The Qonnect: Recent Episodes
Qali Id
A platform exploring stories of purposeful life lived across and between cultures and celebrating our common existence and humanity. Hosted by Qali Id, a world traveller, advocate and storyteller, this weekly interview podcast champions the individual story as being the fabric of our common humanity and connecting us to a new way of seeing the world. You will hear everyday people’s stories on identity, culture, lifestyle and purpose as guided by personable, introspective and intimate conversations.
In this episode of The Qonnect, we speak with storyteller, poet, and archivist Ibraheem Leone. We get into Ibraheem's journey of documenting poetry and cultural heritage in Sierra Leone, the importance of oral traditions, and the use of technology, particularly blockchain, for cultural preservation. Ibraheem also shares his personal experiences of homecoming, his diverse upbringing, and the influence of various cultures on his identity. This insightful conversation highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the divine design in our lives.
00:00 Introduction to Tapestries
00:43 Meet Ibraheem Leone: Storyteller and Cultural Archivist
01:54 Ibraheem's Multicultural Upbringing
04:16 Exploring Identity and Belonging
09:01 First Visit to Sierra Leone
12:36 The Homecoming Project
16:43 Using Technology for Cultural Preservation
26:59 Following Cultural Threads Across the World
45:07 Advice for Young Africans on Cultural Documentation
49:15 Final Thoughts
All relevant links
Ibraheem's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibraheemleone/
Taiye Selasi: Don't ask where I'm from, ask where I'm a local | TED : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCKzpXEW6E&ab_channel=TED
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If you feel like you, or someone else, should be on The Qonnect email us beingqaali@gmail.com
Allow me to reintroduce myself!
In this episode of The Qonnect Podcast, I talk about the podcast's mission to feature deep, real conversations with global changemakers, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity, human connection, and inspiring stories. I also share my personal motivations and experiences that led me to star this podcast, and what I want this podcast to be.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share with us on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect and tagging @theqonnect on Instagram and @qaaliciid on Instagram and X.
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If you feel like you, or someone else, should be on The Qonnect email us beingqaali@gmail.com
In this episode of the Qonnect Podcast, we delve deep into a conversation with Maïmouna Elle Traore, the creator behind the Instagram community 'Romanticizing African Countries,' which has garnered over 126,000 followers in less than a year. Maïmouna shares her journey from pursuing a surgical residency to embracing her passions for writing and filming everyday moments in Africa. She sheds light on the challenges and rewards of reconnecting with her Senegalese heritage, the importance of authentic representation of African life, and the powerful impact of showcasing the continent's understated beauty. The episode also touches on the complexities of traveling within Africa, evolving personal identities, and future aspirations for her platform.
Join us as we explore how Maïmouna is changing the narrative around African countries, one simple video at a time.
00:00 Introduction: The Essence of Travel
01:19 Meet Maïmouna Elle Traore: From Medicine to Media
03:31 Discovering Passion: Writing and Filmmaking
05:55 Identity and Representation: Growing Up Senegalese-American
16:44 Journey Back to Senegal: A New Beginning
19:51 Romanticizing African Countries
32:53 Challenges of Traveling in Africa
44:58 Capturing Moments: Filming People and Places
All relevant links
RAC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanticizingafricancountries/
Maïmouna Elle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maimyselfandi/
Fatou & Babacar: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx25zFEO7if/
Have thoughts about this episode? Share with us on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect and tagging @theqonnect on Instagram and @qaaliciid on Instagram and X.
Follow @qaaliciid & @theqonnect on Instagram.
If you feel like you, or someone else, should be on The Qonnect email us beingqaali@gmail.com
On the final episode of this season of The Qonnect, Qali looks back on some of her favourite moments and what she learnt from them.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Twitter or Instagram accounts below:
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Find Qali on Instagram & Twitter. Check out her website Being Qaali
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Ras Mutabaruka, Rwandan Canadian entrepreneur, media maker, and community-builder whose ingenuity, creativity and faith in humanity have allowed him to carve, from circumstances of struggle and migration, a life of passion, vision and enduring, Inexhaustible love for the continent of his birth. Moses has founded TAP Media Ltd (TAP Magazine Parent Company) after being frustrated with seeing how Africa and Africans were often portrayed in global media. TAP is a Pan-African media platform that tells African stories from an African perspective with a mission to re-brand Africa. One story at a time. In 2017, TAP reached over 7 Million Africans.
