We chat with Chike Ukaegbu, a 2019 Nigerian presidential candidate, about his path to running a political campaign, his motivations, the challenges of running a campaign while out of the country, as well as his next steps. http://www.chikeukaegbu.com

On this episode we speak with Oluwatosin Adeshokan, a freelance journalist based in Lagos, Nigeria, about his career trajectory and the current state of journalism in the country. We explore the circumstances that have resulted in big Nigerian/African stories being primarily broken by global, western news orgs like the New York Times, The Guardian UK, CNN, and the implications of this trend. We examine the role of journalism in holding power to account in Nigeria and wonder why local investigative journalism exposés do not often result in change (hint: shameless authoritarian governments and apathetic general public). Lastly, we discuss ideas for how journalism on the continent might evolve in a way that is engaging, speaks truth to power, and is better funded. ------------------ Resources: Explore the now defunct 234Next Website on Wayback Machine: https://web.archive.org/web/20100701000000*/234next.com Oluwatosin's article on learning Mandarin in Nigeria - https://popula.com/2018/09/10/learning-chinese-in-nigeria/ Oluwatosin's article in the LA Times about dreams of Biafra in the East - https://www.latimes.com/world/africa/la-fg-nigeria-war-legacy-20190430-story.html Perspective on the implications of foreign media orgs telling African stories https://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/mar/01/african-journalism-stifled-lack-resources https://africasacountry.com/2019/02/whos-reporting-africa-now Zikoko’s This Naira Life reporting https://www.zikoko.com/naira-life/tough-hustling-in-nigeria/ ------------------ Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

On this episode, we chat with Coretta Owusu about Design Dua, her Ghana-based company that makes functional handwoven basketry. She shares the nitty gritty details of her company’s capital- and time-intensive operations, the social impact of employing local artisans in Northern Ghana, her transition from law to founding a business with a social reach, the woes of import tax, and the not-so-glamorous side of being featured on big store website. website: www.designdua.com instagram: @shoplovedua Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

NYAC S4 E11: Empathy, What is it Good for? On this episode we speak with literature buff, writer and embodiment of Pan-Africanism, Clarisse Baleja Saidi about her Rwandese, Ugandan, Congolese and Ivorian roots, and her journey to becoming a writer. We examine the clarifying power of writing; discuss the challenge of truthful, authentic storytelling while trying to avoid pandering; and ask, what is the role of empathy in literature ? ------------------ Resources https://www.nybooks.com/daily/2019/03/02/the-banality-of-empathy/ https://www.wnycstudios.org/story/bloody-image-double-standard https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/03/ethiopian-airlines-302/584533/ https://wereherelove.com/podcastguests/#ClarisseBalejaSaïdi --------------------- Reading - John Carryrou’s Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup - Claire Adam’s Golden Child - Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird - Peter Kreeft’s Practical Theology: Spiritual Direction from Saint Thomas Aquinas Listening - PJ Morton and Yebba’s How Deep is Your Love - P J Morton’s Christmas with PJ Morton ------------------ Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

We talk with Dumi Kaliati, the founder and CEO of a Malawian based health and hardware start up called MicroMek. MicroMek specializes in creating low cost drones for the delivery of drugs to remote areas in Malawi. In addition, the aerial vehicles provide assessments of the environmental landscape eg monitoring floods. He shared with us the motivation behind his startup, the challenges he has faced as a young African entrepreneur, and his vision for his company. As our first Malawian guest, Dumi also enlightened us on his country's history and what he loves about Malawi. Website: https://www.micromek.net FB: MicroMek Twitter: @MicroMek_LTD Dumi's Twitter: @dumikaliati

On this episode, we learn about Mauritius and the Mauritian identity from a guest Ms. Axelle Lagaillarde. She educates us about its history, politics and peoples. We also discuss the dissociation of Mauritians, particularly Indo-Mauritians, from Africa. Though technically a part of the continent, Mauritius' proximity to India, as well as its Indian origins/ancestry, are very prominent and influential on the island. Lastly, to Amayo's dismay, in spite of its rich diversity Mauritius has no plantains. Resources: https://www.luxury-in-mauritius.com/people/the-mauritian-identity-the-result-of-a-long-journey http://hyllanderiksen.net/Creoles.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Mauritius http://mcfsp-blogs.ed.ac.uk/kushmandisreekissoon/2017/03/15/my-fluid-identity-being-hindu-being-mauritian-and-being-african/

It’s February, the month of Love! We share what we consider love to be, how we love, and how we like to be loved. Listen to find out who shows love by showing up for people, by feeding them, or by editing their written works. Find out which love language gets Ife preening like a cat, or which one Ify doesn’t particularly rate. You also get to hear our thoughts on “The Friendzone” ---------- Resources - https://www.5lovelanguages.com/ -------- Reading Becoming by Michelle Obama Love, Hate and Other Filters Book by Samira Ahmed Women, Race and Class by Angela Davis Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi Listening To Casey J’s The Gathering Watching Netflix’ Sex Education Netflix’ Big Mouth Season 2 Netflix’ The Punisher Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 2 ------------------ Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

We begin 2019 with a bang! On this episode we chat with the Oluwaseun Ayodeji, the Executive Director of Stand to End Rape (STER) Initiative about the (lack of) support available to sexual assault survivors in Nigeria, our country’s sexual assault laws, and her advocacy work. We also break down the meaning of consent, the different kinds of consent, and discuss ways to combat rape culture. ------------------- Resources http://standtoendrape.org/the-thing-about-consent-is-16daysofactivism/ https://www.rainn.org/articles/what-is-consent https://lawpadi.com/laws-rape-every-nigerian-know/ ------------------ Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

On this episode, we talk with Ozoz of Kitchen Butterfly, an excellent Nigerian food blog. Ozoz shares her journey to creating kitchen butterfly.com, her vision of reimagining, documenting and preserving Nigerian food and recipes. She also fills in the gaps in our knowledge of food migration via the slave trade. Then as a group, we list our favorite small chops, our swallow of choice (or not!)and drink of choice. And this would be an invalid discussion of Nigerian food if we failed to include Jollof rice (with a capital J!). Listen closely as Amayo shocks us with her amala aversion, as Ifeyinwa is swiftly rebuked when she mixes up “sah-lad” with “African salad” & laugh with us as we shade Ghanaian Jollof (in love). Resources: https://www.kitchenbutterfly.com/2017/11/27/a-possible-history-of-nigerian-small-chops-in-their-present-form/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwQVrrKJm5M Episode was mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

