In this episode, I speak with  Marcellina a visionary artist from Lagos, Nigeria. Marcellina began her artistic path under the guidance of her father, learning drawing, design, stenciling, writing, and calligraphy before studying Art and Industrial Design at the Lagos State Polytechnic.

Marcellina is renowned for her unique style, blending collaging with traditional painting techniques to create rich, textured artworks. Her pieces delve into themes of femininity, identity, familial history, and women's empowerment, often using discarded Ankara fabric—a cultural symbol with deep significance.

You can connect with Marcellina at https://www.instagram.com/marcellina_akpojotor/

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In this episode, I speak with Lawrence Maleka, a South African actor and presenter. Best known as the host of Mzansi Magic's reality competition series, Clash of the Choirs South Africa, Lawrence has also co-hosted the AfricaMagic Entertainment show Star Gist and made his mark on community TV with The Gadget Show on Soweto TV. 

In our conversation, Lawrence shares his mother's role in creating opportunities and nurturing his career. He also sheds light on the crucial behind-the-scenes work and the crew's dedication to bringing stories to life, emphasizing the importance of a happy crew and fair rates for a successful production.

Throughout the conversation, Lawrence touches on various topics, including embracing failure as a learning opportunity, the sacrifices he made for his career, the concept of starting at the finish line, and the courage required to be on stage. He also highlights the importance of doing one's homework in the entertainment industry and the need for representation in storytelling.

You can connect with Lawrence at https://www.instagram.com/sirlawrencemaleka/

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In this episode, I speak with Olympia De Maismont a self-taught photo-video reporter based in Burkina Faso. Olympia's keen insight into the local context and passion for storytelling quickly propelled her into the role of a photo-video reporter. As a dedicated freelance journalist, Olympia has covered significant events including various terrorist attacks in Ouagadougou, and the presidential elections of 2015 and 2020. 

Olympia shares stories she has covered showcasing different aspects of society and challenging stereotypes. She discusses her experiences documenting mental health issues in Burkina Faso and her travels to other West African countries. 

In her own words, "I did one story, for example, on a healer outside Ouagadougou. She's a traditional healer. She's 23. And that's like a crazy story."

You can connect with Olympia at https://www.instagram.com/odemaismont?igsh=ajNxZ3EyMzF2eGo=

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In this episode, I speak with Nafkot a documentary photographer and filmmaker based in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. She's also the co-founder of Studio 11. A  vibrant space hosting regular art shows, offering aspiring artists a workplace and a community to learn from.

Nafkot speaks about the challenges posed by Ethiopia's current political and social climate, and how she finds inspiration in these obstacles, pushing her to be more intentional and focused on her personal projects.

She shares how documenting personal stories and experiences can be transformative, fostering personal growth and deeper understanding. She explores Ethiopian identity's complex and multifaceted concept, shaped by history, culture, and individual experiences.

In her own words "I'm drawn to what motivates people in life, how they do everyday stories, especially in my nation, people are considered to be very poor and you know, like their life from the outside looks very hard. But through my lens, I try and share their stories as this is just living."


You can connect with Nafkot at https://www.instagram.com/fuabilich?igsh=Z2hldzkzdXNpcG5r

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In this episode, I speak with Noemie Marguerite a Congolese photographer and filmmaker based in Brooklyn, NY. Her work focuses on capturing the “grey area” of life whether it’s capturing a different approach to event photography, revealing a new perspective of an individual through portraiture, or speaking on the vulnerabilities of life through motion work.

She discusses her background as a Congolese woman raised in the US and the complexities of balancing two cultures. We discuss the need to capture and highlight underrepresented stories, particularly of the African diaspora. She shares her experience of finding validation and inspiration in her marriage, positively impacting her artistic career. Noemie also opens up about her journey through depression and how facing her fears helped her regain her sense of purpose and passion for art. She emphasizes the significance of making choices aligned with one's purpose and the power of love in removing shame and judgment.

