It is not an unconventional path for journalists to later on transform course and enter the field of legislation what is not so normal is for it to transpire the other way all around. But, Aniefiok Ekpoudom, who is at this time a complete-time author, really chose the authorized job initial and is a law graduate from the University of East Anglia in Norwich.
The 20-9-yr-old, who was born in Lewisham, South London, ditched legislation for journalism. Last 12 months he received the Barbara Blake-Hannah Award, named in honour of the Jamaican who was the first black feminine presenter on British tv. The award recognises emerging, proficient journalists from minority backgrounds.
Ekpoudom is grateful and joyful. He instructed 5 Questions that he enjoys crafting about black British tunes.
“It was the tunes I had grown up with, that my buddies had developed up with, and was what experienced (even now does) affect me most. But whenever I sought out interviews or essays on these artistes [and] genres, it felt like they were being currently being treated like an afterthought by newspapers and magazines. I wanted to create pieces that included these seems with the nuance they deserved, as properly as in search of to carry to the web site some of the deeper cultural impacts they have experienced on communities throughout the British isles,” he stated.
His perform incorporates an write-up in The Guardian’s Special Version, visitor-edited by film-maker Steve McQueen, an interview with singer Celeste for British GQ in May, and a distinctive article on African immigrants fleeing from civil war.
1. Why did you implement for this award, and what does it indicate to you?
I applied for the award since, in the previous yr, I had composed deeply about the black local community in Britain, and I needed people tales to be heard and understood. It wasn’t always about me, but much more about generating sure we are noticed. It’s an honour to have received the award. To be recognised by a pioneer these as Barbara Blake-Hannah is anything I’m pretty grateful for. It also reaffirms the obligation I have to continue on spotlighting and celebrating the perform of black journalists in Britain who are coming just after me.
2. How did you hear about Barbara Blake-Hannah?
I heard about Barbara Blake-Hannah through Bernardine Evaristo’s Black Britain: Crafting Back again sequence, exactly where Barbara’s e-book Developing Out will be re-introduced this year. But I learnt extra about her perform and influence at the awards demonstrate, where the presenter spoke to the audience about her legacy and impression. Due to the fact obtaining the award, I have begun to truly comprehend additional about her time in Britain and how that paved the way for black journalists who came immediately after. There’s a authentic move in the United kingdom at the minute to fully grasp the range and span of black British literature, and it is actually vital we do that training.
3. I know that you have been born in the Uk, but your name suggests a direct African heritage. Is this so?
Yes. My Father is from Nigeria, and my Mum is from Cameroon. Like quite a few West African immigrants, they immigrated to England in the ‘80s. And so nevertheless I was born and raised in Britain, Nigeria and Cameroon have usually been integral areas of my identification. My house was West African although developing up.
4. You properly trained in law and then segued into journalism. Do you hope to just one day obtain a way to merge both?
If I’m genuine, no. University was a wonderful and fulfilling experience, but the legal career is not a route I’ll head in. I’m much more fascinated in exploring the different mediums of creating, storytelling and journalism.
5. Having stood on the shoulders of pioneers like Barbara Blake-Hannah, what do you want your mark to be in this field?
In this subject, I want to continue passing the baton onwards. I’m passionate about passing on my knowledge and knowledge to the black journalists who are coming up just after me. Each individual technology has to go away matters in a greater put for the era that follows. I see my function as element of that method.