Selam & Hello

Selam & Hello

By Lilly Bekele-PiperSociety & Culture
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Selam & Hello episodes

  • Congo na Biso: Our Congo

    We are honored to host Kambale Musavuli, an analyst at the Center for Research on Congo & a leading human rights advocate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, on the show this week. Kambale shares his insights on the challenges and resilience of the people of the DRC and the deep-rooted historical and systemic issues contributing to ongoing conflicts. Kambale invites us to find ourselves in Congo's story and highlights what we can all do to care for 'our Congo' (Congo na biso). We also explore the exploitation of the Congo's mineral resources, the recent national elections, and discuss what a 'successful' second term for President Tshisekedi would look like. Kambale shares what he believes is the lynchpin of a brighter future for DRC and why he is so confident that Congo will be free. 


    Kambale references several moments in DRC political and cultural history; see below to read and listen more.

    • Calls for DR Congo to investigate Kinshasa burial site
    • Maluku residents demand justice for their lost relatives
    • Opposition, rights group demand investigation into Congo mass burial
    • DR Congo: Mass Graves Tied to Rwanda-Backed M23
    • A Year of Anguish: Remembering the Killings and Sexual Violence in Kishishe
    • DRC: M23 rebels recapture Kishishe, where they are accused of a massacre in 2022
    • Killings in Kiwanja The UN's Inability to Protect Civilians
    • The Rebirth of Congo's Rebellion
    • Equity buys extra 6.6pc stake in DRC bank for Sh9.2bn
    • Equity group CEO James Mwangi explains why DRC set to overtake Kenya
    • Equity groupBCDC
    • Fake gold, mystery murder … and culprits are still walking free
    • IFC PROJECT INFORMATION & DATA PORTA
    • What is happening in Congo?


    Follow Kambale Musavuli:

    • Website
    • Linkedin
    • Twitter
    • Instagram


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    Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

    Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

    57 min
  • Katush and the Tapestry of African Fashion

    This week on Selam and Hello, we're honored to feature Katungulu Mwendwa, the visionary founder of Katush Nairobi. Join us as we delve into Katungulu's inspiring journey from studying fashion in the UK to establishing her own brand in Kenya, where she creatively blends traditional Kenyan influences with contemporary aesthetics. From showcasing her collections at prestigious global platforms like Paris Fashion Week to championing sustainability and ethical practices within the African fashion industry, Katungulu shares insights into her creative process, entrepreneurial journey, and her commitment to empowering local artisans. Tune in for an engaging conversation that celebrates African identity, creativity, and the transformative power of fashion.


    Follow Katush

    • View Katush's catalog at https://katushnairobi.com/
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katushnairobi/
    •                   https://www.instagram.com/katungulumwendwa/
    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/katush/


    Follow Selam & Hello:

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    • Website


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    Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

    Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions


    45 min
  • The Case for the Continent

    This week on Selam and Hello, we're honored to host Lydia Namubiru, Editor-in-Chief of The Continent. Join us as we explore the inception of The Continent, and its innovative and empowering platform for African journalism. From celebrating African excellence to shedding light on humanitarian crises and preserving cultural heritage, Lydia discusses the pivotal role of media in shaping public discourse. Despite challenges, she highlights strategies for promoting positive narratives and amplifying stories of resilience. We delve into the rise of anti-gender agendas and the cultural renaissance sweeping across Africa, reflecting on the future of African journalism amidst evolving media landscapes. Join us for a visionary journey into 'The Case for the Continent,' where hope and possibility abound.


    Follow The Continent

    • https://www.thecontinent.org/about
    • Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheContinentNews
    • Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thecontinent.africa/
    • Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-continent-news/
    • Twitter https://twitter.com/thecontinent_


    Follow Lydia

    • Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydia-namubiru-1a1745206/
    • Twitter https://twitter.com/namlyd


    Follow Selam & Hello:

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    Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

    Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

    48 min
  • The Case for Indigenous (Re)Imaginings

    This week we embark on a visionary journey into 'The Case for Indigenous (Re)Imagining' as part of our ongoing exploration in 'The Case for Hope' series. Join Lilly as she sits down with two inspiring educators for liberation, Sajda Khalil and Amin Hussain, in a conversation brimming with optimism, insight, and passion. Sajda and Amin shed light on innovative approaches to African-centered education, advocating for a curriculum that reflects the diverse experiences and aspirations of the continent's children. They passionately argue for the liberation of educational systems, championing a holistic approach that cultivates critical thinking, creativity, and cultural pride - allowing future generations to define success on their own terms. Join us as we explore a future where tradition, resilience, and cultural vibrancy pave the way for joy and justice.


    Follow Sagda and Amin's work:

    • https://www.indigeniuseducation.com/
    • https://www.instagram.com/indigenius_education/
    • Watch their previous episode on Selam & Hello: The Revolution Will Be Taught or listen to it here.


    Follow Selam & Hello:

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    Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

    Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

    1 hr 15 min
  • The Case for Choice

    This week we are privileged to hear one woman's story on her journey towards choosing the life she wants to live. Muthoni Gitau, a notable content creator and podcaster shares her choice to be child-free, the many challenges she has faced in that journey, and ultimately, how she reached her destination. Muthoni shares the questions and answers she has wrestled with in her path to reproductive health and that there are many ways women 'mother' without having children. Join us as we navigate the multifaceted dynamics of choice, probing intersections of personal agency, cultural paradigms, and disparities in resource access in the region.



