Shows
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 30 - Strange Days (1995)CW: Police brutality, racism, and sexual assault discussed in relation to the plot and themes of the film. After an extended (and accidental) hiatus, Masie & Stuart are finally back with a new monthly schedule to dissect the unfortunately topical 1995 Kathryn Bigelow cyberpunk action film Strange Days. Starring Ralph Fiennes as the most pathetic ex-cop ever dealing street illegal VR-esque tech on New Year's Eve in the near future 1999, Strange Days is a shockingly prescient film in its portrayal of the evils of police brutality and racism. Does it nail its conclusions on these topics though? And does...
2026-01-312h 04Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 29 - From Up On Poppy Hill (2011)In this episode, Masie & Stuart close out their examination of the filmography of Goro Miyazaki by checking out his second feature film, From Up On Poppy Hill. Has Goro learned any lessons from his first directorial outing with Tales from Earthsea? Or does he crash straight downhill? Listen as our hosts discuss this film's interesting historical setting, architecture, and character designs, but also its bizarre romantic conflict and mayhaps overly nostalgic perspective of 1960's Showa-era Japan. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd fo...
2025-10-291h 34Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 28 - Tales from Earthsea (2006)In this episode, Masie and Stuart take a boat to the fantasy lands of Ursula K. Le Guin's Earthsea book series for Studio Ghibli's 2006 adaptation titled Tales from Earthsea. Along with the director Goro Miyazaki, this film has quite a negative reputation among Ghibli's otherwise illustrious catalogue of animated productions. But does it deserve said reputation? Well, our hosts on their travels unfortunately find a film with a strong lack of visual identity and craft with a script that is... confusing to say the least. Tune into our hosts journey through turbulent waters as they discuss its strange adaptation...
2025-09-152h 08Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 27 - Call Me By Your Name (2017)In this episode, Masie & Stuart finally wrap up their pride month duo after a moving hiatus by digging up the 2017 queer coming of age film Call Me By Your Name. A critical and financial success upon its release, Luca Guadagnino and James Ivory's film adaptation of Andre Aciman's novel has garnered a much messier reputation in the eight years since due to its age gap romance and the unfortunate presence of actor Armie Hammer. Our hosts explore the film's beautiful Italian vistas and often great performances and cinematography, while trying to untangle and dissect the many troubling elements tarnishing...
2025-08-251h 38Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 26 - Fire Island (2022)In this episode, Masie & Stuart celebrate pride month by watching Andrew Ahn's 2022 film Fire Island, a loose adaptation of Pride and Prejudice set on the titular gay resort. As queer fans of Jane Austen, our hosts find much to admire in this film's smart adaptation decisions and joyful, but critical examination of gay male community that subverts and examines stereotypes around race, class, and body type. Listen as they gush about the authentic cast of gay actors, recount the film's many good romcom moments, and discuss the parts of the script that could've been cut or used a bit...
2025-06-301h 24Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 25 - Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)In this episode, Masie & Stuart arrive in a galaxy far far away to complete their tribunal of JJ Abram's by covering Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Unearthing over a decade of mixed (mostly negative) feelings about this sequel trilogy, our hosts find that while they are still compelled by the characters and their actors' performances, there are many early signs of the confused, aimless direction future sequel entries would take. Listen as our hosts discuss the film's awkward copy and pasting from the structure and character arcs of A New Hope and eventually devolve into a full dissection of...
2025-06-162h 17Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 24 - Star Trek (2009)In this episode, Masie & Stuart begin an epic journey into space to examine the sci-fi franchise reboots of director JJ Abrams. Beginning with his 2009 Star Trek film, our hosts find much to appreciate about the movie's casting and set design. However, our resident Trekkie Masie has more than a few critiques. From 2009-era misogyny, to a script more interested in being high octane and action-packed than it is in expanding upon the unique qualities of the beloved original TV series, our hosts find themselves warping through complaints faster than the film does through its many action set pieces.
