1000 African Voices

This episode features, Niniola, performer, singer and songwriter.   Niniola was born as Niniola Apata in Ekiti State, Nigeria. She came third in the MTN Project Fame competition which saw her break into the Nigerian entertainment scene with her hit single “Ibadi” in 2015 which topped many music charts both locally and internationally. Her other hit song, Maradona remains a firm favourite among her fans. In the episode she talks about what she learned from rejection, her collaboration with South Africa's Busiswa and how she reacted to @Timbaland comments on her Instagram page. Twitter - @OfficialNiniola Instagram - officialniniola www.1000africanvoices.com|#1000africanvoices

This episode features Zikhona Sodlaka, an award winning actor, singer and dancer from South Africa. Zikhona Sodlaka is a South African actress best known for her starring roles in such television shows as Shooting Stars, Rhythm City, Soul City, Intsika and Montana. She is a Naledi Theater Awards Winner and the South African Film and Television Award Nominee. She has also acted in Tshatsha, Igazi, Generations and the films, The Two of Us and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom among others. In the episode we talk about her love for long walks, music and audio books, her hairstyle and we do a deep dive on what makes her the lovable actress we have come to know.  @zikhonasodlaka on Twitter and Instagram #1000africanvoices www.1000africanvoices.com 

This episode features, Pearl Shongwe, MC, Presenter, Entrepreneur, Programme Director and Facilitator. In this episode Pearl talks about her hopes and dreams and what it takes to be a great voice-over artist. She currently works on Morning Live (SABC) and @metrofmsa #thedriveonmetro.  Press Play to listen to 40 minutes of auditory bliss. What a great ambassador of everything that's good about Africa. www.pearlshongwe.co.za; Twitter - @Pearl_Shongwe; Instagram - PearlShongwe; #1000africanvoices

Ntokozo joined the international gospel group, Joyous Celebration at the age of 15 and has never looked back. She has won multiple awards including the Metro FM award, Crown Gospel Award to name a few. She credits her success to her religious beliefs and the support she has received from her partner who she describes as one of the top piano players in Africa. In this episode we talk about what it takes to put together a hit song, some of her challenges as well as her dreams and ambitions. With one of the most powerful voices in the gospel arena, Ntokozo has become a household name with an army of followers. You can connect with Ntokozo on the following social media channels; Twitter and Instagram - @NtokozoMbambo #1000africanvoices www.1000africanvoices.com - Please click the follow button to get the the latest episodes. Your support means a lot to us.

This week's episode features, Bro Solo (Onoruvie Godswill), Actor, Comedian, Event Host. In this episode we talk about the comedy scene in Nigeria and across Africa. What does Bro Solo want to achieve with his craft? Why are Nigerians funny people and if you have never met a Nigerian who is not obsessed with football, then today is the day. When Bro Solo was growing up his father wanted him to be a medical doctor but fate had other ideas. What does his father think about his choice to be a comedian and what is behind the name Laugh Pills Comedy? Bro Solo is gracious enough to explain how YouTube comedians make money from their profession. Fascinating episode, please tune in for answers to this and many more previously unexplored questions. You can connect with Bro Solo on; Instagram - laughpillscomedy  laughpills1@gmail.com Visit his YouTube Channel here - www.youtube.com/channel/UC5p5437roHNpqiLhk85l1ow #1000africanvoices www.1000africanvoices.com  

Franklin Saiyalel is currently heading Kenya's tailoring brand Kenyan Stylista. He is a motivational speaker and a fashion and lifestyle blogger. He has built a blogging platform called kenyanstylista that showcases his own unique style while picking out the newest fashion trends. He has established his reputation as Kenya’s leading fashion blogger and his influence among Nairobi’s young & hip crowds has turned the heads of fashion bigwigs. Franklin has built his own unique style turning his fashion passion into a fashion empire, making youngsters in Nairobi think twice about their style. You can connect with Franklin on: Twitter @kenyanStylista; Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kenyanstylista/?hl=en Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Frankiesaiyalel

Bisola Mofeoluwa Bamuyiwa, is the owner of BMB studio in Lagos, Nigeria. She has studied photography all her life. She also holds a qualification in Project Management Technology from the Lagos State University. In high-school she bought her first camera, documenting school parties, and began her professional career in 2012. Recently, Mofe took a picture of a 5 year old girl, Jare, now recognized as the most beautiful girl in the world. Instagram - mofebamuyiwa Twitter - @mofebamuyiwa www.mofebamuyiwa.com www.1000africanvoices.com

