The Africa Whisperer Podcast: Recent Episodes
She Speaks Africa
She Speaks Africa presents The Africa Whisperer podcast, a journey across Africa to explore the sons and daughters of the land making strides in the worlds of business, culture and international influence. Hosted by the multi-talented Lee Kasumba, each episode is an insightful study of how her illustrious guests have navigated life in Africa and applied their local perspectives to set global standards.
Season 1 of the podcast is inspired by the game of chess and considers the major moves it takes to excel on the continent and beyond. From understanding the African terrain to taking risks that challenge the status quo, Lee Kasumba uncovers the strategies and sacrifices of her guests’ paths to success. As the Africa Whisperer personified, Lee engages each of these grandmasters in honest conversations on vision, courage and the will to persevere in pursuit of a worthy dream.
The Africa Whisperer podcast launches on 25th May, 2022 and can be streamed from all major podcast platforms.
The Africa Whisperer…telling authentic African stories in a global way
Footnote Leslie ‘Lee’ Kasumba is the Africa Whisperer personified. As a versatile conversationalist and creative industry strategist, she has built an impressive career majoring in media, music and popular culture across Africa. She is a passionate advocate of showcasing the continent’s homegrown talent. Leslie is the founder of She Speaks Africa, a unique hub of bespoke projects designed to demonstrate the vast potential of Africa’s creative and cultural industry. Through She Speaks Africa, she leverages her rich experience and strong commitment to telling the beautifully nuanced African story in a way that celebrates its people, cultures and rightful place in the world.
The Africa Whisperer podcast is an original production of She Speaks Africa. It is Leslie’s first self-produced podcast and follows her success as host of “Africa State of Mind with Lee Kasumba” (2017 – 2020).
Meet Vanessa Mdee, the Tanzanian Powerhouse who wears many hats: singer, rapper, TV personality, radio host, and social activist. Vanessa is also the driving force behind the “Bongo Flava To The World” movement. She rose to fame as the first-ever Tanzanian MTV VJ, captivating audiences with her infectious energy. However, Vanessa's journey extends far beyond the screen.
Daughter of diplomats and raised in Arusha, Vanessa considers herself a global and politically aware citizen. In this compelling episode, she candidly shares her battles within the music industry while offering profound insights into Tanzania's musical landscape and its quest for global recognition. Vanessa is one of the few artists who stayed true to herself despite the distractions from social media and pressure from society.
Vanessa also opens up about the dynamics of her relationship with internationally recognized Nigerian Singer Rotimi and the role that God plays in it. Their relationship which is strongly rooted in shared spiritual beliefs, has led to the creation of a wellness app called "For The Better."
Through this subscription-based platform, they empower Christians on their wellness journey, whether they are in a relationship or single. They also host monthly bible studies, fostering spiritual growth among subscribers.
Beyond the realm of music, Vanessa Mdee is deeply committed to humanitarian causes, notably through her Udada Foundation. From providing clean energy to Arusha Girls High School to spearheading initiatives for clean water access in impoverished villages, Vanessa's philanthropic endeavours reflect her unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact.
This episode is a powerful call to embrace your authentic self and walk hand-in-hand with faith in every decision.
Learn more about "For The Better" here: https://forthebetter.me/
Discover Vanessa Mdee's world here: https://www.vanessamdee.com/
Enjoy and don't forget to like, comment and share it with friends and family!
Nomndeni Mdakhi is a South African impact entrepreneur who has built a successful career empowering others.
Nomndeni's journey began in 2009 with the launch of FUSE ACADEMY, a DJ school for girls. This was followed by Edits Communications in 2011, an agency connecting brands with celebrities and influencers. In 2017, her passion for empowering women led her to create Agenda Women, a platform providing women with resources and connections to navigate their personal and professional lives.
In this episode, Nomndeni candidly shares her entrepreneurial journey, influenced by her family's entrepreneurial background. Choosing her own path over the corporate ladder, Nomndeni stresses on the importance of resilience, branding, taking risks and building a healthy relationship with money for business growth.
Regardless of your current life stage, Nomndeni's story will resonate deeply, compelling you to act on dormant ideas.
Enjoy this conversation, share it with others, and leave a review or a comment!
