The NDINI Podcast

Sindy Zemura-Bernard describes herself as an advocate for those who are marginalized, and yet for several years she tried ignoring the calling for her to do the work she now does.

In what she describes as her "blessing in disguise", Sindy was involved in a major car accident, which left her with brain and spinal injuries and unable to walk.

Sindy says she realized that life is short, and there would never be a "right time", so she quit her job, and committed to focusing her energy on her foundation.

Chidiogo Blessing Akunyili-Parr's name roughly translates as ‘God is gracious with blessings and my cup overflows’. It's an appropriate name for a woman whose list of accomplishments is so impressive - she's been voted one of the '100 Most Influential Young Africans', '100 Most Influential Nigerians', she's been a World Economic Forum Global Leadership Fellow, and she speaks 7 languages!

But Chidiogo says her greatest accomplishment was facing her fears and choosing to march to the beat of her own drum!  In 2017, Chidiogo founded an organization called She ROARs - Reimagining Our Africa Rising.  Her mission is to empower women across Africa to unleash their full potential and that of the continent.  Her philosophy is based on the humanist African concept of Ubuntu - 'I am because you are.  You are because we are'. 

Chidiogo is also a writer and storyteller.  She's currently writing a biography about her late mother, Professor Dora Akunyili, who was Nigeria's first head the country's National Agency of Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC). 

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• What it was like growing up as the fifth of six children in a very high achieving family
• The impact and influence that her mother had on her life
• What she thinks is her super power
• Why she's sometimes reluctant to tell people that she speaks 7 languages
• What Chidiogo is most afraid of
• Her greatest dream for She ROARs
• The limiting beliefs she felt she needed to address in her TEDx Talk
• How she manifested her husband, and knew he was 'the one' the day they met
• The impact that Chidiogo would like to have in the world
• What Chidiogo's "I am" is

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But the journey to becoming a doctor was not an easy one.  Nothabo and her family moved to Canada in 2006, where they found themselves living in the low-income Regent Park projects of Toronto.  As Nothabo describes, prostitution and drug-dealing was a normal part of everyday life in the neighborhood.  She could easily have found herself led astray given the circumstances, but she was committed to working hard and getting to university. She graduated top of her high school class, and received a scholarship to attend one of the top universities in Canada for her undergraduate studies.  

But it was not smooth sailing once she got there. The pressure of university coupled with family issues led to Nothabo falling into depression.  She couldn't even find the strength to get out of bed most morning, and stopped attending classes.  Soon after, the university kicked her out of her program.  It was actually her father who found the letter from the university telling Nothabo that she had been kicked out.  He left that letter on her bed, along with a note he wrote telling her how she was capable of so much more.  Nothabo sought help, and graduated two years later and was accepted into medical school. 

But her dream of becoming a doctor looked like it was about to be dashed when she was unable to get funding for her medical studies. Desperate, she tried all means to find the money, including writing to Oprah Winfrey.  She was invited to attend a taping of Oprah's Lifeclass, where the topic was "You become what you believe".  Oprah didn't give Nothabo any money, but meeting her gave Nothabo a far greater gift - self-belief. 

Nothabo returned to Toronto with renewed zeal to find the money so she could fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor.  Soon after, she received significant funding to get her started with her studies through a chance conversation with her hairdresser, who gifted her $10,000!

Nothabo went on to graduate as a medical doctor, but is now pursuing a different path - a career as a motivational speaker and coach. 

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• How Nothabo made a promise at her mother's graveside that would define the trajectory of her life
• How losing her mother was a 'gift' that she turned into her purpose
• The great gift that meeting Oprah gave her
• What it's been like for Nothabo speaking on international stages with greats like Lisa Nichols
• What Nothabo decided not to pursue a career in medicine
• How Nothabo defines purpose
• What Nothabo thinks is her purpose
• Nothabo's greatest dream for herself
• What Nothabo's "I am…" is

 

EPISODE LINKS

Dr. Thabo on Instagram

Dr. Thabo on Twitter

Dr.Thabo on Facebook

Dr. Thabo's Website

Yemi Alade is often referred to as the 'Queen of Afropop'!  And as she told me in our conversation, "I'm living my dream.  I'm awake and still dreaming!"

Yemi came from a strict family (her father was a Police Commissioner) that emphasized the importance of education. Throughout school, Yemi loved singing and performing.  In fact, In high school Yemi was part of a girl group called 'Naughty Spices'.  But she never thought of becoming a singer until in 2009, at the insistence of her friend, she entered 'Peak Talent Show'. She was shocked to win the talent show - so shocked in fact that they had to call her name twice before she realized that she had won. 

But that was the moment she realized she had a talent, and that she could really make something out of it.  She still went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from University of Lagos in 2010, but she decided to pursue her passion for performing. 

