The Qonnect

The Wrap Up - Season 4

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:00:00 +0300

Welcome to the final episode of Season 4 of The Qonnect Podcast! Join me as I reflect on the enriching and grounding conversations we've had this season, exploring themes like storytelling, community building, new narratives for Africa, and the importance of adaptability. From inspiring stories with Aashni Shah about resilience and self-advocacy to discussing the power of art in activism, we've covered a lot of ground.

Hear highlights from episodes with Brandon Campbell on the philosophy of interconnectedness, Maïmouna on reframing African narratives, Ras on reclaiming African stories and Ibraheem on preserving our cultures.

This season has been an exploration of humanity, creativity, and the necessity of challenging existing narratives. Thank you all for joining me on this journey, and stay tuned for more in Season 5!

00:32 Reflecting on Season 4: Key Themes and Conversations
01:29 Hype Yourself with Aashni Shah
05:33 The Power of Adaptability
07:05 Artists as Activists: Reflecting the Times
09:55 Interconnectedness and Community Building with Brandon Campbell
13:15 Romanticizing African Narratives with Maïmouna
19:37 Reclaiming African Stories with Ras from TAP Media
23:39 The Tapestry of Humanity: Ibraheem Leone's Journey

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Reimagining Our Future Through Belonging

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:00:00 +0300

In this episode of The Qonnect, I dive into the significance of storytelling in bridging cultural divides and fostering a sense of belonging and humanity. I share personal experiences and reflections on how our interconnectedness can combat divisiveness, bigotry, and fear. Highlighting concepts like 'Ubuntu' and 'Sawubona' I emphasise the importance of seeing and valuing each other's humanity.

Join me as I explore how narratives can help us reimagine a future where everyone can belong.

The Extended Family with Brandon E. Campbell

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 14:00:00 +0300

In this episode of The Qonnect, I sit down with Brandon E. Campbell, the founder of Extended Family, to explore his journey to building this platform and what it means to cultivate a global community.
We delve into the significance of empathy, meaningful conversations, and the rewarding challenge of living a nomadic life. Brandon shares his journey from a legal career in New York to building a platform aimed at creating genuine connections across cultures. We discuss the importance of understanding diverse perspectives, developing a deeper sense of self through travel, and the collective journey towards liberation.
Join us as Brandon shares insights on community building, the impact of travel, and his vision for a more connected and empathetic world.

Bio
Brandon E. Campbell is an entrepreneur, community builder, and lawyer born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. He's the Founder of Extended Family -- a travel startup that provides tools and infrastructure that help build community between the insatiably curious traveler and local communities worldwide.

As a lawyer, he practiced for 8 years in New York City, leveraging his legal skills and business acumen to negotiate and draft contracts, advise on intellectual property protection, and provide strategic counsel to various clients, ranging from Fortune 100 media companies to Grammy Award-winning musicians.

As a community builder, he's passionate about creating infrastructure that helps foster meaningful relationships across cultures globally. He frequently "slow" travels for six weeks or more in countries in Africa, Europe, Latin America, and Asia, immersing himself in local cultures by living and working there. Since 2017, he has conducted, produced, and published over 30 recorded conversations to explore culture through the lived experiences of people in local communities around the world.

In 2023, he pivoted from legal practice towards entrepreneurship to build Extended Family full-time. He launched a strategic partnership with a renowned work and travel company to deepen brand credibility. He also debuted a product to market test building community infrastructure worldwide. These were the first among many steps in the journey towards furthering the ultimate mission to be the defining force in the travel industry, driving conscious globalization by creating intergenerational spaces for exchange and collaboration.