We are joined by special guest Wandile Mthiyane (@Wandile7) of Ubuntu Design Group to work through the questions: how did African cities come to be? How did Apartheid and Colonization shape the planning of major African cities like Nairobi, Lagos and Durban? We discuss informal settlements and the circumstances that result in their existence and ask, how do we support people who live in informal settlements without being paternalistic? How do we be better neighbors to them? We close the episode by sharing our vision for African Cities. Resources: https://www.ted.com/talks/olutimehin_adegbeye_who_belongs_in_a_city https://edition.cnn.com/2017/06/27/africa/otodo-gbame-demolition/index.html https://medium.com/latterly/homeless-by-design-the-forced-evictions-in-otodo-gbame-daae4039cc3d https://cda.co.ug/1130/historicizing-the-hustle-what-kenyas-colonial-legacy-tells-us-about-poverty-in-african-cities/ https://bittersoutherner.com/rural-studio-turns-20/#.W-yT7HpKg_U Reading Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami Educated by Tara Westover Watching Christmas Movies on Netflix and Hallmark Peppermint Candy by Lee Chang Dong Listening to Highlife EP by Femi Leye (the brilliant force behind our theme music!) - EP It Was All a Dream by Distruction Boyz - Album Tiny Winey by Joaquin Ft. Krosfyah - Single J Cole Lecrae London Grammar Keep any eye out for Wandlile’s book, Ubuntu in the Mumbulu and documentary, Child of Apartheid

On this episode, we talk with a guest from Southern Cameroon, Tabot, about his country's ongoing conflict. Tabot schools us on Cameroon’s history, geography and political climate. We learn about the decades-long systemic marginalization of anglophone Cameroonians by francophone Cameroonians. And we discuss how this conflict is a remnant of colonialism by the Germans, French and British. Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ct_SLnAGDuM (BBC Africa Eye mini-documentary) https://popula.com/2018/10/23/unification-day/ (Background on Cameroon’s conflict) https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/15/opinion/sunday/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-cameroon.html (Opinion piece by Chimamanda Adichie) https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2017/feb/04/every-inch-challenge-multiplies-afro-imbolo-mbue-hair-cameroon?CMP=share_btn_tw (Opinion piece by Imbolo Mbue) Episode was mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

We speculate about why some African countries have retained the names given by colonizers, and wonder if name changes have had any effect on the progress of self-christened countries, or on their citizens’ perspectives of their identities. We scrutinize relics of colonization that can still be found in our everyday lives such as the horsehair wigs and robes worn by lawyers in some former British colonies. We also examine the relationship between former colonies and their colonizers as it relates to superficial faux-solidarity programs such as the commonwealth, and the harsh reality of current policies (i.e. immigration policies and the windrush scandal). Lastly, we suggest strategies for folks seeking to decolonize their minds, lives, and disciplines. --------------------- Reading Haruki Murakami’s What I Talk About When I Talk About Running - Memoir Listening Florence + The Machine’s High as Hope - Album Housefires’ Housefires II - Album Collectiv3’s Live. Create. Repeat - Album ShowDemCamp’s Palmwine Music II Jubilee Worship’s Atmosphere Chapter 2 - Album Watching CBS’ Schitt’s Creek – Comedy Show iTV2 / Hulu ’s Love Island S3 – Reality TV Show Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

On this episode, the ladies of NYAC chat with the incredible Yovanka Perdigao (one-third of Not Another Book Podcast)about lusophone Africa, its under-representation in African literary spaces and the importance of translation of Afro-lusophone narratives. Find Yovanka on: Twitter- @postcolonialchi IG- @postcolonialchild website- https://www.yovanka.co.uk/ Referenced: https://www.ozy.com/opinion/the-case-for-lusophone-african-literature/83117 http://afrikult.com/say-what-where-are-the-black-writers-from-portuguese-africa/ https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2011/sep/12/portugal-race Jose Eduardo Agalusa The ultimate tragedy by Abdulai Silá Recommendations from Yovanka: - Confession of the Lioness by Mia Coutu (Mozambican writer) - Sleepwalking Land by Mia Coutu - Malangatana (Mozambican visual artist) - Afrohouse/kuduru (music) - Buraka Som Sistema (band) - Pepetela (Angolan writer) - Good morning, comrades by Ondjaki (Angolan writer) - Sousa Jamba (author from Angola) - The ultimate tragedy by Abdulai Silá (author from Guinea-Bissau) - Francisco Ferreira (poet from São Tomé e Príncipe) - Alda Espírito Santo (poet from São Tomé e Príncipe)

We are back! Listen to us catch up and gist each other (and you!) about our summer. Amayo quit her job in consulting and moved to Mauritius to work at a startup university (which Ife’s sister happens to go to). Yeka O wrote book chapters and is well on her way to being a doctor, put some respek on her name. Ifeyinwa is adulting like a boss. She got a car, moved into a new apartment and officially became a film maker! Check out her first short which she wrote, produced, directed and edited here: [ https://vimeo.com/282208309 ]. Ife’s summer has been filled traveling. She was in Kigali, New York and San Francisco over the summer representing her company, and she finally started her national service year. We also talk productivity and share tips on how we (attempt to) stay on top of work and other obligations. Reading - Deep Work by Cal Newport - There, There by Tommy Orange Watching - Love Island Season 4 – ITV (UK) / Hulu (US) - Bloodline Season 2 - Netflix - To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before – Netflix - Sarah Burges is a Loser – Netflix - Queer Eye - Love Is - OWN Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

Inspired by Kanye West's latest episodes of being loud and wrong, we unpack our individual shortcomings: what they are, what brought them to our attention, and how we overcome them. We talk about those who've lovingly called us out and the personal steps we take to become more self-aware of these "faults." Mentioned: https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/05/im-not-black-im-kanye/559763/?utm_source=atltw https://openspace.sfmoma.org/2018/05/theorems-of-separation/ - Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper - Poetry Is Not a Luxury by Audre Lorde Reading: - Eloquent Rage by Brittney Cooper - Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown Watching: - Southside With You (Netflix) - Jane the Virgin (Netflix) Listening: - Dirty Computer by Janelle Monae - Invasion of Privacy by Cardi B - A Boy From Tandale by Diamond Platnumz - Wait by Teni ----------------------------------------------------------- Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

We talk exploring Nigerian-ness and African-ness through economics, history and art with the “Lean, Mean, Nigerian Machine,” @WaleLawal. He walks us though the process of establishing The Republic, a journal he edits and runs; schools us on the function of historical knowledge and how it serves our present experiences; and reminds us that we don’t have to be bound to the western narrative of Hero vs Villain when retelling the rich tapestry of African history. We chat about innovative ways of creating knowledge and making it more accessible, social media as a tool to understand people’s frame of reference, and how to accommodate and teach the variations and differences in historical perspectives Resources: - https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/black-panther-and-the-invention-of-africa - http://www.republic.com.ng/octobernovember-2017/nigeria-disintegrating-state/ - http://www.republic.com.ng/vol1-no1/the-erasure-of-female-pain/ - https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2008/05/26/after-empire - http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2016/12/22/on-optimism-and-despair/ Reading: Known and Strange Things by Teju Cole Burn This Book edited by Toni Morrison Exit West by Mohsin Hamid This Bridge Called My Back edited by Cherríe Moraga and Gloria Anzaldúa Watching The Crown Blackish Listening to: Invasion of Privacy by Cardi B Top Pop, Vol. I by Pentatonix Outside by Burna Boy K.O.D by J. Cole Cloak; Wallflower by Jordan Rakei Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

On this episode, we chat with Martin Ayeni (actor on Inspector K)about his experience transitioning from theater to screen acting; his dislike for auditions; and what has surprised him about Inspector K. Martin also shares what drew him to Inspector K, and what's next for his career in Nigeria. Mentioned: - Inspector K https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEZ-MhURpRo Reading: - Postcards by Annie Proulx - Fences by August Wilson Watching: - The Crown (Netflix) - The Handmaid's Tale(Hulu) - In Sickness and In Health (Iroko TV) Listening: - A Seat at the Table(album by Solange) - Tom Misch (Artist) ----------------------------------------------------------- Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

