BOX OFFICE: YOUNG, AMBITIOUS AND BOLD. THE NEW LEADERS SHAPING AFRICA

Joan Ngomba has it: effortless confidence and flow, style in abundance. Joan Ngomba grew up in Cameroon as an extrovert, but since breaking out in the industry, she has taken giants strides there by making her brand global. One spotlight into her career, Joan Ngomba after getting the world's attention to her brand, remains somehow remains remarkably unphased, as if success was never in doubt. Earlier this year, Joan Ngomba connected with our founder Pelumi J. Adeboye in Lagos to discuss staying true to yourself, even when it feels impossible.

Background

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Welcome to PM Africa Under 40 Magazine Joan! You are here by virtue of becoming one of our 2024 Alumnus. What's something our readers might not know about you? 

JOAN NGOMBA: I am a huge football fan.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's your inspiration into becoming who you are today? 

JOAN NGOMBA: I wanted to be like Ik Osakioduwa in Cameroon.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What do people misunderstand about you most?

JOAN NGOMBA: They think I am too nice. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's your favourite childhood memory? Tell me

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Playing with dolls made out of grass?

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: If you could be remembered for one thing, what would it be? 

JOAN NGOMBA: My work.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What was your biggest failure and what did you learn from the experience?

JOAN NGOMBA: I don't see it as failures. They are always lessons I had to learn. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's the best compliment you've ever received? 

JOAN NGOMBA: I'm the next TED Red carpet host.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's an insult you've received and you've been proud of?

JOAN NGOMBA: That my lios were too thick. Now, it's my selling point. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's a funny story your family tells about you that you'd like to share? 

JOAN NGOMBA: That when I was a kid, my stomach always announced my entrance into anywhere.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE:  What's your favourite holiday movie and what does it say about you? 

JOAN NGOMBA: Home Alone. I man up and face my fears. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What has been your favourite job you've held?

JOAN NGOMBA: Content Creator and TV Host for Pulse.ng/Pulse TV. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Tell me about the three most influential people in your life and how they've impacted you. 

JOAN NGOMBA: My mom (Her determination and drive are what I measure myself). IK Osakioduwa (He's job as a radio presenter at Rythm FM made my venture into Media). Guilana Rancic (Her story as a TV Host from Italy to E! In the USA is all I needed as encouragement to never give up)

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What does your morning routine looks like?

JOAN NGOMBA: Okay. Wake up, Pray, Respond to Emails. DMS, etc and post on my TV shows social media platforms including responding to comments on YouTube, then do some laundry, make food for my daughter, then do some work as media consultant, make phone calls for job opportunities, go out for meeting or date. Return home, dinner, watch TV (Football games, a movie or cartoons with my daughter and then head to bed.

Career

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Briefly take us through your career background as a Media expert. 

JOAN NGOMBA: My first taste of the media was at the Ocean city Radio in Limbe as host of prime drive show called 100% HipHop in 2007. Then I moved to Nigeria in 2009 and worked with Biscon World TV/Bisi Olatilo Show. In 2011, I briefly worked as PA to the GM of Look Media Nigeria. In 2012/13 I was working for Pulse Nigeria as Editor, Celebrity Category and a TV Host & Producer. I returned to Cameroon and created my own media company called DcodedTV till present. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's one thing about your career that you didn't expect? 

JOAN NGOMBA: Honestly, That I will be hosting the biggest entertainment award show in Cameroon - Canal D'or Awards Infront of the First Lady, Madam Chantal Biya. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: So tell me, what is the biggest challenge you've faced in your career right now and how are you tackling it? 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Funding and Sponsorships for my TV content, Plus, TV stations not realising they need to buy from independent producers like myself. They always want contents for free.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's the most important lesson you've learned in your career so far?

JOAN NGOMBA: Relationships are better than money! 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: In your opinion, what's the most important strength or personality trait someone would need to be successful in your job?

JOAN NGOMBA: Determination and the will never to give up on your dreams and hardwork. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone starting out in your field?

JOAN NGOMBA: Ask yourself hard questions and answer them honestly.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Who has been your important professional mentor?

JOAN NGOMBA: Chief Bisi Olatilo

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's one lesson your job has taught you that you think everyone should learn at some point in their life? 

JOAN NGOMBA: Always be ready to go! Meaning you have to master your craft to the point where delivering yourself shouldn't be a problem anywhere, anytime.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's one thing in your field of expertise that no one agrees with you about?

JOAN NGOMBA: In Cameroon, Journalists don't make alot and they are always disrespected by the powers that be.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's your favourite productivity hack for entrepreneurs?

