Change Africa Podcast

In this episode, Addy Awofisayo, the Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa at YouTube, takes us on a fascinating deep-dive into the African music universe and the far-reaching impact of digitalization on African music that has just commenced.After her early-stage career stint in finance and what Addy calls a "quarter-life crisis", she knew she wanted a career in the creative industry. Still, the possibility of a career in the music industry never occurred to her. She made her first inroads into the media and content creation industry before joining YouTube, where the potential of then-booming music and especially the afrobeat industry on the continent, opened up the music sector as a viable career path.Addy describes how she carved out and seized the opportunity to become YouTube's first-ever Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa. From an immersion trip to Nigeria with Lyor Cohen, the Head of Global Music at Google and YouTube and five senior leadership members on the music team organized by Addy to obtain new insights into realizing the potential and diversity within the African music industry, she highlights the journey leading to the creation of this new position at YouTube and how she interprets this new role.Addy shares some highlights and projects she spearheaded in her new role, such as a fundraiser for covid relief efforts through a live African Benefit Concert by African music stars out of their homes on Africa Day and the live broadcast of Burna Boy's show at the Madison Square Garden via YouTube.Beyond the great strides of Addy in her role and the African music industry as a whole, we discuss additional measures undertaken by YouTube to strengthen the African creative sector ranging from training to funding and much more. Despite further initiatives, the one factor identified by Addy as the holy grail of unlocking the African creative industry both from a creation and consumption perspective is data availability and data cost.Addy further highlights the potential of digitalization through examples of artists and their management teams using YouTube's analytics to make business decisions and how digitalization has broken down entry barriers for content creators, enabling younger artists and female artists to circumvent gatekeepers and transform the African music industry.Looking into the future, Addy discusses how the focus is shifting from just the artist to an entire industry and how she supports the ecosystem's development and new opportunities created by that development.

In this episode, we have an intriguing conversation with Adora Mba, founder of ADA Contemporary Art Gallery, a commercial art space based in Accra.Adora's journey into the art world began during her childhood, surrounded by art collectors in her family. Initially pursuing a career in journalism, she developed a passion for covering African artists, eventually leading her to establish a platform for showcasing their work.Despite lacking a well-established art industry, Adora saw tremendous potential in Ghana as a hub for promoting African art. She recognised the need to bridge the gap between talented artists and the international art community. Ada Contemporary Art Gallery serves as a debutante ball, presenting artists to the world and providing them with the support needed to advance their careers.The podcast delves into the challenges and opportunities in Ghana's art scene, the lack of local art appreciation, and the shift towards recognising the value of African art internationally. Adora's journey to finding a unique space for her gallery in Accra and her efforts in promoting Ghanaian art to global audiences highlight the evolving landscape of the country's art industry.Adora delves into the fascinating world of discovering African artists and the impact of Instagram on the art industry. Previously, artists had to rely on physical portfolios and emails to reach out to galleries, but Instagram has opened up a vast virtual gallery for artists to display their creations.The conversation sheds light on the art industry's transformation during the pandemic, with people spending more time online and exploring new artists and artworks. She recognises the impact of Instagram on the art industry, opening up a vast virtual gallery for artists to display their creations.We discuss the artist's journey from a gallery to the open market and the challenges they face. She emphasises the importance of pricing artwork correctly and not overvaluing it prematurely, as this could lead to a rapid decline in value. Adora also stresses the need for artists to understand the business aspect of the art industry, advising them to educate themselves on art history and the market to elevate their career trajectory.Adora discusses the challenges of establishing a strong art scene in Ghana and the need for a local buyer base. She emphasises the importance of partnerships with other galleries and curators from the continent to strengthen the African art ecosystem.Looking ahead to the future of her gallery, Adora envisions a vibrant art institution that goes beyond a conventional gallery.

