54Lights: Recent Episodes
Kondwani Mwase
54Lights is committed to elevating creatives of colour. We showcase Africa to the world, by lighting up great guests with roots in the 54 countries of the continent. We’re telling these under told stories from Africa to all corners of the globe. And because each guest has a unique and flavour-filled tale to tell, we will tell these stories with care. So that they can shape and reshape and reframe the narrative, one story at a time. Humbly hosted by Kondwani Mwase
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Your host, Kondwani Mwase, talks to the accomplished Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson to discuss her inspiring journey from Sierra Leone to Canada, and her impactful work in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Yabome shares profound insights on navigating complex systems, finding home in community, and the importance of everyday African leaders. Join them for a thought-provoking conversation that will leave you motivated to create positive change.
LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN
- Yabome's multicultural upbringing across three continents shaped her heightened consciousness and passion for social justice and human dignity.
- Leaving Sierra Leone during the war and experiencing the complexities of inequity first hand fuelled Yabome's dedication to systems change and equity-centred work.
- Yabome emphasises the importance of understanding complexity and flexing methodologies based on context when working in organisational development and social systems change.
- SLD Consulting Inc., founded by Yabome, serves as an ongoing action research lab, keeping her connected to challenges and solutions across sectors.
- We Will Lead Africa, co-founded by Yabome, showcases everyday African leaders making a difference in their communities, challenging the narrow narrative of leadership on the continent.
- Yabome believes in the power of small, incremental changes to create lasting impact and the importance of staying hopeful while acknowledging the realities of inequity.
- Finding a sense of home in one's communities and being able to be one's authentic self is crucial for Yabome.
- Yabome's journey highlights the interconnectedness of her diverse roles and the manifestation of her long-held dreams of being an organisational development consultant, lecturer, and community development advocate.
OUR HIGHs (NO LOWs)
“Fundamentally, I've always been social justice minded. My mom has stories for days about me insisting we should stop the car and give somebody that seems destitute a hand."
"The joy of this work is being able to identify systems, challenges, and bring the discipline of processes to help us unpack and understand those challenges in a way that allows us to look for solutions that are lasting."
"We Will Lead Africa is here to collect and document these stories of everyday leaders in every sector across the continent, on or off the continent, that are doing work for the continent with marginalized communities that is making a difference already."
"Nothing is ever lost. Even the effort in creating it, and this moment that we're talking about it, nothing is lost. It brings it back to life."
"When I'm in a group of people where I can just be me completely and freely, and I don't have to navigate between spaces, which I know how to do, like I said, I learned from my mother. But when I can be truly, truly, truly unmasked, then I'm home."
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Embark on a journey through the vibrant landscapes of African leadership with Sarah Owusu, an Organization Development specialist renowned for her expertise in culture, employee engagement, and change navigation. Rooted in her Danish-Ghanaian and Botswana heritage, Sarah embodies the spirit of a planetary citizen, transcending borders to drive impactful change.
Discover Sarah's transformative work with Africa 2.0, Peace One Day, and British Airways as she leads groundbreaking programs that reshape organizational landscapes. Celebrate her recognition as the Women4Africa Inspirational Woman of the Year in 2014, a testament to her unwavering commitment to empowerment and progress.
WE WILL LEAD AFRICA: Shaping African Narratives
Join us in exploring the vision and mission of We Will Lead Africa, a global network dedicated to curating and sharing stories of everyday African leadership. Through platforms that amplify voices and inspire change, We Will Lead Africa empowers Africans to reclaim ownership of their narratives and shape a future rooted in resilience
LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN
The Power of Storytelling: Dive into the rich tapestry of African culture, where storytelling serves as a catalyst for progress and imagination.
Inspiring Leadership: Learn from Sarah's journey as she navigates the complexities of organizational development, empowering individuals and communities to lead with purpose.
MUST LISTEN FROM OUR GUEST
We Will Lead Africa: https://wewillleadafrica.com/
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Kondwani is joined by Malawian-Canadian artist Joy Mwandemange to share her inspiring journey. From her childhood immersed in the arts to navigating a multifaceted career spanning acting, music, and more, Joy shares powerful insights on following your passions, quieting doubts, and paving your own path to success. An episode full with wisdom and inspiration for artists and dreamers alike.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Reinventing yourself with each new chapter allows you to bypass the trap of others' expectations and define your own path.
- Achieving success in the arts requires drowning out doubting voices, both external and internal, and choosing to believe in your own talents and drive.
- Representation matters - seeing people who look like you and come from similar backgrounds achieve great heights shows that your dreams are possible too.
- Being truly successful means staying true to all facets of who you are rather than cutting parts of yourself off to fit a narrow mould.
- A career in the arts is a continuous journey of proving yourself, honing your craft, and pushing past doubts to keep growing and staying relevant.
- The struggles and obstacles overcome on the path to success are worth it, serving as an inspiration to show others what's possible when you persevere.
OUR HIGHs (NO LOWs)
2:19 - "I don't think that I would be doing what I'm doing if it weren't for me having lived most of my life in Canada. Because I don't think, to be frank, a career in the arts, you don't do that."
13:29 - "I heard a lot of should in life...that should is just what people are comfortable with, what they expect, but as people we can really do whatever we want. There are no rules."
17:54 - "Do I believe them or do I believe me? Do I think that I have what it takes to be successful. Do I think I'm talented enough? And if I'm not talented enough, do I think that I can put in the work necessary to be talented enough?"
24:05 - "It's the people that look like these people, that come from the places where these people come from, that have had similar life experiences. It's showing them Hey guys, if I can do this, you can do this."
FIND, FOLLOW AND FORWARD 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
We got a BONUS episode for you today! 54Lights takes you to the incredible nation of Nigeria (again!) with rich conversation and inspirational thoughts. Join host Kondwani Mwase and he sits down with Ikenna Onyegbula, a Canadian poet with Nigerian Heritage and a global poetry slam champion. Ikenna joins us at The National Arts Centre in Ottawa for a special episode taped in the heart of a space that's leading conversations, and enjoyment, of the performing arts.
Ikenna shares his story on how he uprooted his stable life in insurance to follow his calling in spoken word poetry. He dives into the industry, unpacking the business of the arts and his experiences as a performer. With engaging conversations about his name, his art, his travels and his identity, Ikenna’s story is one worth listening to.
LISTEN AND LEARN…our key takeaways from the show
- Surprise...Ikenna doesn’t (really) like being called Ikenna at all. His preference? Well you gotta listen to find out
- Our guest has traveled internationally to compete in spoken word championships....from Brazil to Europe to Canada and more...Ikenna's passion for performance leads him to adopt some special and somewhat anti-social pre-event regimen.
- Insider Tip - Ikenna loves crowd interaction and how it enhances his performances
- How did he find his unique voice? It was first a mixture of his inspirations and then he learned that as he performed he had his own flare and no one can truly copy your unique voice
- The Best Advice (he gives) - Sometimes you have to go through the chaos and learn from it
FOLLOW IKENNA ONYEGBULA
Visit https://www.ikonyegbula.com/
ABOUT 54
Instagram - @crowd54
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience … one story (beat) at a time.
Music for this episode was provided by our guest, Cassa, whose work can be enjoyed below: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qVqyeTICpuu938EF2Lxon?si=EGvVjgA0SbCxMSzy2TvISQ
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Kondwani Mwase sits down with Ghanaian-Canadian artist Kofi Frimpong for a vibrant discussion about his artistic journey, creative process, and the power of community. Kofi shares insights into how his colourful paintings connect with people, especially those in the African diaspora. Join them as they explore the importance of love, laughter, and endless possibilities in art and life.
LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN
- Inspired by his father's doodling of Egyptian characters, Kofi's artistic journey began at a young age.
- Kofi's paintings often feature vibrant colours and textured backdrops that tell a story, with figures and faces complementing the narrative.
- Reflecting his love for people, community, collaboration, and the idea of creating spaces conducive to love, learning, and laughter, Kofi's art serves as a powerful connector.
- Kofi's passion for community building and spreading love stems from his belief in the importance of supporting one another and creating environments that foster endless possibilities.
- Kofi's Ghanaian roots influence his art through the use of vibrant colours and the way he interacts with people, emphasizing politeness and respect.
- Focusing on the backdrop to tell a story, Kofi's creative process involves adding a figure or face that fits the narrative as the final piece.
- Engaging conversations with his wife and children, playing sports like basketball and volleyball, and reading books, even if he doesn't always finish them, provide Kofi with escape and fun.
OUR HIGHs (NO LOWs)
[00:08:29] "I noticed the teacher coming. I realised that I didn't have time to, you know, hide my drawing. So, I just kept going. And to my surprise my teacher didn't actually get upset. In fact, she was really impressed." - Kofi shares a pivotal moment in his artistic journey.
[00:11:03] "The process in itself is for me, and then the artwork is for the world. Lucky for me when people see my artwork they find a connection." - Kofi explains how his creative process is personal, while his art connects with others.
[00:24:33] "When we create these environments that are conducive to love, learning, laughter and endless possibility, it just feels good” - Kofi discusses his passion for community building and how it relates to his art.
[00:32:45] "I feel like there's definitely a strong connection between Ghana and Nigeria. Um, obviously, you know Ghana must go and Nigeria must go. That's in the past. But right now, I feel like we're definitely family." - Kofi highlights the connection between Ghana and Nigeria, recommending Nigeria as the next destination for 54Lights.
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (brush stroke) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
In this episode, host Kondwani Mwase is joined by Rwandan urban music icon, Cassa. Cassa emerged from the music scene via private radio station Contact FM and has gone on to tour alongside the likes of Lupe Fiasco and Delasoul. He was also chosen specially to perform a tribute to Music Producer Quincy Jones!
Among other things, Cassa opened up about his musical journey, the source of his inspiration as well as his writing process. Listen in to hear an infectious and energetic conversation highlighted by his hit song, Dis O Dat, which is featured throughout the course of the episode. WARNING: You'll undoubtedly become a fan of his music and magnetic presence.
Music for this episode was provided by our guest, Cassa, whose work can be enjoyed below: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qVqyeTICpuu938EF2Lxon?si=EGvVjgA0SbCxMSzy2TvISQ
LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN
Kondwani was introduced to Cassa from a referral from our friends and family at KIF Radio.
- Cassa’s music journey first began in Church in his birth home of Rwanda at 8 years old. Then when he was 12, he joined a performing group, leading him to eventually recording music at the age of 18.
- Cassa likes having as much control over his own music and art. This is why he has started to learn to produce his own music alongside his writing.
- A lot of Cassa’s newest music is very intentional, every song is meant to fit a certain mood.
- It was only when moving to the U.S from Rwanda that Cassa began to really learn the in-depth and long-lasting impact of slavery. This has been reflected in some of his songs, including Ndugu Yangu [My Sibling in Swahili] on his EP Back to Life.
- Using a variety of languages in music can be seen as risky, but something that pays off in Cassa’s case. Cassa truly leans into his art and doesn’t even recognise it as a risk.
- Live performances mean a lot to Cassa and his music, it was something he missed during the pandemic. He wrote his latest EP with this in mind with a strong intention to take this music out on the road with him.
OUR HIGHs (NO LOWs)
00:27 “Sometimes the music stops, the rhythm and the reasons gets pushed aside, best laid planned leads inexplicably to an unscripted place”
01:59 “Everything stopped, everything changed, everything moved. Overcome by a soft trauma of motion my body swayed, my mouth smiled, my mind eased”
12:40 “I’m screaming loud who I am, there’s no one better that can do that than me
MUST LISTEN FROM OUR GUEST
Dis O Dat by Cassa: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qVqyeTICpuu938EF2Lxon?si=EGvVjgA0SbCxMSzy2TvISQ
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Kondwani interviews entrepreneur Lola Adeyemi, founder of It's Souper, an Afrofusion gourmet meal company selling flavourful soups, sauces and spices. Hear Lola's inspiring story of leaving medical school in Nigeria to follow her creative passions, moving to Canada, building a career in tech, then creating her food brand to bring authentic African flavours to the mainstream market. Learn how she empowers people to appreciate diverse cultures through delicious food.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Lola felt restricted in medical school and craved outlets for her creativity, leading her to pivot careers.
- Getting an e-commerce course assignment to identify a business gap inspired Lola's food brand idea.
- Lola aims to make African food accessible and appreciated by all, not just relegated to ethnic stores.
- Quality control and ensuring authentic flavours are critical when scaling up production.
- Lola had to overcome fears of pricing her value-added product too low due to self-limiting beliefs.
- Taking smart risks requires getting comfortable with the fear of failure.
- Lola successfully got her African food brand into mainstream stores with coveted shelf space.
BEST MOMENTS
5:26 "I felt like being in medical school wasn't creative enough for me."
16:50 "When Africans don't have the opportunity to tell their stories...then somebody else is going to take ownership of that story."
28:16 "My will to succeed is much greater than my fear of failure."