2025-05-261h 37Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 23 - A Tree of Palme (2002)In this episode, Masie & Stuart return to the world of animation to cover the strange 2002 anime film, A Tree of Palme, directed by Takashi Nakamura. A critical and financial failure upon its release, this odd Pinocchio-inspired sci-fi adventure movie has faded into obscurity over the years, but our hosts are here to spread the word that this film may be deserving of a reappraisal! Listen as they discuss its gorgeous art design and fascinating worldbuilding, as well as its overstuffed and often confusing script. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on So...
2025-05-122h 00Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 22 - Nimona (2023)In this episode, Masie & Stuart finally enter the world of animation by discussing the 2023 film Nimona. Rescued from Disney's closure of its production studio, our hosts find plenty to appreciate about this queer kid's adventure flick. How does it hold up compared to the original graphic novel by ND Stevenson though? Listen as our hosts discuss the film's lovable characters and crazy production history, as well as its many strange adaptation decisions. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram and Letterboxd for podcast updates. ...
2025-04-142h 03Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 21 - Something Wild (1986)In this episode, Masie & Stuart get kidnapped and taken on a crazy roadtrip by Jonathan Demme's 1986 comedy-thriller film Something Wild. The second part of Stuart's pairing of manic-pixie dream girl films, our hosts find much to discuss about this film whose tone, characters, and plot developments are truly... well, wild. Listen as our hosts gush about the film's shockingly likable male protagonist, Melanie Griffith's iconic (but sometimes culturally questionable) costuming, the main couple's interesting power dynamics, and more in the longest episode of Cinema Bones released yet. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Fo...
2025-03-232h 18Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 20 - Punch-Drunk Love (2002)In this episode, Masie & Stuart take a flight back to 2002 to examine Paul Thomas Anderson's romantic comedy film Punch-Drunk Love. Part of Stuart's pairing of manic-pixie dream girl films, they went in expecting to find more to critique, but mostly have positive things to say! From the considered and striking cinematography, to the excellent lead performances by Adam Sandler and Emily Watson, they find plenty to love about this quirky early 2000's romp. Listen as our hosts analyze the autistic-coded protagonist Barry Egan and gush about Jon Brion's lush and ecclectic score. Linktree: https://linktr.ee...
2025-03-091h 33
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 19 - Her (2013)In this episode, Masie & Stuart take a look at an alternate vision of 2025 in Spike Jonze's 2013 sci-fi romance film Her. The second part of their examination of the divorce films of Spike Jonze and Sofia Coppola, our hosts scroll through to find a film made up of beautiful surfaces with a cynical view of romance beneath the surface. Listen as they discuss the film's beautiful production design and general aesthetics, while also getting frustrated when talking about its portrayal of women and (not-so-subtle) self-insert qualities. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us o...
2025-02-241h 48
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 18 - Lost in Translation (2003)In this episode, Masie & Stuart take a (imaginary) trip to Japan to examine the 2003 Oscar-darling film, Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation. The first part of a duology covering the divorce films of Sofia Coppola and Spike Jonze, our hosts find themselves treading in familiar Coppola-territory. How does this story of two priveleged people experiencing isolation and existential crises in Tokyo hold up today? Does Coppola portray the city and Japanese culture with care and sensitivity? The answers likely won't shock you based on her track record, but our hosts still find plenty to discuss and enjoy in the film's...
2025-02-101h 41
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 17 - Sonic the Hedgehog 2 (2022)In this episode, Masie & Stuart return to the Green Hills of the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise to discuss its second live-action feature film Sonic the Hedgehog 2. How does this sequel compare to the first? Is it faster and stronger, or does it struggle to get off to a speedy start? Listen as our hosts discuss the film's many improvements from its predecessor as well as its repeated failures. Then, stay tuned in to the end for a year-end wrap up where Masie & Stuart discuess their favorite and least favorite movies covered for Cinema Bones in 2024 in addition...
2025-01-201h 32
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 16 - Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)In the episode, Masie & Stuart gotta run (not so fast) through the 2020 film Sonic the Hedgehog in preparation of the video game adaptation franchise's third installment releasing this month. Along the way, our hosts discuss the film's surprising strengths as well as its annoyingly Millenial sense of humor. Listen as they ponder over the interesting implications of Sonic's film backstory and how the film is oddly emblematic of the modern state of children's media. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Ci...
