Amonge Sinxoto is a youth architect, social entrepreneur, public speaker and the founder of Blackboard Africa, a youth-led nonprofit shaping a bold, identity-centered narrative for African youth. A Wits University graduate and current honours student in Political Studies, she has designed and implemented leadership programs rooted in African identity for schools and communities across South Africa.
Recognised as a 2019 Global Teen Leader, Mandela Washington Fellow, and Pasha de Cartier Talent, she has spoken on global platforms including TED, Google, and Facebook. With her powerful voice, dynamic vision, and growing global influence, Amonge is one of the continent’s most compelling young change-makers.
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She is the visionary founder and creative director of GUGUBYGUGU, a South African luxury streetwear label renowned for its bold, gender-neutral knitwear. Gugu’s work is deeply rooted in authenticity and sustainable innovation—using locally sourced mohair and merino wool. She has showcased at New York and Paris Fashion Week, and earned the Best Young Designer Award at Paris’s Africa Fashion Up during Haute Couture Week 2024
Her designs are characterized by striking silhouettes and refined comfort and celebrate African heritage while pushing global fashion boundaries. Each piece from GUGUBYGUGU is crafted with intention—designed to spark connection, honor identity and promote mindful consumption. Her work is reshaping the global narrative around African luxury fashion and adding a unique lens to streetwear.
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Esethu Cenga is a leading circular fashion entrepreneur and sustainability advocate, recognised as one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 and a Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African. She is the co-founder of Rewoven, which transforms textile waste into recycled fabric, and also leads Future of Fashion and Muna Studio, platforms dedicated to ethical fashion and circularity in Africa. With a Master’s in Economic Development from UCT, Esethu brings a systems-thinking approach to building fashion solutions rooted in African innovation, environmental impact, and social change.
Tshepo Bhengu is an entrepreneur and creative with a passion for building sustainable solutions that benefit both society and the environment. Originally from Pietermaritzburg and a BCom Financial Accounting graduate from UCT, Tshepo is the co-founder and Chief of Operations at Rewoven, a pioneering South African textile company focused on recycling fashion waste into high-quality fabrics. He is also the co-founder of Future of Fashion, an annual indaba dedicated to shaping a more ethical and future-fit African fashion industry. Tshepo’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to community, innovation, and long-term impact.
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Papama is a multi-talented creative force whose career spans the worlds of fashion, design, styling, and entrepreneurship. An award-winning stylist, fashion director, designer, businesswoman and speaker, she has established herself as one of South Africa’s most influential voices in contemporary African fashion and culture. She launched Africa Your Time Is Now — not just a fashion label, but a rallying call to inspire unrealized greatness across the African continent. Through this brand, she seeks to empower Africans by promoting self-belief, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing the continent’s rich cultural heritage through a modern, thought-provoking lens.
A true creative visionary, Papama previously served as Creative Director for Johannesburg’s luxury concept store Luminance, where she collaborated with global fashion powerhouses such as Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Giorgio Armani, Oscar de la Renta, Chloé, and Giuseppe Zanotti.
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Tebogo has a passion for creative industries and is the Founding Executive Director of MNM Marketing Solutions, a marketing, brand activation and events management company. He is also a successful business professional, creativepreneur and social activist. He’s worked at various levels in leading investment banking, management consulting, private equity, ICT, and insurance companies, primarily in business development, marketing, and sales functions. Whilst working in corporate South Africa, he founded the Young Professionals Forum (YPF) with the goal of empowering young professionals with a better ‘understanding of economic, social and political issues’ and developing the abilities through engagement.
He holds a BCom Economics and Law degree from the University of Cape Town and an MBA from GIBS, specialising in entrepreneurship. Talk about a career pivot, with is currently the Gauteng Convener and member of the national coordinating team of Rise Mzansi which is building a movement of patriotic South Africans by organising, mobilising and empowering citizens.
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Timothy is a human behaviouralist, researcher and bestselling of author of multiple books centred on themes about human and brand behaviour. Known as the CEO Whisperer for helping C-suite executives understand behavioural psychology to position themselves and their mission; this methodology has been sought after by senior executives, political leaders and global entrepreneurs. His research interests lie in Personal Brand Leadership, Brand Influence and Gender Equality which he explores extensively in his podcast The Brain and Brand Show.
Applying Neuroscience and Behavioral Science to Personal Brand Leadership, Timothy and his team leverage the evolving trends in Neuroscience and how professionals and organisations should think about how the brain processes identity, brand power and human behaviour. More so now than ever, there is a surgance is well placed to have this conversation with us about the behaviours shaping luxury consumption in Africa given his vast background in branding, design and psychology.
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Dynamic, versatile and respected Ghanaian media personality, Sika Osei has close to a decade of experience as a TV presenter, actress and live show host. She started her career in PR, Advertising and Magazine publishing as one of the founders of CANOE Africa Magazine which set her up for entry into the creative world of African Film, TV, Influencing and Content production working with the likes of DSTv, TV3, Ebony Life TV, E!Africa.