On this episode, we chat with Ashley Akunna (founder and producer of The Grapevine) about the term millennials, characteristics of African millennials, the origin of The Grapevine, and how it serves to amplify the voices of millennials. Listen and share with your friends. Mentioned: - March series by Congressman John Lewis - Bruno Mars episode on The Grapevine (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9NTvCyprsA) Reading: - Black Skin, White Masks by Frantz Fanon - What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah Watching: - Grownish (TV show) - Ozark (Netflix) - Mudbound (Netflix) - Rumor Has It (YouTube) - Inspector K (YouTube) Listening: - In My View by Young Fathers - Ray Blk (UK artist) - Thandiwe by Vusi Nova - Kuku Kee Me by Seun Kuti - Rendezvous by M.I. Abaga ----------------------------------------------------------- Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

Part II of the episode where we discuss the pop culture phenomenon that is Black Panther. We continue our conversation with @ifeanyiawachie by discussing by the film’s treatment of gender and hailing the wonderful powerhouses that are the women of Black Panther. Ife draws a parallel between how Black Panther was surrounded by women and the women in Jesus’ life and ministry (yes that Jesus). Yeka delights in Shuri’s nerdiness and is glad for her example of unabashed black woman nerdiness. We ask, is there a place for radicalism in the fight against oppression? What are its limits? Is a new Black world order the answer to Black oppression? How will it be different from any other hegemony? What are the possible pitfalls? We reference Audre Lorde’s “Master’s Tools” essay and Jay Smooth’s great advice of “practicing the craft of being good everyday.” We finish off by asking, if Wakanda is Black Utopia, who does the Wakandan Project leave behind? ------------------------ Resources • theintercept.com/2018/02/22/black…-brazil-protest/ • africasacountry.com/2018/02/africa-…try-in-wakanda/ • www.gq.com/story/black-panther…ter_impression=true • longreads.com/2018/02/22/how-bla…re-to-one-another/ • www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-…american-villain • www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comme…ention-of-africa • www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/a…tm_source=atltw ----------------------------------- Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

Part I of the episode where we discuss the pop culture phenomenon that is Black Panther. We are about a month late to the party but we here! Suffice to say, spoilers ahead. If you still haven’t seen the movie, you’re on a long tin! Joined by Black and African arts curator extraordinaire, @ifeanyiawachie, we gush about the visuals, the cinematography, music, acting and general #BlackExcellence on display in the movie. We ask if the movie’s imagination of an African country untouched by colonization is what we envisioned, acknowledge the differences in peoples’ imaginings of a futuristic Africa, and question how technological advancement should manifest while retaining a cultural identity. We also explore the validity and limitations of T’Challa vs Killmonger as an allegory for the relationship between continental Africans and African Americans (and other black people in the diaspora). Ifeyinwa reminds us that while the movie is a celebration of Blackness, it still exists in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and thus is not free of its overarching creative influence, and Yeka O draws a parallel to Biafra and wonders what the country may have looked like had its secession attempt been successful. ------------------------ Resources • https://theintercept.com/2018/02/22/black-panther-brazil-protest/ • http://africasacountry.com/2018/02/africa-is-a-country-in-wakanda/ • https://www.gq.com/story/black-panther-and-the-search-for-home/amp?__twitter_impression=true • https://longreads.com/2018/02/22/how-black-panther-asks-us-to-examine-who-we-are-to-one-another/ • https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/on-killmonger-black-panther-s-american-villain • https://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/black-panther-and-the-invention-of-africa • https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/02/black-panther-erik-killmonger/553805/?utm_source=atltw ----------------------------------- Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

Get philosophical with us! On this episode we reflect on change as it relates to ourselves and other people. Do people change or do we have fixed selves? We explore how we’ve changed physically, mentally, spiritually and financially, amongst other ways. We also discuss why people are obsessed with and often reluctant to change. --------------------------------------- Reading: Leye Adenle’s Easy Motion Tourist Watching: Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther Listening: Praiz’ 2 mins (EP) Ric Hassani’s Believe Extended Remix Feat Falz & Olamide Black Panther Soundtrack Album ----------------------------------- Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

On this episode of NYAC, the ladies participate in a "get to know you" tag. We take a trip down memory lane and swap stories about our birth, our childhood neighborhoods and our first email addresses. We also have a few laughs over books we read as kids, and the superstitions we still hold on to. Listen and let us know what your answers to some of these questions are! Reading: - Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan - Sister Outsider by Audre Lorde - Tar Baby by Toni Morrison - We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union - The Mother of Black Hollywood by Jenifer Lewis - The Five Love Languages for Singles by Gary Chapman Watching: - Westworld (HBO) - Grace & Frankie (Netflix) - Marvel’s Runaways (Hulu) - Stepsisters (Netflix) Listening: - Last Daze of Summer by Maleek Berry - Outside by Burna Boy - Your Great Name by Todd Dulaney ---------------------------------------------------------- Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

Happy 2018! On this episode (the last one recorded in 2017) we speak with Sarah (sarahadeyinka.com) a humanitarian worker who works with migrants and victims of trafficking. She tells us about her experience working with Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) rescuing migrant boats in international waters. We talk about our understanding of trafficking, explore the motivations of migrants, unpack some (Nigerian) cultural norms that can be inhumane, and discuss the Libyan slave markets and factors that contributed to their presence. ----------------------------------------- Resources http://www.msf.org/en/article/libya-open-letter-european-governments-are-feeding-business-suffering http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/eu-malta-summit-leaders-warn-strand-thousands-refugees-libya-deal-concentration-camps-crisis-a7560956.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/refugee-crisis-migrants-libya-europe-eu-italy-abuse-torture-slavery-forced-labour-iom-report-msf-a7366361.html http://www.sarahadeyinka.com/?p=424 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/09/14/nigerian-girls-young-13-increasingly-trafficked-italy-work-street/ https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/nov/07/italy-investigating-deaths-of-nigerian-women-thought-to-have-been-murdered https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2016/aug/07/nigeria-trafficking-women-prostitutes-italy My Family’s Slave (account of Filipino immigrant family with domestic worker slave) https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/06/lolas-story/524490/ This American Life episode about Eritrean migrants trapped in Sinai dessert https://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/502/this-call-may-be-recorded-to-save-your-life -------------------------------------- Listening to Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong’s Ella & Louis Christmas (Album) Travis Greene’s Crossover (Album) Pentatonix’ Christmas albums Michael Bublé’s Chrirstmas (Album) BuzzFeed’s Thirst Aid Kit (Podcast) Reading Alyssa Cole’s An Extraordinary Union Brené Brown’s Braving the Wilderness Watching Orphan Black’s Final Season (TV Show)