Ras and Qali dive into the importance of storytelling, directing our narrative, the creative economy and the impact of living between cultures.
Referred to in the conversation:
The Homecoming Series
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Find Qali on Instagram & Twitter. Check out her website Being Qaali
Find Ras on Instagram. Check out TAP Magazine
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali talks about the importance of telling your story, cementing our identities into history, building resilience and all the ways that writing can have psychological benefits.
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Follow @qaaliciid on Instagram & Twitter. Check out her website Being Qaali
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali gets into failing, pivoting and making that leap. It's something we all will face multiple times in our lives, but how can we rewire it to see it as an opportunity, create meaning in our lives through experimenting.
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Follow @qaaliciid on Instagram & Twitter. Check out her website Being Qaali
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali gets into the pressure of having things figured out, mid-year highlight reels, regrets of the dying and running your own race.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Twitter or Instagram accounts below:
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Follow @qaaliciid on Instagram & Twitter. Check out her website Being Qaali
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Araika-Zawadhafsa Mkulo, a cognitive psychologist and founder of Safe Space Africa, an entity dedicated to improving mental health for Africans through individual therapy, group workshops and digital products. Araika is a published researcher in the 2017 CHI Conference Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems and The Gender Equality Promising Practices in UNICEF Programming in Tanzania. Her research interests lie in marrying psychology with technology and business to find impactful solutions for mental health, gender inequality and poverty in Africa. Currently, Araika is living and working between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
During this conversation, Araika and Qali talk about the importance of cultural nuance and language in psychology, Safe Space Africa, remaining present in terms of crisis, slowing down and why purpose is more important than passion.
Referred to in the conversation:
Safe Space
Dixon Chibanda & The Friendship Bench
Slowing Down Blog
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Twitter or Instagram accounts below:
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Find Araika on Instagram
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali gets into community and belonging, their importance and how we can encourage it in our lives.
Desmond Tutu Video
Why I have coffee with people who send me hate mail | Özlem Cekic
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On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Idil Farah, a Registered Nutritionist, Health Educator and Ancestral Foodie. Fundamental to Idil’s practice is making nutrition accessible to all by providing culturally sensitive nutrition advice that honours her clients diverse backgrounds and values around food. Her customized approach to nutrition counselling and holistic wellness is a unique blend of science and ancestral knowledge of traditional holistic practices, woven with life skills coaching.
Idil uses a food first strategy to empower her clients to take an active role in their health by developing sustainable healthy eating habits. She strives to educate her clients on the principle of using Food As Their Medicine and their Kitchen As The Ultimate Farmacy.
During this conversation, Idil and Qali talk about the Kitchen Farmacy, food insecurity, her trips to Ghana, healing as a lifelong journey and more.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Twitter or Instagram accounts below:
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Find Idil on Instagram and checkout Idil's World
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with songwriter, musician, abstract painter and writer Wanja Wohoro. With a focus on intimate storytelling, all of her artistic work investigates identity, relationships, love and history within the feminine and Black/African experience through a personal lens. In 2018 she released her debut album Matriarch which is a 9 track ode to both womanhood, home and youth. Since then she has continued to record, collaborate and perform around the world. In 2021 she launched the 'Black Glitter Newsletter' which is a resource newsletter with tips and insights to navigating the independent music industry as a young musician. She currently resides in California and is performing and working on her follow up project to be released in late 2022..
During this conversation, Wanja and Qali talk about reclaiming one's path, the pressures for creative people in staying authentic, becoming an indie baby and evolving as people.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Twitter or Instagram accounts below:
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Follow Wanja on Instagram and Twitter.
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali gets into the importance of showing up, commitment and being present.
