PODCAST · business
Africa on Luxury
by Buyi Mafoko
Africa on Luxury is a Podcast & Cultural Conversations Platform championing African luxury through culture, creativity and commerce. Founded and hosted by Buyi Mafoko, we curate conversations with African creative visionaries, cultural pioneers and industry leaders unlocking Africa’s potential as the next frontier of global luxury.
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S3 EP6: The Making of an Artrepreneur with Monalisa Molefe
Monalisa is an artrepreneur who has quietly but decisively shaped how contemporary African art is collected, positioned, and valued. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Artform Factory and Artform Advisory, where she works with collectors, brands, and institutions. Here her work sets to build thoughtful, long-term relationships with African art grounded in cultural intelligence, stewardship, and legacy. She previously was recognised in the Top 40 Under 40 Most Influential People of African Descent, and named one of Top 50 Black African Women Entrepreneurs to Watch.In this episodeDefining the 'Artpreneur' mindset and why it's an important distinction in the African art contextArt Consumerism: Narrative vs. SpeedConservation Framing, value preservation and the hidden nuances behind Africa's art industryAfrican Art's Future: Infrastructure, and the role art advisors, collectors, and institutions play in building a more sustainable, long-term ecosystemIdentifying the continent's art market gaps, breaking the industry gatekeeping and leveraging platforms like Investec Art Fair to build global recognitionLinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @buyimafokoFor sponsorship enquiries email [email protected] @monamolefe on IG
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S3 EP5: Wearing the Future with R'frique
Through a carefully curated wardrobe of pieces from leading African designers, R’Frique is pioneering a circular fashion model rooted in sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural pride. Guided by a shared belief that African luxury should be both globally visible and locally accessible, Ceejay and Lebi are challenging traditional retail structures while championing conscious consumption. Their innovative fashion rental model draws from wider industry context around circular luxury, African fashion systems, and access. R’Frique transcends fashion rental norms and expands this platform from a rental to retail movement, with the launch of their new pop-up which sets a new standard as a cultural infrastructure reshaping luxury behaviour on the continent and across the globe.In this episodeR'Frique pioneering Circular African Fashion, from rental-only to retail expansionChallenging traditional luxury retail structuresDecoupling worth from possession in luxuryDemocratizing African luxury fashionHonoring African designers' craftsmanship LinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @buyimafokoFor sponsorship enquiries email [email protected] @rfrique @theceej & @lebi.bosei on IG
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S3 EP4: Manhood, Media, and Meaning with Kojo Baffoe
Kojo Baffoe is one of those rare thinkers who moves through the world with quiet depth — thoughtful, curious, and intentional in everything he creates. He is known for his thoughtful and intentional approach to storytelling. Rich and nuanced in perspective, he has shaped some pivotal conversations on modern African identity, creativity and masculinity which he's carried through his editorship of Destiny Man magazine and in his book and podcast, Listen to Your Footsteps.In this episodeUnderrepresentation of African voices and surfacing them as experts in media Embracing African identity globally and challenging Western luxury notions of luxuryElevating African reference points in global luxury Shaping modern African masculinity and embracing differenceValues alignment and the journey of modern manhood and fatherhoodLinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @buyimafokoFor media and sales enquiries email [email protected] @kojobaffoe on IG
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S3 EP3: The Ancestral Minimalist with Lulama Wolf
Lulama Wolf is a defining voice in modern African art and luxury expression, she stands at the intersection of intuition, identity and innovation. Her work is shaped by spiritual reflection and African vernacular traditions, it blends minimalist expressionism with deeply rooted ancestral storytelling. Influenced by visionaries like Credo Mutwa, her textured visual language has travelled to global stages such as Art Basel, 1-54 and AKAA Paris.In this episodeAfrica: Museum of cultureAfrican abstraction, ancestoral storytelling and indigenous references in artArtworks as self-reflection and embodied prayersStillness as an artist's commanding powerAfrican soil as an intuitive material choice with deep roots in intuition, identity and innovationLinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @buyimafokoFor media and sales enquiries email [email protected] @lulamawolf on IG
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S3 EP2: A Year in African Luxury with Khami Sithole & Lindelwa Busakwe
