Esse Akwawa is a visionary storyteller whose love for narrative art was seeded in the early days of her childhood, surrounded by rich African traditions and ancestral wisdom.
Today, that childhood fascination has evolved into a creative force reshaping how African stories are told and seen around the globe.
What makes Esse truly distinctive isn’t just her professional accolades or the breadth of her portfolio, but the soul behind her mission.
She champions stories that connect, uplift, and reflect the nuanced vibrancy of African heritage.
In this interview, Esse reflects on the roots of her passion, the entrepreneurial leap that birthed Webek Studios, and the future of African storytelling from a place of boldness, authenticity, and purpose.
TWN: Let’s go back to the beginning—what early influences or moments ignited your interest in storytelling and media?
Esse: Storytelling has always felt intrinsic to who I am. Growing up, I was immersed in narratives full of wisdom, humour, and deep history. I vividly recall watching the news with my dad—something kids my age rarely did—but I was fascinated. I thought I’d become a newscaster!
Later on, after working in media, I realized storytelling wasn’t just about sharing facts. It was about perspective, connection, and sparking meaningful dialogue. I’ve worked in various fields—editing, presenting, artist management, even banking—but I always found myself returning to storytelling. That pull never left, and it’s what led me here.
TWN: You led Accelerate Studios before launching Webek. How did that chapter influence your vision as a creative entrepreneur?
Esse: Accelerate was pivotal for me. It taught me how to nurture creativity within a structured framework—how to build agile teams, create commercially sound content, and match storytelling with brand goals. But it also made me aware of a gap: there weren’t enough bold, culturally-rooted stories that had global relevance. That gap became the inspiration behind Webek Studios.
TWN: Webek Studios is making waves despite being a relatively new venture. What motivated its creation, and what guiding principles shape its direction?
Esse: Webek officially launched in March 2025—so yes, we’re still very much in the early phase. But the idea has been long in the making. We wanted to create a flexible, daring studio that centers African voices and forms global alliances to amplify them.
Our mission is ambitious—we aim to rank among the top five production houses globally. We believe that if we stay committed to authentic, high-quality storytelling, we’ll get there.
TWN: What has the initial journey of building Webek looked like—what have been your early highlights and the challenges you’ve faced?
Esse: It’s been intense, beautiful, and instructive. In three months, we’ve developed several projects, premiered at international festivals, and formed an extraordinary team. But we’ve also dealt with the realities of building something from scratch—limited resources, tight timelines, and learning systems on the go.
Still, our clear vision and the team’s dedication have kept us moving forward. Every milestone feels like a big win.
TWN: You’ve had projects featured on platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. What helps you determine which stories are worth telling?
Esse: I’m mostly drawn to narratives that are deeply human yet culturally rich—stories with emotional impact and moral complexity. Whether it’s fiction or documentary, I ask: does this matter? Will it spark introspection or conversation? Will someone feel seen?
And importantly, can the story travel globally without losing its essence? If the answer is yes, I know it’s worth pursuing.
TWN: The creative industry in Africa is evolving rapidly, but not without challenges. What hurdles have you encountered, and how have you adapted?
Esse: Even within these first few months, we’ve faced typical challenges: scarce funding, fragmented markets, and infrastructural gaps. But these hurdles have made us more resourceful.
We’re learning to work with what we have, pivot when needed, and keep innovating. We can’t afford to wait for perfect conditions—progress comes from movement.
TWN: You’ve worked across various sectors. How has your diverse background informed your leadership and approach to content creation?
Esse: My journey spans creative, operational, and corporate environments. That blend allows me to think strategically while still being empathetic and intuitive.
At Webek, I’m very deliberate about nurturing a collaborative, high-performance culture. We’re not just churning out content—we’re cultivating a sustainable creative ecosystem.
TWN: With international attention increasingly focused on African storytelling, what, in your opinion, makes a narrative resonate beyond borders?
Esse: Authenticity, hands down. Stories that don’t dilute their roots or pander to trends tend to be the most resonant.
Audiences worldwide are craving sincerity, texture, and depth, and African narratives offer that in abundance. When told with conviction and craft, they don’t just resonate—they stay with people.
TWN: What can we expect next from you and Webek Studios—are there any upcoming projects you’re particularly excited about?
Esse: Absolutely. Our short film, The Screen Test, just won Best Short Film at Nollywood Week Paris 2025. We’re also developing a feature film inspired by a true story, exploring international co-productions, and expanding our reach through our digital platform, NollyFilm Media.
We recently launched The Culture League, a weekly talk show hosted by footballers Victor Boniface, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka. It debuts July 11 on Webek Studios’ YouTube channel.
Beyond that, we’re continuing to engage global audiences through festivals, distribution deals, and creative partnerships that align with our mission.
TWN: What words of advice would you offer aspiring African content creators aiming to make an impact?
Esse: Don’t wait for approval—start now, with what’s within your reach. Your voice matters.
The world is finally listening to African stories, but it’s up to us to tell them with integrity, courage, and finesse. Be bold, stay curious, and lead with purpose. That’s how we create lasting change.
