In this episode I speak with Amoako Boafo who is celebrated for his captivating portraits that honor and elevate Black figures, carving out a significant place for them in the tradition of portraiture. As a prominent voice in the art of the African Diaspora, Amoako redefines how Black forms are perceived in a global context. His unique approach not only challenges traditional perspectives but also invites a more nuanced appreciation of the subjects he portrays.You can connect with Amoako...

In this episode I speak with Usher Takudzzwa Nyambi a PR and Communications consultant based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Usher has contributed articles to platforms such as GQ South Africa, Okay Africa, and Hypebeast Africa. He is passionate about the cultures and creativity of the continent and seeks to use his platform to amplify emerging voices from Africa.We talk about the need for collaboration and the creation of platforms that can connect creatives across different countries. We discuss...

In this episode I speak with Barbara Minishi, a visionary artist whose work is fueled by transformation, curiosity, and a deep desire for connection. Starting her career in fashion and editorial photography, Barbara has since broadened her artistic horizons to include film, sound design, and conceptual workshops.Barbara's creative journey is a testament to the power of listening to the inner call, embracing change, and redefining the boundaries of artistic expression.Our conversation delves i...

Get ready for the return of the next edition of the Free Community Street Party! Ako Adjei- LiT Up!Date: Friday 27th SeptemberLocation: Koi Street, Osu, AccraTime: 6pm -12am

In this episode I speak with Maku a renowned visual artist whose work pushes the boundaries of traditional art, creating pieces that are as jarring as they are captivating. As a multidisciplinary artist, she's not only a painter but also a sculptor, creating organic, semi-abstract forms that engage the senses and invite viewers into a deeply personal space. Maku shares her personal challenges, particularly her experience of moving to a new country and feeling a heightened sense of vulne...

In this episode I speak with Malian-American artist Penda Diakité who grew up between Mali, West Africa and Portland Oregon. Her mixed media artwork, comprises of a variety of painting techniques, paper collage, and hand engraving. She uses the vibrant colors and patterns of her Malian heritage with influences of her American upbringing to create pieces that reflect her experiences as a bicultural woman, exploring black feminine identity, concepts and traditions from the Malian culture, and h...

In this episode I speak with Abdur Rahman Muhammad who is a contemporary artist who works and resides in Accra. He has been a practicing artist for over six years with his work exploring the impact that the high unemployment rate has had on Ghanaian youth, particularly through the lens of the overconsumption of Western cultural media.Abdur captures in oil on canvas the stories of young men and women who brave perilous journeys for their dreams of a better life in the land of 'milk and honey.'...

In this episode i speak with Jojo Abdallah about his latest exhibition, PSY-TECH. Jojo is an artist whose paintings offer a dialogue between past and present, reality and fantasy. Ranging from Ga culture to the impacts of colonialism and modern governance. His work creates a blend of historical figures, places, and events, reimagined through a lens of fantasy that may seem nonsensical at first glance but reveals an underlying logic of how he perceives the world. We delve into the special...

In this episode, I speak with REWA, a remarkable artist whose work captures muses with gazes that invite and intimidate, drawing viewers into a regal, yet quietly commanding presence.Born and raised between Nigeria and England, REWA's art reflects her hybrid upbringing, embodying the modern 'Afropolitan' woman—progressive, self-aware, and deeply rooted in Igbo traditions. Her bold figurative portraits are not just artistic expressions but historical chronicles that blend the old with th...

In this episode I speak with Amoako Boafo who is celebrated for his captivating portraits that honor and elevate Black figures, carving out a significant place for them in the tradition of portraiture. As a prominent voice in the art of the African Diaspora, Amoako redefines how Black forms are perceived in a global context. His unique approach challenges traditional perspectives and invites a more nuanced appreciation of the subjects he portrays.He shares his journey as a photographer i...

In this episode, I speak with Stephen Langa a South African Contemporary Artist from the Limpopo province. His body of work explores diverse stories of black people, experiences of those around him, and personal life journey. His charcoal linework and oil paintings have a mesmerizing effect inspired by his emotive feelings.Stephens' work seeks to galvanize the intimacy of black cultural experiences and highlights his own experiences of his hometown and the city.You can connect with Stephen at...

In this episode, I speak with Donald Tombia a screenwriter from Lagos Nigeria. Donald’s journey is a captivating blend of science and art. He has a professional career in Forensic Computing and Cyber security. He has writing credits on two of the latest TV series on Africa Magic. He is one of the brilliant minds behind the highly acclaimed Slum King and Masquerades of Aniedo.Donald Tombia discusses the importance of collaboration and information sharing in the creative industry, particularly ...

In this episode I speak with Nicole Ocran a mixed-race American fashion blogger living in London. She shares her journey of personal style, fashion trends, and identity through her blog. Nicole's mission is to get to know herself better and build confidence through fashion and beauty.Nicole shares her experiences as a mixed-race individual and the inspiration behind her podcast and upcoming book. She opens up about the challenges of navigating identity and belonging in a society that often tr...

In this episode I speak with Cyril France an artist who brings attention to individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds and highlights underlying political issues, shedding light on marginalized communities. Cyril's portraits capture subjects in a space of ambiguity and poise, prompting viewers to reconsider their visual priorities. His work is influenced by mannerism, a European art style that focuses on communicating emotions and stories through figures. Cyril's goal is to make space...

In this episode, I speak with Martha Jackson Jarvis, an acclaimed sculptor whose work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Creative Capital Grant, the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and the 2024 DAR Women in the Arts Recognition Award.Born in 1952, Martha grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia, and now lives in Washington, D.C. She holds a BFA from the Tyler School of Art at Temple Unive...

In this episode I speak with Wana Udobang a writer, poet, performer, curator, and storyteller with three spoken word albums: Dirty Laundry, In Memory of Forgetting, and Transcendence. Her work has taken her across Africa, Europe, and the US, and she has worked on prestigious commissions for events like the Edinburgh International Festival and The Gates Foundation. With a background in journalism, she has contributed to major outlets like The Guardian, Al Jazeera, CNN, and the BBC.Her cu...