ABOUT

So what do you actually do?

Day-to-day I work with writers to curate a section that spotlights new talent, unpacks trends, speaks to the experiences of our community, and gives people a space they feel their ideas are valued.

I edit, I write, I plan shoots and spearhead editorial series to keep the site feeling as fresh as possible.

What has your career path been?

I did English Language and Linguistics at the University of Sheffield because I knew that Literature wasn’t really my bag. I took extra Journalism modules to make sure I was still learning something relevant to my end goal and then joined the university newspaper as Features Editor in third year.

After that I went to City University to do a Magazine Journalism MA. During my time there I interned at Dazed for two weeks and I wrote a passionate opinion piece, and they hired me shortly afterwards when a role became free that month. I worked there for three years, and I really had the most incredible time. It was like what I’d dreamed my life would look like as a teenager.

I interviewed so many of my heroes, and they threw the best parties. It was really good anecdote fodder and I made lifelong friends there. While I was there I developed a beat of trying to cover the black/POC arts scene that was really thriving in London at that time. That’s how I became really focused on gal-dem and their ethos. Everything they did I would write about or pitch in as something we should cover. I went to all of the events in awe. Me and Charlie became friends and developed a working relationship - I wrote for the print and hosted events with her. She also included a chapter of mine in her book Mother Country.

When gal-dem got investment I left Dazed to help gal-dem grow, first as Features editor and now as the Culture Editor. Along the way I’ve written in another book “I will not be erased”, hosted a radio show on Balamii, appeared on panels and podcasts for Burberry, Dazed 100; hosted a day of talks at Adidas HQ; done the cover features for Brick magazine, Crack, CR Fashion book, and Clash magazine. I’ve presented short films for BBC Three and Channel 4. I’ve got bylines in Time magazine, GQ style, Vogue, The Guardian, Riposte, Vice, We Present, Mr Porter.

There’s been so much over the last five years that feels like I didn’t do it - it’s like I’m just watching it happen. But this really was my dream.

What is the best part of your job?

Seeing a project come together and reading the reactions to it (when they’re positive).

If someone messages me about something I’ve written or tweets that they enjoy a piece that actually brings me genuine joy. Although social media is definitely a double-edged sword and I shouldn’t focus too much on TL praise.

Why do you do your job?

I truly don’t remember a time where I didn’t know instinctively that I would write and talk as a job.

They are the only skills I’ve ever had.

I’m very useless at almost everything else. All my reports at school were basically “she’s very capable, but she just won’t shut up”. I was a bookworm, I devoured television AND that was my main diet. I just loved to get lost in stories and tell stories and make people laugh or entertain them. It’s just… what I live for.

One piece of advice for someone starting in your role?

Don’t overthink or feel like everything feels hard.

I love to write, but I hate the writing process. It’s full of self doubt and pain.

Sometimes getting a first draft is intimidating because you’re trying to edit and get it up but you’re also working with a lot of new writers and you want them to take a lot from the editing experience. I feel that weight.

Giving a good editing experience that is thorough and also getting pieces up is not conducive to speedy turnarounds when you’re a bit of a perfectionist/worrier/imposter syndrome prone-person it can cause delays.

Check out Kemi’s socials below!

DAY IN THE LIFE

Morning

Editorial meetings talking about things we’ve seen in the news and shooting out ideas we’d like to cover.

Reading my overwhelming inbox, checking the pitches that have been sent through. If pieces have been sent in I try to edit in the morning.

Plotting important dates into the calendar and trying to get in touch with relevant PRs and journalists to set out timelines for coverage and interviews.

Afternoon

I save the afternoon for writing.