In this special edit, we look at the 2025 roundup of the year where Africa took centre stage from Fashion, Art, Travel & Cultural Power. I sat down with our Content Curator and the Marketing Manager to reflect on Africa’s biggest cultural moves of the year - from luxury moments that mattered, past episodes, and the process of building Africa on Luxury this year. In this episodeReclaiming African Heritage TextilesCelebrating African Creativity GloballyTyler's Global PhenomenonLagos Fashion Week's ImpactFashion, Culture and Music highlights of the yearFuture of African Luxury in 2026LinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @buyimafokoFor sponsorship enquiries email [email protected] @khamikazeee & @hi.lindee on IG
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S3 EP1: The Feminine Language of Luxury with Buqaqawuli Nobakada
Buqaqawuli is a South African mixed-media artist trained in Fine Art and influenced by architecture. Her works are known for her striking use of lace - a thread that connects generations of women; a language of beauty, softness and strength. Through her textured paintings, she reimagines black womanhood and luxury in a way that feels deeply intentional and deeply personal.In this episodeLace as central to her practice, both as a material and metaphorDefining craftsmanship in an age that often prizes speed and surface over depth and meaningWhat luxury means in the context of black femininityThe symbolism of her work bridging traditional craft and contemporary expressionHow her work is participating in a broader redefinition of African luxuryLinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @buyimafokoFor sponsorship enquiries email [email protected] @buqaqawuli.nobakada on IG
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S2 EP 9: The new language of luxury with Amonge Sinxoto
Amonge Sinxoto is a youth architect, social entrepreneur, public speaker and the founder of Blackboard Africa, a youth-led nonprofit shaping a bold, identity-centered narrative for African youth. A Wits University graduate and current honours student in Political Studies, she has designed and implemented leadership programs rooted in African identity for schools and communities across South Africa. Recognised as a 2019 Global Teen Leader, Mandela Washington Fellow, and Pasha de Cartier Talent, she has spoken on global platforms including TED, Google, and Facebook. With her powerful voice, dynamic vision, and growing global influence, Amonge is one of the continent’s most compelling young change-makers.In this episodeBlackboard Africa and it's role in engaging the youth voice and social impact How youth advocacy and identity work is influencing youth agency and luxury cultureSustainability, pre-owned luxury and deeper consciousness among younger consumersRedefining aspirations and influence among Gen-ZsHow social impact and commercial value can co-exist in the development of African luxuryLinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @noblelivingFor media and sales enquiries email [email protected] @a_monge on IG
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S2 EP 8: Luxury x Streetwear with Gugu Peteni
She is the visionary founder and creative director of GUGUBYGUGU, a South African luxury streetwear label renowned for its bold, gender-neutral knitwear. Gugu’s work is deeply rooted in authenticity and sustainable innovation—using locally sourced mohair and merino wool. She has showcased at New York and Paris Fashion Week, and earned the Best Young Designer Award at Paris’s Africa Fashion Up during Haute Couture Week 2024Her designs are characterized by striking silhouettes and refined comfort and celebrate African heritage while pushing global fashion boundaries. Each piece from GUGUBYGUGU is crafted with intention—designed to spark connection, honor identity and promote mindful consumption. Her work is reshaping the global narrative around African luxury fashion and adding a unique lens to streetwear.In this episodeHow GUGUBYGUGU sits boldly at the intersection of luxury and streetwear and why this fusion uniquely reflects the African experienceTranslating African heritage into modern, luxury streetwear fashion without compromising authenticityUsing locally-sourced natural fibers like mohair to connect both to the land and the brand's mission for sustainabilityBringing exceptional craftsmanship into the fast-evolving world of street fashionStreetwear is closely tied to youth culture and this brand is bringing hope to young Africans through its designsLinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @noblelivingFor media and sales enquiries email [email protected] @gugupeteni & @gugubygugu on IG
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S2 EP 7: Finding circular solutions to textile waste with Rewoven
Esethu Cenga is a leading circular fashion entrepreneur and sustainability advocate, recognised as one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 and a Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African. She is the co-founder of Rewoven, which transforms textile waste into recycled fabric, and also leads Future of Fashion and Muna Studio, platforms dedicated to ethical fashion and circularity in Africa. With a Master’s in Economic Development from UCT, Esethu brings a systems-thinking approach to building fashion solutions rooted in African innovation, environmental impact, and social change.Tshepo Bhengu is an entrepreneur and creative with a passion for building sustainable solutions that benefit both society and the environment. Originally from Pietermaritzburg and a BCom Financial Accounting graduate from UCT, Tshepo is the co-founder and Chief of Operations at Rewoven, a pioneering South African textile company focused on recycling fashion waste into high-quality fabrics. He is also the co-founder of Future of Fashion, an annual indaba dedicated to shaping a more ethical and future-fit African fashion industry. Tshepo’s work is grounded in a deep commitment to community, innovation, and long-term impact.In this episodeThe impact of fast fashion on the environment and the massive scale of textile waste in AfricaReducing fashion waste and the importance of sustainability in fashion Rewoven's role in circular fashion, their journey with recycled fabrics and how they are creating ethical fashion solutionsEntrepreneurship and building relationships in the fashion ecosystemCircular Fashion and how it is changing the industry and amplifying the message of sustainabilityLinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @noblelivingFor media and sales enquiries email [email protected] @rewoven_africa on IG