28:28 "If something doesn't scare you...maybe your dreams are not big enough."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
- https://itssouper.com/
- https://54lights.com/
ABOUT THE HOST
Kondwani Mwase | Host & Creator
‘The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.’ – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
For most of my life, I have been obsessed with relationships. I have worked, watched and wondered about the complex nature of human interaction. Originally, my interest laid in the narrative…more specifically, I was driven to understand what was happening. Increasingly, my curiosity has been inspired by the underlying motivations behind events…why it happens. It is this curiosity that motivates me.
My professional journey led me to the field of marketing and the exercise of selling in the service of brands. Over the years, I’ve learned that the true currency is working in the service of people. Finding ways to understand how to cultivate meaningful relationships with them….and making them “happy”. I leveraged my skills as a mass marketer to reach a different audience with a different message. As such, The Warehouse Magazine became my passion. I founded the publication to try and build a community for the conscientious. It was my first business, my first foray into media and, in some ways, my first love. And its eventual retirement left me wanting. Leaving me with a feeling of unfinished business.
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
In this episode, Kondwani interviews Khulekani Msweli, a fashion designer, artist, entrepreneur and activist from Eswatini. Khulekani discusses returning to Eswatini after studying abroad to give back to his community through art and community development projects. He shares how art can speak truth to power and reflect societal issues. Khulekani also talks about building appreciation for the arts in Eswatini and making it a viable career option.
LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN
- Khulekani name means "collective prayer" which embodies his Christian upbringing and personal philosophies.
- He currently lives in northeast Eswatini running his design and art-based business.
- Khulekani works in various artistic media like sculpture and performance art with no limits on expression.
- He uses art to reflect political and societal happenings in Eswatini.
- Arts are still very much on a growth trajectory in some African countries.
- Art means different things to different people and it’s important to remember this as a creative.
- Living as a successful artist in Eswatini encourages youth to pursue creative careers.
- In high school, Khulekani’s tutors guided him to study fashion design while pursuing his art interests.
- Fashion is one of the easier artistic routes to enter, particularly regarding finances.
- Art is Khulekani’s highest form of expression, there are no limits when he is creating.
- He set up a fashion and art-based business in Eswatini after studying abroad.
- Khulekani is involved in community development projects through his parents' foundation.
BEST MOMENTS..OUR HIGHs (NO LOWs)
11:18 “[Art]It’s allowed me to express a lot of what’s happening in the community in my country”
12:56 "Art and politics tend to go hand in hand."
13:23 "Art reflects society of the day. It could be good politics, it could be bad politics."
13:48 "Art is a great tool for speaking truth to power."
17:13 "I took it upon myself to say, you know what, I'll be that person...which even the kids can say, well if Khulekani can make it in Eswatini, well maybe mom and dad do allow me to give it a go."
19:24 "At the back of my mind I just wanted something where I would literally be able to start my own business”
FIND & FOLLOW - Resources and more
https://www.instagram.com/khulekani_msweli/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Kondwani interviews Juno award-winning artist Garth Prince, who shares his journey from Namibia to building a music community in Canada. With infectious rhythms and cross-cultural sounds, Garth describes how creating music became his pathway to preserve his African roots. Listen as Garth unpacks his evolution from focusing solely on Namibian music to welcoming diverse influences.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Music provided Garth a way to hold onto his Namibian roots and “keep that spirit alive” after moving to Canada. He started by playing shows then realised his sound resonated most with kids, which ultimately shaped his career direction.
- Garth measures success not by accolades but by those moments in rehearsals or shows when he feels he is home, he tries to “bottle” these feelings of being transported back.
- Though Garth led song ideas initially, his process has evolved to be collaborative based on audience response. If students don’t like a new song, he’s “okay with shelving that” because the community helps decide.
- Having lost his African languages and traditions over time, moving to Canada gave Garth a renewed sense of wanting to reconnect with his culture. Though geography limits full immersion now, music became his pathway to hold on to it.
- Garth used to firmly identify himself as Namibian but now embraces his hybrid identity. After being in Canada since 2008, he even jokes, “when people ask me, where are you from? I say, I’m from Edmonton.”
- Collaborating with other African immigrant artists has helped Garth form a community in Edmonton while expanding his sound, such as learning Swahili lyrics from a friend.
- An influx of black music and artists embracing their identity in the 90s initially drew Garth to music and made him feel “I can sing too.” He recognises this dream coming full circle through connecting with pioneers like Canada’s Maestro Fresh Wes.
BEST MOMENTS
07:22 “There’s that feeling of what the show feels like, I almost have to stop and just for a second...say, man, this is, I’m back home right now.”
8:56 "It can be very overwhelming. So sometimes I would just let the band play a little bit and I could just take that, that space and when nobody knows, but in that moment, it's, it's just a sense of gratefulness or that, that I feel in that moment."
18:00 “They [the children] responded the way you would typically expect in Namibia”
18:35 “And then after that, I went back to the drawing board with a band and I said, Listen, the intentions I had for this, that building that sense of community, you know, with the music reminding me of back home, these school shows reminded me more of that”
ABOUT THE HOST
Kondwani Mwase | Host & Creator
For most of my life, I have been obsessed with relationships. I have worked, watched and wondered about the complex nature of human interaction. Originally, my interest laid in the narrative…more specifically, I was driven to understand what was happening. Increasingly, my curiosity has been inspired by the underlying motivations behind events…why it happens. It is this curiosity that motivates me.
My professional journey led me to the field of marketing and the exercise of selling in the service of brands. Over the years, I’ve learned that the true currency is working in the service of people. Finding ways to understand how to cultivate meaningful relationships with them….and making them “happy”. I leveraged my skills as a mass marketer to reach a different audience with a different message. As such, The Warehouse Magazine became my passion. I founded the publication to try and build a community for the conscientious. It was my first business, my first foray into media and, in some ways, my first love. And its eventual retirement left me wanting. Leaving me with a feeling of unfinished business.
FIND & FOLLOW 54
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
In this quick episode of 54Bites we are joined in virtual studio by our newest intern Navi Kahlon. Navi, who has roots in Tanzania, joins us from the journalism program at Toronto Metropolitan University. As our Brand Partnerships intern, Navi is leading the charge with great strategic relationships we're crafting and cultivating at the broadcast.
In our latest quick hit, we introduce our relationship with Malawi's Capital Radio. That station, based in Blantyre, Malawi, will play our content on its airways 1-2 times each week for the next year. And while there's more to come on this relationship, we're amazed and excited to share the news.
NAVI's PICKS
And there IS more....have a listen to find out the episodes that Navi chooses are her heartwarming favourites.
- Outspoken with Tiana Conley
- What's in a Name with all our guests - a spotlight on the naming journey
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
54Lights touches down in the beautiful nation of Mauritius for this light-hearted and light-filled conversation with Pascal Lagesse. Pascal joined us virtually from his homeland where he has been working as a visual arts professional for over two decades. A prolific painter who’s refined his skills and signature in a way that’s unmistakable and definitely formidable.
Over the pandemic, Pascal introduced the Zafer style of painting…one grounded in vibrant colour, infused with local staples like the Dodo bird, and also pulls from regional influences like traditional African masks. All of these are what helps make Pascal’s work thrive and flourish. Along with illuminating us on these inspirations from his work, Pascal also shared how his parents, people who’s professional pathways were in finance and accounting, allowed him the space to pursue his love of the arts. And finally, Pascal shared how his work has helped him cobat bouts of depression. His openness and candor belying a vulnerability and strength that’s unique and impressive.
LISTEN AND LEARN… our Key Takeaways from the Show
· Pascal Lagesse is a natural artist who is comfortable writing, painting, acting and even behind the lens taking photos
· Our guest councils parents to encourage children and youth to pursue the arts as today more than ever, the arts and design in particular, informs so much of our world
· Kondwani and Pascal may or may not be considering launching Mauriwood… to rival Holly/Bolly/Nolly-wood
· The Zafer style, used in many of Pascal’s most recent works, was born after a visit to Amsterdam
QUOTABLES
6:00 Everything around us has been designed and created by someone. Art is not only in paintings but can be seen everywhere
27:00 All the fun is in the making…the creation process
FIND AND FOLLOW PASCAL LAGESSE
Our guest – contact Pascal Lagesse on Instagram at @pascallagesseart or visit his website – www.pascallagesse.com
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Kondwani interviews emerging radio personality Daouda in this fun and insightful episode. Originally from Mali, Daouda shares stories from his journey studying communications in Canada and gaining experience in university radio. Daouda talks to Kondwani about his travels, Ottawa's surprisingly vibrant local music scene, and his plans to take his podcast, Inside These Minds, to the next level.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Daouda was born in Dubai to Malian parents before immigrating to Canada at a young age.
- As a shy child, Daouda gradually built his charismatic personality by surrounding himself with great energy.
- Daouda refined his interviewing skills during college radio internships, learning about Ottawa's underground music scene.
- He strives to make podcast guests feel comfortable, like talking to an old friend.
- During the pandemic, Daouda used photography to document life moments and stay grounded.
- Daouda has visited Mali several times and keeps close ties with his large extended family there, considering himself both Malian and Canadian.
BEST MOMENTS
4:48 “One of the things I noticed is this scene is so underground isn’t it”
6:20 "I want to be in this industry that has a lot of storytelling that’s well thought out and well planned out”
10:42 “I’m the type of guy that wants to connect to the guests as well”
19:19 “I have a big family over in Mali… I’m always open about where i’ve come from
27:00 "I never been the type of guy to be interviewed on the other side of the spectrum, but it was fun."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://54lights.com/
ABOUT THE HOST
Kondwani Mwase | Host & Creator
‘The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.’ – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
In this episode, host Kondwani Mwase is joined by Kenyan/Ugandan creator and director Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu. Mumbi joined us in, virtual studio, from Toronto where she now lives after time in Victoria, BC. During the course of this short, yet infinitely sweet, conversation, Mumbi shared insights about her journey as a creative - shedding light on her process and purpose. A student of life, Mumbi's approach to creation includes an intentional flow that allows her cast and crew to bond as humans as well as professionals in their craft.
Mumbi is a Dora Award winner, a Founder/Artistic Director of the experimental theatre company IFT (It’s A Freedom Thing Theatre) Theatre, a recipient of a Toronto Theatre Critics Award, an Artistic Director’s Award, a Pauline McGibbon Award , a Mallory Gilbert Protege Award, a Harold Award, and has been twice nominated for the John Hirsch Directing Award.
Most recently, Mumbi directed Is God Is by Aleshea Harris and Sizwe Bansi is Dead by Athol Fugard, written collaboratively with two South African actors, John Kani and Winston Ntshona, both of whom appeared in the original production
OUR HIGHs (NO LOWs)
6:22 I studied Human Biology in Victoria and so I just kind of quietly finished my degree and then like shifted gears towards the arts after that.
12:56 I think that when my African identity met my Black identity, I would say when my family immigrated here as a teenager, I was like, oh, okay. This is when the meeting happened. So I feel like those two things always being in conversation with each other and being a woman
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Diana Gasper has made her life in North Carolina after meeting her American husband in Canada, yet she will always have the most love and longing for her home of Tanzania. Diana is a businesswoman, entrepreneur and philanthropist who helps women and girls in Tanzania to create their own businesses and sources of income, teaching them to work smart, not hard. She talks to Kondwani all about her love for Tanzania, how she started to help support women there and also about founding her Travel Agency, Extra Mile Adventure.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Many women in business across Africa are working very hard but not smart. This is what Diana focuses on in her work with women in Tanzania.
- You have to be an example of what you teach. It’s important to Diana that she isn’t just teaching theory but is an example of success with her own businesses.
- Extra Mile Adventure organises travel and trips for a wide range of clientele and tastes, from Disney tickets to Religious Pilgrimages. They also have a very special product, a franchise to help women join tourism.
- There are so many incredible tourist destinations and things to see in East Africa, including Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and the chimpanzees in Uganda, Diana urges everyone to visit, Africa is a rich and diverse continent, you could spend a lifetime travelling and not see everything there is to see there.
QUOTABLES
- 04:02 “I like it, it’s home now”
- 09:96 “I started a non-profit organisation to empower women and girls in terms of giving them education on how they can work smart not hard”
- 11:20 “My heart is in Africa”
- 21:10 “If a man wants to join the team, he better be ready to support women”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-gasper-546193262/
www.extramiles.us
https://54lights.com/
ABOUT THE HOST
Kondwani Mwase | Host & Creator
‘The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.’ – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
For most of my life, I have been obsessed with relationships. I have worked, watched and wondered about the complex nature of human interaction. Originally, my interest laid in the narrative…more specifically, I was driven to understand what was happening. Increasingly, my curiosity has been inspired by the underlying motivations behind events…why it happens. It is this curiosity that motivates me.
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Yodit Seyoum is an interior designer from Ethiopia. She joins our host Kondwani to talk about her journey to becoming involved in sustainable and community-focused design and environmental advocacy. They discuss the importance of sustainability in the world and how this can be reflected in their home continent of Africa and the lessons to be learned. They also discuss the importance and origins of names and how they reflect on a person's identity and history.
