In today's episode, we're joined by a familiar face in the Kenyan social media scene, Wixx Mangutha. Wixx is a visual storyteller, utilizing anything within reach to craft her art. With accolades like the Best Animator award (WIFA) and the Pulse Art Influencer award, she boasts collaborations with major brands such as Coca-Cola and Safaricom. Wixx generously shares her journey and the invaluable lessons she's gathered along the way.

What makes her narrative particularly intriguing is her ascent in the art industry without any formal training, bridging the gap between formally educated creatives and self-taught artists. Her story is a testament to the power of hard work and persistence, especially resonating with self-taught creatives. Tune in for insights and inspiration from Wixx's remarkable journey!

This is the 37th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts.

*For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones.

Instagram: wixx_mangutha

YouTube: Wixx Mangutha

Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ngalah_oreyo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Mercy Barno (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@merc.b_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

For the full episode transcript:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.afrika.design/wixx-mangutha

In today's discussion, we engage with the visionaries behind Free Mind Sessions, a safe space for individuals to converge, exchange opinions, and share experiences in the pursuit of enlightenment. Our guests include Nyacomba Githu, the founder, and Lindsay Obath, the co-founder. They walk us through the evolution of their creative journey, culminating in the establishment of these inclusive spaces.

Both creatives, Nyacomba, a fashion illustrator and textile designer, and Lindsay, an artist, aspire to serve as facilitators, providing a platform for Kenyans to connect beyond their immediate circles, breaking free from the confines of family WhatsApp groups, and the echo chambers of social media. In essence, an invitation to free your mind!

This is the 36th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts.

*For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones.

Instagram: freemindsessions.ke

LinkedIn: Nyacomba Githu

LinkedIn: Lindsay Obath

Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ngalah_oreyo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Mercy Barno (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@merc.b_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

For the full episode transcript:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.afrika.design/free-mind-sessions

This week, we delve into a narrative of perseverance, tenacity, and optimism. Our guest is David Avido, a seasoned professional in the fashion industry, excelling in tailoring, fashion styling, pattern making, teaching, and business consultancy. Beyond his role as a fashion expert, David is a community activist, public speaker, and mentor. He is the visionary behind Lookslike Avido fashion brand, The Avido Foundation, and the Kibera Fashion Week, garnering significant recognition in Nairobi, Kenya.

His portfolio includes creating garments for notable figures such as President Uhuru Kenyatta, and international artists like Koffee, Chronixx, Nasty C, Ty Dolla Sign, among others. David unfolds his personal journey, narrating how he triumphed over social and financial obstacles through hard work, preparation, and maintaining a positive outlook in the face of adversity. Join us for an inspiring conversation and glean insights from his remarkable path.

This is the 35th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts.

*For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones.

Website: Lookslike Avido

Instagram: avidofoundationLinkedIn: David Avido

Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ngalah_oreyo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Mercy Barno (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@merc.b_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

For the full episode transcript:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.afrika.design/david-avido

In this episode, Ama Waithira invites us into the realm of play as she explores the fascinating world of cosplay. A seasoned animator and lecturer at the Multimedia University of Kenya, she unravels the misconceptions surrounding cosplayers, debunking labels such as demonic often associated with this creative expression in Kenya.

Ama delves into the origins of cosplay and shares her personal motivation for being part of this community. With a mission to popularize and destigmatize cosplay, she emphasizes the importance of play, traditionally considered for children, as a vital aspect of the human experience. Ama sheds light on the developmental and creative benefits embedded in play and, consequently, in the world of cosplay. Join us to discover the evolving landscape of cosplay in Kenya and how you can become a part of this vibrant community.

This is the 34th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts.

*For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones.

