Selam & Hello

Dive into an electrifying live episode of Selam & Hello, recorded live at the 2024 Africa Media Festival, featuring the legendary actor, author, broadcaster, and teacher - Mwalimu John Sibi-Okumu, OGW! 

In this captivating conversation, Mwalimu Sibi-Okumu joins host Lilly to explore the transformative power of artists as disruptors within media and society. Through gripping anecdotes and vivid storytelling, he shines a spotlight on hidden stories of some of Africa's most influential political figures, illustrating how disruption can be a potent instrument of truth and change.

Mwalimu Sibi-Okumu examines the critical role artists have to 'speak the unspeakable,' and challenges us to embrace our role as activists and amplify the voices of those whose stories remain unheard. With his trademark humor and grace, Mwalimu shares invaluable lessons from his five decades in media and the arts, inspiring a live audience of over 200 people to shift their focus inward, champion African agendas, and disrupt the status quo for the advancement of our own knowledge and progress.

—

Mwalimu John Sibi-Okumu has had a storied career as a writer, columnist, stage actor-director-playwright, TV & film actor, voice-over artist, and radio & TV broadcaster. In 2022, he was named to the Order of the Golden Warrior in recognition of his outstanding contributions to arts and culture in Kenya.

Mwalimu JSO has played more than 40 characters on stage, including Romeo, Shylock, and King Oedipus, and has acted in global films, including The Constant Gardener, Shake Hands with the Devil, and The First Grader. Mwalimu JSO is the author of six original, published plays and has also written published prose and poetry. On television, he memorably presented not only prime-time news but also The Summit and The Zain Africa Challenge. On the former, he is credited with being the only TV host to have had a one-on-one interview with the late President Daniel arap Moi, complementing the interviews he has had with four other African presidents. Read more of his bio here. 

John Sibi Okumu Collected Plays 2004-2014 by John Sibi Okumu is available at Nuria Store and Prestige Book Store. 

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Website

Follow John Sibi-Okumu:

• Instagram
• Twitter
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• Website

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Caleb Maru, is a tech entrepreneur and partner at Proximity Ventures. He joins Lilly this week to discuss the current trends in and the future of tech and innovation in Africa. He shares his journey from pursuing law in Australia to investing in the tech space in east Africa and starting a bi-weekly newsletter, Tech Safari, which has over 18,000 subscribers. Caleb highlights the challenges faced by tech entrepreneurs and the importance of bridging the gap between Africa and the diaspora through impactful investments and collaboration. Caleb also shares insights into the seed-to-scale pipeline, highlights some exciting new companies in the region and offers insightful advice for entrepreneurs entering the tech sector. 

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Website

Follow Caleb Maru:

• Twitter/X
• LinkedIn
• Read/Subscribe to Tech Safari 
• Proximity Ventures

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

In loving memory of Charles 'Charli' Ouda.

In this captivating episode of our podcast, join Lilly as she dives into an enthralling conversation with the illustrious Wanuri Kahiu, a visionary force in Kenyan filmmaking and storytelling whose groundbreaking work has not only influenced African cinema but has also captivated audiences worldwide. Today, we discover the vibrant world of AFROBUBBLEGUM, an innovative genre and media company, co-founded by Wanuri, aimed at creating, curating, and commissioning fun, fierce and frivolous African art. Lilly and Wanuri explore the underlying motivations and storytelling ethos behind her cinematic feats, including the delightful Rafiki, the award-winning movie that was the first Kenyan film invited to the Cannes Film Festival, her Netflix blockbuster, Look Both Ways and the upcoming series, Washington Black, which she directed for Hulu/20th Century Fox. Wanuri offers her aspirations for the future of the Kenyan film industry and shares how joy is the north star in her cinematic galaxy. 

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/ 

Follow Wanuri:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wanuri/ 
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/wanuri 
• Website - http://www.wanurikahiu.com/ 

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Note: This episode contains mention of sexual assault and gender-based violence. 

In a powerful episode following the anti-femicide protests across Kenya on January 27th, 2024, Lilly converses with Maria Maina, a lawyer and writer who created the blog and social media platform, Social Justice Insights Kenya, which focuses on human rights and gender equality, and Audrey Mogeni, co-founder of Femicide Count - Kenya (FC-Kenya). In this discussion, Lilly, Audrey, and Maria tackle the pressing femicide crisis in Kenya, the gaps in the legal framework around it, and the governmental and societal responses to it. They delve into the challenges of accessing safety and support, and the effectiveness of recent public marches and awareness campaigns. The conversation critically evaluates current strategies against femicide and explores hope for future progress in ensuring justice and safety for women and girls across Kenya.

