IN THE VALLEY 17. More than an influencer from the diaspora - Danjuma in the valley
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Disclaimer : This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only, no content of the conversation should be considered as investment advice.
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Today the valley welcomes Ernest "Danjuma" Enebi, a modern day storyteller, creator and influencer who has collaborated with top international brands and organizations through his agendy Denda.
5 BIG IDEAS DISCUSSED WITH DANJUMA IN THE VALLEY.
1."I've always thought like an engineer"
Danjuma grew up in Kaduna State, Nigeria. As a child, he showed prowess in his school work and convinced his parents to let him go study in the United States. In the episode, he explains how he transformed his aspirations to become an actor or comedian into studying mechanical engineering and joining the corporate world in a construction company.
2."I've taken it upon myself to be the person that makes noise to bring attention to substance"
Our guest is a vibrant creative : if you've had the chance to meet him, you know that there is no escaping his high-pitched infectious laugh. In the episode, he explains where the boisterous personality comes from and how he uses it to bring attention to more "substantial" matters in his work, or others' work. His ability to blend fluff with substance is what has allowed him to bring his unique take to content and collaborate with world organizations such as UNDP, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and brands like AT&T, Google.
3."Had I known the truth about Zaria (where I'm from) and where I aspired to go (the United States) it would not have been such an easy and obvious choice."
In the episode, Danjuma gives several examples from his own personal experiences that have shaped his creative process. He emphasizes on his strong attachment to nuance why narratives need to get as close to the truth as possible. He talks about the responsibility that comes with having a platform and being able to portray people's lives and environment through his lens and his work.
4."I am fascinated by the human condition"
Danjuma summarizes his multifaceted work (arts, content creation, public policy) as a bundle of life experiences. To him, the thread that cuts through all of these experiences is humanity and the ability to recount these moments of human life and condition.
5."Masai Ujiri has inspired me to think and dream big."
In the last moments of the episode, our guest discusses his inspirations including his father and the President of Basketball Operations of the Toronto Raptors. As the first black man and Nigerian to hold such a high-level role in a North American sports organizations, Masai Ujiri is quoted by many as a role model from those who do not hesitate to raise the bar and shatter glass ceilings.