Episode referred to in this episode: Boundaries & Burnout - S2 E8 (https://bit.ly/3LNE3PI)
On the final episode of this season of The Qonnect, Qali looks back on some of her favourite moments and what she learnt from them.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Instagram & Twitter (@qaaliciid). Check out her website Being Qaali
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with London's own Nooriyah, a DJ, presenter and filmmaker. Noor has also been the Features Editor at AZEEMA magazine, focusing on underrepresented womxn globally. As a DJ, she is known for playing upbeat popular records infused with Middle Eastern and North African sounds. She occupied the River Stage at the National Theatre, taught DJ classes for womxn of colour at Foundation FM, made her New York and Rotterdam debut and played the Grand Entrance of the V&A where she also showcased her first produced short film on the theme of finding a home away from home. By background, Noor is a Master of Public Health with specialism in mental health, currently working with councils to improve health across London.
During this conversation, Nooriyah and Qali talk about cultural influence on art, music sampling, defining home and following your dreams.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Twitter or Instagram accounts below:
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Follow Nooriyah on Instagram and Twitter.
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali talks about why 2021 hasn't started off as smoothly as expected and how boundaries, being easily accessible to people thanks to technology and burnout are all things that have been on her mind.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Instagram & Twitter (@qaaliciid). Check out her website Being Qaali
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Amahle, a South African entrepreneur who owns & founded LUNTU, an online marketplace that sells a wide range of products from up-cycled skateboards to Black owned coffee. LUNTU gives customers the opportunity to buy products from businesses that matter to them, in easy way. This is done with the use of the LUNTU index, a information card that identifies if a product is vegan, eco-friendly, Black owned, Queer owned and more. Amahle also creates content online, usually video content exploring topics of Spirituality & social equity.
During this conversation, Amahle and Qali talk about leaving the being introverts, creating access to small businesses, spirituality and social activism.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Twitter or Instagram accounts below:
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Follow Amahle Ntshinga on Instagram and TikTok. Check out the LUNTU.
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks about some philosophies and history around self care away from the billions of dollars that are exchanged every year in the commercial aspects of it. She explores the surprising links between Socrates and Audre Lorde .
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Instagram & Twitter (@qaaliciid). Check out her website Being Qaali
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Ladan, the founder of Takow network, a platform for young women to advocate for international women's causes. Ladan is also an established social media influencer, who uses her broad platform to champion Human Rights causes and women's issues. She empowers young audiences and engages them in public affairs and activism and breaking down barriers. Ladan is currently working on her own online Coffee brand Takow Coffee
During this conversation, Ladan and Qali are talking about the power of creating community & sisterhood, engaging in activism and her love of coffee.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Twitter or Instagram accounts below:
Follow @qaaliciid on Instagram & Twitter. Check out her website Being Qaali
Follow Ladan Takow on Instagram. Check out the Takow Network and Takow Coffee
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks about how letting go can transform our mindsets and help us understand that we are enough as we are. She touches on perfection, being in control, uncertainty and more. This episode is inspired and informed by Brené Brown's Guideposts to Wholehearted Living. Let us know what you're letting go of in 2021.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Instagram & Twitter (@qaaliciid). Check out her website Being Qaali
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Abla, who works to use art + storytelling to help create positive social change. She is the founder of Elmi House Productions, a storytelling company that creates work based on an inclusive storytelling method that she created, which aims to answer the question:
What would stories look like, if the people whose stories are being told, were included in the storytelling process?
During this conversation, Abla and Qali are talking about the journey to becoming a storyteller, representation, mental health and having a seat at the table.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Twitter or Instagram accounts below:
Follow @qaaliciid on Instagram & Twitter. Check out her website Being Qaali
Follow Abla on Instagram. Check out the Elmi House Productions on Twitter and Instagram (@elmihouse)
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with you all about her learning lessons of 2020, from us truly knowing nothing, the importance of appreciating the little moments to the power of saying no and believing in yourself and more. Let us know what you're taking away from 2020 into 2021.
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Instagram & Twitter (@qaaliciid). Check out her website Being Qaali
On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with USEN, an auteur and curator based in between New York and Lagos. He founded HAUSEN, a gallery and cultural institution dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, out of his Brooklyn apartment when he was 25 years old and is on the acquisitions committee for the Young Collectors Council at the Guggenheim Museum.
