When creativity blooms from the rich soil of heritage, stories that both enchant and educate take flight. Solomon W Jagwe, a remarkable visual artist,  joins us to weave a tapestry of his life, colored by the landscapes of Uganda and the pursuit of his passion in the USA. The echoes of his childhood, marked by the inventiveness of toy-making and the shadows of war, resonate through our conversation, revealing the roots of his artistic journey. He takes us through his educational journey,...

Cliff Mustache is co-founder and artistic director of Nordic Black Theatre in Oslo. In this episode, we uncover his lifetime contributions to Norwegian society and his relentless dedication to promoting diverse perspectives in Norwegian theatre.   As he navigates through his  personal experiences, Cliff takes the time to pay tribute to the impactful role of his mother, sharing personal stories and lessons that have shaped him. He shares his struggles with identity, cultural conformity and the...

In this episode , we engage Paul Matovu in an enlightening discussion that covers everything from his personal journey, right from rural Uganda. Paul's work with Vertical and Microgardening has been nothing short of transformative; his rural upbringing being the catalyst for his passion to improve food accessibility especially in urban contexts using technology. We also dive into the world of vertical farming, discussing the role of policymakers in this innovative sector and its potential...

Jomo Tariku is an Ethiopian American Industrial designer, artist and data scientist. He was born in Kenya, raised in Ethiopia and currently lives and has his design practice in the USA.  Jomo's work and research has been covered by many publications such as Architectural Digest, de zeen, Vogue, The Design Edit etc. His work is currently in the collection of major museums in the USA and some of his beautiful pieces were featured in the set for Marvel's Black Panther, Wakanda Forever movie. He...

Otie Pokua Yankyera is a young architect and researcher born and raised in Ghana. Research & Development , Traditional Architecture , Sustainability and  Local Materials are at the core of her research and practice. In a design space where most young designers aspire towards western architecture, design aesthetics and practices, Otie's passion lies in researching sustainable building practices in indigenous Ghana and Africa . On this episode, we talk about her personal and career journey...

Joshua Gwamoiza is the CEO and founder of ECO-MICE landscaping; a landscape design company with the heart to see sustainable and clean outdoor  environments in Uganda. With a unique landscaping brand that emphasizes team execution, innovation, and systematic operations, the firm aims to offer environmental master planning, landscape design and landscape remodeling services that improve their clients´ outdoor living spaces. This young and enthusiastic team aspires to be Africa’s best employer...

Evelyn Mugisha´s architecture and design career journey is bold, daring, versatile and inspiring.  She is an Architect and project management practitioner from Uganda. She moved to Australia in 2019 and currently works at  Infrastructure Victoria, an independent infrastructure advisory body for the State of Victoria in Australia. Evelyn shares her fascination for cities, the large scale urban infrastructure that makes up cities and how this infrastructure works. She offers her views on the...

Fungi Dube is a self-taught brand and visual identity graphic designer from Harare, Zimbabwe who has created a career for herself in design and visual storytelling. She describes her approach to design as being rooted in strategic, intentional and calculated sensibilities. Fungi is enthusiastic about designing from her African roots while being intentional about honoring designers who have played a key role in shaping Afrikan design. In this episode, Fungi reminds us that the African...

Kinam Konlan is the founder of African Food Festival Norway (AFFN), the largest celebration of African culture, cuisine and heritage in the Nordics. She is from Ghana and moved  to Norway with her family at the age of 2. She is passionate and  enthusiastic about telling the African food story,  sharing our collective African food heritage and highlighting its place globally. Kinam believes that African food connects to the expression of who we are as africans; the memories and histories we...

In this episode ,we talk to Ibrahim Elhayawan, an architect born and raised in Cairo, Egypt.  He takes us through his career journey ; from his early days in Egypt , to his 12 years at SNØHETTA a prestigious Norwegian design office, and eventually to Various Architects. In 2008, he Co-founded Various Architects a "Norwegian architectural studio- a mixture of youthful and experienced staff with various backgrounds, that prioritizes environmental solutions and innovative sustainable designs and...

On this episode; co-hosts; Eunice N Schumacher and Penina Acayo Laker start off  this seasons recap  on a high note and share highlights and lessons learned from  an amazing group of practitioners this season: Architects (Tosin Oshinowa, Jesse Tukacungurwa), Graphic Designers and researchers and educators (Tapiwa Matsinde, Henry Mainsah) and revolutionary design thinking enthusiast changing the game (Ateh Nkem Atabong). Many thanks to all our gusets! Our first article is out in Uganda´s...

Henry Mainsah is a Research Professor. He is a media and design scholar currently working as a researcher II at the Institute for Consumption Research at the Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway (OsloMet)  with over many years of research experience. He is originally from Cameroon and has lived, studied and worked in different African and European contexts. He obtained his PhD from the University of Oslo. He worked at the university of Oslo, and later worked as an Associate Professor at the...

On this episode we talk to Ateh Atabong who is originally from Cameroon but has been living in Norway since April 1999.  However; his connection to the African continent has always been strong. He is a pharmacist and mentor;  with various qualifications in bussiness development, leadership, strategy, customer validation & design thinking. Ateh has a passion for bussiness and innnovation in Africa. Ateh is a Business Development Manager for Pharma and Healthcare Logistics at a global...

Architect Jesse Tukacungurwa is a Registered Architect, with over 15 years of experience in building projects design, project management and supervision. He is the director of design at ONCEPTi Architects in Kampala Uganda; a firm that he started 12 years ago.   Jesse holds a Bachelor degree in Architecture from Makerere University in Kampala-Uganda and a Masters degree in Sustainable building Technology from the University of Nottingham.  His practice specialises in Sustainable building...

Tosin Oshinowo is a Nigerian architect, Designer, Creative Entrepreneur, Culture Enthusiast, History Junkie & Mummy. Tosin holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Kingston University,  a Masters in Urban Design from the Bartlett School of Architecture London and an Architecture Postgraduate Diploma from the Architecture Association, London. She had her early professional practice in London and Rotterdam before moving to Nigeria. Tosin is the founder and Director of CmDesign...

After such a rich first season, Eunice and Penina (co-hosts) sit down and reflect upon key themes such as: the role of identity and knowing ones heritage when designing in the African context; the value of telling our own stories, in our own African way...

Jude Yaw Agboada is a visual communication designer, educator and branding expert from Ghana. He currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri and teaches communication design at the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University in St....

Jude Yaw Agboada is a visual communication designer, educator and branding expert from Ghana. He currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri and teaches communication design at the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri where he holds a position as the 2019-21 Louis D. Beaumont Artist-in-Residence. Through his design practice called “ Made In Edujway,” Jude had worked with clients like Ghana International School, University of Ghana Business...

Doreen Adengo is an Architect based in Kampala, Uganda where she runs an architectural firm called Adengo architecture. Much of Doreen’s work is focused on communicating the value of professional design services in African cities.  In a context where non-designers often build their own homes, schools, and other structures, she believes that it’s critical to make the case that architects and urban planners can improve people’s everyday lives, helping cities develop sustainably. After...

Abigail thrives on Creativity! As a practicing fine artist, who then studied architecture from Makarere University in Kampala Uganda, worked and lived in both Europe and Africa, she is extremely passionate about the role design plays in innovatively...

Abigail thrives on Creativity! As a practicing fine artist, who then studied architecture from Makarere University in Kampala Uganda, worked and lived in both Europe and Africa, she is extremely passionate about the role design plays in innovatively...

In this episode, Professor Mugendi reflects on his role as president of the World Design Organization and how that work continues to spark a desire for mentoring young African designers, especially having been inspired and mentored by one of the most...