In this episode, I speak with Toluwani Obayan. A distinguished writer, director, and editor. Her notable works include the short film “Heart & Might,” and the acclaimed 2020 movie “This Lady Called Life,” which earned her the Best of Nollywood 2020 Award for Best Screenplay and an AMVCA nomination for Best Writer.  She has also contributed to the award-winning documentary “Explore the World With Tindel,” celebrated with the ITFF Africa 2019 award for Best African Film. Beyond filmmaking,...

In this episode I speak with Didintle Khunou a highly accomplished South African actor known for her extensive work in screen acting, theater, voice acting, and as a session vocalist. She’s gained significant recognition for playing Celie in "The Color Purple Musical," making history as the first African performer to lead in this role, for which she received a Broadway World Online and a Naledi Award for 'Best Lead Actress In a Musical'. Didintle shares her journey as an actor and musician,...

In this episode, I speak with Denisse a copywriter and photographer whose work revolves around words, people, and images. She crafts compelling narratives for brands through her lens as a photographer. She shares the importance of radical honesty and empathy in her work, and how she uses these values to connect with her subjects. She also explores self-reflection, acceptance, and the transformative power of making art. You can connect with Denisse at...

In this episode I speak with Papa Versa a singer-songwriter, rapper, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, He has gained the respect and admiration as one of Ghana’s most versatile artists.  Paapa has become known for thoughtful, sincere lyricism in genre-bending music. Born with a terrible stutter, music became his primary mode of expression. His greatest desire is to inspire people everywhere to harness their gifts and become bigger than the world they live in, for the world’s sake. He also...

In this episode, I speak with Tajh Rust. His art deeply interrogates society’s obsessions with tradition and over-consumption and offers a fresh perspective on representation. Tajh shares his background, influences, and artistic process. He talks about the importance of art residencies and his dream collaboration projects. Tajh also shares his experiences growing up in a Caribbean household and how it has influenced his art. He discusses the themes and subjects in his paintings, including...

In this episode, I speak with Djakou Kassi Nathalie a renowned ceramic artist from Cameroon. Her career is a testament to her passion, talent, and dedication to the art of ceramics, and her contributions continue to inspire and captivate audiences both at home and around the world. We discuss her journey as a ceramic artist as she shares insights into her creative process. She emphasizes the importance of continuously raising the bar and striving for improvement in her work. She also...

In this episode I speak with Yifan Zhang, whose work is a testament to the power of art to navigate and depict the complexities of cultural identity and personal growth. From an early age, Yifan embraced "carefully made mistakes" as a conduit for creative exploration, leading to the development of a significant body of work titled "Fault Art."  His series captures conflicts across time and space, highlighting the clashes between Eastern and Western cultures, while inviting viewers to find...

In this episode, I speak with Oluwole Omofemi an internationally recognized artist who is from the ancient city of Ibadan. He is mostly known as the last commissioned painting of Queen Elizabeth II before her death. He has held several solo and joint exhibitions both in Nigeria and abroad. Growing up in a challenging environment, Oluwole shares his journey of self-discovery and determination, guided by the wisdom of his grandfather. He reflects on the struggles he faced within his family...

In this episode, I speak with Chenoa Maxwell as she shares her journey from being an actress to becoming a renowned emotional intelligence coach. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence in understanding and managing our emotions, building self-awareness, and developing empathy. She also shares tools and techniques for developing emotional intelligence, including self-talk and belief systems. She also discusses finding purpose and overcoming despair, highlighting the power of...

In this episode, I speak with LaTonya Yvette as we explore her daily rituals, motherhood, and the practice of writing. She opens up about the small moments that make a big impact on her craft, the role of fear in the creative process, and the profound influence her mother's legacy left on her. What does it mean to write from a place of healing and connection? LaTonya's evolution from a lifestyle blogger to a published author provides a narrative that's as much about self-discovery as it is...

In this episode, I speak with Richard Nattoo, a distinguished artist from Jamaica.  His work has been exhibited at the National Gallery of Jamaica and has been showcased in solo and group exhibitions across the UK and Ireland. Renowned for his unique mastery of watercolors, pen, and ink on canvas, Richard utilizes water from natural sources to bring his visions to life. Richard also opens up about the challenging times he faced in 2019 and how art helped him navigate through those difficult...

In this episode, I speak with Jonathan Freemantle a distinguished artist whose art is deeply rooted in traditional techniques, yet explores the dynamic relationship between the human form, time, and the natural world. Utilizing unconventional materials like egg tempera and mountain rocks, Jonathan's work seeks to harmonize humanity with the earth.  With a global exhibition portfolio and significant contributions as an educator and curator, he has left a notable mark on the art and fashion...