Relevant Links

Extended Family Website: www.extendedfamily.io
Extended Family Instagram: www.instagram.com/extendedfam.ily
Extended Family TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@extendedfamily
Extended Family Newsletter: www.extendedfamily.io/newsletter

Reclaiming African Narratives with Ras Mutabaruka (Re-Release)

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 17:00:00 +0300

In this episode, I’m revisiting a powerful conversation I had with Ras Mutabaruka—a Rwandan-Canadian entrepreneur, media maker, and community builder whose ingenuity, creativity, and faith in humanity have driven him to carve out a life of passion and vision. From experiences of struggle and migration, Ras has developed an enduring, inexhaustible love for the continent of his birth. Frustrated with how Africa and Africans are often portrayed in global media, Ras founded TAP Media Ltd., the parent company of TAP Magazine, a Pan-African platform dedicated to rebranding Africa, one story at a time. By 2017, TAP had already reached over 7 million Africans.

I decided to revisit this conversation after coming across a recent report that highlights the steep financial costs of media stereotypes about Africa—costs that go far beyond perception and directly affect the continent’s borrowing rates and economic opportunities. This timely report underscores and touches on some of Ras’s insights on the power of owning our narrative and the urgent need to tell Africa’s stories with authenticity and nuance.

Together, Ras and I discuss the importance of storytelling, building a strong African-led creative economy, and the impact of living between cultures. This episode is a reminder of why it’s crucial for Africans to tell their own stories.

02:28 Work, Identity & Cultural Reconnection

18:55 The Power of Storytelling

23:36 Focusing on Positive African Stories

30:40 The Importance of the Creative Economy

33:50 The Potential of Afrobeat in Nigeria

34:21 Solving the IP Issue in the Music Industry

35:48 The Youth and Creative Economy in Africa

39:36 The Importance of Collaboration Across Sectors

40:44 Memorable Stories from the Journey

47:46 The Power of Storytelling

49:52 Life Advice for Young Africans

57:51 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

All Relevant Links:

TAP Magazine: https://www.tapmagonline.com/
The Cost of Media Stereotypes to Africa

Can Art Change the World?

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 17:00:00 +0300

In this episode of The Qonnect Podcast, I explore the profound impact of art in driving social change. I reflect on the legacies of music icons like Nina Simone and Michael Jackson, as well as Ai Weiwei’s bold political commentary and visual artist JR’s transformative murals.

This episode underscores the responsibility of artists to use their platforms for advocacy, fostering empathy, and bridging societal divides. I share some of my own reflections on the current socio-political climate, and the enduring power of art in promoting shared humanity and calling for renewed efforts in leveraging art for social justice.

00:00 Introduction to 'Backlash Blues' by Nina Simone

01:37 Nina Simone's Legacy and Documentary

02:38 The Role of Art in Social Change

05:12 Michael Jackson's Impactful Music

07:07 Art as a Tool for Activism

08:07 Ai Weiwei: Challenging Power Through Art

09:33 The Universal Language of Art

10:34 The Power of Art in Humanising 'The Other'

11:17 JR's Transformative Prison Mural

12:46 JR's Journey from Graffiti to Global Art

13:51 Art as a Tool for Connection and Visibility

14:29 The Social Responsibility of Artists

15:07 The Role of Art in Advocacy and Activism

15:56 The Consequences of Silence in Art

17:22 The Power and Responsibility of Artists

Relevant Links:

"Backlash Blues" by Nina Simone
"What Happened, Miss Simone?" (2015) - On Netflix
"Earth Song" - Michael Jackson
"They Don’t Care About Us" – Michael Jackson (2020 Spike Lee Director's Cut)
Ai Weiwei: The West should be ‘ashamed’ of global refugee crisis | Real Talk Interview on Middle East Eye
"Human Flow" - Ai Weiwei
"Never Sorry" – Ai Weiwei
TED Talk: "Can Art Change the World?" – JR
TEHACHAPI, THE YARD - JR

Hype Yourself with Aashni Shah

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 17:00:00 +0300

In this episode of The Qonnect, I speak with my friend Aashni Shah, founder of HypeDocs, about the importance of celebrating achievements, self-advocacy, and gaining confidence in the workplace. Aashni shares her personal journey, touching on topics such as imposter syndrome, challenges in STEM as a woman of colour, and the need for strong support systems. She talks candidly about her experiences navigating cultural identity and workplace dynamics, especially the value of documentation and visibility to combat biases and enhance career growth. Aashni also offers practical advice for young professionals, particularly those facing similar hurdles in their careers.

