With the aim of helping previously unpublished writers on their journey, and thanks to the generous support of Arts Council Ireland, we are thrilled to announce that Issue VIII will feature one established author, who will explore the theme of Belonging and offer insights for readers and writers alike.
We could not be happier to tell you that our featured writer for Issue VIII is the one and only Ola Majekodunmi!
Within the pages of Issue VIII, you’ll be able to discover a completely original piece of work from the journalist, Gaeilgeoir and public speaker that delves into the theme of ‘Belonging’. We also got the chance to sit down with Ola and pick her brain about writing – its inspiration, the process of researching, and how to navigate getting your voice heard. Ola has a plethora of advice and experience to share, so we cannot wait for you to read this interview in Issue VIII.
Ola Majekodunmi was born in Lagos, Nigeria and raised in Dublin, Ireland. She is a broadcaster,
freelance journalist, Gaeilgeoir, public speaker, creator, co-founder of Beyond Representation
and Board of Directors member on Foras na Gaeilge, Dublin Film Festival and a member of
Galway Film Centre’s National Talent Academy Steering Committee.
She grew up in Dublin, Ireland since she was 7 months old and has lived there her whole life. She found a passion for the Irish language at a young age as she went to all-Irish schools. She first became a radio presenter with Raidió na Life 106.4FM 7 years ago, presenting the show ‘Seinnliosta an tSathairn’ and then more recently presenting the popular African Irish show, ‘Afra-Éire’. She often contributes on other radio stations’ shows such as on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta, RTÉ 2FM, RTÉ 2XM, BBC Radio Ulster, BBC Radio Foyle, RTÉ Radio 1 and more on different topics to do with politics, current affairs, and race. She was also a contributor to the popular Motherfoclóir podcast, which explores different topics regarding the Irish language in a fun, witty way. You may have also seen Ola on TV from time to time on TG4, RTÉ and BBC contributing to different shows. She has been on Nationwide, Seal le Daithí and much more. She has had some international coverage after featuring in one of Sweden’s top newspapers
‘Dagens Nyheter’ and a Dutch documentary ‘Toms Ierland’.
Ola wrote for the Irish Times for their edition on ‘Black & Irish Voices’ where she spoke of her experience with the Irish language, it was rated in the top ten articles that week. She has written for Irish Times again along with the Journal.ie, rogue collective, NÓS, gal-dem.com in the UK along with Feminine Collective in the US and some other blogs.
In 2018, Ola directed and produced the viral video- ‘What Does “Irishness” Look Like?’ which was screened at the Belfast Feminist Festival, Belfast Film Festival and Rathmullan Film Festival.
In 2019, she co-founded an initiative with her cousin and friend to create a platform to celebrate women of colour’s achievements in Arts, Media, and Business.
She was nominated for the SMEDIAS for the category ‘Iriseoireacht trí Ghaeilge’ in 2018 and 2019. She was also nominated for the SAAI Awards for the category ‘Feachtas Bliain Na Gaeilge’ in 2018. She was nominated for ‘Réalta Óg na Bliana’ (Young Star of the Year) for Gradaim Cumarsáide (The Media Awards) at Oireachtas na Gaeilge in 2019. She also won the Amdalah Africa Foundation Award in 2019 for her achievements and contribution to inclusion and community development in Ireland. She graduated from her undergraduate at IADT in BA (hons) English, Media, and Cultural studies in 2018. She did her final year thesis on the ‘Politics of Black Women’s Hair’, which inspired her to start writing poetry. From this course, she developed a further interest in political and social issues. She is also a graduate in M.A. in Digital Broadcast Production at the National Film School in IADT since 2019. Ola was appointed Dublin Culture Night ambassador last September 2021.
Keep an eye out for when pre-orders open; you won’t want to miss out! In the meantime, check out Issue VII: Identity featuring Sue Rainsford, available now.