To find out more about Nomndeni Mdakhi and Agenda Women, click here: https://www.agendawomen.com/
Anita Erskine is ranked one of the top 100 most Inspirational Women in Ghana. With over two decades of experience in Strategic Communications Management and Television Content Development and Management, she is widely celebrated for dedicating her voice to shaping Africa's narrative and emphasizing the imperatives of sustainable development. She is also a Broadcast Journalist and TV Producer.
In this episode, Anita takes us back to her childhood, reflecting on her upbringing and its influence on her personality. She shares personal lessons derived from her father's candidacy for the presidency of Ghana and his defeat. She also discusses how she built the confidence to speak alongside global leaders and CEOs and shares tips for handling criticism.
Anita's love for Africa burns bright, and she encourages others to celebrate their African education. While acknowledging the continent's potential, she emphasizes the importance of owning the narrative and controlling the stories told about Africa. Anita also explores how we can leverage current resources to empower the next generation and amplify their voices.
You will love this episode which is simply a masterclass. Please do not forget to like, comment, share and subscribe!
To find out more about Anita Erskine, click here: https://theanitaerskine.com/about
Meet Dr Wendy Okolo,a Nigerian-American aerospace engineering researcher in the Intelligent Systems Division at NASA Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley, conducting research and leading cross-functional teams in aerospace vehicle flight safety and controls optimization.
At 26 years old, she became the first black woman to obtain a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington.
She is also the first female recipient of the NASA Ames Early Career Researcher Award and an advocate for and expert in diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM.
In this fun conversation, she tells us about her childhood, her curious mind that led her to mind-blowing opportunities, the importance of a solid community and not holding back your knowledge but sharing and mentoring as many as you can.
Despite all this success in the US, Dr Okolo is still a proud "Naija Babe" raising the Nigerian flag higher and higher.
In this conversation, you will be inspired by her "go - getter" mindset and you too will never take no for a final answer.
Enjoy, like, comment and share!
Order Dr Wendy Okolo's Book "LEARN TO FLY" here: https://www.wendyokolo.com/book
Dr. David Tlale is one of Africa's top fashion designers. With a portfolio showcased at esteemed events like New York and Paris Fashion Weeks, he's the visionary founder behind The House of David Tlale.
In this episode, David reveals a deeply personal journey shaped by his upbringing in the Vosloorus township. We delve into how his roots inspired his artistry and how his mother's faith instilled resilience through life's challenges. David reflects on the true meaning of success, the trials of entrepreneurship, and stresses the importance of African unity and cultural remembrance.
David Tlale's journey is more than just fashion; it is a narrative of faith, resilience and disruption of the fashion landscape by merging humanness, cultural diversity, and African heritage
For David, the assertion is clear: Africans possessed 'swag' long before the world recognized it.
As The House of David Tlale marks two decades in the fashion industry this year, David shares a profound perspective: "“If you keep the faith and dream alive, it doesn’t matter what you go through in life, you can make it. This moment is purely a testament of what God can do, because my abilities and our abilities as the House of David Tlale are nothing without God’s presence.”
Enjoy this powerful conversation and do not forget to like, share and comment!
Shop David Tlate's latest collection here: https://davidtlale.com/
Meet Vania Leles - The Diamond Queen. In this episode, she shares with us how her humble upbringing didn't stop her from achieving her dream and building one of the biggest diamond brands in the world: VANLELES
Born in Guinea-Bissau and brought up in Portugal, Vania is a former model. She left her New York catwalk career to train to be a gemologist and diamond-grader. Vania then gained 10 years’ experience at some of the most prestigious jewellery houses on Bond Street before opening her own first-floor salon.
Vania is one of the few black African women to own a luxury jewellery business of this calibre.
In this conversation, she tells us how she got introduced to the diamond industry and discovered her purpose in life: Honoring Africa's Beauty through Luxury and Fine Jewellery.
Vania is not just reshaping the diamond industry; she's changing the African narrative by infusing all her diamond designs with a touch of Africa. Her story is one of resilience, breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes in the jewelry business, and earning a seat at the big table through unwavering dedication.
