Open call: Writer’s workshop for arts journalists in Kenya

The workshop will be led by seasoned local culture journalist Tela Wangeci and proudly presented by Supportdahomies in partnership with Ahadi. The three-hour session is tailored for emerging writers, bloggers, music lovers, and anyone eager to explore the fast-paced world of arts and culture writing.

“Are you passionate about music, film, or pop culture?” a statement reads. “Curious about how to turn your love for entertainment into compelling stories that inform and inspire? Join us for a hands-on, beginner-friendly writer's workshop designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of entertainment journalism.”

What to expect

Through a mix of practical writing exercises, role-play interviews, and open group discussions, attendances will gain the skills and confidence to:

• Understand the landscape: Learn what makes entertainment writing unique, from reviews and profiles to news and opinion pieces.
• Navigate the industry: Get insider tips on how stories move from press release to publication, and how writers collaborate with artists, PR teams, and editors.
• Sharpen your craft: Practice structuring stories, writing strong leads and headlines, and developing your critical voice through reviews and features.
• Conduct great interviews: Discover how to research, build thoughtful questions, and listen deeply to capture authentic stories.
• Write ethically: Discuss the importance of representation, avoiding stereotypes, and balancing PR requests with journalistic integrity.
• Build your career: Explore the basics of freelancing, pitching, and building a portfolio in today's digital media landscape.

Assignment

Participants will leave with a practical assignment by writing a 300 to 400-word profile on a local entertainment figure, with the opportunity to receive feedback from Tela, Ahadi, and the #supportdahomies team.

Tickets to the workshop are available here.