In this episode of the Change Africa Podcast, we speak to award-winning producer and African filmmaker Daniel Damah. Known for his inspiring and impactful Ghanaian films such as "Beast of No Nation" and "Joseph," Danny shares his journey into the world of filmmaking and the passion that drove him to tell African stories.Daniel traces his interest in film back to his time in India, where he observed the underrepresentation of dark-skinned Indians in the media. This experience fueled his determination to showcase the enchanting and magical stories of Africa that the mainstream media had overlooked.The discussion delves into the challenges Daniel faced while filming "Beasts of No Nation" in Ghana, including a lack of infrastructure, exposure to filmmaking tools, and the experience of working on a global film set. However, the success of the film highlighted the immense talent and potential present in Ghana's filmmaking industry.Danny addresses the importance of resourcing educational institutions that offer creative arts training, including teacher training colleges, to ensure a robust and skilled workforce in the future. This, in turn, will enable African filmmakers to create high-quality content that resonates globally, leading to greater economic growth for the continent.Throughout the conversation, Danny underlines the need for cultural authenticity in African storytelling. He acknowledges the challenges of retelling historical narratives accurately while navigating the influence of Western narratives that have often distorted African history. Striving to strike a balance between tradition and modernity, Danny emphasises the significance of meticulous research and collaboration with those familiar with local cultures to maintain cultural authenticity.The podcast also explores the exciting collaborations TD Films is undertaking with international celebrities like Idris Elba to bridge the gap between Hollywood and African cinema. Danny stresses the importance of the international film studio his team is building in Ghana and Tanzania to attract more international filmmakers, enabling local talents to learn and grow.Danny's mission to empower the African film industry through quality content, cultural authenticity, and talent discovery comes to life throughout the Change Africa Podcast. His passion for elevating African cinema and driving economic growth through creative arts shines through, inspiring listeners to embrace their talents and contribute to Africa's cinematic renaissance.

In this episode, we interview Paul Ninson, the founder and executive director of Dikan, a visionary education and nonprofit organisation in Accra, Ghana educating the Next Generation of Africa's Creative Leaders.Paul shares his journey and passion for storytelling, tracing it back to his childhood, where he was exposed to the rich tradition of oral history in Ghana. Isaac explores why Paul chose photography as his medium of expression. Paul reveals his love for visuals and how he discovered photography while studying at the university. He describes the joy and excitement he felt when he acquired his first camera, capturing images that made him proud and marked the beginning of his career as a photographer.The conversation then shifts to Paul's experience in Kenya, where he sought to tell indigenous African stories that had been overlooked. He elaborates on his fascination with African traditions and rulership, explaining his desire to challenge the prevailing narrative that depicted Africa from an outsider's perspective. Paul's time in Kenya served as a catalyst for his future endeavours.Isaac and Paul delve into the genesis of Dikan, which has evolved into a visual education institution rather than just a photo library. Paul shares his vision of creating a space that breaks down barriers and offers accessibility to photography and filmmaking for aspiring creatives. He emphasises the importance of building an institution that focuses on African stories, experiences, and history instead of relying on Western institutions for African studies. The curriculum at Dikan is specifically designed to address this need, with courses exploring Africa's visual history as a foundation.The episode concludes with a glimpse into the different educational programs offered at Dikan, including full-time courses, workshops, and the Teen Academy. Paul's passion for empowering young individuals shines through as he describes the educational paths available at Dikan, all rooted in celebrating African heritage and nurturing the creative talents of the next generation.Links and Resources:•Find Paul on LinkedIn•Learn more about Dikan This podcast is produced by Nexa MediaDo you have a question for our hosts, email us at hello@changeafricapodcast.com