Instagram: ama_waithira

LinkedIn: Ama Waithira

Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ngalah_oreyo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Mercy Barno (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@merc.b_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

For the full episode transcript:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.afrika.design/ama-waithira

In this episode, we sit down with Wanjiku, the visionary behind Hisi Studio, a groundbreaking lifestyle and fashion brand. Hisi Studio is dedicated to exploring inclusive design and revolutionizing fashion by considering the unique needs of visually impaired consumers. Wanjiku shares her journey, delving into the successes, setbacks, and invaluable lessons learned along the way.

She sheds light on the sensory experiences of persons with disabilities, offering insights into their perceptions of color and daily life. Moreover, Wanjiku imparts essential knowledge on fostering inclusivity in interactions with persons with disabilities, providing a guide to understanding and embracing diverse perspectives.

This is the 33st episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts.

*For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones.

Instagram: hisi_studio

LinkedIn: Wanjiku Angela

Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ngalah_oreyo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Mercy Barno (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@merc.b_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

For the full episode transcript:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.afrika.design/wanjiku-angela

In this episode, we embark on a sensory odyssey with your host, Adrian, a rare synesthete offering a unique insight into the world of synesthesia—where senses intertwine, transforming music into colors and words into tastes. Adrian's personal journey unfolds at the Venice Design Week, where he collaborates with experts to unravel the mysteries of synesthesia's impact on daily experiences and problem-solving.

Joining Adrian on the panel are members of Journey Through The Senses, an International Nonprofit Organization celebrating human sensory perception through art, performance, science, technology, and interactive installations. This extraordinary exploration is made possible through a partnership between Journey Through The Senses and Nairobi Design, in collaboration with Venice Design Week. Join us as we navigate this remarkable tapestry of perception and delve into the captivating world of synesthesia.

Panel:

James Wannerton (UK) [Producer/Key Organizer]

Anton V. Sidoroff-Dorso (Russia) [Chief Science Officer]

Professor Julia Simner (UK) [Science Advisor]

Michael Haverkamp (Germany) [Product Design]

Adrian Jankowiak (Poland/Kenya) [Creative Director]

This is the 32st episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts.

*For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones.

Instagram: journeythroughthesenses

Website: Journey Through The Senses

Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ngalah_oreyo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Mercy Barno (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@merc.b_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

For the full episode transcript:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.afrika.design/synesthesia

In this episode, we introduce Gabriella Okeno, one of the founders of Archtivate Africa—an initiative dedicated to showcasing African architecture, with a particular focus on its vernacular expressions. Her organization aims to visually represent vernacular architecture, particularly from pre-colonial Africa, through the integration of AI technology and various tools.

Gabriella's passion for rural landscapes, coupled with her fascination with the dynamics of rural-urban migration, has guided her on this journey. She advocates for a forward-looking approach that involves reconsidering elements that may have been overlooked due to the erosion of cultural practices.

This is the 31st episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts.

*For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones.

Instagram: archtivate_africa

LinkedIn: Gabriella Okeno

Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ngalah_oreyo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Mercy Barno (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@merc.b_⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

For the full episode transcript:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.afrika.design/gabriella-okeno

In this episode, we return to the captivating landscapes of Madagascar. Our guest is Miora Acker, a visual artist with a fervent curiosity for societal phenomena. Her muse is society itself: its inhabitants, their everyday experiences, the ecosystem they inhabit, and the intricacies of human psychology. Miora's mission is to challenge prevailing perceptions that different groups within society hold about one another.

Miora delves into the disparities between German and Malagasy societies, shedding light on their respective strengths and weaknesses. Through her exploration, she emphasizes the potential for mutual learning. Furthermore, she is eager to unveil the multifaceted and culturally rich side of Madagascar, dispelling misconceptions that might have arisen from popular depictions like "Madagascar the Movie."

This is the 30th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts.

*For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones.

Website: ⁠https://mioraacker.com/⁠

Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (⁠⁠⁠⁠@ngalah_oreyo⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Mercy Barno (⁠⁠⁠⁠@merc.b_⁠⁠⁠⁠)

For the full episode transcript:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.afrika.design/miora-acker