LEAN IN, LISTEN UP AND LEARNINGS - KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Yodit studied engineering after being told it wasn’t something she could do and then went on to graduate at the top of her class!
- Design and engineering aren’t just about aesthetics but also about creating something that is good for the environment and the community it serves.
- You can take your ethos of sustainability and put it into every area of your life, truly living by the values you create.
- People, Planet and Profit should be balanced and created with sustainability in mind.
- Yodit is now offering her expertise via consultancy for smaller firms and start-ups, helping them engrain it in their culture early on.
- Yodit loves giving back, to the community and giving service and this is where she sees creating a true impact on the world.
- In regards to long-term goals, Yodit wants to start bringing her message of sustainability back to her birth country of Ethiopia and start to get young people involved in hopes of changing the future.
BEST MOMENTS
- 15:29 “It feels like sustainability is just en vogue now”
- 22:00 “Invest in those communities around you that really align with your sustainability initiative, that way you’re building the community and making it stronger”
- 27:45 “Offering it to those businesses that are minority-owned and black owned, I would love to help them build sustainability and weave it into their business”
- 38:57 “The world isn’t actually much better her, it just has better access to things”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yodit-yaregal-seyoum/
ABOUT THE HOST
Kondwani Mwase | Host & Creator
‘The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.’ – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
For most of my life, I have been obsessed with relationships. I have worked, watched and wondered about the complex nature of human interaction. Originally, my interest laid in the narrative…more specifically, I was driven to understand what was happening. Increasingly, my curiosity has been inspired by the underlying motivations behind events…why it happens. It is this curiosity that motivates me.
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (bean) at a time.
In the latest episode of 54 Lights, Kondwani converses with Muna Mohammed, the innovative CEO behind Eight50 Coffee. Muna's deep-rooted connection to coffee cultivation, passed down through generations of her family, led her to explore Ethiopia's coffee origins.
From her upbringing, Muna's fascination with coffee bloomed as she listened to her father's vivid stories of his Ethiopian childhood. Determined to honor her coffee heritage, she embarked on a poignant journey to her family's coffee farm in East Hararghe, where the legacy of Harar Coffee lives on.
Kondwani and Muna explore the fusion of heritage and entrepreneurship, uncovering the essence of Eight50 Coffee's rich cultural tapestry.
LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN
Muna Mohammed, the CEO and founder of Eight50 Coffee, has a strong connection to coffee as she comes from a coffee-producing family in Ethiopia. Muna's decision to start the company was driven by a desire to bring diversity to the coffee industry, particularly on the brand end where there is a lack of representation.
The name "Eight50 Coffee" was chosen to connect directly to the origin of coffee, with 850 being the date often associated with the discovery of coffee in Ethiopia or Yemen. Of note is that;
- Muna is intentional about telling the story of coffee accurately and showcasing the different regions and cultures involved in coffee production.
- Muna's journey to launching 850 Coffee involved years of preparation, including learning about the science and process of coffee, commercial roasting training, and immersing herself in the industry. She launched the business during the pandemic in 2020.
BEST MOMENTS...from our guest
- "I wanted a name that connected directly to coffee's origin… I chose to name it 850 because not only does it tell a story of origins and ancient traditions, but it allows me to tell the story of coffee's origins and birthplace."
- “I knew that being on the brand end, which is where we don't see diversity, that's where you're seeing the brands that are packaged, sold in stores, sold on the shelves, the ones that are actually telling the stories of coffee and are putting out the content around coffee online on social, you know, that's the stuff that I felt like, you know, I didn't see a lot of, I didn't see a lot of diversity there."
- "I always try to do as much research and gather as much information as possible so that they are being presented in a way that is accurate."
- "2020 was just like, for me, it was go time. I've been saying I'm going to do this for a long time. And this, it just, it was the right time. And everything kind of just fell into place for me."
- "I'd love to see what my neighbours in Kenya are doing. I think there's a lot of cool stuff happening. And I'd love to hear more about some really inspiring entrepreneurs from Kenyan heritage, whether it's abroad or within Kenya, what they're doing.”
RESOURCE Full
Eight50 Coffee - https://www.eight50coffee.com/
Website - https://54lights.com/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
ABOUT THE HOST
Kondwani Mwase | Host & Creator
For most of my life, I have been obsessed with relationships. I have worked, watched and wondered about the complex nature of human interaction. Originally, my interest laid in the narrative…more specifically, I was driven to understand what was happening. Increasingly, my curiosity has been inspired by the underlying motivations behind events…why it happens. It is this curiosity that motivates me.
My professional journey led me to the field of marketing and the exercise of selling in the service of brands. Over the years, I’ve learned that the true currency is working in the service of people. Finding ways to understand how to cultivate meaningful relationships with them….and making them “happy”. I leveraged my skills as a mass marketer to reach a different audience with a different message. As such, The Warehouse Magazine became my passion. I founded the publication to try and build a community for the conscientious. It was my first business, my first foray into media and, in some ways, my first love. And its eventual retirement left me wanting. Leaving me with a feeling of unfinished business.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Host Kondwani Mwase is joined in virtual studio by guest-host and social media manager Ariana Busato for a behind the scenes look/listen on episodes past. Ariana, who helps with the podcasts socials and guest outreach, turned the tables on our host and asked him a series of questions about the first four episodes in this new journey. At issue were key questions that arose from these past, and powerful shows.
#1 What lies at the intersection of art, life and politics? Inspired by our episode on Malawi featuring Qabaniso Malewezi
#2 What is the true composition of a great leader? Inspired by our episode on Zimbabwe featuring Farai Madzima
#3 What came first, the mission or the medium? Inspired by the wonderful work of Shelton Mpala's Children of the Dark Continent movement.
4 When is the work finished? Inspired by an artistic mindbending conversation with Aaron Samuel Mulenga.
IF YOU HAVEN"T HEARD...YOU SHOULD LISTEN TO OUR FABULOUS FIRST FOUR EPISODE
LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story at a time. This journey started several years ago but this latest evolution started on July 27, 2023 and is intended to touch down on all 54 countries in the continent. Our first, and fab, four were episodes on Malawi, Zimbabwe (2x) and Zambia.
- EP1.54..MALAWI - When culture comes calling featuring Qabaniso Malawezi
- EP2.54..ZIMBABWE - On being one of a kind with Farai Madzima
- Bonus Episode...ZIMBABWE - Rewriting the meaning of Africanism with Shelton Mpala
- EP3.54.. ZAMBIA - Escaping the colonial mindset featuring Aaron Samuel Mulenga
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Join Kondwani as he interviews Aaron Samuel Mulenga, an artist, (soon to be) professor and an expert on Afro-futurism. The conversation, broadly speaking, touched on the impact of colonialism on African art and culture. Together they question the roots and influences of the colonial mindset, discuss whose history is really taught and how art can challenge the traditional narratives of Africa. With the conversation ranging from the untold stories of WW1’s Tenga Tenga porters, to the subject of art repatriation and the purpose of art itself, you’ll learn from Aaron the origins of Afro-futurism and the true reason he creates his art.
Key Takeaways
- Aaron is a working artist, studying for his PHD, he was influenced and inspired by the Afrofuturism movement of the 60’s and includes the iconic Afronaut in his work
- Many African schools teach the history of their founders, of white, European colonizers, not local history.
- The inspiring and seldom told story of the Tenga Tenga porters in WW1 and their forgotten monument.
- Institutions such as the courts include traditions carried over from colonial times, and this should be questioned and examined as to why that can’t change.
- Repatriation of art and artefacts is good in principle but a delicate subject when considering the purpose of the pieces and the infrastructure in place to receive them.
LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN
“History is history. The only thing is, whose history are we learning?”
“I'm guided by a desire and a thirst to change the African narrative, to really change the narrative from dark to light. It’s the dark continent now, let's illuminate it.”
“That's the work that I'm trying to do, look back at history and say, how do we look at the future? And make ourselves present and more visible.”
“We've got our independence, but we haven't left a colonial mindset.”
“I've had to step back and say, Why do I create, what is my purpose for creating? And really, it's not so that I can sell it, it's so that I could have a conversation. It's so that I can share something meaningful and personal and deep and rich.”
“We're tired of telling the same story and struggling and finding our space of belonging and struggling even to exist or to be given space to.”
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
She's Baaaaack!!!! Chawanangwa Mphande returned to 54Lights to share her reflections on our previous pods. In her first conversation, we discussed her childhood friend and leading cultural artist Qabaniso Malewezi. In this instalment, Chawa (as she's affectionately known) spoke about her impressions of Zimbabwean-Canadian Farai Madzima who was our guest in EP2.54..
In this episode, Chawa points out some profound perspectives on identity. She unpacked how her past, present and the spaces she's lived in all conspire to inform the way she lives and what she calls home. In what feels like a broadly familiar narrative, Chawa provides us with a view that's raw, real and refined - accepting the nuances and complexities that many people from the diaspora deal with.
Chawa also zeroed in on struggles finding work in certain spaces, the burden and benefit of being different as you move from one space to another. She raised a particularly pressing question about lived and life experiences...how that informs ones identity beyond a passport.
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT FOR THIS SHOW
Suggested listening
- Home is a place of safety and where one feels accepted and calm. Home is a state of mind
- Home about cultural conditioning, nuances and space
- The more they leave their culture, the
- Culture gets diluted when you move out of the country of origin
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
In this episode of 54Lights modern-day Pan-Africanist Shelton Mpala speaks about his passion and the unique time we live in. The two unpack an African revival, of sorts, that is sweeping through the globe. Shelton was born and raised in Zimbabwe and describes himself as ‘just an African child’ who was lucky enough to be raised by three women, who taught him what love was; for others, himself and his country and culture. Shelton talks to Kondwani about what led him to create his Children of the Dark Continent project including the profound role of language and the evolving depictions of African culture across the globe. Shelton's mission, one borne of rewiring how people see the continent as a whole, is a refreshing and inviting perspective.
LEAN IN, LISTEN UP AND LEARN - OUR KEY TAKEAWAYS
"Africa has a multitude of different types of people. Whether you are Arabic, white, Chinese, Indian. There are so many ways in. And these were all born under the African sun."
When people are away from their birthplace, they can often lose their language. This was one of the reasons that drove Shelton to start Children of the Dark Continent.
Shelton was fed up with the negative depictions of Africa across the globe and has worked to change that through his work.
Opinions and perceptions around African culture have switched, there is a new energy around Africanism in recent times that is allowing diaspora through food, music and other cultural signposts.
Nigeria is one good example of a country that has been able to export its culture in a unique and dynamic way.
History is starting to be rewritten and in this narrative, what has been learnt previously about Africa is being corrected.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
- 2:32 “Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever, it’s not going to be passed onto the next generation”
- 4:24 “There’s a new energy around Africanism”
- 7:16 “Africa does have a product that the world wants to see and learn more about”
- 13:19 “History is being rewritten and recorrected”
- 21:36 “Regardless of who you are, just be your authentic self as the world will always have an image of you”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://www.facebook.com/childrenofthedarkcontinent/
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Kondwani Mwase | Host & Creator
For most of my life, I have been obsessed with relationships. I have worked, watched and wondered about the complex nature of human interaction. Originally, my interest laid in the narrative…more specifically, I was driven to understand what was happening. Increasingly, my curiosity has been inspired by the underlying motivations behind events…why it happens. It is this curiosity that motivates me.
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
What to expect when you press PLAY Farai Madzima is a man of and for the people. He is a leader, teacher and speaker who's passionate about managing people humanely and authentically, regardless of who they are. He celebrates diversity in all areas of life, including in business. He speaks about how we (as managers, leaders and people) must focus on individuals instead of purely on results. Farai's roots are firmly planted in Zimbabwe but he has been living in Canada since 2017. This experience uniquely places him in a place to talk about cross-cultural competence.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- As Farai has called many places home, including Canada, Zimbabwe and the UK, it gives him unique insight into the places, he can see them differently from the people who have only ever lived in one place.
- As early as school, Farai felt separate from others. Although living in his home country, he altered his name and accent to fit in with the white children he went to school with.
- When moving in different circles Farai still makes an assessment of which version of himself to portray. His differences can be an advantage and present opportunities or it can make him feel in peril.
- The many differing traits Farai has collected from his travels create an ‘otherness’ when he goes to Zimbabwe.
- One of the topics Farai is passionate about and presents on, is the benefits companies and businesses could achieve from hiring a more diverse workforce.
- Farai also coaches and advocates for managers to drive and manage their teams in a humane and much more thoughtful way rather than solely focusing on output.
- Different cultures work differently! From how to give feedback and deal with conflict to how to motivate, inspire and get the most out of your workforce. Farai calls dealing with these complexities cross-cultural competence.
- Many of us can be one of a kind in a room, this can often be visible by race or gender or can be more hidden. The importance is that managers know how to manage and deal with this.
