WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY

Up next, host Kondwani Mwase sits down with Zambian-born Canadian playwright and actor Natasha Mumba and Nina Lee Aquino, Artistic Director of English Theatre at Canada’s National Arts Centre, to unpack Copperbelt—a world-premiere play exploring family, wealth, legacy, migration, and African nuance across continents. The play launches it's world premier in Ottawa on January 13th, 2026.

The trio discusses challenging monolithic portrayals of Africa, the responsibility and bravery of artists, and what it means to tell African stories with specificity, complexity, and humanity. From manifesting a journey to Zambia, to navigating the tension of playwright-as-actor, to trusting audiences with ambiguity, this episode is an intimate look at art as vocation, collaboration as trust, and theatre as a catalyst for change.

Music for this episode was provided by our guest, Cassa, whose work can be enjoyed below: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qVqyeTICpuu938EF2Lxon?si=EGvVjgA0SbCxMSzy2TvISQ

LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN

1. Reframing African Narratives - Natasha shares her intentional push against single-story depictions of Africa
2. Artist, Playwright, Actor—All at Once - Natasha opens up about the vulnerability and trust required to perform in a play she wrote, while Nina expands on her directing style and approach
3. Theatre as a Catalyst for Change - Nina articulates how theatre resists simplification, inviting audiences to sit with ambiguity, difference, and uncomfortable truths rather than easy answers.
4. Dreaming Bigger—Together - From teaching moments to mentorship, from Toronto to Zambia to Ottawa, this episode reveals how long-term trust and shared vision can turn “impossible” ideas into reality.

OUR HIGHs (NO LOWs)

“I wanted people to experience wealth—and see an African family wrestling with legacy.” — Natasha Mumba

“Theatre exists to make the invisible visible.” — Nina Lee Aquino

“This play isn’t an answer. It’s a map of experiences.” — Natasha Mumba

“I never underestimate audiences.” — Nina Lee Aquino

“This feels like the beginning of a huge chapter of my life as an African artist.” — Natasha Mumba

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54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story at a time.

WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY

Kondwani speaks with Lissa Appiah, a Ghanaian-Canadian career strategist and founder of We Apply. Lissa shares her journey from government employee to entrepreneur, revealing how her "between the hyphen" identity shaped her mission to help quiet leaders and introverts excel in their careers. Discover why being the loudest person in the room isn't the only path to success, how to control your career narrative and the power of investing in yourself. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Lissa experienced being "between the hyphen" as a Ghanaian-Canadian, feeling not fully accepted in either Ghana or Canada, which influenced her career path and understanding of identity struggles in professional settings. 
• Lissa started We Apply while working full-time in government, legally running her business on the side for years by filing proper paperwork, proving that entrepreneurship is possible even for government employees. 
• Clients repeatedly told Lissa they'd been searching for someone who understood their struggles in extroverted workplace cultures, so Lissa pivoted to focus specifically on introverts and quiet leaders.
• Lissa had to learn everything from scratch as an entrepreneur, teaching herself WordPress, video editing, and coding through "YouTube University" when her website crashed and she realised there was no IT support to call. 
• Lissa works both with individuals one-on-one and with organisations to change culture, recognising that personal development alone isn't enough if workplaces still favour only loud, charismatic leadership styles. 
• After spending seven years being afraid to start her business, Lissa realised fear prevented her from educating herself about how to actually pursue entrepreneurship whilst still employed.

BEST MOMENTS

"When I'm in Ghana, they don't consider me Ghanaian, and when I'm in Canada, they don't consider me Canadian. So it was just like somebody understands what it's like to be between the hyphen." 

"Even if it does go wrong, I'm just going to keep going because ultimately, what do I have to lose?"

"I don't know anybody in my whole world that works in government. Like I am the only one that's trying to get into this huge system."  

"There was a narrative that began to be formed around me. I even remember once somebody calling me a snob because I didn't want to come to the after work socials."

