PODCAST · society
54Lights
by Kondwani Mwase
54Lights is committed to elevating creatives of colour. We showcase Africa to the world, by lighting up great guests with roots in the 54 countries of the continent. We’re telling these under told stories from Africa to all corners of the globe. And because each guest has a unique and flavour-filled tale to tell, we will tell these stories with care. So that they can shape and reshape and reframe the narrative, one story at a time. Humbly hosted by Kondwani Mwase
Episodes
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[BONUS.ZAMBIA..] Dreams done bigger: The Courage to Create with Natasha Mumba and Nina Lee Aquino
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Up next, host Kondwani Mwase sits down with Zambian-born Canadian playwright and actor Natasha Mumba and Nina Lee Aquino, Artistic Director of English Theatre at Canada’s National Arts Centre, to unpack Copperbelt—a world-premiere play exploring family, wealth,...
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[BONUS..GHANA...] Between the Hyphen: How Quiet Leaders Control Their Career Narrative
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Kondwani speaks with Lissa Appiah, a Ghanaian-Canadian career strategist and founder of We Apply. Lissa shares her journey from government employee to entrepreneur, revealing how her "between the hyphen" identity shaped her mission to help quiet leaders and...
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[BONUS. NIGERIA..] What Comes Next with Judith Okonkwo
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY In this episode, Kondwani is joined by Judith Okonkwo, a visionary technologist and organizational psychologist, whose overt passion for immersive technology is shaping the future of Extended Reality (XR) in Africa. Based in Lagos, Judith’s enthusiasm and...
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[17.54.. RWANDA] Intersections with Malaïka Urbani
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY In this episode, Kondwani is joined by Malaika Urbani, a dynamic creative whose work bridges the worlds of art, culture, and storytelling. With a deep passion for preserving and celebrating African heritage, Malaika uses her platform to amplify voices…
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[16.54.. SOMALIA] Life and Light...Captivatingly Captured with Faisa Omer
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Embark on a journey through the lens of Faisa Omar, a Somali Canadian photographer and mental health professional, as she shares her compelling story and insights. From her childhood dreams of teaching to her discovery of photography as an art form, Faisa's...
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[15.54.. BENIN] Art Beyond the Strokes with Andy Akangah
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Let’s go to West Africa! 54Lights takes you to the brilliant country of Benin through a conversation with self-taught illustrator from the wonderful nation. The Beninese artists, and CEO of AKARTS (a hip-hop inspired streetwear line) Andy Akangah joined us in...
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[14.54..SIERRA LEONE] Leading Every Day with Yabome Gilpin-Jackson
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Your host, Kondwani Mwase, talks to the accomplished Dr. Yabome Gilpin-Jackson to discuss her inspiring journey from Sierra Leone to Canada, and her impactful work in equity, diversity, and inclusion. Yabome shares profound insights on navigating complex…
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[13.54..BOTSWANA] The Power of Storytelling with Sarah Owusu
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Lean into an important discussion on African leadership with Sarah Owusu, an Organization Development specialist renowned for her expertise in culture, employee engagement, and change navigation. Rooted in her Danish-Ghanaian and Botswana heritage, Sarah…
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[BONUS] Make it Malawi with Joy Mwandemange
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Kondwani is joined by Malawian-Canadian artist Joy Mwandemange to share her inspiring journey. From her childhood immersed in the arts to navigating a multifaceted career spanning acting, music, and more, Joy shares powerful insights on following your passions,...
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[BONUS. NIGERIA..] From Risk-free to Risk-filled with Ikenna Onyegbula
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY We got a BONUS episode for you today! 54Lights takes you to the incredible nation of Nigeria (again!) with rich conversation and inspirational thoughts. Join host Kondwani Mwase and he sits down with Ikenna Onyegbula, a Canadian poet with Nigerian Heritage and…
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[12.54..GHANA] In Living Colour with Kofi Frempong
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Kondwani Mwase sits down with Ghanaian-Canadian artist Kofi Frimpong for a vibrant discussion about his artistic journey, creative process, and the power of community. Kofi shares insights into how his colourful paintings connect with people, especially those…
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[Bonus] Keep it 100.. Celebrating the Centennial
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY In this episode, we relive some great experiences from our first 99 episodes...calling out the many highs from seasons and journey's past. Most poignantly, host Kondwani Mwase pays homage to the audience and artists (creatives) who have made our firat 100...
