People of the City’ is What’s On Africa’s version of the Proust questionnaire. We ask exciting people across the city a series of questions. They can answer as seriously or as flippantly as they like. Expect by the end, to have a slightly more personal connection with interesting personalities doing innovative things.
This week, WOA connected with Jason Nicco-Annan, Co-Founder, Co-Editor and Creative Director of Signatures magazine, a new bi- annual culture magazine “dedicated to creative passion, process, and pursuit in Africa”, particularly Ghana. The magazine recently had a successful launch event showcasing its beautifully designed Issue#0.
How did you get here?
Via email.
Are you stressed?
Always!
Who would you snog, marry or avoid?
Snog: Iman Hammam, Marry: Lupita N’yongo, Avoid: Donald Trump.
Which living person do you most admire?
My parents.
What advice would you give to a younger you?
Be proactive, don’t procrastinate, and learn how to let things go.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?
Conveniently, I can’t remember. What are the odds, eh?
Are you scared of death?
Very.
Which film character do you most identify with? And why?
Jim Carrey’s character in ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’. Sometimes there are things I wish I could completely wipe from my memory but at the same time I feel like those experiences have made me who I am. That’s one of my favourite movies and it has the best soundtrack!
(Apart from religious texts) Name one book you think everyone should read?
Steal Like An Artist by Austin Kleon is an essential read for any artist or writer.
What has been the peak and pit of your day?
Being able to intern at the office that publishes a magazine I’m a huge fan of; my first article just got posted online! But I’ve a got a pretty bad cold so I’m battling deadlines and a runny nose.
What’s your walking style?
Quick, but cautious!
What’s trending for you?
The new Guinness ad called ‘Alive Inside’, which features a huge number of African creative talent including Ghana’s future stars (DJ/musician) Steloo and (artist) Serge Attukwei Clottey.
Who is in the party in your head?
Definitely no celebrities. It’s a vibrant mix of artists, musicians, writers, skateboarders, family and friends interacting with each other and actually enjoying each other’s company.
If you could change one thing?
I’d add a few more zeroes in my bank account.
Who would you vote for as president of the United States of Africa?
Definitely Patrick Awuah, president of my alma mater Ashesi University College back in Ghana. Google the man if you’ve never heard of him!
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Watching ‘Friends’ over and over again. It’s still hilarious for some strange reason!
Jason is also known for his work as Associate Editor of Dust Magazine. Purchase Issue#0 of SigMag here.