Anna Ebiere Banner, Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria, Student, Mom and all-round awesome person.    Anna is a Nigerian pageant winner and actress. She was crowned the most beautiful girl in Nigeria in 2012. The following year she represented Nigeria at the 2013 Miss World Pageant. In 2014, she made her acting debut in Super Story. In this episode Anna talks about what it means to be Nigeria, her studies in Ghana, her time in Dubai and how being a mom changed her perspective. Say hello to Anna on the following Social Media platforms Twitter - @annabanner222 Instagram - annaebiere www.1000africanvoices.com

Fatuma is the founder of Akiki Dolls & Children's Books, born out of her need as a mother to empower her daughter. When her daughter started crèche, she came home one day and told her mother that she wanted her hair to be straight, Fatuma knew from then that she had to do something to raise a conscious child who will be proud of being African. The Akiki doll and Akiki’s short stories (her first book) launched in May 2016 are used as teaching tools to communicate a message of self-love, appreciation and self-worth. Akiki is addressing the diversity gap through the celebration of African children in plays and literature. Akiki is Swahili for ruby – the precious stone. Fatuma is passionate about playing her part in raising a generation of proud African citizens and a fair balanced representation of black girls.    You can connect with Fatuma on; www.akikidolls.com Instagram https://www.instagram.com/akikidolls/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Fatuma-Abdullah/100010227906788

This Episode features Bonnie Mbuli from South Africa. She is an actress, businesswoman, presenter and author who describes herself as an exception to every rule.  In this episode we cover so much unexplored ground. We talk about the power of embracing who you are, African hair and the broader question of identify. This is truly Bonnie unplugged. At 40, has her perspective on life changed at all or has she remained the unassuming product of Soweto? You can follow Bonnie on; Twitter and Instagram - @bonniembuli #1000africanvoices  

This episode features professional photographer, Steve Ababio from Accra, Ghana Steve describes himself as a cultural iconoclast who, through his photography promotes the beauty of the African continent. In this episode he talks about life in Accra and his father's influence on him ultimately choosing photography or rather photography choosing him.  If you ever wanted to do a deep dive into the world of photography and the people that keep this art alive then this is the episode for you. You can connect with Steve on the following social media handles Instagram - steve.ababio Twitter - @SteveAbabio1   #1000africanvoices

This episode features fitness junkie, Zinhle Masango from Johannesburg, South Africa   Zinhle is 27 and a Certified Athletic Nutritionist. She placed 2nd at the PCA South African Championships where she qualified to represent South Africa in the United Kingdom. She is the Founder of Fitness Junkie Health Services, an Online Fitness Coach, an Influencer and Brand Ambassador for Evox Nutrition,   This episode is a free consultation on how to get back to shape and transform your body to levels you've never thought possible before. We talk about the importance of sleep, nutrition and an unrelenting dedication to one course, fitness.   Insta : @zee_fitnessjunkie Website: www.fitnessjunkie.co.za  #1000africanvoices

This Episode features 26 year old Mikisha Rajpal from Springs in Johannesburg, South Africa.   In the episode Mikisha talks about her visits to New York and the Dubai Mall, the biggest shopping experience in the world. We talk about what it means to be young and African, her hopes for the continent and explore her general outlook on the difference between South Africa and the rest of the world. We talk movies (The Shack) and TV (Big Bang Theory and Friends). If you like relaxed conversations, this one is for you. Press play to listen to Mikisha's take on life. You can connect with her on the following social media sites. Twitter - @Mikisha2507 Instagram - mikisha250

This episode features Bayadir Mohamed-Osman, Spoken Word Artist, Student, Justice and Public Health Advocate, and political activist born in Sudan and raised in America.   In the episode Bayadir talks about the current political landscape in Sudan, life is America for a Black Muslim Sudanese American and her love of poetry. She was born in Sudan and raised and studied in the USA. You can connect with Bayadir on the following channels; LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bayadir-mohamed-osman-385945137/ Twitter - @bayadir_ https://web.facebook.com/bayadirbb #kassala #sudan    

