Selam & Hello

What if your best friend was a boda-driving, super-chill, urban pangolin? Today Lilly is joined by the star-studded cast of Showmax's trailblazing 2D animated series, 'Twende' which follows the adventures of Twende, the pangolin, his best friend and bird, Nuru - and the villains on their tale - as they scope the city for adventures and snacks! This isn't just any show – it's a gem in the crown of African animation, a story woven on the continent and now dazzling audiences across the globe. Today, Mkamzee, Raymond and Auudi - cast members of 'Twende' - spill the beans on what makes 'Twende' a must-watch, and the powerful messages tucked within its heart. They take us behind the scenes of their animated escapade, sharing laughs and revelations about bringing this vibrant world to life and the lasting echo they hope it will leave in the hearts of viewers.

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 the Cast of Twende:

• Mkamzee Mwatela - https://instagram.com/mkamzee
• Raymond Karago - https://instagram.com/king_on_the_rise_
• Auudi Rowa - https://instagram.com/auudirowa

Watch the Twende Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiiMEU0ZntU 

Watch Twende! https://www.showmax.com/eng/tvseries/h7or3n6r-twende 

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper - https://soundcloud.com/silaspiper 

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Join Lilly as she dives into a conversation with Susan Murabana, the visionary Kenyan astronomer and co-founder of The Travelling Telescope. Together, they unravel Susan's fascinating journey from a stargazing enthusiast to a trailblazer in community science education. Discover how The Travelling Telescope is captivating young minds and deepening their understanding of astronomy while weaving indigenous stories into its educational tapestry. As the Travelling Telescope approaches its tenth year, Susan shares what she believes their legacy will be and reflects on their experiences with the over 500,000 students they have invited to explore Africa's glorious skies and horizons.

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Website

Follow The Travelling Telescope:

• Website
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter  
• Shows at the Nairobi Planetarium

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Did you know that although Black South Africans represent more than 80 percent of the country, only 1% of wine brands sold there are Black-owned? Our guest today is determined to see that change one sip at a time. Munashe Kwaramba, a dynamic sommelier and winemaker, and the chef and owner of Hari Kitchen in Franschhoek, South Africa joins us this week to tell his story. Munashe journeyed from Zimbabwe to South Africa as a student, became a qualified sommelier at 23, and at age 27 founded his own restaurant and wine label. In this episode, he explores how his grandmother's influence has shaped his culinary creations at Hari Kitchen, his commitment to creating a space for Africans and those in the diaspora to feel at home, and why being a Black African is the best thing that ever happened to him! 

Lilly's kimono is from The Nuralains: https://www.instagram.com/the_nuralains/?hl=en

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok
• Website

Follow Munashe:

• Hari Kitchen Restaurant 
• LinkedIn

References:

• Exploring South Africa's Black Wine Scene
• Abroad drinking Wine with Munashe Kwaramba (Wine With Tuanni)

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

In this engaging live recording from the Littlgig Festival in Lamu, Lilly sits down with the distinguished Tsitsi Dangarembga, one of the Continent's most prolific writers, playwrights, and filmmakers, whose narratives have touched audiences across the world. Tsitsi's interview recounts her mother's profound influence on her life, instilling in her the conviction to harness the intellect and creativity that would lead to an award-winning career. She delves into the creation of her timeless character Tambudzai, an emblem of potential for Zimbabwean girls, and discusses the intricate ties between Tambu's story and the national narrative of the Zimbabwean Liberation Struggle as depicted in her acclaimed novels "Nervous Conditions," "The Book of Not," and "This Mournable Body." Further, Tsitsi reflects on the recognition of her work by the Booker Prize, the importance of political and social engagement, and by whom she most wants her writing to be understood. The conversation also traverses the critical importance of the African creative economy, as Tsitsi underlines the power of the boundless African imagination - a key to sustainable development and cultural empowerment. 

Tsitsi's art and courage have been lauded across the world. She has won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize, the 2021 PEN International Award for Freedom of Expression, the 2022 Windham-Campbell Literature Prize (fiction) at Yale University and was the 2022-2023 Joy Foundation Fellow at the Harvard Radcliffe Institute. In 2020, "This Mournable Body" was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Tsitsi is the Founder and Director of the Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa Trust.

Lilly's dress is by Katush. Thank you to Georgia Black for the privilege of recording this interview at Littlegig Lamu 2023 ~ asante sana.

