CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards 2016: Jean-Luc Emile of Le Defi Media Group co-finalist

The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Competition is the most prestigious and respected Award for journalists across the African Continent. The grand award ceremony 2016 took place at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Saturday October 15th. Launched in 1995, its objective is to reinforce the importance of the role of journalists in Africa’s development and to reward, recognise and encourage journalistic talent across all media disciplines.

Among this year’s finalists was our colleague Jean-Luc Emile from Le Défi Media Group. Jean-Luc Emile was nominated for his report on the tragic story of Eleana Gentil, an 11-year old girl who was murdered. His report explores her living conditions as well as gathering testimonies from those who knew her.

The competition received over 1,600 entries - a record number - from 38 countries across the continent, including French and Portuguese-speaking Africa. Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International said: “The passion which African journalists display for telling compelling and top class stories knows no bounds.”

On his part Tim Jacobs, CEO MultiChoice Africa, said: “Africa has a vibrant media landscape which continues to develop in leaps and bounds. The finalists are to be applauded for their courage in covering some of the stories, many of which were in difficult circumstances.”

2016 Overall Winners

This year’s Overall Award is Asha Ahmed Mwilu and Rashid Iddi in the category News Impact Award. They were rewarded for their investigation documentary ‘Terror Crossing’ which aired on Kenya Television Network, Kenya.

Story Summary: Terror Crossing is an in-depth investigative documentary about the security intrigues at the Kenya-Somali border in Mandera county. It’s a high impact story told in the wake of Kenya’s plans to build a wall at her border with Somalia. The story was aired by Kenya Television Network in its investigative programme “The Lead”.

Asha Ahmed Mwilu bio: Kenyan journalist Asha Ahmed Mwilu is currently pursuing her Master’s degree at the University for the Creative Arts, Farnham, being the recipient of the 2015-2016 Chevening Scholarship. She previously held the position of Senior Reporter for Politics and Special Projects at Kenya Television Network (KTN), covering current affairs, security and political stories across Kenya and Africa including Terror Attacks by Al-Shabaab in Northern Kenya, The South Sudan Civil unrest, The Death of African Icon Nelson Mandela, The Westgate Siege in Kenya, Kenya’s 2013 General Election.

Rashid Iddi bio: Rashid Idi is a 1999 alumnus of the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication (KIMC) studying Film and Video production. He has worked in various media houses, with experience spanning 13 years in the industry and is currently a Senior Camera Man for Kenya Television Network (KTN). He has extensive experience in features, documentaries, investigative stories and commercials production, travelling widely for his work.

About the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Award

The ‘CNN African Journalist of the Year Competition’ was established in August 1995. In the early nineties Edward Boateng, then Regional Director of Turner Broadcasting (CNN’s parent company), was travelling around the African continent on business. During his travels he became concerned about the lack of respect journalists received and he decided to try and help them gain recognition for their hard work and commitment. Working with Edward to launch the first competition were Gary Streiker, then CNN Nairobi Bureau Chief, the late esteemed photographer Mohamed Amin and the late Esom Alintah, then Secretary General of the African Business Roundtable.

The Competition is for African nationals based on the continent and welcomes entries from journalists who have produced a story whose primary audience are based in Africa.  The first Awards Ceremony took place in Ghana on August 11, 1995. There were six winners that year from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria and Uganda. Since then, 19 more Awards Ceremonies have been held across the continent and the competition has grown into 14 categories which includes a newly added category: The Maggie Eales Young Journalist Award. This is named in honour of the late Maggie Eales, the CNN executive and former journalist who during her 20 year career at CNN was the driving force behind the development and growth of the African Journalist Awards.