In this powerful episode of I AM NALA, activist and educator Salvation Grace shares her story of surviving childhood sexual abuse at the hands of a trusted family friend. She speaks openly about the years of silence that followed, the shame she was made to carry, and the strength it took to name what happened. Now, Salvation is helping girls find the language she never had. Through her writing, public speaking, and youth advocacy work, she’s showing that healing doesn’t begin with forgiveness—it begins with truth.

In this raw and defiant episode of I AM NALA, Amanda sits down with host Aya to break a silence that was never hers to carry. At just 12 years old, Amanda was repeatedly abused by a trusted adult someone twice her age and protected by a culture of shame and silence. Years later, she’s speaking her truth publicly, not for pity, but for power. Amanda takes us through the fear of reporting, the pain of being disbelieved, and the strength it took to write it all down to reclaim her story on her own terms. This episode is not just about surviving. It’s about returning to yourself and refusing to stay hidden.

In this deeply moving episode of I AM NALA, host Aya Chebbi is joined by Kenyan child protection advocate, survivor, and author Lydia Matioli for a powerful conversation on healing, parenting, and prevention. Lydia opens up about surviving childhood sexual abuse in Kibera and how becoming a mother pushed her to break the generational cycles of silence. From transforming her pain into purpose to publishing Pendo’s Power, a children's book that teaches body autonomy and consent, Lydia is on a mission to help children speak—and be heard. This episode is a brave and beautiful journey through survival, motherhood, and the fight to protect children everywhere. Lydia reminds us that prevention starts with language, listening, and love.

In this unforgettable episode of I AM NALA, host Aya Chebbi is joined by psychotherapist, anti-FGM activist, and feminist leader Dr. Leyla Hussein for a searing conversation about bodily autonomy, reframing cultural harm, and reclaiming truth. Drawing from her own survival and decades of advocacy, Leyla challenges the global narrative on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), arguing for its recognition as child abuse—not a cultural practice. She unpacks how trauma lives in the body, how language can either liberate or erase, and why global systems must stop excusing violence under the guise of “tradition.” This episode is a powerful confrontation with denial, a call to reframe harmful norms, and a love letter to all survivors learning to heal out loud.

In this urgent and emotional episode of I AM NALA, host Aya Chebbi is joined by Hanin Ahmed, a Sudanese activist, feminist organizer, and frontline humanitarian. From organizing protests during the revolution to leading the Emergency Response Room during Sudan’s war, Hanin’s story is one of defiance, compassion, and clarity. She speaks candidly about waking up to gunfire in her hometown, evacuating students from dorms under siege, and confronting the impossible choices of war: feed or evacuate, educate or protect. With raw honesty, Hanin shares the horrors faced by Sudanese women—rape as a weapon of war, fractured families, starvation—and how grassroots networks continue to resist with courage and care. This episode is a testimony to the women saving lives amid global indifference—and a rallying cry for protection, funding, and real peace rooted in justice.

In this powerful episode of I AM NALA, host Aya Chebbi is joined by Sudanese-American poet, peace advocate, and survivor Emtithal Mahmoud for a deeply personal conversation on survival, identity, and resistance. From losing 16 family members in the war to walking 1,000 kilometers across Sudan for peace, Emmy shares what it means to grieve in motion, speak while mourning, and lead while healing. Through poetry, activism, and storytelling, she challenges the weaponization of gender-based violence, the erasure of indigenous cultures, and the misrepresentation of Sudan’s crisis in global narratives. This episode is a raw and urgent reflection on dispossession, dignity, and why survivors—not soldiers—are the ones keeping Sudan alive.

In this deeply emotional and powerful episode of I AM NALA, host Aya Chebbi is joined by South African activist, survivor, and advocate Luthando Modise for an unfiltered conversation about survival, healing, and resistance. Luthando shares her life story with brutal honesty—from experiencing sexual abuse as a young child, facing repeated sexual violence in adolescence and adulthood, to navigating an abusive relationship. But this is not only a story of pain—it is also one of incredible strength, purpose, and leadership. Together, they explore the intersections of patriarchy, colonial legacies, and systemic violence in South Africa, asking critical questions about justice, healing, and solidarity. Luthando speaks not only as a survivor but as a leader who continues to advocate for women and girls through her work with the Bold Women Network and beyond. This conversation is an invitation to listen, to witness, and to learn from the courage of a survivor who chooses to keep standing, keep leading, and keep loving.