Shop VANLELES jewels here: https://www.vanleles.com/
Enjoy this empowering conversation, subscribe to the podcast and turn on your notification bell so you do not miss out on all the next exciting episodes!
On this special edition episode of The Africa Whisperer, we turn our attention to the Hexamedia Humanitarians of Africa Awards. We talk to Faith Adole, the recipient of the African Heart Award, she talks about her journey from being a nurse to being able to have a global impact and starting her foundation U- Vol Foundation. We also talk to the founder of Hexamedia Emmanuella Imo, a firm believer that non-profit organizations form a critical role in society. She breaks this done her our conversation. We hope this episode will leave inspired to be the change you wish to see in your world.
Bontle Modiselle Moloi is a South African Dancer, Choreographer,Tedx Speaker, Actress, Creative Director, a Vocalist, a Guiness World Record Holder and an Ever Evolving Artist. In this conversation with Lee Kasumba, Bontle candidly discusses how motherhood and being a wife to a supportive partner has changed her life. She takes us back to the heartbreaking loss of her father as a child and how this pushed her into dance. She also gives insights into the relationship with different forms of dance in different African countries and sets the context for dance as we know it today in South Africa. Whether it was being one of the main crowd pullers for the Masters of Rhythm dance events in South Africa, being the lead actress in the first ever African Feature Film about dance, Hear Me Move. Teaching amapiano dance classes in Sweden, opening her own dance studio Bontle Modiselle Dance Studio and having Kelly Rowland pop by for a private lesson. Bontle is a phenomenon. Perhaps the most intriguing thing is the fact that her purpose has been pursuing her and whispering to her even when she wanted to step away. Her's is a story of a girl who needed an outlet to express herself and as she did so she opened up the doors for so many others and has become one of the most prominent faces in the Dance sector in Africa. She is the African Dream.
Not many people think of Africa when it comes to fascinating architecture, but Omar Degan is not like many people. Omar believes African architecture is a unique expression of the continent’s rich diversity and a valuable blueprint for developing the built environment in a way that respects
nature. In this episode of The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba, the Italian-born Somalian architect, speaker and author shares his vision for the future of African cities. It’s a future where architectural design honours culture, recognises a community’s peculiar needs, and delivers sustainable building solutions.
Quote phrase
“Becoming an architect is working with communities and improving the quality of their space…as an architect, I’m supposed to solve problems.” — Omar Degan
Intro: 0-4:01
Omar’s childhood 4:01-6:14
Somalia 6:14 - 8:57
Choosing a carrier path 8:57 - 11:13
Type of architecture before and after Somalia : 11:13 - 16:45
Going Back to somalia: 16:45 - 18:16
Readjusting to Somalia: 18:16 - 19:49
Rebuilding Mogadishu : 19:49 - 21:33
Impact in Somalia: 21:33 - 23:48
Role of architecture in culture: 23:48 - 26:21
Weather and sustainablity in architecture 26:21 - 27:50
What Somalia is Known for: 27:50 - 29:10
End 29:10 - 31:12
Omar Degan’s parents migrated to Italy from Somalia before their home country was plunged in the throes of a destructive civil war. The stories they told him of life in Somalia painted a more balanced picture than his western education ever did, giving Omar an authentic sense of the country’s identity. Years later, this identity was one he would help rebuild through the DO
Architecture Group. Based in Somalia and open to the world, his firm features an international team that focuses on projects in East Africa and specialises in post-conflict reconstruction and community development.
Omar is convinced that looking within is the key to modern African architecture. “You have your own identity and culture,” he asserts. “Why are you looking at the West as a symbol of development? Why don’t you look at your own nation?”. A keen student of the history and resilience of some of Africa’s oldest buildings, his 2020 book, Mogadishu Through the Eyes of an
Architect, shows how looking to the past can inspire creativity today.
Through Omar’s thought-provoking dialogue with Lee, we explore the beauty of building from an African perspective and learn how to redefine contemporary architecture on the continent by getting reacquainted with indigenous architecture.
Social media handles
Facebook: Unable to verify
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/degan_omar/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@omardegan
Twitter: https://twitter.com/omar_degan
YouTube: Not found Instagram · TikTok · Twitter
What’s an engagement without a ring? In one word, incomplete. An engagement ring represents one of the biggest commitments many people will ever make, but buying one often breaks the bank. What if it didn’t have to? What if that priceless symbol of love didn’t have to be pricey too?
