Conversation among experts in the Creative / Creative Corporate space discussing the length of inclusion and diversity in today’s digital space.

Efua Osei is a Ghanaian artist who combines traditional and digital art to host space for black representation, Africanism, and marginalized communities. With a passion for social change, she weaves her vision into captivating artwork, boldly embracing unconventional colours to spark meaningful conversation. Through her vibrant art, she envisions a world where colours transcend boundaries, where marginalized groups don't exist anymore.

Kofi Yeboah, Program Officer for Mozilla Foundation. He leads both Mozilla's Africa Innovation Mradi convening strategy across Africa, and Mozilla's Creative Media Awards program that supports a global cohort of artists who use art to help the public understand how AI impacts society. Also, Kofi is an independent researcher and writes on tech and society related issues with an interest in AI and inclusivity, AI and geopolitics, and AI narratives, through the perspective of the Global South, particularly Africa.

Why is the length of music tracks getting shorter lately? Is there a psychological reason behind it or a commercial agenda? Whatever the case, streaming platforms have redefined production, distribution, ownership rights, and contracting in the music industry. In this episode, upcoming rapper Keddi and Lawyer Antoinette Boama join us with hot takes on the issue and more.

Antoinette Boama is a private legal practitioner from Ghana who specializes in real estate, criminal and entertainment law. She is the managing counsel for Eden Law & Associates and serves as legal consultant to a number of artistes, record labels and NGOs. She graduated from University of Ghana in 2016 and was called to the Ghanaian bar in 2019. She assists in the teaching of LLM/MA Alternative Dispute Resolution at the University of Ghana School of Law.

Keddi is a talented Ga rapper who considers himself as an ambassador of Tema New-Town, where he was born and bred. Daniel E. Mensah, as he is known outside showbiz, is a proud Tema Manhean Native. As a music lover who was heavily influenced by hip-hop and hiplife at an early age, Keddi developed a passion to create music. This passion for music till date is evident in the energy with which he raps and his commitment to his music career. Keddi, who is popularly noted for his kente head bands, always fronts his connection to the Ga people of Ghana.

A few days after this recording, two major events happened. Ghanaian music producer Kobby Spiky won a two-year, $250,000 copyright infringement lawsuit against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for using his soundtrack "Okomfo Anokye" without permission for promotional purposes.

Veteran music producer Kwame Mickey alleged that Team Eternity Ghana's hit song "Defe Defe" sampled a track by his artist, Hallelujah Voices. He stated that both songs shared identical lyrics, composition, and arrangement, even though their melodies were different. Both parties have reached an amicable settlement. 

These incidents highlight the ongoing issue of copyright infringement in the creative industry. In this episode, Adwoa Paintsil, Esq., breaks down the copyright process in Ghana, offering enlightening commentary on pitfalls creatives should avoid.

Adwoa E. Paintsil is a lawyer and an associate of the Robert Smith Law Group. She has lectured and published extensively on copyright and intellectual property rights in Ghana. Adwoa's love for music leads her to occasionally lend her voice to her favourite songs. Outside of work, she is an ‘aspiring rich auntie’ to her nephews.

You are in the ladies' corner. Grab a cup of tea or coffee and listen in on a heart-to-heart conversation between Henrietta, Blossom, and Meli about the unique experiences of women in tech, tourism and art spaces.

Meli Mansu has been working with the Goethe-Institut Ghana as the Head of Information and Library Services since 2018. Her focus has been on Literature, Informative Workshops between Germany and Ghanaian Institutions and now focusing on Technology and related topics.

Blossom Dugbatey is a dedicated software engineer with a deep passion for technology. My journey in tech is marked by continuous learning and a commitment to success. I thrive on both the challenges and rewards of creating innovative solutions. Beyond my technical expertise, I actively mentor newcomers and foster community growth. My perseverance and enthusiasm drive me to inspire others and make a meaningful impact in the ever-changing world of technology.

Henrietta Naa Atswei Adjetey is a Ghanaian tour curator, travel vlogger and digital influencer. Known for her vibrant and engaging travel content, she shares her adventures across various destinations, highlighting cultural experiences, local cuisines, and travel tips. Her work often focuses on promoting tourism in Ghana and Africa, showcasing the beauty and diversity of the continent. Through her social media platforms and YouTube channel, Henrietta has built a following by offering authentic and inspiring travel experiences. 