MORE FROM OUR GUEST

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/LissaAppiahCareerStrategist

Website - https://weapply.ca/author/lissa-weapply/

ABOUT THE HOST

Kondwani Mwase | Host & Creator

‘The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.’  – Jean-Jacques Rousseau

For most of my life, I have been obsessed with relationships. I have worked, watched and wondered about the complex nature of human interaction. Originally, my interest laid in the narrative…more specifically, I was driven to understand what was happening. Increasingly, my curiosity has been inspired by the underlying motivations behind events…why it happens. It is this curiosity that motivates me.

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54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time. 

WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY

In this episode, Kondwani is joined by Judith Okonkwo, a visionary technologist and organizational psychologist, whose overt passion for immersive technology is shaping the future of Extended Reality (XR) in Africa. Based in Lagos, Judith’s enthusiasm and expertise have driven her to break barriers—she even leveraged her diplomatic immunity to bring VR equipment into Nigeria, ensuring and providing access to cutting-edge technology.

When you push play, you'll hear Judith share her journey into the world of XR, the impact of immersive tech on education and storytelling, and her mission to build a thriving VR ecosystem in Africa. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, an innovator, or just curious about the future of virtual experiences, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and game-changing ideas. Tune in for a deep dive into the power of technology, creativity, and the limitless possibilities of XR.

LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN

• While she has worked and lived in Africa, Asia, and Europe she does not have a favourite destination. 
• Last year, she traveled to Senegal and had the chance to try Yassa Poulet—an experience that set the bar high. If she ever tries another version elsewhere, she won’t hesitate to call it out for not measuring up to the authentic flavors she enjoyed in Senegal!
• In her own words, she “was that kid that wanted a VR headset.”
• Once Judith got her hands on the Samsung Gear VR, it wasn’t about the experience being fantastic—the minute she put the headset on “she could see what was possible.” She saw the future and nothing was going to stop her from extending her reality. While she loves geeking out over gadgets, her true passion lies in their real-world impact—how they can be used to benefit humanity and drive meaningful change.
• Judith draws inspiration from the Andela's story, believing in the power of nurturing young, talented, and hardworking individuals—not based on their formal education, background, or economic stance but on their dedication, passion, and willingness to put in the work.
• To enhance education, Judith brought a **360-degree camera** to a hospital, where she collaborated with a doctor to capture footage used to teach children in Nigeria about various diseases. She sees endless possibilities for learning through **Extended Reality (XR) technology**, believing it can revolutionize the way knowledge is shared and experienced.

Music for this episode was provided by our guest, Cassa, whose work can be enjoyed below: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qVqyeTICpuu938EF2Lxon?si=EGvVjgA0SbCxMSzy2TvISQ

FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/

Email guest referrals, comments and stories to [email protected] (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)

54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time. 

WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY

In this episode, Kondwani is joined by Malaika Urbani, a dynamic creative whose work bridges the worlds of art, culture, and storytelling. With a deep passion for preserving and celebrating African heritage, Malaika uses her platform to amplify voices, challenge narratives, and push the boundaries of artistic expression.

She shares her journey into the creative space, music's role in her life, and her EP, Call Me What I Become. Whether you're an artist, a cultural enthusiast, or someone passionate about the power of storytelling, this conversation is packed with insight, inspiration, and thought-provoking ideas. Tune in for a rich discussion on creativity, music, and the transformative power of art.

LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN

• You may see Malaïka as the finished product—polished and refined—but she sees herself as the process, constantly evolving, learning, and growing.
• Malaïka is a **mezzo-soprano**, meaning her voice naturally sits in a slightly lower range compared to a soprano. While mezzo-sopranos can still have an impressive vocal range, their most comfortable and natural tones lie in the lower to mid-range, giving their voice a rich, warm quality.
• She doesn’t believe in seeing things as “finite accomplishments,” and would much rather appreciate the moment she is in and how far she has gotten. Malaïka said it is really important to her to see everything as a journey and enjoy that journey she is on. 
• While working on her EP, Call Me What I Become, Malaïka brought together young animators from around the world and local musicians to create a synthesis of her love of classical music and traditional Rwandan music.
• As the composer behind Call Me What I Become Malaïka wrote the entire composition, yet surprisingly, she never considered singing on the EP—only realizing it after the project was already complete.
• In the interview, Malaïka shares how classical music makes her feel more vulnerable, highlighting her song *Purple Iris* and the impact of her co-collaborator, **Nadia Boucher**. As both her vocal coach and collaborating pianist, Nadia guided her through the nuances of classical music, deepening her connection to the genre.

