Venance Konan was born in December 1958 in the lovely town of Bocanda in Ivory Coast. He spent his childhood in Ouellé, and adolescence in Daoukro, cities located within the same area, in the Baoulé province. After high school, Venance enters Abidjan’s law school in 1978 Masters in 1978 before heading to Nice, France for his postgraduate degree leading to a doctorate.
Back home, he opted for journalism. This is the beginning of his story with the group Fraternité Matin. Between 2007 and 2011 the independent journalist turns into a writer. 2011 marks his return to Fraternité Matin as general manager. He is also the author of a dozen books, one of which won the Grand Prix littéraire d’Afrique Noire, and another, the Prix Rabelais in France.
1 express cv in 5 dates
- 12 December 1958 Great moment in the history of mankind as it is my date of birth.
- 1997February 1987 I obtained my PhD.
- April 2011 I was appointed to the position of director of Fraternité Matin.
- 2013 I received the Grand Prix Littéraire d’Afrique Noire.
- 2015 I was awarded the Prix Rabelais.
When on vacation where do you spend most of your time, in the town, on the beach or out and about exploring nature?
I would say all of them, although the beach is my least favourite. It really depends on my mood, the place, the people I meet. Being in a beautiful city surrounded by loads of fascinating things to see is nice. Walking in a luxuriant nature is also nice. Concerning the beach, I spend almost every weekend at the beach in Grand-Bassam whenever I am in my home country. While on vacation, I want to discover something different.
Describe the trip in 3 words.
Discovery, wonder, enchantment.
What is your dream destination?
Any place I haven’t visited yet.
What is your favourite place in the world?
Grand Bassam, where I feel some kind of magic in the air. It’s in Grand-Bassam that I started every single one of my books. By a sort of fetishism. I love Marrakech that also has its own magic.
Favourite hotel?
The list is long. But I could mention the hotel Mon Afrik in Bouake, Ivory Coast where I really feel at home.
Your favourite restaurant in the world?
I am looking forward to discovering it.
On an island what would you take with you (key items)?
Books and music.
Back in time…
The sixties, when everything was still possible and dreaming was allowed.
Your last trip:
South Africa. Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria. Unfortunately only for business.
Your next trip :
Burkina Faso, another business trip.
What would you ask for if you know the answer will be « yes »?
Peace in the whole world.
