ABOUT
Binwe Adebayo
Made by Kenya and Nigeria
Born in Nairobi
Raised in Durban
Lives & works in Johannesburg
BIO
In my wonderfully rich career, I've had the opportunity to pursue knowledge and creativity to it's fullest. Whether it's profiling a new artist for a magazine, producing branded storytelling projects or building research towards greater knowledge and equality, my work is varied, challenging and perfect for the unrooted, mobile world of the 21st century.
At just 28, I have been lucky enough to get academic support from the Mellon Foundation, write for publications like City Press and CNN Style, create original work for brands like Adidas and help brands like Lil Lets take consumer and citizen research and use it to create inclusive, authentic content experiences. And what I don't know how to do, I'm always happy to learn.
Fundamentally I'm interested in the everyday customs, cultures and practices which stitch together our world. I'm passionate about young and particularly black people having a (legitimate, clearly heard) voice in global conversations, and I'm excited about a future where creativity is used to engage and implement our visions for inclusive, equitable futures for people and our planet.
CV
Education
2018-2019 MA | Rhodes (Distinction)
2011-2014 BJourn | Rhodes (Upper 2nd)
Thesis available here: https://bit.ly/3xo6Q9B
Employment
2023: Human Sciences Research Council (Editor)
2019 - Present: Baby Mogul (Managing Director)
2019 - Present: NATAAL Magazine (South Africa Editor)
2018-2019: The Bar (Editor in Chief)
2017 - Retroviral (Lead Strategist)
2015-2016: G&G Digital (Head of Social Media)
2015: City Press (Arts/Culture journalist)
Scholarships & Awards
2022: Best Brand Film - The Ones Who by Johnnie Walker (Role: Africa Partner Manager)
2020: True Love Magazine Class of 2020 (14/50)
2019: Outstanding Performance: Politics 3rd Year Tutor
2018: Full Colours: Academics
2018: Dean's List
2018 - Mellon Foundation MA Scholarship
2017: AdsOfTheWorld: Russell Hobbs, Rocomammas
2014: Full Colours: Academics
2014 - Rhodes Academic Merit Scholarship
2014 - Media24 Final Year Scholarship
2013-2014: Dean's List
2014: Rhodes Investec Top 100 Students
2011: Golden Key
2010 - De Beers English Olympiad Scholarship
2010: Heart of Europe Debating Champion: Team South Africa
2010: African Schools Debating Champion: Team South Africa
Panels & Talks
2023: Sustainable Together (Goethe-Institut; British Council; Twyg)
2022 - 5FM Life Orientation
2021 - British Council x Twyg Design Futures South Africa
2021 - The A1 Online - The Business of Creativity
2020 - British Council Digify Africa: Women in the Digital Economy
2020 - Black Editors - Profile interview
2020 - Latitutes Guest Curator
2020 - Between 10and5 Guest Curator
2020 - PowerFM Thought Council
2019 - Chair and Discussant - London School of Economics: Millennium Conference
2018: Mellon Foundation Seminar on Southern Epistemologies: "Belonging beyond the nation"
2018 - MC: Rhodes Investec Top 100
2018 - Creative Mornings
2014: MC: Rhodes Investec Top 100
2016: Bookmark Awards - Best Low Budget Campaign - Vespa
Publications
South Africa: City Press, Sunday Times Lifestyle, New Frame, Bubblegum Club, House and Leisure, Tagged Online, Twyg, Destiny/Destiny MAN, News24, The Mercury, Between10and5, Daily Maverick, News24, Channel24, The Mercury, Independent Online, The Bar (former Editor in Chief), TimesLive
Pan African: AllAfrica
Zambia: AfriPop!
Nigeria: Dynamic Africa
United Kingdom: NATAAL, Notes on Love (book chapter)
United States: CNN Style, OkayAfrica
Germany: Kulturaustauch, Hello Clue
Italy: Folios (Moleskine Foundation)
Australia: Exceptional Alien
Research and Academia:
2023: Guest Lecturer: Rhodes University Journalism and Media Studies
2023: Journal of Public Administration
2023: Current Sociology (Special Edition)
2023: Editor for Human Sciences Research Council (Policy briefs, reports, journal articles)
2023: Annual Report author - Health insurance provider (NDA)
2019: Research Assistant/ Project Manager for Prof Harry Dugmore's book for the Open Society Foundation
Brands & Companies
Adidas
South African Tourism
H&M
Cape Town Art Fair
British Council
Vespa
Johnnie Walker
Nestle
Mami Wata Surf
Jack Black Beer
Castle Lite
Bombay Sapphire
Oppo
Reebok
Heineken
South African Tourism
Lil-Lets
Pepkor
Purina
Profmed
Woolworths
Russell Hobbs
Terrace Africa
CocaCola Group
Country Road Group
Standard Bank
*Those which can be disclosed, further available upon enquiry.
Koaile Monaheng
Teaching Assistant
Rhodes University
Binwe Adebayo is a raw talent and energy. Working closely with her meant I got to experience how the novelty of excellence never wore off (even, and especially on difficult days)
Mike Sharman
CEO/Executive Creative Director
Retroviral
Binwe is the strategic, candid, breath of fresh air your brand has been looking for, with her finger on the pulse of the trending zeitgeist. Her insights will unlock new revenue streams for you
Kultwuano Hlomuka,
Brand Manager
Studio88
Binwe is incredible. She goes above and beyond the brief. She takes pride in her work and she’s a perfectionist. She makes your job easier through her immaculate will power to do all she does thoroughly.
Julie Vergez
International producer
Machin
Binwe is one of a kind. I only work with people who have strong cultural knowledge, strong ethics and who can bring fun to the work. But when it comes to dealing with clients and negotiations, its hard to find professionals who will nail the job but also contribute positive to the working culture. And that's who Binwe is - a jewel - highly professional, calm and a key player of our creative industry.