While she had moderate success in the music industry, it wasn't until 2013 and the leak of a single she was still working on with Producer Selebobo that her career really took off.  That official video for that single Johnny has been viewed more than 96 million times on YouTube!

Yemi talks about what it's taken for her to come the international superstar that she is.  She also talks about the big dreams she has for the future - she recently performed at Lincoln Centre in New York, but she's dreaming of one day selling out Madison Square Garden! And with the way this lady is going, it won’t be long before she does that!

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Who were some of Yemi's musical influences growing up
• How Yemi describes her style of music
• Who she would most like to collaborate with
• Why the leaking of one of her singles was perhaps the breakthrough for her career
• What has been the most surprising aspect of fame
• Why she refers to herself as a 'King' and not a 'Queen'
• The best advice Yemi has ever been given
• What Yemi's definition of success is
• What she is most proud of having achieved so far
• The surprising thing that Yemi is most afraid of
• What she is most grateful for
• What Yemi's "I am…" is

 

EPISODE LINKS

Yemi Alade on Instagram

Yemi Alade on Twitter

Yemi Alade on Facebook

Yemi Alade on YouTube

Zahara describes herself as a 'country girl' - she was born and raised in the Phumlani Information Settlement in Eastern Cape, South Africa.  She grew up listening to songs her mother played on their small radio, including songs by South African greats like Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba and Rebecca Malope.  At just six years old, she was made the lead singer of her Sunday School choir. 

Zahara was discovered while busking on the streets of East London.  In 2011, she released her debut album 'Loliwe'.  The first issue of that album sold out in less than 72 hours, and it went double platinum in less than 20 days.  Since then, Zahara has released three more studio albums, including her most recent titled 'Mgodi'.  She has also won numerous national and international awards. 

In 2013, Zahara was invited by Nelson Mandela to his private residence in Qunu to perform a bedside concert. 

Despite having powerhouse vocals and being known for playing the guitar, Zahara has never had any formal musical training. In fact, she doesn't even know how to read music!

In addition to being signed with Warner Music, Zahara recently launched her own record label called 'Music Lives Here Records'. She wants to use the label to give young girls and boys with the opportunity to break into the music industry. 

Zahara says she's never wanted the fame that comes with being an international artist - she says she's a storyteller, and all she wants to do is to use her voice to inspire others.

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• When Zahara knew that she had the incredible vocal gift she has
• Where she gets her inspiration for her songs
• How she has coped with tragedy and difficult times in her life
• How even though she has performed I front of thousands of people, she still gets nervous before every performance
• What Nelson Mandela said to Zahara after she performed for him at his bedside at his home in Qunu
• Who inspires Zahara most
• Who she would most like to do a collaboration with
• The advice she would give to anyone wanting to purse their dreams
• What Zahara's biggest dream is
• What Zahara's "I am…" is

  

LINKS

Zahara on Instagram

Zahara on Twitter

Zahara on Facebook

Nsoki had always loved singing from a young age, starting with singing in Church.  But it wasn't until 2012 that the Angolan superstar decided to follow her heart and her dreams, and turn her passion into her profession.   

She launched with her very first single 'Meu Anjo' which means 'My Angel' in Portuguese.  The single was an immediate hit in Angola and other Portuguese-speaking countries.  Nsoki followed the success of her single with launching her first album by the same name the following year.  That album received critical acclaim and won several awards, including "Female Voice of the Year' and 'Best Newcomer". 

Nsoki traditionally sang love songs in her native Portuguese.  But she realized that she could also use her platform to focus on encouraging Africans to be proud of our continent, and to promote unity across Africa. 

It was also an opportunity for her to expand her fanbase to non-Portuguese speaking countries.  In 2017, she released the single 'Africa Unite'to huge success across Africa.  It also launched what has become Nsoki's signature dance move!

Earlier this year Nsoki released her latest single 'African Sunrise' which talks about the struggles and joys of living in Africa.  The song, which has an Afrobeat that you can't help but dance to, includes melodies and lyrics sung in Kikongo and Swahili. 

While Nsoki acknowledges the music industry has its challenges, she says you should always follow your heart and do what truly makes you happy!

Ntsiki Biyela is a trailblazer in every sense of the word.  She went from being a domestic worker to becoming the first black woman winemaker in South Africa! 

Ntsiki grew up in Mahlabathini - a rural village in KwaZulu Natal.  She dreamed of becoming an engineer, but after finishing high school, Ntsiki's family didn't have funds for her to continue with her education.  She ended up taking a job as a domestic worker.  Ntsiki had been an impressive student, and so when her former school teachers heard about a scholarship for University, they went looking for her. 

