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In this episode of Dots of Thoughts, Emeka Okereke takes us beyond the Cartesian dictum “I think, therefore I am,”unraveling how this foundational idea has shaped—and distorted—the modern mind. With poetic lucidity, he reveals how thought, once a useful tool, has become a false guarantor of being, leading to fragmentation, anxiety, and an over-reliance on structure.

This is not merely philosophical musing—it’s an articulation of a modern crisis of perception, one in which the very instruments we use to make sense of life have begun to obscure life itself. Emeka draws on the insight of J. Krishnamurti and lived observation to suggest that identification with thought breeds fear of dissolution—because thought ends, and what we cling to as “self” often ends with it.

What opens up instead is the invitation to a different kind of encounter: a presence that absents nothing. A presence that listens, attends, and sees without needing to grasp. This episode is a tender and powerful offering to those seeking lucidity in an age of mental clutter—an echo of wholeness in fragmented times.

Support the show

Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke. 🎉

By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including:

• Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects.

• Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts.

• Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you.

• Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics.

Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me.

Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast and Twitter.

See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com

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In this episode, we journey with Genevieve White, a seasoned artist and performer, as she shares her path from her multicultural roots in Canada to the vibrant art scene of New York City—recorded in the tranquil atmosphere of Berlin’s Grunewald Forest as a conversation with host and transdisciplinary artist Emeka Okereke. Genevieve’s story reveals the transformative power of collaboration, creativity, and the delicate, often interwoven relationship between art and life.

The conversation delves into how Genevieve views art as a vessel for expression, shaped by the diverse cultural dynamics and experiences she’s encountered. She opens up about the profound impact of nurturing and personal care amidst the chaos of creation. From collaborations with jazz musicians to the enduring influence of artistic legends like Duchamp and Graham, Genevieve unpacks the energy and magic that emerge when artists connect through mutual respect and shared vision, and how following those inklings of the intangible is a recurrent theme at the core of the creative principle.

Reflecting on her upbringing in a large family, Genevieve explores the interplay between nurturing others and maintaining personal boundaries—a theme that resonates throughout her artistic journey and now preoccupies her as her creative flair takes on a rekindled urge and agency. Together, Genevieve and Emeka uncover the rich, unseen moments of everyday life that spark their creativity, the connections that inspire their work, and the wonder children bring into the world.

But this episode isn’t just about art. It’s a story of resilience, fearlessness, and embracing change. They discuss the challenges of balancing personal passion with commercial success, the evolving role of online platforms in an artist’s journey, and the freedom that comes with artistic maturity. Through Genevieve’s experiences, listeners gain insights into the confidence that grows with time and the joy of stepping beyond traditional confines.

Join us for this serene exploration of art, life, and nature’s restorative embrace. May this conversation inspire belief, joy, and the boundless creativity that comes from nurturing both self and others.

Support the show

Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke. 🎉

By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including:

• Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects.

• Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts.

• Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you.

• Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics.

Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me.

Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast and Twitter.

See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com

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In this episode of Dots of Thoughts, Emeka Okereke engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Berlin-based artist, producer, and scholar Lukas Freireiss. Renowned for his transdisciplinary approach, Lukas shares his practice of working in a “collage-like manner” that unites artists and cultural producers from diverse fields, transcending conventional boundaries.

Lukas introduces Crossroads, his Berlin-based project, which he describes as a platform for bringing creators together to intersect and exchange ideas. Reflecting on the significance of being a Berliner, Lukas emphasizes the importance of cultivating spaces that encourage fluid, informal collaborations. The project’s name, Crossroads, embodies his goal of creating a meeting point for unexpected creative connections.

Emeka and Lukas discuss what it means to work in a way that synthesizes multiple perspectives, referring to Donna Haraway’s idea of finding “pleasures in the confusion of boundaries.” They explore the potential of these transdisciplinary methods in a fast-paced world marked by transient attention spans and specialization. Lukas contemplates the challenge of fostering deeper engagement and the role of hybridity in enabling new methods of meaning-making.

The conversation also touches on navigating the balance between structured fluidity and spontaneity, and the practical challenges posed by rigid bureaucratic systems. Lukas shares how his approach seeks to expand, rather than oppose, specialization, creating spaces for dialogue and collaboration across disciplines.