In this episode, we are joined by Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio and Xylon van Eyck, founders of the Rocacorba Collective, a cycling community aimed at revolutionising the indoor e-cycling experience by creating an inspiring, uplifting and safe space for women to come together to cycle, whatever their level or experience. Ashley, a three-time Olympian (five-time South African Champion and the 1st UCI Cycling Esports World Champion), and Xylon, a passionate storyteller and global connector of athletes and cyclists, delve into the world of cycling and sports, uncovering inspiring stories of resilience, competition, and excellence. The episode begins by exploring Xylon's transition from a media personality to the world of sports and cycling and his battle against cancer at 26. Initially shocked by the diagnosis, Xylon shares his journey of resilience and the emotional challenges he faced. Ashleigh also recounts her teenage ordeal with a head injury that almost damaged her brain and a later illness that shortened her aspirations of conquering the Tour de France. The discussion highlights the profound impact of sickness on the human psyche and the endurance required to overcome such challenges.Xylon and Ashleigh discuss the origins of the Rocacorba Collective and its significance in their personal journeys. Xylon, hailing from a disadvantaged South African community, recounts his passion for cycling and his determination to provide opportunities for others who aspire to reach the highest levels of the sport. Ashley shares her inspiring experiences in Eritrea and her realisation of the potential to support African women in pursuing cycling excellence in Europe.The conversation takes an intriguing turn as Ashleigh describes her discovery of the virtual world and indoor cycling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognising women's enhanced confidence and engagement in the virtual space, she saw an opportunity to foster community and empower women through indoor training platforms like Zwift. This realisation sparked the birth of the Rocacorba Collective, which extends beyond physical cycling tourism to a global virtual community.The collective's core objectives include providing training plans, coaching sessions, and building connections with riders in South Africa and beyond. Through strategic collaborations with organisations like Culture Cycles, the collective aims to break barriers and create a blueprint for eCenters in underprivileged African communities. These centres will serve as indoor training and learning facilities, paving the way for more women and individuals to excel in cycling and overcome their challenges in pursuing their dreams.Tune in to this episode to be inspired by the Rocacorba Collective's transformative vision and the commitment of Ashleigh and Xylon van Eyck to revolutionise cycling in Africa while empowering women to achieve their fullest potential.Links and Resources:•Find Ashleigh and Xylon on LinkedIn•Read more about the Rocacorba CollectiveThis podcast is produced by Nexa MediaDo you have a question for our hosts, email us at hello@changeafricapodcast.com

In this episode, we speak to Anita Erskine, a globally respected authority on media and communications with over two decades of experience. Anita shares her insights on the power of storytelling, the challenges faced by African women entrepreneurs, and the role of initiatives she works with, like Africa's Business Heroes, in supporting and empowering them. She also discusses her journey in the media industry, the launch of the Anita Erskine Network, and her return to acting and filmmaking. As a host of high-profile events, Anita reflects on the privilege of interacting with influential figures and shares how commitment and passion have played a significant role in her career. Her inspiring stories and experiences shed light on the immense potential of African entrepreneurship and the importance of creating platforms for diverse voices.Anita reflects on her upbringing in Ghana and Canada, emphasizing the importance of finding one's voice and aligning it with a purpose. She shares her passion for advocating women's rights and girls' education, highlighting the significance of making a positive impact on the lives of others.The conversation then delves into the expectations placed on women in media and other industries. Anita discusses the pressure she felt to choose between her family and her career, with societal norms suggesting that a woman cannot fully enjoy both. She acknowledges that such expectations are not limited to the media industry and explains how various industries impose similar dilemmas on women.Anita also shares her journey in the media industry, from creating Anita Erskine Media to launching the Anita Erskine Network. She explains how these ventures aim to tell diverse stories through different formats and provide a platform for emerging talent. Furthermore, Anita reveals her passion for acting and filmmaking, crediting Shirley Frimpong-Manso, a renowned filmmaker, for reigniting her interest in acting. She hints at upcoming projects and expresses her excitement about exploring this creative side of her career.As the conversation draws to a close, Anita reflects on the privilege of hosting events featuring influential figures like Vice President Kamala Harris. She emphasizes the importance of commitment and the desire to make a positive impact in one's field. Anita's experiences and insights inspire listeners to believe in their abilities and pursue their dreams while also recognizing the significance of creating opportunities and platforms for underrepresented voices in African entrepreneurship and beyond.Links and Resources: • Find Anita Erskine on LinkedIn • This podcast is produced by Nexa MediaDo you have a question for our hosts, email us at hello@changeafricapodcast.comFollow the podcast on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedInWatch on YouTubeHosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.