54Lights

54Lights launches Season III of the podcast with a call to unity and togetherness. Echoing the spirit of Ubuntu and the call to action of African giants, this glimpse represents a small glimmer of what's in store for the days, weeks and months ahead.

In a preview of what's in store for Season III, 54Lights is releasing an abbreviated peak at a fun-filled conversation with Roland Best - founder of E-RoL Beats.

Enjoy a deeply personal interview with leader, writer, entrepreneur and activist Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr. She opens up to us about her work, her philosophy and her approach to helping women achieve their full potential.

The latest instalment of 54Lights podcast featured a deeply philosophical conversation with author Stafford Attzs. A clinical technician whose range of knowledge spans from pew to pugilism, Attzs has recently written a book - The Narrow Path That Few Will Find: The Evolution of Christianity.

54Lights host, Kondwani Mwase and Stafford sat down to unpack religion, scripture and adherence to doctrine. The conversation zeroed in on Stafford's world view and the lens through which he views Christianity. His approach, while not without controversy, is backed up by a meticulous and analytical approach. Regardless of whether or not you agree with his position, there is no disputing his process or commitment to uncovering truth.

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This just in…54Lights podcast sat down with Montreal Chef James Mitchell to talk about his culinary business. Over the years, Chef Mitchell has been methodically plying his trade so that his business can thrive and survive during the chaos of COVID. From chef’s tables to cooking classes, Jaime (as he’s known to some) has made something sustainable in a time where organizations are teetering on the brink. And thanks to the his family meal plans, The House of James Mitchell seems poised to weather the storm of our current pandemic.

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Food for thought!!!! Have a listen to our food focused conversation with Chef Alex Askew. We asked Chef Alex to unpack the food system and explain how it's impacting communities. What we were looking for was a deeper understanding and appreciation of food justice. What we learned, over a stimulating session, was just how real and important these issues are and how they acutely impact people of colour.

Enjoy Chef Alex's frank and illuminating perspective on the culinary world and digest how there are innovative solutions being worked on to can change the narrative.

If you want to find out about how food justice, and why it’s critical in the fight towards a better world….if you want to hear solutions…if you want to feed your spirit, your soul and your plate…then you, my friends, are in for a treat.

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The latest episode of 54Lights podcast focuses on revival. Revival and rebirth within the entertainment industry with a specific lens on the theatre. Sitting down with acclaimed playwright Zodwa Nyoni, we dove into heady topics that ranged from how creatives have to approach the business side of their work to how the writing process evolves to how the industry is reshaping itself during the period of Covid. Zodwa candidly walks us through her process, her teachings and learnings. A must listen episode for any current or aspiring creative. A must listen episode for anyone curious about the theatre. A must listen episode for anyone seeking inspiration. You get the point…press play!

Zodwa Nyoni is of Zimbabwean lineage but has found a home in the U.K. Her talents have been on full display in recent years and reached a key milestone with the successful and acclaimed launch of her play, Boi Boi is Dead, in 2014. Her list of accomplishments continues to amaze, be they in the realm of academia, in the world of poetry or on stage.

Our talk gave us insight into how Zodwa has integrated her culture into her work, how she continues to advocate for artists and how her latest play is standing up in the time of Covid. This latest piece, Nine Lives, will hit the Bridge Theatre in London as part of a series of monologues that signal the revival of theatre and the reshaping of a new form of theatrical entertainment.

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This just in…Jefferson Darrell started his boutique agency, Breakfast Culture, with the goal of helping organizations effectively reach audiences. The idea quickly evolved to encompass the management of external communications (coined as Woke Marketing) and internal workplace culture.

Jefferson joined 54Lights and shared his perspective on identity politics, social movements and, even, family dynamics. His fresh perspective coupled with his command of language thrust us into an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.

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Learn more about Jefferson’s work at www.breakfastculture.org

This just in….54Lights managed to catch up with media mogul Patricia (Bebia) Mawa. Patricia works alongside her husband, Moses Mawa, in steering an impressive media empire that includes; a 24hour television channel (called AfroGlobal TV), three magazines and several regional networks.

While we were pleased that she shed light on her early start in media, our greatest learnings came from Patricia’s willingness to explain the magic and mission behind her companies. Focused on inspiring, uniting and celebrating those of African descent, her work and footprint is impressive. Her family has built a business that is breaking through barriers and reaching beyond traditional limits associated with black people. By depicting a different, and more complex, portrayal of Africans, her collection of companies is adding to a rich and progressive dialog on race.

Like everything else, these businesses have been impacted by COVID. But it seems clear that the momentum and resilience that’s part of the greater empire gives it the fortitude to survive. And rather than shrink when faced with the daunting reality of the times, Patricia sees opportunity and envisions a “creative renaissance” that will lead us through any storm.

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This just in…54Lights had a sweet conversation with Neale’s Sweet ‘n Nice ice cream co-founder Andrew McBarnett. The ice cream business is emerging into a formidable brand in the Canadian landscape. In fact, it’s fair to say they have fully arrived. They're doubling their presence in supermarkets across Canada – going from over 300 to over 600 locations. While its competitors are obvious, what's even more obvious that they’re carving out a clear niche in the marketplace. By following their Caribbean roots, they've created a flavourful portfolio that ensures they will remain head and shoulders above all others.

As a black owned business they stand out as a model example of how to run and grow an organization. Their tenacity is matched only by their audacious commitment to pushing the limits of people's palates. And by following in the footsteps and vision of their original founder, Charles Alfred Neale, they are ensuring that their surge will continue well into the future. Take a break from the heat and get to know one of Canada’s greatest, and tastiest, brands.

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