01:31 Celebrating Wins and Self-Recognition
06:45 The Concept and Evolution of Hype Docs
10:40 Personal Experiences, Workplace Dynamics, and Navigating Challenges
19:50 Cultural Identity, Representation, and Overcoming Stereotypes
32:12 The Importance of Networking, Passion Projects, and Gender Bias
36:59 Addressing Pay Disparities, Negotiation Tactics, and Invisible Work
46:26 The Power of Sharing Accomplishments and Building Confidence
54:47 Advice for Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Embracing Failure, and the Value of Support Systems

Bio:
Aashni Shah is a multinational citizen who grew up in Kenya before moving to Canada for University. She is currently the founder of HypeDocs, a platform to help businesses retain employees by focusing on employee needs. Prior to this, Aashni was a Software Engineer with experience working at companies like Amazon, Microsoft and Square. Aashni is passionate about bringing more tech to developing countries and increasing the representation of girls and women in STEM. She has been recognized with awards such as the Top 50 Inspiring Women in STEM in Canada.

All Relevant Links:

Aashni's Website: https://aashni.me/
Being Glue - Tanya Reilly : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cr2Yn_MrKg&pp=ygUXYmVpbmcgZ2x1ZSB0YW55YSByZWlsbHk%3D

How Do We Adapt When The Plan Doesn't Work?

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 17:00:00 +0300

In this episode, I talk about the importance of adapting when life doesn't go according to plan. Drawing from my personal experiences and insights from figures like Bozoma Saint John, Elizabeth Gilbert and Steve Jobs, I talk of the importance of flexibility over rigid planning and some of the strategies that have helped me along the way like reframing setbacks, leaning into curiosities and embracing a misfit mentality. Adaptability enables growth and creativity in a constantly changing world.

00:13 The Importance of Adaptability

01:31 Personal Experiences with Uncertainty

04:05 Insights from Influential Figures

12:21 Strategies for Practicing Adaptability

22:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

References:

Unraveling the Tapestry with Ibraheem Leone

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 17:00:00 +0300

In this episode of The Qonnect, we speak with storyteller, poet, and archivist Ibraheem Leone. We get into Ibraheem's journey of documenting poetry and cultural heritage in Sierra Leone, the importance of oral traditions, and the use of technology, particularly blockchain, for cultural preservation. Ibraheem also shares his personal experiences of homecoming, his diverse upbringing, and the influence of various cultures on his identity. This insightful conversation highlights the interconnectedness of humanity and the divine design in our lives.

00:00 Introduction to Tapestries

00:43 Meet Ibraheem Leone: Storyteller and Cultural Archivist

01:54 Ibraheem's Multicultural Upbringing

04:16 Exploring Identity and Belonging

09:01 First Visit to Sierra Leone

12:36 The Homecoming Project

16:43 Using Technology for Cultural Preservation

26:59 Following Cultural Threads Across the World

45:07 Advice for Young Africans on Cultural Documentation

49:15 Final Thoughts

Bio:

Ibraheem Leone is a Sierra Leonean-American multidisciplinary artist, student of knowledge, and storyteller who uses mediums like photography, film, and poetry to tell and preserve essential stories. He is the founder of The Tapestry; a project that explores how blockchain can play a role in preserving oral histories, beginning with the oral traditions in his country of origin, Sierra Leone and extending to locales around the globe.

All relevant links
Ibraheem's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibraheemleone/
Taiye Selasi: Don't ask where I'm from, ask where I'm a local | TED : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LYCKzpXEW6E&ab_channel=TED

What is The Qonnect?

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 16:00:00 +0300

Allow me to reintroduce myself!

In this episode of The Qonnect Podcast, I talk about the podcast's mission to feature deep, real conversations with global changemakers, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity, human connection, and inspiring stories. I also share my personal motivations and experiences that led me to star this podcast, and what I want this podcast to be.

