Afrocritik

How does a Nigerian-born writer and culture journalist attending Festival de Cannes immerse himself in the festival experience? I'll show you...or at least try to. I did a fair bit of "Cinemaxxxing" for Afrocritik too as a Visiting Editor and Media Correspondent, checking out a few films and making notes. You should watch the video if you are enthusiastic about media and culture, and you want to have an idea of what the Cannes showcase feels like. 📹: Belvic Olowojuagba

Yesterday, I challenged myself and participated in the JCIN UNIBEN Storytelling and Creative Writing Masterclass. We started off with an Opening ceremony and the first training session. Here are some important points I that stood out to me yesterday: * In writing, there’s a difference between showing and telling. Showing has to be accompanied with sensory characteristics and emotions, and should be relatable to capture the attention of the reader. * As a writer, you should never be afraid of criticism as it is a way of getting better. * The use of AI in storytelling should be a tool, not the thinking mind. * Finally, a writer should read more to broaden his or her horizons. According to the trainer, Joan Eze, no matter how busy life gets, one thing people never stop doing is storytelling—which she described as gisting. So, stay tuned for more gists on this space!🤭 Thank you, JCIN UNIBEN. Huge thanks to our sponsor, Afrocritik! #SCWMasterclass #JCINUNIBEN #JCINDELSU #JCINPTI #JCINIAUE

I’m truly grateful for the courage to finally participate in something I had always thought was reserved for a certain group of persons, Storytelling and Creative Writing. I have always admired how content writers and storytellers skillfully weave words together to capture the attention and emotions of their audience. There is something deeply fascinating about transforming thoughts, experiences, and ideas into meaningful stories. Yesterday, I had the opportunity to participate in an insightful masterclass on Storytelling and Creative Writing organized by JCIN UNIBEN. I attended both the opening ceremony and the first training session themed “Moment to Meaning.” One statement from one of our sponsors, the Co-founder of Afrocritik during the opening ceremony that particularly struck me was, "You cannot be a good writer without writing." Those words stayed with me because they served as a reminder that growth begins with practice. As someone who genuinely loves books and reading, it challenged me to become more intentional about improving my own writing journey. Another valuable lesson I took away was that relying solely on AI for writing can gradually limit creativity. While AI can be a helpful tool, authentic creativity is built through consistent thinking, learning, and expression. I joined this masterclass with the goal of sharpening my writing skills, expressing my thoughts more articulately, and becoming a better communicator. I’m excited to learn more, grow through the process, and apply these lessons to create more meaningful and impactful writing. It's my era of stepping out of my comfort zone, and becoming better one word at a time. #SCWMasterclass #JCINUNIBEN #JCINDELSU #JCINPTI #JCINIAUE

Growing up, I have always loved storytelling. From little story pieces to random reflections, storytelling was one of the ways I expressed myself. But somewhere along the line, that passion slowly faded — not because I stopped loving stories, but because I did not fully understand how to communicate them in a way that truly connects with people. Recently, I had the privilege of attending the Storytelling and Creative Writing Masterclass organized by JCIN UNIBEN in collaboration with other local organizations and supported by Afrocritik. One thing that stood out for me from the opening session was a statement made by the co-founder of Afrocritik, @Samson Jikeme. He said that before he ever traveled to some places physically, he had already been there through books. And honestly, that stayed with me. It reminded me that reading does more than provide information — it expands perspective, builds imagination, and exposes us to worlds beyond our immediate environment. Another powerful session was facilitated by Joan Eze on “Moment to Meaning.” One lesson that deeply resonated with me was the balance between “showing” and “telling” in storytelling. She explained that showing helps readers feel the experience through emotions, senses, and details, while telling helps guide narration and clarity. Great storytelling requires balance — not overdoing one and neglecting the other. What I found most inspiring was the reminder that growth in writing does not only come from learning new things. Sometimes, it comes from consistency, practice, and applying what we already know intentionally. This training has reignited my passion for writing, storytelling, and meaningful communication. And I am excited for the journey ahead✨ #SCWMasterclass #JCINUNIBEN #JCINDELSU #JCINPTI #JCINIAUE