On this episode, the ladies of NYAC talk with Sarah Diouf, founder of Tongoro (an e-commerce fashion label in Dakar, Senegal), Noir (a lifestyle magazine)and Ifren Media company. We chat about how her identity has been shaped by multiple familial ties to several African countries, the origin story behind Tongoro, and her vision for products being "made in Africa." (https://www.tongoro.com) http://www.okayafrica.com/in-conversation-sarah-diouf-tongoro-young-african-creator/ Reading - Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Listening - Here and Now by Toulouse - The Bloody Win by Tye Tribett - Shokolokobangoshe by Jeff Akoh

On this episode of NYAC, the ladies chat with Ladi and Sam (two-thirds of the Road Preppers team)about Lara.ng, a chat-bot designed to provide transport information to individuals living within the Lagos metropolis. We learn about their professional careers prior to creating lara.ng, the necessary and intensive legwork required for data collection and how the chat-bot is sustained financially. Before the episode ends, the chat-bot's hair style gets critiqued, and suggestions are offered. (Contact: hello@lara.ng; sam@roadpreppers.com; ladi@roadpreppers.com) Announcement: tiny.cc/thenigerianmanproject --------------------------------- Reading - Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi - Dreams From My Father by Barack Obama - She's Not There by Jennifer Finney Boylan - Startup CEO by Matt Blumberg - Born a Crime by Trevor Noah - Shoedog by Phil Knight Watching - Underground (TV Series) - The Good place (Netflix Series) - Queen Sugar (TV Series) - Madiba (BET Limited Series) Listening - Eminem's Walk on Water (Song) - Lecrae's All Things Work Together (Album) - Daniel Caesar's Best Part (Song) - Hardcore History (Podcast)

On this episode, we speak with Michael (@MichaelMaponga), actor and CEO of AfroLandTV, about his journey as an actor and entrepreneur. We chat about Hollywood’s portrayal of Africa, how to navigate being typecast, and what distinguishes his streaming platform, AfroLandTV, from similar sites. He tells us his criteria for classifying media as “premium African” content, the barriers to distributing African content, and his big dreams for African media in general and AfroLandTV in particular. More Info about TEDxEuston: http://tedxeuston.com/#/events/metamorphosis --------------------------------- Reading - Roger Martin’s Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works - Shonda Rhimes’ Year of Yes - Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power Watching - This is It (Webseries) - Baby Daddy (TV Series) - Greenleaf (TV Series) - Sense8 Season 2 (Netflix Series) - Suits Season 7 (TV Series) - Voltron (Cartoon Series) Listening - Jessica Bongos Broken to Peace - Falz’s 27 - Nigerian Radio - Asa’s Debut Album, Asa - TD Jakes

On this episode our guest, Congolese American Salem Soni, recounts his experience fleeing The Congo with his family as political refugees and settling in America. He gives us some cliff notes on Congolese history and politics, tells us about his struggles fitting into his new home, talks about how erasing one’s identity is often a form of survival, and describes how being in community with other Africans helped revive that identity and pride. --------------------------------- Reading: - Donna Tartt’s Secret History - Roxan Gay’s Bad Feminist, especially the essay “When We All Lose” - Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist - Cal Newport’s So Good They Can’t Ignore You Watching: - Video of Jidenna, Major Lazer, Ice Prince’s Particula - DJ Cuppy and Techno’s Green Light - Netflix’s Master of None - YouTube Series Shop Talk - YouTube Series, Hot Ones Listening To: - Johnnyswim’s Albums - Podcast The Afropreneur

On this week's episode, the ladies of NYAC chat with Nancy Adimora, editor of AFREADA, about her online literary platform, and her identity as a Nigerian born and raised in London. She spoke to us about how she started AFREADA (Africa + Reader), the necessity of accessible short stories written by Africans and her strong sense of identity as a Nigerian. Resources: www.afreada.com www.brittlepaper.com https://soundcloud.com/mostlylitpod ------------------------- Reading: - What It Mean When a Man Falls from the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah - A Moonless, Starless Sky by Alexis Okeowo - Men, Women and the Mystery of Love by Edwards S. Rogers III Watching: - Skinny Girl in Transit [YouTube] - Transparent [Amazon] Listening: - The Color in Anything by James Blake [album] - Love & Hate by Michael Kiwanuka [album]

On this week's episode, the ladies of NYAC chat with Dimma Umeh, a Nigerian beauty blogger, who spoke frankly about her journey to YouTube, which involved ditching a Masters in Accounting. She also gave tips for growing one's online audience and discussed the amount of work necessary to create quality and consistent visual work. Plus, the ladies all chimed in to dissect the beauty standards in Nigeria, the glorification of “yellow pawpaw” women in Nigerian songs and our makeup choices (from selective to carefree). Resources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r72NRuzf_GU https://afreada.com http://brittlepaper.com https://africanbookaddict.com https://www.ifeyinwaarinze.com Mostly Lit Podcast ------------------------- Reading: -I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou -The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz -An Extraordinary Union by Alyssa Cole Watching: -Game of Thrones -Stranger Things -Breaking Bad -Power -Insecure Listening: -Artists: Pink, Housefires, Worship Central, Elevation Worship, -Hello Maker by Bright City -In Memory of Forgetting by Wanawana -Lost Boy by Ruth B

Let’s talk about sex, baby! On this episode, we are joined by public intellectual Keguro (@Keguro_) as we explore sex, sexuality and gender using the knowledge of how our ancestors viewed and practiced the erotics as the main point of reference. We ask ourselves, what informs our idea of sexuality and gender? How do our ancestors’s views and practiceof the erotics differ from those of the west? How do they differ from contemporary African practices of the erotics? Who are the people taken seriously as those who have knowledge about sexuality and gender? How should our knowledge of how our ancestors view and practice erotics inform our present day, especially how we relate to and be in community with gender and sexual minorities? -------------------------- Resources: - Osunality, or African Sensuality: Going Beyond Eroticism: https://www.africaknowledgeproject.org/index.php/jenda/article/view/776 ------------------------- RWL Reading - Janet Mock’s Surpassing Certainty and Redefining Realness Watching - Game of Thrones Season 7 - TIERS Nigeria’s Everything in Between - Bachelor in Paradise - Insecure Listening to - Sauti Soul’s Live and Die in Afrika - Ric Hassani’s An African Gentleman - Cardi B’s Bodak Yellow - Zebra Katz’ Ima Read - Daniel Caesar’s Freudian

In the first half of this episode we discuss some of the themes we noticed in Naija Beta, the film made by Arthur, our guest in our previous episode. Amayo then gives us a recap of the talks she heard at TEDxMaitama, an independently organized TED event in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. The TEDxMaitama talks referenced are by: Simi Fajemirokun; Aisha Augie-Kuta; Dr. Mairo Mandara; Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili; Dike Chukwumerije. Resources - Naija Beta Film - https://vimeo.com/ondemand/naijabeta - Dike Chukwumerije's poem The Wall and the Bridge - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFAFV6xDlCk Episode mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode and theme music is Ayo by Femi Leye

