1000 African Voices

Samantha is the founder and CEO of Oryx Desert Salt.

Samantha brings diverse experience from her entrepreneurial career from Aircraft Interior Refurbishment to discovering Mumbo Island on Lake Malawi whilst on a kayaking expedition and starting Kayak Africa. Her story is legendary in the sense that she spent 5 month traversing the deserts of Namibia where her brand originated.

Her desert salt adventure started by packing bags on her dining room table. She has a 12 year old son Kiran. She is passionate about Salt and regards it as an underrated seasoning. Her products have been well received in most restaurants and retailers due to their organic nature.

Before starting Orynx, Samantha ran an NGO for seven years, which used music to spiritually and emotionally uplift children in rural communities. Looking for a business opportunity after the birth of her son, she happened to come across this natural mineral-rich salt from the Kalahari Desert.

While Skyring has broken the retail ceiling, she hasn’t wavered from her personal commitment to run a business built on uplifting lives.

In this episode she talks about her journey to founding her company, things that keep her grounded and why she loves travelling across the different African countries.

Nthabeleng Khabutlane, Accountant, CEO and Founder of Fezi Auditors and Consultants

Lizl Naude is a Social Entrepreneur from Cape Town, South Africa. She is the founder of Lilly Loompa, a company that creates beautiful homeware made by upcycling waste material.

Lizl grew up in the valley-town of Paarl, in the Winelands of the Western Cape.  She was influenced by the natural beauty that surrounded her; the smell of the wet vineyards after a rainstorm, the purple mountains and the wide expanse of the night-sky.  

She is a self taught designer and initially started designing and making furniture because she couldn’t afford to buy new pieces to furnish her home. As an Innovator, she lives by her motto: “Use what you have”, and this philosophy has led her to start a movement of converting junk into beautiful, usable products. She is also a Director of The Chosen Foundation, a Non-profit company focussing on restoring families through facilitated training and travelling.

This episode contains lots of gems of wisdom about environmental care and life in general.

Chrissa is a textile design MA graduate from the world=renowned Chelsea College of Art and Design, University of the Arts London.

She was born and raised in London, but her roots are very much Ghanaian. This is the country from which she draws her inspiration. Other countries that are of significance in her life include Togo and Benin.

The episode focusses on understanding the duality that describes Chrissa’s life and attempts to understand how she successfully navigates her two worlds. What does it take to be an inspirational designer? What does she describe as art and what is her creative process?

Amuah, who grew up in London’s Brixton neighbourhood, feels a strong connection to her African heritage. An important part of her designs is Adinkra symbology, which stems from a Ghanaian oral history tradition and is a visual way to communicate important values. These symbols are re-interpreted in her designs, from the obvious to the very subtle. In particular, the values of “wellbeing and social harmony” are powerful drivers in Amuah’s use of the symbols.

https://www.instagram.com/amwa_designs/

https://twitter.com/camuah?lang=en

Jackee Budesta Batanda is a creative entrepreneur educating through the power of writing. She is a short story writer, journalist, and Founder and Senior Managing Partner of SuccessSpark Brand Ltd.

Jackee has taught 400 students and 20 students have gone on to publish books. She is completing the construction of, The Blue Marble, the first writers’ house in Uganda, to provide a safe, intellectual space for writers. In 2019, she was named among the top 40 under 40 inspirational Ugandans and was the 2018/2019 continental winner- training and education category at the Women in Business and Government awarded in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is a contributor in the New Daughters of Africa anthology, a seminal body of work that captures the voices of 200 women of African descent. She has written for publications including the New York Times, The Boston Globe, Guardian (UK), The Mail & Guardian, The Sunday Times, and Sunday Independent (SA), and Aljazeera Magazine. She was named by the Times (London) in 2012 as one of twenty women shaping the future of Africa. She was named among 39 writers under 40 from Sub-Saharan Africa most likely to shape the future of African literature. She has run writing workshops in the US, UK, South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Malawi. She is currently at work on a novel, a short story collection, and is ghost-writing two books.

https://twitter.com/jackeebatanda?lang=en

Azziad Nasenya, Tiktok Queen, is a rising star in the entertainment industry and social media world.

She is an actress, dancer, model and social media personality. She is 20 years old from Kenya. She went to St Cecilia Misikhu Girls Secondary School and is currently a second-year college student at the Kenya Institute of Mass Communication where she is studying towards a Mass Media qualification.

She is passionate about acting, content production and aspires to one day have her own radio show. In 2018, Azziad decided to create a YouTube Channel and began publishing content. A year later she created her first Tiktok post and the rest is history.