In this conversation with The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba, we step into the brilliant world of Eternal Jewellery Zambia, the company Chita Mumba Zulu co-founded to make high-quality affordable rings the norm rather than the exception. Her story is one where opportunity meets creativity in dazzling cuts and colours.
“Even though in southern Africa, we’re obsessed with diamonds and gold, not everybody can afford that. The majority of people can’t afford that…I knew that the market was ready to receive
affordable rings.” — Chita Mumba Zulu
If there’s anything Chita Mumba Zulu wanted to become growing up, it was to be an entrepreneur. Her mother and aunt, two of her strongest influences, fuelled that aspiration by teaching her the value of financial independence. During her undergraduate studies in the UK, she juggled
academic work with her freelance hairdressing and found it rewarding. Unsurprisingly, she opted out of the conventional option of becoming a teacher like many of her peers and keenly sought her next business opportunity. It was one that sparkled and shone all the way to Zambia, the land of her birth.
It was an uphill task to communicate her brand’s worth without a high-end price tag, but Chita invested heavily in proving its credibility. Now, customers love that they can buy reasonably priced rings without compromising quality or originality. “They love the quality,” she explains.
“They love the designs which are also very unique.” Chita believes the affordable-jewellery market is ripe, and Eternal Jewellery Zambia’s growing recognition at home, as well as in Zimbabwe and Botswana, are proof of this. Get ready to fall in love with this chess master’s story of tenacity and
dreams come true.
Social media handles (for Eternal Jewellery Zambia)
Facebook: Private Community
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eternaljewelleryzm/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eternaljewellery
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa8X2dwqcyHiwzqiKYo6CCw Instagram · TikTok · Youtube
Ofentse Pitse is great at turning “Why?” into “Why not?”. As a young girl, she wondered why there was no one like her in her church’s brass band. When it offered trumpet lessons, she grabbed the opportunity with both hands. In 2017, Ofentse wondered why there wasn’t a lot more representation in the world of classical music and created Anchored Sound. Her all-black orchestra began as a choir and was soon complemented by instrumentalists. When it became clear that they needed a conductor, she looked no further than herself and sought mentors to
prepare for the task.
This episode’s chess master welcomes us to study the daring moves that have made her an actor in the change she wants to see. We learn the value in questioning the status quo and that sometimes, we are the answers we are looking for.
“It’s so important for me to drive the narrative that theatre is cool. You can play theatre and do an electro-house concert. You can play theatre and do an amapiano or pop or urban trap art repertoire, and it’s still cool. I would say that is part of my vocation as well: to allow people understand the importance of really being fully vested in theatre, knowing who shows up playing where, and why it’s important for us to go and watch them.” — Ofentse Pitse
Music chose Ofentse Pitse. Born in Mabopane, Pretoria, she grew up on the soulful sounds of Donny Hathaway and Motown artists like The Spinners. As her interest in music grew, she became a living reminder of her maternal grandfather, jazz conductor Otto Pitse. Even as an architect, Ofentse finds her musical influences are right at home in her design concepts.
As the first black South African woman to own and conduct an all-black orchestra, Ofentse is determined to showcase the value of African talent through theatre. Join The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba to hear her fearless story of leadership and embracing the unknown.
Social media handles
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/people/Ofentse-Pitse/100063563711835/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofentse_pitse/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ofentse__pitse
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWcvKBclziHGU15QZXLlzNA Facebook · Instagram · Twitter · Youtube
Growing up is a universal experience for all children, and it’s become an increasingly digital one. Of all the child-friendly edutainment available today, the OmoBerry animated show has carved a unique spot by focusing on children of African descent. In this episode of The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba, we meet Agnes Soyode-Johnson, co-founder of Limitless Studios which launched OmoBerry in 2021.
Born in the UK as the youngest of six Nigerian children, Agnes moved to Lagos after a ten-year media career that included production for MTV, the BBC and Channel 4. She made a distinct case for African storytelling at NdaniTV, Nigeria’s premier digital TV platform, where she was head of production. Now, she channels her passion for cultural representation into producing imaginative content through OmoBerry.
