto Moto is a charming hippopotamus that is known for his smooth-talking and flirtatious behavior. He is confident, outgoing, and loves to dance. Moto Moto was introduced in the second installment of the Madagascar movie, entitled Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. In the movie, he is seen trying to woo Gloria, who eventually falls for his charms.
Who is the voice actor for Moto Moto?
The voice of Moto Moto was provided by American actor and comedian, Will.i.am. Will.i.am is famous for being a member of the Black Eyed Peas and has also pursued a successful solo career. He is known for his unique voice, which is a perfect fit for the character of Moto Moto.
Background of the voice actor
Will.i.am was born on March 15, 1975, in Los Angeles, California. He started his music career as a member of the Black Eyed Peas in 1995. He has won seven Grammy Awards and has sold over 75 million records worldwide. Will.i.am has also had a successful career as a producer and has worked with some of the biggest names in music.
Previous roles of the voice actor
Apart from providing the voice for Moto Moto, Will.i.am has also lent his voice to other animated movies. He provided the voice for Pedro in the movie Rio and played the role of John Wraith in the movie X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Will.i.am has also appeared in several TV shows, including The Voice and The Blacklist.
How was the voice of Moto Moto created?
The voice of Moto Moto was created by using various voice modulation techniques. Will.i.am’s voice was lowered and slowed down to create the deep, seductive voice of Moto Moto. The animators also used motion capture technology to capture Will.i.am’s movements and facial expressions, which were then incorporated into the character of Moto Moto.
Challenges faced by the voice actor
One of the challenges faced by Will.i.am was creating a voice that was unique and fit the character of Moto Moto. He had to find the right balance between being smooth and flirtatious while still sounding like a hippopotamus. Will.i.am also had to work with the animators to ensure that his movements and facial expressions matched those of Moto Moto.
Reception of the voice acting
Will.i.am’s voice acting was well received by audiences and critics alike. His smooth and seductive voice was a perfect fit for the character of Moto Moto, and he brought the character to life with his performance. Many fans of the movie praised Will.i.am’s voice acting and felt that he added a new dimension to the character.
Comparisons with previous voice actors in Madagascar
Will.i.am replaced Fred Tatasciore, who provided the voice for Moto Moto in the first Madagascar movie. While Tatasciore did an excellent job, many fans felt that Will.i.am’s voice was a better fit for the character. Will.i.am’s smooth and seductive voice added a new layer to Moto Moto’s character, making him more charming and likable.
Future plans for the voice actor
Will.i.am continues to pursue his music career and has released several albums since his debut with the Black Eyed Peas. He has also expressed interest in pursuing more voice acting roles and has hinted at possible future collaborations with DreamWorks Animation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Will.i.am provided the voice for Moto Moto in the movie Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. His smooth and seductive voice brought the character to life and added a new dimension to Moto Moto’s character. Will.i.am’s background in music and acting made him a perfect fit for the role, and his performance was well received by audiences and critics alike.
References and further reading
- Will.i.am. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved October 1, 2021, from https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1296019/
- Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. (n.d.). IMDb. Retrieved October 1, 2021, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479952/
- Lussier, G. (2019, October 12). 15 Things You Didn’t Know About The Madagascar Movies. ScreenRant. https://screenrant.com/madagascar-movie-trivia-facts/
- Will.i.am talks about voice acting in Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. (2009, November 7). The Telegraph. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/film/starsandstories/6513288/Will.i.am-talks-about-voice-acting-in-Madagascar-Escape-2-Africa.html