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S2 EP 6: Africa Your Time is Now with Papama Mtwisha
Papama is a multi-talented creative force whose career spans the worlds of fashion, design, styling, and entrepreneurship. An award-winning stylist, fashion director, designer, businesswoman and speaker, she has established herself as one of South Africa’s most influential voices in contemporary African fashion and culture. She launched Africa Your Time Is Now — not just a fashion label, but a rallying call to inspire unrealized greatness across the African continent. Through this brand, she seeks to empower Africans by promoting self-belief, challenging stereotypes, and showcasing the continent’s rich cultural heritage through a modern, thought-provoking lens.A true creative visionary, Papama previously served as Creative Director for Johannesburg’s luxury concept store Luminance, where she collaborated with global fashion powerhouses such as Givenchy, Stella McCartney, Giorgio Armani, Oscar de la Renta, Chloé, and Giuseppe Zanotti. In this episodeUnifying Africa through fashion as a medium for identityThe Connection Between Fashion and CultureThe Future of African Luxury BrandsThe Significance of Local Brands in evolving African LuxuryBuilding the Africa Your Time is Now brand and solidifying it on the global stageLinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @noblelivingFor media and sales enquiries email [email protected] @papamamar on IG
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S2 EP 5: The Creative Economy with Tebogo Moalusi
Tebogo has a passion for creative industries and is the Founding Executive Director of MNM Marketing Solutions, a marketing, brand activation and events management company. He is also a successful business professional, creativepreneur and social activist. He’s worked at various levels in leading investment banking, management consulting, private equity, ICT, and insurance companies, primarily in business development, marketing, and sales functions. Whilst working in corporate South Africa, he founded the Young Professionals Forum (YPF) with the goal of empowering young professionals with a better ‘understanding of economic, social and political issues’ and developing the abilities through engagement. He holds a BCom Economics and Law degree from the University of Cape Town and an MBA from GIBS, specialising in entrepreneurship. Talk about a career pivot, with is currently the Gauteng Convener and member of the national coordinating team of Rise Mzansi which is building a movement of patriotic South Africans by organising, mobilising and empowering citizens.In this episodeEmpowering change through creativityThe Intersection of Creativity and ActivismThe Ubuntu Economy and creativity as spiritual connectionRevaluing African Craftsmanship and building global excellenceThe Role of Government Policies and creating safe spaces for creativityImportance of legal aspects for creativesThe Impact of globalization on local creativityMentorship, community and the creative economyLinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @noblelivingFor media and sales enquiries email [email protected] @tebogomoalusi_ on IG
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S2 EP 4: Behavioural science and luxury consumption in Africa with Timothy Maurice
Timothy is a human behaviouralist, researcher and bestselling of author of multiple books centred on themes about human and brand behaviour. Known as the CEO Whisperer for helping C-suite executives understand behavioural psychology to position themselves and their mission; this methodology has been sought after by senior executives, political leaders and global entrepreneurs. His research interests lie in Personal Brand Leadership, Brand Influence and Gender Equality which he explores extensively in his podcast The Brain and Brand Show. Applying Neuroscience and Behavioral Science to Personal Brand Leadership, Timothy and his team leverage the evolving trends in Neuroscience and how professionals and organisations should think about how the brain processes identity, brand power and human behaviour. More so now than ever, there is a surgance is well placed to have this conversation with us about the behaviours shaping luxury consumption in Africa given his vast background in branding, design and psychology.In this episodeIntroduction to Behavioral Science and Luxury ConsumptionThe Significance of Luxury as a Status SymbolUnderstanding Consumer Behavior in AfricaThe Role of Luxury in Personal IdentityHow Community Shapes Luxury PreferencesThe Power of Perception: How Stories Shape LuxuryThe Importance of Storytelling in Luxury MarketingEmbracing African Luxury: A New NarrativeLinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @noblelivingFor media and sales enquiries email [email protected] @instatimothy on IG