2024-12-231h 37
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 15 - Being John Malkovich (1999)In this episode Malkovich Malkovich Malkovi--**cough cough Excuse me. In this episode, Masie & Stuart rediscover the surreal 1999 dramedy film Being John Malkovich: the feature film debut of both director Spike Jonze and screenwriter Charlier Kaufman. Crossing the small threshold into the film's strange world, our hosts find a bevy of amazing actor performances and a compelling set of themes. Listen as our hosts dive into these topics as well as the film's unexplored gender moments. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on...
2024-12-091h 46
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 14 - In Her Shoes (2005)In this episode, Masie & Stuart return to the aisles of 2000's feminine cinema with the 2005 film adaptation of Jennifer Weiner's sibling drama novel In Her Shoes. Perusing the film's selection of pairs, our hosts discover a shockingly compelling family melodrama that thoughtfully tackles themes of mental illness and generational trauma in a way uncommon for other films of its era. Listen as our hosts discuss the film's compelling central sibling relationship as well as its weird 2000's beauty standards and portrayal of Toni Collette's character. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on...
2024-11-181h 26
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 13 - Under the Tuscan Sun (2003)In this episode, Masie & Stuart take a trip back to Italy where they explore the warm and fuzzy 2003 film adaptation of Frances Mayes' memoir Under the Tuscan Sun. Searching through the streets of Tuscany presented on screen, our hosts find a lot to enjoy about director and writer Audrey Wells' film. Listen as they discuss the charming performances of Diane Lane and Sandra Oh, the film's generally lovely vibes, as well as some of its weirder romcomy and heteronormative qualities. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on...
2024-10-271h 43
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 12 - Eat Pray Love (2010)In this episode, Masie & Stuart take a trip to the cruel and twisted realm of Ryan Murphy with his wildly successful 2010 film adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's bestselling memoir Eat Pray Love. Garnering its fair share of criticism over the years, our hosts sample the film's bizarre brand of white feminism and its often racist portrayal of countries in the Global South, while trying to find the parts of its menu that are worthy of praise. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd an...
2024-10-141h 44
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 11 - Jupiter Ascending (2015)In this episode, Masie & Stuart return to the realm of space operas with the Wachowski sisters' sci-fi blockbuster film Jupiter Ascending. A critical and finacial failure upon release, the reputation of this movie is often quite negative in online film circles. However, our hosts are here to argue that it might have some compelling ideas... some 90's shojo isekai ideas in fact. Listen as our hosts try to argue in favor of this film's charming, feminine, anime-esque version of a power fantasy, and why maybe the script probably could've used a couple more drafts. Linktree: ht...
2024-09-151h 44
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 10 - Cloud Atlas (2012)In this episode, Masie & Stuart revisit the Wachowski Sisters' & Tom Tykwer's 2012 epic Cloud Atlas. Developing a cult-following since its initial divisive release, how does this messy conceptual adaptation of the 2004 David Mitchell novel of the same name hold up? Well, our hosts return from their autopsy with some unfortunate findings! Listen as they delve into the film's fascinating creative choices, its blatant racism, and the many strange adaptation changes made across its nearly 3 hour run time. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Le...
2024-09-012h 02
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 9 - Ammonite (2020)In this episode, Masie & Stuart excavate the queer lesbian historical drama film Ammonite (2020) directed by Francis Lee. Sparking minor discourse on social media upon its release, the film received negative comparisons to its genre contemporary from the previous year, A Portrait of a Lady on Fire. Are these comparisons fair though? Listen as our hosts dissect Ammonite's own unique tonal, aesthetic, and character writing strength, in addition to its interesting, if messy, attempts at queering the historical life of British paleotologist Mary Anning. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Me...
2024-08-121h 27
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 8 - My Own Private Idaho (1991)In this episode, Masie & Stuart discuss the gay cult classic film My Own Private Idaho as part of their (belated) look at queer cinema for Pride Month. What are the bones that make this quirky road trip film so iconic? Is its strangness a strength, or has it made it age poorly? Listen to find out as our hosts examine the movie's stunning fashion, the captivating performance of the character Mike Waters from the late River Phoenix, and more! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on In...
