In the first half of this episode we discuss some of the themes we noticed in Naija Beta, the film made by Arthur, our guest in our previous episode. Amayo then gives us a recap of the talks she heard at TEDxMaitama, an independently organized TED event in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. The TEDxMaitama talks referenced are by: Simi Fajemirokun; Aisha Augie-Kuta; Dr. Mairo Mandara; Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili; Dike Chukwumerije. Resources - Naija Beta Film - https://vimeo.com/ondemand/naijabeta - Dike Chu...
Aug 30, 2017•1 hr 23 min
The ladies of NYAC are back for season 3! On this episode, they talk with Ghanaian filmmaker, Arthur Musah (@pidgincinema) about his identity, experiences at MIT and in the US, transition from engineering to filmmaking and his two documentaries- NAIJA BETA and ONE DAY I TOO GO FLY. We also discuss the responsibility of turning a lens on African stories with (or without) the gaze of the West hovering over our shoulders. Find out more in the episode! Resources: - Watch NAIJA BETA here: https://vim...
Aug 15, 2017•1 hr 20 min
For this episode, we are sharing an interview we did with Memkoh, who is a Nigerian entrepreneur, personal stylist and friend of the podcast. We discussed the origin story of our podcast, how we met and gave advice on starting a podcast. In this interview, we also shared our favorite episodes and our hopes and plans for the future of NYAC. Find Memkoh at www.memkoh.com and on IG: @memkoh
May 17, 2017•1 hr 1 min
On this episode, the ladies of NYAC talk with the legendary Nigerian comedian Chioma Omeruah aka Chigul about humor. We discussed different theories on humor, the unique features of Nigerian comedy (Amayo believes Nigerians do it best), if living in other countries has affected our sense of humor, and of course comedians who go too far. Find our guest Chigul on FB @Chugul and IG @theonlychigul Also, find us on Twitter @nyacpodcast & on FB @Not Your African Cliche Episode was mixed by Ifeyinw...
May 02, 2017•48 min
Part 2 of 2. We pick up where we left off last week. On this episode, our guests, Bablawo Ifakunle of Harlem (ifakunle.com) and Oluwo Familusi of Lagos (Twitter @familusiawo; Instagram @familusidamilare), two Priests of the Ifá Yoruba Traditional Religion, give us insight into what being an Ifá priest entails and what informs their morality. They dispel some misconceptions about their religion and teach us about some of the priesthood factions within the Ifá Yoruba Traditional Religion. The Ladi...
Apr 18, 2017•1 hr 9 min
Part 1 of 2. On this episode, we speak to Babalawo Ifakunle of Harlem and Oluwo Familusi of Lagos, two Priests of the Ifá Yoruba Traditional Religion. We discuss their backgrounds and journeys to priesthood, their thoughts on Nollywood’s portrayal of Traditional Religions, and ask if Ifá Yoruba Traditional Religion is in conflict with Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Islam and Judaism). The Ladies of NYAC recount their first interactions with Traditional African Religious practices, examine wa...
Apr 11, 2017•1 hr 1 min
On this episode we speak to African creatives who are: propagating an African interior design aesthetic that’s beyond Safari imagery and Animal prints (Nana from @BluePrintAfrica); fitting people with uniquely shaped feet with comfortable, made in Nigeria shoes (Chimsom from @Nsaata); using language to code emotions into something tangible (Ejiro aka @barelyanyhook). We discuss the unique challenges African Creatives face, from lack of constant power in Nigeria, to poor shipping logistics and in...
Mar 22, 2017•1 hr 10 min
On this episode, the ladies of NYAC take on the hot button topic of immigration. Joined by Satia (who was born & raised in Portugal by parents from Guinea Bissau and now lives in London) & Nnenda (who was born in Nigeria, spent her teen years in Italy & went to England for uni) we all share our stories of migration, qualms with expat vs immigrant labels, our issues with assimilation, and the benefits of both worlds. Resources: https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/the-not-quite-american...
Mar 07, 2017•1 hr 16 min
The latter part of 2016 was filled with dramatic elections taking place all over the world, some of them happening on our continent. The Ladies of NYAC chat with Jemila Abdulai (@jabdulai) from Ghana and Aisha Dabo (@mashanubian) from The Gambia about the recent elections in their respective countries. We examine the political histories of our countries, discuss the trials our democracies and elections face (low civic engagement, lack of civic education), and ask, what lessons can the rest of Af...
Feb 18, 2017•1 hr 21 min
On this episode, the ladies of NYAC talk with Gbenga Olatunji, healthcare consultant at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)about the healthcare system in Africa. The discussion covers everything from the gaps in the healthcare system to the ideal role of the government in the health sector. Resources: http://www.janssen-emea.com/sites/default/files/The%20Future%20of%20Healthcare%20in%20Africa.pdf http://cerebrallemon.com/nigeria-loses-immunization-funding-support-from-gavi/ ----------------------------...
