Zainab Boladale
Award-Winning Author • Journalist • Content Creator • Filmmaker
Nigerian-Irish journalist, author and presenter with over a decade of experience producing hundreds of feature stories for RTÉ. Her debut book "Braids Take A Day" (2024) was shortlisted for Best YA Book of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards.
Zainab Boladale
Journalist • Author • Filmmaker • Content Creator
"I've learned that the most powerful stories are the ones that make you feel seen."
Zainab Boladale is a Nigerian-Irish journalist, author, and presenter with over a decade of experience producing hundreds of feature stories for RTÉ. Her work spans journalism, fiction, film, and digital content creation.
Her debut novel "Braids Take A Day" (2024) was shortlisted for Best YA Book of the Year at the An Post Irish Book Awards, and her forthcoming novel "Looking for Aurora" is set for release in May 2026.
Beyond writing, Zainab creates engaging travel content on YouTube, sharing her adventures from Kenya to Iceland, Thailand, and beyond.
📚 Notable Works:
- "Braids Take A Day" (2024) - Shortlisted, Best YA Book of the Year
- "Looking for Aurora" (2026) - Forthcoming YA novel
- "Worthy" (2023) - Queer short film (Writer/Director)
Award-Winning Books by Zainab Boladale
Braids Take A Day
Published August 2024
A powerful story of secrets, family, and self-discovery. Celebrated for its authentic voice and exploration of identity.
"A beautifully crafted coming-of-age story that captures the complexity of growing up between cultures."Buy Now
Looking for Aurora
Forthcoming
A young TikTok star's journey to find herself behind the glamour. A story of identity, pressure, and self-discovery in the digital age.
"A timely exploration of how we perform our lives online and the courage it takes to find your real self."Pre-Order Now
Watch Zainab's Travel Series
Travel vlogs, behind-the-scenes content, and authentic storytelling from around the world
Travel with me to Kenya
2.9k views · Nairobi
A day in the life adventure in East Africa - experiencing culture, food, and landscapes.
Watch HereReykjavík, Iceland Vlog
730 views · Adventure
Exploring Reykjavík, staying at CityHub hostel, and Icelandic adventures.
Watch HereBangkok, Thailand
1.2k views · Street food
Street food exploration, ICONSIAM, and Bangkok adventures.
Watch HereZayed Airport
1.8k views · Layover tips
Long layover tips and exploring Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi.
Watch HereJournalism & Film Work
RTÉ Journalism
Over a decade of storytelling
Zainab has produced hundreds of feature stories for RTÉ, covering everything from social issues to cultural events and human interest stories across Ireland.
- 100+ feature stories produced
- RTÉ presenter and journalist
- Coverage of major Irish events
Short Film: "Worthy" (2023)
Writer & Director
"Worthy" is a powerful queer short film that explores themes of identity, self-acceptance, and the courage to be seen. The film showcases Zainab's versatility as a storyteller across mediums.
- Writer/Director
- Queer narrative
- Independent production
Zainab's Creative Journey
Started at RTÉ
Began her journalism career at Ireland's national broadcaster.
"Worthy" Short Film
Wrote and directed her first queer short film.
"Braids Take A Day"
Debut YA novel shortlisted for Best Book of the Year.
"Looking for Aurora"
Forthcoming YA novel set to release in May 2026.