Romanticizing African Countries with Maïmouna Elle Traore

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 17:00:00 +0300

In this episode of the Qonnect Podcast, we delve deep into a conversation with Maïmouna Elle Traore, the creator behind the Instagram community 'Romanticizing African Countries,' which has garnered over 126,000 followers in less than a year. Maïmouna shares her journey from pursuing a surgical residency to embracing her passions for writing and filming everyday moments in Africa. She sheds light on the challenges and rewards of reconnecting with her Senegalese heritage, the importance of authentic representation of African life, and the powerful impact of showcasing the continent's understated beauty. The episode also touches on the complexities of traveling within Africa, evolving personal identities, and future aspirations for her platform.

Join us as we explore how Maïmouna is changing the narrative around African countries, one simple video at a time.

00:00 Introduction: The Essence of Travel
01:19 Meet Maïmouna Elle Traore: From Medicine to Media
03:31 Discovering Passion: Writing and Filmmaking
05:55 Identity and Representation: Growing Up Senegalese-American
16:44 Journey Back to Senegal: A New Beginning
19:51 Romanticizing African Countries
32:53 Challenges of Traveling in Africa
44:58 Capturing Moments: Filming People and Places

All relevant links
RAC Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romanticizingafricancountries/
Maïmouna Elle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maimyselfandi/
Fatou & Babacar: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cx25zFEO7if/

The Wrap Up - S3 E10

Wed, 27 Jul 2022 17:00:00 +0300

On the final episode of this season of The Qonnect, Qali looks back on some of her favourite moments and what she learnt from them.
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Find Qali on Instagram & Twitter. Check out her website Being Qaali

The African Perspective with Ras Mutabaruka - S3 E9

Wed, 20 Jul 2022 17:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Ras Mutabaruka, Rwandan Canadian entrepreneur, media maker, and community-builder whose ingenuity, creativity and faith in humanity have allowed him to carve, from circumstances of struggle and migration, a life of passion, vision and enduring, Inexhaustible love for the continent of his birth. Moses has founded TAP Media Ltd (TAP Magazine Parent Company) after being frustrated with seeing how Africa and Africans were often portrayed in global media. TAP is a Pan-African media platform that tells African stories from an African perspective with a mission to re-brand Africa. One story at a time. In 2017, TAP reached over 7 Million Africans.

Ras and Qali dive into the importance of storytelling, directing our narrative, the creative economy and the impact of living between cultures.

Referred to in the conversation:
The Homecoming Series

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Find Ras on Instagram. Check out TAP Magazine

Tell Your Story - S3 E8

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 17:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali talks about the importance of telling your story, cementing our identities into history, building resilience and all the ways that writing can have psychological benefits.

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Make The Leap - S3 E7

Wed, 06 Jul 2022 17:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali gets into failing, pivoting and making that leap. It's something we all will face multiple times in our lives, but how can we rewire it to see it as an opportunity, create meaning in our lives through experimenting.

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Got Nothing Figured Out - S3 E6

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali gets into the pressure of having things figured out, mid-year highlight reels, regrets of the dying and running your own race.

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Living in the Upside-Down with Araika-Zawadhafsa Mkulo - S3 E5

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Araika-Zawadhafsa Mkulo, a cognitive psychologist and founder of Safe Space Africa, an entity dedicated to improving mental health for Africans through individual therapy, group workshops and digital products. Araika is a published researcher in the 2017 CHI Conference Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems and The Gender Equality Promising Practices in UNICEF Programming in Tanzania. Her research interests lie in marrying psychology with technology and business to find impactful solutions for mental health, gender inequality and poverty in Africa. Currently, Araika is living and working between Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.

During this conversation, Araika and Qali talk about the importance of cultural nuance and language in psychology, Safe Space Africa, remaining present in terms of crisis, slowing down and why purpose is more important than passion.

