The first time I bought The Africa Report, I was a student. I picked it up at WH Smith and was instantly drawn to it. It was the first magazine with the sole purpose of telling stories about Africa that I had ever seen inside WH Smith. It was when I went back the following month that I saw The New African. I was doubly excited. Over what you ask? magazines?? Yes, I was excited about magazines with Africa as its focus. They are the two magazines with Africa as its primary focus that I studied religiously while at university for writing style and learning the trade. I never conceived the idea that I would one day write for them. But in the world of freelance, there is a boldness and confidence you suddenly develop because you have to get out there to stay relevant for your own sanity not because you have a point to prove.
So, I did what I now do so well, called them up and asked for the best person to pitch ideas to. When I got off the phone, I typed an email to introduce myself. As you know, editors are busy people. I waited for a few days and when I didn’t get a response, I got double bold and sent an idea in.
I was confident about my idea and pitch but as you know people are different. Low and behold, I went out one day, came back and there was a nice email in my inbox. They liked my idea and as I recall, they had been meaning to get back to me about my first email.
So, when I got an envelope in the post this week, with three copies of the latest edition, I was so giddy and like a child, flicked through the pages to get to where my piece was. I almost fell over. I have had a double page spread in a magazine before but to have 4 pages with my work, that’s a new territory. And, it feels so good. To make things sweeter, this issue has an international edition and a special edition for Ghana. What more can a girl ask for? 🙂
So, go out and grab a copy of The Africa Report. Well worth every penny. I read the piece, The Accidental President, I am sure you know who that is. The man the piece was about likes to wear a black hat and he is described as amiable with a big smile. 🙂
You will enjoy my art piece about the Ivorian Photographer, Paul Sika. What are you waiting for, go and get a copy!