MUST WATCH FROM OUR GUEST

Malaïka Urbani Performs "I Worry Too Much": https://youtu.be/tiAMCWUOOiM?si=weRGF3M1TwhwXdEU

Call Me What I Become - Part 1 of a series to experience - https://www.instagram.com/malaika.urbani/reel/DA6M2C-uoBr/

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Email guest referrals, comments and stories to [email protected] (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)

54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time. 

WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY

Embark on a journey through the lens of Faisa Omar, a Somali Canadian photographer and mental health professional, as she shares her compelling story and insights. From her childhood dreams of teaching to her discovery of photography as an art form, Faisa's narrative unfolds with depth and resonance.

As she delves into her cultural roots, Faisa discusses how her Somali heritage infuses her work with vibrant colours and rich storytelling. Drawing parallels between her roles as a mental health counselor and photographer, she underscores the significance of forging intimate connections in both spheres.

Discover Faisa's aspirations, including her dream of opening a photography studio while continuing her therapeutic endeavours. Her passion for authenticity shines through as she shares her approach to portraiture, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe and vulnerable space for her subjects.

LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN

• Faisa Omar's artistic journey sprouted from a passion for expression and a love for art.
• Her Somali background deeply influences her work, evident in her use of vibrant colours.
• The intersection of photography and counselling underscores the power of personal connections.
• Faisa's vision extends beyond photography, as she aims to create a sanctuary for both imagery and healing.

LEARN FROM OUR GUEST

Connect with Faisa Omar on Instagram or explore her portfolio at Faisa's website https://faisaomer.com/work

FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS

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Email guest referrals, comments and stories to [email protected] (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)

54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (snapshot) at a time. 

WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY

Let’s go to West Africa! 54Lights takes you to the brilliant country of Benin through a conversation with self-taught illustrator from the wonderful nation. The Beninese artists, and CEO of AKARTS (a hip-hop inspired streetwear line) Andy Akangah joined us in studio to talk about his work, inspiration and process. 

Taking inspiration from French illustrations, and other styles from around the world, Andy had an artist's touch (and temperament)...even as a kid. He shares his thoughts on finding ones own style and how his personal signature came into being. As a creator, Andy works tirelessly during the day (honing his craft at marketing) and then turns to illustrating at night. He's mastered the positive hustle and is designing a unique life(style) all his own.

LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN

For Andy, inspiration comes from everything and everywhere...including old comics, English, French and Manga 

• Andy is self-taught and knew that if he wanted to get better he would have to work at it…he is in a classroom of one and he is the teacher AND student 
• Andy has come a long way from a beginner artist to now creating his own brushes after trial and error of what he likes/doesn’t   
• Andy's artistic journey began with childhood sketches, influenced by French graphic novels, manga, and Western comics, shaping his unique style.
• Self taught discipline and continuous learning are crucial for artistic growth, as demonstrated by Andy's commitment to studying and creating his own digital brushes.
• Marketing skills are essential for artists; Andy's background in marketing helps him promote his work and build his brand effectively.
• Cultural heritage plays a significant role in Andy's art, with Beninese influences reflected in his use of vibrant colours and water themes.
• The concept of "spells" in creative work highlights the need to balance different aspects of an artistic career, such as marketing and creating.
• Collaboration with major brands like NBA and AT&T can be achieved through persistent self-promotion and leveraging press coverage.
• The importance of maintaining a strong connection to one's roots while pursuing a global artistic career is exemplified by Andy's pride in his Beninese heritage.