Quote phrase
“We want to teach our kids about our culture, we want them to hear their names, to see their faces and as much as possible, to see them(selves) represented in a positive light.” — Agnes Soyode-Johnson, co-founder, Limitless Studios, creators of OmoBerry
Guest information
OmoBerry is on a mission to “produce diverse and inclusive content for kids all over the world”. From STEM lessons to taking care of the environment, it addresses educational topics in a fun way. Weaving catchy songs and relatable narratives around situations all children face — like being shy or learning to tell the truth — the OmoBerry universe is also shaping their minds and social skills for good.
“The African population is at around 1.4 billion, so it makes sense to make content that is specific to that market and the diaspora,” Agnes explains. Managing operations, strategy and content creation for the studio she co-founded, she’s helping children all over the world connect to African
culture in a way that moulds their identity and builds self-confidence. Join us to explore the magic that happens when storytelling with intention and 3D animation collide with one of this season’s chess masters.
Social media handles
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/OmoBerryOfficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omoberry_official/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@omoberry_official
Twitter: https://twitter.com/watchomoberry
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiwCBFaFhHdhbHPK5aq1G3g/featured Facebook · Instagram · TikTok · Twitter · Youtube
Ten years ago, Eric Kaduru spotted a problem with agriculture in Uganda: although the land was very fertile, its farmers were very poor. As smallholders — and majority of them female — they barely made enough to reward their labour. Eric realised the solution was to create a sustainable
value chain in order to improve both yield and livelihoods.
An advertising professional turned commercial farmer, his experience with Uganda’s arable land was earned through costly trial and error that has since paid off. Through KadAfrica, Eric has paved a proven path for agricultural entrepreneurship with a unique model that primarily supports
female farmers in rural Uganda.
Before Eric became the youngest winner of the Africa Food Prize for his agricultural achievements with KadAfrica, he got a glimpse of commercial farming success through his parents’ friends. The strong impression it made lingered on and several years later, he traded his corporate career in
South Africa for rural farm life in Uganda. It was familiar territory because although he was born in Kenya, the early death of his Ugandan father led to his family’s relocation. Returning with his wife Rebecca in 2011 to the vast land he had inherited in Uganda was an opportunity rife with challenges but rich in lessons.
As one of this season’s chess masters, Eric tells The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba how KadAfrica hit its stride in growing passion fruit and developed a viable blueprint for agribusiness in Uganda. By providing training and access to land, finance, and a ready local and international market, his company has emerged as one of Africa’s exemplary social enterprises. KadAfrica is also giving hope and a sense of agency to thousands of marginalised women and girls in rural Uganda through a dedicated agricultural entrepreneurship program.
From the effect of climate change on commercial farming in East Africa to building a pandemic-inspired mental health curriculum, this instalment of the podcast reveals the many sides of doing impact-driven agribusiness on the continent.
Social media handles
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/kadafrica/?_rdc=1&_rdr
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadafrica/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kad_africa
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJOM36PV0Xa4uzxE7_tQscQ/featured
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kadafrica/ Facebook · Instagram · Twitter · Youtube · LinkedIn
2020 was a remarkable year for Louisa and Dele Olafuyi. In the middle of a global pandemic and a lockdown in the UK, they created Kunda Kids. Their inspiration? A desire to share stories that celebrate African culture with their two-year-old son. Ugandan and Nigerian in heritage with zero publishing experience, the couple leveraged their marketing savvy and launched a children’s book series featuring historical African icons like Mansa Musa and Queen Kitami.
Two years on, Louisa and Dele’s purpose-driven adventure has opened up a colourful world of edutainment for African and Afro-Caribbean children around the world. Through books and digital content on the Kunda Kids app, they are connecting with their roots in a fun, uplifting way. Most
importantly, real-life “Kunda Kids” are learning that they matter, and they are enough.
identity of children of African descent. In this episode of The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba, we meet Louisa Olafuyi and hear how a lack of stories African children could identify with led to co-founding Kunda Kids with her husband Dele. That bold decision began with writing five of
seven original stories and collaborating with creative professionals for their first series, Africa’s Little Kings and Queens. The Kunda Kids team now includes writers, animators and musicians who weave imaginative journeys that inform, inspire and entertain.