Driven by her love for travel and a passion to tell positive African stories, she founded Travelo, a tour company that curates authentic local experiences for travellers, offering them an immersive journey into the diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes and rich culinary traditions.  

From music to movies, tech platforms are giving creators the tools and audience to take off. Build a fanbase, share your work, and even get funded - all with a few clicks. So what’s the fuss about the dangers of technology for creative expression? In this episode, our guests Kobby Spiky, Kojo Ayitey, Brian together with Michael discuss emergent issues intersecting creativity and technology.

Paul Azumah-Ayitey is a Ghanaian Music Business Executive passionate about the use of strategy and scenario planning to build brands and drive projects to successful completion and acclaim. Currently, the Communications and Public Relations Manager for Africa at Boomplay, Africa’s premier music streaming platform, Paul was recently invited into the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) for his advocacy for music business education and contributions to the local music industry in Ghana and Africa.

Kwabena Offei-Kwadey Nkrumah (KobbySpiky) is a multi-faceted technology consultant, tech journalist, and influencer. He is the co-founder of ctrl.IT, a tech consultancy. Kobby Spiky has worked with many brands and institutions, including Samsung, Huawei, MTN Ghana, MUSIGHA, and the Data Protection Commission.Kobby is also the Group Head of EiB Digital, and is a frequent speaker, panellist, facilitator, or moderator on various technology topics in Ghana. He is a Rotarian and also a music producer, under the stage name, The Real Spiky.Kobby has a deep passion for technology and innovation, and is always looking for new ways to use technology to solve problems and improve people's lives. He is a strong advocate for the use of technology to promote social inclusion and economic development.Kobby is a highly accomplished professional with a proven track record of success. He is a strategic thinker with a strong ability to lead and motivate teams. He is also a creative thinker with a knack for coming up with innovative solutions to problems.Kobby is a valuable asset to any organization, and he is sure to continue to make significant contributions to the technology industry in Ghana and beyond

Maybe it's not all about the pursuit of greener pastures. The reasons why people move from one place to another can be nuanced. In this episode, Michael, Ernest, and guests – Afua and Kirstie – take you on a roller coaster ride through personal immigrant experiences, the allure of Christmas 'borgas,' the depletion of Africa’s brain trust, the black tax, and much more.

Dede Kumassah is a private chef and culinary arts enthusiast who loves creating personalized dining experiences. Cooking is her passion, and she enjoys experimenting with flavors to make every meal special. She also owns a small business that crafts handmade shea butter products. She is dedicated to using natural ingredients to create high-quality skincare items that people can enjoy every day. 

Dr. Kirstie Kwarteng is a migration and diaspora expert with 10 years of experience working with international organizations, policymakers, academic institutions, and civil society organizations globally. She holds a PhD in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London and is currently a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the SOAS Centre for Pan- African Studies. Her work is centered on African migration and diaspora communities, with a focus on the experiences of second generation African diaspora (children of African immigrants).Dr. Kwarteng's academic and community-based diaspora work has earned her several awards including the Dudley Stamp Memorial Award from the Royal Geographical Society and Ghana's Top 30 under 30 by Future of Ghana. She has used her expertise in migration, diaspora policy, development, and qualitative research on consulting projects with the IOM, EuDIF, British Red Cross, and USAID. She is also the founder of The Nana Project, an online platform dedicated to preserving Ghana's history through the voices of Ghanaian elders. 

As technology evolves, the boundary lines between traditional artistry and artificial intelligence get blurred. Is this a threat or an opportunity to enhance creative expression? These are some of the issues that Michael, together with Brian, Rashida, and Bright, discussed in this podcast episode. From personal experiences to ethics to the immeasurable flair of humanness in the creative process, they sought to chart a path to a peaceful coexistence between creatives and the steady advancement of what threatens to take their jobs – technology.

Artist Bright Ackwerh lives and works in Ghana and has been exhibited and published home and abroad in the last couple of years. His practice is grounded in socio-political commentary often employing the internet and digital tools to make and share his art. His distinct work positions him as one of the exciting emergent voices in the art space and one to keep a keen eye on.

Rashida Musa is a powerhouse entrepreneur with a wealth of experience and knowledge in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Born in Kumasi, Ghana and raised in Canada, Rashida studied International Business at the prestigious University of Alberta before launching a successful e-commerce consulting business in 2017. Since then, she has helped hundreds of entrepreneurs establish successful e-commerce businesses, showcasing her expert business acumen.