In this episode, she talks about her journey to social media platform, her aspirations and has some tips and tricks to share with the listeners. You can connect with Azziad on the following social media channel

Twitter – @AzziadNasenya

Nametso Matlhaga, President at African Woman in Leadership and Director of Matthan Jewellery Collection

Nametso Matlhaga is the founder of Matthan Jewellery Collection in Botswana. Her business is passionate about making memories come true, manufacturing jewellery using precious metals like gold and silver, and precious and semi precious stones. The business started in 2010 and today has 5 employees. Her team of craftsmen transform every client’s personal design ideas into bespoke and highly individual pieces of jewellery, making every piece memorable. As a young female entrepreneur with a decade of successful experience in the jewellery manufacturing and retail business, she was selected for, and successfully completed the 2018 Tony Elumelu Foundation entrepreneur training programme. She is a strong advocate for entrepreneurship, women empowerment, mentorship and a believer in positive thinking.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nametso-matlhaga-72484b162?

Gigi Lamayne – African Rap Goddess, Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, Multiple Award winning Hip Hop Artist

Artist & Speaker, Gigi Lamayne was born Genesis Gabriella Tina Manney. She is a 24-year-old South African award-winning rap artist. Rapper, Singer, song-writer and Poet all describe this multi-facet artist. Her poetic skills were developed at the tender age of 11, having her first poem titled “Valentine’s Day” published at the Poetry Institute of Africa under the Anthology – Fairytale moon. Gigi Lamayne later developed her unique writing skills into rap by the age of 16, drawing inspiration from the likes of Jean Grae, Bob Marley, Brenda Fassie and Tupac Shakur. Gigi Lamayne’s talent was realized at an exchange programme in the UK under the Richard Branson Scholarship programme at Stowe School Buckingham where her performance earned her the runner‐up position, as well as at The DCS showdown East District in 2011 where she scooped an award in the category: Best in Rap.

The quadruple talent has made a magnificent impact on the growth and development of the female MC scene in the African Continent.

Twitter – @Gigi_Lamayne

http://www.gigilamayne.co.za

Every successful event needs a great Master of Ceremonies to keep things moving according to schedule and importantly to keep audiences engaged. In Malawi, one of the most popular MCs currently is Judith Msonthi, founder of Judie Emcee, bringing her unique style and personality to enliven any event.

In just two years she has lent her voice and stage presence to more than 20+ shows and events nationally and has catered to an audience of over 500+.

The talented, young Malawian woman adds yet another feather to her cap, as she is an experienced media personality who anchored various television programs including “Check-In” & “Breakfast live”.

Her dynamic, energetic personality, and love for the stage, will set your shows standard, A CLASS APART!

Facebook- @judiemsonti

Twitter- @Judde63

Tumi Morake is a South African comedian, actress, TV personality, and writer.

In 2018, she became the first African woman to have her own set on Netflix. She is also known to be the first woman to host Comedy Central Presents in Africa.

Since beginning her career in smoky clubs in 2006, Tumi Morake has steadily grown into one of South Africa’s most sought after comedians, earning the title of South Africa’s First Lady of Comedy – not bad for a mother of three and wife of one. Named Free State Icon in 2011, Morake’s edgy brand of comedy has earned her a place as a headliner in comedy festivals all over South Africa. She’s bold, she’s sassy and you simply cannot ignore her. The first woman to host Comedy Central Presents on African soil, Morake has become relentless in her quest to maintain her footing as a comedy tour de force.

Morake’s continental claim to fame began as the host of The Big Brother Hot Room, a comical round up of Big Brother Africa.

In this episode we talk about what it means to be a female comedian, Tumi’s life in the states and the irresistible comparisons between the US and Africa, apartheid and her book, ‘And then Mama Said’. You can connect with Tumi on Twitter – @tumi_morake

Yvonne Chaka Chaka – Singer-songwriter, humanitarian and United Nations Goodwill Ambassador.

Yvonne Chaka Chaka is an internationally recognized and highly respected African singer, songwriter, entrepreneur, Global Health Advocate and Humanitarian. Dubbed the “Princess of Africa” Yvonne has been at the forefront of South African popular music for 30+ years. Born in 1965 in Soweto she released her debut album at 19 “I’m in Love with a DJ,” which sold 35 000 copies in a week and the song “Umqombothi” was featured in the opening scene of the movie Hotel Rwanda.

Yvonne is the first African woman to have been awarded the Crystal Award by the WEF World Economic Forum, in Davos in 2012 recognizing her Humanitarian work. Yvonne has shared the stage with megastars such as #Bono, #AngeliqueKidjo, #AnnieLennox, #YoussouN’Dour, the classic rock band #Queen, and South Africans #JohnnyClegg, #MiriamMakeba, and #HughMasekela, to name a few. She has staged a stage with #Beyonce. In the episode we talk about her reasons for her longevity, the value of humanity and respect and how she became a global brand.