Louisa shares how Kunda Kids has made a unique mark in an industry that underrepresents African characters and themes, the passionate convictions behind their stories and what working in children’s edtech is teaching her about the continent.
Social media handles
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/kundakids/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kundakids/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kundakids
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kundakids
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KundaKids Facebook · Instagram · TikTok · Twitter · Twitter
Mr Eazi is equal parts mogul and creative. With a firm grasp on business and a deep love for African culture, the maverick musician believes in empowering the continent’s artists to hone and own their talent. In this conversation with Lee, The Africa Whisperer, he shares his enterprising vision to create equity for one of Africa’s biggest exports.
Quote phrase “Music is changing the narrative so if there’s ever a time to be proud to be African, it’s now.” — Mr Eazi
Guest information Charting new paths comes naturally to Mr Eazi. His independent musical debut ushered in a distinct sound he christened “Banku music", an eclectic fusion of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian progressions. As his art evolved, so did his understanding of the music business in and beyond Africa. He saw the potential to create an ecosystem that allowed African artists to participate in globalising their talent.
In 2018, Mr Eazi launched emPawa Africa to support promising African artists with funding and mentorship to grow their musical careers. It allowed him to lay a blueprint for African music entrepreneurship while paying forward the generosity others had shown him as a young musician.
“True globalisation should include equity participation from everybody,” he explains. “emPawa’s role is to see African-owned companies exporting African art while keeping the equity of the African artist.” This is the conviction behind his Africa Music Fund, initiated in 2020 to invest in placing African musicians at the centre of owning and profiting from their craft.
Whether on stage in Kampala or at Coachella, the unmistakable sound of Mr Eazi’s music makes the same strong impression as his acumen for shaping a new commercial standard for African music. His sincere love for the continent’s creative industry and the intentionality he commits to showcasing its diversity are both endearing and insightful. As the world falls deeper in love with African music, Mr Eazi is a fine study of how artists can share in that success without missing a beat.
Social media handles Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/officialMREAZI/?_rdc=1&_rdr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mreazi/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mreazi Twitter: https://twitter.com/mreazi YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/mreaziofficial/videos Facebook · Instagram · TikTok · Twitter · Youtube
Akin Omotoso is a triple threat of a storyteller. Born into a creative family, his love for stories inspired a professional acting career. Then, he stepped behind the camera to make his directorial debut with three short films and went on to write and produce his first feature film, God is African. What stands out about Akin is that whether as an actor, director or writer, his focus is to tell every story as authentically as he can.
Quote phrase “You might have a gift but you gotta hone the gift, and that’s where I‘ve always just focused on. I was not interested in being the one-hit wonder.” — Akin Omotoso
Akin and his family emigrated from Nigeria to South Africa in 1992 when his father, a writer and academic, accepted a professorship at the University of the Western Cape. Akin’s decision to study drama wasn’t strange: his mother was an architect and his sister was also a writer. After that first step into the world of storytelling, Akin became one of South African television’s most recognisable faces, featuring in beloved dramas like Generations and Isidingo. You might also remember him from Hollywood’s Blood Diamond and Queen of Katwe. Akin has broadened his storytelling craft as a director, bringing films such as Tell Me Sweet Something and Vaya — acquired and distributed by Ava DuVernay’s film collective, Array Releasing — to the big screen.
His passion for original, engaging stories is seen in the diversity of his projects, from the Colour of Wine, a documentary on four first-generation black South African winemakers to Rise, the 2022 Disney-produced film about Nigerian-Greek brothers and NBA players, Giannis, Thanasis and Kostas Antetokounmpo. As an African storyteller, Akin is committed to creating art that speaks for itself, boldly and unapologetically. Coming of age in South Africa’s entertainment industry and storytelling with intention and purpose are strong themes of Lee and Akin’s chat in this episode of The Africa Whisperer.