QUOTABLES

"I don't think I have talent. I think it's just you have to show up. I work all day and I work all night. I put in the hours because I just can't do otherwise. I love this."

"Growing up in Benin, I've discovered that our country is full of talented people in the arts field. We have a lot of poets, artists that do stuff in so many different mediums." 

"There's this thing that comes up a lot in my work, and that's water. Benin's very close to the ocean. I used to live by the beach actually growing up." 

"You come as a representative of Benin, but you are not Benin... You are Andy and that is the reality of it”

FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS

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54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time. 

WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY

Your host, Kondwani Mwase, talks to the accomplished Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson to discuss her inspiring journey from Sierra Leone to Canada, and her impactful work in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Yabome shares profound insights on navigating complex systems, finding home in community, and the importance of everyday African leaders. Join them for a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you motivated to create positive change.

LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN

• Yabome's multicultural upbringing across three continents shaped her heightened consciousness and passion for social justice and human dignity.
• Leaving Sierra Leone during the war and experiencing the complexities of inequity first hand fuelled Yabome's dedication to systems change and equity-centred work.
• Yabome emphasises the importance of understanding complexity and flexing methodologies based on context when working in organisational development and social systems change.
• SLD Consulting Inc., founded by Yabome, serves as an ongoing action research lab, keeping her connected to challenges and solutions across sectors.
• We Will Lead Africa, co-founded by Yabome, showcases everyday African leaders making a difference in their communities, challenging the narrow narrative of leadership on the continent.
• Yabome believes in the power of small, incremental changes to create lasting impact and the importance of staying hopeful while acknowledging the realities of inequity.
• Finding a sense of home in one's communities and being able to be one's authentic self is crucial for Yabome.
• Yabome's journey highlights the interconnectedness of her diverse roles and the manifestation of her long-held dreams of being an organisational development consultant, lecturer, and community development advocate.  

OUR HIGHs (NO LOWs)

“Fundamentally, I've always been social justice minded. My mom has stories for days about me insisting we should stop the car and give somebody that seems destitute a hand."

"The joy of this work is being able to identify systems, challenges, and bring the discipline of processes to help us unpack and understand those challenges in a way that allows us to look for solutions that are lasting."  

"We Will Lead Africa is here to collect and document these stories of everyday leaders in every sector across the continent, on or off the continent, that are doing work for the continent with marginalized communities that is making a difference already."

"Nothing is ever lost. Even the effort in creating it, and this moment that we're talking about it, nothing is lost. It brings it back to life."

"When I'm in a group of people where I can just be me completely and freely, and I don't have to navigate between spaces, which I know how to do, like I said, I learned from my mother. But when I can be truly, truly, truly unmasked, then I'm home."

FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS

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Email guest referrals, comments and stories to [email protected] (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)

54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story at a time. 

WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY

Lean into an important discussion on African leadership with Sarah Owusu, an Organization Development specialist renowned for her expertise in culture, employee engagement, and change navigation. Rooted in her Danish-Ghanaian and Botswana heritage, Sarah embodies the spirit of a planetary citizen, transcending borders to drive impactful change.

Discover Sarah's transformative work with Africa 2.0, Peace One Day, and British Airways as she leads groundbreaking programs that reshape organizational landscapes. Celebrate her recognition as the Women4Africa Inspirational Woman of the Year in 2014, a testament to her unwavering commitment to empowerment and progress.

WE WILL LEAD AFRICA: Shaping African Narratives

In this episode, we will unpack the vision and mission of We Will Lead Africa, a global network dedicated to curating and sharing stories of everyday African leadership. Through platforms that amplify voices and inspire change, We Will Lead Africa empowers Africans to reclaim ownership of their narratives and shape a future rooted in resilience 

LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN

The Power of Storytelling: Dive into the rich tapestry of African culture, where storytelling serves as a catalyst for progress and imagination.

