My father inspired my passion for storytelling — GbolaJesu Amusa

United Kingdom-based cultural storyteller, creative curator and co-founder of Odyssey Media House, GbolaJesu Amusa, has said her passion for storytelling was inspired by her father.

Speaking about her early influences, she told Sunday Scoop, “Although I did not grow up immersed in my indigenous environment or have the opportunity to visit my village as frequently as many Nigerians do, my father intentionally used storytelling to keep me connected to my roots.

“Through his stories, he instilled in me a deep sense of identity, belonging and pride in my culture. Those early experiences showed me the power of storytelling—not just as entertainment, but as a tool for preserving heritage, shaping identity and building community. Today, that lesson continues to inspire my work, and I hope to use storytelling to amplify diverse voices and help future generations develop a stronger connection to their own cultural identities.”

Amusa also recalled that after moving to the United Kingdom for her master’s degree, she was surprised by how Africa was often perceived.

According to her, many people viewed Africa as a single country rather than a diverse continent made up of nations with distinct cultures, languages, histories and traditions. She added that African stories were not always told with the depth, authenticity and nuance they deserved, a realisation that motivated her to launch the YouTube series, African Entrepreneurs in Diaspora, and later co-found Odyssey Media House.

Explaining the significance of her work, Amusa said preserving and promoting African culture remains central to her mission.

“Preserving and promoting African culture remains a significant part of why I do this work. I want younger Africans in the diaspora to see stories that reflect their experiences, celebrate their heritage and remind them that their culture is something to be proud of. Representation matters, and the stories we tell today can help shape how future generations see themselves tomorrow.”

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Among the projects she has supported is the Bradford African Festival of Arts, a celebration of African culture, creativity and heritage, where she served as Media Lead. In that role, she oversaw the festival’s storytelling and audience engagement strategies across digital and physical platforms.

The event brought together families, creatives, entrepreneurs and community members to celebrate African culture while promoting greater visibility for African artists and cultural practitioners. Other initiatives she has contributed to include The Alternate Experience and the Pedal Power Youth Programme.

Speaking on the challenges faced by Africans in the diaspora, Amusa said many young people are growing up disconnected from their cultural heritage.

“Many African youths in the diaspora are growing up disconnected from their cultural heritage. In the pursuit of better opportunities and a brighter future, many African families have had to adapt to new environments and cultures. While that brings many benefits, it can sometimes result in younger generations having limited knowledge of their roots, traditions, languages and the stories that shaped their identities.”

She also revealed that she is currently working on several projects, including one she is particularly passionate about.

“One project I am particularly excited about is City in Frames, an initiative that uses photography workshops to empower people within our communities to tell stories through their own lenses. The project is centred on creativity, representation and giving people the tools to document and share their unique perspectives.”