The ladies of NYAC are back for season 3! On this episode, they talk with Ghanaian filmmaker, Arthur Musah (@pidgincinema) about his identity, experiences at MIT and in the US, transition from engineering to filmmaking and his two documentaries- NAIJA BETA and ONE DAY I TOO GO FLY. We also discuss the responsibility of turning a lens on African stories with (or without) the gaze of the West hovering over our shoulders. Find out more in the episode! Resources: - Watch NAIJA BETA here: https://vimeo.com/ondemand/naijabeta - https://thisisafrica.me/ghanaian-filmmaker-arthur-musah-tells-story-african-immigrant-students/ WWRLW: - ShowDemCamp https://soundcloud.com/showdemmusic/sets/palm-wine-music-vol-1 - The Thing Around Your Neck by Chimamanda Adichie - Ekaabo Live by Femi Leye - Call on Me by Adekunle Gold - The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie - On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder - Brave Confusion by Nakhane Touré Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

For this episode, we are sharing an interview we did with Memkoh, who is a Nigerian entrepreneur, personal stylist and friend of the podcast. We discussed the origin story of our podcast, how we met and gave advice on starting a podcast. In this interview, we also shared our favorite episodes and our hopes and plans for the future of NYAC. Find Memkoh at www.memkoh.com and on IG: @memkoh

On this episode, the ladies of NYAC talk with the legendary Nigerian comedian Chioma Omeruah aka Chigul about humor. We discussed different theories on humor, the unique features of Nigerian comedy (Amayo believes Nigerians do it best), if living in other countries has affected our sense of humor, and of course comedians who go too far. Find our guest Chigul on FB @Chugul and IG @theonlychigul Also, find us on Twitter @nyacpodcast & on FB @Not Your African Cliche Episode was mixed by Ifeyinwa, and theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

Part 2 of 2. We pick up where we left off last week. On this episode, our guests, Bablawo Ifakunle of Harlem (ifakunle.com) and Oluwo Familusi of Lagos (Twitter @familusiawo; Instagram @familusidamilare), two Priests of the Ifá Yoruba Traditional Religion, give us insight into what being an Ifá priest entails and what informs their morality. They dispel some misconceptions about their religion and teach us about some of the priesthood factions within the Ifá Yoruba Traditional Religion. The Ladies of NYAC discuss how our current religious practices are influenced by our culture, learn more about the proliferation of Ifá Yoruba Traditional Religion in the diaspora and how it’s transformed into religions such as Lucumí, Candomblé and Haitian Vodou. Of course, we ask our guests what they think of the resurgence of African Traditional Religious imagery, specifically Yoruba Traditional Religious imagery in pop culture thanks to Beyoncé’s Lemonade. ---------------------------------- Resources: - http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2015/10/the-spirituality-of-africa/ - http://thegrio.com/2011/10/19/african-religions-gain-following-among-black-christians/ - http://www.npr.org/2013/08/25/215298340/ancient-african-religion-finds-roots-in-america Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode and theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

Part 1 of 2. On this episode, we speak to Babalawo Ifakunle of Harlem and Oluwo Familusi of Lagos, two Priests of the Ifá Yoruba Traditional Religion. We discuss their backgrounds and journeys to priesthood, their thoughts on Nollywood’s portrayal of Traditional Religions, and ask if Ifá Yoruba Traditional Religion is in conflict with Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism). The Ladies of NYAC recount their first interactions with Traditional African Religious practices, examine ways in which our current cultural practices are intertwined with Traditional Religions (listen out for when Yeka and Ify realize that they are from the same ancestral home!), and ask our listeners: what does religion do for you and how does your identity come through, if at all, in the practice of that religion? ---------------------------------- Resources: - http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2015/10/the-spirituality-of-africa/ - http://thegrio.com/2011/10/19/african-religions-gain-following-among-black-christians/ - http://www.npr.org/2013/08/25/215298340/ancient-african-religion-finds-roots-in-america Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode and theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

On this episode we speak to African creatives who are: propagating an African interior design aesthetic that’s beyond Safari imagery and Animal prints (Nana from @BluePrintAfrica); fitting people with uniquely shaped feet with comfortable, made in Nigeria shoes (Chimsom from @Nsaata); using language to code emotions into something tangible (Ejiro aka @barelyanyhook). We discuss the unique challenges African Creatives face, from lack of constant power in Nigeria, to poor shipping logistics and inconsistent customs control across the continent, to getting local artisans to keep deadlines. Did you know that Nigeria is one of the largest exporters of unfinished leather? That Hermès carryon may have been a Nigerian cow in a previous life. Let us know what you think of the special musical performances at the end ;) ---------------------------------- Resources: - https://hbr.org/2016/07/why-african-entrepreneurship-is-booming - http://www.worldpolicy.org/blog/2014/02/19/untapped-economy-africas-creative-sector - http://www.graphic.com.gh/entertainment/music/the-rise-of-afrobeats.html - http://mgafrica.com/article/2015-08-27-creativity-is-the-new-money Episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode and theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

On this episode, the ladies of NYAC take on the hot button topic of immigration. Joined by Satia (who was born & raised in Portugal by parents from Guinea Bissau and now lives in London) & Nnenda (who was born in Nigeria, spent her teen years in Italy & went to England for uni) we all share our stories of migration, qualms with expat vs immigrant labels, our issues with assimilation, and the benefits of both worlds. Resources: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/the-not-quite-american-feeling-of-being-a-15-generation-immigrant http://fusion.net/story/215708/nikita-redkar-first-generation-american-problems-essay/ http://www.seattleglobalist.com/2013/06/19/first-generation-alienation-in-tukwila/14050 http://thoughtcatalog.com/helina-daniel/2014/06/8-things-you-experience-as-a-first-generation-american/ ----------------------------------------------------------- Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

The latter part of 2016 was filled with dramatic elections taking place all over the world, some of them happening on our continent. The Ladies of NYAC chat with Jemila Abdulai (@jabdulai) from Ghana and Aisha Dabo (@mashanubian) from The Gambia about the recent elections in their respective countries. We examine the political histories of our countries, discuss the trials our democracies and elections face (low civic engagement, lack of civic education), and ask, what lessons can the rest of Africa learn from recent elections in Ghana and The Gambia? ------------------------------- Resources - http://mgafrica.com/article/2016-12-12-ghana-proves-that-peaceful-free-and-fair-elections-are-not-a-dream-in-africa - http://circumspecte.com/2016/11/ghana-election-2016-democracy-silence/ - http://africasacountry.com/2016/11/all-you-need-to-know-about-ghanas-december-7-2016-elections/ - http://qz.com/876761/five-african-2017-elections-to-watch-rwanda-kenya-angola-liberia-and-drc/ ------------------------------- What we are reading/watching/listening to - The Mail Empire’s Kurukan Fuga Charter (Text) - Ghanaian Ministerial Appointments on myjoyonline.com/tv - #WGHSMemories on Twitter - Gospel Trap Music (Ahaa by Tim Godfrey; Gospel New Orleans Bounce Remix: https://open.spotify.com/album/0KfLpi39P3TQWr41Wg9NPH ) - Jacqueline Woodson’s Brown Girl Dreaming (Book) This episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme music "Ayo" is by Femi Leye

