For the first post of the “how to move to Africa as a journalist” series, I talk to Wall Street Journal reporter Drew Hinshaw.
Author Archives: Chika Oduah
Introducing the “How to move to Africa as a journalist” series
Wanna know what it takes to relocate to Africa to work as a journalist? “How to move to Africa as a journalist” is a new series that explores this and offers tips.
That “tribal” word
It’s a problematic term that African scholars and media professional have pushed against for decades. Recently, some companies have stopped using it.
Don’t drink the water or you’ll grow three heads
And if you don’t end up with three heads sticking out of your neck, then maybe you’ll suffer from a belly full of bloodsucking worms. The travel health warnings about many places in Africa can sound downright scary. You may have heard stories of people shivering in cold sweat and vomiting after eating at aContinue reading “Don’t drink the water or you’ll grow three heads”
Attitude of gratitude: stories I covered in 2020
2020 was a very tough time for journalists around the world, specifically for independents and creatives like myself. I was able to get reporting gigs, but they were very few. Anyhow, I’m a believer in living in an attitude of gratitude. So I’m using this space to share some of the stories that I covered last year.
Do they even speak English in Africa?
Someone asked me this again. A few months ago, during one of my trips back home to Atlanta, an American woman who had told me that she was interested in visiting Africa for the very first time – specifically contemplating Ghana – asked me, “do they speak English there?” I calmly told her yes, theyContinue reading “Do they even speak English in Africa?”
Do you need a degree in journalism to be a journalist?
You do not actually need a Bachelor’s degree in journalism to practice as a journalist. In fact, the idea of a journalism degree is fairly recent. American universities pioneered journalism education.
Reporting on religion in Africa
The incredible array of spiritual beliefs in Africa is truly mind-boggling. There’s no way to quantify it. Spirituality in Africa is endlessly fascinating to me. I’ve spent years studying it and I still feel like I haven’t even scratched the surface.
How to pitch a (text) story
Pitching is a skill and an art that journalists should master. A good pitch starts with research and I can’t emphasize this enough.
Greet the chief: you can’t start asking questions without seeing him
If you find yourself in a smaller community in Africa, particularly the ones outside of the big cities, it’s a good idea to respect the customary greeting protocols.
Wanted: More black women journalists reporting on Africa
I want to use this space to recognize black women journalists who have covered Africa-related content. I’m an advocate for seeing more women in news bureaus.
Pick up a language, it’s good for the brain: Multilingualism in Africa
Many Africans are multilingual. If you go to South Africa, you’ll likely come across young folks who speak four, five, six languages. Multilingualism is part of the experience of growing up in Africa. There are more than 1,500 distinct languages spoken there.
Kenya, oh Kenya!
In 2010, one my childhood dreams came true – I went to Kenya. And boy was Kenya good to me!
Why I moved to Africa: finding my way home
When I left America to move to Africa, I was finding my way home because I was answering a calling to begin a journey that matters just as much as the destination.
First entry: what’s this all about anyway?
Since moving to Africa in 2010, I’ve seen incredible things, met incredible people, reported incredible stories. I’ve gained life lessons and wisdom that have made me a better person. Here, I share with you pieces of my journey.
