Belinda Otas

I am a journalist, writer and blogger, and I am passionate about life.  I am passionate about Africa and all things African – our heritage, cultures, traditions, challenges and without a doubt, our success no matter how small or big. I love theatre to the point where it is an arm of arts journalism I have decided to make my speciality. All you need to do is buy me the ticket and I will sleep at the theatre every evening if things go that far. Yes, that is how fanatical I am about the stage.

The stories that get me going are human interest, women’s issues, arts and culture (Theatre, Literature – I love books and enjoy reading them, Music, Film) health, Opinion pieces (I have an opinion on a lot of things) and of course, Africa, my Africa.

I  live through my words. Bottom-line, I love writing. I get really excited when I meet people who challenge me and make me see life and situations through a different lens. It is one of the most exciting things about being a journalist, meeting people from different spheres and works of life, who have diverse views and opinions on the affairs of life. I get really enthusiastic when I meet someone who has a soul and is full of passion for humanity because I know they will have something interesting to contribute to the conversation.

Journalism: I often say to people that I am an accidental journalist. I always wanted to be a Criminal lawyer but for some reason, when I moved to the UK in 1996, I fell out of love with law. Journalism came my way by accident and it all started with an advert in the local newspaper about a free journalism training being offered by CSV Media and here I am after my university and NCTJ studies, scribbling away. I have been fortunate to work in some of the UK’s leading newsrooms, from my first internship at The Voice Newspaper, Pride magazine to winning a place on The Guardian Positive Action Work placement Scheme and another on the The BBC London Step-Up Scheme to The Financial Adviser (Owned by the FT)  and a short stint at Reuters, it has been a ball. If I say there have been no tears, I would be lying. If I say I have not been tempted to throw in the towel, I would be lying. I have had some great lows but nothing compares to the feeling of fulfillment I get whenever I see my byline in a magazine or newspaper. I never get tired of that feeling. I get high on that, I can’t explain it. Each byline feels like a new born baby to me and I am always grateful for each one.

I worked at the BBC Worldservice from 2008 to 2009, what an experience that was. I learnt  so much about good journalism and what radio journalism involves, I cannot wait to do it all over. I went in there as a researcher and a total novice but came out as a broadcast journalist. If there’s one thing I learnt from my time at the Worlservice, it is simply to seize the moment and apply yourself. Now that I am a freelance journalist, I know what is required to get out there and do what needs to be done. I apply some of the lessons I learnt from my journey so far to the stories I pitch and how I go about making myself known to the editors. It sure is a journey. I have great days, I have good days and I have bad days but I still would not trade this for any other profession. I love words and I love making words work.

As a freelance journalist, I have contributed to The Africa Report, BBC News Online, BBC Focus On Africa magazine, New African and New African Woman magazines, Global Comment, Arab Comment, Arise magazine, NEXT Newspaper, Nigeria, The Root, Publishing Perspectives and Bellestrista online magazines, all based in the US. Soon to come, is Zam magazine, based in Holland and published in Dutch. Going places!

Creative Writing: This too was an accident. I found a leaflet in the local library about a creative writing course and being that a few people had told me I had the potential to become a great writer, I thought it would be a good idea to find out and learn about what it takes to become a good writer. This is an ongoing process, it never stops. There are days when I cannot stop writing and there are days, when nothing comes out of me no matter how hard I try. It is hard creating a balance between journalism and my creative writing but gradually, I am learning. Lately, I have been writing a lot of poetry and I am now ready to share them with others as long as they are happy to listen to me or read my work. Poetry is a very personal thing for me, so to have others listen to me is an honour I do not take for granted. I think when your first public reading in a long time is at the London SouthBank, you do have to sit down and say, right! Let’s do this. So, that’s just what I am going to do. Write more and get out there to read and share my work. Again, watch this space and I hope you enjoy the creative musings on this website.

Thanks for visiting my page. I am honoured that you gave up precious time to stop-by. Do leave your comment and criticisms, they are much welcome.

Enjoy browsing.

Belinda Otas

Favourite Books:

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