Guest: Shamsa Arawil, Somali-British activist, academic, mother, and FGM survivor From a childhood marked by a life-altering ordeal to a bold, unflinching advocate demanding change, our guest shares a profound story of survival and activism. Born in Somalia and raised in the UK, Shamsa endured FGM at just six years old—a traumatic event that would shape her views on culture, justice, and women’s bodies. Years later, she has channeled her experiences into transformative work, challenging deep-seated norms, educating communities, and championing the power of reconstructive surgery. In this eye-opening conversation, she breaks down the misconceptions that keep harmful practices alive, calls out ineffective systems, and reminds us all that survivors can—and must—shape the future of their own narratives. This episode is a raw testament to the human spirit, resilience, and the fight for bodily autonomy.

In this episode, we dive into the journey of a trailblazing media advocate reshaping the narrative of Africa. From creating groundbreaking shows to addressing critical social issues like FGM and gender-based violence, our guest is on a mission to ensure African stories are told authentically,by Africans, for Africans. Discover how she blends entertainment with advocacy to amplify local talent, challenge stereotypes, and inspire a new generation to take pride in their heritage. This conversation is a powerful reminder of the importance of owning our narratives and celebrating the beauty, resilience, and potential of the continent.

Join us as we step into the world of Raissa Lei, an extraordinary dancer and cultural preservationist redefining North African artistry. With roots in the Amazigh heritage of Morocco, Raissa shares her journey of blending traditional tribal dances with modern influences like hip-hop. She speaks passionately about reclaiming identity, challenging stereotypes, and using dance as a medium to celebrate culture and resist colonial erasure. In this episode, Raissa opens up about the challenges of preserving indigenous stories, navigating societal perceptions as a female dancer, and the beauty of staying rooted in her traditions while embracing global stages. Prepare for an inspiring conversation about heritage and art

Step into the world of Mame Anta Wade, the Senegalese-born model whose journey from a small village to international runways is nothing short of inspiring. Mame Anta is rewriting the narrative of beauty by celebrating her African heritage and bringing her unique style to the global stage. In this episode, Mame Anta opens up about staying grounded, challenging stereotypes, and blending traditional African aesthetics with modern fashion. Join us for a fun and refreshing conversation about culture, confidence, and carving your own path in the world of fashion.

Meet Mpho Sebina, Botswana’s soulful singer-songwriter and cultural trailblazer. In this episode, Mpho shares her journey of creating music that celebrates African heritage while promoting healing and joy. With her distinctive “Setswana soul” sound, she’s inspiring a new wave of artists across the continent.

Meet Christiane Boukuru, a rising Rwandan Afro-soul artist who's redefining the music scene with her unique blend of Afrobeats and classical sounds. In this episode, Boukuru shares her courageous journey from corporate professional to full-time musician, demonstrating how faith and determination can turn dreams into reality.

Meet Lisa Quama, a 21-year-old Ghanaian dancer and content creator who's redefining the dance scene in Africa. In this episode, Lisa shares her remarkable journey from using dance to navigate high school politics to becoming one of Ghana's top five female dancers and a social media sensation.

" I have to constantly make a decision everyday that what I advocate for, is what I believe in. Im willing to stand for it , Im willing to act on it, put time resources and energy to make it a reality". Started her activism when she was 13, appointed at 23 as deputy minister and member of parliament in Namibia, Hon. Emma Theofelus is now 27 and recently appointed as Minister of Information, Communication and Technology of Namibia

"We are all creatives, we have an inner artist and we need to figure out what is our artistry" that is how we dive into this episode's conversation with Jena Dominique who is a ' free, dreamer, and connecter' and has been on the creative journey on her own terms, lived a life of self exploration that she shares openly and authentically.