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S2 EP3: Building a career in media with Sika Osei
Dynamic, versatile and respected Ghanaian media personality, Sika Osei has close to a decade of experience as a TV presenter, actress and live show host. She started her career in PR, Advertising and Magazine publishing as one of the founders of CANOE Africa Magazine which set her up for entry into the creative world of African Film, TV, Influencing and Content production working with the likes of DSTv, TV3, Ebony Life TV, E!Africa.Boasting a film career that spans over 25 projects and 2 films currently showing on Netflix and on other streaming platforms such as YouTube and Showmax. This is beautifully complimented with her TV presence which is consistent across the continent with both live and pre-recorded lifestyle shows in Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. In this episodeBuilding credibility in the industryThe importance of professionalism in mediaThe hidden struggles of women in the industryExploring opportunities in the global media industryBalancing strength and softness in womenAspirations in the South African marketThe future of African entertainmentLinksSubscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxuryFollow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @noblelivingFor media and sales enquiries email [email protected] @officialsikaosei on IG
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S2 EP 2: The art of winemaking with Ingrid Best
Ingrid is a multi-hyphenate businesswomen rewriting the art of winemaking. Raised a stone-throw away from Napa Valley wine region in California and a career spanning over two decades in the wine and spirits industry, iBest Wine was an inevitable creation. Drawing from the travels and life-changing business trip to South Africa, Ingrid was inspired to create her own wine brand which appeals to the modern-day wine drinker who desires new, dynamic, diverse and global wines. Launched in October 2023, iBest currently offers two award-winning South African blends (red & white). Blending wine, art and culture - vision for IBest Wines is to not only bring excellent wine to the US market, but also to share the stories and experiences of South African business owners and creatives. Ingrid and her team of six Black businesswomen - all holding equity in the company - are changing the way the wine industry looks, feels, talks, and tastes, offering a portfolio of fine wines perfect for the modern-day wine drinker who desires new, dynamic, diverse, and global wines. Ingrid's vision for IBest Wines is to not only bring excellent wine to the US market, but also to share the stories and experiences of South African business owners and creatives.In this episode Redefining winemaking with iBest Wines Tapping into the the South African wine industry Revolutionising wine culture through art Mastering entrepreneurship through consistency Celebrating emerging winemakers Exploring the ultimate luxuries: Freedom, art and wineLinks Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @nobleliving For media and sales enquiries email [email protected] Follow @ms_ibest on IG
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S2 EP 1: Ideas and insights shaping 2025 with Dion Chang
Meet my guest He is preceded by an extensive reputation as one of SA’s foremost strategic thinkers and trend analysts pioneering idea forecasting for more than two decades. Dion is the founder of Flux Trends whose definitional business philosophy “trends as business strategy” has served as a reputable reservoir cross-industry to facilitate innovation as a culture embedded in corporate business. His work constantly embraces the change needed in business and finds unique opportunities for organisations to remain agile by empowering them with trends and insights benchmarked globally that pose an enabling environment for them to shift, understand the impact of disruptive technologies and adapt themselves effectively in the African business context. Dion’s vast journalistic background enables him to seamlessly converge communication between brands and consumers, providing deep insights that inform the dynamic relationship between them. An area of deep passion for him are youth trends and subcultures, as well as for solution-based innovation for the greater good. In this episode Trends to watch in 2025 and their implications on Africa Generational leapfrogs with Gen-Z and Gen Alphas The rise of the hermit consumer, How AI is shaping the future of work The dangers of tech disparities Timelines and cycles of innovation Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @nobleliving For media and sales enquiries email [email protected] Follow @dionchang on IG
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EP 15: Discovering curated travel with Silvia Njoki [bonus]