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Website

Follow Maria's and Audrey's Work:

• Social Justice Insights Kenya
• Femicide Count Kenya

Resources:

• Usikimye Emergency Hotline (Kenya): +254 800 000 999
• Healthcare Assistance Kenya Helpline: 1195
• The Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC) Emergency Line: 0709 667 000 or 0719 638 006
• Kimbilio GBV Helpline: 1193
• Childline Helpline: 116
• Police Helpline: 999/112
• LVCT Specialized Youth Support: 1190
• FIDA Hotline: 0800 720 501
• Law Society of Kenya Free Legal Services

Articles and Statistics Referenced in this Episode:

• What to do if you have been sexually assaulted
• Usikimye's free services for women in Kenya
• 43% Of Women In Kenya Believe That A Husband Is Justified In Beating His Wife (2023)
• The UN on Femicide
• Femicide Rates by Country

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Join Lilly for an enlightening conversation with urban anthropologist, Dr. Wangui Kimari. Dr. Kimari discusses her unique research blending local histories, urban political ecology, and the Black radical tradition to explore urban spatial management in Nairobi from the perspective marginalized residents. Lilly and Wangui delve into the importantl role of Nairobi's "outlaws" in greening the city, the impact of colonial planning on green spaces, and the critical involvement of Nairobi's youth in driving ecological justice. The episode examines what happens when 60% of the city's population lives on only 5% of the land, how Nairobi has arrived at this moment of ecological imbalance why Dr. Kimari has hope that 'green outlaws' can right this wrong. This conversation unpacks Dr. Kimari's research and serves as an insightful exploration of grassroots movements shaping Nairobi's ecology and the lessons other cities can learn from it.

Follow Selam & Hello:

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

Follow Dr Wangui Kimari's Work:

• Africa is a Country - https://africasacountry.com/author/wangui-kimari 
• Africa Centre for Cities - https://africancentreforcities.academia.edu/WanguiKimari

Articles Referenced in this Episode:

• Dr. Kimari's article: Colour ni Green
• 1948 Master Plan for Nairobi  
• 1973: NAIROBI METROPOLITAN GROWTH STRATEGY

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Today's episode brings us into the innovative world of sustainable development and

environmental technology. Lilly chats with Kidus Asfaw, the CEO and co-founder of Kubik, a company that is revolutionizing the transformation of difficult-to-recycle plastics into low-carbon building materials for emerging markets. Kubik was founded in 2021 and is already being lauded for their extraordinary ambition, design and impact, winning the African Startup of the Year and Best ESG Tech Company of the Year in 2022. Lilly and Kidus explore how Kidus's upbringing and community shaped his commitment to sustainable development, delve into Kubik's groundbreaking technology, and highlight the vital role of local entrepreneurial communities in Kubik's success. The episode also focuses on Kubik's efforts to empower youth and women, ensuring their initiatives are culturally resonant, and Kidus shares how his father and son inspire his ongoing dedication to making a positive environmental impact.

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram
• YouTube 
• TikTok
• Website

Follow Kidus:

• LinkedIn
• X (Twitter)
• Website

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Happy New Year! Today, we are honored to welcome eminent Haitian-American author and the Wun Tsun Tam Mellon Professor of the Humanities at Columbia University, Edwidge Danticat. In this episode, Professor Danticat guides Lilly through her literary craft and prolific library of 17 published books. The conversation probes the crucial role of literature in preserving and amplifying cultural legacies, and positions storytelling as a vital repository of collective narratives. 

Through the prism of her own intricate experiences of identity and belonging, Danticat navigates the unique challenges and perspectives of diasporic writers. As a Haitian-American artist bridging cultural divides, her work embodies both the ancestral whispers of her homeland and the pulse of her adopted landscape. From her award-winning memoir, Brother I'm Dying, to her iconic short stories in Everything Inside, Professor Danticat discusses the centrality of women, the traveling spirit of stories, and the importance of transferring cultural legacies to the next generation. Her insights take us on a captivating intellectual journey, exploring the creative process, the complexities of diasporic identity, and the enduring power of storytelling.

