AMAKA is proud to announce the recipients of the AMAKA Internship Grants, awarded to outstanding creators who exemplify the spirit of diversity and inclusivity in the media and creative industries. These grants provide valuable opportunities for underrepresented voices to gain experience and contribute to leading organisations in the industry. Here’s a look at the talented individuals who have been awarded these prestigious internships:

Sony Music: Melony Akpoghene (Nigeria)

Melony Akpoghene is a culture journalist with a keen interest in exploring culture, identity, and music. Her work has been featured in prominent publications such as Refinery29, Culture Custodian, and The Cut.

NATIVE: Nenritji Esther Suwa (Canada)

Nenritji Esther Suwa is a creative writer and content creator with a Bachelor of Arts in Art, Culture, and Media from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. She has a passion for artistic creations, digital content, and literary writing, with a strong focus on storytelling that amplifies African voices and perspectives.

NAW: Sarah Banda (South Africa)

Sarah Banda is the founder of Chic-Tribe Digital Magazine, a platform dedicated to celebrating and empowering women through impactful storytelling. With over five years of experience in content creation and writing, Sarah is a prominent advocate for gender equality, youth development, and women's empowerment.

IC Publications: Eniola Olatunji (Nigeria)

Eniola Olatunji is a final-year law student and professional writer with aspirations of winning prestigious literary awards, including The Caine Prize for African Writing, The Nobel Prize in Literature, and The Booker Prize.

Amplify Africa - Mary-Grace Olu (UK)

Mary-Grace Olu is a Trainee Solicitor at Clifford Chance and a dynamic content creator with over 90,000 TikTok followers. Known for bridging the gap between corporate law and Gen Z, she won Legal Cheek’s “Best Use of Social Media” award in 2024 and was named a Top 10 Black Undergraduate by Sky and TargetJobs in 2022. A graduate of LSE and the University of Law, Mary-Grace has made a global impact in the Afro hair and beauty space, partnering with brands like Barclays and eBay, and winning the McCann London x Women's Association "Cannes Challenge" in 2023.

Internships like those offered through AMAKA play a crucial role in promoting diversity and inclusivity in the media and creative industries. By providing underrepresented voices with the opportunity to work with leading organisations, these internships help to diversify perspectives and drive innovation. As Melony Akpoghene noted, “This internship represents the catalyst for transformation. It will help me build a credible reputation in the industry and spur career advancement.”

Nenritji Esther Suwa echoed this sentiment, stating, “I’m passionate about creating content that showcases our experiences and culture. I believe Native Magazine is an ideal platform to nurture my growth as a writer.”

These grants not only provide practical experience but also serve as a stepping stone for future leaders in the industry, ensuring that diverse voices continue to shape the media landscape.

Congratulations to all the recipients of the AMAKA Internship Grants. We look forward to witnessing the remarkable contributions these talented creators will make in their respective fields. Through their work, they are helping to build a more inclusive and diverse industry, where all voices are heard and celebrated.  Don't miss out on other exciting opportunities—apply to our other AMAKA initiatives today!