Referred to in the conversation:
Safe Space
Dixon Chibanda & The Friendship Bench
Slowing Down Blog

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Find Araika on Instagram

Community & Belonging - S3 E4

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali gets into community and belonging, their importance and how we can encourage it in our lives.

Desmond Tutu Video
Why I have coffee with people who send me hate mail | Özlem Cekic

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The Kitchen Farmacy with Idil Farah - S3 E3

Wed, 08 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Idil Farah, a Registered Nutritionist, Health Educator and Ancestral Foodie. Fundamental to Idil’s practice is making nutrition accessible to all by providing culturally sensitive nutrition advice that honours her clients diverse backgrounds and values around food. Her customized approach to nutrition counselling and holistic wellness is a unique blend of science and ancestral knowledge of traditional holistic practices, woven with life skills coaching.

Idil uses a food first strategy to empower her clients to take an active role in their health by developing sustainable healthy eating habits. She strives to educate her clients on the principle of using Food As Their Medicine and their Kitchen As The Ultimate Farmacy.

During this conversation, Idil and Qali talk about the Kitchen Farmacy, food insecurity, her trips to Ghana, healing as a lifelong journey and more.

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Find Idil on Instagram and checkout Idil's World

In Pursuit of Freedom with Wanja Wohoro - S3 E2

Wed, 01 Jun 2022 17:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with songwriter, musician, abstract painter and writer Wanja Wohoro. With a focus on intimate storytelling, all of her artistic work investigates identity, relationships, love and history within the feminine and Black/African experience through a personal lens. In 2018 she released her debut album Matriarch which is a 9 track ode to both womanhood, home and youth. Since then she has continued to record, collaborate and perform around the world. In 2021 she launched the 'Black Glitter Newsletter' which is a resource newsletter with tips and insights to navigating the independent music industry as a young musician. She currently resides in California and is performing and working on her follow up project to be released in late 2022..

During this conversation, Wanja and Qali talk about reclaiming one's path, the pressures for creative people in staying authentic, becoming an indie baby and evolving as people.

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Follow Wanja on Instagram and Twitter.

Showing Up - S3 E1

Wed, 25 May 2022 18:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali gets into the importance of showing up, commitment and being present.

Episode referred to in this episode: Boundaries & Burnout - S2 E8 (https://bit.ly/3LNE3PI)

The Wrap Up - S2 E10

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 16:00:00 +0300

On the final episode of this season of The Qonnect, Qali looks back on some of her favourite moments and what she learnt from them.
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Music & Mustard with Nooriyah - S2 E9

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 12:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with London's own Nooriyah, a DJ, presenter and filmmaker. Noor has also been the Features Editor at AZEEMA magazine, focusing on underrepresented womxn globally. As a DJ, she is known for playing upbeat popular records infused with Middle Eastern and North African sounds. She occupied the River Stage at the National Theatre, taught DJ classes for womxn of colour at Foundation FM, made her New York and Rotterdam debut and played the Grand Entrance of the V&A where she also showcased her first produced short film on the theme of finding a home away from home. By background, Noor is a Master of Public Health with specialism in mental health, currently working with councils to improve health across London.

During this conversation, Nooriyah and Qali talk about cultural influence on art, music sampling, defining home and following your dreams.

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Follow Nooriyah on Instagram and Twitter.

Boundaries & Burnout - S2 E8

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 17:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali talks about why 2021 hasn't started off as smoothly as expected and how boundaries, being easily accessible to people thanks to technology and burnout are all things that have been on her mind.

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Activism & E-Commerce with Amahle Ntshinga - S2 E7

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Amahle, a South African entrepreneur who owns & founded LUNTU, an online marketplace that sells a wide range of products from up-cycled skateboards to Black owned coffee. LUNTU gives customers the opportunity to buy products from businesses that matter to them, in easy way. This is done with the use of the LUNTU index, a information card that identifies if a product is vegan, eco-friendly, Black owned, Queer owned and more. Amahle also creates content online, usually video content exploring topics of Spirituality & social equity.