Rashida's entrepreneurial ambitions don't stop there. She is also a specialist in AI, with a deep passion for the field and extensive knowledge of the latest AI tools and technologies. Rashida regularly trains corporate teams on effectively integrating AI tools into their workflows, harnessing her expert insights and experience.

Rashida has made waves internationally, having been featured twice in Vogue Brasil, she also worked for the international real estate development company, the Martinet Group in Brazil, developing digital nomadic properties on some of the country's most beautiful islands. She is now back in her home country of Ghana, where she is continuing to learn from tech leaders and giving back to her community.

With her entrepreneurial flair, passion for technology, and commitment to social justice, Rashida is a respected and valued voice in the business world. Whether she's advising entrepreneurs on their e-commerce strategies or training teams on how to leverage AI, Rashida's expertise and drive make her a force to be reckoned with.

There are more books available online than ever before. But are we reading more? Dominant social media platforms, often labeled as "weapons of mass distraction," are thought to have shifted our attention from active reading to mindless scrolling. Is the internet truly guilty as charged? Michael, Ernest, and guests - Amma Ofosu and Abena Karikari - had a conversation about these issues, including individual preferences and inclusion challenges in reading.

Amma Amofaah-Ofosu is an educator and writer. She has maintained a balanced interest in both education and language. Inspired by bell hooks, Amma approaches teaching socio-culturally and playfully. As a writer, she explores various themes while experimenting with genre conventions.

Amma is also the founder of 27Beginnings, a creative Institute focused on education and language. As an Institute, a holistic approach to learning, the use of narrative and an expansive understanding of language drive theory and practice.

Abena Karikari is an academic, writer, avid reader and bookseller. She holds a PhD in African Studies from the University of Ghana and a Masters in Medical Anthropology from the University of Edinburgh. She is co-author of The Kelewele Connection and contributed to the flash fiction anthology Kenkey for Ewes. A strong advocate for diverse representation in literature, Abena promotes books written by Africans and people of African descent on her Instagram and YouTube. She also runs Akenkan Bookstore located in West Legon, Accra.

The Tech, Art & Soul Podcast asks the big questions about the possibilities when three worlds come together. The technology affecting cultures, the creativity pushing the boundaries of our imagination, and the people inspiring positive change with radical innovation. The podcast explores these interplays through authentic, unscripted conversations with artists, technologists, and thought leaders who challenge our view of the world.

Ernest Armah: What makes you tick? Is it groundbreaking ideas, encounters with people of action, or contributing to something meaningful? For ten years and counting, Ernest Armah has been exploring these questions at the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development. His journey has led him to thought leadership and award-winning projects that have transformed lives across Africa and Europe. Ernest brings to this podcast curiosity and a commitment to building bridges between people and ideas.

Brian Dzansi Dzidefo is a technology entrepreneur, innovation, and policy analyst. He is the Founder/CEO of Node Eight, an innovation company that solves big social challenges by nurturing ethical talents, implementing innovative projects, investing in early-stage startups and building a supportive community. He has worked with organizations like the Danish Embassy, AfriLabs, GIZ, Institute of Fiscal Studies Ghana & IMANI Africa. As a co-host and producer of the Tech Arts and Soul Podcast, Brian offers his technical and researched views on Ghana's digital economy. He also contributes his expertise as the co-host and editor of the Accra Digital Digest Xspaces, Newsletter and on various national media platforms. Brian is a Mandela Washington Fellow, an Africa-Berlin Network Expert, a Mashav Fellow, and a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum.

Michael Komla Opare thrives on connecting with people, engaging in meaningful conversations, and building communities. His passion is evident in his work as a master of ceremonies, business developer, and corporate sales professional. Michael has over 5 years of experience MCing and hosting various social and corporate events, including Accra Digital Circles, ALX Karibou, and Ghana Digital Innovation Week. He also hosts Accra Digital Digest, a weekly discussion on critical technology topics that brings together insights from all pillars of Ghana's digital ecosystem. As Business Development Manager at Node Eight, Michael uses his knack for engaging conversations and valuable connections to drive growth. He has a proven sales track record with organizations like MFI Ghana Limited and advises tech startups on strategic growth opportunities. On the Tech, Arts, and Soul podcast, Michael leads conversations with stimulating questions that provide valuable insights for the audience on the intersection of tech and arts, all while adding a sprinkle of fun.

Charles William Adofo is a passionate driven filmmaker.