Theo Baloyi didn’t expect to follow his father’s entrepreneurial footsteps and literally in his own sneakers, no less. His accounting degree had secured an enviable job at an international firm that kept him busy with work and travel while funding his limited-edition sneaker collection. In 2015, however, he identified a niche need that evolved into a bold vision for African entrepreneurship. After a year and a half of multiple rejections and fine-tuning, that vision emerged as Bathu, his “by Africans for the world” sneaker brand.
Meaning “shoes” in South Africa’s Kasi slang, Bathu represents Theo’s dream to create an internationally competitive African brand that also makes local impact by empowering people and communities. “I am a product of opportunity,” Theo declares, and in this episode of The Africa Whisperer with Lee Kasumba, he shares how that realisation inspires him to do impact-focused business. Currently operating 32 stores and employing over 300 people, Theo is committed to seeing South Africa’s youth thrive.
Like each of our Chess Masters, Theo’s experiences present many gems for navigating life and business with conviction, passion and perseverance. They reveal how quietly doing 18 months of research and development — “You need to affirm yourself and affirm your business before telling people,” he explains — led to building an authentic, successful African sneaker company from the ground up. Bathu’s sole mission is to be a world-class, standout brand Africans are proud of. If its collaborations with giants like OPEL and Castle Lite are anything to go by, the journey has only begun. Visionary leadership meets happy shoes in this instalment of The Africa Whisperer. Tune in and discover the unique story of Theo Baloyi, the man who built a business by “injecting colour on the sole (soul)”
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/theo.baloyi.5?_rdc=1&_rdr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theo_baloyi/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/theo_baloyi01 Facebook · Instagram · Twitter
Storytelling is the powerful thread that runs through the captivating tapestry of Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy’s life and career. For over 25 years, she has pursued a love for stories and the people who make them happen, especially those of African descent. Of Rwandan and Burundian parentage, Jocelyne’s childhood was both colourful and enlightening. “I was born in Addis and grew up in an extremely Pan-African manner,” she explains. “Addis Ababa is the headquarters of the African Union, and my mother was a secretary there. This is something that has really shaped my life.”
Her worldview was also influenced by personal migratory experiences, some shadowed by ruthless political upheaval. “Being uprooted comes with trauma, but it also comes with opportunities,” she shares. “What it means in practice is that yes, you are uprooted, you leave your life behind. You have to start over, but it also makes you very bold, very daring.” That sense of resilience continues to guide her journey as a mediatech leader par excellence.
As managing director of Spotify in Sub-Saharan Africa, Jocelyne holds a unique spot as one of this season’s Chess Masters. Her current role combines rich experience in journalism from Radio France Internationale and Reuters; keen media insight from Viacom Africa and Walt Disney Africa; and digital media expertise from Facebook in Sub-Saharan Africa. Jocelyne believes the future of audio in Africa is “young, bold and online”, an apt assertion as our music and amplified voices continue to bridge cultural gaps. To illustrate, she says: “I was speaking to some African students in Europe recently. They are just amazed at going to European clubs and hearing Amapiano and Afrobeats!” As the world taps its feet to the sounds of the continent, Jocelyne is committed to highlighting and empowering African creators to establish their talent, locally and globally.
The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba, dives into the world of beauty in this third Chess Masters episode. We meet Victorine Sarr Awuah, the Senegalese creator of Lyvv Cosmetics. She never imagined becoming an entrepreneur, but taking the leap with Lyvv has been the most rewarding gamble of her life.
Victorine’s dream job was to work at Apple, and it felt unreal when that dream came true in Paris after graduate school. Starting at an entry-level position, she rose to a senior role in product marketing. After four years, she returned to Dakar as L’Oréal West Africa’s head of marketing and sales, and it was an insightful experience.
Then Victorine had a new dream: Lyvv Cosmetics. However, the decision to become an entrepreneur wasn’t welcomed by her family. Was the hustle and uncertainty of a new business worth the risk of abandoning her enviable corporate career? “My dad thought I was making the biggest mistake of my life,” Victorine shares, but her unrelenting conviction proved her right. Seven years later, her vision to create organic, high-quality makeup has evolved to include skincare. “People call me by my company name,” she muses. “Isn’t that crazy?”
