Eight Questions for Chief Saka By Namwanja Margaret Chikwabi, Zambia

Chief Saka Dbosz Jr

Chief Saka (Saka Dbosz Jr) is a dynamic Nigerian entrepreneur, philanthropist, publisher, author, magazine proprietor, scholar, music industry guru, and the bankroller of WSA Magazine from 2017 until late 2018. To celebrate this special 50^th edition of the magazine, we decided to pay tribute to the Chief by way of ‘Eight Questions for Chief Saka’.

1. How did you become involved with WSA Magazine?

The magazine wasn’t there initially. What we had was Writers Space, a WhatsApp group set up by Anthony Onugba. I had met Anthony in another writers group where over time, members were fighting more about politics than paying attention to writing. Anthony told me about the need for a group strictly for writers and I agreed with him. He then started Writers Space and many of us joined. Later on, Anthony told me of his plans to start a magazine and he came up with the blueprint for Writers Space Magazine. I said this is good, but let’s make it unique by adding Africa so that we can be continental. He saw my point and birthed Writers Space Africa. Anthony was handling almost all the work at that time and I thank him for everything.

2. What drove your passion and commitment to funding the magazine for the period that you did?

In the beginning, Tonie (Anthony) handled the designs, editing and everything else to do with the magazine, and even his money went into it. We discussed the need to improve the quality of our magazine and the direction we were heading in. As a result, I said I would pay for the cost to produce the magazine. I didn’t hesitate in sponsoring anything that made our platform grow. Most of our members at that time were students, some were still struggling to find their feet, so we just took it upon ourselves to help the best way we could. Besides the magazine itself, we assisted with paying some school fees for some students, we held quiz nights and different competitions so that WSA members could get financial rewards. There was no dull moment and members were very active!

3. How proud and excited are you at seeing the magazine now celebrating its 50^th issue?

I’m really surprised that we are up to that number of editions. It feels like it’s just yesterday when we started the magazine. I’m very excited about this achievement and very grateful to everyone who has contributed to this success story.

4. Do you have particular books and authors that have meant something special to you?

Yes, I grew up on James Hadley Chase and Nick Carter. Quenie by Micheal Korda taught me so much during my school-going days. There is a book titled King of Kings by Malachi that influenced my style of writing. I also crave Toni Kan, Chim Newton, Anthony Onugba and David Dial. I’ve loved stories from the time I was a little boy listening to my maternal grandmother telling stories all night. We had no radio or television back then. I also love magazines and movies. I think I count myself among those with the largest private collection of reading materials and books, music collection and movies. But last year, I saw two collections that shut me up!

5. What words would you have for writers on the African continent?

In WSA, we talk to everyone about everything. We encourage ourselves to soldier on. I would tell writers to be committed to the art. Writing is not like politics or football where money flows in at will. In writing, you must be strong to that art. You must be faithful to writing. It is a long, slow road and only the committed will survive.

6. How do you spend your time when you’re not working?

I write and I read. My work involves a lot of writing, memos, minutes of meetings, and so on. They pour in every day. I’m lucky to have this talent because it has helped me so much in my work. I have won awards for my writing and for my job. I also do philanthropic things. I coach and mentor young people. I also exercise a lot and play with my children. We run, play soccer and all that.

7. Do you have a message for the readers of Writers Space Africa Magazine?

WSA Magazine is a growing space and we must all grow it, readers and writers alike. I encourage greater readership and to bring whatever contribution they can onboard.

8. What words of encouragement do you have for the Editorial team of WSA Magazine?

I would advise the Editorial team to see their appointment as an opportunity to contribute to this project. I would encourage them to see this as a service to humanity. WSA is involved in the training of young minds and that is a lot of work. Keep going, it’s a good thing that you’re part of.

Read – Interview with Maaza Mengiste – By Namwanja Margaret Chikwabi, Zambia