Zim’s rising lady in USA

MC: Tell us more about yourself.

FG: I was born and raised in Bulawayo where I did my primary and secondary education. I am interested in both broadcast and print media. I also write poetry and I dream big in this media industry.

MC: What motivated you to enter the social media sector?

FG: I loved connecting with family and friends and the whole world opened up in a fresh new and exciting way. I came late to Twitter but now enjoy connecting in real-time with folks all around the world.

MC: Why Farai Media?

FG: Farai is my first name and means to “rejoice” or “be happy”. I wanted to convey that message and let it resonate through the stories we tell about Africa.

MC: How does Farai Media utilize social media?

FG: Social media is critical to Farai Media. That is how we share our stories with our readers. As a publisher of content, you have to go where folks naturally “congregate” and share your stories. So, because most folks gather around Facebook and Twitter, we use those platforms to broadcast our work.

MC: What is the role of social media in the African conversation?

FG: Social media has amplified our voices. The “Stop Kony 2012” campaign is an example of Africans stepping into that conversation and taking ownership of that particular narrative. I am proud to see Africans shaping the narrative and contributing to a global conversation.

MC: Who is benefiting from this?

FG: Twitter has saved lives. Think about it, there’s a person who will tweet roadblocks in South Africa and traffic jams in Nigeria. Communities have benefited.

MC: What are some of your best moments in the field?

FG: Tracking and celebrating the success stories of Africans world-wide; being on the Oprah show talking about African women and using the website FaraiToday as a platform to showcase the best of Africa!

MC: What is the importance of your brand?

FG: I use social media to engage with our readers, connecting with them in meaningful ways and sharing with them the exciting stories coming out of Africa. I am most thrilled when folks share Farai Media links. It is so intoxicating to know that our stories, somehow, somewhere are impacting lives.