Judeslist

Get ready for the return of the next edition of the Free Community Street Party! Ako Adjei- LiT Up! Date: Friday 27th September Location: Koi Street, Osu, Accra Time: 6pm -12am

In this episode I speak with Maku a renowned visual artist whose work pushes the boundaries of traditional art, creating pieces that are as jarring as they are captivating. As a multidisciplinary artist, she's not only a painter but also a sculptor, creating organic, semi-abstract forms that engage the senses and invite viewers into a deeply personal  space. Maku shares her personal challenge...

In this episode I speak with Malian-American artist Penda Diakité who grew up between Mali, West Africa and Portland Oregon. Her mixed media artwork, comprises of a variety of painting techniques, paper collage, and hand engraving. She uses the vibrant colors and patterns of her Malian heritage with influences of her American upbringing to create pieces that reflect her experiences as a bicultural...

In this episode I speak with Abdur Rahman Muhammad who is a contemporary artist who works and resides in Accra. He has been a practicing artist for over six years with his work exploring the impact that the high unemployment rate has had on Ghanaian youth, particularly through the lens of the overconsumption of Western cultural media. Abdur captures in oil on canvas the stories of young men and wo...

In this episode i speak with Jojo Abdallah about his latest exhibition, PSY-TECH.  Jojo is an artist whose paintings offer a dialogue between past and present, reality and fantasy. Ranging from Ga culture to the impacts of colonialism and modern governance. His work creates a blend of historical figures, places, and events, reimagined through a lens of fantasy that may seem nonsensical at first gl...

In this episode, I speak with  REWA, a remarkable artist whose work captures muses with gazes that invite and intimidate, drawing viewers into a regal, yet quietly commanding presence. Born and raised between Nigeria and England, REWA's art reflects her hybrid upbringing, embodying the modern 'Afropolitan' woman—progressive, self-aware, and deeply rooted in Igbo traditions. Her bold...

In this episode I speak with Amoako Boafo who is celebrated for his captivating portraits that honor and elevate Black figures, carving out a significant place for them in the tradition of portraiture.  As a prominent voice in the art of the African Diaspora, Amoako redefines how Black forms are perceived in a global context. His unique approach challenges traditional perspectives and invites a mo...

In this episode, I speak with Stephen Langa a South African Contemporary Artist from the Limpopo province. His body of work explores diverse stories of black people, experiences of those around him, and personal life journey. His charcoal linework and oil paintings have a mesmerizing effect inspired by his emotive feelings. Stephens' work seeks to galvanize the intimacy of black cultural expe...

In this episode, I speak with Donald Tombia a screenwriter from Lagos Nigeria. Donald’s journey is a captivating blend of science and art. He has a professional career in Forensic Computing and Cyber security. He has writing credits on two of the latest TV series on Africa Magic. He is one of the brilliant minds behind the highly acclaimed Slum King and Masquerades of Aniedo. Donald Tombia discuss...

In this episode I speak with Nicole Ocran a mixed-race American fashion blogger living in London. She shares her journey of personal style, fashion trends, and identity through her blog. Nicole's mission is to get to know herself better and build confidence through fashion and beauty. Nicole shares her experiences as a mixed-race individual and the inspiration behind her podcast and upcoming...

In this episode I speak with Cyril France an artist who brings attention to individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds and highlights underlying political issues, shedding light on marginalized communities. Cyril's portraits capture subjects in a space of ambiguity and poise, prompting viewers to reconsider their visual priorities. His work is influenced by mannerism, a European art s...

In this episode, I speak with Martha Jackson Jarvis, an acclaimed sculptor whose work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Creative Capital Grant, the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and the 2024 DAR Women in the Arts Recognition Award. Born in 1952, Martha grew up in Lynchburg, Virgin...

In this episode I speak with  Wana Udobang a writer, poet, performer, curator, and storyteller with three spoken word albums: Dirty Laundry , In Memory of Forgetting , and Transcendence . Her work has taken her across Africa, Europe, and the US, and she has worked on prestigious commissions for events like the Edinburgh International Festival and The Gates Foundation. With a background in journali...

