Posts

Let's talk with an Engineer: into Borno State!

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From Sokoto in northwestern Nigeria where I had a conversation with Uchenna last month, this month I travel into Borno state in northeastern Nigeria to bring an amazing interview with one of the finest brains impacting change in the state as an engineering-trained journalist, advocate, and tech/social enthusiast. Perhaps one amazing thing about my journey into Borno state is that, as a Kanuri man, I'm travelling home! haha For close to a decade, Borno state, home to many indigenous and diasporic tribes, with a richness in its individual cultures, and richness in local cuisine, was going to be raided by one of the worst cases of terrorism we have encountered in Nigeria. Businesses stopped, schools ceased, places of worship shut down, and it seemed nothing was going to survive it. Indeed, only the bravest could dream of staying there. Fast forward to a decade+ later, Borno state has reclaimed everything it had lost, and more. Once again, the streets are full; businesses have reopened
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Behind the Interview with Uchenna Emelife: From Hi to Thank You!

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This is a LinkedIn original post. Click  here  to view all photos attached to the original post. Let me take you a little behind-the-scenes of my interview with Uchenna, from the first email I sent him, to the email I sent him after his interview was published.  I’ve attached photos to aid the story (all dates are in 2023): 1&2. I knew Uchenna from around the Covid-19 hay days, but my correspondence with him for the interview was going to be our first correspondence. I’d gotten Uchenna’s email address from his Facebook page, and hoped it was the right one, so on 28th July, two days to my birthday, I sent an email to Uchenna, introducing myself and requesting he appear on my blog as the inaugural interviewee. This was coming a few days after he announced his resignation as the Creative Director of SOBAFest. 3. On 1st August, I sent a follow-up email.   4. Few hours later, he replied. Affirmative. He was, however, quite engaged with a number of things, and was actively p
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The Problem sometimes is not Absence but Visibility —an Interview with Uchenna Emelife

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In the realm of literature and the arts, there are those whose journeys transcend the ordinary, weaving narratives that inspire and achievements that captivate. This month, I had the privilege of sitting down with Uchenna Emelife, a figure whose path through the world of words and creativity is nothing short of enthralling. As we delved into his story, pivotal moments, diverse roles, and unwavering passion began to unravel. From the motivation to celebrate the arts, to the change he's been pioneering on local and international levels, we had an amazing time discussing the perks that come with being a literary promoter as a young creative in Nigeria. The authenticity of things can, most times, be traced to how they began. While we love those "I-can't-believe-this" moments, we are also aware that building something worthwhile takes a lot of metaphorical and literal time —even the love for literature. My interview with Uchenna began by attempting to pin down a pivotal mo
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Hi, Mixers! We have a Logo!

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Dear Mixers, what better feeling than getting a visual identification for your brand ! Coming up with the idea for a brand logo to go with Naija in the Mix was a hectic task.  From late nights, to strong coffee, to days of silence and solitude, to every point of imaginative and creative exhaustion, it almost felt like visiting Antarctica with just a rain coat! Here's what every aspect of the logo for Naija in the Mix aims to represent: 1. Light Brown/Golden Background : The warm colour palette evokes a sense of connection and familiarity, reflecting the rich cultural diversity of Nigeria and the global communities we aim to connect with —from the hustling streets of Lagos to the shea-processing cities of Ghana, from the brittle weather of Iowa to the freezing sidewalks of Russia, and beyond! 2. Podium Mic in White Color : Perhaps the most outstanding, the podium mic represents the platform I provide for individuals to share their voices and stories. Its whiteness symbol
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Inside Sokoto: an evening with a Curator and Literary Enthusiast.

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Join me on my first journey into the heart of Sokoto as I delve into the life and experiences of Uchenna Emelife, a visionary literary curator and promoter, from the enchanting interplay of tranquility and urban vibrancy that defines Sokoto to the dazzling literary world he has carved. From the inception of Book O'Clock to co-curating two editions of the Sokoto Book and Arts Festival, Uchenna's contributions have reshaped the literary landscape of Sokoto. Learn about his transformational insights from international conferences, the profound impact of his Igbo heritage amidst northern Nigeria's ethnic complexity, and his role in empowering storytellers to address societal issues. Dive into this illuminating interview on August 25th, 2023, and embark on a literary odyssey that unveils the soul of Sokoto and the creative genius of Uchenna Emelife. The streets, with the warm, inviting glow of streetlights were an avenue, casting a soft and diffused radiance that created a capti
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Hi there! Welcome to Naija in the Mix!

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Introducing Naija in the Mix - Where Eccentric Interviews Bring the World Together! First stop - the heart of Africa, Nigeria! I'll embark on a whirlwind tour, traversing all the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to uncover the most exceptional voices and unsung heroes that make this nation beat with life. From the bustling streets of Lagos to the tranquil beauty of Calabar, I'll dive deep into the minds of changemakers, artists, visionaries, and everyday heroes, sharing their extraordinary tales that weave the richness of the world. Hey there! Welcome to "Naija in the Mix," the vibrant and electrifying hub that will take you on an unforgettable journey of diverse encounters with fascinating individuals from every nook and cranny of this incredible planet! I am Shalom Kasim, your host, and wordsmith extraordinaire. With a passion for storytelling and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, I'm thrilled to bring you this thrilling odyssey of interviews
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