Meet the inaugural cohort of the Communiqué Editorial Bootcamp
We’ve selected 15 finalists from across Africa.
Across Africa’s media and creative industries, there is no shortage of stories. What is missing is journalism that goes beyond events to explain the economics, incentives, and structural forces underneath. The Communiqué Editorial Bootcamp was designed to meet that need.
After reviewing a strong pool of applications from across the continent, we selected a small cohort of participants who demonstrated talent, curiosity, discipline, and systematic thinking. This cohort reflects the diversity of Africa’s media landscape, from film and music to data journalism, climate reporting, and digital storytelling. This is a remarkable group, and we are looking forward to the work they produce.
Meet the cohort
Shalom Tewobola is a Lagos-based culture journalist and prose writer with bylines in Culture Custodian, NATIVE, and Isele. She has covered Sundance 2026 and currently leads a flagship culture newsletter at Pulse.
Samantha Mzee is a Kenya-based communications professional and investigative data journalist. A Thomson Reuters Foundation fellow, she focuses on illicit financial flows, transparency, and social impact reporting across Africa.
Imani Alpha is a Kenyan storyteller and founder of Ukumbini, an Afrofuturist storytelling lab. His work connects narrative, policy, and capital flows to explore inclusive futures in Africa’s digital ecosystem.
Eva Anya is the Managing Editor at What Kept Me Up, where she covers Nollywood and African cinema. She focuses on both independent and mainstream filmmakers, driven by a deep love for storytelling.
Abioye Damilare Samson is a Nigerian music journalist who has written for Afrocritik, The Republic, and Newlines. He covers pop culture, identity, and urban life.
Gideon Kofi Nyamekye is a Ghanaian journalist and managing editor of KickGH, with years of experience shaping football narratives in Ghana.
David Olayiwola is the Content Lead at WeTalkSound, overseeing editorial for a 500,000+ strong community. His work spans journalism, music publishing, and PR for top African artists.
Deborah Bodunde is a journalist at TheCable covering climate and public-interest issues. Her work examines how policy and infrastructure affect vulnerable communities.
Ephreeda Banda is a Journalism Master’s candidate at Rhodes University. Her work explores media, culture, and digital discourse in South Africa.
Michael Kiptoo is a Kenyan media professional and storyteller published in Rafiki Anthology and Qwani. His work focuses on thoughtful, perspective-driven narratives.
Nora Anyasodo is a communications and community professional working across storytelling, research, and digital engagement, with a focus on the creative economy and digital culture.
Tony Awiti is the Lead Social Media Strategist at Africa Uncensored, translating investigative reporting into impactful digital narratives in Kenya and across Africa.
Seyi Lasisi is a film critic and Senior Staff Writer at Culture Custodian, focused on documenting and analysing African cinema.
John Eriomala is a culture journalist and medical student at UI, with bylines in The Republic, NATIVE, and Afrocritik. His work explores music, film, and the human condition.
Momanyi Ian is a Kenyan based communication and media specialist focused on digital marketing, PR, and the African music industry, with a growing interest in journalism and Africa’s creative economy.