Shows
My African Aesthetic6.2. George Daniels: South Africa.NorwayGeorge Daniels, Managing Director of the Oslo Afro Arts Festival talks about how the festival contributes to reshaping cultural narratives in Norway through the power of African arts.From teaching salsa classes to directing one of Scandinavia’s most vibrant cultural festivals, George shares his personal journey from South Africa to Oslo—a path fueled by love, fatherhood, and a vision for representation.We dive into how the festival reclaims Oslo’s Grønland neighborhood as a space of celebration, not stigma and negative stereotypes. George talks about curating experiences across generations—children’s drumming workshops...2025-05-2342 min
My African Aesthetic6.1. Regina Ohiama Udalor: Nigeria.NorwayDiscover how youth-led filmmaking is reshaping cultural narratives in Norway and beyond.In this episode, Regina Ohiama Udalor, producer & director at Peridot Films and founder of the Bragi Film Festival—shares her journey of building a sense of home in Norway while staying rooted in her African identity. Through the Bragi Film Festival, she empowers young people to tell their own stories, explore filmmaking as a career, and or as a bridge to cultural and generational gaps.Regina discusses how collaborative storytelling helps youth tackle personal themes like family, body image, and identity. Her unique ap...2025-04-211h 06
My African Aesthetic5.5. Thomas Presto: Norway. Trinidad. USAIn this episode, founder and creative director at Tabanka Dance Ensemble, Thomas Isak Michael Talawa Presto shares his journey of embracing his diverse heritage and the role of Africana aesthetics in his work. He discusses how his supportive family challenged societal stereotypes, shaping his artistic vision. We explore the significance of naming traditions and the profound resistance embedded within them, identity complexities in multicultural settings, and the challenges of seemingly innocent questions that cross personal boundaries. He reflects on how cultural practices like food and dance connect us to heritage and help reconstruct...2025-02-121h 04
My African Aesthetic5.4. Angelica Castillo Balanta: Colombia. NorwayAngelica Maria Castillo Balanta, founder of Miss Balanta Turbans & Headwear, takes us through her life across continents, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of adapting to new cultures. From the lively salsa capital of Cali in Colombia, Panama, Barcelona, and finally to Norway, her journey highlights the essence of community ties that transcend borders. She underscores the significance of building a supportive network and maintaining connections with the Colombian community and other Black friends as this has been pivotal in preserving her cultural identity and authentic self-expression.Angelica also reflects on the symbolism...2025-02-121h 07
My African Aesthetic5.3. Peter Fongod: Cameroon. NorwayIn an engaging conversation with Peter Fongod, we trace his journey from the oil and gas industry to the world of real estate investment. We talk about the emotional rollercoaster of career shifts from oil and gas to real estate; and the hurdles of starting anew which led to the birth of FolksEiendom. He also sheds light on the broader themes of economic opportunities within the African diaspora, highlighting the potential for growth when embracing new ventures. We talk about the evolving landscape of real estate investment for Africans in the diaspora/Norway. He advocates for leveraging...2025-02-0848 min
My African Aesthetic5.2. Dilú Matola: Mozambique. Portugal. NorwayDilú Matola shares her inspiring journey from Mozambique to Norway, highlighting her passion for African culture and how it informs her work with AfroCraft; a social enterprise that merges cultural pride with innovation, bringing the beauty of African aesthetics to Norway through fashion. This episode explores Dilu’s commitment to representation, inclusivity, and the transformative power of African aesthetics in diverse contexts. You will hear about; • Dilu’s upbringing during Mozambique's civil war and the impact of childhood experiences on her values• The genesis of AfroCraft and the role of creativity in finding/ building community and preser...2025-02-0834 min
My African Aesthetic5.1. Don Lawrence: Jamaica. New York. NorwayDon Lawrence shares his transformative journey as an architect, connecting his roots in Jamaica to his experiences in New York and Norway. His family influences and diverse geopolitical experiences shape not only his design approach but also embody the importance of cultural heritage and community in creating meaningful and sustainable spaces. Our discussions highlight the interplay of culture, education, and identity in shaping one's life and design philosophy. We also focus on the significance of sense of place and the African aesthetic in design. Finally, Don discusses an exciting project in Bali, where he and h...2025-02-081h 12
My African Aesthetic4.5. Solomon W. Jagwe: Uganda. USAWhen creativity blooms from the rich soil of heritage, stories that both enchant and educate take flight. Solomon W Jagwe, a remarkable visual artist, joins us to weave a tapestry of his life, colored by the landscapes of Uganda and the pursuit of his passion in the USA. The echoes of his childhood, marked by the inventiveness of toy-making and the shadows of war, resonate through our conversation, revealing the roots of his artistic journey. He takes us through his educational journey, where languages and cultures collide, shaping his approach to storytelling. His internship stories, a humorous v...2023-12-251h 19
My African Aesthetic4.4. Cliff A. Moustache: Seychelles. NorwayCliff A. Moustache founded Nordic Black Theater in Oslo Norway together with Jarl Solberg in 1992. He is a Seycellois-Norwegian film director, actor, and playwright. In this episode, we reflect on his lifetime contributions to Norwegian society and his relentless dedication to promoting diverse perspectives in Norwegian theatre. As he navigates through his personal experiences, Cliff takes the time to pay tribute to the impactful role of his mother in his life, sharing personal stories and lessons that have shaped him. He shares his struggles with identity, cultural conformity and the story of reconnection with his roots thorugh theatre. Cliff i...2023-12-0757 min