Inspiring Leadership: Learn from Sarah's journey as she navigates the complexities of organizational development, empowering individuals and communities to lead with purpose. 

MUST LISTEN FROM OUR GUEST

We Will Lead Africa: https://wewillleadafrica.com/

FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS

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Email guest referrals, comments and stories to [email protected] (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)

54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story at a time. 

WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY

Kondwani is joined by Malawian-Canadian artist Joy Mwandemange to share her inspiring journey. From her childhood immersed in the arts to navigating a multifaceted career spanning acting, music, and more, Joy shares powerful insights on following your passions, quieting doubts, and paving your own path to success. An episode full with wisdom and inspiration for artists and dreamers alike.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Reinventing yourself with each new chapter allows you to bypass the trap of others' expectations and define your own path.
• Achieving success in the arts requires drowning out doubting voices, both external and internal, and choosing to believe in your own talents and drive.
• Representation matters - seeing people who look like you and come from similar backgrounds achieve great heights shows that your dreams are possible too.
• Being truly successful means staying true to all facets of who you are rather than cutting parts of yourself off to fit a narrow mould.
• A career in the arts is a continuous journey of proving yourself, honing your craft, and pushing past doubts to keep growing and staying relevant.
• The struggles and obstacles overcome on the path to success are worth it, serving as an inspiration to show others what's possible when you persevere.

OUR HIGHs (NO LOWs)

2:19 - "I don't think that I would be doing what I'm doing if it weren't for me having lived most of my life in Canada. Because I don't think, to be frank, a career in the arts, you don't do that."

13:29 - "I heard a lot of should in life...that should is just what people are comfortable with, what they expect, but as people we can really do whatever we want. There are no rules."

17:54 - "Do I believe them or do I believe me? Do I think that I have what it takes to be successful. Do I think I'm talented enough? And if I'm not talented enough, do I think that I can put in the work necessary to be talented enough?"

24:05 - "It's the people that look like these people, that come from the places where these people come from, that have had similar life experiences. It's showing them Hey guys, if I can do this, you can do this."

FIND, FOLLOW AND FORWARD 54LIGHTS

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54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time. 

WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY

We got a BONUS episode for you today! 54Lights takes you to the incredible nation of Nigeria (again!) with rich conversation and inspirational thoughts. Join host Kondwani Mwase and he sits down with Ikenna Onyegbula, a Canadian poet with Nigerian Heritage and a global poetry slam champion. Ikenna joins us at The National Arts Centre in Ottawa for a special episode taped in the heart of a space that's leading conversations, and enjoyment, of the performing arts.

Ikenna shares his story on how he uprooted his stable life in insurance to follow his calling in spoken word poetry. He dives into the industry, unpacking the business of the arts and his experiences as a performer. With engaging conversations about his name, his art, his travels and his identity, Ikenna’s story is one worth listening to. 

LISTEN AND LEARN…our key takeaways from the show 

• Surprise...Ikenna doesn’t (really) like being called Ikenna at all. His preference? Well you gotta listen to find out
• Our guest has traveled internationally to compete in spoken word championships....from Brazil to Europe to Canada and more...Ikenna's passion for performance leads him to adopt some special and somewhat anti-social pre-event regimen.
• Insider Tip - Ikenna loves crowd interaction and how it enhances his performances 
• How did he find his unique voice? It was first a mixture of his inspirations and then he learned that as he performed he had his own flare and no one can truly copy your unique voice
• The Best Advice (he gives) - Sometimes you have to go through the chaos and learn from it 

FOLLOW IKENNA ONYEGBULA 

Visit https://www.ikonyegbula.com/

ABOUT 54

Instagram - @crowd54

Email guest referrals, comments and stories to [email protected] (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)

54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience … one story (beat) at a time.

Music for this episode was provided by our guest, Cassa, whose work can be enjoyed below: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qVqyeTICpuu938EF2Lxon?si=EGvVjgA0SbCxMSzy2TvISQ