Artists and cultural practitioners interested in transdisciplinary strategies and pedagogical methods will find this episode particularly enlightening.

Support the show

Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke. 🎉

By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including:

• Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects.

• Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts.

• Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you.

• Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics.

Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me.

Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast and Twitter.

See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com

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Can the simple act of daily gratitude empower and transform your life? In this episode of Dots of Thoughts Podcast, recorded on-site at the Neue Berliner Kunstverein, host Emeka Okereke and guest, Alain Missala, explore the vibrant multicultural landscape of contemporary Berlin.

Alain delves into his pivotal work with Black Dads Germany and Zula, shedding light on how these initiatives are reimagining narratives and empowering children from multicultural backgrounds. Through personal anecdotes, Alain highlights the profound impact of role models and the daily practice of gratitude in enriching our lives and fostering resilience.

Breaking Stereotypes:

We take a hard look at the stereotypes surrounding Black fathers in Germany, challenging these misconceptions through the lens of community and solidarity. Alain shares the inspiring story of a proactive WhatsApp group consisting of over 200 Black fathers who support one another in their parenting journeys. This group aims to create a network that serves as a support system, emphasizing the mission to build safer, more inclusive spaces for Black families, where vulnerability is embraced and healing is possible through shared experiences.

Broader Themes:

Finally, we explore broader themes of activism, interconnectedness, and cultural identity in Berlin. What does it take to teach love and unity to our children amid societal challenges? Emeka poses the question: How do we raise our children to embody the beauty and wealth of differences in times of ideological divides and heightened racial tensions?

Reflections and Insights:

We reflect on creating meaningful dialogues, drawing inspiration from the African philosophy of Ubuntu, which emphasizes the importance of empathy and togetherness. Through stories of organic community-building, informal gatherings, and the proactive retention of cultural heritage, we showcase how everyday interactions can nurture a robust, empowered community.

Support the show

Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke. 🎉

By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including:

• Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects.

• Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts.

• Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you.

• Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics.

Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me.

Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast and Twitter.

See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com

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In this episode, I discuss the book, "Photography and Political Aesthetics" with the author, art critic and professor, Jane Tormey. 

Our enlightening conversation traverses the landscape where artistry intersects with political fervour, dissecting how photographs can sway social movements and mould public opinion. We navigate the evolution of politically motivated photography, from its historical roots to contemporary schools of thought, probing the depth and breadth of visual politics. Jane argues for the need to reconsider how photography could be deployed "in a more focused way" to shape present-day political discourses and encourage critical engagement by the viewer. 

As with the book, our conversation touched on such key figures as Walter Benjamin, and how his work laid the premise for understanding the potency of photography in our time and the time to come. 

We reflect on the normative passivity with which photojournalism or politically-motivated images are often digested, advocating for a proactive stance that beckons photographs to be more than ephemeral snapshots—they must incite tangible change through how it is presented and disseminated. 

The session alludes to the pitfalls in the conflation of art and journalism while spotlighting African photographers who are reconstructing the narrative and calling for a conscientious, celebratory and playful portrayal of imagery that dares to defy the conventional. 

Yet, the overarching aim of this conversation is to draw attention to this cohesive and timely book that students of photography, media and cultural studies will find invaluable. 

Host: Emeka Okereke
Guest: Jane Tormey
Production: Atelier E.K Okereke

Support the show

Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke. 🎉

By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including:

• Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects.

• Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts.

• Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you.

• Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics.

Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me.

Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast and Twitter.

See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com

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This episode takes you on an auditory pilgrimage with the Berlin-based, musician, Batila,  weaving the essence of his Congolese and Angolan heritage into a rich narrative that dances between the notes of his latest album, "Tatamana." As Batila unpacks his life's journey from Germany to the cultural depths of his upbringing, we discover how a childhood migration shaped not only his reality but also the very music that he breathes into existence.

Batila's convictions resonate as he insists on music as a vessel for storytelling, a self-acclaimed Griot channelling his energy of crossroads between time and space that underscores his outlook in life. We explore his philosophy that songs must be born from significance, enveloped in the authenticity and depth of his artistry. His first album, a celebration of Black love and unity, stands as a testament to his craft, every carefully composed piece reflecting his dedication to delivering not just sound, but an experience. The high-resolution audio of "Tatamana" invites listeners to not just hear but feel the music, as we discuss how Batila's meticulous attention to detail crafts not only songs but a movement.