During this conversation, Amahle and Qali talk about leaving the being introverts, creating access to small businesses, spirituality and social activism.

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Follow Amahle Ntshinga on Instagram and TikTok. Check out the LUNTU.

Self-Care - S2 E6

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 17:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks about some philosophies and history around self care away from the billions of dollars that are exchanged every year in the commercial aspects of it. She explores the surprising links between Socrates and Audre Lorde .

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Human Rights & Coffee with Ladan Takow - S2 E5

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 16:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Ladan, the founder of Takow network, a platform for young women to advocate for international women's causes. Ladan is also an established social media influencer, who uses her broad platform to champion Human Rights causes and women's issues. She empowers young audiences and engages them in public affairs and activism and breaking down barriers. Ladan is currently working on her own online Coffee brand Takow Coffee

During this conversation, Ladan and Qali are talking about the power of creating community & sisterhood, engaging in activism and her love of coffee.

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Follow Ladan Takow on Instagram. Check out the Takow Network and Takow Coffee

Letting Go - S2 E4

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 15:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks about how letting go can transform our mindsets and help us understand that we are enough as we are. She touches on perfection, being in control, uncertainty and more. This episode is inspired and informed by Brené Brown's Guideposts to Wholehearted Living. Let us know what you're letting go of in 2021.

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Representation & Storytelling with Abla Elmi - S2 E3

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with Abla, who works to use art + storytelling to help create positive social change. She is the founder of Elmi House Productions, a storytelling company that creates work based on an inclusive storytelling method that she created, which aims to answer the question:

What would stories look like, if the people whose stories are being told, were included in the storytelling process?

During this conversation, Abla and Qali are talking about the journey to becoming a storyteller, representation, mental health and having a seat at the table.

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Follow Abla on Instagram. Check out the Elmi House Productions on Twitter and Instagram (@elmihouse)

5 Lessons 2020 Taught Me - S2 E2

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 16:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with you all about her learning lessons of 2020, from us truly knowing nothing, the importance of appreciating the little moments to the power of saying no and believing in yourself and more. Let us know what you're taking away from 2020 into 2021.

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Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Instagram & Twitter (@qaaliciid). Check out her website Being Qaali

Black Joy & Art with USEN - S2 E1

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 17:00:00 +0300

On this episode of The Qonnect, Qali speaks with USEN, an auteur and curator based in between New York and Lagos. He founded HAUSEN, a gallery and cultural institution dedicated to contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, out of his Brooklyn apartment when he was 25 years old and is on the acquisitions committee for the Young Collectors Council at the Guggenheim Museum.

During this conversation, USEN and Qali are talking about the transformative power of Black joy, the power of art and the importance of collecting it

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Follow USEN on Instagram. Check out the HAUSEN website and Instagramhttp://www.instagram.com/welcometohausen

(#10) Looking Back At Season 1

Wed, 10 Jun 2020 18:00:00 +0300

In this episode I look back on some of my favourite moments, wisdoms and learning lessons from this season.

This episode will recap on overcoming beauty standards, what inspires one's creativity, overcoming imposter's syndrome, black women in academia and intersectionality, creating for the African audience and removing oneself from anything that doesn't serve you.

Follow my social media's to keep in touch and find out when the next season comes out

Instagram & Twitter: @qaaliciid

(#9) The Qonnect is Blacked Out #BLM

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 16:00:00 +0300

In this weeks episode, I speak on the protests happening all around the world after the extrajudicial killing of George Floyd. I touch on the psychology around riots and protests, how this is connected to different parts of the world, what organising and mobilising looks like, and so much more.

For different resources on BLM please check out aashni.me

Instagram & Twitter: @qaaliciid

(#8) Vee Kimani on faith, self-care being political, her love for poetry and more

Wed, 27 May 2020 18:00:00 +0300

“you need to practice self care as a black woman for survival”

Vee is a young East African girl and the host and producer of the At The Table Podcast which is all about centering women, wellness and self care - particularly women of colour. She is currently doing her second masters, an MBA in Global Business in London and hopes to start her PhD this fall in Gender Studies and decolonising knowledge. Her interests include poetry, wellness, feelings - the beauties of life including God, yoga, music, art and nature.