BEST MOMENTS
5:02 “Wherever we go we are learning to pick up our lives, plant them in new places and let them flourish”
08:09 “Fitting in better there meant I could succeed in that world but it also meant I was separating myself”
13:19 “You could be managing people across the globe from multiple different cultures and those cultures teach us different things”
14:19 “When we have good conflict we can make an idea better”
15:27 “What is it like to be one of a kind in a room, what do managers need to know about that”
16:29 “To not look at people as resources but take the responsibility for the people that report to them”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
https://54lights.com/
ABOUT THE HOST
Kondwani Mwase | Host & Creator
‘The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless.’ – Jean-Jacques Rousseau
For most of my life, I have been obsessed with relationships. I have worked, watched and wondered about the complex nature of human interaction. Originally, my interest laid in the narrative…more specifically, I was driven to understand what was happening. Increasingly, my curiosity has been inspired by the underlying motivations behind events…why it happens. It is this curiosity that motivates me.
My professional journey led me to the field of marketing and the exercise of selling in the service of brands. Over the years, I’ve learned that the true currency is working in the service of people. Finding ways to understand how to cultivate meaningful relationships with them….and making them “happy”. I leveraged my skills as a mass marketer to reach a...
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Chawanangwa Mphande, affectionately known as Chawa, joined us in studio to talk about our last episode with Qabaniso Malewezi (Q). As is the case for these special broadcasts of 54"Bites", Kondwani and hiss guest reflect on episodes past and project on the episodes yet to come.
Chawa gave her perspective on how artists make the leap from passion to profession and discussed her views on what some of our previous guests have shared vis-a-vis the business of the arts. The discussion grounded itself in both the deep talent coming from artists but also how the business of the arts - driven by technology and access - is elevating artists to businesspeople. Chawa proclaimed "talent is not enough" in a profound part of the discussion where Kondwani and Chawa discuss what's driven the growth and production quality of art that's being created.
Conveniently, Chawa went to school with former guest Q and was perfectly placed to speak about his great work and his pursuit of perfection in the space.
While the focus of the episode rests with a reflection on the work of Qabaniso Malewezi, Chawa and Kondwani also spoke about an upcoming episode on coaching of emerging leaders with Farai Madzima.
Surprise....Chawa is a classically trained artists who we'll be asking to come back and play for us in the future.
ADDITIONAL CONTEXT FOR THIS SHOW
Suggested listening
- Episode 84 - [1.54..] When Culture Comes Calling with Qabaniso Malewezi
- A Well of Gifts with Chawa Mphande
- The Canvas with Manota Mphande
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
In the official kick-off to the fourth season, the continental journey, that lives through this project, takes flight in the warm heart of Africa. Episode 1.54 (When Culture Comes Calling with Qabaniso Malewezi) brings listeners to Malawi, the native homeland of host Kondwani Mwase, and the starting line for this very special and powerful season.
In this episode, Kondwani is joined by artist, poet producer and all-round creative culturalist Qabaniso Malewezi to talk about his process, inspiration and pursuits. Qabaniso shares his thoughts on culture and the role of art in our society including; African music’s unique and distinctive spirituality, the unavoidable entanglement of politics and art and gaining access to decision-makers that drive the renewal and revival of Malawi’s arts and culture sector.
LEARNINGS THROUGH LISTENING
- Qabaniso's artistic journey was started by his late father, a fellow musician and storyteller, as well as politician, who taught him how to play guitar. He was also inspired and taught by his uncle who played the organ.
- Q, as some call him, was involved in successful drama club at school and after moving to South Africa was surrounded by culture which further inspired him.
- One of the ways Qabaniso’s passion for Malawi’s musical sector is in being one of the founding members of Hip-Hop group Real Elements.
INTERESTING MOMENTS
2:56 “Politics is always an amazing background for many artists”
5:40 “My passion and my drive is to really see Malawi’s creative and culture sector thrive”
09:56 “African music is a very spiritual music, it doesn’t matter where you come from it doesn’t matter if you understand or don’t understand the African languages”
13:18 “I really decided to take a deep dive and explore the concept of who we are as a people and our duality, inner conflicts, the good the bad and the ugly, basically just documenting the human experience”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
info@kweza.mw
qabaniso@kweza.mw
FAST FACTS ABOUT MALAWI
- Formerly known as NYASALAND, Malawi means ‘fire flames’ - a nod to the rising sun seen on the waters of its vast lake.
- Lake Malawi has the most fish species of any lake in the world - with well over 1,000. This is no surprise as it is the 3rd largest lake on the continent and ranks in the Top 10 globally.
- Malawi, and its millions of charming people, welcome visitors to what's known as the "the warm heart of Africa"
Malawi is also the first stop in our march of the continental map...with this episode airing originally in July 2023.
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Website - https://54lights.com/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story at a time.
WHAT TO EXPEXT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
54Lights is on a bold mission to broadcast inspiring stories from Africa to the world. Creatively designed, passionately produced and curated for (and from) the community, the show is devoted to showcasing the continent...its people and its allies. Put another way, 54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
ABOUT YOUR HOST
Kondwani is Ethiopian-born, Canadian-raised and proudly Malawian. He’s a Pan-Africanist, a dreamer and a storyteller whose enthusiasm for his guests is (hopefully) palpable.
By day Kondwani is the Executive Director of Audience Engagement at Canada’s National Arts Centre and by night (and light) Kondwani is the host and exec producer of 54Lights.
He is a work in progress. Informed by life in delightful diaspora, driven by desire to reshape the African narrative and determined to listen, love and learn.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Ray Fankhauser, a Canadian with over 20 years of diplomatic service, joined host Kondwani Mwase to talk about his travels, trials and triumphs. From his early days in the corps in China to taking center stages in Pakistan to his eventual journey home, Ray opens up and shares what he's learned most in the key years. A conversation between friends who've found footing anew - reconnecting through a common love of the arts.
LEAN IN, LISTEN UP...AND LEARN
Ray Fankhauser has a working knowledge of several languages including Urdu, Portuguese,and French to name a few.
MUST LISTEN FROM OUR GUEST
"Beyond the things that we see the things that we hear, you experience something from another world and that is what African music has always been about."
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Kondwani has had a few difficult weeks dealing with the devastation of Cyclone Freddy and its horrific impact on his birthplace of Malawi and other Southern Countries of Africa.
In this episode, he talks about the distinct internal dilemma he is facing, ‘what do we do now?’ and contemplates how we can keep the focus and attention on the destruction Cyclone Freddy has caused and continue to give our support and help to those in need.
Kondwani is also joined by Akeela Okhai Sacranie, a chartered surveyor by profession and fellow Malawian, who talks about the devastation these natural disasters cause and how Malawi is being increasingly affected by extreme weather and the human impact this has.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Malawi has been impacted more and more by extreme weather in recent years
- Choosing whom to help and what to help with is never an easy choice and Akeela and her team have to rely on information they are given by the community on the ground, reassessing their strategies daily to give help where it is most needed.
- Malawi is currently battling its largest cholera outbreak in history, it began in 2022 but there is a legitimate worry that more diseases will become widespread due to conditions caused by extreme weather.
- Many charities and communities were on the ground already providing what was needed in the aftermath of Cyclone Freddy before the government stepped in. The spirit of the people, their unwavering generosity and the outpouring of love and care were unprecedented.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
2:47 “This will remain in their headlines, in their forefront. But for the rest of the world, it will dim and fade to black”
10:20 “It’s very difficult in emergency situations to know who to choose to help”
16:18 ” The road the build these displaced communities is a long one”
22:07 “Malawians are not helpless and in this case they have helped themselves”
VALUABLE RESOURCES - Road to Malawi Charity
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Host Kondwani Mwase is joined by returning guest Chawa Mphande in an important episode reflecting on Cyclone Freddy. The two unpack and explore some tough questions about natural disasters, trauma and crisis management. The endpoint is a raw, yet hopeful, glimpse into the lives of some underprivileged people.
During the piece, Chawa and Kondwani talk about one of ‘the Worst storms in history’ (Cyclone Freddy), that has devastated parts of southern Africa. They discuss the impact it has had on many countries, including Malawi, how its left a mark on the people, and touches on the trauma that will be being immediately felt...and the damage that may unfold in the future. Finally, the two touch on coverage in Western media and how that underreporting may have a detrimental impact on fundraising efforts.
WHAT'S LEARNED THROUGH LISTENING
- Chawa's path is one that's becoming more familiar for the African diaspora. She was born in Malawi, spent formative years in Canada and returned to live and reside in Malawi
- Cyclone Freddy has been classed as one of the strongest and longest lasting Cyclones on record - with impacts felt in Madagascar, Mozambique, Malawi, South Africa, Eswatini and Zambia
- When events such as storm Cyclone Freddy occur it creates a lot of trauma - both at the individual level but also on the collective communities and surrounding systems that have ties to a region
- There aren’t a lot of mental health services in Malawi, particularly not to deal with events a scale as intense as Cyclone Freddy
HIGHLIGHTS
1:07 “The lover of the land we live on makes me a lover of people”
08:20 “Firstly I am a human being, before anything else”
11:25 “I have my feet planted in Canada and my heart firmly in Malawi”
18:29 “Someone may not have been impacted directly, but that trauma knowing that people's lives and livelihoods have been lost is immense”
21:36 “Most trauma you don’t see the effects right then and there, we’ll only be able to see some of this trauma in years to come”
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Consider donations to disaster relief (Road to Relief) - https://www.facebook.com/RTRmw/
Previous episode with Chawa: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/a-well-of-gifts-with-chawa-mphande/id1447037493?i=1000507503202
https://54lights.com/
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54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Jimmy Baptiste is an artist based in Ottawa, Canada. He is also a father, educator, graphic artist and culture builder. Jimmy extends his art into the community in a profound and colourful way, working with students to create beautiful murals that discuss themes of race, youth and empowerment. In this episode, Jimmy takes us through his process, his triumphs and his motivations – which ultimately manifest in impact-filled work with youth.
WHAT WE LEARNED
- Do not settle in a job, or situation, that makes you unsatisfied or unfulfilled. Pursue your passion... and success will come
- If you have skills and you work hard, you have potential. But the key to art is understanding and appreciating representations and being unique...so that you can embrace and express your own aesthetic
- Art is an important tool in empowering youth.
OUR HIGHs (NO LOWs)
4:05 “I don’t want to have to come to work at 7 and leave at 11 doing the graveyard shift”
6:10 “Whenever I had a dead call at work I would always be in my sketchbook, you never know what life has in store for you”
9:10 “Seeing a Black artist become successful in a white world and embracing his own aesthetic, that was my main inspiration”
GET IT FROM OUR GUEST
Jimmy’s website - https://jimmybaptiste.ca
Contact Jimmy - email@atelierdopamine.com
Jimmy’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jimmy_baptiste/
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
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Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (paint stroke) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAYProlific podcaster, Dr. Patience Adamu is the architect of several incredibly compelling shows - The Drip, BBW (Big, Beautiful and Winning), Hyphenated among them. The PhD graduate and an all-round super-creator joins your host, Kondwani Mwase, to talk about the work of podcasting, questions of culture and the complexities of identity. While the laughs roll in, the depth and deliberate conversation about living life in diaspora stands a common and impactful thread throughout the show.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- The uniqueness of feeling displaced and homeless, as an experience, is only how people begin to understand a lot of Patience’s concepts around identity, such as ‘hyphenation’.
- When creating, Patience doesn’t always have her audience at the forefront of her mind, she instead focuses on where she is currently at but finds that many people relate to this, regardless of their current situation and perspective.
- A globalized society means the hyphenated experience Patience talks about is becoming more and more common.
GREAT MOMENTS
4:17 “You have to feel displaced to understand”
11:58 “You put things into the world and you never really know where it’s going to land”
MEET YOUR GUEST Dr. Patience Adamu
Patience Adamu has been creating audio content since 2018 when she launched her first podcast, Hyphenated. Since then she has created two additional podcasts (The Drip and BBW) and has become a known entity in the audio content world. Aside from her passion for and commitment to producing audio content, Patience maintains a written column in ByBlacks.com, contributes to TheGrio.com, supports small organizations that want to make a big impact through her work as an independent research consultant and all while holding down a full-time gig in the equity, diversity and inclusion space
ABOUT YOUR HOST Kondwani Mwase
Kondwani is Ethiopian-born, Canadian-raised and proudly Malawian. He’s a Pan-Africanist, a dreamer and a storyteller whose enthusiasm for his guests is (hopefully) palpable.
By day Kondwani is an executive working in the performing arts and by night (and light) Kondwani is the host and exec producer of 54Lights. He is a work in progress. Informed by life in delightful diaspora, driven by desire to reshape the African narrative and determined to listen, love and learn.
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
Ricardo McRae returns to the 54Lights studios. Over the course of the conversation, Ricardo gives host Kondwani an update on his life post-pandemic including the life-affirming accident he was in. The two also delve deep into business, a "winning" mindset and wealth as well as the influence our lifestyles have on future generations. Underlying it all was a recognition that prioritizing people who matter is paramount.
