Candid Intent, "A lasting book of record"
Q&A With Venuste Nshimiyimana about his much anticipated memoir
You are a well-known international broadcaster, especially across French-speaking Africa. How would you introduce yourself to those who are now finding out about you?
I have dedicated a total of 26 years to both the BBC and the Voice of America, yet it often feels as if my journey is just beginning.
My transition to the VOA happened four years ago, marking the start of a new captivating journey—an opportunity to engage a fresh audience in Central and East Africa.
Hosting The Missing Pearl show has been a deeply rewarding experience. It allows me to establish a profound connection with our listeners.
I am continuously evolving and learning. Particularly in my pursuit of Solution Journalism.
That’s where I aim to uncover the most effective ways of delivering stories that truly resonate with our audience, and which can move them to act in a way that’s transformative.
Traditionally, personalities write their memoirs when they are hanging the gloves if I may borrow such a metaphor from the boxing world. Is that also your case? What’s the timing for your book?
The year 2023 marks 20 years since the start of the Iraq war. This is fundamentally why 2023 is the year for my memoir. 20 years: It has been long enough, and yet not too long to have blunted my vivid experiences.
Otherwise, I’m still in the ring and thoroughly relishing the game, and that clearly transpires through my memoir, which is an open and candid discussion of my experiences.
As a masterclass, it achieves two things: 1) It sheds light on the challenges journalists face while reporting from the field. And 2) it provides a window into this mindset that serves as our primary tool for managing the demanding nature of our profession.
Ultimately, the book celebrates the deep sense of love we hold, not for the work itself, but for the people we are dedicated to serving.
Candid Intent. This is not an explicit title. What does it suggest? What is it about?
I make it clear in the opening pages of the book: Candid, as in truthful, and Intent, as in purpose. These two words encapsulate the essence of my memoir—It’s a soul-level account of one important episode of my life in broadcasting. It’s raw, it’s revealing, it’s real.
What do you want to achieve by telling the story of that episode of your professional life? I mean, what’s the overriding message?
The overriding life-affirming message is that you should quit playing yourself down. When you quiet your inner self-deprecating voice, you will find that you have what it takes to step up to the plate. And there will be people in position of power to enable you.
As you’ll discover in reading the book, I found such a person in Kari Blackburn, the former Head of the BBC’s Africa and Middle-East Division.
So, don’t play yourself down: The Universe has granted each of us some unique talents that only demand to be tapped.
When you define your purpose, there will always be a way. That’s the key message which comes across between the lines.
In all other regards, Candid Intent is nothing short of a masterclass in journalism. I think of it as my lasting book of record —a legacy—for the younger generation of media professionals and those with an interest in the media.
Certainly, for journalism student seeking insights into the Iraq war and the BBC World Service, my book is a source of valuable details and perspectives.
From your experience, is there any particular recipe for making it as a broadcaster?
The recipe may not be what you think. As far as I am concerned, you need passion, curiosity, integrity, and a genuine love for people. If you have that, all the technical stuff that goes with the job can be learned.