    Follow Muthoni:

    • Twitter
    • Instagram
    • Just Doing Life Podcast
    • Youtube
    • Tik Tok


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    Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

    Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions



    56 min
  • The Case for Traditional Medicine

    This week on Selam and Hello, Lilly delves into the world of traditional medicine with Vitalice Ochieng, Senior Program Manager at the Trust for Indigenous Culture and Health (TICAH). Together they discuss the motivation and tenets of TICAH's book 'Using Our Traditions: A Health & Nutritional Guide for Kenyan Families' and explore their efforts in preserving and promoting traditional medical knowledge, the potential integration of traditional and modern medicine, and the challenges hindering broader acceptance of traditional practices. Vitalice also highlights the work TICAH does to connect cultures across Kenya and advocate for policies that would allow for rigorous testing and oversight of traditional medicine - allowing them to enter more mainstream markets. Finally, they envision the future of traditional medicine in Kenya, Africa, and the diaspora, celebrating its history in fostering resilience and well-being. Join us as we journey into 'The Case for Traditional Medicine,' celebrating age-old healing traditions and their vital role in holistic health.


    We are giving away one copy of TICAH's book 'Using Our Traditions'! Comment on our social media pages about your favorite holistic remedies, a cultural practice or wisdom passed down to you from your elders and you will be entered in our drawing!


    Follow TICAH: https://www.ticahealth.org/


    Follow Vitalice:

    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn


    Provisions Kenya 

    • https://www.provisions.co.ke/
    • https://www.instagram.com/provisionskenya/?hl=en 


    Follow Selam & Hello:

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    Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

    Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions


    47 min
  • The Case for Comedy

    This week, Lilly delves into the world of comedy with Doug Mutai. Doug, Founder of the Kenya Standup Collective and Co-Founder of the Nairobi International Comedy Festival, joins us to share how he got started, the current trends in comedy in Kenya and what makes a good joke. Doug shares how language is an important cultural signal when writing comedy and his insights into navigating sensitive topics like politics in front of a crowd. Aspiring comedians will find valuable advice from Doug's experiences, highlighting the transformative impact of humor. Join us as we delve into 'The Case for Comedy', celebrating comedy's role in fostering resilience and spreading hope.


    Tickets to Nairobi International Comedy Festival here!


    Follow Doug:

    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • Website
    • Nairobi Standup Collective & Nairobi Laugh Bar
    • Instagram
    • Nairobi International Comedy Festival
    • Instagram


    Follow Selam & Hello:

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    Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

    Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

    42 min
  • The Case for Truth

    This week, Lilly dives into the world of journalism with Maya Misikir. Maya is the founder of SIFTER, a weekly newsletter that highlights the top five stories from Ethiopia, shining a light on the challenge of discerning truth in an age of misinformation. Maya shares her journey to journalism, the creation of SIFTER as a beacon for reliable and inclusive news, and her commitment to impartial reporting amidst Ethiopia's political and economic complexities. They discuss the significance of language accessibility and media literacy, while Maya offers invaluable insights for young journalists and stresses the importance of mindful news consumption. This episode is a testament to the power of informed storytelling and the critical role of journalists in shaping our understanding of the world.


    Follow Maya:

    • Sifter: https://sifter.substack.com/ 
    • Maya's work for VOA: https://www.voanews.com/author/maya-misikir/oivvy 
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-misikir-3a2b2a83/ 
    • Twitter: https://twitter.com/ItsMayaMisikir 
    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmayamisikir/ 


    Follow Selam & Hello:

    • Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ 
    • YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgA 
    • TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello 
    • Website https://www.selamandhello.com/ 


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    Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

    Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

    52 min
  • The Case for Domestic Workers

    According to the IMF, around 60 percent of the Africa's population engages in the informal sector - a world where many workers navigate the challenges of vulnerability while seeking dignified employment. In this episode, Lilly and her guest, Wangeci Kamau, the innovative founder of Good Housekeeping Africa, shine a light on the realities of domestic work and informal employment, advocating for dignity, respect, and fair treatment. UNDP's insights into the informal economy, post-COVID-19, underscore the critical moment for African governments to embrace inclusive, sustainable recovery strategies that acknowledge and bolster the informal economy's role​​. This episode is a call to action, urging a transformation in the domestic help industry and inspiring hope for a more equitable future. 


    Follow Good House Keeping Africa:

    • Instagram
    • Facebook
    • YouTube


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    Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

    Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions


    54 min
  • The Case for Hope

    In today's episode, Lilly explores how she is mining for hope amid hard days. She offers a 'case for hope' based on both the local and global 'microjoys' she's stumbled across lately. Her reflection kicks off an upcoming series of episodes that will make the case for some of life's most universal needs and concerns and how we can find hope in each of them. Its a short - but poignant - offering we hope you enjoy. 


    "Discovering more joy does not save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak. In fact, we may cry more easily, but we will laugh more easily too. Perhaps we are just more alive. Yet as we discover more joy, we can face suffering in a way that ennobles rather than embitters. We have hardship without becoming hard. We have heartbreaks without being broken."

    • Archbishop Desmond Tutu (source)


    Links to resources cited in the show: 

    • Cyndie Spiegel's book 'Microjoys'
    • Anne Lamott's book 'Help, Thanks, Wow'
    • AFRICAN GOOD NEWS (X)
    • Worldview Upgrader
    • In Kenya, over 90% of electricity is generated by renewable energy
    • The malaria vaccine that just rolled out has a surprise benefit for kids
    • Lesotho Tourism
    • Life expectancy in Ethiopia was 69 years in 2019; just a few years behind USA at 77


    Follow Selam & Hello:

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    Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

    Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

    15 min

About Selam & Hello

From the publisher's feed

Selam & Hello is a show featuring stories of joy and justice from Africa and the diaspora. Produced in Kenya for global audiences - Selam & Hello curates conversations on identity and culture…