"We are talking about explosively popular content, explosively sellable, bankable product."
Afrobeats is topping global charts. Nollywood is Nigeria’s second largest employer. African fashion is inspiring runways from Paris to New York. But who really benefits when African creativity goes global? In this episode of Limitless Africa, hosts Claude Grunitzky and Dimpho Lekgeu speak to Taiye Selasi, writer and producer, and Liz Lenjo, one of East Africa’s leading entertainment lawyers. They explore how protecting intellectual property (IP) can unlock wealth for African creators, why many artists still fear fighting for their rights, and how the diaspora plays a powerful role in bringing African art, music and stories to global audiences.
Plus: The steps to take if someone steals your idea
🌟 IN THIS EPISODE:
1.21 Why African culture is becoming more and more popular
3.30 How the diaspora are key
5.12 What is intellectual property exactly?
6.39 What do you do if your idea has just been copied?
7.29 How the American mindset prioritizes IP
8.54 What happened in Liz's life to make her understand the importance of IP
10.53 Why Taiye protects her IP
13.16 IP is just the start, the real work comes after
💬 QUOTES TO REMEMBER:
"The minute you fight on social media, you get rid of any goodwill your lawyer would have to negotiate for you."
"The reason Hollywood is Hollywood is because people have proactively asserted their copyright."
"For me, it was an awakening that I needed to be the lawyer that I couldn't find."
"They say the dream is free. The hustle is sold separately."
🌍 ABOUT LIMITLESS AFRICA
The podcast that asks how Africans and Americans can work together for shared prosperity
Every Monday: 15-minute episodes that dive into an issue that matters to Africans
Every Thursday: extended interview with someone unlocking Africa's limitless potential
➕ WANT MORE?
Solve unemployment in Africa through entertainment - the interview with Yellowstar icon Denim Richards https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/the-quickest-way-to-solve-unemployment-in-africa-for-me-is-through-entertainment-actor-denim-richards-on-the-african-film-industry/
Olivier Madiba on making money in gaming https://trueafrica.co/article/limitless/olivier-madiba-video-gaming-africa/
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🚀 FOLLOW LIMITLESS AFRICA
Instagram: @_trueafrica
Website: https://trueafrica.co/
Substack: https://limitlessafrica.substack.com/
Limitless Africa is sponsored by the US Department of State and the Seenfire Foundation.
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