Jan 28, 2017•1 hr 17 min
Happy New Year! The Ladies of NYAC return with our first episode of 2017. We look back on the year 2016 recounting our highlights and lowlights, and gaze lovingly and optimistically into 2017, discussing our goals and aspirations for the new year. We reveal our key words for the year (intentional and purposeful), share some of our new year aspirations (not resolutions) and talk about the changes we’ll be making to achieve those aspirations. Expect your usual does of vulnerability, frankness and ...
Jan 15, 2017•46 min
On this episode, the ladies of NYAC talk with Jessica, founder of Jet Black, and Rory, founder of TripZapp. They all discuss why travel is important(particularly travel to the African continent & Diaspora), and the rampant misconceptions about travel to & within Africa (by foreigners and Africans). Lastly, the ladies share what African countries they want to visit and why. Find Jessica at @jnambowa and check out her travel company at http://globaljetblack.com/services/ Find Rory at @trip...
Dec 10, 2016•1 hr 7 min
On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC chat with Ntokozo (@Ntokozo_Moloi), an activist involved in the #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa, and Zoé (@ztsamudzi), a first-generation Zimbabwean-American PhD candidate and activist from Oakland, CA, about activism and building movements. We recount when activism was first awakened within us and discuss our early encounters with activist movements. Using current movements across the African continent such as the #OromoProtests in Ethiopia, the #ThisF...
Nov 28, 2016•1 hr 29 min
On today's episode, the ladies of NYAC openly and vulnerably discuss their experiences moving to new places for school and work, including the isolation that comes it. Additionally, they talk about the arduous process of building new community and what moments of solitude have taught them- about life or themselves. #Africanexcellence is Rahawa Haile who hiked the Appalachian Trail #Africandisgrace is Malik Obama... he can go. Resources: http://brevitymag.com/current-issue/black-in-middle-america...
Nov 05, 2016•1 hr 3 min
The Ladies of NYAC are joined by Brian Bush (@BrianCBush), an African American from Tennessee, and Ifunaya, a 1st generation Nigerian-American from New Jersey, to examine one of the most complicated sibling relationships in the world: the relationship between African-Americans and black people from Africa. We revisit our first encounters with the African or African-American community, learn the history behind some derogatory words each group has for the other, talk about the differences between/...
Oct 23, 2016•1 hr 17 min
In this episode, the ladies of NYAC discuss Nigeria's performance at the Olympics, sharing potential explanations for our performance in comparison to other countries. We also talk about the Paralympics then mention our favorite African athletes. Resources mentioned: - http://www.awesomelyluvvie.com/2016/08/nigeria-olympics-opening-ceremony-outfit.html - http://www.okayafrica.com/sports/20-moments-africans-athletes-made-history-2016-rio-summer-olympics/ What we are reading/watching/listening to:...
Oct 08, 2016•54 min
We are bacccckkk! In keeping with the theme of the back-to-school season, the Ladies of NYAC relieve their beginning of school year memories and talk about our favorite things about the season. From buying gel pens and fancy stationary to sewing new house clothes for (Nigerian) boarding school to new fall TV lineup. We also give advice to the youngins on how (not) to start the school year, and suggest ways that working people may infuse their jobs with that back-to-school energy. What we are rea...
Sep 24, 2016•1 hr 2 min
In our last episode of the season, we sat down with the founder of Brittle Paper, Ainehi Edoro, and talked about the origin and evolution of her online literary platform. We also discussed what African Literature means to each of us, the challenges it's currently facing and our hopes for its growth. Resources: • http://brittlepaper.com/2015/10/lesotho-stepping-frosty-fairytale-moso-victor-sematlane-african-erotica/ • http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/30/opinion/sunday/african-books-for-western-eyes...
Jul 03, 2016•1 hr 19 min
The Ladies of NYAC are joined by Sara Jean-Philippe (@Sjnphil), a mental health counsellor, as we talk mental health in our communities. We discuss harmful stereotypes, self-harm warning signs, effects of past trauma on mental health, and how we can be better mental health advocates. Resources: • Robin Hammond’s Condemned Series - http://www.robinhammond.co.uk/condemned-mental-health-in-african-countries-in-crisis/ • Forming a joint dialogue about mental health - https://ethnobiomed.biomedcentra...
Jun 19, 2016•1 hr 11 min
Hi NYAC listeners, In this episode, the ladies of NYAC talk about the mandatory National Youth Service Corps in Nigeria, their feelings about the incredulous exchange rate, and that glorious day when Lagos was featured on Snapchat. Resources: • http://zikoko.com/list/lagos-in-captain-america-civil-war/ What we are currently watching/reading/listening to: • Skinny Girl in Transit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBYN7uU9mpE) • Orphan Black • Barbershop 3 Show was mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze, and the...
