We were lucky to catch up with Ameyaw Debrah recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ameyaw, thanks for joining us today. Let’s start big picture – what are some of biggest trends you are seeing in your industry?

the media landscape in Ghana has seen a massive shift to digital in the last couple of years and i am excited for it. As a pioneer in blogging with over 16 years of experience under my belt, this brings excitement, home as well as challenges . when i started, it was difficult making revenue through Advertising because most businesses only considered traditional media for advertising. but today they have seen the power and potential of online media and are engaging with online platforms, creators, etc a lot more.

Social media is changing a lot in the media space as people are consuming content more and more on platforms such as twitter, instagram and facebook. this has forced big traditional media players to incorporate social media into their businesses as well.

the downside is that with so much content on these platforms the struggle is with how the algorithms distributes content to our audiences

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am the founder of Ameyaw Debrah Media, an online content publishing business based in Accra Ghana with an offshoot (Ameyaw Debrah Media LLC) in the USA. We publish www.ameyawdebrah.com an entertainment and lifestyle blog with focus of Ghana, Africa and the diaspora. We also have Ameyaw TV a video content channel and production business.

With an average combined reach of  over 20 million impressions a month across www.ameyawdebrah.com and our social media platforms, Ameyaw Debrah Media offers a variety of promotional packages suitable for everyone; from individuals, to startups and corporate entities.

From creating diverse content that cuts across entertainment, to people and lifestyle, we have created over the last decade, a premium audience that understands and appreciates the diversity of our content.

Our clients and partners have included DStv/GOtv, Coca Cola (Cokestudio Africa 2016, 2017), Ministry of Sports (FIFA Brazil 2014) , Huawei, Confederation of African Football (AFCON2017), Royal Air Maroc, Rwandair, Wines of South Africa, South Africa Tourism, Samsung, Taxify, Barefoot Wine, to name a few.

Ameyaw Kissi Debrah is a freelance journalist and blogger. He holds a degree in B.A Publishing Studies from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), where he was voted the Best Publishing Student of 2005.

Debrah was introduced to the world of entertainment, arts and culture when after university; he did his National Service at Ovation International Magazine in Accra. While at Ovation, he reported on entertainment and celebrity happenings in Ghana for the publication’s international audience.

The Journey Online
Ameyaw Debrah started his online writing by contributing to several US-based pan-African portals. He joined Orijin-ent.com in August 2007 and in October 2007 started contributing to Jamati.com. In November 2007, he joined the Voices of Africa, a project based in the Netherlands, where he submitted, videos, photos and news from Ghana for www.africanews.com.

After participating in the Highway Africa summit in Rhodes University, South Africa as a speaker on Digital Indaba, Debrah returned to Ghana to launch his personal blog, jadedrenegade.blogspot.com in June 2008. He also started contributing to ModernGhana.com as a columnist.

His works online caught the attention of many and in August 2008 he joined www.ghanaweb.com as a Content Editor. In June 2009 he launched his highly popular and syndicated blog, www.ameyawdebrah.com. In May 2012 he left Ghanaweb as a result of conflict of interest to focus fully on his blog.

His works online caught the attention of many and in August 2008 he joined www.ghanaweb.com as a Content Editor. In June 2009 he launched his highly popular and syndicated blog, www.ameyawdebrah.com. In May 2012 he left Ghanaweb as a result of conflict of interest to focus fully on his blog.

Creating the leading hub for Ghana’s pop culture, the hurdles and the wins! AmeyawDebrah.Com is 10 years old #10yearsofAmeyawDebrah

Today, the blog has become a leader in providing entertainment and lifestyle news not only in Ghana but also across Africa. Debrah has been a contributor on several pan-African platforms including StarGist on Africa Magic, www.dstv.com, and Glitz Africa Magazine.

Managing other online projects
Debrah joined Ringier Ghana Limited as project manager and in December 2014, launched Pulse.com.gh. He soon joined Yen.com Media Limited, a subsidiary of Genesis Technology, as Country Manager to launch YEN.com.gh in August 2015.

Through his work, Debrah has interviewed and met many international personalities such Kofi Annan, Rev Jesse Jackson, Lloyd, John Legend, Damon Dash, Ade Bantu, Trey Songz, Amber Rose, Ludacris, Coptic, Wyclef, Mario, Eve, Sean Paul, Jimmy Jean-Louis, David Clowney, Santonio Holmes and many others.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

when i left Ghanawb.com as content editor to focus fully on my website, It was challenging because i had to forego my salary and now look for ways to make www.ameyawdebrah.com generate revenue for me. Google took my website off the adsense program, which meant i had to find ways of getting direct Advertising from the market. meanwhile the market was not very ready for online advertsing back then. i introduced a rate card , charging a token for various promotional services i was offering. Gradually the people came around and now i am able to make revenue from different avenues.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I built my social media constantly over the period using engaging content from my blog and reacting to the issues of the day. i think being visible on social media in a manner where people can relate with you has worked for me. i dont just make posts, i interact with my audience, when they ask questions or leave comments. i engage with content on other people’s account. so i dont just exist on social media, but my presence can be felt and lived

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ameyawdebrah.com
• Instagram: @ameyaw112
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/ameyawofficial
• Linkedin: ameyaw debrah
• Twitter: @ameyawdebrah
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/ameyawtvofficia

Image Credits
Vine Imagery