Daala Oruwari was recently added to the BET Africa Culture Squad In this interview, she speaks about her expectations and goals of becoming a member.
How do you feel about your new role at Paramount Africa?
I am super excited. Paramount is such an amazing brand to be working with and it has been a dream for awhile and to be able to finally do this is phenomenal. I feel a sense of responsibility to be working with such a platform. It’s a new chapter and I really cannot wait to see the magic we would create together.
How do you intend to manage the increased public attention with your new role and what will be at core of your message?
I am not new to the entertainment industry and I have a bit of fame from previous works done as an influencer and all of that. One thing I love is meeting fans and getting to hear them commend my efforts. I intend to be consistent with what I do, connect Africans with the content I create and empower them to be confident about our identity. More so, I would love to connect with the fans on a deeper level because as a member of the culture squad, we intend to bridge the communication between the channel and the brand and the audience (viewers) and that is something I’d be using this new found faith to achieve. I would use this medium to reach out to Africans to showcase how amazing we are.
Would you say that your role as a broadcaster and an anchor will impact your output as a member of the culture squad?
Absolutely! Being in the industry for a while, I have learnt the do’s and don’ts in the industry. So I have had a lot of training pertaining interviews on any platform or at any event and it is definitely something I can integrate into my new role. All the training I have had is very crucial for this role and I am glad to have undergone training and will be using it in this space.
The core of the culture squad is to showcase African culture. So what excites you about being in the squad?
I am sure that when you look at me, you will see the Africaness. When I was about entering the entertainment industry, I had to base my brand on being African.
Being able to align with a brand on the same level is just phenomenal because we are pushing the Africa culture at the culture squad and it is also to give a youthful perspective on issues as it concerns Africa.
What are your goals for the new role?
I want Africans to look at their screens and to see themselves reflected. I want to let them know that their stories matter and to understand that Africa has a culture to be preserved and celebrated. I want to also guide people through the different parts of Africa’s culture that has not been seen. My goal is to put that out on the forefront to present it globally.
What will be your advice to African youths who want to imbibe the western culture?
What I would say about this is, “there’s no place like home.” The culture that we have here is very rich and very colourful and very diverse. There’s absolutely nothing wrong, enjoying western culture. I enjoy western culture and I think the reason behind its acceptance is how it is portrayed. This is what I would love for us to do with our culture.
What will be your advice to stakeholders and the government on exploring Africa’s hospitality, entertainment and recreational facilities in general?
I think the government hasn’t tapped into the African space like they should have. It is what I intend to do with one of the shows I’m working on, BET STREETS, so that people see these aspects of Africa that hasn’t made it to the forefront. I think the government is lagging in the area of pushing our culture to the global space.
Your experience as a red carpet host has shaped your on-camera presence what skills honed from this experience will be most valuable as you take on your new role?
The skill that will be most valuable to me is research because it helps prepare and equip me with knowledge needed for whatever event I would anchor or be hosting.
Also, quick thinking and being able to adapt are other skills that have shaped me so far.
What is your advice to the youths who have aspirations in your career path?
To the younger generation who intends to take up or manage this role, perseverance is key. I have been able to turn all my no’s into yeses and I have a mantra that says: fear is faith in the wrong God. Meaning that when you put your faith in the wrong thing, you will be too busy getting scared to realise that God will always have you covered. Also have good friends.