Boasting a film career that spans over 25 projects and 2 films currently showing on Netflix and on other streaming platforms such as YouTube and Showmax. This is beautifully complimented with her TV presence which is consistent across the continent with both live and pre-recorded lifestyle shows in Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa.
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Ingrid is a multi-hyphenate businesswomen rewriting the art of winemaking. Raised a stone-throw away from Napa Valley wine region in California and a career spanning over two decades in the wine and spirits industry, iBest Wine was an inevitable creation. Drawing from the travels and life-changing business trip to South Africa, Ingrid was inspired to create her own wine brand which appeals to the modern-day wine drinker who desires new, dynamic, diverse and global wines. Launched in October 2023, iBest currently offers two award-winning South African blends (red & white).
Blending wine, art and culture - vision for IBest Wines is to not only bring excellent wine to the US market, but also to share the stories and experiences of South African business owners and creatives. Ingrid and her team of six Black businesswomen - all holding equity in the company - are changing the way the wine industry looks, feels, talks, and tastes, offering a portfolio of fine wines perfect for the modern-day wine drinker who desires new, dynamic, diverse, and global wines. Ingrid's vision for IBest Wines is to not only bring excellent wine to the US market, but also to share the stories and experiences of South African business owners and creatives.
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He is preceded by an extensive reputation as one of SA’s foremost strategic thinkers and trend analysts pioneering idea forecasting for more than two decades. Dion is the founder of Flux Trends whose definitional business philosophy “trends as business strategy” has served as a reputable reservoir cross-industry to facilitate innovation as a culture embedded in corporate business.
His work constantly embraces the change needed in business and finds unique opportunities for organisations to remain agile by empowering them with trends and insights benchmarked globally that pose an enabling environment for them to shift, understand the impact of disruptive technologies and adapt themselves effectively in the African business context. Dion’s vast journalistic background enables him to seamlessly converge communication between brands and consumers, providing deep insights that inform the dynamic relationship between them. An area of deep passion for him are youth trends and subcultures, as well as for solution-based innovation for the greater good.
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This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury.
Meet my guest
Silvia Njoki stands as a prominent figure in the Kenyan online content creation sphere, wearingmultiple hats as a seasoned journalist, and serving as an inspirational force behind her eponymousblog. Her academic journey led her to the prestigious University of the Arts London, Central SaintMartin, UK, and the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano, Italy, where she honed her skills in theart of fashion styling. Her professional journey began in the realm of fashion, where she enjoyed considerable success as a fashion stylist before venturing into the dynamic world of blogging.
Her adventurous spirit is well reflected in her extensive travels, both personal and professional which feeds the experiences she enjoys discovering the natural beauty, culture, indigenous cuisine and music of the various countries she visits. In 2023, Silvia expanded her horizons yet again by launching "Soul Sync Discoveries," a travelagency specializing in curating both private and group experiences tailored for millennials acrossthe globe. She continues to lend her efforts to her travel agency.
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This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury.
Meet my guest
Max is an award-winning Executive Creative Director, with over 14 years experience in the creative industry conceptualising and executing big creative ideas for brands such as Airtel, Safaricom, Huawei, Coca-Cola and Unilever. This solid creative leader's work has been recognised for Agency of the Year, Digital Agency of the Year and Media Agency of the Year in both local and regional award shows. He has also judged in local and international juries such as the Cannes Lions and Loeries; intent to create environments that creatives feel seen, talent is motivated and great ideas win.
Notable accolades include 4 x Cannes Lions Winner, Grand Lynx, Grand Clio, Loeries, Cristal, Pitcher Award Grand Prix and numerous APA Award Grand Prix and MSK Awards.
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This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury.
Meet my guest
Emuron is the Founder & Chief Creative Officer of The Quollective Africa, a multi-disciplinary culture agency bridging the cultural gap and transcending borders to deliver resonant and impactful brand stories. His career spans over two decades, 34+ African countries and deeply rooted local insights from which he draws to deliver award-winning creative.
He is a decorated Creative entrepreneur with accolades in prominent advertising and marketing industry awards platforms such as Cannes Lions, Dubai Lynx Grand Prix, Grand Clios and Loeries. An all-round storyteller, Emuron is constantly stretching the boundaries of his creativity whether it be through writing, film making or delivering regionally nuanced advertising campaigns. He is articulate in weaving captivating narratives that connect cultures and inspire audiences globally.
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This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury.
Meet my guest
Gugu is currently the Executive Director of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. A social impact meets leader in and advocate for education, she joined OWLAG after an extensive role as the CEO of Save the Children South Africa, a global child rights organisations operating in 120 countries. Previously, served in the Department of Basic Education where she was Deputy Director-General primarily responsible for Social Mobilisation and Support Services.