To listen to Kondwani and Ricardo’s first conversation head over to this episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/09wRO9xQ7UCSlSlD9RaUxf?si=xAUDYd7STGWo-pLOtmiC4Q
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· Ricardo helps people learn how to ‘play the world of money’ and to make their money and investments work for them.
· Ricardo now takes the time to check in with the people that matter to him, even if that’s leaving a voicemail at 3pm on a normal Tuesday. You have to show people they matter to you.
· You have to set an example to the world of what you want to see. If you want peace then you need to demonstrate that yourself.
· Business and success aren’t simply about volume. Too many people try to fit too much in, Ricardo believes that if you slow it down you make fewer mistakes and offer a better service to your clients.
· Recognize your strengths and hire people/someone for things you aren’t great at.
· There’s a cost to anything you want or dream of, you have to try your dreams on to manifest them and make them tangible.
· When saving, the amount doesn’t matter, it’s about creating a habit.
BRIGHTEST MOMENTS
11:50 “The only thing I wanted to do was more of what I was doing, helping people with their money”
24:10 “When you slow it down you make less mistakes”
25:20 “I am only a man, I have to work within my own limitations”
30:40 “You’ve built a business that’s about going beyond the self”
GUEST GUIDE - Who is Ricardo McRae?
Ricardo is a black entrepreneur, based in Toronto, who has started several projects including BlackInCanada.com and Wedge15. As a businessman, he’s craftily managed the world between creativity and commerce. Among other things, he now works with people in the black community to help them better understand their relationship with money. Aside from fiscal management, he’s known for giving sage advice to business owners and youth within the greater Toronto area.
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Website : https://54lights.com/
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Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com
54Lights, hosted by Kondwani Mwase, is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
Acclaimed actor, Karen Leblanc joins us in studio to talk about her ever-elevating career and path. As an independent and emerging artist, she rose to more popular fame after instrumental performances in Rent and impersonating the indomitable Tina Turner. Though her path has been laden with successes, many people were introduced to her through her performance on OWN’s Kings of Napa… a series backed and lauded by none other than Oprah Winfrey.
In this episode, Karen graciously opens up her youth and how it was to grow up as the youngest of 8. She further walks us through the lessons of perseverance and how she prepares to perform and grow.
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
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Andrea McKenzie is a fearless entrepreneur who’s building an art empire…one piece at a time. The fierce visual artist has brought her Caribbean culture to the fore with her unique signature and style. Andrea creates unique pieces using glass, feathers and other materials to blend them and weaves them into “kaleidoscopic pieces”. She uniquely infused glass, feathers, acrylic and other materials on canvas which propelled her into achieving a viable international clientele. With flare and ferocity at her side, Andrea has used art to help her grow and fulfill her destiny. She made her way from the Caribbean to Atlanta and the US to build her brand.
Enjoy this honest and insightful conversation with one of the most dynamic artists on our planet. One who pours her work into the work and then has had to find a way to pour herself into the business of being at artist. From the art of it all to the management of it all, Andrea walks her through her life, trials and triumphs.
FIND AND FOLLOW OUR GUEST
- Website - https://andreauniqueart.com/
- IG Follow - https://www.instagram.com/andreas.heart/?hl=en
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
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Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
On this instalment of 54Bites...we get talk about getting giddy about guests. As an interviewer, I sat in the hot seat and stepped into some friendly family fire to talk about what impact my love of my guests has on the show.
For the honest fireside chat, I sat down with my sister, Siphiwe Mwase, who's also the intro voice on this show.
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
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Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
ABOUT 54Lights
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time. 54Bites features our extended conversations with fans, foes and friends of the show.
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY
In this episode, host Kondwani Mwase is joined by Rwandan urban music icon, Cassa. Cassa emerged from the music scene via private radio station Contact FM and has gone on to tour alongside the likes of Lupe Fiasco and Delasoul. He was also chosen specially to perform a tribute to Music Producer Quincy Jones!
Among other things, Cassa opened up about his musical journey, the source of his inspiration as well as his writing process. Listen in to hear an infectious and energetic conversation highlighted by his hit song, Dis O Dat, which is featured throughout the course of the episode. WARNING: You'll undoubtedly become a fan of his music and magnetic presence.
Music for this episode was provided by our guest, Cassa, whose work can be enjoyed below: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qVqyeTICpuu938EF2Lxon?si=EGvVjgA0SbCxMSzy2TvISQ
NOTABLE LEARNINGS
Kondwani was introduced to Cassa from a referral from our friends and family at KIF Radio.
- Cassa’s music journey first began in Church in his birth home of Rwanda at 8 years old. Then when he was 12, he joined a performing group, leading him to eventually recording music at the age of 18.
- Cassa likes having as much control over his own music and art. This is why he has started to learn to produce his own music alongside his writing.
- A lot of Cassa’s newest music is very intentional, every song is meant to fit a certain mood.
- It was only when moving to the U.S from Rwanda that Cassa began to really learn the in-depth and long-lasting impact of slavery. This has been reflected in some of his songs, including Ndugu Yangu [My Sibling in Swahili] on his EP Back to Life.
- Using a variety of languages in music can be seen as risky, but something that pays off in Cassa’s case. Cassa truly leans into his art and doesn’t even recognise it as a risk.
- Live performances mean a lot to Cassa and his music, it was something he missed during the pandemic. He wrote his latest EP with this in mind with a strong intention to take this music out on the road with him.
OUR HIGHs (NO LOWs)
00:27 “Sometimes the music stops, the rhythm and the reasons gets pushed aside, best laid planned leads inexplicably to an unscripted place”
01:59 “Everything stopped, everything changed, everything moved. Overcome by a soft trauma of motion my body swayed, my mouth smiled, my mind eased”
12:40 “I’m screaming loud who I am, there’s no one better that can do that than me”
19:50 “I’m actually really enthralled by your ability to embrace the risk of using different languages in your music”
25:44 “The more we’re experimenting with sounds, the more we’re trying to recreate it, we actually created a better sound”
30:00 “Even if I jump on a trend, I will morph that trend to fit me”
MUST LISTEN FROM OUR GUEST
Dis O Dat by Cassa: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1qVqyeTICpuu938EF2Lxon?si=EGvVjgA0SbCxMSzy2TvISQ
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram –
Language and meaning dissected, this week's bite-sized conversation is a crude attempt to explore a "universal" lingua franca for the continent. Complex, controversial and even confusing are some terms that come to mind when we wade into the fray.
You'll hear from our guest Dr. Josephine Dzahene-Quarshie , professor of linguistics in Ghana, who's devoted to this concept and construct. An interesting and different way of thinking given the widespread use and documentation of the language of Kiswahili.
WHAT NEXT?
I invite all listeners to join us in this debate. Should or should we not try to march towards this concept...or is the proposed dream by Professor Dzahene-Quarshie a worthwhile topic. Contact us to voice your opinion.
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
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Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
ABOUT 54Lights
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time. 54Bites features our extended conversations with fans, foes and friends of the show.
Our guest, Jana Rae Yerxa, is one of our season's most inspirational guests. She's an activist, writer, poet, teacher and community leader. She not only embodies the spirit of the work we do but stands as a key model and shining light to learn from.
From her insights on being a selfless, or selfish, activist to her guidance on how to protect oneself from the weight of deep work on racial justice, Jana-Rae exposed us to her world. As part of our deep discussion on racial justice, and her community work to uplift our Indigenous brothers and sisters, Jana-Rae also helped us better understand how better to apply language of support...converting us from allies to those that stand in solidarity.
GUEST BIO - Jana-Rae Yerxa, M.S.W., M.A. is Anishinaabe from Couchiching, First Nation, in Treaty #3 Territory. She is an advocate, educator, writer, and poet whose work is grounded in Indigenous feminims and decolonial frameworks. Jana-Rae is faculty and curriculum developer at Seven Generations Education Insititute in Anishinaabe Gikendaasowin.
MORE FROM OUR GUEST
- Read Jana-Rae Yerxa's Unravelling of a Colonized Mind https://lastrealindians.com/news/2013/1/30/jan-30-2013-the-unravelling-of-a-colonized-mind-by-jana-rae-yerxa
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
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Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
ABOUT 54Lights
54Lights is committed to elevating creative voices through authentically told stories. Our energy stands in solidarity with people across the globe.
Our bite-sized conversations continue with superfan Natasha Soobramanie as our guest in studio. Taped on location, we spent some quick time reflecting on the work and import of the work of Calvert Jones. Our show focused on one central and perhaps contentious question - which work of art Calvert needs to tackle next???????
CONTEXT IS EVERYTHING
If you haven't already, listen to this episode of 54Lights to understand more about Calvert, his work and the conversation that inspired this bite
- https://embed.sounder.fm/play/421710
- Enjoy Calvert's work here - https://tropicalrealism.com/
CO-CONSPIRATOR COORDINATES
Natasha Soobramanie is an EDI and organizational development professional based in Toronto. Her expertise in these fields has been on full display throughout her career. Outside of the professional space, Natasha is a passionate fan of art, history and life.
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
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Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
ABOUT 54Lights
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time. 54Bites features our extended conversations with fans, foes and friends of the show.
Artist Calvert Jones is best known for his stunningly bright and provocative works of art. This past year, I sat down with Calvert to talk about his work, its deep meaning and the ways in which the work blows beyond the canvas. Calvert, a hyper realist painter, sort to make a profound impact when he returned to his native home of St. Vincent. The motivation moved him to channel his culture’s paradise into his work…designing pieces that reflect the reality of the spaces that he calls home. From his regular expressions (landscapes etc..) that capture island culture and Caribbean life to a line he's called the series. This series are recreations of famous paintings, reimagined in contemporary and multi-dimensional works that force viewers to think while watching.
Calvert Jones has had work commissioned by The British Royal family, corporations and countless individuals. He is no stranger to the spotlight and builds work that stands unparalleled in when viewed in the limelight. Historically relevant, presently poignant and ever-impactful, Calvert’s work inspires intriguing dialog that challenges tropes that ultimately invite people to educate themselves about history and the context through which we appreciate our constructed realities.
POST SCRIPT – Before, during or after listening, I’d recommend that you visit Calvert’s website to better appreciate his mind, mission and movements. Enjoy the African experience and find yourself in every play.
Calvert joined is via our virtual studio from his home in St. Vincent.
CO-CONSPIRATORS & COORDINATES
Thanks to;
- Find Calvert Jones’ work at https://tropicalrealism.com/
- Music for our episode was composed by Roland Best at E-Rol Beats
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
ABOUT 54Lights
54Lights is committed to elevating creative voices through authentically told stories. We showcase Africa for the world, through uniquely inspiring narratives that will, hopefully, stir the soul and steer the conversation about the dark continent.
Our debut of 54Bites - our reflections on things said and unsaid from our previous episode. Today, we talk trailers...what's in, what's out and what there's to regret.
In case you were wondering...we see the typo:-)
CO-CONSPIRATOR COORDINATES
Patinece Adamu is an inspirational and remarkable broadcaster. She's an EP on several works including;
- The Drip podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/1hMpKISToSxAhdslkOHS9z?si=47e0e55b53b94ce7
- BBW: Big Beautiful and Winning - https://open.spotify.com/show/1GGabtQNX4bvjSxB86ho1k?si=44bef41968f04df6
- Hyphenated podcast
FIND AND FOLLOW 54LIGHTS
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome…complaints and hate, not so much)
ABOUT 54Lights
54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (beat) at a time.
The opening curtain rises again on 54Lights podcast.
This season, one unlike we've ever had, will unfold in a slow and stead burn. We will light up Africa by meeting (at least) 54 guests (daughters, sons and stars) with roots in (at least) 54 countries so that they can give us (at least) 54 heartfelt stories from the great continent.
We're telling these under told stories from Africa (from Africans), to all corners of the globe. And because each guest has a unique and flavour-filled tale to tell, we will tell these stories with care. So that they can shape and reshape and reframe the African narrative, one story at a time.
POST SCRIPT - While we're going to try to march the map, and get a voice from one person with roots from each nation, we embrace the truth - that one voice cannot speak for a nation and, better yet, that a nation is an oversimplified construct. Culture is rich and textured and complicated. It is one voice and many voices all at once. It is calm through havoc, quiet through chaos and unity through plurality. And so we invite you to join us with open hearts, open minds and open ears.
Enjoy the African experience and find yourself in every play.
CO-CONSPIRATORS & COORDINATES
Thanks to;
- the family at KIF Radio for helping us find so many musical geniuses
- the surgical precision of Roland Best at E-Rol Beats for composing our theme
- the team of stand up supporters - Siphiwe Mwase, Ariana Bursato, Patience Adamu, Mohsen al Attar and many many more...
Find and follow 54Lights
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/crowd54/
Email guest referrals, comments and stories to kondwani@54lights.com (feedback welcome...complaints and hate, not so much)
ABOUT 54Lights
54Lights is committed to elevating creative voices through authentically told stories. We showcase Africa for the world, through uniquely inspiring narratives that will, hopefully, stir the soul and steer the conversation about the dark continent.