Join us for an inspiring session that transcends melody and tinkers with the realms of spirituality and healing. Batila shares his vision for his upcoming album "Mpeve," aiming to connect listeners in a collective trance of togetherness. We close with "Resurrection," a track symbolizing hope and peace, capturing the essence of our discussion. It's a fitting end to our journey with Batila, where each note is a step towards understanding the unbreakable bond between sound, identity, ideology and the eternal quest for inner peace.

Host: Emeka Okereke 
Guest: Batila
Production: Atelier E.K Okereke
Cover Photo: Natasha Morokhova

Support the show

Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke. 🎉

By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including:

• Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects.

• Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts.

• Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you.

• Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics.

Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me.

Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast and Twitter.

See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com

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During a three-week residency in Tangier, Morocco, my friend and colleague, anthropologist Mathangi Krishnamurthy, and I, Emeka Okereke, had the privilege of meeting Abdelmajid Hannoum, whose book "Living Tangier" served as a springboard for our research and thought processes during our residency in the city, organized and supported by The Minority Globe.

In this episode of Dots of Thoughts, Professor Hannoum shares his intellectual and creative process of translating fieldwork experiences into academic work. We dive deeper into the realities of migration and its impact on the city of Tangier. Hannoum, drawing from his personal experiences growing up around some of the Moroccan children he researched, enriches our understanding of Tangier's intricate history and changing demographics.

Furthermore, Hannoum elaborates on the phenomenon of death concerning the migrant body. This subject stems from his personal experience during his years of research for the book. But our narrative doesn't end there. We also delve into the realm of global cities, exploring how their manicured images often mask the disparities within them. Our observations led us to question the place of Tangier in this global context, discussing its complex identity and evolving narrative.

Join us as we peer through the curtains of this multifaceted city, exploring its various aspects and discussing its complex identity and evolving narrative. 

Support the show

Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke. 🎉

By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including:

• Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects.

• Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts.

• Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you.

• Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics.

Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me.

Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast and Twitter.

See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com

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This episode was inspired by my participation in the exhibition "Prussian Palaces. Colonial Histories", taking place at the Schloss Charlottenburg Berlin. 

 My guest, Carolin Alff, one of the exhibition's curators, guides us through the thoughts that inform the exhibition's making. We discuss the mystery of two statues, their damaged state, a testament to the inaccessible vignette shrouding Germany's deplorable colonial past.  The statue in question was the subject of my audiovisual intervention called "Tracing Presence(s)... of Place, Body, Time."

It is important to note that the relevance of this exhibition is not only in its attempt to reminisce about the past but also in how it asks pertinent questions about how the country and its people come to terms with the extent to which their past continues to inform their present where it has to do with white privilege and Western hegemony. 

We delve into the curatorial process and the complex decisions made behind the scenes of this exhibition. According to the organisers,  the aim was not only to showcase artefacts but to create a safe space for dialogue where history can be reimagined and considered from new perspectives.  Yet I ask: to what extent does the need to create a "safe space" come in the way of creating a space of new knowledge that offers an occasion for genuine self-reflection rather than a "glossing over" or latent gloating? 

With Carolin, we traverse the tricky territory of sensitive terminologies and challenging historical contexts, recognising the need for a transparent conversation that respects the histories of injustices and violence attached to these relics.

Join us as we grapple with the past, confront uncomfortable truths, and underscore the importance of understanding history to shape a better present and future. This episode should inspire you to visit the exhibition from the 4th of July to the 31st of October, 2023. 

Support the show

Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke. 🎉

By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including:

• Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects.

• Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts.

• Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you.

• Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics.

Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me.

Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast and Twitter.

See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com

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If you've ever found yourself lost in the labyrinth of existence or pondering the multiverse and the many layers of our identity, my recent chat with the talented filmmaker and fashion model You Kim is sure to resonate with you. We venture into a reflective analysis of the film, Everything Everywhere All At Once - a cinematic marvel that masterfully addresses the complexities of subjectivity, truth, and the human tendency to deconstruct our world. It's a film that bears a striking relevance to the contemporary times we live in, and You Kim's insights into the narrative's artful playfulness and cliches are eye-opening.

