How mum inspired my career in food criticism — Opeyemi Famakin

Opeyemi Famakin, a prominent Nigerian food critic, shared that his career in food journalism was unexpectedly shaped by his mother's deep appreciation for cuisine. His mother's passion led to family trips to various countries specifically for culinary experiences, instilling in him an early interest in food.

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I grew up in a home where my mom, she’s a foodie, her father was a foodie. So I grew up travelling to different countries for food.

Famakin explained that his journey into food criticism wasn't a planned career move. He simply enjoyed food and discussing it, and his career evolved organically over time. This contrasts with the modern trend of aspiring to be an influencer or content creator. He recalled working at Vibe magazine, where his attempts to focus on food journalism were met with doubt, as the platform was primarily entertainment-focused.

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I’ve been to 12 countries. I think 16 now, but with my parents, 12 countries travelling to different countries for food… In the three kids, I was the one that genuinely followed her interest.

Despite the skepticism he faced, Famakin used it as motivation. "I'll show you guys this thing will work or not," he stated, determined to prove the viability of food content. He also revealed that criticism and negativity serve as a powerful fuel for his ambition. Famakin finds that praise can be detrimental to his drive, while negativity, when constructive, pushes him to improve and excel.

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I just liked food. I liked talking about food. There was no plan, there was no grand plan. There was no plan to blow, no plan to be an influencer. I was just that guy that liked talking about food and over time, things happened and things evolved.