Twitter – @YvonneChakaX2

Instagram – Yvonne_chakachaka

http://www.yvonnechakachaka.co.za

Ntombenhle Khathwane, a South African entrepreneur and founder of Afrobotanics and Girl Boss SA.

Ntombenhle Khathwane graduated from university in the late 1990s with a
mission to rewrite the African narrative. She started as a government employee
but her hopes and dreams were always bigger. She wanted to make a bigger
contribution and so she ultimately started her own company.

Ntombenhle grew up in the Mpumalanga Province in South Africa. She wants to
contribute to the creation and re-imagining of Africa and the African identity
and growing an inclusive economy through creating, manufacturing and retailing
African-inspired consumer brands in the beauty and household sectors. Skilled
in strategy, brand building, marketing and business development.

In 2012 she was in the first cohort of the Goldman Sachs-GIBS 10,000 Women
Programme.She was named Destiny Magazine 40 Trailblazers in 2011. In 2014 she
was accepted into the Archbishop Tutu-Oxford University Leadership Fellowship.
In 2015 she was named Mail & Guardian 200 Young Leaders.

In this episode she takes us through her entrepreneurial journey and talks
about her dreams for the African continent. You can connect with Ntombenhle on
the following social media links;

linkedin.com/in/ntombenhle-khathwane-b6650615

afro-botanics.com

Instagram – afrobotanics

@afrobotanics

Edrisah Musuuza (Eddy Kenzo), is a Ugandan singer and music executive who is a member of Big Talent Entertainment. He has collaborated with #FrenchMontana, #Drake, #Micasa, #Niniola and #ChrisBrown to name but a few.

Uganda flag, vector illustration on a white background

Eddy’s type of music is a relentlessly upbeat Ugandan dancehall like Afro-beat. In short, its high energy super infectious music that makes you want to get down. In his life he has overcome tragedy including the death of his mother at his early age.

He received international attention after the release of his 2014 single, “Sitya Loss” and an accompanying viral video that featured the kids of his home village Masaka. In total, he has released 4 albums, including most recently, Roots, in 2018. Kenzo has also won numerous national and international awards, including a Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Award in 2018, a BET Award in 2015, and multiple All Africa Music Awards. He was the first Ugandan artist to win the BET award in 2015. Eddy Kenzo has inspired very many youths out there in Uganda.

In this episode he talks about the art of making good music, his beloved Uganda, being a YouTube sensation and his life’s purpose.

Instagram: @eddykenzo

Twitter: @eddykenzoficial

Brian Thomas is a CIO, CTO, Digital Leader, Innovator and all round Influencer.

Brian Thomas has served in several senior leadership roles, including Chief Information Officer, Chief Technology Officer, and Healthcare Executive in the Fortune 500, Healthcare and public sector spaces. He is known for delivering innovative and user-friendly solutions to the business partners and customers he serves.

Prior to his executive roles, he gained experience in and recognition for dependable performance improvement, leadership, program management and solution innovations. Brian has 20 years experience in technology and healthcare. He has been featured in several publications including the Harvard Business Review, and was recently named one of the Top 100 Chief Information Technology Officers by Richtopia.  He is a regular contributor to CIO Online and the greater IDG organization.

In this episode we talk about podcasting, the fourth industrial revolution and #Covid-19. You can connect with Brian on

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianethomas1/

DivergentCIO on Twitter

This episode features Danny Tong (Ph.D Candidate, Serial Entreprenuer, Pan-African Activist and Founder at InvesTong Group) and Boma Harrison (Marketing Director)

Boma has a strong marketing background of +14 years of proven results across FMCG categories – Laundry, Homecare, Feminine care, Beauty and Beverages. Over the years she has worked across different markets and regions including the Middle East Africa and Europe focusing on established brands as well as launching into whitespace new brands / categories such as Safeguard, Camay and Fairy. She holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool.
She is based in Lagos, Nigeria and in this episode she takes us through life in Lagos, the several countries she has visited followed by a general discussion on her views on both her country and the continent. Its a laid back conversation that you will enjoy.

Danny Tong is the Founder of InvesTong Group. He is responsible for driving Business Strategy, New Business Acquisition, Innovation and Capital Raising for InvesTong Group of Companies.

Born and bred in Molelema village in Taung, North West, in a family of five siblings, Danny started his schooling at the Molelema Primary School.