On this episode, the ladies of NYAC talk with Gbenga Olatunji, healthcare consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)about the healthcare system in Africa. The discussion covers everything from the gaps in the healthcare system to the ideal role of the government in the health sector. Resources: http://www.janssen-emea.com/sites/default/files/The%20Future%20of%20Healthcare%20in%20Africa.pdf http://cerebrallemon.com/nigeria-loses-immunization-funding-support-from-gavi/ ----------------------------------------------------------- Reading/Watching/Listening to: - Atul Gawande's Complications (Book) - J.Cole's High For Hours (Music) - Kehlani (Music) - Luvvie Ajayi’s I’m Judging You (Book) - Cathy O'Neil's Weapons of Math Destruction(Book) - Anderson Paak's Malibu (Music) - NBC's This is Us (TV Show) - ABC's The Bachelor (TV Show) - Amazon Original Series: Good Girls Revolt (TV Show) Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

Happy New Year! The Ladies of NYAC return with our first episode of 2017. We look back on the year 2016 recounting our highlights and lowlights, and gaze lovingly and optimistically into 2017, discussing our goals and aspirations for the new year. We reveal our key words for the year (intentional and purposeful), share some of our new year aspirations (not resolutions) and talk about the changes we’ll be making to achieve those aspirations. Expect your usual does of vulnerability, frankness and giggles. Talked about: Viola Davis and Tom Hanks’ Variety conversation - http://variety.com/video/tom-hanks-viola-davis-actors-on-actors-full-interview/ What we are reading/watching/listening to - The Keys by DJ Khaled (Book) - Chewing Gum by Channel 4 (UK); Netflix (US) (Show) - Skinny Girl in Transit by Ndani TV (Web Series) - Celia by Netflix (TV Show) - The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu (Book) This episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode and theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye P.S. We want to say a very big thank you for your continued support of our lil ol’ podcast. We appreciate you!

On this episode, the ladies of NYAC talk with Jessica, founder of Jet Black, and Rory, founder of TripZapp. They all discuss why travel is important(particularly travel to the African continent & Diaspora), and the rampant misconceptions about travel to & within Africa (by foreigners and Africans). Lastly, the ladies share what African countries they want to visit and why. Find Jessica at @jnambowa and check out her travel company at http://globaljetblack.com/services/ Find Rory at @tripzapp and check out her travel company at http://tripzapp.net/index ----------------------------------------------------------- Reading/Watching/Listening to: - Emeli Sandé’s Long Live the Angels (Music) - FX's Atlanta (TV Show) - Luvvie Ajayi’s I’m Judging You (Book) - Brent Coker's Going Viral (Book) - Common’s Black America (Music) - Hanya Yanagihara's A Little Life (Book) - ABC's How To Get Away With Murder (TV Show) - Post-US election coverage (Articles) - Alicia Keys’ Here (Music) Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC chat with Ntokozo (@Ntokozo_Moloi), an activist involved in the #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa, and Zoé (@ztsamudzi), a first-generation Zimbabwean-American PhD candidate and activist from Oakland, CA, about activism and building movements. We recount when activism was first awakened within us and discuss our early encounters with activist movements. Using current movements across the African continent such as the #OromoProtests in Ethiopia, the #ThisFlag movement in Zimbabwe and #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa as examples, we answer the following: How does one mobilize people and build a sustainable movement? How can divisions within a movement be overcome? What activism strategies can be deployed when there aren’t enough bodies? How can Pan-African activist alliances be formed and nurtured? Resources: Oromo Protests in Ethiopia - https://www.buzzfeed.com/aliciamelvillesmith/scores-of-protestors-killed-in-ethiopia?utm_term=.sbYm9Nok#.sbYm9Nok - https://www.buzzfeed.com/hannahgiorgis/menem-desta-altesemaynem?utm_term=.ryXPmQM8#.qe39wqoY This Flag Movement in Zimbabwe - http://foreignpolicy.com/2016/07/15/why-a-hashtag-isnt-enough-for-a-revolution-in-zimbabwe/ FeesMustFall Protests in South Africa - http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2016/10/feesmustfall-decolonising-education-161031093938509.html - http://feesmustfall.joburg/2016/10/09/pan-africanism-and-education-free-access-to-all-or-a-case-for-black-power/ Social Pan-Africanism http://www.ted.com/talks/siyanda_mohutsiwa_how_young_africans_found_a_voice_on_twitter ----------------------------------------------------------- Reading/Watching/Listening to - Steve Biko’s I Write What I Like (Book) - Alexander G. Weheliye’s Habeas Viscus (Book) - Solange’s A Seat at the Table (Music) - Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o’s Decolonizing the Mind (Book) - Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o’s Petals of Blood (Book) - South African Jazz e.g. Simphiwe Dana (Music) - A Tribe Called Quest’s We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service (Music) - Jesmyn Ward edited The Fire This Time (Book) - Emeli Sandé’s Long Live the Angels (Music) - TVLand’s Younger (TV Show) - Amandla!: A Revolution in Four-Part Harmony (Documentary) - James Baldwin’s Go Tell it on the Mountain (Book) - Season 2 of CW’s Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (TV Show) Show was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye.

On today's episode, the ladies of NYAC openly and vulnerably discuss their experiences moving to new places for school and work, including the isolation that comes it. Additionally, they talk about the arduous process of building new community and what moments of solitude have taught them- about life or themselves. #Africanexcellence is Rahawa Haile who hiked the Appalachian Trail #Africandisgrace is Malik Obama... he can go. Resources: http://brevitymag.com/current-issue/black-in-middle-america/ Reading/Listening/Watching: - Tye Tribute’s Work it out - Young & hungry (TV show) - Solange's A seat at the table - AMC's The Preacher - Showtime's Masters of Sex - Lindy West's Shrill: Notes From A Loud Woman - ABC's American Crime Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

The Ladies of NYAC are joined by Brian Bush (@BrianCBush), an African American from Tennessee, and Ifunaya, a 1st generation Nigerian-American from New Jersey, to examine one of the most complicated sibling relationships in the world: the relationship between African-Americans and black people from Africa. We revisit our first encounters with the African or African-American community, learn the history behind some derogatory words each group has for the other, talk about the differences between/similarities of our struggles, and ask if African-Americans can be accused of culturally appropriating African cultures. Resources: - Articles examining the possible sources of tension between Africans and African-Americans o https://www.library.yale.edu/~fboateng/akata.htm o http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2014/01/must-read-complicated-relationship-africans-african-americans/ - Article about black student make up of Ivy League schools: https://www.good.is/articles/ivy-league-fooled-how-america-s-top-colleges-avoid-real-diversity - Article claiming African-Americans appropriate African culture - https://thsppl.com/black-america-please-stop-appropriating-african-clothing-and-tribal-marks-3210e65843a7#.l74a5bnur - Counter argument for why African-Americans cannot appropriate African culture - https://medium.com/thsppl/claiming-what-s-ours-on-black-americans-and-cultural-appropriation-ceb7ec3fa4ae - Invisibilia Episode with Hasan Minahj - http://www.npr.org/programs/invisibilia/484359511/frame-of-reference ------------------------------------------- Reading/Listening/Watching - Solange’s A Seat at the Table - Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing - Marvel + Netflix’s Luke Cage - Ava DuVernay & OWN’s Queen Sugar - Alexa von Tobel’s Financially Fearless - Holy Trinity Brompton/Church of England’s Alpha Course - Tony Morrision’s God Help the Child - deVolkskrant’s interview with Chimamanda Adichie about the differences between her feminism and Beyoncé’s - Brian C Bush’s articles on The Grio and HuffPo Black Voices - Nir Eyal’s Hooked Show was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye.

