Meet Kinnawa AfricanThunder Kaitibi | Director & Media Personality

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kinnawa AfricanThunder Kaitibi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kinnawa AfricanThunder, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I pursued a creative career to develop meaningful content that black and brown people could be proud of and entertained by at the same time. I feel that there is a lot of content based on making fun of our culture and people, but I wanted to create a different lane that still allows entertainment to be felt but opens the door for lessons to be learned by the viewers. Whether it be short films, interviews, or mini podcast discussions, I do my best to pass along gems of knowledge through these various entertainment platforms.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I own a media production company, AfricanThunder Inc, specializing in photography, cinematography, marketing/branding, and artist development. I have accomplished much at a young age, but the most challenging part of running my business is always trying to satisfy my urge to do better. I find it hard to dream so big and know that some of my desires are one right decision– one lucky eye catch — one opportunity away from being achieved. I feel that sometimes we, as creatives, get caught up in chasing the dream so much that we forget to celebrate the moment. I have learned to celebrate my wins no matter how small they are. My business started as a small idea of a college student thinking in his dorm room, but several years later, it has grown to own multiple studios with clients across the United States.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love visiting Atlanta. What is crazy is that I ALWAYS do something different every time I’m in the city. I have a lot of business that brings me to ATL and the neighboring cities, so if my best friend came to town, I would do the same thing I do each time a friend pulls up on me— I would say we are going with the flow. After we work on whatever project I have planned that day, we’ll hit a bar, lounge, and sightsee a new city area. My friends know I always find something interesting to get into, and that’s precisely what we do every time. ATL is a fun place to be! I spend so much time planning my projects with clients, so it is refreshing to just spontaneously visit a new spot when I am free of that.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost, shout out to God. He shows favor in everything I give my all to, and I can’t thank my Lord and Savior enough. Second, I would like to shout out my family, especially my parents. My mom and dad came to this country and worked from ground zero to build a life for my siblings and me. They taught me that I would achieve my dreams and goals through hard work, perseverance, love, consistency, and positivity. Last but not least, I would also like to shout out anyone that has ever supported me. I go harder each time I see or hear happiness coming from those who have supported me. Honestly, I appreciate all of those who have supported me across my journey, whether it be from the beginning or recently. You all are the true heroes of my story, and I cannot thank you enough.

Website: ohitskinnawa.com

Instagram: @ohitskinnawa

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kinnawa-kaitibi-00959569/

Twitter: @ohitskinnawa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhItsKinnawa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/africanthunderinc

Image Credits
M.D. Whit Productions, Ryan Long Photography, Tae Snapz Photography, No. 89 Photography, Jalen Burkins Photography, Quality Pics Productions