In this episode I speak with Papa Versa a singer-songwriter, rapper, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, He has gained the respect and admiration as one of Ghana’s most versatile artists. 
Paapa has become known for thoughtful, sincere lyricism in genre-bending music. Born with a terrible stutter, music became his primary mode of expression. His greatest desire is to inspire people everywhere to harness their gifts and become bigger than the world they live in, for the world’s sake.
He also shares the meaning behind his music and its impact on listeners, as we talk about the art of holding people's attention and the responsibility of artists to communicate meaning. 

You can connect with Paapa at https://www.instagram.com/paapaversa/ and on his website https://paapaversa.com/

In this episode, I speak with Tajh Rust. His art deeply interrogates society’s obsessions with tradition and over-consumption and offers a fresh perspective on representation.

Tajh shares his background, influences, and artistic process. He talks about the importance of art residencies and his dream collaboration projects. Tajh also shares his experiences growing up in a Caribbean household and how it has influenced his art. He discusses the themes and subjects in his paintings, including the use of water as a symbol. He shares the challenges of painting and the importance of creating an engaging art-viewing experience. 

You can connect with Tajh at https://www.instagram.com/tajhrust/

In this episode, I speak with Djakou Kassi Nathalie a renowned ceramic artist from Cameroon. Her career is a testament to her passion, talent, and dedication to the art of ceramics, and her contributions continue to inspire and captivate audiences both at home and around the world.

We discuss her journey as a ceramic artist as she shares insights into her creative process. She emphasizes the importance of continuously raising the bar and striving for improvement in her work. She also explains how she creates the look of copper on her ceramics and the process she discovered through practice and experimentation. She highlights the challenges she faced in adapting to limited resources and how it led to the development of her unique style.

You can connect with Nathalie at https://www.instagram.com/djakoukassi/?hl=en

In this episode I speak with Yifan Zhang, whose work is a testament to the power of art to navigate and depict the complexities of cultural identity and personal growth. From an early age, Yifan embraced "carefully made mistakes" as a conduit for creative exploration, leading to the development of a significant body of work titled "Fault Art." 

His series captures conflicts across time and space, highlighting the clashes between Eastern and Western cultures, while inviting viewers to find their narratives within these vibrant canvases. Yifan's art, characterized by a return to the essence of conflict experienced in childhood, serves as a bridge for introspection and cultural understanding, demonstrating the transformative power of painting to tell stories beyond the confines of language.

The conversation is with a translator as Yifan spoke Chinese during our chat. You can connect with Yifan at https://www.instagram.com/dy_yifanzhang/ and through his website https://yifanzhang.fans/

In this episode, I speak with Oluwole Omofemi an internationally recognized artist who is from the ancient city of Ibadan. He is mostly known as the last commissioned painting of Queen Elizabeth II before her death. He has held several solo and joint exhibitions both in Nigeria and abroad.

Growing up in a challenging environment, Oluwole shares his journey of self-discovery and determination, guided by the wisdom of his grandfather. He reflects on the struggles he faced within his family and community as he pursued his passion for art against the odds. His narrative is a testament to the power of perseverance and the role of mentorship in shaping the future of young creatives.

Oluwole's art is celebrated for its vibrant depiction of African beauty, identity, and the human figure, which speaks volumes about the significance of hair as a symbol of strength and spiritual connection for black people. He discusses his portrayal of the modern African woman, the historical context of tribal marks, and the societal shifts that have led to their decline.

You can connect with Oluwole at https://www.instagram.com/oluwoleomofemi/ and https://oluwoleomofemi.com/

In this episode, I speak with Chenoa Maxwell as she shares her journey from being an actress to becoming a renowned emotional intelligence coach. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in understanding and managing our emotions, building self-awareness, and developing empathy. She also shares tools and techniques for developing emotional intelligence, including self-talk and belief systems. She also discusses finding purpose and overcoming despair, highlighting the power of reframing and having a positive outlook.  Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of resilience and the ability to reframe challenging situations.

Chenoa shares her definition of love as the master key that unlocks everything good in life and explains that love is not something to be found, but something to be embodied. She discusses the importance of raising one's love frequency and attracting love by being loving. Chenoa also highlights the need to navigate life's challenges and take charge of one's own life.

You can connect with Chenoa at https://www.instagram.com/chenoamaxwell/

In this episode, I speak with LaTonya Yvette as we explore her daily rituals, motherhood, and the practice of writing. She opens up about the small moments that make a big impact on her craft, the role of fear in the creative process, and the profound influence her mother's legacy left on her.

What does it mean to write from a place of healing and connection? LaTonya's evolution from a lifestyle blogger to a published author provides a narrative that's as much about self-discovery as it is about the words on the page. Writing is more than a career for her; it's a journey through the landscapes of pain and triumph, a meditation that nurtures her soul and reaches out to touch her readers. 

You can connect with LaTonya at https://www.instagram.com/latonyayvette/

In this episode, I speak with Richard Nattoo, a distinguished artist from Jamaica.  His work has been exhibited at the National Gallery of Jamaica and has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions across the UK and Ireland. Renowned for his unique mastery of watercolors, pen, and ink on canvas, Richard utilizes water from natural sources to bring his visions to life.

Richard also opens up about the challenging times he faced in 2019 and how art helped him navigate through those difficult moments. He delves into the themes and symbolism in his artwork, including the exploration of ancestry, spirituality, and the importance of introspection. Richard shares his experiences of reconnecting with his inner child and the ongoing process of self-discovery. 

You can connect with Richard at https://www.instagram.com/djsinista1/ and on his website https://richardnattoo.com/

In this episode, I speak with Jonathan Freemantle a distinguished artist whose art is deeply rooted in traditional techniques, yet explores the dynamic relationship between the human form, time, and the natural world. Utilizing unconventional materials like egg tempera and mountain rocks, Jonathan's work seeks to harmonize humanity with the earth.

 With a global exhibition portfolio and significant contributions as an educator and curator, he has left a notable mark on the art and fashion worlds. Since returning to Edinburgh in 2019, Freemantle has focused on advancing his studio practice, continuing to push the boundaries of traditional and contemporary art.

He shares the daily rituals that fuel his work, highlighting how personal wisdom, coupled with learned skills, creates a conduit for his profound artistic vision.

You can connect with Jonathan at https://www.jonathanfreemantle.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/jonathanfreemantle/

In this episode, I speak with Helel Smith to peel back the curtain on the trials of filmmaking in our corner of the world. Helel's candid revelations offer a piercing insight into the high-stakes game of filmmaking.

He speaks about the urgency of time and change, framing the artist's journey as a pursuit against the relentless march of the clock. Helel and I dissect the cultural shift necessary for the arts to thrive—where punctuality, dedication, and individual accountability become the pillars of a reimagined society. We're not just talking about making movies; we're talking about molding a culture where creativity isn't just acknowledged but revered.

You can connect with Helel at https://www.instagram.com/helelsmith?igsh=ZXo1Mms1cjFtdjlu