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest Silvia Njoki stands as a prominent figure in the Kenyan online content creation sphere, wearingmultiple hats as a seasoned journalist, and serving as an inspirational force behind her eponymousblog. Her academic journey led her to the prestigious University of the Arts London, Central SaintMartin, UK, and the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Milano, Italy, where she honed her skills in theart of fashion styling. Her professional journey began in the realm of fashion, where she enjoyed considerable success as a fashion stylist before venturing into the dynamic world of blogging. Her adventurous spirit is well reflected in her extensive travels, both personal and professional which feeds the experiences she enjoys discovering the natural beauty, culture, indigenous cuisine and music of the various countries she visits. In 2023, Silvia expanded her horizons yet again by launching "Soul Sync Discoveries," a travelagency specializing in curating both private and group experiences tailored for millennials acrossthe globe. She continues to lend her efforts to her travel agency. In this episode Curated travel destinations Catering for diverse tastes in travel The impact of social media on travel trends Unlocking Africa's travel destination Wanderlust reborn Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @nobleliving For media and sales enquiries email [email protected] Follow @silvianjoki on IG
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EP 14: Localising communications for African consumers with Max Ngari
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest Max is an award-winning Executive Creative Director, with over 14 years experience in the creative industry conceptualising and executing big creative ideas for brands such as Airtel, Safaricom, Huawei, Coca-Cola and Unilever. This solid creative leader's work has been recognised for Agency of the Year, Digital Agency of the Year and Media Agency of the Year in both local and regional award shows. He has also judged in local and international juries such as the Cannes Lions and Loeries; intent to create environments that creatives feel seen, talent is motivated and great ideas win. Notable accolades include 4 x Cannes Lions Winner, Grand Lynx, Grand Clio, Loeries, Cristal, Pitcher Award Grand Prix and numerous APA Award Grand Prix and MSK Awards. In this episode Leveraging mobile usage Africa unlocking it's creative future Millennial's demand for authentic brand stories Revolutionizing Ad Formats Embracing AI Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @nobleliving For media and sales enquiries email [email protected] Follow @thisispineapples on IG
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EP 13: Reconciling Culture & Creativity with Emuron Alemu
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest Emuron is the Founder & Chief Creative Officer of The Quollective Africa, a multi-disciplinary culture agency bridging the cultural gap and transcending borders to deliver resonant and impactful brand stories. His career spans over two decades, 34+ African countries and deeply rooted local insights from which he draws to deliver award-winning creative. He is a decorated Creative entrepreneur with accolades in prominent advertising and marketing industry awards platforms such as Cannes Lions, Dubai Lynx Grand Prix, Grand Clios and Loeries. An all-round storyteller, Emuron is constantly stretching the boundaries of his creativity whether it be through writing, film making or delivering regionally nuanced advertising campaigns. He is articulate in weaving captivating narratives that connect cultures and inspire audiences globally. In this episode Unveiling the beauty of African storytelling The undervalued beauty of language and why African stories are worth telling Kenya's unique cultural contributions and emerging luxury landscape Nairobi's youth-driven creative and digital revolution Africa's digital ingenuity and it's impact on culture Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @nobleliving For media and sales enquiries email [email protected] Follow @alemuemuron on IG
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EP 12: The luxury of education with Gugu Ndebele
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest Gugu is currently the Executive Director of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls. A social impact meets leader in and advocate for education, she joined OWLAG after an extensive role as the CEO of Save the Children South Africa, a global child rights organisations operating in 120 countries. Previously, served in the Department of Basic Education where she was Deputy Director-General primarily responsible for Social Mobilisation and Support Services. She holds a MSc in Organisational Change and Development (Manchester University, UK), Post Graduate Diploma in Adult Education (Wits) and a Management Advancement Progamme Certificate (Wits Business School). She is also a certified Neuro Sequential Model for Education (NME) Trainer. In this episode The current state of the youth, girl children and education OWLAG’s philosophy on education Holistic approaches to support the whole child and the role of the family Addressing challenges in education and bridging the gap to find opportunities for SA youth How young people's exposure informs consumption choices Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @nobleliving @africaonluxury For media and sales enquiries: [email protected] Follow @gugulethutndebele on IG
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EP 11: Globalising Maxhosa Africa with Ntsika Tyatya
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest Ntsika is a friend, colleague and the key custodian of the MAXHOSA brand story, him and I share the passion for the luxury industry and have connected in conversation for hours sharing our aspirations for Africa and fashion. In this episode Strategy for expanding into new markets Pioneering Maxhosa’s growth abroad The global expansion journey Maxhosa’s New York opening and adapting to local tastes The power of community in globalising the brand Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury @nobleliving For media and sales enquiries: [email protected] Follow @ntsikatyatya @maxhosa on IG