We close Season III of 54Lights podcast with a short recap of the power of the season and an invitation to stay tuned for the next, and final, Season IV.
The next episode is our final guest-led conversation for Season III. It features the formidable poet, author and activist Rheima Robinson. We were privileged to have Rheima join us in our virtual studios and walk us through her work, approach and motivation.
Rheima walked us through her early forays into writing - drawing inspiration and guidance from her mother and grandmother. As women and newcomers to the UK, they both helped pave the way for Rheima to succeed.
Rheima also spoke eloquently about her work and her perspectives on activism. From her talents as a spoken word artist to her creation of spaces for artists to thrive, she takes us behind the pen and into the mind and motivation of a great writer and activist.
As we near the end of Season IV of 54Lights, we sat down with one of the best and brightest Creative Directors in North America. Matt Rennick, a friend and fantastic ally of the African community, joined us in our virtual studios to talk about his philanthropic campaign to raise money for three Nigerian organizations. Compelled to act during the EndSARS unrest in Nigeria, Matt channeled his love and admiration of Fela Kuti, his creativity and his bias for meaningful action to create an inspiring response to a brutal campaign. Ever concious of his privilege and place as an ally, Matt lights the way with an energy and approach that's to be modelled.
Over the course of our conversation, Matt opened up about his past and what brought him to the creative space...an energy driven by what he calls a DIY ethos. From a young age, Matt has worked to build things from the ground up - finding his way in workplaces thanks to his raw talent and deep connections he cultivated along the way. As he gave us a brief walkthrough of his professional pathway it was clear that, despite all his success, he's as grounded as they come. His simple and unwavering perspective on the best part of his career was the impact of people - the teams he's led and worked side by side with.
Matt then took us through his creative process of designing shirts with song titles, lyrics and album names from musicians in the Congo and Nigeria. Many of the inspirational artists sang songs of protest and liberation for their people - with the focal point being Fela Kuti. In the wake of EndSARS and around the anniversary of Fela Kuti's birthday, Matt launched a line of shirts emblazoned with is work...an ode to Fela and a fundraising gateway. All proceeds from the shirt sales go to three organizations based in Nigeria that Matt researched and contacted.
Funds Raised from shirt sales go to;
Mirabel Centre - supporting women who are victim of sexual assault - https://mirabelcentre.org/
Kokun Foundation - supporting the needy and addressing food insecurity - https://www.instagram.com/kokunfoundation/
Serap Nigeria - NGO supporting human rights - https://serap-nigeria.org/
Buy shirts here - http://www.mattrennick.com/shop
For his efforts and his energy, we thank Matt...a true ally if there ever was one.
The Left Turn (Season3. Episode21..) is one of the most important in our season. It follows the work of guest musical composer for this show, Roland Best, while he takes us on a journey through his business venture. One that centers around a lifelong love of music. Through that, he’s built E-Rol Beats – a music downloading service that features original music that he’s composed and refined. His talents have been on full display on his recently launched website and on this show as his beats are featured sporadically throughout the year.
But what started off as a conversation about his compositions and the business, ended up turning sharply towards a deeply personal disclosure of life-changing events. While running and building E-Rol Beats, Roland was the recipient of a horrible act of anti-black racism. The act, which involved vandals defacing his car, had the effect of ignited a passion in Roland that he’s since channeled into a new direction at work. He went on to detail the work he’s doing, with others, within the government in western Canada. All with the intent to address, confront and combat anti-black racism and racism against the BIPOC community. He detailed how the work he is leading now is critical work that’s measurable and institutional. Work that spans across multiple branches of government and that’s led by a cross-section of intelligent, motivated and impressive people who are determined to change outcomes for equity seeking groups. In the end, the vandals who tried to do damage to Roland’s person, did little more than awaken his inner activist…Oops.
While E-Rol Beats still rolls along, the passionate work that Roland is pursuing now is shaping a new direction for him, his family and his community. From Source Code (the first episode we did with Roland months ago) to The Left Turn…
As we near the close of our third season of 54Lights, we’re dedicating the next few episodes on culture creators that are pushing our collective world ever forward. This next episode intercepts the prolific community activist Dr. Joseph Smith who, as you’ll hear in the conversation, is no average Joe. He’s a bold entrepreneur that has created youth programs, a speaking practice and continues to create conditions where people around him can thrive. He is the personification of an ally…but transcends labels.
Joseph spoke candidly about how deep an impact his mother has had on his upbringing and his person. Someone I will never meet but obviously a caring a thoughtful being who remains with us through him. As our conversation evolved, we spoke about the work that Joseph has been doing, through his organizations, and touched on why the work matters - at this time and always. We also spoke about the very real phenomena of compassion fatigue and burnout fatigue. Areas that are addressed, among others, in his newly launched Remedy program - that works address mental health.
Our conversation culminated in a critical dialog about dealing with the fight for social justice while avoid stoking the fires and creating more prolific enemies of progress. This consideration is a new and complex one, given a world climate that capitalizes on popular and sometimes divisive movements. For Joseph, part of all of these issues are addressed intentionally and with care.
Want MORE...?
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from our guest - https://www.drjosephjsmith.ca/
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from 54Lights on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/54lights
In a sublime departure from our regular programming, 54Lights host Kondwani Mwase sat down with singer songwriter Al Lee to talk about his poignant work – Revolution St. The album, the artist’s second release, is a deeply personal endeavour. From his home in Revelstoke BC, Al Lee broke down his early days in music and even shared that his original move to the mic (i.e. singing) was born of necessity rather than want.
Al Lee also spoke about his views on being an Iranian musician singing Blue Grass and Folk inspired songs. His love of music, which arguably seems to has started with a Blues love affair, draws from music’s ability to “transcend colour”. Counted amongst his inspirations – the legends like Neil Young and Bob Dylan.
And though the interview was light hearted, fun and a reunion of two old friends, we took some time to unpack Al Lee’s second album and title track – Revolution Street. The song, like many others on the album, is complex and emotional. They draw from real life events, in this case a real life feminist revolt in Iran, and weaves in his personal nuanced insights.
But rather than hog the spotlight, Al Lee, in typical fashion, shared how he embraced the contributions from the instrumentalists on his album…ones whose work fortifies and underlines his efforts. Enjoy our latest episode where we glean from a great interview and sample some bite size tracks.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW
- Biggest Interview Scoop – Uncovering why Ali Haeri took the stage name Al Lee
- Largest Interview Surprise – Al Lee and Kondwani Mwase both had Def Leopard cassettes
- Largest Interview Regret – revealing that both Al Lee and Kondwani had Def Leopard cassettes
- Things you’ll never be able to take back – bad jokes about Millennials and reading…seriously though, we do regret that slight and accept old men jokes in response.
- Revolution St. is available on Apple Music, Spotify, and other popular sound streaming platforms.
In Part Two of our interview with FoodShare's Executive Director Paul Taylor, 54Lights podcast asks our guest to help explain the impetus and strategy of FoodShare. In his profoundly thoughtful responses, Paul Taylor takes us through the food system and how communities can find agency for advancement through food. Far from the only lever, food has a way of empowering and feeding (pardon the pun) the disadvantaged in a way that empowers. And while that provides some measure of support, Paul unpacks how the broader system, and forces well beyond their influence, inform and impact lives.
From converting local spaces to cultivating places where low-income peoples can build and experience health relationships around food. Our discussion went from understanding the need to create intervening initiatives, centred around food insecurity and systems, to the ingenuity it takes to develop groundbreaking ideas that work.
Throughout the conversation, it became apparent that the secret sauce for launching ideas that have sustainable impact, stem from cultivating community-led ideas. Instead of designing ideas for the community, FoodShare is invested in designing ideas with the community.
Among FoodShare's community-led initiatives are;
- Good Food Markets
- Community Kitchens
- Workshops
One of the greatest insights was the state's complicity and accountability with respect to food security and access....which FoodShare puts on politicians as well as businesses that have "grown their profits on the backs of low-wage workers".
FoodShare is a community-led organization whose work centres around disrupting the food system - in a way that will make good healthy food accessible for all. Find and follow FoodShare and all its initiatives at foodshare.net
Find and follow Paul Taylor at paultaylorto.com
NOTE: This episode is the second part of a 2-Part interview with our guest.
FoodShare is a community-led organization whose work centres around disrupting the food system - in a way that will make good healthy food accessible for all. As part of our mini-series finale on food (the space, the supporting systems and the people that drive and thrive in the ecosystem), 54Lights sat down with FoodShare's Executive Director Paul Taylor to talk about the impact of the organization.
An Ontarian with close ties to his lineage and his Kittitian roots, Paul spoke to us about those who've influenced and informed his path (his mother and grandmother among them) as he was growing up. At a young age, he tuned into the systematic injustices that lead to food insecurity and how it impacted the most vulnerable communities in our society - ones that not-so-coincidentally are disproportionately black, brown and indigenous.
Paul's outlook, one that's grown over time and with the contribution of his fellow activists, is devoted to understanding the organizing principals that lead to emergencies within our world. And while these crusaders continue the hard work of understanding societal injustice, they work diligently to dismantle its constructs including anti-black racisim.
According to FoodShare, "It's our time to lead" and the discussion dove into the reasons why, at this critical juncture, there might be a sliver of hope and promise. From community to activists to social movements, Paul calls upon all citizens to step forward by looking at their communities, and the things that happen within them, and to understand why injustice occurs. Lastly, Paul leaves and invites listeners to challenge the status quo by getting politically involved - contacting local government officials to make sure that they feel the political will and impetus to move towards sustainable progress.
- Find and follow FoodShare at foodshare.net
- Find and follow Paul Taylor at paultaylorto.com
NOTE: This is a 2-Part interview featuring our guest.
In our latest episode of 54Lights we were joined in our virtual studios by the three driving forces behind KIF Radio. KIF is an innovative podcast that features music from emerging artists in the world of AfroBeats, Hip Hop and R&B. The show is masterfully managed by Grace Saqui and features addictive beats curated by two of the most impressive DJs on the planet - IMVNZI and Sound Curator. More than just DJs, the two have dedicated their life to sound - having come up as dancers, rappers and now DJs.
The four of us had an illuminating conversation where KIF shared openly about their unique show format - one that showcases 15 tracks plus some introductory interviews with up and coming musicians. They explained the painstaking paths they take to find gems in a crowded marketplace and how they use their background in music to inform their choices - picking only the best on the globe. The team also opened up about how they move the crowd - the psyche that's needed to get the "room's" energy to peak.
Before we closed the show, the team at KIF spoke to us about their love of music and what went into their name. As deep rooted as the thought and purpose that's gone into their colourful and ever-evolving monikers.
An episode that's definitely not to be missed! Lean in and listen out loud.
About KIF Radio
KIF Radio is in its second year KIF Radio is a bi-weekly music podcast showcasing nothing but the most recent R&B & African vibes from the legends of tomorrow. Hosted by IMVNZI and Sound Curator.
Aliases
- IMVNZI - aka Le Penseur
- Sound Curator - aka Creative Fly
Projects and Affiliations
KIF Radio recently joined Braided Media. Braided is a podcast network of Raw and Refined shows and storytelling created by people of African descent for a global audience
As part of our foray into the world of culinary delights we spent time with Chef Kwasi - Ghanian entrepreneur who's based in Toronto. Kwasi talked to us about his love of food and why it brings him, and his patrons, happiness. From the painstaking care he takes in making meals to the compassion and care that goes into seeking ingredients, Kwasi's catering company is tantalizing tastebuds of customers of all stripes. Kwasi is a marvel in the kitchen, having learned cooking skills from his mother. He now continues to create amazing food while also enjoying the richness found in other culture - from his fandom of poutine to his appreciation and respect for Italian delicacies.
And while the charismatic chef will have you craving his variety of great dishes, he did wade into some contentious, and playful, waters. In the peak of our episode we speak candidly, yet with genuine playfulness, about the great jollof (rice) debate. Ghana vs Nigeria?
Spoiler Alert: Kwasi is a proud Ghanian...so you can only guess which of the two national dishes he'd serve first.
To Taste n See great dishes from our guest - please visit - Taste n See
To find out what people are saying about the great debate, follow us or send us your vote on IG (@crowd54)
As a shout out to racing fans across the globe, 54Lights is proud to elevate our inspiring conversation with Toka Murphy - a 23 year old racing phenom. Toka sat down with us weeks before the now cancelled Montreal F1 Grand Prix. The athlete took us through his obsession with cars and opened up about how he took a casual adoration of the sport to an immersive fascination. From car meets to friends inviting him to take the wheel to painstaking hours learning the craft from industry experts.
