Afrika Design: Creative Tour of Africa

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

In this episode, we have the pleasure of introducing Victor Gatonye, who holds the role of Creative/Technical Director at Zamaradi Productions, boasting nearly two decades of experience in the realm of TV and Film production. Victor is widely acknowledged for his pivotal role in nurturing Kenya's Film industry, steering Zamaradi Productions to create more than 71 TV films, 11 TV Shows, a feature film, and successfully executing two international projects in Canada and Sweden. He takes us on a captivating journey, providing his unique perspective on the history of TV and Film in Kenya and recounting his personal evolution into the multifaceted roles of a Film/TV director, actor, story developer, and writer. Victor's storytelling in TV and Film genuinely resonates with the human experience, offering a lens to examine the challenges we encounter in life. Furthermore, you'll gain insights into the creation of a small-scale 'Hollywood' by Victor and his team, as well as how it has organically grown into something more extensive than just Zamaradi Productions. This is the 29th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts. *For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones. Website: Zamaradi Productions Instagram: victorgatonye LinkedIn: Victor Gatonye Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (⁠⁠⁠@ngalah_oreyo⁠⁠⁠) and Mercy Barno (⁠⁠⁠@merc.b_⁠⁠⁠) For the full episode transcript: ⁠⁠https://www.afrika.design/victor-gatonye

What Does Design Mean, and Can It Benefit Everyone? In this episode, we embark on a journey to unravel the vast concept of design. Our conversation is with Dr. Laura Glory, a medical doctor who also wears the hats of an artist and poet. Dr. Glory unveils how she seamlessly weaves design into her professional life, whether she's performing surgeries or tending to her patients. Her drawings and poems serve as instruments to enhance patients' emotional well-being and instill a sense of hope. In her perspective, the realms of medicine and design overlap in these moments. This episode echoes the words: ‘Design is everywhere, design is for problem solving.’ How are you able to further your practice through design? This is the 28th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts. *For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones. Facebook: Eagle Hr Instagram: eagle.hr Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (⁠⁠@ngalah_oreyo⁠⁠) and Mercy Barno (⁠⁠@merc.b_⁠⁠) For the full episode transcript: ⁠https://www.afrika.design/laura-glory

Chrissa Amuah, a versatile designer, serves as the Founder and Creative Director of AMWA Designs, a high-end homeware and interior decor brand infused with Adinkra symbolism. While her heritage spans Ghana, Benin, and Togo, her primary inspiration stems from Ghana. She delves into the Adinkra Symbols, emphasizing how they grant her designs enduring significance, believing that meaningful creations have a longer-lasting impact. Chrissa's impressive portfolio encompasses diverse projects, including Amplify, the Ghana Pavilion, and the 2021 London Design Biennale hosted at Somerset House. Yet, her aspirations extend beyond personal success. She aspires to showcase African talent on a global stage, thereby introducing Africa to the world. This mission is embodied in her brainchild, Africa by Design, which has already exhibited in five cities across four continents since its inception. This is the 27th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts. *For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones. LinkedIn: Chrissa Amuah Website(s): AMWA Designs & Africa By Design Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (⁠@ngalah_oreyo⁠) and Mercy Barno (⁠@merc.b_⁠) For the full episode transcript: https://www.afrika.design/chrissa-amuah

We had a chance to be featured on the Hideout Podcast hosted by Wambui Chege. It was a fun conversation about Nairobi Design. You can check out the podcast as it has numerous interesting conversations featuring stories about people from different walks of life. Hideout Podcast Nairobi Design

Is Kenya ready for large scale 3D printing? This week, we talk to Mohammed Firozhusein—Director at 3D Moguls Ltd. 3D Moguls provides 3D printing solutions for businesses, such as prototyping and low volume custom parts manufacturing. He breaks down the 3D printing processes and shows the practicality of this solution. He details various industries where the technology could thrive and where Kenya is when it comes to its application. If you want to understand 3D printing, and whether it’s a worth-while investment, or if you think your business may need it…then this is the episode for you. This is the 26th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts. *For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones. LinkedIn: Mohammed Firozhusein Website: 3D Moguls Ltd. Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (@ngalah_oreyo) and Mercy Barno (@merc.b_) For the full episode transcript: https://www.afrika.design/mohammed-firozhusein

This week, we talk to Newton Chege—the Creative Director at Gallexia Kenya. Gallexia Kenya is a brand company whose work is focused on generating impactful and influential content, designs, and strategies that strengthen and elevate the brands. He highlights success stories that show how one needs to embrace current events, current technologies within their work to be ahead of the curve. Tune in to find out what tips he shares to succeed when it comes to content creation and working with brands. This is the 25th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts. *For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones. LinkedIn: Newton Chege Website: Gallexia Kenya Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (@ngalah_oreyo) and Mercy Barno (@merc.b_) For the full episode transcript: https://www.afrika.design/newton-chege