Join us for a conversation on how Vee stays grounding during times of uncertainty (2:07), what role religion plays in her life (5:05), what music makes her dance (13:33), the inception of the At The Table podcast and its importance (14:56), where she has found representation (22:03), Bell Hooks and black women being safe to fully exist in theory (24:07), advice on finding your voice and speaking up (27:39), poetry and hip hop (29:42), importance of sisterhood (37:50), boundaries (41:21) and advice to her younger self (44:07).

Find her elsewhere on the internet:
At The Table Podcast (https://soundcloud.com/atthetablepodcast)
Instagram (@vee_kimani)
Twitter (@vee_kimani)

(#7) Effy Kawira on filmmaking, vulnerability, her Hunger Magazine editorial and more

Wed, 20 May 2020 16:00:00 +0300

"follow the clues that God has given you"

The Kenyan native Effy Kawira began her career in film as an actor and producer creating short films and music videos in Minneapolis with local filmmakers and friends which then led her into the world of directing and from there her interest and devotion blossomed.

Effy’s propulsive passion for storytelling is the driving force behind every project. Effy’s versatility in her experiences in acting, modeling, producing, and illustration has been a key player in providing her with the skill to adapt and collaborate with a diverse range of artists. She is dedicated to telling the stories of those who may feel voiceless and unheard. Not only does Effy seek to execute content that mesmerizes the viewer, but she aims to aid in propelling the change for more representation of various communities in the media.

Join us for a conversation on what drew Effy to filmmaking (5:00), what inspires her (8:05), what going to college to study economics taught her (14:25), importance of having a tribe (20:06), the values that shape her work (23:08), her favourite work to date and In Praise of the Shadow (28:45), confidence (35:25), what representation looks like in the current film industry and her favourite directors (46:12), Hunger Magazine Editorial - Devenir Femme (52:22) and a message to her younger self (60:00).

Find her elsewhere on the internet:
Website (www.effykawira.com)
Instagram (www.instragram.com/effygasm)
Twitter (twitter.com/effykawira)
In Praise of the Shadow (Youtube)
Hunger Mag Editorial (www.hungertv.com/editorial/devenir-femme/)

(#6) Be Kind To Yourself

Wed, 13 May 2020 15:00:00 +0300

In this solo episode Qali speaks to listeners about the struggle she has faced with motivation lately and the importance and need for self-compassion. She touches on the need for more mindfulness, acceptance and patience with ourselves.

Have a listen for a little pick me up!

Instagram
Twitter
Website

(#5) Khadija M. Farah on her photography journey, investing in therapy, shooting Mary Keitany for ESPN and so much more

Wed, 06 May 2020 15:00:00 +0300

"you belong, the space is yours to occupy"

Khadija is a Kenyan-born documentary and travel photographer with an interest in climate change, faith communities and women's issues. After spending her formative years living in Texas, Khadija moved back to Kenya in 2014 and got a job at Dadaab refugee camp in northern Kenya.

In the year she served in Dadaab, she witnessed dozens of photojournalists come through the camps and felt that the work they published was very one-sided and portrayed only one facet of the refugee experience. Photographing the lives of refugees with dignity, telling the stories they wanted to tell about their own experiences, allowed Khadija to understand that there was space for a Somali woman in this field.

