More than just a media man, Kojo Bafoe

Being an editor for one of South Africa’s biggest magazine is not for everyone. Only best of the best enters that arena. Kojo Bafoe, editor of DESTINY Man magazine, writer, poet, entrepreneur and father of two is by far one of SA’s leading men in the media. He has a B. Commerce  (Major Economics, Marketing & Business Administration).

 

He took time off to interact with readers

He took time out of his busy schedule to interact with the readers and forum members of DESTINY Man. This was not what I had expected, I can’t talk for everyone but we expected a insightful business dialogue, a platform for readers to engage on what’s covered in the magazine and on the site. However it was that and so much more, Kojo spoke about his career, family, state affairs, leadership, parenthood and the dream he had to give up. 

This is what readers asked and without hesitation answered all questions. This is what he shared:

From some the tweets this morning it appears you have worked in several industries. Would you say the experience comes in handy in your current job?

Kojo: “Absolutely. I've worked across multiple industries and was always viewed as a 'jack of all trades, master of none.' My work at Destiny Man needs me to have a working understanding of a range of industries, sectors of society, etc and, with my 'eclectic' work background ... I am able to navigate the different spheres a bit easier.”

 Source: www.jozikids.co.za

Who is/was your mentor?

Kojo:“The various mentors I've had haven't necessarily been in the media, per se. I read a lot of biographies and am fortunate to be able to interact with an array of people and I try draw from all of them. I don't have formal mentors but people like Khanyi Dhlomo (the boss), Thebe Ikalafeng, etc have given me much, directly and indirectly.”

What’s your take on the Olympics?

Kojo: “I find the beauty of the Olympics is that it provides every country and capable individual the platform to do and achieve in their chosen space. These last Olympics were the first I've experienced through social media and it was great to see so much attention on them. I love the Olympics because I get to see so many different sports that I don't always get chance to follow regularly.”

Watching Usain Bolt do his thing, did that make you nostalgic for track?

Kojo: “This year was the first time it didn't hurt as much. When I was younger, it was always difficult to watch the athletics. Remembering the feeling on standing at top of track, looking down the lane, the world going silent but for the voice of the starter, etc. I'd be too old now anyway :). I am however in awe of athletes like Usain Bolt but I think it is also important to acknowledge that those who even make the heats are at the pinnacle.”

What advice would you give young entrepreneurs in the media industry?

Kojo: “It is same advice I'd give regardless of industry. Focus on what you do best, work hard on the fundamentals of what it is you are providing, and keep up with the industry.”

What's your take on Minister Manuel's parliamentary proposal for 2020? empowering the youth, eliminating poverty. Is it realistic?

Kojo: “Kuben Naidoo spoke at our recent Destiny Forum on the National Development Plan 2020 and, while a great deal of it is admirable and fundamental to the future of the country, I do think that citizens need to take the lead a lot more because the government is not going to be able to fix it all. The reality is that, the success of the Plan, is dependent on government actually being able to implement what's included.”

What is the importance of having a father/male figure?

Kojo: “The absent fathers one is a difficult one. I was brought up by my father. What I was taught is that it is part of what you do. Have a child, be a parent to them. I have been blessed with two children for whom I am responsible. My legacy will be the kind of foundation I create for them to pursue their dreams. My father has been a consistent and dominant feature in my life and I have learned much of what it is to be a human being, and a man, from him so I do think it is important to have people to guide, inspire you. I have benefitted from the wisdom of many men and women at various stages of my life ... some don't even know of this.”

You are one of the very few editors who actually write pieces in your magazine. What advice do you have for interns who got horrible bosses for editors?

Kojo: “The writing of pieces is very different from being a boss. Sometimes I think I am very distant from colleagues and interns because I write. The act for me is a very solo one. Horrible bosses are in general difficult to handle but the first question one should ask is why are you in that space. If you are an intern and looking to get an understanding of how things work then your focus should be on that. Any magazine is a high pressure, high stress space - particularly during deadline - which means there are times when there are no niceties.”

What book are you currently reading? What CD is playing in your car?

Kojo: “Music changes constantly. On way to work, I was listening to Marilyn Manson - Born Villian. Right now, listening to Wu Tang's Forever. Book. Just finished Hiding In Hip Hop by Terrance Dean. Re-reading Russell Simmons' Do You as well as a book called What Technology Wants.”

Will you be MC at the Russell Simmons DESTINY Forum?

Kojo: “At this stage, it looks like it will be that way. I generally host or speak at all of our Destiny Man events as well as occasional joint event, like the Power of 40 event we've been doing with Bisquit.”

How many languages can you speak? Favourite holiday destination?

Kojo: “Fluently, I speak English and Sesotho. My French and German are very bad. I'm not much of a holidayer but I do love Ghana, but that's also tied to it being my roots and not having lived there for most of my life. I went to Sweden last year and would love to go back with the family to go skiing.”

What was it like growing up?

Kojo: “Although I grew up in Lesotho, my father did do all he could to ensure we could all live comfortably. The idea of a cheeseboy is a very South African one and I don't really buy into it because my background very different.”

You speak very fondly of your father. Are you willing to share a little about your mom?

Kojo: “My mother died in a car accident when I was 14 months. With my grandmother and an uncle. I survived with my nanny. Been a long journey to make sense of that.”

Tell me about you brothers/sister, how many kids' were you?

Kojo: “I have two brothers and two sisters. I'm #2 after my sister.”

You sometimes refer to yourself as a retired poet. Can you ever retire from that calling?

Kojo: “It took me a long time to define myself as a poet and then was pursuing it as a career. I wrote, published, performed, etc. At some stage, I decided I wasn't going to focus on that as career and went into other areas. Just because someone can play an instrument doesn't make them a working musician unless they decide that is career. That's my approach to idea of poetry. Not about a calling.”

What does family mean to you?

Kojo: “Family is extremely important for me. It is the sanctuary from which you engage with the world. My home and my family are my centre, solid ground - even when there is drama.”

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