What’s the difference between a dentist and a dental technologist? It’s not their smile 🤣 In this episode, we meet Melanie Walch—founder of Simba Smile Limited. She is a dental technologist with experience in several CAD CAM laboratories in Nairobi, where she extensively developed her capacity and expertise in CAD CAM systems. She shares her thoughts on digitization of the medical sector, specifically dentistry. She argues that complete digitization of the medical field should take center stage as our health is the most important aspect of our lives. She shares vital knowledge on how oral health impacts our overall wellbeing. From physical to mental wellbeing, tune in to find out your oral health is more important that you may think. This is the 24th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts. *For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones. Instagram: @ simbasmile Website: Simbadent Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (@ngalah_oreyo) and Mercy Barno (@merc.b_) For the full episode transcript: https://www.afrika.design/melanie-walch

In this episode, we are joined by Ladouce Nadabha who is one of the co-founders of The Art Carte—which is a lifestyle brand that blends art and functionality to create unique stationery, greeting cards and home goods; inspired by nature and culture. She works with her sister Nadine. Ladouce tells us what it takes to go global. Are there specific tools or platforms? Do I have to go digital? Where do I find these opportunities? These are some of the questions you may be asking yourself. Tune In to find out how to transcend the local market. This is the 23rd episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts. *For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones. Instagram: @ the.art.carte Website: The Art Carte Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (@ngalah_oreyo) and Mercy Barno (@merc.b_) For the full episode transcript: https://www.afrika.design/going-global

36 days of action featuring 36 concerts in 6 continents with Yo-Yo Ma. In this episode, we discuss The Bach Project that featured the legendary cellist Yo-Yo Ma— an event that would explore how culture connects us. Yo-Yo began this journey across the world in 2018, however, it was interrupted by the pandemic in 2020. We are joined by Peter Holmes à Court who is the Senior Convener at Afrika House, the team that facilitated the project in Nairobi. Peter breaks down what they did to host Yo-Yo Ma in Kenya but also turning that performance into a festival that went beyond its original scope. He also shares the motivations of the teams that brought the project together including the artists that created the posters for the project. Find out how Nairobi ended up being the final stop of the tour.  This is the 22nd episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts. *For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones. Instagram: @ afrika.housekenya Website: Afrika House                The Bach Project Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (@ngalah_oreyo) and Mercy Barno (@merc.b_) For the full episode transcript: https://www.afrika.design/the-bach-project

In this episode, we meet Nyandia Kamawe— a fine arts graduate with a specialty in graphic design. She is the founder of MokoMaya which deals with products that are hand-made. The name MokoMaya comes from kikuyu Moko: hands and Maya: these. So, ‘these hands.’ She talks us through her journey from Kenya to Atlanta and back. The shares the different perspectives and challenges of being a designer in these places, how she has overcome her doubts, and how she learned to trust the journey. She encourages us to trust in the experiences we have had no matter how insignificant they may seem at the time. These experiences will pay off. It’s never too late. This is the 21st episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts. *For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones. Instagram: @ _mokomaya LinkedIn: Nyandia Kamawe Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (@ngalah_oreyo) and Mercy Barno (@merc.b_) For the full episode transcript: https://www.afrika.design/nyandia-kamawe

In this episode, we are joined by Gift Kyansimire and Derrick Kinyeki from Inkspace Bureau. They are the only Stop Motion studio in Kenya responsible for the film—The Big Sad Nairobi. The film is about a goat that personifies human interactions and emotions while trying to become a better person. This film was first showcase at the Nairobi Design Festival. They take us through the process of how they made the film and what drives them to use stop motion in storytelling. According to Gift, it is vital to use what you have available to you rather than waiting to get expensive equipment and tools that you might think are needed to tell a story. This is the 20th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts. *For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones. Inkspace Bureau IG: @inkspace_bureau IG: Gift Kyansimire aka zordfiles Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (@ngalah_oreyo) and Mercy Barno (@merc.b_) For the full episode transcript: https://www.afrika.design/inkspace-bureau

“Do what you love and you never have to work a day in your life.” This week we meet Brian Omolo, a self-employed illustrator and artist who is determined to make design not feel like work. He walks us through his journey of how his work has evolved from just drawing and painting on paper but also his shift to digital where he was able to further develop the quality of his designs and better yet, increase his reach. He is also a lecturer at ADMI, Africa Digital Media Institute, working primarily in the design department teaching a variety of units that prepare students for the world of Art and Design. He teaches the importance of trying different things, being organized, and ensuring the creation of an environment where people feel comfortable to contribute. If you work with layers, do you name them? This is the 19th episode under the ‘Shifting Narratives’ program supported by the British Council SSA Arts. *For the best experience, please use a headset/earphones. Instagram: @obrianstudio LinkedIn: Brian Omolo Music by: Ngalah Oreyo (@ngalah_oreyo) and Mercy Barno (@merc.b_) For the full episode transcript: https://www.afrika.design/brian-omolo