Oumou Fofana, a prominent figure in entertainment journalism and entrepreneurship, was born on March 12, 1994, in Brooklyn, New York. Raised in the rich tapestry of Guinean heritage, her upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for culture, storytelling, and community.
From an early age, Oumou exhibited a natural curiosity and passion for journalism. Driven by her desire to amplify diverse voices, she pursued a bachelor's degree in journalism from St. John's University, where she honed her writing skills and developed her voice. Her passion for entertainment and cultural reporting flourished during her time at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism, where she earned a master's degree in 2018.
Oumou has over eight years of experience in the media industry, holding roles such as news editor at REVOLT, content writer at HOT 97, and breaking news reporter at the New York Post. She also served as a staff writer at BET, contributing to its cultural and entertainment coverage. She was once a production assistant at MSNBC and has written for EBONY and Essence Girls United, further establishing herself as a trusted voice in the media. Throughout her career, Oumou has conducted interviews with renowned global figures, including Pharrell Williams, Big Sean, Eve, RZA, Davido, Taraji P. Henson, Nick Cannon, Morris Chestnut, Rapsody, Olamide, Wyclef Jean, Blxst, Uncle Waffles, Tiwa Savage, Kevin Hart, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson, and Chloe Bailey, to name a few. Known for her ability to connect with talent and explore meaningful stories, Oumou has also been part of the creative wave that helped break Afrobeats into the American market. In 2018, as part of her graduate studies, she produced a documentary on the history of Afrobeats music and dance, highlighting the cultural significance of the genre and its distinction from Afrobeat. This project not only deepened her understanding of African music but also solidified her commitment to amplifying its influence on a global stage.
In 2014, Oumou founded What’s Relevant TV, now Oumou Media, a platform showcasing compelling narratives and highlighting creatives. She is also the host of the “Africa Unfiltered” podcast, which celebrates the work of African artists and their global influence.
As an entrepreneur, Oumou launched OUMOU, a New York City-based fashion boutique, in 2019, offering bold and confident fashion statements. In 2022, she expanded her creative pursuits with the launch of Oumou Skin, a skincare line inspired by African traditions and crafted with natural ingredients in Ghana.
Her dedication to her craft has earned her accolades, including the Rising Star award from I Am African & I Can in 2019, a Woman of the Year nomination at the SGWA Awards in 2021, and a Special Recognition nomination at the 2025 SGWA Awards. Through her work, Oumou continues to champion representation, culture, and storytelling across all her endeavors.