He holds an MBA from African Leadership University School of Business (ALUsb) in Rwanda and currently studying for his Doctorate (PhD) with his research topic within the 4IR sphere. His aim is to contribute new knowledge towards the current Industrial Revolution through research and subsequently a Thesis Publication by 2021.

https://twitter.com/DannyTong12

linkedin.com/in/dannytongsa

This episode features Tom Peters, business coach, reader, student, people watcher, researcher, writer and international speaker.

Tom is the recipient of the Thinkers50 Lifetime Achievement Award. He virtually invented the modern thought leadership industry. He co-authored In Search of Excellence, which helped create the business book industry – and had a serious impact on how managers managed and how we view organizations. The book changed the way the world does business, and is often tagged as the best business book ever. His blog tompeters.com is ranked #9 among the Top 150 Management and Leadership Blogs.

In this episode, we talk about Africa, his feelings about President Trump and the process that has seen him write 18 books and as always we cover a whole lot more.

You can connect with Tom on his favourite platform, Twitter – @tom_peters and for more on his bio visit his website – tompeters.com

In this episode, Tyson takes us on a journey to where it all began. From a call centre agent – to one of Africa’s comedic rising stars. Tyson’s brand of character-driven humour and sharp observations is a distinct addition to Africa’s well of talent. 

His is a thrilling blend of stand-up and vocal deftness and he represented his country in Showmax’s ‘Funny People Africa’ – a show curating the continent’s rising comedy talents. Tyson speaks fluent Dutch – owing to his first job in a call centre. His subsequent background in media, research and advertising has had a profound impact on his work, which emphasizes story.

In 2020, his series of online comedy skits proved a welcome dose of distinctly South African humour amid a grueling lockdown.

Twitter: @tysonngubeni

Instagram: @tysonngubeni

Trend Analyst Dion Chang helps us connect unexpected dots, as he unpacks skills of the future and the importance of Generation Z – the most pronounced age demographic on the African continent.

Dion was fashion editor at Elle Magazine before founding FluxTrends. He tags himself a global citizen who is proudly South African.The observer. Forever curious.

Twitter: @dionchang

Instagram: @dionchang

http://www.fluxtrends.com

In this episode we speak to a multifaceted South African woman, Tidimalo Sehlako. In this era of innovation, she tells us how she balances entrepreneurship, yoga, and her acting career.

Tidimalo is a journalism & marketing graduate. She made it as a top 5 finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant, 2014.

Instagram: Tidimalo_S

Facebook: Tidimalo Sehlako

Team Africa Cheerleader, Lerato Mbele tells us why she loves being on the other side of the conversation as the host of “Talking Business Africa” on BBC and shares some of the lessons she has learned from the very best of African excellence.

Lerato has worked as a journalist for over two decades, starting at the South African Broadcasting Corporation in 1999. She holds a master’s in development studies with the University of London, and a bachelor’s degree majoring in politics and international relations from the University of Cape Town.

Twitter: @mbele_Inb

@BBCWorld

This episode features Faith Makhubele, a change maker and Tobe Okeke, a vibrant Data Scientist.

Faith Makhubele, Medical student,Award Winning Activist and Entrepreneur who never shies away from anything. She shares what it takes to achieve all that she has at 22 years and her mindset when tackling life challenges. She is the founder and CEO of a non profit organization (Unforgettable Smiles) aimed at empowering the lives of children through advancing social and academic change, mental health awareness and security.

Twitter: @FaithMakhubele_

Instagram: Faith Makhubele

Tobe Okeke is an MIT Graduate. She holds a Master’s Degree and is an all round energetic soul. In a world that is getting more technological, she shares her journey to becoming a Data Scientist. In this episode we dive deep into what Artificial Intelligence means and the real impact of the Forth-Industrial-Revolution on humanity. What will be replaced, and what won’t!

Instagram: Datatechcon

www.datatechcon.com

This episode features Sola Amusan, an AI Leader and Philanthropist and Douglas Ogeto, Co-Founder and CEO of LudiqueWorks

Sola Amusan, an Artificial Intelligence Evangelist, is an UNLEASH Alumnus, HIVE Global Leader, the Author of Are You Branded or Stranded (2010, 2020), a global shaper of the World Economic Forum, a member of the Country Support Mechanism (CSM) of the Global Community Engagement & Resilience Fund in Nigeria and the President of the 8th Session of the African Youth and Governance Conference. He is passionate about social entrepreneurship as a key to unlocking Africa’s immense potential.

Twitter – Olusolamusan

www.covenworks.com

Douglas Ogeto is Co-Founder and CEO of LudiqueWorks, Africa’s fastest growing and award winning video game publishing company, game development accelerator and dedicated game fund, committed to growing the video game development and eSports industry on the continent. They have built the largest community of game developers across 16+ African countries as well as eSports in 24+ African countries.

Twitter – douglasogeto

www.ludique.works