In this episode, the ladies of NYAC discuss Nigeria's performance at the Olympics, sharing potential explanations for our performance in comparison to other countries. We also talk about the Paralympics then mention our favorite African athletes. Resources mentioned: - http://www.awesomelyluvvie.com/2016/08/nigeria-olympics-opening-ceremony-outfit.html - http://www.okayafrica.com/sports/20-moments-africans-athletes-made-history-2016-rio-summer-olympics/ What we are reading/watching/listening to: - The Smart Money Woman by Arese Ugwu (book) - The Star Side of Bird Hill by Naomi Jackson (novel) - Bank Alert by P-Square (music) - Science Vs (podcast) Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

We are bacccckkk! In keeping with the theme of the back-to-school season, the Ladies of NYAC relieve their beginning of school year memories and talk about our favorite things about the season. From buying gel pens and fancy stationary to sewing new house clothes for (Nigerian) boarding school to new fall TV lineup. We also give advice to the youngins on how (not) to start the school year, and suggest ways that working people may infuse their jobs with that back-to-school energy. What we are reading/watching/listening to - The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu - Gold by Adekunle Gold - We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo - Things Fall Together EP (especially the song Reinfiltrator) by Falana - Coloring Book by Chance the Rapper - Romance novels by Courtney Milan and Molly O’Keefe - Sister Outside by Audre Lorde This episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode and theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

In our last episode of the season, we sat down with the founder of Brittle Paper, Ainehi Edoro, and talked about the origin and evolution of her online literary platform. We also discussed what African Literature means to each of us, the challenges it's currently facing and our hopes for its growth. Resources: • http://brittlepaper.com/2015/10/lesotho-stepping-frosty-fairytale-moso-victor-sematlane-african-erotica/ • http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/30/opinion/sunday/african-books-for-western-eyes.html?_r=0 • http://brittlepaper.com/2016/03/lauren-beukes-book/ • http://www.snarksquad.com/ What we are currently watching/reading/listening to: • Igoni Barrett's Love is Power, Or Something like That • Ken Saro-Wiwa's Sozaboy • Sarah Manyika's Like A Mule Bringing Ice-cream To The Sun • Leye Adenle's Easy Motion Tourist • 2016 Caine Prize shortlist http://caineprize.com/2016-shortlist/ • Netflix's What Happened, Miss Simone? • UnREAL Survey: http://goo.gl/forms/EDmIV0MS2wUKKp4K3 Show was mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye

The Ladies of NYAC are joined by Sara Jean-Philippe (@Sjnphil), a mental health counsellor, as we talk mental health in our communities. We discuss harmful stereotypes, self-harm warning signs, effects of past trauma on mental health, and how we can be better mental health advocates. Resources: • Robin Hammond’s Condemned Series - http://www.robinhammond.co.uk/condemned-mental-health-in-african-countries-in-crisis/ • Forming a joint dialogue about mental health - https://ethnobiomed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13002-015-0075-6 • Mental Health Policy Development in Africa - http://www.who.int/bulletin/archives/78(4)475.pdf • Mental Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa - http://www.rand.org/blog/2015/03/mental-healthcare-in-sub-saharan-africa-challenges.html ---------------------- Reading/Watching/Listening to • Susannah Cahalan’s Brain on Fire • Ama Ata Aidoo’s Changes: A Love Story • Buchi Emecheta’s Second-Class Citizen • Siana Bangura’s Elephant • Siana Bangura’s Elephant book launch highlight reel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTdhw28abLs • Ndani TV’s Youtube Series Skinny Girl in Transit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBYN7uU9mpE • Ndani TV’s Rumor Has It - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw4b1yLZOoE • WanaWana’s Room 313: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBTJuakGKZTdxNYgP5bvES-5hYThAxj7E This episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode and theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

Hi NYAC listeners, In this episode, the ladies of NYAC talk about the mandatory National Youth Service Corps in Nigeria, their feelings about the incredulous exchange rate, and that glorious day when Lagos was featured on Snapchat. Resources: • http://zikoko.com/list/lagos-in-captain-america-civil-war/ What we are currently watching/reading/listening to: • Skinny Girl in Transit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBYN7uU9mpE) • Orphan Black • Barbershop 3 Show was mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye

Although late to the to the #Lemonade dissection game, the Ladies of NYAC discuss a less explored running theme in Beyonce’s last two albums – her collaborations with brilliant African writers; Chimamanda Adichie on self-titled Beyonce and Warsan Shire on Lemonade. Joined by book blogger extraordinaire and longtime listener/supporter Darkowaa (@AwoDeee), we talk about our favorite tracks off the Lemonade album, the pros and cons of being featured in such high profile work, the limited visibility and reach African works of art have in Africa, and what it takes for African artistry to gain a wide following. Resources: Articles about Warsan Shire • http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-writing-life-of-a-young-prolific-poet-warsan-shire • http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/28/arts/music/warsan-shire-who-gave-poetry-to-beyonces-lemonade.html?_r=1 African books for Western eyes • http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/30/opinion/sunday/african-books-for-western-eyes.html?_r=0 Chimamanda’s Sister • http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2016/04/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-sisterhood How not to talk about African Fiction • http://www.theguardian.com/books/2016/apr/06/how-not-to-talk-about-african-fiction Mentioned: Eat Drink Lagos Brunch Club • http://eatdrinklagos.com/the-lunch-club/ Brittle Paper – Resource for finding Literature by African writers • http://brittlepaper.com/ What we are reading/listening to/watching: Drake’s Views Edwidge Danticat’s Breath, Eyes, Memory Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo Diana Gabaldon’s Lord John and the Private Matter Starz’ Outlander Netflix’s Grace and Frankie Angela Flournoy’s The Turner House Show was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye.

On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC laugh over ridiculous pickup lines they've heard, talk about the idiosyncrasies of dating culture in Nigeria & US, as well as societal pressures on women to get married & shoulder the weight of pleasing their spouses. Resources: • http://www.sadeslist.com/men-in-lagos-are-like-avocados/ • http://zikoko.com/list/the-complete-guide-to-being-a-yoruba-demon/ What we are watching: Outlander, House of Cards, Jennifer Diaries Show was mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye.

On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC Podcast and special guest Sinafik (@sinafikb) from Ethiopia talk Feminism, traditional gender roles, feminist heroes, misogynistic cultural practices and surprisingly feminist ones. Sinafik also shares with us some rad things you may not have known about Ethiopia. Resources: • Nigeria’s Rejected Gender Equality Bill - http://qz.com/639763/nigerian-lawmakers-voted-down-a-women-equality-bill-citing-the-bible-and-sharia-law/ • Ozzy Etomi’s Commentary on bill rejection - https://medium.com/human-development-project/nigeria-fails-it-s-women-over-and-over-again-4149cc04793d#.cmah49sri • Chimamanda Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg3umXU_qWc • Why We Smile at Men Who Sexually Harass us - https://medium.com/mshannabrooks/why-women-smile-at-men-who-sexually-harass-us-cf4eeb90ed30#.s320nk3en • Audre Lorde’s Master’s Tools - http://collectiveliberation.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Lorde_The_Masters_Tools.pdf • Her Story Ethiopian Commercial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2lkl2W-aAg • Instagram Account ByeFilipe - https://www.instagram.com/byefelipe/ • Ill-informed article that we gave the side eye - http://thenakedconvos.com/i-love-femininity-not-gender-equality/ • Twitter Hashtags #MasculinitySoFragile and #YouOKSis Show was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye.