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 Tsitsi:

• LinkedIn - https://zw.linkedin.com/in/tsitsi-dangarembga-02556872 
•  Institute of Creative Arts for Progress in Africa Trust

Check out the Little Gig Festival:

• Website - https://littlegig.co.za/event/littlegig-lamu-2023/ 
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/littlegigfestiv/ 

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 social anthropologist and Rhodes Scholar Alaba Angole for a conversation on colorism and the skin bleaching industry in Zambia. Alaba shares the personal encounters with colorism that have informed her research and mission to dismantle damaging social ideologies around color, gender, and social interactions. Alaba's intensive research on the cultural and social frameworks that sustain the skin bleaching phenomenon in Zambia highlights trends all too familiar in Black and Brown communities. Together, Lilly and Alaba explore the evolution and marketing strategies of these products, their effects on individual and communal health, and the importance of reserving judgment when researching issues of colorism. Alaba's work investigates the drivers behind the rising ubiquity of skin-bleaching products and its ramifications on Africa's socio-political stage.

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 Alaba Angole:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/alaba-angole-5542a6160/

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

This episode was recorded on Thursday 26 October. 2023. Please note that themes of war, conflict and genocide are discussed. 

In 1963, Dr. Martin Luther King said:   "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny." Today, Lilly is joined by Irungu Houghton, Executive Director - Amnesty International Kenya. Together, they delve into the complexities of the war in Palestine and Israel, as well as the conflicts in Ethiopia, Sudan, & the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Irungu sheds light on the harsh realities faced by the people in these regions and the need for ongoing international attention and engagement. Irungu offers insightful perspectives on the links between settler colonialism in the Middle East and Kenya, the right-sized role of the global North in the Continent, and what may be looming ahead if the ongoing conflicts here and elsewhere remain unresolved. Lilly and Irungu also address the challenges posed by social media, misinformation, and disinformation in today's digital age, stressing the importance of triangulating information and relying on our principles, judgment, and moral compasses to navigate these turbulent times and understand our responsibilities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of these complex geopolitical issues, their impact on the affected populations, and the broader implications for global justice and accountability.

How you can get involved?

• Consider signing the Amnesty International Petition to demand a ceasefire by all parties to end civilian suffering and joining Amnesty International (Kenya) 
• Consider donating to:
• The Palestinian Children's Relief Fund 
• Dror Israel  
• Help people fleeing violence in Ethiopia
• Democratic Republic of the Congo Emergency
• Islamic Relief Worldwide - Sudan  
• Consider reading the following: 
• Irungu's articles: The world must now find lasting solution to Palestine occupation and Kenya must demand civilians are protected
• Meditations on War and Peace by Mamka Anyona 
• The Fall of all Walls: Genocide in Palestine by Osman Siddiqi
• Quote Irungu references from Gandhi can be found here 
• The Birth of Israel, Myths and Realities by Simha Flapan (book)
• The Hundred Years' War on Palestine by Rashid Khalidi (book)
• Consider watching or listening to the following: 
• Dr. Gabor Maté on Israel/Palestine - October 28, 2023
• Hamas Took Her Son
• The Jewish Left Is Trying to Hold Two Thoughts at Once - The Ezra Klein Show 
• iTunes
• Israel's long war on Gaza with Norman Finkelstein | The Chris Hedges Report
• "We are the indigenous people of this land": HE Hazem Shabat Palestine Ambassador to Kenya
• "Israel has not broken any law": HE Michael Lotem Israel Ambassador to Kenya 
• Israeli Journalist Amira Hass: How Can the World Stand By and Witness Israel's Slaughter in Gaza?

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 Irungu Houghton

• Instagram https://www.instagram.com/irunguhoughton/ 
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/irunguhoughton 
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IrunguHoughtonPage 
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/irunguhoughton/ 
• Website - https://www.irunguhoughton.org/ 

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Piano Ambient Music: Scott Buckley

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Join Lilly as she engages in conversation with Mark Otieno Odhiambo, one of Kenya's top sprinters. In this episode, they explore his challenging journey back to running following a three-year ban due to an unintended violation at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. They delve into the complexities of being an international athlete, the rigorous guidelines they must adhere to, and the intense pressure that comes with high-performance sports. Mark shares not only his personal battle during the ban - but how the unwavering support from his community and his wife carried him through. Finally, Mark discusses his aspirations and preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics now that his ban is lifted and the track beckons him once again.