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram
• YouTube 
• TikTok 
• Website

Follow Edwidge:

• Facebook
• Website

We honor Professor Danticat and want to celebrate her many contributions and accolades. Her awards include: an Oprah Book Club selection for Breath, Eyes, Memory, National Book Award finalists for Krik? Krak! and The Art of Death, and her memoir, Brother, I'm Dying, won the National Book Critics Circle Award for autobiography. In addition, Everything Inside was a 2020 winner of the Bocas Fiction Prize, The Story Prize, and the National Book Critics Circle Fiction Prize. She is a 2009 MacArthur Fellow, a 2018 Ford Foundation Art of Change Fellow, a 2018 winner of the Neustadt Prize, a 2019 winner of the Saint Louis Literary Award, a 2020 United States Artist Fellow, a 2020 winner of the Vilceck Prize, and a 2023 winner of the PEN/Malamud Award for Excellence in the Short Story.

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

At the end of every episode we ask our guests - 'what is bringing you joy today?' Join us in the seasonal bonus as we listen to 23 joys from 2023! Thank you for listening, for sojourning with us and we wish you all a joyous and blessed holiday and new year!

GUESTS FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE:

KEVIN MWACHIRO, Writer, Podcaster, Journalist, and Queer Activist

Ep 52: Black, Queer, Beloved

ALABA ANGOLE, Social Anthropologist and Rhodes Scholar

Ep 72: Black is Beautiful: Exploring Colorism

DR. IJEOMA KOLA, Historian of Race and Health

Ep 67: LIVE! I Can't Breathe: Dr. Ijeoma Kola's Remarkable Journey in Scholarship & Social Impact 

IRUNGU HOUGHTON, Executive Director Amnesty International Kenya

Ep 71: Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere

SELAH AND SARON BEKELE-PIPER

Ep 59: My Mother Was My First Country

SHEILA MUNYIVA, Star of Film, TV, Animation, and Stage

Ep 69: Sheila Munyiva Takes The Spotlight

WAWIRA NJIRU, Founder and Executive Director of Food4Education

Ep 39: Ten Million Meals Is Not Enough

GODFREY MWAMPEMBWA (GADO), Satire Master, Voice of Social Commentary, Cartoonist Extraordinaire

Ep 68: The One And Only Gado!

SAGDA KHALIL and AMIN HUSSEIN, Educators for Liberation

Ep 41: The Revolution Will Be Taught

MUGAMBI NTHIGA, Award-winning Director, Actor, and Writer

Ep 42: Wakanda Forever Eva

ARSÉMA THOMAS, Global Advocate, Bridgerton Star, Tech Trailblazer

Ep 65: All Hail Arséma!

GIBBS KUGURU, Shark Geneticist and 2022 National Geographic Wayfinder Award Recipient

Ep 66: Under the Sea with Kenya's Poseidon

DR. PAULA KAHUMBU, CEO, Wildlife Direct and Rolex National Geographic Explorer of the Year

Ep 43: Elephants Are Our Engineers

EMMANUEL JAL, Artist, Activist, and Peace Ambassador

Ep 40: We Want Peace

ABDI LATIF DAHIR, New York Times' East Africa Corresponding

Ep 38: Who Tells Your Story?

SUSAN MURABANA, Astronomer & CEO/Co-Founder of the Travelling Telescope

Ep 75: The Sun Is A Star

RAYMOND KARAGO, MKAMZEE MWATELA and AUUDI ROWA, Madame Mongoose, CheChe and Taji from Showmax's Twende

Ep 76: Twende! Twende! Twende!

SELAM EMIRU, Founder of Glisen

Ep 46: Love Yourself, Love Your Hair

NAVALAYO OSEMBO-OMBATI, Co-Founder and CEO of Enda Athletic Inc.

Ep 47: My Feet Are My Only Carriage

SAMBA YONGA, Co-Founder, Women's History Museum of Zambia

Ep 48: The Living History of the African Woman

CHRISTINE YOHANNES, Writer, Poet, and Playwright

Ep 49: Being Human With Other People

DENNIS OMBACHI, Self-taught Chef, Olympian, International Rugby Player, and TikTok Top Creator for Africa 2022

Ep 62: Selam & Done: Dennis Ombachi Chops It Up!