Although Victorine’s story is one where defiant faith meets focused preparation, she also believes her success was made possible by connecting with the right people and opportunities. With a team that now operates from Ghana, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire and France, her resilience in business continues to pay off. “I always wanted to make impact in my community…for me, the main thing in this industry is manufacturing, adding value to whatever you decide to do…I started with makeup, but skincare is actually the beginning…” The future of Lyvv Cosmetics is global, one that offers the world a first-rate African brand while celebrating melanated skin of all shades.
In this inspiring episode, join Lee Kasumba and Victorine Sarr Awuah to discover what happens when you dare to dream anew and give it your all.
We take a second step in our Chess Masters journey with Chef Coco Reinarhz, the Burundian food entrepreneur creating diverse culinary experiences to reintroduce Africa through the palate. Passionately committed to advancing African cuisine on the international stage, Chef Coco shares his experience as one of its most visible culinary advocates.
Described by National Geographic as “advancing the culinary renaissance that is modern African cuisine”, Chef Coco believes there's no better time to elevate the experience of African food to a world-class level. “We are so proud of our music…of the way our African art is being regarded in the world…it is really about time we have the same achievements with food.” As one of a growing number of African chefs leading the evolution of their local food, Chef Coco employs a gourmet approach to transform perceptions of African cuisine. Whether at Épicure, his elegant restaurant in Sandton, Johannesburg or as one of the select chefs of Alkebulan, the world’s first African dining hall debuted at Expo 2020 Dubai, Chef Coco’s culinary portfolio is a luminous testament to the consistent investment he has made in distinguishing himself through authentic African food.
“I’ve always wanted to change the way Africa is seen”, Chef Coco shares, and one of his biggest dreams is for there to be cooking schools that are “100% dedicated to African cuisine”. He is an enthusiastic proponent of a new vision for African food and of making steady progress towards the exciting goal of taking it all over the globe.
This episode of The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba presents an insightful look at Chef Coco‘s mission to tell authentic African stories through the food its people know and love. Meet the chef who considers his work a calling, pursues his commitment to crafting “food journeys” with conviction and is making a distinct contribution to the growing international recognition of African cuisine. Facebook · Instagram ·
The Africa Whisperer, Lee Kasumba has an insightful chat with Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, the British-Ghanaian multihyphenate who’s blazed trails for the recognition of African achievements within its diaspora with the GUBA Awards since 2009. From instilling a sense of pride in her children as Africans —“It’s important that we teach our kids to love themselves at a very young age” — to sharing a sincere love for her work as a nurse, this episode takes a close look at this dynamic powerhouse of a woman who believes Africa’s greatest asset is its people.
She Speaks Africa presents The Africa Whisperer podcast, a journey across Africa to explore the sons and daughters of the land making strides in the worlds of business, culture and international influence. Hosted by the multi-talented Lee Kasumba, each episode is an insightful study of how her illustrious guests have navigated life in Africa and applied their local perspectives to set global standards.
Season 1 of the podcast is inspired by the game of chess and considers the major moves it takes to excel on the continent and beyond. From understanding the African terrain to taking risks that challenge the status quo, Lee Kasumba uncovers the strategies and sacrifices of her guests’ paths to success. As the Africa Whisperer personified, Lee engages each of these grandmasters in honest conversations on vision, courage and the will to persevere in pursuit of a worthy dream.
The Africa Whisperer podcast launches on 25th May, 2022 and can be streamed from all major podcast platforms.
The Africa Whisperer…telling authentic African stories in a global way
Footnote Leslie ‘Lee’ Kasumba is the Africa Whisperer personified. As a versatile conversationalist and creative industry strategist, she has built an impressive career majoring in media, music and popular culture across Africa. She is a passionate advocate of showcasing the continent’s homegrown talent. Leslie is the founder of She Speaks Africa, a unique hub of bespoke projects designed to demonstrate the vast potential of Africa’s creative and cultural industry. Through She Speaks Africa, she leverages her rich experience and strong commitment to telling the beautifully nuanced African story in a way that celebrates its people, cultures and rightful place in the world.
The Africa Whisperer podcast is an original production of She Speaks Africa. It is Leslie’s first self-produced podcast and follows her success as host of “Africa State of Mind with Lee Kasumba” (2017 – 2020).