You can connect with Noemie at https://www.instagram.com/noemiemarguerite?igsh=cTNqcmR3NDg5Znph

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In this episode I speak with Stanley Lumax the Executive Brand Marketing Director at JP Morgan Chase, overseeing the strategic management of the brand’s prestigious Sapphire and Freedom Unlimited portfolios. Before his current role, Stanley co-founded Climate, an in-house agency at Complex Media Networks, to empower advertisers to leverage youth culture.

Stanley has an extensive background working with iconic brands such as Nike (Basketball), the NBA, Converse, Beats By Dre', the Brooklyn Nets, Pepsi, and Budweiser. His work has helped shape the tapestry of popular culture.

Stanley highlights the recent launch of the Taste of West Africa campaign a culinary experience with world-renowned Senegalese chef, Pierre Thiam. We discuss the importance of connecting work to culture and the need for a clear vision and purpose for creative ideas.

You can connect with Stanley at https://www.instagram.com/africanchophouse?igsh=OTN6OXlxOTNqZzVo

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In this episode, I speak with London-based digital artist Asiko who uses traditional photography, AI, and digital techniques to create striking mixed-media art. Asiko’s work is deeply embedded in Yoruba culture, particularly through his series “Guardians” and “Of Myth and Legend,” where he brings to life the Òrìshàs—sacred beings with divine attributes revered in Yoruba culture. These deities hold a revered place in West Africa and across the diaspora in regions like the Caribbean and South America, transmitted through generations by descendants of enslaved people.

His artistic journey has been a personal one to understand these neglected parts of his heritage.

Asiko's creative process involves incorporating AI into his work, which allows him to create new dimensions and bring his imagination to life. He highlights the need for better datasets and more diverse AI tool representation to represent African culture accurately.

You can connect with Asiko at https://www.instagram.com/asiko_artist/

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In this episode, I speak with Toluwani Obayan. A distinguished writer, director, and editor. Her notable works include the short film “Heart & Might,” and the acclaimed 2020 movie “This Lady Called Life,” which earned her the Best of Nollywood 2020 Award for Best Screenplay and an AMVCA nomination for Best Writer. 

She has also contributed to the award-winning documentary “Explore the World With Tindel,” celebrated with the ITFF Africa 2019 award for Best African Film. Beyond filmmaking, Toluwani has enriched the literary world with her published academic article on Nollywood’s role in socio-cultural development, satirical narratives like “The Tale of a Disgruntled Pair of Nigerian Flip Flops” that confront child abuse, and her inspiring book “Becoming a Spectacular Woman.” 

We talk about the Nigerian film industry which operates fast due to economic constraints and how filmmakers are finding ways to create quality projects that resonate globally. We also speak about the African film industry and how storytelling is again becoming a respected craft.

In this episode I speak with Didintle Khunou a highly accomplished South African actor known for her extensive work in screen acting, theater, voice acting, and as a session vocalist. She’s gained significant recognition for playing Celie in "The Color Purple Musical," making history as the first African performer to lead in this role, for which she received a Broadway World Online and a Naledi Award for 'Best Lead Actress In a Musical'.

Didintle shares her journey as an actor and musician, highlighting the role of music in her self-expression. We discuss the courage to pursue one's passions and the need for a supportive community in the creative industry. Didintle also shares how she chooses projects based on alignment with her goals and career trajectory. She emphasizes the importance of detaching from the idea of only telling specific stories and the need to focus on growth and expansion as an actor.

You can connect with Didintle at https://www.instagram.com/didintle_khunou?igsh=a3o3M3EyanhocmQ5 and https://www.didintlekhunou.com/

In this episode, I speak with Denisse a copywriter and photographer whose work revolves around words, people, and images. She crafts compelling narratives for brands through her lens as a photographer.

She shares the importance of radical honesty and empathy in her work, and how she uses these values to connect with her subjects. She also explores self-reflection, acceptance, and the transformative power of making art.

You can connect with Denisse at https://www.instagram.com/denisseaps?igsh=MWVxYmhxdDh4bmxodQ== and https://www.denisseariana.com/