Esse Akwawa is a dynamic storyteller whose passion was ignited in childhood, growing up immersed in rich African traditions and tales filled with wisdom, humor, and history.

This deep-rooted love for storytelling blossomed into a fearless creative vision that is now transforming how African stories are told and shared with the world.

What sets Esse apart isn’t just her impressive body of work or the awards she’s earned, it’s the heart and purpose behind everything she creates.

She believes deeply in the power of stories to connect people, challenge perceptions, and celebrate African culture on a global stage.

In this interview, Esse shares the heart behind her passion, the lessons learned building a groundbreaking studio from scratch, and her unwavering belief in the transformative power of stories that dare to be truthful, bold, and beautifully African.

CA: Esse, your journey in African media and storytelling is truly remarkable. Can you take us back to the beginning, what first sparked your passion for storytelling and content creation?

Esse: Storytelling has always been part of my DNA. Growing up, I was surrounded by rich traditions, stories that carried wisdom, humor, and history. As a child, I was captivated by newscasters and would eagerly watch the news with my dad, something quite unusual for someone my age, but I genuinely found it fascinating.

At the time, I wanted to become a newscaster myself. Later, working in media, I discovered that storytelling didn’t just inform, it could shift perspectives, ignite conversations, and connect people in powerful ways.

That’s when I knew I didn’t just want to report stories, I wanted to tell them creatively. I’ve worn many hats over the years: magazine editor, TV presenter, events and artist manager, even a stint in banking. But storytelling has always pulled me back. That enduring passion is what led me to where I am today.

CA: Before co-founding Webek Studios, you led Accelerate Studios and oversaw several acclaimed projects. How did that chapter shape your perspective as a media entrepreneur?

Esse: Accelerate Studios was a defining period for me. It was where I learned how to scale creativity, how to build strong creative teams, develop commercially viable content, and align storytelling with brand strategy.

It taught me the importance of structure, vision, and systems in the creative world. But it also revealed what was lacking in the industry which is space for bold, culturally grounded stories with global ambition. That realization became the seed for Webek Studios.

CA: Webek Studios has quickly become a force in African media. What inspired its founding, and what core vision continues to drive the company today?

Esse: We officially launched Webek Studios on March 2025, so we’re still very much in our infancy, just three months old. But the vision behind it has been brewing for years.

We set out to build a nimble, creatively fearless studio that centers African stories while forming global partnerships to take them further.

Our mission is bold but clear: to become one of the top five production companies in the world. We believe deeply that the quality and cultural truth of our storytelling will carry us there.

CA: What were the early days of building Webek like, from the wins to the growing pains, and how did you navigate that journey as a producer and leader?

Esse: We’re still in the thick of those early days, and every milestone feels incredibly meaningful. In just three months, we’ve developed multiple projects, premiered work at international festivals, and assembled an exceptional creative team.

But it hasn’t been without its growing pains, navigating lean resources, building systems from scratch, and managing ambitious timelines.

What keeps us grounded is our clarity of purpose and the commitment of a team that truly believes in the vision.

CA: You’ve brought stories to life across Prime Video, Netflix, and beyond. What guides your decision-making when choosing the stories to tell?

Esse: I’m drawn to stories that are emotionally resonant, culturally specific, and morally conscious, yet universally human.

Whether it’s a drama, a comedy, or a documentary, I ask: is this story necessary? Will it spark a conversation? Will it make someone feel seen or challenged or inspired? And most importantly, can it travel without losing its authenticity? That’s always the bar.

CA: The African film and television industry is evolving fast. What unique challenges have you faced leading a creative company on the continent, and how have you learned to overcome them?

Esse: Even in these first few months, we’ve encountered the common challenges, limited access to funding, infrastructural gaps, fragmented markets. But these constraints have made us more inventive.

We’ve learned to build with what we have, stay agile, and use every challenge as an opportunity to innovate. We’re not waiting for ideal conditions; we’re moving forward regardless.

CA: How has your personal and professional background influenced the way you lead teams, shape content, and navigate strategy in today’s fast-moving media landscape?

Esse: My background cuts across creative, operational, and corporate roles, which allows me to lead from a well-rounded perspective. I understand the importance of systems and strategy, but I also lead with empathy and intuition.

At Webek, I’m intentional about building a collaborative, excellence-driven culture. We are not just making content, we are creating a space where creativity can thrive sustainably.

CA: There’s a global appetite for African storytelling like never before. In your view, what makes a story resonate across cultures and continents?

Esse: Authenticity. Stories that are rooted in truth and cultural specificity and without apology are the ones that resonate the most.

Audiences across the world are hungry for texture, depth, and emotional honesty. African stories have all of that. When we tell them with boldness and craft, they don’t just resonate, they linger.

CA: What’s next for you and Webek Studios, any projects or milestones we should look forward to?

Esse: We are gearing up for a very exciting season. Our short film The Screen Test just screened and won Best Short Film at Nollywood Week Paris 2025.

We are currently prepping a feature based on a powerful true story, developing international co-productions, and expanding our digital footprint through our YouTube platform, NollyFilm Media.

We also just launched a new weekly talk show, The Culture League, hosted by Nigerian footballers Victor Boniface, Wilfred Ndidi, and Frank Onyeka. It premieres July 11th on Webek Studios’ YouTube channel.

Beyond that, we’re building our global presence through festivals, platform deals, and partnerships that align with our bold storytelling goals.

CA: Lastly, what’s one piece of advice you’d give to emerging African storytellers and media creators hoping to make their mark in the industry?

Esse: Don’t wait for permission. Start where you are, use what you have, and trust your voice. The world is finally paying attention to African stories, but it’s up to us to tell them with clarity, heart, and craft. Be intentional, stay curious, and always choose courage over comfort.