During this conversation, USEN and Qali are talking about the transformative power of Black joy, the power of art and the importance of collecting it
Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Twitter or Instagram accounts below:
Follow @qaaliciid on Instagram & Twitter. Check out her website Being Qaali
Follow USEN on Instagram. Check out the HAUSEN website and Instagramhttp://www.instagram.com/welcometohausen
In this episode I look back on some of my favourite moments, wisdoms and learning lessons from this season.
This episode will recap on overcoming beauty standards, what inspires one's creativity, overcoming imposter's syndrome, black women in academia and intersectionality, creating for the African audience and removing oneself from anything that doesn't serve you.
Follow my social media's to keep in touch and find out when the next season comes out
Instagram & Twitter: @qaaliciid
In this weeks episode, I speak on the protests happening all around the world after the extrajudicial killing of George Floyd. I touch on the psychology around riots and protests, how this is connected to different parts of the world, what organising and mobilising looks like, and so much more.
For different resources on BLM please check out aashni.me
Instagram & Twitter: @qaaliciid
“you need to practice self care as a black woman for survival”Vee is a young East African girl and the host and producer of the At The Table Podcast which is all about centering women, wellness and self care - particularly women of colour. She is currently doing her second masters, an MBA in Global Business in London and hopes to start her PhD this fall in Gender Studies and decolonising knowledge. Her interests include poetry, wellness, feelings - the beauties of life including God, yoga, music, art and nature.
Join us for a conversation on how Vee stays grounding during times of uncertainty (2:07), what role religion plays in her life (5:05), what music makes her dance (13:33), the inception of the At The Table podcast and its importance (14:56), where she has found representation (22:03), Bell Hooks and black women being safe to fully exist in theory (24:07), advice on finding your voice and speaking up (27:39), poetry and hip hop (29:42), importance of sisterhood(37:50), boundaries (41:21) and advice to her younger self (44:07).
Find her elsewhere on the internet:At The Table Podcast (https://soundcloud.com/atthetablepodcast)
Instagram (@vee_kimani)
Twitter (@vee_kimani)
"follow the clues that God has given you"The Kenyan native Effy Kawira began her career in film as an actor and producer creating short films and music videos in Minneapolis with local filmmakers and friends which then led her into the world of directing and from there her interest and devotion blossomed.
Effy’s propulsive passion for storytelling is the driving force behind every project. Effy’s versatility in her experiences in acting, modeling, producing, and illustration has been a key player in providing her with the skill to adapt and collaborate with a diverse range of artists. She is dedicated to telling the stories of those who may feel voiceless and unheard. Not only does Effy seek to execute content that mesmerizes the viewer, but she aims to aid in propelling the change for more representation of various communities in the media.
Join us for a conversation on what drew Effy to filmmaking (5:00), what inspires her (8:05), what going to college to study economics taught her (14:25), importance of having a tribe (20:06), the values that shape her work (23:08), her favourite work to date and In Praise of the Shadow (28:45), confidence (35:25), what representation looks like in the current film industry and her favourite directors (46:12), Hunger Magazine Editorial - Devenir Femme (52:22) and a message to her younger self (60:00).
Find her elsewhere on the internet:Website (www.effykawira.com)
Instagram (www.instragram.com/effygasm)
Twitter (twitter.com/effykawira)
In Praise of the Shadow (Youtube)
Hunger Mag Editorial (www.hungertv.com/editorial/devenir-femme/)
In this solo episode Qali speaks to listeners about the struggle she has faced with motivation lately and the importance and need for self-compassion. She touches on the need for more mindfulness, acceptance and patience with ourselves.
Have a listen for a little pick me up!
Instagram
Twitter
Website
"you belong, the space is yours to occupy"
Khadija is a Kenyan-born documentary and travel photographer with an interest in climate change, faith communities and women's issues. After spending her formative years living in Texas, Khadija moved back to Kenya in 2014 and got a job at Dadaab refugee camp in northern Kenya.
In the year she served in Dadaab, she witnessed dozens of photojournalists come through the camps and felt that the work they published was very one-sided and portrayed only one facet of the refugee experience. Photographing the lives of refugees with dignity, telling the stories they wanted to tell about their own experiences, allowed Khadija to understand that there was space for a Somali woman in this field.