Jun 05, 2016•1 hr 1 min
Although late to the to the #Lemonade dissection game, the Ladies of NYAC discuss a less explored running theme in Beyonce’s last two albums – her collaborations with brilliant African writers; Chimamanda Adichie on self-titled Beyonce and Warsan Shire on Lemonade. Joined by book blogger extraordinaire and longtime listener/supporter Darkowaa (@AwoDeee), we talk about our favorite tracks off the Lemonade album, the pros and cons of being featured in such high profile work, the limited visibility...
May 22, 2016•59 min
On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC laugh over ridiculous pickup lines they've heard, talk about the idiosyncrasies of dating culture in Nigeria & US, as well as societal pressures on women to get married & shoulder the weight of pleasing their spouses. Resources: • http://www.sadeslist.com/men-in-lagos-are-like-avocados/ • http://zikoko.com/list/the-complete-guide-to-being-a-yoruba-demon/ What we are watching: Outlander, House of Cards, Jennifer Diaries Show was mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze...
May 07, 2016•57 min
On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC Podcast and special guest Sinafik (@sinafikb) from Ethiopia talk Feminism, traditional gender roles, feminist heroes, misogynistic cultural practices and surprisingly feminist ones. Sinafik also shares with us some rad things you may not have known about Ethiopia. Resources: • Nigeria’s Rejected Gender Equality Bill - http://qz.com/639763/nigerian-lawmakers-voted-down-a-women-equality-bill-citing-the-bible-and-sharia-law/ • Ozzy Etomi’s Commentary on bill reje...
Apr 23, 2016•1 hr 25 min
On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC and special guests Maame and Maama from Ghana talk about their cultures- from how their cultures shaped them to what they wrestled with and what the future looks like for their ethnic languages. Resources: • http://shebaisthemuse.com/2016/02/in-lagos-everyone-is-trying-to-hammer-and-the-nail-is-fcking-bent/ • http://www.bellanaija.com/2016/03/william-ifeanyi-moore-language-as-an-intrinsic-part-of-our-cultural-identity-or-maybe-not/ What we are reading/watching...
Apr 02, 2016•1 hr
On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC and special guest Lebo from Lesotho discuss our educational backgrounds and examine the good (boarding school adventures), the bad (crowded classrooms and impatient teachers) and the ugly (corporal punishment). Resources: • http://www.brookings.edu/research/interactives/africa-learning-barometer • https://efareport.wordpress.com/2015/03/06/no-girl-left-behind-education-in-africa/ • http://www.aaionline.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/AAI-SOE-report-2015-final.p...
Mar 19, 2016•1 hr 2 min
Hey listeners! In this episode, we talk about our favorite African actors, our collective weariness at the portrayal of African characters in the media and the benefits of the increasing presence of African actors in Hollywood. Our Favorites: Danai Gurira, Eclipsed and The Walking Dead http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/when-danai-gurira-couldnt-find-complex-stories-about-african-women-she-wrote-her-own-2/ David Oyelowo, Selma, Middle of Nowhere and The Butler Chiwetelu Ejiofor, Half of a Yellow Sun...
Mar 05, 2016•58 min
Happy Black History Month (Black Fist Emoji)! In this episode we explore how Black History is celebrated in different parts of the world; discuss differences between BHM celebrations in the US vs UK; share the things we learnt thanks to BHM; shoutout some of our black heroes: Lewis Howard Latimer, Madam C.J. Walker, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin and Toussaint Louverture; and demand our fucking reparations from white people. Resources: • Excerpt from Edward Baptist’s The Half Has Never Been Told - ...
Feb 21, 2016•1 hr 10 min
Hear your favorite hosts talk about entrepreneurship, specifically in Nigeria, and shout out up and coming entrepreneurs!
Feb 06, 2016•1 hr 3 min
Happy New Year! Inspired by Chimamanda Adichie’s Danger of a Single Story TED Talk, we examine Afropolitanism and discuss whether or not it’s the new Single Story about Africa. We discuss the relatively new concept as it relates to Afro-Pessimism and Pan-Africanism. Is Afropolitanism a social movement? A political one? Does it matter? Related articles: - http://africasacountry.com/2014/01/why-im-not-an-afropolitan/ - http://thelip.robertsharp.co.uk/?p=76 - http://blog.qeh.ox.ac.uk/?p=910 - http:...
Jan 24, 2016•50 min
We talk about and compare our experiences celebrating Christmas in Nigeria and the U.S. Then we discuss Nigerian crossover church services.
Jan 02, 2016•40 min
