54Lights

On this episode we are humbled to say that the amazing Naledi Jackson is back with us for a second episode on 54Lights. Naledi was our very first guest and years later she is back to share more of her story. Naledi is a writer, director and producer who has methodically made her way up the movie-making ladder. Her resume, which includes work on the Netflix series “Anne with an E” and her own action-packed drama “The Drop In” are just a couple of many projects she’s worked on. 

 Naledi talked about her inspiration, her parents, and the most inspiring film-makers who've helped her shape her passion and pursuits.  She reminisces about her magical experience living in Bulawayo and Montreal which gave her a broader perspective on writing. Throughout her travels, Naledi's relentless outlook has helped her create and contribute. From writing rooms to her own personal writing room, she opened up about her commitment and what it takes to push forward in a competitive industry. Naledi's perspective, which included "confessions" on her  fascination with sci-fi films, diversity and representation in film and the magic of movies. The episode closes with Naledi giving some valuable tips and advice to up and coming writers wanting to get their foot in the door. 

And if that wasn't enough, Naledi gave us some insight for what's in store for a busy 2022. 

In the most highly anticipated episode in our 3 seasons, we are joined in our virtual studios by award-winning author Hanif Abdurraqib. The lyrical genius who’s authored popular bestsellers such as Go Ahead in The Rain, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, A Fortune For Your Disaster and The Crown Ain’t Worth Much met with us to share his perspective on writing and the creative process. 

Hanif is a poet, essayist and culture critic based in Columbus, Ohio. The gifted creative spoke to us about the genesis of his passion - which was a skill cultivated from youth. He opened up about the process, the precision and pursuit that’s made his life’s work. His books are pure brilliance and profoundly capture what lies at the intersection between music and culture. This remarkably open conversation authentically exposes how Hanif sees his craft and the world.  

And while you tune in, enjoy Hanif’s take on his latest work - A Little Devil in America - an exploration on black performance. Another powerful book amongst a library of critically important work. 

Enjoy this must-listen experience from a must-read author. 

About Hanif Abdurraqib 

Hanif has been featured in Muzzle, Vinyl, PEN American, the New Yorker, The NY Times and many other journals. He has published several books including Go Ahead In the Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest and his latest work A Little Devil in America

54Lights sat down with executive Chef Kiki Louya to talk about her career in food. The renowned chef opened up to us about her life, businesses and motivations. The conversation touched on important topics like food sustainability, the true DNA of an executive chef as well as what it takes to handle the heat of Bravo's Top Chef kitchen - where she is a "Cheftestant" for Season 18.

54Lights sits down with the young, impressive founder and editor of ARK Magazine, Marie Powell. She openly shares her experiences in the fashion industry and the next big steps. Why the name “ARK” you ask? Let Marie tell you.

In our first instalment of a mini-series focused on writers, we sat down with Ties That Tether author Jane Igharo. Her book, a modern-day love story, appeals to a wide variety of cultures and mindsets. She builds out a strong and complex protagonist and layers in very authentic tensions experienced by people dating outside of their culture.

This episode on 54Lights is a rebroadcast of a collaborative effort done with the Ontario Aids Network (OAN). It features a conversation with our influential activist Amanuel Melles. The main purpose of this episode is to shed light on work that's being done, somewhat behind the scenes, by organizations like the OAN and prominent activists like Amanuel.

Season III continues in celebration of culture creators by sitting down with Chawanangwa Mphande. She's the founder of AFERS, an aspiring non-profit, to talk about her move from Canada to the warm heart of Africa, her personal perspective on mental health and how she is fighting local stigmas. And while her fight is focused at the local level, the challenges surrounding mental health are indisputably global.

54Lights theme song composers, Andy Ninvalle and Joachim Notebaert, join us for a chat about their road to making magical music. The two joined us from Europe to talk about their journeys as well as their current struggle to making a living in the creative field.

In a podcasting first for 54Lights, we sit down with a multi-talented creative philanthropist Fungai Mettler to talk about her work, her outlook and her therapeutic style of storytelling. This episode was a dual broadcast...with both Fungai and Kondwani sharing turns asking questions for their respective shows.

In the first episode of Season III, Art Malawi's founder Manota Mphande sat down with us to talk about how art can drive progressive change, how art can be reimagined to keep artists working and how the business of art is evolving in the warm heart of Africa.