The Power Of Writing For African Diaspora With Zoanne Evans
Storytelling has always been at the heart of African and Afro-Caribbean cultures. It’s how history is passed down, how identities are formed, and how the world comes to understand the experiences of people in the African Diaspora. In the age of digital entrepreneurship, the art of storytelling has evolved, offering an exciting opportunity for African Diaspora creatives to take control of their narratives, build successful businesses, and amplify their voices on a global stage.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
But the question remains: how can you, as a creative entrepreneur, leverage the power of storytelling to drive success in your business? That is what we are talking about in this article.
Here is the full podcast interview – Empowering Voices: Unleashing the Power of Writing for the African Diaspora with Zoanne Evans
The answer lies in the words of Zoanne Evans, a Barbadian writer whose career offers a blueprint for blending personal history, cultural pride, and entrepreneurial ambition. Zoanne’s work, from award-winning poetry and children’s literature to her advocacy for literacy in the Caribbean, shows how powerful stories can transform lives and drive social change.
In her recent conversation with Obehi Ewanfoh on the Obehi Podcast, Zoanne unpacked the deep roots of storytelling within the African Diaspora and shared valuable insights for creative entrepreneurs looking to attract the right audience and build a lasting legacy through their work.
From Family History to Creative Success: A Personal Legacy of Storytelling
Zoanne Evans’ journey as a writer began long before she ever put pen to paper. Raised in Barbados, she grew up with a deep connection to her family’s stories and the rich traditions of the island. “I was fortunate to know all four of my grandparents,” Zoanne recalled during her conversation with Obehi.
“I spent summers at their homes, learning from them, listening to their tales, and playing in the spaces they created.” These formative experiences, from flying kites with her maternal grandfather to learning carpentry from her paternal grandfather, left an indelible mark on Zoanne’s understanding of storytelling as both an art and a form of heritage preservation.
Her experience mirrors a larger trend in African and Caribbean communities: storytelling is an essential thread that weaves together the fabric of family and culture. For creative entrepreneurs in the African Diaspora, it’s this same connection to personal and ancestral narratives that can help you stand out in the digital marketplace.
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Whether you’re an artist, writer, filmmaker, or business owner, the stories you tell can resonate deeply with audiences who share similar histories, struggles, and triumphs.
The power of storytelling, particularly within the African Diaspora, isn’t just cultural—it’s also economic. As an entrepreneur, your story can become a cornerstone of your brand, helping you build a loyal audience while promoting economic growth in your community.
Writing for Empowerment: The Role of Self-Publishing in the Diaspora
One of the key lessons Zoanne shared with Obehi Ewanfoh is the importance of self-publishing as a tool for creative entrepreneurs to maintain control over their work and narratives. As a writer who has published five books, including her poetry collection The Song Within Me and children’s book Tameisha’s Adventure, Zoanne knows firsthand how liberating it can be to take charge of your literary journey.
In a world where the traditional publishing industry often overlooks voices like ours, self-publishing offers a way to ensure that our stories are told on our own terms. Although Zoanne reached a wider audience by having a publisher, self-published contributed to her success. “Book publishing has allowed me to reach communities that needed to hear these stories, especially in the Caribbean, where opportunities for writers can be limited.”
Zoanne’s experience is particularly relevant in the context of African Diaspora creatives today. The advent of digital platforms has made it easier than ever to bypass traditional gatekeepers and publish independently.
According to Statista (2022), the global self-publishing market has seen a significant rise, with authors from diverse backgrounds now able to publish their work digitally and reach a global audience with a few clicks.
As a creative entrepreneur, you can use these platforms—whether it’s through e-books, audiobooks, or digital content creation—to bring your stories to the forefront. Self-publishing is not only a tool for literary success; it’s also a means of building a brand, creating a following, and establishing a business model that generates income.
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By leveraging platforms like Amazon Kindle, Wattpad, and even social media, you can share your stories with a global audience without needing the approval of traditional publishers or distributors. This democratization of storytelling has created a powerful shift in how African Diaspora creators can build their businesses and make a living from their craft.