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[11.54..NIGERIA] From Medical School to Mainstream Retail with Lola Adeyemi
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Kondwani interviews entrepreneur Lola Adeyemi, founder of It's Souper, an Afrofusion gourmet meal company selling flavourful soups, sauces and spices. Hear Lola's inspiring story of leaving medical school in Nigeria to follow her creative passions, moving to...
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[10.54..ESWATINI] Giving Back By Design with Khulekani Msweli
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY In this episode, Kondwani interviews Khulekani Msweli, a fashion designer, artist, entrepreneur and activist from Eswatini. Khulekani discusses returning to Eswatini after studying abroad to give back to his community through art and community development...
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[9.54..NAMIBIA] From Namibia to the Junos: Garth Prince on Identity and Sound
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Kondwani interviews Juno award-winning artist Garth Prince, who shares his journey from Namibia to building a music community in Canada. With infectious rhythms and cross-cultural sounds, Garth describes how creating music became his pathway to preserve his...
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54Bites: The Best in Class with Navi Kahlon
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY In this quick episode of 54Bites we are joined in virtual studio by our newest intern Navi Kahlon. Navi, who has roots in Tanzania, joins us from the journalism program at Toronto Metropolitan University. As our Brand Partnerships intern, Navi is leading the...
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[8.54..MAURITIUS] Passion Triggers Art with Pascal Lagesse
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY 54Lights touches down in the beautiful nation of Mauritius for this light-hearted and light-filled conversation with Pascal Lagesse. Pascal joined us virtually from his homeland where he has been working as a visual arts professional for over two decades. A...
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[7.54..MALI] From Mali to the Microphone with Daouda Doumbia
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Kondwani interviews emerging radio personality Daouda in this fun and insightful episode. Originally from Mali, Daouda shares stories from his journey studying communications in Canada and gaining experience in university radio. Daouda talks to Kondwani about…
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[6.54..KENYA] - At the Intersection of Seat and Stage with Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY In this episode, host Kondwani Mwase is joined by Kenyan/Ugandan creator and director Mumbi Tindyebwa Otu. Mumbi joined us in, virtual studio, from Toronto where she now lives after time in Victoria, BC. During the course of this short, yet infinitely sweet,...
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[5.54..TANZANIA] Educating and Supporting Tanzanian Women
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Diana Gasper has made her life in North Carolina after meeting her American husband in Canada, yet she will always have the most love and longing for her home of Tanzania. Diana is a businesswoman, entrepreneur and philanthropist who helps women and girls in...
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[Bonus.ETHIOPIA..] Sustainability, Community and Change in Africa with Yodit Seyoum
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Yodit Seyoum is an interior designer from Ethiopia. She joins our host Kondwani to talk about her journey to becoming involved in sustainable and community-focused design and environmental advocacy. They discuss the importance of sustainability in the world and...
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[4.54..ETHIOPIA] The Java Jaunt: Journeys from Ethiopia to the World with Muna Mohammed
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY 54Lights is committed to illuminating the African experience...one story (bean) at a time. In the latest episode of 54 Lights, Kondwani converses with Muna Mohammed, the innovative CEO behind Eight50 Coffee. Muna's deep-rooted connection to coffee cultivation,...
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Revisiting the First and Fabulous Four Episodes
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Host Kondwani Mwase is joined in virtual studio by guest-host and social media manager Ariana Busato for a behind the scenes look/listen on episodes past. Ariana, who helps with the podcasts socials and guest outreach, turned the tables on our host and asked…
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[3.54..ZAMBIA] Escaping the Colonial Mindset with Aaron Samuel Mulenga
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Join Kondwani as he interviews Aaron Samuel Mulenga, an artist, (soon to be) professor and an expert on Afro-futurism. The conversation, broadly speaking, touched on the impact of colonialism on African art and culture. Together they question the roots and...