She holds a MSc in Organisational Change and Development (Manchester University, UK), Post Graduate Diploma in Adult Education (Wits) and a Management Advancement Progamme Certificate (Wits Business School). She is also a certified Neuro Sequential Model for Education (NME) Trainer.
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This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury.
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Ntsika is a friend, colleague and the key custodian of the MAXHOSA brand story, him and I share the passion for the luxury industry and have connected in conversation for hours sharing our aspirations for Africa and fashion.
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This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury.
Meet my guest
Lihle is the Managing Director of MAXHOSA Africa, a trans-seasonal luxury knitwear brand founded by Laduma Ngxokolo. The brand is manufactured in South Africa, in a world class end-to-end production facility that employs over 300 locals over 7 boutiques and an atelier.
They are a key economic contributor to the agricultural and textile industries, exporter and fashion retailer sustainably sourcing their wool and mohair from local South African farmers. Their product range includes knitwear styles such as v-necks, crew-necks, cardigans, shawl-collar necks, water-fall cardigans, jackets and pullovers which are the main collection of the brand.
The brand image and growth is continuously sustained by designing new, cutting edge designs that showcases the brand’s signature Xhosa-inspired heritage designs. MAXHOSA has ascended to global ranks and pioneering the African fashion industry, through its brand ethos and vibrant collections.
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This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury.
Meet my guest
Laduma is a leading fashion designer, innovator and Creative Director at the helm of the luxury knitwear brand - MAXHOSA Africa. Established in 2011, the brand draws its inspiration from the Xhosa people of South Africa to make creations informed by its beauty, culture, language and diversity. The design signature pays homage to the ritualistic practices, vibrant colours and spirited beadworks to inform the unique patterning of their innovative knitwear design solutions.
His works have shown at local and international fashion weeks, is celebrated for offering a heritage-endowed and evolutionary fashion perspective. MAXHOSA retails in high-fashion fashion districts such as South Africa, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Oslo, Berlin and New York. He graduated from Central St. Martins and graduated in 2016 and has risen to global acclaim and accolades such as Vogue Italia and named 100 Most Influential Africans.
Through his work, Laduma is an agent of change, shifting and evolving with the changing times and further engaging in the dialogue that places culture as a central subject for inspiring the future.
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This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury.
Meet my guest
A true pioneer, Ofentse is an orchestra owner, conductor, classical music arranger, producer, musician and curator of intimate musically inspired/ influenced spaces and experiences. She draws her inspiration from the matriarchs in her life, giving reverence to both her mother and grandmother.
She is on a continuous journey of self-mastery with education being a central and pervasive theme for her life. She deems herself a creative academic drawn from her passion for art and Africa, ensuring that each project she takes on is innovative and of academic excellence. Ofentse has managed to masterfully create a brand that truly reflects her core values, character, people and heart - all of which are vital ingredients for a history-making change agent and rising influential cultural voice and a key player in the orchestral world.
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This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury.
Meet my guest
Mark began his career in advertising and communication disciplines, before joining Sandstorm for which he is now an investor and Managing Director. His relocation to Kenya was an introduction to manufacturing, lending his advertising background to bring a fresh perspective to the brand.
Under Mark's leadership, Sandstorm experienced significant growth, expanding to six shops in Nairobi and employing over 80 individuals. In June 2022, Sandstorm launched Opportunity Factory which aimed to address the challenges faced by Kenyan brands during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Opportunity Factory serves as both a production facility and a tourism destination, showcasing diverse Kenyan crafts and heralded as a "hidden gem where Kenyan creativity and innovation collide" - East Africa Travel.
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This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury.
Meet my guest
Adrian is a designer, facilitator and creative strategist. He is the Founder of Nairobi Design Week, annual design festival, community and design studio that creatives exceptional, unconventional experiences locally and globally. His work leverages people, ideas and technology to create design works that is structured and emphasises values such community, empathy and inclusivity.
Some of the works they produce includes toys, games, consumer electronics, furniture, sanitation, music videos, events and experiences. Nairobi Design Week's scope of design projects ranges from products, services and creative campaigns (local and global).
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This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury.
Meet my guest
A multi-hyphenate creative, Louise is a seasoned Brand Consultant with over 15 years experience, skilled womenswear designer, and a dedicated community curator with an unambiguous passion and perspective on consumer behavior and market trends. Her expertise lies in leveraging cultural insights to craft consumer-centric strategies that resonate with diverse audiences.
As a British Ghanaian, born and raised in the UK, her own cultural background has instilled a profound appreciation for cultural diversity, which is pervasive in allh er work. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design degree and Marketing qualification from Atlanta, where she cultivated her skills and passion for storytelling. True to her multi-hyphenate identify, Louise also convenes like-minded contributors and curates cultural conversations through a community platform called the Multi-Hyphenates dedicated to fashion, community and promoting inclusivity within the industry.
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