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram 
• YouTube
• TikTok 
• Website

Follow Mark:

• Instagram 
• Twitter 

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper 

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Technical Team: K-Krew

Habibi Chairs courtesy of Love Artisan 

Join Lilly as she delves into Sheila Munyiva's transformative journey in the film and theatre world. Renowned for roles in projects like 'Rafiki', Netflix's 'Country Queen', and Disney's 'Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire', Sheila recounts her rise from playing a made-up Bible character to reshaping on-screen narratives. Sheila shares what it meant to her to be a part of the Rafiki's impact of weaving a love story that opened avenues of acceptance and visibility for Kenya's queer community at home and abroad.

Sheila shares lessons in film-making from powerhouse director Wanuri Kahiu and how characters like Ciru from 'Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire' resonate with her personal challenges, particularly in balancing motherhood and career. The episode further explores Sheila's early life and how her experience with tremendous grief fueled her commitment to philanthropy. And Sheila also gives us a preview of her upcoming Netflix venture that delves into the poignant world of incarcerated women.

Lilly and Sheila converse about career transitions, the weight and reward of portraying culturally significant stories, and the undulating journey of staying true to one's beliefs in an industry that is perpetually evolving.

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram 
• YouTube 
• TikTok 
• Website 

Follow Sheila:

• Instagram 
• Twitter 
• Learn more about PadMad's work to eliminate period poverty
  

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Technical Team: K-Krew

Habibi Chairs courtesy of Love Artisan 

Lilly's dress is from Zuri Kenya

Legendary political satirst Godfrey Mwapembwa, better known as Gado, is proof that a picture is worth a thousand words. In this engaging episode, Lilly and Gado chart his unique path from his hometown of Dar es Salaam, to placing second in a drawing competition in Nairobi to becoming the Daily Nation's revered political cartoonist - and beyond. During their conversation, Gado reflects on his mother's foundational support and his 30-year journey challenging global powerhouses through art.

Gado and Lilly navigate his evolution as a political commentator, from the days of Kenya's former President Moi to contemporary politics, shedding light on the pushback, resilience, and conviction that define his work. Gado reflects on the 2016 Cartooning for Peace Prize, awarded to him by Kofi Annan, emblematic of his roles as a truth-teller and peacemaker. Gado's art has the ability to provoke, inspire, and reflect societal nuances. During this deep dive into his work and legacy, he shares what it has cost him and whether it was worth it in the end. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the mind of one of the great political minds of our time - the one and only Gado!

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Instagram 
• YouTube 
• TikTok 
• Website 

Follow Gado

• Instagram 
• Twitter 
• Website 
• Buni Media

 Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Technical Team: K-Krew

In our first public live recording of 2023, Lilly hosts the dynamic Dr. Ijeoma Kola, a professor of history a the University of Notre Dame and a versatile presence in digital content creation, social impact entrepreneurship, and much more. Dr. Kola, the founder of Cohort Sistas, talks about her Nigerian heritage and the formative influence it had on her worldview, even after migrating to the U.S. at a young age. Ijeoma reflects on the inspirations drawn from her mother's nursing career, her resulting passion for medicine, public health, and the insights she is drawing from her scholarship connecting race, gender and socio-economic status to health outcomes and disparities. 

Lilly and Ijeoma discuss her forthcoming book, "I Can't Breathe: Racism and the Rise of Asthma in Black Urban America," and the experiences she had both writing the book and completing graduate school that led her to found her organization, Cohort Sistas. Ijeoma expounds on the vital and necessary work Cohort Sistas is doing supporting Black Women and non-binary individuals in their postgraduate pursuits - and why we all benefit from their success.

Finally, the episode also reveals Ijeoma's transformative journey as a content creator, the tough decisions she made prioritizing mental health and family over a career as an influencer, and concludes with a spirited game of "Kenya or Nigeria - Who Does It Better?"

Join Lilly and Dr. Ijeoma Kola in this fun and rich conversation as they traverse diverse terrains of thought, exploring the nuances of race, medicine, and the essence of our roots.

Follow Selam & Hello:

• Twitter 
• Instagram 
• YouTube 
• TikTok 
• Website

Follow Ijeoma Kola

• Instagram 
• Facebook -
• Twitter 
• YouTube 
• Website 
• Cohort Sisters 

Email us at: 

• [email protected]
• [email protected] 

Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper

Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions

Technical Team: K-Krew