The Global Reach of Diaspora Storytelling: Building a Network of Creators
While self-publishing is an essential tool, Zoanne also emphasized the role of digital platforms and collaborative efforts in expanding the reach of African Diaspora storytelling.
In her own career, Zoanne has used various platforms to share her work with audiences far beyond the Caribbean, including children’s tales that have been featured at international events such as Expo Dubai 2020 and the International Day of Education 2020. “I submitted the work,” she said “and the organizers of the event digitized the short stories”.
These opportunities show that African Diaspora creators can use digital tools to reach global audiences.
“Storytelling is no longer confined to books or oral traditions,” Zoanne explained. “Now, with podcasts, blogs, social media, and video platforms, your story can travel around the world in an instant.”
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This is especially important for creatives who want to connect with other members of the African Diaspora, whether they are in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, or North America. The digital age has broken down geographical barriers, making it easier for you to build networks with other like-minded entrepreneurs and creatives.
The Obehi Podcast, which features interviews with leaders and experts from various industries, exemplifies the power of digital platforms in fostering these connections. Obehi Ewanfoh, the host, has built a platform that not only tells stories but also provides practical advice for African Diaspora entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.
Episodes like Zoanne’s interview shed light on how entrepreneurs can leverage their creative skills for both artistic and financial success.
This ability to connect globally is increasingly important. According to the World Bank (2021), the African Diaspora is one of the largest and fastest-growing global networks, with over 200 million people of African descent living outside of the continent. This represents a vast and diverse market that, when tapped into through storytelling and digital entrepreneurship, offers immense potential for growth.
Staying True to Your Narrative: Overcoming Challenges in the Creative Industry
As with any entrepreneurial journey, Zoanne’s path has not been without its challenges. From navigating the publishing world in a small island nation to staying true to her Caribbean roots while pursuing international recognition, Zoanne has had to overcome numerous obstacles. However, she views these challenges as opportunities for growth.
“I always tell young creatives to stay authentic,” Zoanne advised. “In a world that constantly tries to shape our identities, staying true to your own voice is the key to building a brand that resonates with others.”
Her advice resonates with many African Diaspora entrepreneurs who must often contend with the pressure to conform to mainstream expectations while trying to maintain their cultural integrity.
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For you, as a creative entrepreneur, this means embracing your heritage, your unique perspective, and your voice in the marketplace. Whether you are writing, producing, or creating content, the most successful businesses often come from a place of authenticity.
Studies show that consumers are more likely to support brands that align with their values and share their story, and this is especially true for African Diaspora entrepreneurs who are building businesses rooted in culture, history, and personal experience.
The ability to persevere through adversity is also crucial. According to a 2019 McKinsey Report on African American business owners, nearly 90% of Black entrepreneurs report facing significant barriers to accessing capital, networking opportunities, and resources.
Despite these challenges, the report notes that Black-owned businesses continue to thrive in sectors like media, arts, and digital entrepreneurship. This resilience is a testament to the power of storytelling in shaping not just cultural legacies but also successful businesses.
The Future of African Diaspora Storytelling: A Call to Action for Creatives
Looking ahead, Zoanne’s vision for the future of African Diaspora storytelling is both optimistic and inspiring. She believes that the next generation of writers, artists, and creatives has the potential to reshape global narratives and create lasting legacies.
“We are at a turning point in history,” Zoanne said. “With digital platforms, we have the power to tell our stories, to reclaim our narratives, and to shape the future of literature, business, and culture.”
For you, this means embracing the opportunity to build your brand, share your story, and make an impact on the world. Whether you’re a writer, content creator, or entrepreneur, the key to success lies in how you use your unique experiences and cultural heritage to connect with others.
As Zoanne’s work has shown, storytelling is not just an art form—it’s a tool for empowerment, education, and business growth.
So, what are you waiting for? Your story is waiting to be told. The world is ready to hear it. It’s time to harness the power of storytelling, embrace your authenticity, and create the future you want to see.
Want to learn more about storytelling? Start by downloading the first chapter of The Storytelling Mastery.
