Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo seems to be winning in life after he was recently named one of the top 100 most influential Africans. The ex-NTV journalist had his big break this year when he left the Nation Media Group as one of the top journalists citing lack of editorial independence, to join the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) Africa as the Business Editor for the bureau in Nairobi.
In a list released by New African, Larry Madowo was named as one of the Africans who have managed to influence the continent.
Larry took to social media to make the public the news in a humble-not-so-humble tweet.
Wait, even I was named among the 100 Most Influential Africans 2018! I’m not worthy, obviously, so how did that happen? Clearly @NewAfricanMag’s standards have really fallen 😂 pic.twitter.com/9eQPAhJgVG
— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) December 11, 2018
“Wait, even I was named among the 100 Most Influential Africans 2018! I’m not worthy, obviously, so how did that happen? Clearly @NewAfricanMag’s standards have really fallen,” said Larry in a tweet.
For the first time, the list is gender-balanced at 50 women and 50 men, with Nigeria dominating the entries, closely followed by Kenya and South Africa.
The annual list has become an industry highlight, unveiling Africans who contributed in shaping the African narrative in the concluding year and also those envisaged to play a big role in the coming year, both on the continent and in the diaspora.
The final 2018 tally sees a drop in the number of entries for politicians, but an increase in the Arts and Culture sections at 16 and 22 entries respectively.
Kenyans took to social media to congratulate Larry Madowo on making it to the list. Take a look at what they had to say about Larry making it to the list:
You were a popular personality here in Motherland, you have scaled the heights and you have become a Great Man of our Continent! …you just have to acknowledge the spirit and we are good to go!
— MJay (@JamesMuka2) December 11, 2018
https://twitter.com/KenfreyKatui/status/1072430658130206721
Trust me you deserve it and even more, Congratulations Larry, you made it!!!!
— hermajesty254 (@cynthiayub) December 11, 2018
Ujaluo and modesty, two things you don't find in the same place 😁
Congrats 🙌— Brian Kiprono (@Bryan74032617) December 11, 2018
Nyenyekea usifiwe…..your ancestors from Siaya are rolling in their graves based on your comment😀😆
— Subtlesavage (@PeterNMiss) December 11, 2018
According to the magazine, what helps them determine a person’s influence is their impact on public, social and political discourse. They also focus mainly on people who have been influential for Africa’s good.
“One yardstick which we often employ when coming up with the final list is to emphasise that influence is not about popularity and popularity is not always influential,” sais reGina Jane Jere, the Editor who leads and oversees the Most Influential Africans project.
Do you consider Larry Madowo to be an influential person in society?