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EP 10: The business of luxury with Lihle Nqini
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest Lihle is the Managing Director of MAXHOSA Africa, a trans-seasonal luxury knitwear brand founded by Laduma Ngxokolo. The brand is manufactured in South Africa, in a world class end-to-end production facility that employs over 300 locals over 7 boutiques and an atelier. They are a key economic contributor to the agricultural and textile industries, exporter and fashion retailer sustainably sourcing their wool and mohair from local South African farmers. Their product range includes knitwear styles such as v-necks, crew-necks, cardigans, shawl-collar necks, water-fall cardigans, jackets and pullovers which are the main collection of the brand. The brand image and growth is continuously sustained by designing new, cutting edge designs that showcases the brand’s signature Xhosa-inspired heritage designs. MAXHOSA has ascended to global ranks and pioneering the African fashion industry, through its brand ethos and vibrant collections. In this episode Expanding Maxhosa's luxury footprint globally and the exciting launch of the NYC flagship boutique Creating and inclusive and immersive retail experience Manufacturing, Logistics, Pricing and all the elements involved with running an international luxury business The power of community and it's significance to the brand Breaking the mould and growing beyond fashion to lifestyle and home offering Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @nobleliving @africaonluxury For media and sales enquiries: [email protected] Follow @maxhosa and @lihe_ngxokolo_nqini on IG
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EP 9: Becoming a global fashion icon with Laduma Ngxokolo
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest Laduma is a leading fashion designer, innovator and Creative Director at the helm of the luxury knitwear brand - MAXHOSA Africa. Established in 2011, the brand draws its inspiration from the Xhosa people of South Africa to make creations informed by its beauty, culture, language and diversity. The design signature pays homage to the ritualistic practices, vibrant colours and spirited beadworks to inform the unique patterning of their innovative knitwear design solutions. His works have shown at local and international fashion weeks, is celebrated for offering a heritage-endowed and evolutionary fashion perspective. MAXHOSA retails in high-fashion fashion districts such as South Africa, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Oslo, Berlin and New York. He graduated from Central St. Martins and graduated in 2016 and has risen to global acclaim and accolades such as Vogue Italia and named 100 Most Influential Africans. Through his work, Laduma is an agent of change, shifting and evolving with the changing times and further engaging in the dialogue that places culture as a central subject for inspiring the future. In this episode Laduma's Journey to Becoming a Global Fashion Icon The Essence of Luxury and the maximum care that goes into the MAXHOSA craftsmanship Transitioning to E-commerce Success The Evolution of the MAXHOSA brand and the Future of Fashion Launching the first flagship store in New York Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @nobleliving @africaonluxury For media and sales enquiries: [email protected] Follow @maxhosa and @laduma on IG
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EP 8: Pioneering change with Ofentse Pitse
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest A true pioneer, Ofentse is an orchestra owner, conductor, classical music arranger, producer, musician and curator of intimate musically inspired/ influenced spaces and experiences. She draws her inspiration from the matriarchs in her life, giving reverence to both her mother and grandmother. She is on a continuous journey of self-mastery with education being a central and pervasive theme for her life. She deems herself a creative academic drawn from her passion for art and Africa, ensuring that each project she takes on is innovative and of academic excellence. Ofentse has managed to masterfully create a brand that truly reflects her core values, character, people and heart - all of which are vital ingredients for a history-making change agent and rising influential cultural voice and a key player in the orchestral world. In this episode Ofentse's enchantment with this beautiful continent and her dreams for Africa Her journey from architecture to conducting, arranging and curating music How African music, musical sounds and practices of indigenous people has influenced different musical genres such as classical music The evolution of music in Africa, it's iterations over the centuries and how it shapes contemporary genres such as amapiano Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury For media and sales enquiries: [email protected] Follow @ofentse_pitse on IG
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EP 7: Showcasing Kenyan craftsmanship with Mark Stephenson