In this episode, I speak with  Marcellina a visionary artist from Lagos, Nigeria. Marcellina began her artistic path under the guidance of her father, learning drawing, design, stenciling, writing, and calligraphy before studying Art and Industrial Design at the Lagos State Polytechnic. Marcellina is renowned for her unique style, blending collaging with traditional painting techniques to create r...

In this episode, I speak with Lawrence Maleka, a South African actor and presenter. Best known as the host of Mzansi Magic's reality competition series, Clash of the Choirs South Africa, Lawrence has also co-hosted the AfricaMagic Entertainment show Star Gist and made his mark on community TV with The Gadget Show on Soweto TV.  In our conversation, Lawrence shares his mother's role in cr...

In this episode, I speak with Olympia De Maismont a self-taught photo-video reporter based in Burkina Faso. Olympia's keen insight into the local context and passion for storytelling quickly propelled her into the role of a photo-video reporter. As a dedicated freelance journalist, Olympia has covered significant events including various terrorist attacks in Ouagadougou, and the presidential...

In this episode, I speak with Nafkot a documentary photographer and filmmaker based in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. She's also the co-founder of Studio 11. A  vibrant space hosting regular art shows, offering aspiring artists a workplace and a community to learn from. Nafkot speaks about the challenges posed by Ethiopia's current political and social climate, and how she finds inspiration in th...

In this episode, I speak with Noemie Marguerite a Congolese photographer and filmmaker based in Brooklyn, NY. Her work focuses on capturing the “grey area” of life whether it’s capturing a different approach to event photography, revealing a new perspective of an individual through portraiture, or speaking on the vulnerabilities of life through motion work. She discusses her background as a Congol...

In this episode I speak with Stanley Lumax the Executive Brand Marketing Director at JP Morgan Chase, overseeing the strategic management of the brand’s prestigious Sapphire and Freedom Unlimited portfolios. Before his current role, Stanley co-founded Climate, an in-house agency at Complex Media Networks, to empower advertisers to leverage youth culture. Stanley has an extensive background working...

In this episode, I speak with London-based digital artist Asiko who uses traditional photography, AI, and digital techniques to create striking mixed-media art. Asiko’s work is deeply embedded in Yoruba culture, particularly through his series “Guardians” and “Of Myth and Legend,” where he brings to life the Òrìshàs—sacred beings with divine attributes revered in Yoruba culture. These deities hold...

In this episode, I speak with Toluwani Obayan. A distinguished writer, director, and editor. Her notable works include the short film “Heart & Might,” and the acclaimed 2020 movie “This Lady Called Life,” which earned her the Best of Nollywood 2020 Award for Best Screenplay and an AMVCA nomination for Best Writer.  She has also contributed to the award-winning documentary “Explore the World Wi...

In this episode I speak with Didintle Khunou a highly accomplished South African actor known for her extensive work in screen acting, theater, voice acting, and as a session vocalist. She’s gained significant recognition for playing Celie in "The Color Purple Musical," making history as the first African performer to lead in this role, for which she received a Broadway World Online and a...

In this episode, I speak with Denisse a copywriter and photographer whose work revolves around words, people, and images. She crafts compelling narratives for brands through her lens as a photographer. She shares the importance of radical honesty and empathy in her work, and how she uses these values to connect with her subjects. She also explores self-reflection, acceptance, and the transformativ...

In this episode I speak with Papa Versa a singer-songwriter, rapper, multi-instrumentalist, and producer, He has gained the respect and admiration as one of Ghana’s most versatile artists.  Paapa has become known for thoughtful, sincere lyricism in genre-bending music. Born with a terrible stutter, music became his primary mode of expression. His greatest desire is to inspire people everywhere to...

In this episode, I speak with Tajh Rust. His art deeply interrogates society’s obsessions with tradition and over-consumption and offers a fresh perspective on representation. Tajh shares his background, influences, and artistic process. He talks about the importance of art residencies and his dream collaboration projects. Tajh also shares his experiences growing up in a Caribbean household and ho...