Join us for an in-depth conversation about her photography journey (2:01), how her values and experience shape her approach to photography (3:04), becoming a freelancer (8:23), therapy (12:25), burn-out and her decision to quit (16:49), fake-allies and the industry (21:30), importance of creating institutions and mentoring photographers (26:15), shooting seven-time world marathon majors runner Mary Keitany for ESPN (31:40), why we use the word collaborator instead of subject (36:30), Eliud Kipchoge breaking the 2-hour marathon barrier and his GQ shoot (37:50), advice to budding photographers (45:10), dealing with imposter’s syndrome and self doubt (50:36)
Website: www. kmfarah.com
Twitter: @kmfarah
Instagram: @farahkhad
Eliud Kipchoge's GQ Shoot: https://www.gq.com/story/inside-eliud-kipchoge-kenya-training-compound
“there’s no way you can come into my house and tell me not to make a cup of tea”
Noni Muchiri is a modern-day nomad! A "third culture kid" of sorts with her roots firmly planted in Kenya! She's currently a Digital Journalist at BBC Africa and also runs a lifestyle YouTube channel under her name: Muthoni Muchiri. Noni is hella passionate about Africa, it's vibrancy, it's deep culture, it's beauty - even in complex/less ideal scenarios. Her aim is to one day visit every single African country (once Ms. Rona is done with her world tour) and her content has always tried to reflect her love and passion towards what we have to offer the world, not only as a country but also as a continent.
Join us for a conversation on how Noni started on Youtube (12:38), moving back to Kenya (19:24), TikTok (27:17), difference between content creators and influencer (30:23), taking the perfect photo (33:52), working with brands (38:48), removing yourself from negative situations (44.19 and Africans creating for themselves (54:28).
Find her elsewhere on the internet:
YouTube: Muthoni Muchiri
Instagram: @noni_muchiri
Join Qali on a solo episode as speaks about why storytelling matters, their influence on our identities, the relationship between stories and empathy and how stories have helped her journey and why she implores more people to show their real selves.
Instagram
Twitter
Website
"the sky is too big for two birds to clash" Terembe currently leads knowledge management and learning efforts for CARE International's future focused organisational development. This involves supporting the CI Confederation to become more agile, diverse and relevant for the future and supporting global governance and leadership teams to understand changes underway and make informed decisions about future directions. Terembe is also an avid content creator, using her YouTube channel, to share her perspectives on everything from the workplace, hyper-connectivity in a time of social media to Nairobi’s burgeoning art scene. She is proud to have created The Arena Kenya, a community for campus students to engage, learn from each other and build career skills to propel themselves.
Terembe believes in the connectedness and intersections of disciplines and has particular interests in art, history, literature, politics, pop culture, social justice and urban African cities.
Join us as we have a conversation about Arundhati Roy's latest article for the Financial Times, why Terembe changed her name (10:45), knowing your roots and the passing of her grandparents (21:21), feminism through her lens (32:56), dealing with desirability and beauty standards and centering oneself (38.28), The Arena (49.53) and whether the current NGO/ International Development model is sustainable (1:02:20).
Find her elsewhere on the internet:YoutubeInstagramTwitter 'The Wall I Love'
"Did I tell you about the time I slept on the beach in Barcelona?"
Julie O is a nomad, writer, model, lover of festivals and dancing from Nairobi, Kenya.
Growing up exploring East Africa on school holidays, a remote writing job in her last year studying architecture in South Africa and resulting solo EuroTrip put her on a quest for more adventure.
She's currently pursuing a nomadic lifestyle, she spends her time making digital content on YouTube and her blog as well as writing for various publications as a freelancer.
She has been featured on sites such as Travel Noire, Oprah.com and AfroPunk
Join us as we have a conversation about her blogging journey (21:17), advice budding travel content creators (36:54), settling down and home means to us (38:50), going for what you want and parent's worries (57:45), debunking the "I quit my job and travelled the world" bloggers (1:06:30) and creating for Africans (1:14:20).
Find her elsewhere on the internet:BlogInstagramYoutubeTwitter