CYLS 206: Pt. 2 - Africa X Media - Redefining Reality Through Transformative Storytelling with Moses ”Ras” Mutabaruka

Episode Summary

On this episode of the Create Your Life Series podcast, host Kevin Y Brown continues his conversation with Ras Mutabaruka, a former refugee, sharing an inspiring life story. After spending over a decade as a refugee, he found stability in Canada, which opened doors to education and resources. Initially aspiring to be a lawyer, his mindset shifted, leading to a passion for storytelling about Africa. From a blog to a magazine and documentary, the guest aimed to challenge stereotypes.

This episode explores his college experience, professional journey as a public servant, and entrepreneurial ventures. Emphasizing authenticity and consistency, the guest discusses personal growth and leadership. The episode concludes with insights into community recognition and the ongoing pursuit of goals, highlighting resilience and the power of storytelling in his journey from refugee to visionary entrepreneur.

Tune in to this episode of the Create Your Life series for an inspiring and heartfelt conversation.

Kevin Y. Brown

Kevin is a seasoned multi-media executive who is passionate about Africa’s digital future. As an award winning entrepreneur, podcast producer (over 1,000 episodes across different genres with over 30 million downloads across clients) and tech veteran, Kevin is the Chief Content officer and Head of Strategy at Afripods leading their multi-country strategy and product vision.

Kevin is the host of the Create Your Life Series podcast and has been featured or spoken in Forbes, Black Enterprise, Essence, Podcast Movement, Podcast Sessions, Ted X, Sirius XM, Inc. magazine and many more…

Ras Mutabaruka

Ras Mutabaruka founded The African Perspective (TAP Media Ltd) after being frustrated with seeing how Africa and Africans were often portrayed in global media. TAP is a Pan-African media platform that tells African stories from an African perspective with a mission to rebrand Africa, one story at a time.Born in Rwanda during tumultuous times, he and his family sought refuge in neighboring countries. The journey eventually led him to Kenya, where he settled and found a sense of belonging amid a diverse community. His journey then took him to Canada for higher education.

Before working on TAP full-time, and to give back to his once adopted country of Canada, he spent five years working as a public servant in the department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED) where he received three back to back Ministerial Awards of Merit for service to Canadians. 

Insights From the Episode

How to use collaboration as a tool for growth

Emphasizes the importance of networking and persistence

Discussion surrounding Intrinsic Motivation in Entrepreneurship: countering negative narratives about Africa and staying true to personal values as intrinsic motivations in entrepreneurship

Reflecting on the historical impact of media, emphasizing its responsibility to tell authentic and responsible stories

Discussion about the evolution of entrepreneurial journeys, showcasing diverse ventures and experiences over the years

Quotes from the Show

“​​I stayed true to myself and for the times where I didn't stay true to myself. It ended up rerouting me and telling me that you should have stayed true to yourself. And so when you look at a life at your life, you know what I mean? I think it's important to be able to say that you chose what you did, not that somebody else chose it for you and that you followed other people. But that you did what you felt was the things that you wanted to do and that you needed to do.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Create Your Life Series, #206

“Real people do real things and you know, sometimes it comes at the expense of what could have been, you know, the easy route, the more financially sound route, right? But you know, when you look back at it, you can always say, you know, I'm happy to waive it for what I did because I know that I chose me.” - Kevin Y. Brown, Create Your Life Series, #206