On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC and special guests Maame and Maama from Ghana talk about their cultures- from how their cultures shaped them to what they wrestled with and what the future looks like for their ethnic languages. Resources: • http://shebaisthemuse.com/2016/02/in-lagos-everyone-is-trying-to-hammer-and-the-nail-is-fcking-bent/ • http://www.bellanaija.com/2016/03/william-ifeanyi-moore-language-as-an-intrinsic-part-of-our-cultural-identity-or-maybe-not/ What we are reading/watching/listening to: • Girl at War by Sara Novic • Soldier by Falz (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKgZ9b4SBI8) • War Room • Ride Along 2 • Diplomacy by Kissinger NGO Shoutout: Grow With Nigeria http://www.growwithnigeria.org/ Show was mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye.

On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC and special guest Lebo from Lesotho discuss our educational backgrounds and examine the good (boarding school adventures), the bad (crowded classrooms and impatient teachers) and the ugly (corporal punishment). Resources: • http://www.brookings.edu/research/interactives/africa-learning-barometer • https://efareport.wordpress.com/2015/03/06/no-girl-left-behind-education-in-africa/ • http://www.aaionline.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/AAI-SOE-report-2015-final.pdf What we are reading/watching/listening to: • Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things • Courtney Milan’s Brother Sinister Series • Generations (South African Soap) • Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mocking Bird OkayAfrica shoutout written by Ifeanyi Awachie: http://www.okayafrica.com/news/african-podcasts-you-should-be-listening-to/ Show was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye

Hey listeners! In this episode, we talk about our favorite African actors, our collective weariness at the portrayal of African characters in the media and the benefits of the increasing presence of African actors in Hollywood. Our Favorites: Danai Gurira, Eclipsed and The Walking Dead http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/when-danai-gurira-couldnt-find-complex-stories-about-african-women-she-wrote-her-own-2/ David Oyelowo, Selma, Middle of Nowhere and The Butler Chiwetelu Ejiofor, Half of a Yellow Sun and The Martian Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Belle, Beyond The Lights, Concussion and Undercovers References: The Book of Negroes, Djimon Hounsou, NYAC S1 Episode 1, Family Guy (http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/01/according-to-family-guy-rhinoceros-is.html), Blackish (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4831834/?ref_=ttep_ep12), Modern Family (http://www.hulu.com/watch/700524), Sense 8, Concussion, Beasts of No Nation, Luther, Ayanda, 12 Years A Slave, Shuga (https://vimeo.com/7775923), 24, Waiting to Exhale, Love Jones, Brown Sugar, The Best Man, Love & Basketball. What we are currently watching/reading/listening to: Banky W ft Chidinma, All I Want Is You The Fishermen by Chigozie Obioma Show was mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze, and theme music is “Ayo” by Femi Leye.

Happy Black History Month (Black Fist Emoji)! In this episode we explore how Black History is celebrated in different parts of the world; discuss differences between BHM celebrations in the US vs UK; share the things we learnt thanks to BHM; shoutout some of our black heroes: Lewis Howard Latimer, Madam C.J. Walker, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin and Toussaint Louverture; and demand our fucking reparations from white people. Resources: • Excerpt from Edward Baptist’s The Half Has Never Been Told - http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2014/11/19/slavery-economy-baptist • BBC’s Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b063db18 • PBS’s Black in Latin America - http://www.pbs.org/wnet/black-in-latin-america/about/ What we are currently watching/reading/listening to: • Rihanna’s ANTI Album • Mat Johnson’s Loving Day • HBO’s Game of Thrones • Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You Show was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye

Hear your favorite hosts talk about entrepreneurship, specifically in Nigeria, and shout out up and coming entrepreneurs!

Happy New Year! Inspired by Chimamanda Adichie’s Danger of a Single Story TED Talk, we examine Afropolitanism and discuss whether or not it’s the new Single Story about Africa. We discuss the relatively new concept as it relates to Afro-Pessimism and Pan-Africanism. Is Afropolitanism a social movement? A political one? Does it matter? Related articles: - http://africasacountry.com/2014/01/why-im-not-an-afropolitan/ - http://thelip.robertsharp.co.uk/?p=76 - http://blog.qeh.ox.ac.uk/?p=910 - http://africainwords.com/2013/02/08/exorcizing-afropolitanism-binyavanga-wainaina-explains-why-i-am-a-pan-africanist-not-an-afropolitan-at-asauk-2012/ - What we are currently watching/reading/listening to: - Minority Report (The Movie) - Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See - Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance - Abraham Verghese’s Cutting for Stone - Kristin Kimball’s The Dirty Life - The web series An African City, Gidi Up and Shuga - Falz’s Stories That Touch album Show was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye

We talk about and compare our experiences celebrating Christmas in Nigeria and the U.S. Then we discuss Nigerian crossover church services.

Our long awaited sophomore episode is here! On this episode we: • Talk about the origins of our names, what they mean and why it is important you make an effort to pronounce names properly. Let Warsan Shire’s poem awaken you http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/685235-give-your-daughters-difficult-names-give-your-daughters-names-that • Black solidarity and evolution of our identities • Dissect (probably well intentioned) questions like ‘where are you from?’ and ‘when are you going back?’ and Taiye Selasi’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/taiye_selasi_don_t_ask_where_i_m_from_ask_where_i_m_a_local?language=en • Touch on some international student struggles (where our F1/OPT/H1B people at?) What we are reading/watching/listening to: o Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks o Justin Beiber’s Purpose (especially the single Sorry) o Jon Ronsen’s So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed o Binyavanga Wainaina’s How to Write about Africa o Cecile Emeke’s Strolling Series Theme music, Ayo, by the ever gracious and über talented Femi Leye, cover art by Yeka O, episode mixed by Ifeoluwa O

Welcome to the premiere of Not Your African Cliché! A bi-weekly(ish) podcast where 4 African women talk about their experiences living at home and abroad. This week we talk about: • Stereotypes about Africa we’ve encountered • KONY 2012 • White Saviors - http://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2012/03/the-white-savior-industrial-complex/254843/ • Our disgust of Adam Sandler’s movies • Taylor Swift’s Wildest Dreams video - http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2015/09/01/436653602/taylor-swift-is-dreaming-of-a-very-white-africa • Colonization Things we are currently reading/watching/listening to o Adele’s "Hello" o New Nigerian Music (especially Femi Leye and Kaliné) o Gimlet Media’s "Startup" and "ReplyAll" o Showtime’s "Dexter" o Chimamanda Adichie’s "The Thing Around Your Neck" o Nnedi Okarafor’s "Lagoon" Show was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye