Mayowa, In Conversation

On this episode, I have a conversation with Adeju Thompson founder of Lagos Space Programme, a non-binary, luxury design project exploring African futures. Adeju describes Lagos Space Programme as an ethical movement built on a foundation of collaboration, shared ideas, chosen family and craftsmanship. Adeju's sources of inspiration are vast, from Yohji Yamamoto to architecture, to the New York Ballroom scene of the 80s to Yoruba cosmology. In this episode, we discuss the importance of preserving and celebrating Yoruba textile traditions, navigating the fashion industry as a queer Nigerian, and their experiences exploring South-Western Nigeria.To find out more about Adeju's work, follow Lagos Space Programme on Instagram at @lagosspaceprogramme.You can find me, on Instagram reading and reviewing books @mayowa_reads or send me an email (mayowainconversation@gmail.com)!

On this episode, I talk to Emmanuel Akinwotu, a journalist based in Lagos. Emmanuel is currently the Guardian’s West Africa Correspondent. Before the Guardian, Emmanuel worked as a journalist at AFP and The New York Times. Emmanuel’s work has also been featured in publications like The New Statesman, The Africa Report, The New African Magazine and Reuters. In this conversation, we discuss the state of journalism in Nigeria, the role of the journalist and the process of investigating and uncovering the truth.To find out more about Emmanuel’s work, follow him on Twitter and Instagram (@ea_akin) and visit his profile on The Guardian’s website, https://www.theguardian.com/profile/emmanuel-akinwotu.You can find me, on Instagram reading and reviewing books @mayowa_reads or send me an email (mayowainconversation@gmail.com)!

On this episode, I have a conversation with Kelechi Anabara, founder of The Facade Nigeria. Through The Facade Nigeria, Kelechi has created a forum through which to discuss Nigeria’s colonial history and the colonial architecture of Lagos. Through social media and a podcast, Kelechi shares information on the rich history of Lagos and the individuals that shaped both the city and the country. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of architectural history, the power of digital archives and social media, and how we can work together to preserve our history. To find out more about Kelechi’s work, follow The Facade Nigeria on Instagram and Facebook. You can also listen to his podcast ‘Conversations with The Facade Nigeria’ where he discusses the history of Lagos and the people who built the city.You can find me, on Instagram reading and reviewing books @mayowa_reads or send me an email (mayowainconversation@gmail.com)!  

On this episode, I have a conversation with Aishetu Dozie, CEO and Founder of Bossy Cosmetics, a beauty brand with a mission to empower women to look, feel and do good. With an MBA from Harvard and extensive experience in finance, Aishetu has used her experience to create a platform that empowers women to realise their life and career goals and is an advocate for women in business. In this conversation, we discuss the importance of timing, crafting a business model with ethics and social change at its heart, and the difference between start-up culture in the US and in Nigeria.  To find out more about Bossy Cosmetics, follow the brand on Instagram (@bossylipstick). To find out more about Aishetu, visit her website www.aishetu.com and follow her on Twitter (@theaishetu) and Instagram (@aishetu). You can find me, on Instagram reading and reviewing books @mayowa_reads or send me an email (mayowainconversation@gmail.com)!  

On this episode, I have a conversation with Stephen Tayo, a photographer living in Lagos. Stephen’s rise to international recognition started with his work capturing street style in Lagos. Since then, his focus has expanded and his work explores themes like Yoruba cultural heritage and cosmology, urban culture across West Africa, and youth-led counter-cultural movements. Our conversation focuses on Stephen's practice and influences, the emergence of Nigerian pop culture as a global cultural force, and navigating global cultural spaces as a young Nigerian. To find out more about Stephen’s work, follow him on Instagram @stephen.tayo.You can find me, on Instagram reading and reviewing books @mayowa_reads or send me an email (mayowainconversation@gmail.com)!  

TW: This conversation contains references to rape, sexual violence and abuse. On this episode, I have a conversation with Amanda Iheme, a psychotherapist based in Lagos. Through her psychotherapist practice NDIDI, Amanda works with clients suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, post-traumatic stress disorder and existential crises. In this conversation, we discuss mental health stigma in Nigeria, the ways in which Nigerians understand mental health and seek help, and how our collective understanding of mental health is evolving. To find out more about Amanda’s practice NDIDI, go to their website www.ndidi.me. You can find me, on Instagram reading and reviewing books @mayowa_reads or send me an email (mayowainconversation@gmail.com)!