The scholarship was to study winemaking at Stellenbosch University.  Winemaking wasn't something Ntsiki had ever thought about doing, or even knew anything about. In fact she shares that she used to drink cider, and thought that was wine! And to further complicate the situation, the scholarship that was being offered was for classes that were all taught in Afrikaans -  a language Ntsiki didn't speak. 

But Ntsiki was undeterred, and immersed herself into her studies.  She graduated in 2003 with a BSc in agriculture ((Viticulture and Oenology), and then joined boutique winery Stellekaya the following year.  Just 5 years into her career as a winemaker, Ntsiki was named Woman Winemaker of the Year. 

Ntsiki used her time at Stellekaya to learn everything she could about the wine business.  But she always knew to be able to give back to her community in the way she wanted to, she would eventually need to branch out on her own. 

In 2016, Aslina Wines, which is named after Ntsiki’s grandmother, was born.  Last year Ntsiki was named one of the world’s top 20 most innovative women in food and drink by Fortune Magazine!

Ntsiki is now in an enviable position - she has more demand for her wines than she can keep up with!

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• How Ntsiki ended up becoming South Africa’s first black, female winemaker
• Why Ntsiki named her winery ‘Aslina’
• The biggest dream Ntsiki has for Aslina
• What it’s like being one of only a few black winemakers and even fewer black female winemakers in the world
• What it meant to Ntsiki to be name winemaker of the year
• The terrible advice a marketer tried to give Ntsiki about naming one of her wines ‘Msasane’
• The greatest lesson she learned from having to work as a domestic servant for a year
• What it was like attending university - in a language she didn't understand
• The woman that Ntsiki most admires
• The best advice she has ever been given
• What Ntiski is most grateful for
• Why one of Ntsiki's wines is named after the Acacia tree
• What Ntsiki is most afraid of
• What Ntsiki’s favorite wine is
• The not so surprising (but funny) thing that Ntsiki always carries with her everywhere she goes
• What Ntsiki’s "I am…" is

 

EPISODE LINKS

Nstiki on Instagram

Aslina Wines on Instagram

Aslina Wines on Twitter

Aslina Wines on Facebook

Aslina Wines Website

When Kirsty was 9 years old, she told her parents she was going to be an Olympic swimmer, and win a gold medal.

Kirsty is now arguably the greatest athlete to ever come out of Africa.  She is a 5-time Olympian and 7-time Olympic medallist, having won 2 gold medals, 4 silver medals and a bronze medal.  She is tied with Krisztina Egerszegi for the female with the most individual swimming Olympic medals.  Kirsty has also been World Champion, Commonwealth Games Champion and All Africa Games Champion multiple times.  She has also held 5 world records throughout her career.

In 2000 at 16 years old, Kirsty qualified for her first Olympics in Sydney.  It was an overwhelming experience for the young Kirsty, but one which made her realise that her dream of winning Olympic gold was achievable. 

2004 saw Kirsty qualify for her second Olympics in Athens.  Kirsty describes this as one of her best Olympic experiences.  The 20-year old Kirsty won gold, silver and bronze medals at that Olympics

At the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Kirsty won one gold and three silver medals.  Initially she was disappointed with the three silver medals - her goal had been to win gold in all her events.  But Kim Bracken, who was Kirsty's coach since 2000, made her realize that winning silver on a world stage was a phenomenal achievement. 

In 2012, Kirsty dislocated her knee 4 months before the London Olympics.  Then two months before the Olympic games, she contracted pneumonia.  Undeterred, and to the surprise of many of her competitors, she showed up for the Olympic games.  She made it to the finals for all her events, and finished 6th in the 200m Backstroke and 200m Individual Medley, and 12th in the 100m Backstroke. 

Depleted after the 2012 games, Kirsty took a two-year break from the competitive swimming.  The break gave her time to do some soul searching to decide if she wanted to go back to competitive swimming, and whether at 32 years old, she wanted to do the hard work required to compete in her fifth Olympiad. It also gave her time to get married to Ty Seward, who is now her manager. 

Ultimately, Kirsty didn't want her career to end with a competition where she had not been able to compete at her best.  She decided to make the Rio Olympics her fifth and final Olympic games.  Despite giving one of her best performances, she finished sixth in her signature race - the 200m backstroke.   But Kirsty says she was happy that her final race as a professional swimmer was competing with the best in the world ather best. 

On September 16th, 2016 on her 33rd birthday, Kirsty tearfully announced she was retiringfrom competitive swimming after an almost 20-year career as a professional swimmer.  

Since then, Kirsty has focused her energy into her work as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board member. She also started the Kirsty Coventry Academy, which teaches young children swimming and water safety.  Through her Academy, Kirsty has also started the HEROES program, which is working to empower children through sport. 