Join us for an in-depth conversation about her photography journey (2:01), how her values and experience shape her approach to photography (3:04), becoming a freelancer (8:23), therapy (12:25), burn-out and her decision to quit (16:49), fake-allies and the industry (21:30), importance of creating institutions and mentoring photographers (26:15), shooting seven-time world marathon majors runner Mary Keitany for ESPN (31:40), why we use the word collaborator instead of subject (36:30), Eliud Kipchoge breaking the 2-hour marathon barrier and his GQ shoot (37:50), advice to budding photographers (45:10), dealing with imposter’s syndrome and self doubt (50:36)

Website: www. kmfarah.com
Twitter: @kmfarah
Instagram: @farahkhad

Eliud Kipchoge's GQ Shoot: https://www.gq.com/story/inside-eliud-kipchoge-kenya-training-compound

(#4) Muthoni Muchiri on feeling African, creating digitally, the importance of boundaries and more

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0300

“there’s no way you can come into my house and tell me not to make a cup of tea”

Noni Muchiri is a modern-day nomad! A "third culture kid" of sorts with her roots firmly planted in Kenya! She's currently a Digital Journalist at BBC Africa and also runs a lifestyle YouTube channel under her name: Muthoni Muchiri. Noni is hella passionate about Africa, it's vibrancy, it's deep culture, it's beauty - even in complex/less ideal scenarios. Her aim is to one day visit every single African country (once Ms. Rona is done with her world tour) and her content has always tried to reflect her love and passion towards what we have to offer the world, not only as a country but also as a continent.

Join us for a conversation on how Noni started on Youtube (12:38), moving back to Kenya (19:24), TikTok (27:17), difference between content creators and influencer (30:23), taking the perfect photo (33:52), working with brands (38:48), removing yourself from negative situations (44.19 and Africans creating for themselves (54:28).

Find her elsewhere on the internet:

YouTube: Muthoni Muchiri
Instagram: @noni_muchiri

(#3) Why Stories Matter?

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 16:00:00 +0300

Join Qali on a solo episode as speaks about why storytelling matters, their influence on our identities, the relationship between stories and empathy and how stories have helped her journey and why she implores more people to show their real selves.

Instagram
Twitter
Website

(#2) Terembe Maritim on her journey to change her name, knowing your roots, the Arena and more

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 12:00:00 +0300

"the sky is too big for two birds to clash"

Terembe currently leads knowledge management and learning efforts for CARE International's future focused organisational development. This involves supporting the CI Confederation to become more agile, diverse and relevant for the future and supporting global governance and leadership teams to understand changes underway and make informed decisions about future directions. Terembe is also an avid content creator, using her YouTube channel, to share her perspectives on everything from the workplace, hyper-connectivity in a time of social media to Nairobi’s burgeoning art scene. She is proud to have created The Arena Kenya, a community for campus students to engage, learn from each other and build career skills to propel themselves.

Terembe believes in the connectedness and intersections of disciplines and has particular interests in art, history, literature, politics, pop culture, social justice and urban African cities.

Join us as we have a conversation about Arundhati Roy's latest article for the Financial Times, why Terembe changed her name (10:45), knowing your roots and the passing of her grandparents (21:21), feminism through her lens (32:56), dealing with desirability and beauty standards and centering oneself (38.28), The Arena (49.53) and whether the current NGO/ International Development model is sustainable (1:02:20).

Find her elsewhere on the internet:
Youtube
Instagram
Twitter
'The Wall I Love'

(#1) Julie Olum on travel writing, dreaming audaciously, creating for Africa and more

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 16:00:00 +0300

"Did I tell you about the time I slept on the beach in Barcelona?"

Julie O is a nomad, writer, model, lover of festivals and dancing from Nairobi, Kenya.

Growing up exploring East Africa on school holidays, a remote writing job in her last year studying architecture in South Africa and resulting solo EuroTrip put her on a quest for more adventure.

She's currently pursuing a nomadic lifestyle, she spends her time making digital content on YouTube and her blog as well as writing for various publications as a freelancer.

She has been featured on sites such as Travel Noire, Oprah.com and AfroPunk

Join us as we have a conversation about her blogging journey (21:17), advice budding travel content creators (36:54), settling down and home means to us (38:50), going for what you want and parent's worries (57:45), debunking the "I quit my job and travelled the world" bloggers (1:06:30) and creating for Africans (1:14:20).

Find her elsewhere on the internet:
Blog
Instagram
Youtube
Twitter