NELLY CHEBOI, CEO and Founder of Techlit Africa and CNN 2022 Hero of the Year

Ep 50: Poverty Has An Expiration Date

DR. BEN PIPER, Director, Global Education at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Ep 45: Power in the Culture

In the last episode of 2023, host Lilly goes behind the scenes with Sahihi Africa's Becky Muikia and Rahma Seif for an exclusive look into Selam & Hello's journey through 42 episodes, 54 guests, 4 live events and 2 spin-off shows in just 1 year! Sahihi Africa, a Pan-African communications agency, is at the forefront of amplifying diverse African narratives through media and partnered with Lilly to relaunch her show in November 2022. Becky shares the highs and lows of production, while Rahma provides insights into her crisis management strategies. Amidst their professional discussions, the episode is filled with laughter, bloopers, and a glimpse of the team's strong off-screen bond. Although Njoki Munene, the Community Manager, is absent, her contributions are acknowledged. This episode promises a mix of enlightening reflections, heartwarming camaraderie and abundant thanks for the community of listeners who have inspired and motivated the team. To each of you – joyous and blessed holidays and see you in 2024! 

Episodes talked about in this show: 

• Episode 41: The Revolution Will be Taught with Sagda Khalil and Amin Hussain - Ep 41: The Revolution Will Be Taught
• Episode 38: Who Tells Your  Story? with Abdi Latif Dahir - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HSvA0gNhAgM&t=15s&ab_channel=LillyBekele-Piper 
• Episode 65: All Hair Arséma! with Arséma Thomas - Ep 65: All Hail Arséma!
• Episode 68: The One and Only Gado! with Godfrey Mwapembwa (Gado) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWpEnggUk9Y&t=1637s&ab_channel=LillyBekele-Piper
• Episode 67: LIVE! I Can't Breathe with Dr. Ijeoma Kola - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO0HcchNBZk&t=31s&ab_channel=LillyBekele-Piper  
• Episode 72: Black is Beautiful: Exploring Colorism with Alaba Angole - Ep 72: Black is Beautiful: Exploring Colorism
• Episode 59: My Mother Was My First Country with Saron and Selah Bekele-Piper  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6nMK9kEj40&t=3s&ab_channel=LillyBekele-Piper 
• Episode 45: Power in the Culture with Dr. Benjamin Piper - Ep 45: Power in the Culture
• Episode 64: LIVE! The Happiest Place on Earth with Jean-Tristan Mianze  Ep 64: LIVE! The Happiest Place on Earth: A Journey to Centrafrique
• Episode 42: Wakanda Forever Eva with Mugambi Nthiga - Ep 42: Wakanda Forever Eva
• Episode 71: Injustice Anywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere with Irungu Houghton - Ep 71: Injustice Aywhere is a Threat to Justice Everywhere
• Episode 73: The Boundless African Imagination with Tsitsi Dangarembga - Ep 73: LIVE! The Boundless African Imagination
• Episode 55: Gen Z Has Entered the Chat with Rick, Silas, Philo and Thomas  https://youtu.be/8VU_7a4uf0U?si=YptZK5fPdoYVdqpo 

Honourable mentions:

• Sticks and Stones - https://www.instagram.com/sticksandstoneske/?hl=en 
• Punchline Comedy Club Nairobi - https://www.instagram.com/punchlinecomedyclubnairobi/?hl=en 
• Love Artisan - https://www.instagram.com/loveartisan/?hl=en 
• Snowball Studios - https://www.instagram.com/snowballindustries/ 

Follow Selam & Hello:

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

Follow Becky Muikia:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beckymuikia/?hl=en  
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckymuikia/  

Follow Rahma Seif:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/itsrahmaseif/?hl=en  
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahmahseif/ 

Sahihi Africa Productions:

• Website - https://sahihiafrica.com/ 

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

In this episode, Lilly sits down with Kenyan supermodel and founder of the Ajuma Foundation, Ajuma Nasenyana, to explore her remarkable journey from the Turkana region to global fashion runways to her impactful work with the Ajuma Foundation. Ajuma shares her experiences growing up in Kenya and the bullying she experienced, her rise as a running champion, and how her modeling career also left her feeling isolated and alone. Ajuma has channeled her life experiences, positive energy, and optimism into advocacy that focuses on empowering vulnerable women and children in rural Kenya. In this inspiring conversation, Ajuma openly shares her challenges, triumphs, and how her international fame brought her home. 

Follow Selam & Hello:

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

Follow Ajuma:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ajumanasanyana/?hl=en 
• LinkedIn - https://ke.linkedin.com/in/ajuma-nasanyana-50624a212 
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/p/Ajuma-Nasanyana-100047565934459/ 

Support the Ajuma Foundation:

• Website - https://www.ajumafoundation.com/ 

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions