Afros in the Diaspora

Evans Ofori-Amanfo born in Ghana is a model, actor, and writer. After living in Canada for most of his life, Evans moved from Toronto to Los Angeles to further his work and his future endeavours. Evans is an advocate for freedom of expression and living in your truth and authenticity. His syringoma which is a unique physical feature of Evans, pushes him to challenge the beauty standards. Evans intends to inspire and empower others to define their standards of what makes them beautiful and to walk in it, fearlessly. Evans wishes to empower others to chase their wildest dreams, spread love, and never settle for less in life. A philanthropist at heart, Evans's long-term goal is to build and provide a shelter (a place of refuge) for those in need of housing, especially migrant groups of the LGTBQ.Join us on this episode as Evans shares his immigration story, beginning his career as a model in Toronto and moving to Los Angeles for more opportunities. He talks about collaborating with other creatives, working with agencies, avoiding scams, body image and some challenges in the modeling industry. He also offers some tips for people who are interested in exploring modelling for fun or as a career.Listen, learn and be inspired. Don't forget to laugh!Follow Evans on Instagram at @evnsoforiIf you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below!Facebook | Instagram - @afrosinthediasporaFor Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Favour Odusola's journey in dance is a remarkable blend of passion, innovation, and dedication. From modest beginnings in Nigeria performing at local events, his zeal for dance burgeoned, leading him to pursue Theatre Arts at Redeemers University, where he specialized in African traditional and Contemporary dance. Under the mentorship of artists like Kaffy and Les Twins, Favour not only refined his craft but learned crucial lessons in strategic planning, resilience, and hard work, leading to his role within Kaffy's team at Imagneto Dance Company. On moving to Ireland, he witnessed the emerging Afro-dance scene and founded Umafam, a transformative dance training program and community hub promoting empowerment and positivity. Beyond dance, Favour's creative interests include acting and music, showcasing his multifaceted talent on stages and screens alike, including a notable stint as Jamie Foxx's stand-in on BEAT SHAZAM season 5. Gaining recognition for his contributions to cultural diversity, leadership, and artistic excellence, Favour's story is an inspiring tale of resilience, commitment and the transformative potential of dance, creativity, and endurance.Join us on this episode as Favour shares his immigration story, settling in Dublin and his experience as a dancer and creative in Ireland. He shares the ups and downs of his journey and his brave path to getting his immigration papers as an artist which is an incredible feat. Listen, learn and be inspired. Don't forget to laugh!Follow Favour on Instagram at @officialpak_Follow Favour's dance and fitness company in Dublin, Ireland on Instagram @uma0fficial_ @umakoko_ Website - www.officialpak.artIf you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below!Facebook | Instagram - @afrosinthediasporaFor Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Nikita Kalonji embodies a diverse tapestry of experiences, from her roots as a Congolese-Canadian raised between Quebec and Kinshasa to her flourishing career in entertainment and sports. From a tender age, Nikita’s innate talent for entertaining led her into modelling and acting, eventually securing her lead roles in groundbreaking African Canadian series and thrilling short films. Off-screen, Nikita’s love for sports and the arts shines through. Whether dominating on the basketball court or the boardrooms to performing on the big screen, her passion and dedication are unmistakable. Renowned for her talent in fostering positive team dynamics and achieving impactful results, she continues to set the bar high in all her endeavours. In addition to her achievements, Nikita is deeply committed to advocating for mental health, particularly within the Black community. Through her platform, she champions awareness and support for mental health issues, striving to create a more compassionate and understanding society. With her unwavering dedication and infectious enthusiasm, Nikita continues to inspire and uplift those around her while making a lasting impact in her community. On this episode join us as Nikita shares her unique immigration story, and we chat about our dating experiences as immigrants, being fetishized and our non-negotiable deal breakers. Nikita shares her experience dating as an actor and dealing with and recovering from abusive relationships and growth. We discuss the notion of submitting as women in relationships from our perspectives and some lessons we have learned through dating and relationships. Listen and laugh with us! You may also learn something! Follow Nikita on Instagram at @iamnikitakalonjiIf you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Makambe K Simamba originally from Zambia, is a multiple award-winning playwright and actor. Select stage acting credits include work with New Harlem Productions, Thousand Islands Playhouse, Ghost River Theatre, Chromatic Theatre, and Sage Theatre. On-screen, she can be seen in projects like Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Titans, True Dating Stories, Grand Army and more. As a playwright, her solo work includes the multiple Dora Award-Winning Our Fathers, Sons, Lovers and Little Brothers, A Chitenge Story and Makambe Speaks. Makambe intends to be of service through her ability to tell stories.Join us on this episode as Makambe takes us on the journey of her immigration to Canada, her creative exploits within the nuances of the Black aesthetic and umbrella in North America, and how she inhabits her successes and rides the big ups and big downs on her path. Listen, like, share and comment! Follow Makambe on Instagram at @artingwithmakambe Check out her website - https://www.makambe.com/ If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Hakeem Lawal is an entrepreneur, community advocate, and father originally from Nigeria. He co-founded Fari Hara Custom Tailoring, a custom apparel company located in Alberta and Ontario, Canada. As one of Canada's leading fashion design brands, Fari Hara's work has been featured at the GRAMMYS; the brand has dressed celebrities on major TV stations and has become a household name across North America. Hakeem is also one of the founding executives of Young African Professionals (YAP), a networking organization for Black professionals in Calgary. Hakeem now focuses on empowering entrepreneurs by helping them build the confidence to invest in themselves. Hakeem has worked in a leadership position for one of the leading top 500 Companies, AT & T. He also has a background in Oil & Gas for Cenevus Energy, a leading Canadian Oilsand company. Hakeem holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Windsor and is also a SAIT alumnus. In this episode, Hakeem takes us on his journey moving from Nigeria to Canada, and the numerous obstacles he faced along the way. He highlights how determination, resilience and a sense of hope carried him through and gave him the courage to keep going. He shares how his faith and his mother's support and prayers gave him strength on his path to where he is now. Listen and be inspired by his story! Comment, share and leave a review. Follow Hakeem on Instagram at @just_i_law Check out Fari Hara Custom Tailoring on Instagram @fari_hara and online - https://www.farihara.com/ If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora. For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Misha Maseka is an award-winning filmmaker, performer, writer and composer who founded Village Girls in 2021. Born in Eswatini to Zambian parents and growing up in South Africa, Australia and settling in Canada, Misha’s adaptability to culture has served her well as a storyteller. Starting her career in opera and theatre performing across Canada and Germany (Calgary Philharmonic, Theatre Calgary, Square One Media, Lyric Studio Weimar, Arts Commons), Lemba has carried over a sense of spectacle and theatricality in her style as a filmmaker. This was made apparent in her celebrated short film “Not That Deep” - winner of two Berlin Short Film Festival awards. When not creating, she has sat on various Canadian granting bodies as a juror and consultant in funding development (Canada Council of the Arts, Calgary Arts Development, Ubuntu Central Alberta, UnCommon Collective). She still makes time to write and perform music under the stage name Lemba and hosts the visual podcast “And I Wonder.” Join us on this episode as we discuss the international Black identity and assumptions of Blackness. Misha shares her story of being born an immigrant, and its role in her artistic practice, always being the new girl and the power of adaptability. She also shares the mandate and motivation behind her company Village Girls Ltd and it's impact in the community. Listen, and leave a review. Follow Misha on Instagram at @mishamaseka And I Wonder Podcast @andiwonderpod Village Girls Ltd @villagegirlsltd and www.villagegirls.ca If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora. For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Shula Molobeka was born in Lusaka, Zambia. Twenty-five years ago, she made the difficult choice to emigrate in pursuit of a better life for herself and her family. As a mum of five ranging from the ages of 29 to 17, she is blessed with a bonus daughter. Shula wholeheartedly enjoys motherhood. When she is not being mum, she has a career as a Massage Therapist which she is passionate about. She enjoys experiencing life as a phenomenal woman! In this episode, we get to hear from the perspective of a mother and a parent about their choice to emigrate and how it unfolded. Shula takes us on her journey - moving from Zambia to living as aliens in the US with her family, to packing up yet again, and moving to Canada. She reflects on the challenges and triumphs of her journey; the growth, grief and work it took to give her children the best that life had to offer and a bright future. Come and journey with us on this episode. Listen, laugh, comment and share with a friend! Leave a review/rating!If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora. For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com.

Born in Nigeria and now calling Canada home, Mo works in banking and finance by day, navigating the complexities of the financial world. However, his passions lie beyond numbers. As a photographer, he captures the beauty of life through his lens, and as a stand-up comedian, he brings laughter to audiences, blending humour with his unique cultural perspective. Sports and music fuel his soul, serving as a hobby and a deep-seated passion. Mo's mission is simple yet profound: to change the world by staying true to his Nigerian roots and embracing the cultural richness he has encountered along his journey. In this episode, Mo shares about the financial choices he sees immigrants make in an attempt to show off to folks back home, especially at the end of the year, and the consequences of these actions and some scams that are common now. We also discuss cultural shocks and his passion for standup comedy and photography. Listen, leave a comment and share with a friend. Follow Mo on Instagram @mist3r_m0 for more information about his standup comedy events and his photography. If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora. For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

On this episode, Maya shares his take on building community, standing firm on his sense of identity and culture and what to do when stopped by the police as a Black immigrant. We discuss his Zambian heritage and friendships amongst other things. Listen, review and share!If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below!Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora.For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Slim Tyme, originally from Nigeria, began his musical journey at age 4 in Port-Harcourt. He fell in love with the saxophone and, at 14, moved to Canada, where he became a DJ and embraced music production. Slim Tyme is known for mixing hip hop, R&B, afrobeat, gospel and a host of genres to create unique musical experiences. He's opened for artists like Burna Boy, Davido and Ty Dolla $ign, collaborated with emerging Canadian talents, and performed at various events, from house parties to festivals like "Center of Gravity." His music, including the use of the saxophone, leaves a lasting impact, spreading positivity globally. Slim Tyme's dedication and passion promise a bright future in inspiring listeners worldwide. On this episode, Slim Tyme takes us through his immigration story, how his musical journey began, how he takes up space as a Black man and his deep connection to his Faith. He shares how he came about his stage name, the meaning and intention behind his released albums and what we can expect from him moving forward. Listen, review and share!Follow Slim Tyme on social media @slimtyme - Watch out for his upcoming shows, events and albums. Slim Tme is a verified artist on Spotify and Apple Music, make sure to stream his music! If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora. For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Francisca Ajayi, originally from Nigeria is a recent graduate of the University of Calgary. She is passionate about sustainable community development and politics. With her degree in International Relations, she aspires to become one of the greatest diplomats and ambassadors the United Nations has ever seen. She also enjoys creative endeavours and volunteering.In this episode, Francisca shares about being the first daughter, first child and grandchild in her Nigerian home, the joys and sense of responsibility that comes with it, and how she creates boundaries and prioritizes herself. We also discuss how the "first daughter effect" seeps into other areas of life like relationships and dating.Listen, share, comment and leave a review!Follow Francisca on Instagram @cis.ca_If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! You can also share your thoughts on the podcast with us!Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediasporaFor Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Join us on Episode 14 of Afros in the Diaspora Podcast with Chris (from Ghana) as we discuss some pros and cons of living in the diaspora based on our lived experiences. We dive into some highs and lows, some of the culture shocks we have experienced and things we miss from home. Follow Chris on Instagram @king_waddleIf you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! You can also share your thoughts on the podcast with us!Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediasporaFor Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Charles Andrew Payne is an accomplished actor, writer, comedian and inspirational speaker with an extensive resume.  Notably, he had the pleasure of sharing the screen with esteemed actors like Johnny Depp in an early TV role on "21 Jump Street," Kevin Sorbo on "Andromeda" and "Miracle in East Texas," and even joined forces with Pam Grier and Snoop Dogg on "The L-Word." Beyond his acting accolades, Charles Andrew Payne has also become a sought-after guest speaker, known for delivering impactful messages of resilience, kindness, and forgiveness. His writings have been featured in various publications and produced on television and stage.  Join us on this episode as Charles takes us on his inspiring journey from his happy childhood in Grenada, moving to Canada and experiencing things like a plane ride and electricity for the first time, experiencing his "trauma years" as the only Black kid in school, the popularity and imposter syndrome that came with being an athlete and model, and creating a career path in the arts and sales. His story is filled with highs, lows, and moments of sobering reality and he tells it with grace, maturity, and a sense of humour. Listen and laugh, learn and be inspired!Follow Charles Andrew Payne on Instagram, FaceBook and TikTok @charlesandrewpayne - Watch out for his upcoming Stand-up comedy shows and Film & TV productions. If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Ivanna Ihekwoaba is a Nigerian-born actor, spoken word poet, and filmmaker based in Vancouver. Ivanna created her debut short film "Who We Are", under the under the Reel Youth Black Brilliance program, in partnership with Telus StoryHive. She can be seen playing the role of Esther in the award-winning short film “Esther & Sai”, inspired by a true story. As a filmmaker, her work focuses on raw and vulnerable storytelling, with a spotlight on mental health and self-expression. Ivanna is also an alumni of the VIFF Catalyst Mentorship Program 2023 cohort. She is currently in post-production on a documentary about Black poets in Vancouver, through the Fabienne Colas Foundation and Netflix’s “Being Black in Canada” program. Join us on this episode full of laughter as we reminisce about growing up with movies from the Nigerian film industry also known as Nollywood; their impact in our lives, our society and how they offer a sense of grounding and connection between African immigrants in the diaspora and our culture and people back home. Follow Ivanna on Instagram @ivannaoiy - Feel free to reach out for creative collaborations. If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Chish is a Mutli-Disciplinary artist based in Calgary AB (Canada). He started painting as a form of therapy 8 years ago. His passion for art began when Chish first learned how to draw from his cousin while living at his grandmother’s house in his home country, Zambia. Growing up he was inspired by musicians, actors, artists, and world leaders. Chish believes that by adding color you can shed light in the dark. After rediscovering his faith, he intends to live a life that honors God and his family. On this episode, Chish takes us on a vulnerable journey of how he grew from having a lack of direction, and a weak sense of self and identity to discovering and building strong personal, spiritual and cultural roots that have strengthened his sense of self and identity as a Zambian man in the diaspora. He shares about his path to becoming an artist, his work and how his last visit to Zambia and his faith are a source of rejuvenation and strength. Enjoy! Checkout Chish's website and feel free to reach out: artofchish.ca If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Adetola "aloT of Poetry" Adedipe, a Nigerian-South African poet and two-time Calgary Slam Champion, From performances at Arts Commons to being a featured artist at various poetry festivals and publications, she's made her mark on the artist community through focusing on true, unapologetic authenticity and healing vulnerability. As the Founder of Poetic Designers, a brand, and web design business that focuses on independent artist business development, she aims to empower her community by providing services to build confidence and provide insight into the power of strategy in the art world. Her poetry, performance and dedication to her community reflect her commitment to building a community that embraces self-love and authenticity.Come along on this episode as Adetola recounts her immigration journey, maneuvering through the cultural and physical isolation inherent in the immigration experience. Discover how she embraces her creative passion and voice through poetry and how she stays true to her multi-dimensional heritage in the Canadian landscape. Follow Adetola on Instagram @poeticdesigners and @alot.of.poetry Also find her work in the links below. https://www.poeticdesigning.com/ https://www.alotofpoetry.com/ If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below!Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediasporaFor Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Season's Greetings from Afros in the Diaspora Y'all! In this episode, Sarah - creator and host - shares her experiences with Christmas and the Holidays in a new country and as a immigrant. She goes on to offer a few helpful tips on creating a positive holiday filled with fun, contentment and hope. Sarah also shares an announcement - Afros in the Diaspora will be going on a end-of-year break. The next episode will be up on the 12th of January, 2024. Thank you all for your continued support! Follow Sarah on Instagram @sarahuwadiae If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Kundai spent the early years of her life with relatives. She embarked on a journey from Zimbabwe and eventually settled in Canada. Presently, she calls Calgary, Alberta, home, where she resides with her immediate family. With an active practice in nursing, Kundai is passionate about children and nature. She overcame her love-hate relationship with writing and achieved a milestone in 2021 by successfully self-publishing a children's book titled A Trip to the Wild.In this episode, Kundai shares her journey of resilience and adaptation across various countries before finally settling in Canada. We reflect on the challenges of preserving our cultural heritage and identity while adapting to the diverse cultural landscapes of the countries we call home. Kundai sheds light on the importance of family throughout her migratory journey and the profound impact these journeys have had on her identity. Join us for a captivating conversation that explores the intersections of identity, family, and cultural heritage through the lens of a Zimbabwean immigrant forging a unique path in Canada.Follow Kundai on Instagram @teteshandsIf you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below!Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediasporaFor Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Sherry Buroker is a creative young professional, working as an actress in the voice, theatre, and film industry in Canada. With experience in video editing and scriptwriting, she brings various skills to her creative pursuits. Motivated by a desire to inspire others, Sherry is committed to demonstrating that dreams are achievable through persistent dedication to her creative career. Outside of her professional endeavors, she dedicates her free time to community engagement in her local community by volunteering at her church and participating in events focused on promoting and celebrating African culture. In this compelling episode, Sherry invites us into a raw, candid, and vulnerable exploration of her life as a Black immigrant woman navigating an interracial relationship and marriage. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster as she unveils the genuine challenges they've encountered — from navigating traditional wedding rites to confronting hurtful comments on their social media and YouTube page. Join us on this journey as Sarah, the host, adds an unexpected touch of humor, stumbling on some words along the way. It's a candid conversation that delves into the highs and lows of love, cultural dynamics, and the resilience needed to thrive in an interracial relationship. Follow Sherry on Instagram @sherryburoker If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

In today's episode, we have Werknesh, better known by her stage name "Soliana," a rising East African actor and model based in Alberta. Soliana originally hails from the Northwestern part of Kenya, the Turkana district before she moved to Canada with her family in 2009. In this episode, prepare for laughter as she takes us through the humorous anecdotes and challenges of her journey as an immigrant. Delve into Soliana's unique narrative as she shares the highs and lows of her path as an actor and model, creatively navigating the artistic and cultural terrain of Alberta. Get ready for an entertaining ride as she gives us a glimpse into her beautiful soul and her family's perspective on her artistic pursuits. If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com