We don't just stop at analyzing the film's narrative structure. Our conversation delves, in earnest, into the symbolic aspects of the film. From its portrayal of double consciousness and paradoxes and how it paints human connection to its depiction of a younger generation grappling with the absence of collective values and religion. It's a lens through which to view the existential crises that this younger generation, born into a neoliberal world, faces. And the evolution of the mother's character in the film sparks a rich discussion on sublime love and the power of individual agency in a world full of existential uncertainties. 

As we close, our discussion turns reflective - the necessity of fostering a society that acknowledges the intricacies of love and relationships while nurturing the future of humanity. You Kim shares her experiences as an Asian filmmaker and how she connects with the film's depiction of the Asian diaspora. This is not just a film review but a journey of recognizing the power of stories to broaden our worldview. If you're seeking a thought-provoking conversation that challenges your perspective, join us for this riveting discussion.

Support the show

Hi, amazing listeners! Emeka Okereke here. I am the founder and host of this show. If you’ve enjoyed the stories, insights, and creativity we bring to this podcast series, I invite you to join my Patreon community at patreon.com/EmekaOkereke. 🎉

By becoming a patron, you’ll gain exclusive access to my artistic world, including:

• Behind-the-scenes content from my photography projects.

• Sneak peeks of upcoming films, vlogs, and video podcasts.

• Exclusive DJ playlists curated just for you.

• Bonus podcast episodes and a chance to contribute to future topics.

Whether you’re a fan of the podcast, my visual storytelling, or simply love art and creativity, there’s a tier for you. Your support helps me continue creating high-quality content, and it truly means the world to me.

Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast and Twitter.

See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com

You are listening to the sixteenth episode of "Dots of Thoughts" Podcast. Every episode of this podcast project originated from a thought, an idea, a persistent spark or maybe a poem. I follow the prompts, often leading to an encounter and a conversation.
Lately, I have been reflecting on the works of the critical thinkers Frantz Fanon and Edouard Glissant, rummaging through their thoughts for clues about the dialectics of the future. As such, I have been engrossed with the question of presence, consciousness, embodied knowledge and "re-membering".

As our world gets increasingly convoluted, it begs for new readings of Difference and new poetics of relation. An understanding of how, through our body and presence, we animate the social power of the places we traverse and the people, we meet along the way in this epic journey called life. How do we give form to the paradox(es) that makes up the contours of transitory spaces and voids of borders for which our bodies serve as delineators?

In my wanderings, I come across persons whose disposition is an embodiment of a chaos-world. Chaos, in this case, does not mean disorder. On the contrary, it means the flourishing of Difference divested of all inscription of violence. These individuals are imbued with what Glissant calls the "Poetic force", which cannot be tamed because this force is its own turbulence. This force is also the main component for creating new myths that leave the past where it belongs and points to the future shaped by the vibrancy of newness.

A few weeks ago, I visited the studio of the Berlin-based artist Dior Thiam. Our conversations about her work and her way of being and moving in the world sparked my interest. So it led me to want a more extensive discussion based on the abovementioned intention.

This episode is the outcome of our meandering yet synergic thoughts that continues my deliberation on the notion of movement, borders, being and motion. Think of it as a deliberate act of tiptoeing and floating across multiferous concepts that takes the body – specifically the Black body – as locational coordinates. 

Why Dior Thiam? The answer to that question is evident in her ability and willingness to follow, with fluttering words, all the signs of unravellings, fragmentation and collations that foregrounds the duality of her reality. Hers is a life that gives in to the porousness and osmotic tendencies animating sites of Difference within it. Art, in this case, is both the conduit and location for the interplay between notions of stability and instability that ensues. 

As with many of my podcast conversations, the gems of the discourse are scattered, like seeds, across the entire discussion. This approach intentionally borrows from the disposition of the hopeful gardener, who is often cognisant that the ground is fertile at disparate patches. The listener must find, for themselves, what part merits further nurturing and watering.

I wish you joyful and active listening.

– Emeka Okereke


Guest: Dior Thiam
Production: Atelier E.K Okereke
Music and Sound Effects: Epidemic Sound
Sonic Inserts: Dior Thiam
Host and Curator: Emeka Okereke

Thank you for listening. Follow Nkata Podcast Station on Instagram @nkatapodcast and Twitter.

See the website for extensive materials: nkatapodcast.com