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54Bites: Finding Safety in Spaces with Chawa Mphande
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY She's Baaaaack!!!! Chawanangwa Mphande returned to 54Lights to share her reflections on our previous pods. In her first conversation, we discussed her childhood friend and leading cultural artist Qabaniso Malewezi. In this instalment, Chawa (as she's...
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[Bonus.Zimbabwe..] Rewriting the Meaning of Africanism with Shelton Mpala
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY In this episode of 54Lights modern-day Pan-Africanist Shelton Mpala speaks about his passion and the unique time we live in. The two unpack an African revival, of sorts, that is sweeping through the globe. Shelton was born and raised in Zimbabwe and describes...
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[2.54.. ZIMBABWE] On Being One of a Kind with Farai Madzima
What to expect when you press PLAY Farai Madzima is a man of and for the people. He is a leader, teacher and speaker who's passionate about managing people humanely and authentically, regardless of who they are. He celebrates diversity in all areas of life, including in business. He speaks about...
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From Passion to Profession with Chawa Mphande
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Chawanangwa Mphande, affectionately known as Chawa, joined us in studio to talk about our last episode with Qabaniso Malewezi (Q). As is the case for these special broadcasts of 54"Bites", Kondwani and hiss guest reflect on episodes past and project on the...
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[1.54.. MALAWI] When Culture Comes Calling with Qabaniso Malewezi
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY In the official kick-off to the fourth season, the continental journey, that lives through this project, takes flight in the warm heart of Africa. Episode 1.54 (When Culture Comes Calling with Qabaniso Malewezi) brings listeners to Malawi, the native homeland…
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Trailer Season IV: The Journey Continues
WHAT TO EXPEXT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY 54Lights is on a bold mission to broadcast inspiring stories from Africa to the world. Creatively designed, passionately produced and curated for (and from) the community, the show is devoted to showcasing the continent...its people and its allies. Put another...
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The Mindful Humanization of Diplomacy with Ray Fankhauser
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Ray Fankhauser, a Canadian with over 20 years of diplomatic service, joined host Kondwani Mwase to talk about his travels, trials and triumphs. From his early days in the corps in China to taking center stages in Pakistan to his eventual journey home, Ray opens...
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Hope and Healing: Keeping The Light On Cyclone Freddy
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Kondwani has had a few difficult weeks dealing with the devastation of Cyclone Freddy and its horrific impact on his birthplace of Malawi and other Southern Countries of Africa. In this episode, he talks about the distinct internal dilemma he is facing, ‘what…
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Cyclone Freddy and The Diaspora's Dilemma with Chawa Mphande
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Host Kondwani Mwase is joined by returning guest Chawa Mphande in an important episode reflecting on Cyclone Freddy. The two unpack and explore some tough questions about natural disasters, trauma and crisis management. The endpoint is a raw, yet hopeful…
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Shaping Cultural Spaces with Jimmy Baptiste
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Jimmy Baptiste is an artist based in Ottawa, Canada. He is also a father, educator, graphic artist and culture builder. Jimmy extends his art into the community in a profound and colourful way, working with students to create beautiful murals that discuss…
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Africa in Diaspora
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Prolific podcaster, Dr. Patience Adamu is the architect of several incredibly compelling shows - The Drip, BBW (Big, Beautiful and Winning), Hyphenated among them. The PhD graduate and an all-round super-creator joins your host, Kondwani Mwase, to talk about…
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Flashback to Flashforward
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY Ricardo McRae returns to the 54Lights studios. Over the course of the conversation, Ricardo gives host Kondwani an update on his life post-pandemic including the life-affirming accident he was in. The two also delve deep into business, a "winning" mindset and...
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Leave It All On The Stage
Acclaimed actor, Karen Leblanc joins us in studio to talk about her ever-elevating career and path. As an independent and emerging artist, she rose to more popular fame after instrumental performances in Rent and impersonating the indomitable Tina Turner. Though her path has been laden with...
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My Life in Pieces
Andrea McKenzie is a fearless entrepreneur who’s building an art empire…one piece at a time. The fierce visual artist has brought her Caribbean culture to the fore with her unique signature and style. Andrea creates unique pieces using glass, feathers and other materials to blend them and weaves...
