Today we’d like to introduce you to Keturah King.
Keturah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have always loved acting & being in front of the camera and trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. I really wanted to take my love or acting from the theatre to the big screen, but didn’t want to become another starving artist – so I decided to send myself to school and pursue a double major (Journalism & Japanese). In the course of schooling and working two jobs (one in Celebrity PR and the other on air as an entertainment correspondent) I was headhunted by the world’s leading media house – CNN to become the face and voice of CNN Africa and host my own show called ‘African Voices’ on CNN International.
I am an accomplished journalist and television host whose work as an anchor, correspondent, writer and producer have gained international notoriety. As the host of CNN African Voices, my persona and gift of storytelling helped the network’s evolution revamping the program to a more fun and engaging show with trendsetting African culture at the epicenter. In 2018, I relocated to the United States where I joined the Associated Press/Arise 360 news platform as co-anchor. I have interviewed Hollywood stars such as Sting, Lupita Nyong’o, Kevin Hart, Bono, Naomi Campbell, Akon and NBA Champion Matt Barnes of the Golden State Warriors to name a few. I am a global citizen and have interviewed world leaders including notable statesman President Emmanuel Macron of France (in a history defining moment at The New Afrika Shrine in front of a global audience of millions), President Mohammed Buhari of Nigeria, former President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa and former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria amongst numerous other influential entrepreneurs across Africa.
I was born in London, England and raised around the world due to her diplomatic (United Nations) upbringing. A journey that has undeniably cultivated my talents and expanded my professional horizons. I’m known as an avant-garde journalist with a solid track record and I speak English, French, Yoruba, Japanese and conversational Swahili. I am currently reaching myself Spanish. I am multitalented and have simultaneously developed my career as a journalist with my interests in film, theatre, fragrance and cuisine. I starred in Africa Magic’s hit telenovela series “Battleground.” My character “Lara Thomas” portrayed a feisty financial guru and Head of Mergers and Acquisitions. The character’s popularity and my professionalism have garnered great interest with U.S. based films and opportunities that I continue to embrace with open arms.
In 2016, I appeared on a double cover for Made Magazine where she was featured for her bold style and accomplishments as host of CNN African Voices. I have also appeared in Elle Magazine, Forbes, Guardian Life, and covered red carpets for some of the entertainment industry’s biggest events such as the Academy Awards and Grammy Awards. I was most recently a fan favourite on Gordon Ramsay’s Masterchef USA 10th Anniversary Special. I am also a humanitarian and youth activist lending my voice and time to speaking engagements and initiatives supporting my numerous charitable interests and causes. “Each person that I interview teaches me more about myself. I take great pride and honor in sharing these experiences and stories with audiences all over the world.”
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My parents wanted me to follow in their footsteps at the United Nations, by studying politics public policy & economics or international relations. I couldn’t be dissuaded from following my creative dreams, so they stopped paying for my tuition and told me that if I wanted to follow my creative exploits then I had to pay my own way. We stopped speaking and I worked two jobs in order to be able to send myself to school.
When I finished my contract at the associated press New York, I had a choice of whether to stay there or move somewhere else. I decided to go and cover the war in Syria at the Turkish border to feel alive. When I came back to New York, I decided to move to LA on a wing and a prayer and about 100 bucks. It hasn’t been easy but it’s definitely been worth it. Choosing to follow my dreams was the best decision I ever made.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am most proud of the fact that, due to my live of books, I can hold an erudite conversation with anybody put in front of me – whether that be global leaders or noble statesmen. Interviewing French President Emmanuel Macron was like speaking with my best friend!
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memories from childhood would have to be opening up my own bakery at the age of six going on seven in my mother’s kitchen & teaching myself how to bake from cookbooks and watching cooking channels. I’d then sell my cakes to my auntie‘s and uncles! I’ve always been an entrepreneur. Another one of my favorite memories was watching my baby brother being born…In that moment, I learnt the true meaning of unconditional love.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.keturahking.com
- Email: [email protected], [email protected]
- Instagram: @keturah_king
- Facebook: @keturah.a.king
- Twitter: @keturah_king_
- Other: www.jetsetket.com; https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=idWin_czHRM
Image Credit:
Getty
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