BBC Presenter,Peter Okwoche: Exposing Africa

Peter Okwoche, 46, the savvy BBC World Service presenter was in Nairobi recently. PETER MUIRURI caught up with him for a chat on how he tells the African story to the world

What is the challenge in telling an African story to a worldwide audience?

The main challenge lies in the way people out there view the continent. Many think Africa is all about sickness, death, rampant corruption. But Africa is changing for the better. The continent can no longer be ignored by the rest of the developed world. The current Africa is more about development projects and is being touted (and rightly so) as the next frontier in terms of mega projects in infrastructure and technology. The Chinese and Indians have already seen this vast potential and are acting accordingly though the trickle-down effect to the common man is just that, a trickle. Of course the rest of the world is now interested in a piece of Africa though they have to play catch up. I feel privileged to be part of this continental transformation.

Are you saying we have to ignore the negative stories about the continent?

No, no. We are not saying that. In fact, you may not know how much I am pained by the rampant killings, rapes, and mega scandals that cast the continent in bad light. I still have to tell the story. However, we must be balanced and dispel the notion that Africa is just about the gory stories. It is my considered opinion that we have relied too much on foreigners telling our story. Even the developed world has its fair share of such stories but they hardly dominate the airwaves and newspaper pages.

How are African journalists fairing in this?

Africa is full of talent. Most are doing a very commendable job as long as they stay true to their calling without being compromised. Honesty is the lifeline of journalism. We only need to add our training capacity.

You got into journalism through print media. How was the switch?

Actually, I had a stint in radio as well. Besides news, I doubled up as a DJ even before going into print journalism (Peter was once the features editor of Nigeria’s highest selling romance magazine, Hints Magazine). I loved music as a young man and played in several bands. The many years I spent in print and radio prepared me for my current role. I received the Best Presenter Award while working as a DJ and presenter with a Nigerian station in the early 90s. I was a prolific speaker and it was not long before my talents were noticed by the BBC. I joined the international news organisation in 2004.

You were also a teacher at some point. Right?

I graduated with a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Jos in central Nigeria. Thereafter, I taught English and Literature at a secondary school for two years. I think my parents, who were also teachers, gave me the inspiration.

Your father was your role model. How so?

Right from the time I was born in Jos, Nigeria, I had only known one straight man, Oga Okwoche, my father. He had a popular phrase that for one to gain happiness you must learn to walk in a straight line. He was the Nigerian ambassador to France and took us to Paris when we where I did my high school.

You said you have been greatly inspired by the late BBC presenter Komlar Dumor, who had a huge following in Africa. Will you fit in his shoes?

I met Komlar at the University of Jos. We instantly became the best of friends, a special relationship that lasted 25 years. He was a great journalist who also loved Africa. He knew how to tell the African story the African way. He once told me that we should never let a foreigner become an African expert. Some people told me that his shoes are just too large to fill. Though they wish me the best, I will not try to fit in the shoes.

You are known as a die-hard Arsenal fan despite their constant losses. Is it time to change?

Never. You must be loyal to your brand no matter what. Love for Arsenal runs in my entire family (including my twin brother) and there are no plans to change that any time soon.

You named your daughter Kenya, after our country. Why Kenya?

Kenya is nine years old and adorable. We gave her the name due to our love for Mount Kenya. The mountain is a symbol of Kenya’s enduring strength. Kenya has a brother called Tyrese Oga Okwoche.

Photo: Courtesy