Jackie Nwobu, Munaluchi Bridal Publisher

I heard about Munalauchi [www.munaluchibridal.com], a new bridal magazine for Africans and Afrophiles from Banke Adeniran of Faith Mate Finder, an online dating site profiled here on AfricanLoft.  I was fascinated with the concept of it because it’s different from the typical African owned magazine that I often see in the diaspora: the target audience is wider and discusses the important life changing event even in human life existence – marriage and the wedding day. 

I interviewed Chike and Jackie Nwobu, the husband and wife tag-team owner of Munaluchi Bridal magazine. By the way, the name “Munalauchi” is a fusion of their daughter’s first and middle names “Munachi” (me and God) and “Oluchi” (God’s work). Enjoy the interview!

Of all the different kinds of magazines that exist – why did you choose to publish a wedding magazine?
It all started as we prepared for our wedding we realized that there seemed to be no form of database for where Africans in the diaspora needed to go to get items that are necessary for a wedding.  For example, I realized that I did not know where I could go to get my clothes sewn.  I had to depend on word of mouth for information.  That started the wheels turning that maybe there was a need for some form of database with that kind of information.

But we finally decided to publish a magazine when we realized that many people didn’t talk about going to Africa for their weddings or honeymoon but seemed to prefer to choose other foreign locations for their weddings.  Majority of bridal magazines talk about going to the Caribbeans, France and other ‘exotic’ locations for their weddings rather than Africa.  We realized that we could change those ideas by showcasing different beautiful parts of  Africa that could be potential places to get married or go for their honeymoon.

Could you tell us a little bit about your background?

Well, you could say that it started about three (3) years ago when we discovered that there seems to be an untapped niche in the African magazines industry.  Then, Jackie and I were heavily into photography, particularly wedding photography.  But interestingly, wedding photography was a hobby which turned into a business and is definitely being used in this magazine.

Is  the target market for your magazine primarily Africans in the diaspora?

The target market is the bride who craves culture and style.  Culture being African culture. The bride can be from anywhere in the world.

The wedding is supposedly, the most important day in a person’s life, what are the mistakes that you have seen some people make on that day?

Some people worry or obsess too much about the little things.  Some forget to have fun and have a good time on their wedding day.  Remember to have a smile because if you are not having a good time, it will definitely show in the pictures.   Pictures show everything – how the bride and bridegroom are feeling, often times through people’s facial expressions.

Where can we pick it up from?

We signed a major distribution deal – so you can get this magazine at Shop-Rite, CVS, Barnes and Nobles, Walgreen’s and of course, from our website.

Beyond, the United states, what other countries will it be distributed in?

It will be distributed in Europe, Africa, Australia, we will have two issues out per year.

How do you intend to market your product and also get advertisers?

It was quite easy to get advertisers.  Many jumped right in after learning about the magazine and its theme.  A lot of advertisers felt and feel that it is a good concept.  Of course, we had a couple who wanted us to have some circulation before coming on board with us and that’s okay.

How has the response been in the Nigerian community to your magazine?

Interestingly, most of the people that seem excited about this magazine are non-Nigerians.  We know that the Nigerian community will come around though.  I think the reason for this uncertainty from Nigerians is the newness of the concept in the diaspora ( Africans having a bridal magazine). At the Nigerian Independence day event, a lot stopped by our table to look at the magazine.  Many liked it, we hope that  these people get the word out there.

Let’s bring this back to the personal – being a husband and wife team, do you guys ever argue about anything you decide to put  in the magazine?

Well,  I believe our strength lies in what we both bring to the table.  Jackie is the creative type and I (Chike), am more business oriented.  We compliment each other.  We always find a way to work it out and if we both don’t agree on it, it will not be in the magazine.

What words of advice do you have for anyone that wants to set up a magazine?

Make sure you do your research and ensure that what ever concept/idea you are trying to market is not one what has already been done. You have to learn and understand the industry. Research printing, circulation and design.  I will also say, go for it.  If you don’t try it, you will never know and those untried things/ideas often bite at  your conscience.  Just do it.

Extra:

Chike and Jackie made sure I got a copy of the magazine to look through before doing this interview and I have to say, I am impressed.  This is a magazine that I feel is here to stay.  I haven’t come across any Nigerian owned Bridal magazine in the United States yet.  What really struck a chord was that this magazine seems all encompassing, in that it invites anyone interested in Africa, to look, admire and partake of the beauty in our weddings.

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