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Giddy Giddy Giddy
On this instalment of 54Bites...we get talk about getting giddy about guests. As an interviewer, I sat in the hot seat and stepped into some friendly family fire to talk about what impact my love of my guests has on the show. For the honest fireside chat, I sat down with my sister, Siphiwe Mwase,...
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Bring Art Back To Life
WHAT TO EXPECT...WHEN YOU PUSH PLAY In this episode, host Kondwani Mwase is joined by Rwandan urban music icon, Cassa. Cassa emerged from the music scene via private radio station Contact FM and has gone on to tour alongside the likes of Lupe Fiasco and Delasoul. He was also chosen specially to...
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A Matter of Language
Language and meaning dissected, this week's bite-sized conversation is a crude attempt to explore a "universal" lingua franca for the continent. Complex, controversial and even confusing are some terms that come to mind when we wade into the fray. You'll hear from our guest Dr. Josephine...
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Standing in Solidarity
Our guest, Jana Rae Yerxa, is one of our season's most inspirational guests. She's an activist, writer, poet, teacher and community leader. She not only embodies the spirit of the work we do but stands as a key model and shining light to learn from. From her insights on being a selfless, or...
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Masterpiece Theatre
Our bite-sized conversations continue with superfan Natasha Soobramanie as our guest in studio. Taped on location, we spent some quick time reflecting on the work and import of the work of Calvert Jones. Our show focused on one central and perhaps contentious question - which work of art Calvert...
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The Masterpiece Makeover
Artist Calvert Jones is best known for his stunningly bright and provocative works of art. This past year, I sat down with Calvert to talk about his work, its deep meaning and the ways in which the work blows beyond the canvas. Calvert, a hyper realist painter, sort to make a profound impact when...
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Trailers with no Regrats
Our debut of 54Bites - our reflections on things said and unsaid from our previous episode. Today, we talk trailers...what's in, what's out and what there's to regret. In case you were wondering...we see the typo:-) CO-CONSPIRATOR COORDINATES Patinece Adamu is an inspirational and remarkable...
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Forward Ever Backward Never (0.54)
The opening curtain rises again on 54Lights podcast. This season, one unlike we've ever had, will unfold in a slow and stead burn. We will light up Africa by meeting (at least) 54 guests (daughters, sons and stars) with roots in (at least) 54 countries so that they can give us (at least) 54...
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Dimmed (but) not diminished
We close Season III of 54Lights podcast with a short recap of the power of the season and an invitation to stay tuned for the next, and final, Season IV.
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House of Leads with Rheima Robinson
The next episode is our final guest-led conversation for Season III. It features the formidable poet, author and activist Rheima Robinson. We were privileged to have Rheima join us in our virtual studios and walk us through her work, approach and motivation. Rheima walked us through her early...
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Book it Build it & Play with Matt Rennick
As we near the end of Season IV of 54Lights, we sat down with one of the best and brightest Creative Directors in North America. Matt Rennick, a friend and fantastic ally of the African community, joined us in our virtual studios to talk about his philanthropic campaign to raise money for three...
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The Left Turn with Roland Best
The Left Turn (Season3. Episode21..) is one of the most important in our season. It follows the work of guest musical composer for this show, Roland Best, while he takes us on a journey through his business venture. One that centers around a lifelong love of music. Through that, he’s built E-Rol...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
54Lights is committed to elevating creatives of colour. We showcase Africa to the world, by lighting up great guests with roots in the 54 countries of the continent. We’re telling these under told stories from Africa to all corners of the globe. And because each guest has a unique and flavour-filled tale to tell, we will tell these stories with care. So that they can shape and reshape and reframe the narrative, one story at a time. Humbly hosted by Kondwani Mwase
HOSTED BY
Kondwani Mwase
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does 54Lights have?
54Lights currently has 110 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is 54Lights about?
54Lights is committed to elevating creatives of colour. We showcase Africa to the world, by lighting up great guests with roots in the 54 countries of the continent. We’re telling these under told stories from Africa to all corners of the globe. And because each guest has a unique and...
How often does 54Lights release new episodes?
54Lights publishes regularly with 110 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to 54Lights?
You can listen to 54Lights on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts 54Lights?
54Lights is created and hosted by Kondwani Mwase.
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