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest Mark began his career in advertising and communication disciplines, before joining Sandstorm for which he is now an investor and Managing Director. His relocation to Kenya was an introduction to manufacturing, lending his advertising background to bring a fresh perspective to the brand. Under Mark's leadership, Sandstorm experienced significant growth, expanding to six shops in Nairobi and employing over 80 individuals. In June 2022, Sandstorm launched Opportunity Factory which aimed to address the challenges faced by Kenyan brands during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Opportunity Factory serves as both a production facility and a tourism destination, showcasing diverse Kenyan crafts and heralded as a "hidden gem where Kenyan creativity and innovation collide" - East Africa Travel. In this episode The importance of assuming creative responsibility over our resources and manufacturing techniques Attributes inherent in brands such such as Sandstorm that give them their exclusivity, exceptional quality, distinctiveness and craftsmanship Cultural relics that have translated into building an authentically Kenyan luxury brand How local art can be leveraged as a source of inspiring the brand's aesthetic and relevance Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury For media and sales enquiries: [email protected] Follow @opportunityfactory & @nairobibigman on IG
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EP 6: The evolution of design with Adrian Jankowiak
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest Adrian is a designer, facilitator and creative strategist. He is the Founder of Nairobi Design Week, annual design festival, community and design studio that creatives exceptional, unconventional experiences locally and globally. His work leverages people, ideas and technology to create design works that is structured and emphasises values such community, empathy and inclusivity. Some of the works they produce includes toys, games, consumer electronics, furniture, sanitation, music videos, events and experiences. Nairobi Design Week's scope of design projects ranges from products, services and creative campaigns (local and global). In this episode Curating Nairobi Design Week's 9th Edition, an annual festival of design showcasing of Kenya as creative centre Exploring the journey into Design and Design Thinking Leveraging emerging technologies for design innovation Navigating intellectual property in design The impact of design in the Metaverse Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @africaonluxury For media and sales enquiries: [email protected] Follow @adrianj.ig @nairobidesign_ @africa.collect.textibles on IG
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EP 5: Effective brand strategies for emerging luxury brands with Louise Darko
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest A multi-hyphenate creative, Louise is a seasoned Brand Consultant with over 15 years experience, skilled womenswear designer, and a dedicated community curator with an unambiguous passion and perspective on consumer behavior and market trends. Her expertise lies in leveraging cultural insights to craft consumer-centric strategies that resonate with diverse audiences. As a British Ghanaian, born and raised in the UK, her own cultural background has instilled a profound appreciation for cultural diversity, which is pervasive in allh er work. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design degree and Marketing qualification from Atlanta, where she cultivated her skills and passion for storytelling. True to her multi-hyphenate identify, Louise also convenes like-minded contributors and curates cultural conversations through a community platform called the Multi-Hyphenates dedicated to fashion, community and promoting inclusivity within the industry. In this episode The state of branding in Africa right now How branding become an avenue for cultural conversations Key considerations that brands should be mindful of when creating for African consumers given the diverse cultures on the continent Trends or insights informing what audiences are looking for in the brands they consume or interact with daily Differentiating factors that brands need to incorporate into their strategies to make their products or services more resonant with African consumers Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @buyimafoko @africaonluxury For media and sales enquiries: [email protected] Follow @louminescent_ on IG
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EP 4: Branding ‘Made in Africa’ luxury with Thebe Ikalafeng
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest An afroventurer who epitomises worldiness, our proud export and leading advocate for a brand-led African renaissance. Thebe is the founder of Brand Leadership Group, a multi-disciplinary branding advisory group at the intersection of strategy, creativity and law. He founded Brand Africa, a non-profit movement driving the advancement of the African agenda and the ‘Brand Africa 100: Africa’s Best Brands’ initiative, which has earned it’s stature as the definitive barometer of brands in Africa. His seminal work in branding Africa has has made a sustained, distinguished and consequential contribution to branding and in reframing the African narrative demonstrated consistently over the last three decades (30 years). This year his exceptional accomplishments will be recognised by the University of Johannesburg and the University of South Africa respectively who will confer him with honorary doctoral degrees. In this episode We explore whether African luxury is concept that can be branded successfully Distinguish the unique values shaping luxury brand perception Unpack the connotation of ‘Made in Africa’ brands on different countries or cultures Define key factors distinguishing the branding of African luxury from the rest of the world Highlight success stories and possible challenges facing emerging African luxury brands Talk about the power of storytelling and it’s role in shaping authentic African brands Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @buyimafoko @africaonluxury For media and sales enquiries: [email protected] Follow @thebeikalafeng on IG