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Get as much sleep, your brain needs it. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Hahahahahahahaha. At what time of the day, do you get your works done?

JOAN NGOMBA: In the mornings. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What underrated tools are indispensable in your job?

JOAN NGOMBA: Microphones, Cameras, Laptop and proper lights. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Mm..hmm. If you could then start a business tomorrow, what would that business be? 

JOAN NGOMBA: A school to train young media professionals. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What occupation other than your own would you like to try?

JOAN NGOMBA: Tailoring.

Love Life

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Do you believe in love at first sight? Why or why not?

JOAN NGOMBA: Yes I do! Because you can't control your feelings. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: When last did you fall in love for the first time? What was that like?

JOAN NGOMBA: When I was in secondary school and it was a good feeling but it was also quite deceitful. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What are some oy your biggest challenges in relationships?

JOAN NGOMBA: Availability and Honesty. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Do you remember your first date ever? And Where did you go? 

JOAN NGOMBA: I can't remember but I'm sure it was close to my house.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What is the most romantic thing you've ever done for someone? 

JOAN NGOMBA: A suprise birthday party.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Do soulmates really like exist? What do you think and why?

JOAN NGOMBA: Perhaps they do but I haven't found any.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's your best advice for someone navigating a breakup?

JOAN NGOMBA: Go through it. Cry, hit the wall and then calm down, drink some tea and move on. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: How soon is it too soon for someone to tell someone you love them?

JOAN NGOMBA: It's a while for me. I must be convinced by my partner's love for me. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What three things do you think are most important in relationships? 

JOAN NGOMBA: Friendship, Attraction and Finance. 

Social Media 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Do you have a favourite social media app?

JOAN NGOMBA: Yes, Instagram.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: How much do you spend on social media each day?

JOAN NGOMBA: I run a news blog, so social media is my work place. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Do you prefer text based, photo based or video based social media content?

JOAN NGOMBA: Video based is more exciting, authentic and reliable. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What are the three top accounts, you follow on social media right now. 

JOAN NGOMBA: The Shade Room, Fabrizio Romano and The View.

PELUMI J ADEBOYE: What was your first ever social media handle and which platform did you use? 

JOAN NGOMBA: That will be HI5! I can't remember the handle

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Is there anything you wish to change about the social media world? 

JOAN NGOMBA: Nothing oh! Perhaps include a Voice note option in the comment section for Facebook and IG

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: If you could start a new social media platform. What would it be?

JOAN NGOMBA: Lol. I'm not smart like that.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's next for social media? What do you think the future looks like?

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: More video content and may be an AI take over.

Sports

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What are your top three favourite sports and why?

JOAN NGOMBA: Football, Swimming and Running. They are fun, creative and simply beautiful to watch. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: When did you first get interested in playing sports?

JOAN NGOMBA: When I was a child, I was the cheerleader of our primary school football team and I took interest in watching matches on TV. 

PELUMI J ADEBOYE: What were your major sporting goals growing up?

JOAN NGOMBA: To marry a football player lol. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Do you have a great accomplishment you'd like to share?

JOAN NGOMBA: None that I know of. I played basketball and running in SSC school.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Who are your greatest sporting icons?

JOAN NGOMBA: Leo Messi, Samuel Eto'o, Micheal Jordan and Usain Bolt.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: If you could speak with any sports player in history, who would you choose? 

JOAN NGOMBA: Leo Messi

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What's a lesser sport, you've always wanted to try?

JOAN NGOMBA: Snooker

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Did you always want to be involved in sports professionally?

JOAN NGOMBA: No.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: What tips would you give somebody starting out in the sports industry?

JOAN NGOMBA: I am not a professional in that field so I'm not the right person to advice anyone. 

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Do you think sports education is important for schools?

JOAN NGOMBA: Oh yes!

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Mmm..hmm cool! So we've had a beautiful contact with you. One that will stay with us for a long time. 

What's one question you wish I'd asked you, and how would you have answered? 

JOAN NGOMBA: Why Cameroon entertainment content are almost not available on international media platforms? Then i think the major platforms believe we are a French nation and do not understand that Cameroon has TWO ENGLISH SPEAKING REGIONS/STATES which are very creative , innovative and competitive in the content creation industry. We just need the platforms to showcase what we've got.

PELUMI J. ADEBOYE: Mm..hmm!

Where can our readers find you online?

JOAN NGOMBA: I am available on all social media platforms @joanngomba @freakytable and my YouTube channel @dcodedtvstudios