The humble young man found a way to raise money to get his license and soon connected with Patrik Wittmer and his four sons (Kuno, Karl, Nick and Kurt) - a racing family whose influence and intellect are having a tremendous impact on the sport. Patrik, and his family, are huge supporters of Toka and have helped teach him critical skills needed to move up in the racing world. With that said, the realities of racing, the financial burden it holds and the associated struggles off the racetrack became a topic of reflection during our time together. And while the money management that's inherent in the sport could be a deterrent, Toka's taken it all in stride...embracing that obstacle as a challenge he knows he'll overcome. He helps us draw illuminating analogies between sports like tennis and golf where the burden of participation comes with a hefty price tag. From getting sponsors to getting access to the track and, finally supporting the teams that make up a crew.
The business of driving and the strategies needed to navigate the minutae of life outside the rigors of the race. And finally, of no small note is the reality that Toka is a black man in a sport that's got barely a handful.
Lean in and listen to a great conversation with a young man whose mature well beyond his years.
Learn more about our guest - Toka Murphy - https://tokamurphy.com/
Easton Robinson is the chef, owner and originator of JerkUp Central...a takeout and catering business dedicated to healthier Caribbean cuisine. Easton's Jamaican heritage and influences come through boldly in his array of flavourful food.
Easton sat down with 54Lights to take us through the birth of his business, his dedication to creating authentic Caribbean food and how he's battled adversities that could have suck his dreams. His early childhood cultivated a love of food and eventually led him to embrace adversity and pivot his life from a traditional 9-5 to an atypical 24/7 commitment. Easton then revealed to us how and what makes his business so distinct - his love and pull towards authentic Caribbean flavours - ones that come from fresh ingredients and a cooking style that's invested in time over speed and quality above profit. The payoff? Food that is reflective of genuine Caribbean culture. Food that is reclaiming and reshaping how some people in the West are starting to see this type of food. enjoy one of the most inspiring stories about resiliency and inner strength.
About our focus on food
The episode represents our official kick-off to our mini-series focused on food. From restauranteurs to chefs to food activists, this series is all about taste buds and the way how and what we eat is transforming communities around us.
Marko Da Costa is a young and talented writer...one who evokes deep emotions in his work. In his first work - The Art of Feeling - Marko takes readers through an immersive, and sometimes painful experience of love and loss.
We caught up with Marko in our virtual studios and let him talk us through what led him to write such a poetic and profound work. Marko bravely opened up about his life and relationships - all of which led him to write. From the pain of love lost to the support and strength from loved ones, Marko's journey inspired him to express his innermost thoughts through the page.
And though he's a young author, it's clear that his approach, dedication and flat out hustle has, and will, lead to great success.
When Papa Balla Ndong launched his ambitious SIETAR Art Project, I had no idea how profound his initiative would have. The work spans hundreds of pages and threads together work, perspective and letters from contributors around the globe. It started in Europe, debuting in Paris, and has found it's way to Japan, Switzerland and countless other places across the globe. As a product of SIETAR, the Art Project embodies what both SIETAR and Papa Balla personify - unity. And while Papa Balla is a member of SIETAR, after speaking with him, it became clear that he is an ambassador for a great and global movement.
Papa Balla Ndong sat down with 54Lights to take us through his selfless work and life mission. One that has landed him on the front lines of supporting migrants in Spain find a way and a home. Papa Balla explained how his educational background inspired him to discover more about migrants and how different cultures can collide and clash but also how they can collude and conspire for good. He candidly takes us through his work and how he's been navigating tensions to create safe and productive spaces where migrant communities can flourish. His generosity, spirit and passion are clear reasons why he's been successful at working with policy-makers to influence progressive changes in government. And while a lot of his work lies with government and the migrant community, he somehow finds time to work with youth to educate them about racism - cutting it off before it takes root. As he took us through his journey, he explained the stark realities and challenges that face migrants...the systematic racism that they face...and the hard work that we all have to do to collectively open up our communities.
Notable Words of Wisdom during our conversation
- One hand doesn't clap... Papa Balla's perspective on working together
- You are not born with racism, you are taught racism...Papa Balla's perspective on racism and why he works with youth on curbing it
About our guest
Papa Balla Ndong, from Senegal, is a Human Migration Expert and holds a Masters degree in International Migration from the faculty of Psychology, University of Valencia. He has worked in Solans Lawyers Office, specializing in Foreign Law and participated in training courses in the General Council of the Spanish Judicial Power (CGPJ). Currently he performs the following charges: President of the Alternative Forum on Immigration, Coordinator of the Citizens Assembly Against Racism, Accredited Intercultural Mediator from Valencia Government, General Secretary of SOS Racisme Pais Valencia, Vice President of the Local Council of Immigration and Interculturality of the City of Valencia.
Find out more on the SIETAR Art Project
On this episode we are humbled to say that the amazing Naledi Jackson is back with us for a second episode on 54Lights. Naledi was our very first guest and years later she is back to share more of her story. Naledi is a writer, director and producer who has methodically made her way up the movie-making ladder. Her resume, which includes work on the Netflix series “Anne with an E” and her own action-packed drama “The Drop In” are just a couple of many projects she’s worked on.
Naledi talked about her inspiration, her parents, and the most inspiring film-makers who've helped her shape her passion and pursuits. She reminisces about her magical experience living in Bulawayo and Montreal which gave her a broader perspective on writing. Throughout her travels, Naledi's relentless outlook has helped her create and contribute. From writing rooms to her own personal writing room, she opened up about her commitment and what it takes to push forward in a competitive industry. Naledi's perspective, which included "confessions" on her fascination with sci-fi films, diversity and representation in film and the magic of movies. The episode closes with Naledi giving some valuable tips and advice to up and coming writers wanting to get their foot in the door.
And if that wasn't enough, Naledi gave us some insight for what's in store for a busy 2022.
In the most highly anticipated episode in our 3 seasons, we are joined in our virtual studios by award-winning author Hanif Abdurraqib. The lyrical genius who’s authored popular bestsellers such as Go Ahead in The Rain, They Can’t Kill Us Until They Kill Us, A Fortune For Your Disaster and The Crown Ain’t Worth Much met with us to share his perspective on writing and the creative process.
Hanif is a poet, essayist and culture critic based in Columbus, Ohio. The gifted creative spoke to us about the genesis of his passion - which was a skill cultivated from youth. He opened up about the process, the precision and pursuit that’s made his life’s work. His books are pure brilliance and profoundly capture what lies at the intersection between music and culture. This remarkably open conversation authentically exposes how Hanif sees his craft and the world.
And while you tune in, enjoy Hanif’s take on his latest work - A Little Devil in America - an exploration on black performance. Another powerful book amongst a library of critically important work.
Enjoy this must-listen experience from a must-read author.
About Hanif Abdurraqib
Hanif has been featured in Muzzle, Vinyl, PEN American, the New Yorker, The NY Times and many other journals. He has published several books including Go Ahead In the Rain: Notes to A Tribe Called Quest and his latest work A Little Devil in America
- Hanif Abdurraqib website
54Lights sat down with executive Chef Kiki Louya to talk about her career in food. The renowned chef opened up to us about her life, businesses and motivations. The conversation touched on important topics like food sustainability, the true DNA of an executive chef as well as what it takes to handle the heat of Bravo's Top Chef kitchen - where she is a "Cheftestant" for Season 18.
54Lights sits down with the young, impressive founder and editor of ARK Magazine, Marie Powell. She openly shares her experiences in the fashion industry and the next big steps. Why the name “ARK” you ask? Let Marie tell you.
In our first instalment of a mini-series focused on writers, we sat down with Ties That Tether author Jane Igharo. Her book, a modern-day love story, appeals to a wide variety of cultures and mindsets. She builds out a strong and complex protagonist and layers in very authentic tensions experienced by people dating outside of their culture.
This episode on 54Lights is a rebroadcast of a collaborative effort done with the Ontario Aids Network (OAN). It features a conversation with our influential activist Amanuel Melles. The main purpose of this episode is to shed light on work that's being done, somewhat behind the scenes, by organizations like the OAN and prominent activists like Amanuel.
Season III continues in celebration of culture creators by sitting down with Chawanangwa Mphande. She's the founder of AFERS, an aspiring non-profit, to talk about her move from Canada to the warm heart of Africa, her personal perspective on mental health and how she is fighting local stigmas. And while her fight is focused at the local level, the challenges surrounding mental health are indisputably global.
54Lights theme song composers, Andy Ninvalle and Joachim Notebaert, join us for a chat about their road to making magical music. The two joined us from Europe to talk about their journeys as well as their current struggle to making a living in the creative field.
In a podcasting first for 54Lights, we sit down with a multi-talented creative philanthropist Fungai Mettler to talk about her work, her outlook and her therapeutic style of storytelling. This episode was a dual broadcast...with both Fungai and Kondwani sharing turns asking questions for their respective shows.
In the first episode of Season III, Art Malawi's founder Manota Mphande sat down with us to talk about how art can drive progressive change, how art can be reimagined to keep artists working and how the business of art is evolving in the warm heart of Africa.
54Lights launches Season III of the podcast with a call to unity and togetherness. Echoing the spirit of Ubuntu and the call to action of African giants, this glimpse represents a small glimmer of what's in store for the days, weeks and months ahead.
In a preview of what's in store for Season III, 54Lights is releasing an abbreviated peak at a fun-filled conversation with Roland Best - founder of E-RoL Beats.
Enjoy a deeply personal interview with leader, writer, entrepreneur and activist Chidiogo Akunyili-Parr. She opens up to us about her work, her philosophy and her approach to helping women achieve their full potential.
The latest instalment of 54Lights podcast featured a deeply philosophical conversation with author Stafford Attzs. A clinical technician whose range of knowledge spans from pew to pugilism, Attzs has recently written a book - The Narrow Path That Few Will Find: The Evolution of Christianity.
54Lights host, Kondwani Mwase and Stafford sat down to unpack religion, scripture and adherence to doctrine. The conversation zeroed in on Stafford's world view and the lens through which he views Christianity. His approach, while not without controversy, is backed up by a meticulous and analytical approach. Regardless of whether or not you agree with his position, there is no disputing his process or commitment to uncovering truth.
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This just in…54Lights podcast sat down with Montreal Chef James Mitchell to talk about his culinary business. Over the years, Chef Mitchell has been methodically plying his trade so that his business can thrive and survive during the chaos of COVID. From chef’s tables to cooking classes, Jaime (as he’s known to some) has made something sustainable in a time where organizations are teetering on the brink. And thanks to the his family meal plans, The House of James Mitchell seems poised to weather the storm of our current pandemic.
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Food for thought!!!! Have a listen to our food focused conversation with Chef Alex Askew. We asked Chef Alex to unpack the food system and explain how it's impacting communities. What we were looking for was a deeper understanding and appreciation of food justice. What we learned, over a stimulating session, was just how real and important these issues are and how they acutely impact people of colour.
Enjoy Chef Alex's frank and illuminating perspective on the culinary world and digest how there are innovative solutions being worked on to can change the narrative.
If you want to find out about how food justice, and why it’s critical in the fight towards a better world….if you want to hear solutions…if you want to feed your spirit, your soul and your plate…then you, my friends, are in for a treat.
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The latest episode of 54Lights podcast focuses on revival. Revival and rebirth within the entertainment industry with a specific lens on the theatre. Sitting down with acclaimed playwright Zodwa Nyoni, we dove into heady topics that ranged from how creatives have to approach the business side of their work to how the writing process evolves to how the industry is reshaping itself during the period of Covid. Zodwa candidly walks us through her process, her teachings and learnings. A must listen episode for any current or aspiring creative. A must listen episode for anyone curious about the theatre. A must listen episode for anyone seeking inspiration. You get the point…press play!
Zodwa Nyoni is of Zimbabwean lineage but has found a home in the U.K. Her talents have been on full display in recent years and reached a key milestone with the successful and acclaimed launch of her play, Boi Boi is Dead, in 2014. Her list of accomplishments continues to amaze, be they in the realm of academia, in the world of poetry or on stage.
Our talk gave us insight into how Zodwa has integrated her culture into her work, how she continues to advocate for artists and how her latest play is standing up in the time of Covid. This latest piece, Nine Lives, will hit the Bridge Theatre in London as part of a series of monologues that signal the revival of theatre and the reshaping of a new form of theatrical entertainment.
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This just in…Jefferson Darrell started his boutique agency, Breakfast Culture, with the goal of helping organizations effectively reach audiences. The idea quickly evolved to encompass the management of external communications (coined as Woke Marketing) and internal workplace culture.
Jefferson joined 54Lights and shared his perspective on identity politics, social movements and, even, family dynamics. His fresh perspective coupled with his command of language thrust us into an engaging and thought-provoking conversation.
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Learn more about Jefferson’s work at www.breakfastculture.org
This just in….54Lights managed to catch up with media mogul Patricia (Bebia) Mawa. Patricia works alongside her husband, Moses Mawa, in steering an impressive media empire that includes; a 24hour television channel (called AfroGlobal TV), three magazines and several regional networks.
While we were pleased that she shed light on her early start in media, our greatest learnings came from Patricia’s willingness to explain the magic and mission behind her companies. Focused on inspiring, uniting and celebrating those of African descent, her work and footprint is impressive. Her family has built a business that is breaking through barriers and reaching beyond traditional limits associated with black people. By depicting a different, and more complex, portrayal of Africans, her collection of companies is adding to a rich and progressive dialog on race.