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EP 3: Decoding sustainability for African fashion brands with Hadeel Osman
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest Hadeel Osman is a Sudanese award winning creative director and sustainable fashion consultant, she is also the founder of multidisciplinary creative studio DAVU Studio. With vast professional and personal experiences across Asia, North America and Africa, Hadeel has worked in creative direction, visual communications, cultural management, sustainable fashion research and advocacy, styling, directing, consulting and training. In addition, Hadeel is an advocate for change and development across Africa, heavily involved in the evolution and promotion of the regional contemporary arts, culture and fashion industries. In this episode Defining sustainability and decoding the terminology i.e. ethical, conscious consumption, slow fashion, circular economy Is sustainability Africa’s recolonisation and an act of carrying native principles abroad and rebranding them for the West’s commercial benefit Has the sustainability been successful in achieving it's goals whilst maintaining the commerciality of the fashion and luxury sectors Reimagining sustainability in the African context to have it resonate more authentically The rise of Gen Z, the age of social media and the fast-paced consumption culture Emerging African fashion brands contributing to the conversation about sustainability both regionally and globally Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @buyimafoko @africaonluxury For media and sales enquiries: [email protected] Follow @mshadeel on IG
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EP 2: Evolving the definition of sustainable fashion with Lukhanyo Mdingi
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest Eponymously named after the designer himself, the Lukhanyo Mdingi (LM) brand is a transcendental fashion label of global standing. He debuted in 2015 and has made notable strides in the fashion industry, presenting his seminal collections at New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week to acclaimed reception. The LM label is an experience of creative ingenuity, constantly evolving the boundaries of fashion harnessing the human spirit and draws from consideration, community and timeless design to define its sustainability persona. They are premised on preserving the essence of African craftsmanship, continually collaborating with Artisans from across the continent and employing symbiotic creative relationships to conceptualize their collections. LM has exhibited select archival bodies of work in the Victoria & Albert Museum (London) and Brooklyn Museum (New York), been the recipient of the LVMH Karl Lagerfeld Prize in 2021 and most recently named the honorary recipient winner of the 2023 AMIRI Prize. In this episode Discovering sustainable African fashion luxury Role of culture, heritage and traditions in shapin our perspectives of fashion Preserving African Craftsmanship and defining brand essence The power of African fashion and it’s role on the world stage How the Lukhanyo Mdingi has build a considered brand that transcending fashion and evolving the boundaries of sustainability Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG/ LinkedIn @buyimafoko @africaonluxury Follow @lukhanyomdingi on IG
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EP 1: Curating an authentically African art story with Ruzy Rusike
This podcast embarks on a series of culturally-rich conversations seeking to explore, inform and create a unique definition and discovery of African luxury. Meet my guest Ruzy Rusike is an artist, curator and social activist. She currently working as the Head Curator at The Melrose Gallery, the artistic home of Mama Esther Mahlangu. Art is defined as a visual object or experience consciously created through an expression of skill or imagination. It encompasses diverse media such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, drawing, decorative arts, photography and installations. Like art, luxury has always diversified itself by being characteristic of inaccessibility, rarity and incomparability. In this episode Define luxury and it's relationship with art or as an artistic expression The Intersection Between Art, Luxury and Accessibility The Influence of heritage and culture on artistic perspective The Importance of African representation in Art Recognising the role of identity and language in telling the African story Links Subscribe to our YT channel https://www.youtube.com/@africaonluxury Follow us on IG @buyimafoko @africaonluxury instagram.com/africaonluxury Follow @ruzyrusike and @themelrosegallerysa on IG
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Africa on Luxury is a Podcast & Cultural Conversations Platform championing African luxury through culture, creativity and commerce. Founded and hosted by Buyi Mafoko, we curate conversations with African creative visionaries, cultural pioneers and industry leaders unlocking Africa’s potential as the next frontier of global luxury.
HOSTED BY
Buyi Mafoko
CATEGORIES
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