This episode features musician and budding entrepreneur, Swabib.  When he realized that his dreams wouldn't be possible in Niger, Swabib left for China in search of greener pastures. In this episode he talks to us about life in China, his hopes and dreams for the future, how does he plan to be the richest man in Niger and possibly Africa? He has lived in China for over 6 years. What's his advice for those who want to follow in his footsteps? You can connect with Swabib through the following links on the different social media platforms Twitter - @swabib_official Instagram - swabib_officiel https://www.facebook.com/habib.swabib/

Anisa Mazimpaka – SABC 1’s One Day Leader 7 contestant, Social Justice Activist, #feesmustfall fighter and Public Policy and African Studies Postgraduate Student.   As Rwanda marks 25 years since the genocide, we speak to one of her displaced daughters. After moving to South Africa in 1996 as a refugee, Anisa is now a social justice activist and advocate of the #feesmustfall movement which saw institutions of higher learning grinding to a halt as students demanded reform on tuition fees. In this episode she talks about the impact of having been born a the height of the genocide, we explore her views on challenges with political leadership on the continent, the need for educational reform and the reasons for her participation in a reality show on the South African Broadcasting Corporation TV Channel SABC 1, One Day Leader. She is young, willing to lead from the front and eager to positively contribute towards transforming social, economic and political issues on the continent. Instagram @anisamazi

Nassim is a Marketing & Communication expert from Mourad Didouche, Algiers Province, Algeria. He has over 10 years’ experience in FMCG and is a certified trainer with People Development capabilities, Art & Cultural event management skills. He currently works for WeShake Agency as a Marketing Consultant and has a Masters Degree in Communication and Media Studies from Universite Paris 8. He describes himself as an expert in Marketing & Brand Management, an Artseeker and a Globetrotter. He has worked with various organisations on long-term brand strategy and is very passionate about travelling. In this episode Nassim talks about politics, food, music and his wish to travel around sub-Saharan Africa. What a delightful conversation. You can connect with Nassim Herkart on; Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nassim.herkat.505, Twitter– https://twitter.com/nassimherkat?lang=en; Instagram @nassim_herkart, LinkedIn https://dz.linkedin.com/in/nassimherkat  #1000africanvoices #Algeria

Doris Mollel is the Founder & Executive Director at Doris Mollel Foundation, an initiative to support the born too soon in Tanzania, former beauty queen and a 900 gram premature which drove her passion in advocating and saving the born too soon like her through her foundation. She holds a BA in Politics and Management of Social Development, Post Graduate Diploma in Management of Foreign Relations, YALI East Africa Alumni, and UN Women Empower Women Champion for change 2016/2017. Doris believes in creating a world where Humanity is key to life and everyone in it understands the beauty of it. She Leads her team to ensure the foundation’s goal of reducing births and deaths of the born too soon is achieved, she knows that being born too soon is the leading cause of death for new-borns in the world and in her country You can connect with Doris Mollel on; Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/doris.mollel.9 Instagram – dorismollel; http://dorismollelfoundation.org/  #1000africanvoices #Tanzania

Marjo Lagah-Bona is a Sierra Leonean-American dancer and choreographer who combines dance from across the continent. She is the founder and CEO of Cocorobics Workshop. She has been performing African inspired dance moves worldwide for over ten years with and has worked with Emerson, Davido, Wizkid, Mumtaz, Big Joe, Friday the Cellphone Man, Timaya and Olamide, among others. In 2014, she featured as a lead dancer in Davido’s ‘Naughty Video’. In 2016 and 2018, she performed live with Wizkid in the USA. In 2018 also, she performed live with Olamide in the US. You can connect with Marjo Lagah-Bona on; Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Chocolaterose91 Instagram – cocolateluv; Twitter – @MarjoBona; https://www.cocorobicsentertainment.com/  #1000africanvoices #sierraleone    

This Episode features Vickie Remoe from Sierra Leone, a writer, TV Producer and MD.  Vickie currently lives in Ghana and travels between Accra and Freetown, Sierra Leone often. She describes her TV show, The Vickie Remoe Show as a cross between ‘The Oprah Show’ and Anthony Bourdain’s ‘Parts Unknown’ with a clear and direct focus on African business and travel. She is the Managing Director at VRC Marketing Company. Ms. Remoe holds a B.A. in Political Science from Haverford College and an M.S. Degree in Broadcast Journalism from Columbia University. We talk poetry, work, music and touch on the history of her country of birth. You can connect with Vickie on; Instagram - vickieremoe; Twitter - @vickieremoe;  https://vickieremoe.com/ #1000africanvoices #sierraleone