And at the beginning of September 2018, Kirsty was appointed to be Zimbabwe's Minister of Youth, Sports, Art and Recreation.  

Kirsty is:

• Two-time Olympic Champion
• Seven-tie Olympic medalist
• Tied for most individual swimming Olympic medals for a female athlete
• Five-time Olympian
• Most Olympic medals for any African athlete
• Three-time World Champion
• Former world record holder in the 200m backstroke, 200m Individual Medley and 400m Individual Medley
• Kirsty is the third woman in history to break the 1:00 minute barrier in the 100 m backstroke, and the second to break the 59-second barrier.

She's an award-winning journalist and filmmaker, but Nyasha Kadandaradidn't start out to be a journalist or a filmmaker. In fact in her first year of university she studied…actuarial science!  But she soon found that much as she enjoyed mathematics, being an actuary wasn't a career path she was cut out for. 

 

She switched her major to finance with the thought that she would eventually pursue a career in investment banking.  Wanting to be immersed in university life, Nyasha signed up to be part of the editorial team for the student publication at University of Cape Town.  Even though her first piece was rejected, she discovered that storytelling was actually her true passion. 

After graduating, Nyasha took a job at a local IT consulting firm, but her dream to be a storyteller kept pulling at her. She applied to the prestigious Columbia Graduate School of Journalism in New York, and was accepted. 

Since then, Nyasha has gone on to produce award winning documentaries, and reported across the globe.  She's currently based in Nairobi, Kenya.  Her most recent work, which was published by the BBC, is a multimedia story called ‘Sex & The Sugar Daddy’.  It’s a controversial and thought-provoking look at the 'Sugar Daddy' or 'Sponsor' culture that is prevalent in Kenya. 

In our conversation, Nyasha talks about why she wanted to tell the ‘Sugar Daddy’ story, what inspired her to follow a career in journalism and filmmaking, some of the greatest challenges she's faced as a journalist, and the impact she'd like to have in the world. 

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• What inspired Nyasha to want to pursue a career as a journalist and filmmaker
• How her first written piece was rejected by her student newspaper, but this inspired her to keep writing
• What it was like being a student at Columbia Journalism School
• What some of the biggest challenges she's faced so far in her career
• What inspired Nyasha to want to tell the story of the 'Sugar Daddy' culture in Kenya, even though she knew it was a controversial subject
• How she went about finding and convincing Grace and Jane to share their stories on camera
• What the public reaction has been to the story
• The advice she would give to any aspiring journalist or filmmaker
• What Nyasha is most grateful for
• Her greatest goal, and who she’d want to share it with
• What Nyasha's "I am…" is

 

EPISODE LINKS

Nyasha’s Website

Nyasha on Instagram

Nyasha on Twitter

Nyasha on Facebook

Nyasha on LinkedIn

Three years ago, Farai Mubaiwa and Reanne Olivier watched in horror along with the rest of the world when the Charlie Hebdoattacks happened in France, where 12 people were killed. The world, including African leaders, rallied and expressed their outrage at the attacks. 

 That same week, the Baga attacks happened in Nigeria.  As Farai says in our conversation "Two thousand people were massacred.  We did not see "I am Baga" t-shirts, we did not see #IAmBaga, we did not see #PrayForNigeria.  And then we started to think "When do African lives matter, and when are we just disposable? Do African lives even matter? Does Africa as a continent even matter?"  This sparked an idea for Farai and Reanne, who had met while at Stellenbosch University in South Africa, to start the movement #AfricaMatters in April 2015. 

The initiative has taken various forms over the last there years, but their core programs are an Africa Matter Ambassador Program, and a Schools Leadership Development Program. The main objective of both programs is to equip African youth with the skills and tools to create community impact projects.

 

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• Why the world's response to two different terrorist attacks left them so outraged that they felt compelled to do something
• How they started the Africa Matters Initiative with no money, and used creativity to get the organization started
• Why it was so important to them to be part of telling a new narrative about Africa
• The narrative they think should be told about Africa
• Why Africa's youth should be taking ownership of changing the narrative on Africa
• The biggest challenges they've faced in growing the Africa Matters Initiative
• What their vision is for the organization
• Why Farai chose topic she spoke about in her TEDx Talk
• The impact Farai and Reanne want to have in Africa
• What Farai and Reanne's "I am…" is

 

EPISODE LINKS

Africa Matters on Instagram

Africa Matters on Twitter

Africa Matters on Facebook

Africa Matters Initiative Website

Africa Matters on LinkedIn

Africa Matters Ambassador Program Website

Africa Matters Schools Leadership Development Program Website

Farai Mubaiwa on Instagram

Farai's TEDx Talk