In this episode, I speak with Helel Smith to peel back the curtain on the trials of filmmaking in our corner of the world. Helel's candid revelations offer a piercing insight into the high-stakes game of filmmaking. He speaks about the urgency of time and change, framing the artist's journey as a pursuit against the relentless march of the clock. Helel and I dissect the cultural shift necessary for the arts to thrive—where punctuality, dedication, and individual accountability become the...

In this episode, I speak with Mariella Franzoni, a Contemporary Art Specialist, Curator, and Consultant with over 15 years of international experience across Spain, Italy, and South Africa. Her diverse career spans academic research, teaching, and various pivotal roles in art organizations and events. Mariella dedicates herself to guiding art collectors, buyers, and brands, helping them navigate the complexities of the contemporary art scene. Celebrating the 11th edition of the fair, she...

In this episode, I speak with Kunle Afolayan, a celebrated Nigerian filmmaker with an illustrious career in cinema.  Kunle has made significant contributions to Nollywood as a director, producer, and actor. Known for acclaimed films like "October 1" and "The Figurine," he's revered for his storytelling and cultural representation. With over two decades in the industry, Kunle has been instrumental in elevating African cinema on the global stage.  Kunle is one of the visionary forces behind...

Discover the vibrant intersections of art and history as we journey through the Investec Cape Town Art Fair with curators Natasha Becker and Amogelang Maledu. The episode unfolds as a rich tapestry woven from their experiences, with Natasha's New York Assembly Room background and Amogelang's profound grasp of South African black popular cultures and time-based media. They unravel the narrative of art across generations, fostering a dialogue that transcends the traditional art historical...

In this episode I speak with Ella Bulley, a Material Designer known for her unique blend of textiles, products, art, and set design. Through a fusion of in-depth research, material experimentation, and traditional craftsmanship, Ella Bulley's design philosophy acts as a transformative force, turning basic materials into sophisticated designs. Her work has gone on to be exhibited at London Design Festival, Milan Design Week, Tendence, Ambiente, Sommerset House and the Design Museum,...

In this episode, I speak with Terence Maluleke a remarkable Visual Developer and Fine Artist who has collaborated with industry giants like Walt Disney Animation Studios, Sony Pictures Animation, Netflix, and Triggerfish. Terence is also a co-founder of Kasi Sketchbook, an initiative dedicated to establishing drawing clubs in townships. His project inspires young artists to "Draw Your World" every day in their very own Kasi Sketchbooks. His art is deeply rooted in the figurative style and a...

In this episode, I speak with art curator Larry Ossei-Mensah who works with some of the most dynamic visual artists working today. As part of ongoing conversations on the podcast, we talk about his reflections on the evolving art scene in Ghana and his innovative projects for 2024 that promise to challenge cultural narratives and promote self-representation. Larry sheds light on the upcoming "Cross Currents" exhibition in San Francisco and reveals the power of art to reframe representation...

In this episode, I speak with  Manjot Kaur, an artist whose work transcends the realms of speculative fiction and ecological narratives. Manjot's art challenges the traditional focus on humans as central figures, exploring the deeper meanings of humanity and its relationship with the non-human world. Her paintings are a journey into a future beyond conventional boundaries, envisioning a multispecies world where the concepts of queer and human are redefined. Join us as we explore these...

Stephanie Boateng and Kwame Augustine join us to share the captivating journey behind their latest creation, 'Johnny.' This dark comedy-drama mini-series, premiering at  Silverbird Cinema in Ghana on Thursday the 11th of January 2024. This episode also opens up a critical dialogue about the broader implications of cross-continental collaborations in the film industry. As Stephanie and Kwame navigate the intricacies of weaving together the UK and Ghana's creative sectors. They give us a sneak...

In this episode I speak with Maria Sosa a visionary artist whose work interrogates the complexities of history and contemporary social dynamics, particularly in the context of the colonization of America. Her art delves into profound themes such as the epistemicide of pre-Hispanic worlds, racism, sexism, and the often overlooked non-Western ways of life and knowledge. Grounded in the concept of “ecology of knowledge,” Maria’s practice stands out for its collaborative nature and innovative...

In today’s episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Heather Agyepong, a British Ghanaian visual artist, performer, actor, and maker, based in London. Her art practice, deeply concerned with mental health and wellbeing, the diaspora, combines visual art and performance to create an engaging experience for both herself and her audience. Heather's unique approach involves re-imagination to engage communities of interest by placing the self as a central focus within the image.  Our conversation...

In this episode I speak with Bonobo Kavula whose art exists between the intersections of painting, printmaking, drawing, and sculpture, pushing the limitations of each. Initially creating the punched circular discs from canvas, Bonolo has moved to using traditional shweshwe cloth, invoking cultural, ancestral, archival and historical connotations specific to her work. Using her mother’s red shweshwe dress (a family heirloom) as inspiration, bonolo’s work can thus be read through the lens of...