Like everything else, these businesses have been impacted by COVID. But it seems clear that the momentum and resilience that’s part of the greater empire gives it the fortitude to survive. And rather than shrink when faced with the daunting reality of the times, Patricia sees opportunity and envisions a “creative renaissance” that will lead us through any storm.
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This just in…54Lights had a sweet conversation with Neale’s Sweet ‘n Nice ice cream co-founder Andrew McBarnett. The ice cream business is emerging into a formidable brand in the Canadian landscape. In fact, it’s fair to say they have fully arrived. They're doubling their presence in supermarkets across Canada – going from over 300 to over 600 locations. While its competitors are obvious, what's even more obvious that they’re carving out a clear niche in the marketplace. By following their Caribbean roots, they've created a flavourful portfolio that ensures they will remain head and shoulders above all others.
As a black owned business they stand out as a model example of how to run and grow an organization. Their tenacity is matched only by their audacious commitment to pushing the limits of people's palates. And by following in the footsteps and vision of their original founder, Charles Alfred Neale, they are ensuring that their surge will continue well into the future. Take a break from the heat and get to know one of Canada’s greatest, and tastiest, brands.
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This just in…in an extension of a previous episode of 54Lights, S2.EP8..Playbook Live (https://54lights.com/2020/06/playbook-live/), we sat down with investment advisor Gabriel Flores to talk about managing money in times of crisis. In these uncertain times, where people need to be more prudent about their expenses, we were compelled to talk to a professional whose day-to-day is helping people manage their relationship with money.
Gabriel is an advisor in RBC’s Wealth Management division(https://ca.rbcwealthmanagement.com/gabriel.flores/). He has a diverse skillset which includes, among many things, a background in the sciences. His measured, thoughtful and humane approach to his craft set him apart from other advisors in the marketplace. His focus is on education and information which helps his clients feel empowered. His hands-on approach has needed to adapt, given COVID19, but he’s adjusted admirably and continues to help people achieve their goals and cement their legacies.
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54Lights welcomed outspoken VP Tiana Conley into our virtual studio for a session to unpack her career, outlook and circumstance. She shared her experiences as an often solitary, and senior ranking, African-American leader who’s compelled to embrace risk. And while that may leave her in a vulnerable position, it’s fundamentally important to the journey towards equality.
Along with her leadership role in the corporate world, Tiana is a mother and an outspoken crusader for human rights. She is participating in a community leadership program, comprising of top black leaders around Chicago, to help tackle imbalances in power dynamics. She’s commited to advancing equality for black people so that all races can thrive and rise towards a state of true equality and progress.
Among the most quotable moments from our talk are these prescient lines;
“Truth-tellers take their lumps”
“I’m gonna speak my truth and I’m ok with you not being ok with that”
“Risks are more expensive for black people than for non-black people”
“Risks are worth it if they play out for the broader greater good”
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Find us on Instagram - @crowd54
Find us on iTunes, Spotify or wherever you do your listening - search "54Lights"
This just in...54Lights host Kondwani Mwase sat down with the diverse and creative entrepreneur, Ricardo McRae in what is arguably one of our most important episodes to date. In a timely take that’s prescient for communities of colour, Ricardo unpacks important topics for us all.
Ricardo is a black entrepreneur based in Toronto who has started several projects including BlackInCanada.com and Wedge15. As a businessman, he's craftily managed the world between creativity and commerce. Among other things, he now works with people in the black community to help them better understand their relationship with money. Aside from fiscal management, he's known for giving sage advice to business owners and youth within the greater Toronto area.
Our conversation spans several avenues. Mentorship, money and legacy to name a few. While his candor was sometimes cutting, it offered a measured perspective on life and how navigating the ups and downs of ones’ journey needs to be approached with openness and a willingness to embrace fear.
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iTunes - https://tinyurl.com/yabokvma
Spotify - https://tinyurl.com/y8n92o7n
Laugh, learn and let loose with one of Canada's funniest artists. More than a stand-up comic, Rodney Ramsey brings a lot to the stage. We sat down with him to talk about the future of comedy and how he's bringing innovation to the art form.
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In our latest episode, 54Lights (@crowd54) sat down with activist, author and tireless superstar Andrea Gunraj to talk about gender equality.
The COVID crisis is and has cast its shadow on underrepresented communities, Andrea eloquently educated us on how the coronavirus is amplifying underlying inequalities facing women of all backgrounds. And better still, she sheds light on how we can contribute to progress and making a change.
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Justine Apple has been running her business for years. As a professional photographer, she knows that her livelihood is inspired by photos but driven by relationships. She’s in the service industry and she knows and embraces it.
54Lights had a candid talk with Justine where she talked COVID19, DIY photography and the gaps business education for artists. A great listen for entrepreneurs, freelancers and anyone interested in the business of photography.
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On the heels of Women’s Month, thirty or so days beyond Black History month and in the midst of self-isolation, 54Lights is launching our most recent talk with the indomitable Binta Bajaha. Her measured and worldly perspective gives us all something to think about; from women's issues to reframing how we celebrate Black History month. Enjoy this latest conversation, including a quick chat on the COVID19 crisis.
On International Women's Day, and hopefully everyday, we take time out to recognize, celebrate and shed light on the strong women in our lives who are leaders, mentors, friends and family.
54Lights recently sat down with several strong and impressive women to have a real conversation about the Glass Ceiling and the Glass Cliff. While there is still a long way to go, these insightful women all shared their perspective on the fight for gender equality and encourage me that we are, and can, move forward towards a better and more equal future.
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Just Imagine….sitting down with a lyrical activist who’s prose and prowess is moving! 54Lights sat down with the multi-talented and multi-faceted Rania El Mugammar (@rania.writes) to better understand her work and motivation. A woman with a comfort with conflict, Rania's artistry and activism is something we can all learn from.
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Season II kicks off with a collective bang. Guests from 54’s past present and future episodes all introduce themselves to us in interestingly collaged show dedicated to people’s names…and the origins of the names. In this episode, you’ll get to shake hands with guests, fans and people who help make 54Lights what it is. As always, you’re invited to introduce yourself, and the origins of your name, to 54Lights. Do so on Facebook, Instagram (@crowd54) or through our website.
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Season II of 54Lights podcast is here. Enjoy interesting conversations with inspirational leaders, of all stripes, throughout the upcoming months. Enjoy under told stories (out of Africa).
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In the final instalment of the President's Club, 54Lights sits down with former CAUFP Javon Findlator. The selfless entrepreneur and bright professional continues to give back to his community...both locally and abroad. When we spoke, we got a glimpse into his motivation, dedication and unwavering commitment.
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54Lights had the pleasure of meeting a number of insightful business leaders at the BFUTR Tech Summit in Toronto. One of those amazing people was Cher Jones - a social media trainer based in this city. Her business and model couldn't be more relevant, in a time where professionals need to quite literally brand themselves. I spoke to Cher about her business, her approach and her exploits.
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Dalmar Abuzeid is a Canadian actor who’s been blazing a trail for years. His resume is littered with impressive accomplishments…least of which are his breakthrough role on “Degrassi: The Next Generation” and his recent exploits in “Anne with an E”. While all his roles have been impressive undertakings, his portrayal on "Anne with an E" represented a watershed moment in the life of a storied Canadian series as he played the first black character on the show. 54Lights had the immense privilege of catching up with Dalmar to talk about his career, his craft and his impact.
Note: Since our interview, "Anne with an E" was cancelled. The news is sad but the cast, crew and writers who worked on the show will undoubtedly re-emerge…in this series or on another. 54 wishes you all well.
Former Toronto city CIO Rob Meikle was one of the notable headliners for the #BFUTR Tech Summit that was the brainchild of his apprentice Lekan Olawoye and the leadership at #BPTN. We caught up and had a quick yet candid discussion on leadership and mentorship. His views on community success, and our collective responsibility to each other, were truly illuminating.
54Lights sat down with BPTN (Black Professionals in Technology Network) founder Lekan Olawoye to speak about diversity in tech, talent management and what drives him. With the BFUTR Tech Summit as our backdrop, Lekan spoke unapologetically about his life, vision and intentions.
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54Lights Podcast sat down with the president of the Canadian Association of Urban Financial Professionals – CAUFP. The organization’s leader, Meryl Afrika, gave us some great insight into the mission, vision and impetus for the work that’s being done to support urban professionals in Toronto. And while the organization is local to Canada’s economic center, the work that’s being done is a model for how and why it’s important to promote black excellence. And given Meryl stands as the organization’s fourth female head, the scope of our discourse included women and leadership.
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Days before her premier video release, 54Lights sat down with talented singer/songwriter Kibra Tesfaye at the Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto. The young singer opened up about her upswinging career and the process she's embarking on to build her brand.
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54Lights had the pleasure of broadcasting live at Toronto's Eaton Centre where we sat down with local street photographer Marc-Andre Misat. Professional by day and artist by night (sort of), Marc gave us insight to how, and why, a hobbyist street photographer creates mastery in the urban jungle.
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54Lights recently joined two coaches from Sigma FC soccer academy. They spoke eloquently about their work and experience at an academy that's shaping the future of Canadian soccer. With that backdrop, we dove into the true impact of the game and gained insight into how these two approach their sport. Enjoy a fun interview about the world's beautiful game.
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At the time this episode was first broadcast, the country of Canada was celebrating its 152nd birthday - July 1st, 2019. It seemed only fitting that an episode dedicated to agencies in Canada, that work to welcome new citizens, be aired on this day.
54Lights spoke with employees from the ICC and 6Degrees for our latest instalment. We explore some of Canada's programs that work to welcome new citizens to this diverse and inclusive country.
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The Precious Gems Project is a community driven charity whose mission it is to raise funds to help send underprivileged children to camp. 54Lights sat down with the driving force behind the movement…founder Aileen Hill. Her passion is infectious and inspiring. Our conversation gave great insight to her unrelenting will…one that pushes the limits of what’s possible for entire communities.
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Randy Osei is the founder of what used to be a sports agency but has now evolved into a budding community conscious enterprise. Rozaay Management Inc was launched in 2015 and has been growing at a rapid pace since inception. 54Lights sat down with Randy to talk about his business, his sense of community and the Book and Sneaker Drive that he's championed to help bring education and play to Ghana.
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Petra Adrienne has travelled the world teaching English to students in the classroom and the boardroom. She's brought her culture, personality and vibrance to every place she goes. 54Lights sat down with her to get a glimpse of the world through the eyes of this proud and accomplished woman.
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In the summer of 2018, UOIT (University of Ontario Institute of Technology) took the somewhat unconventional decision of naming Christa Eniojukan as the head coach of its women’s basketball program. To be clear, it’s not unconventional because she’s unqualified....quite the opposite. Her resume is stacked. She’s far and away the right person for the job. The fact that she’s a woman is what makes an immensely interesting story, even more intriguing. I sat down with Christa to talk about her career, her perspective and, off course, basketball.
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At first glance, Grace Eleyae appears to be in the hair business. Her brand is soaring...and as it continues to rise, 54Lights felt compelled to take a closer look. We caught up with Grace to talk about her emerging empire. Along the way, we discovered that while she trades in hair, her brand is all about confidence.
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Building Blocks is a 54Lights series focused on people starting and cultivating businesses or projects. For our first focus on these trailblazers, we sat down with Nkechi Nwafor-Robinson, the co-founder of a movement called "Empowered In My Skin". While it's only been around a few years, the project is growing fast and is a great forum for women (and men) of all stripes.
Alongside her husband, a fellow entrepreneur/restaurateur, we discussed her life, motivations and future aspirations.
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54 Lights recently sat down for an All Access interview with Dr. Nothabo Ncube. We spoke about her life, struggles and family. A particularly inspiring discussion on how Dr. Ncube turned tragedy into triumph...all the while being driven by her bond with her mother.
Along the way, we delve into conversations on culture and living life in different countries. For colour and direction, we spoke with UK based playwright/poet Ntombi Zodwa Nyoni (notable author of Boi Boi is Dead) and renown Australia based author/activist/political commentator Sisonke Msimang (notable author of Always Another Country and featured in another extended discussion on 54Lights).
Both women have extraordinary backgrounds and lend their poignant voices to a colourful perspective on the backdrop of an insightful conversation with the good doctor.
Episode 1.54.."Where I’m From" stands as the first official episode of 54Lights. Our focus is the remarkable journey of Sisonke Msimang...who is a prolific writer and activist. She recently published her memoir, Always Another Country, which is enjoying its international release. Our discussion gave us some interesting insights; ranging from culture and immigration to candid reflections on her life.
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Welcome to 54Lights! Our first episode, We Are 54!, is an introduction to this project. 54Lights offers an alternative to mainstream depictions of Africa and its people. It is a celebration of people and culture. And while it often features Africans it is not exclusively for (or about) Africans.
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