2024-07-291h 14
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 7 - Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)In this episode, Masie & Stuart have gone to their local theaters and returned with spicy takes about Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, the prequel and follow up to Max Mad: Fury Road. How does the same creative team prelude that iconic 2015 action film 9 years after its initial release? Does it hold a candle to it or spin out crash on the side of the road? Listen as our hosts dissect the movie's various ups and downs and how their reactions contrast with Furiosa's uproarious critical reception. Correction Note: We talk about how Anya T...
2024-07-011h 34
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 6 - Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)In this episode, Masie & Stuart delve into the metallic, guzzoline-fueled post-apocalypse of Mad Max Fury Road (2015). Critically beloved on its release in 2015 and with a new prequel out this year in the form of Furiosa: A Mad Saga, how does this original film hold up 9 years later? Listen as our hosts struggle to find a flaw in this film's irradiated desert wastelands in a shockingly positive episode of Cinema Bones. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for po...
2024-06-101h 33
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 5 - Priscilla (2023)In this episode, Masie & Stuart discuss Sofia Coppola's 2023 biopic film Priscilla. Following up on their previous episode's discussion of Elvis (2022), how does Coppola's depiction of the life of Priscilla Presley compare to Bahz Luhrmann's high octane approach? Listen as our hosts discuss the film's compellng aesthetics and performances, but also its softening of its autobiographical source material. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for podcast updates. Additional Reading/Sources: Hammer Museum Cos...
2024-05-131h 23
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 4 - Elvis (2022)In this episode, Masie and Stuart rummage through the glittery remains left in the wake of Bahz Luhrmann's musical biopic film Elvis (2022). Along the way they find a handful of positives, but mostly a lot strange script and directorial decisions. Listen as our hosts dissect the film's bizarre interpretations of historical figures and events and its slate of captivating and terrifying actor performances. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for podcast updates.
2024-04-291h 28Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 3 - The Bling Ring (2013)In this episode, Masie and Stuart discuss Sofia Coppola's satirical true crime film The Bling Ring. Divisive among critics upon its release in 2013, the movie has since received a positive post-release reappraisal on social media sites like Letterboxd. Which side of the discourse do our hosts land on? Tune in to find out! Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for podcast updates. Additional Reading/Sources: The Suspects Wore Louboutins by Nancy Jo Sales
2024-04-151h 06
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 2 - Dune (1984)In this episode, we discuss the original 1984 film incarnation of Dune directed by David Lynch. With such a critically beloved director behind it, how does this version compare to Dune (2021)? Listen as hosts Masie and Stuart dissect the various ups and downs of this off-kilter 80's sci-fi cult classic. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr for podcast updates.
2024-03-171h 03
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 1 - Dune (2021)Hello folks! In this first episode of Cinema Bones, we cover Denis Villenueve's Dune (2021), the first of the two part sci-fi film series that is currently taking the world by storm. We examine its big successes, but also the frustrating limitations that come with it being a modern sci-fi blockbuster. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr.
2024-03-041h 15
Cinema BonesCinema Bones - Ep 0 - IntroductionWelcome to Cinema Bones! A podcast where we talk about movies that are bad, but kinda good? In this introductory episode, our two hosts introduce themselves and the podcast: going over the hows and whys of its creation and what our goals are for it. Moving forward, we hope to post episodes twice a month and cover a wide variety of films--digging up their flaws and strengths in equal measure. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/cinema_bones Follow Us on Social Media @ Cinema_Bones on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd and Cinema-Bones on Tumblr.
2024-03-0412 min
The African Business PodcastCan Charter Cities unlock African Economies? In this episode we speak to Kurtis Lockhart about chartered cities and whether they can deliver broad based prosperity in Africa and further afield. Credits Host and executive producer: Dr Desné Masie Co-producer: Peter Doerrie Research: Angus Chapman Digital Editor: Charles Dietz Design: Jason Venkatasamy Music: Corporate Uplifting Chill by MusicLFiles: https://filmmusic.io/song/6298-corporate-uplifting-chill Licence: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
2023-04-2659 min
The African Business PodcastDavos Debrief and 2023 ForecastIn this episode we speak to the publisher of African Business magazine, Omar Ben Yedder, who has just come back from Davos 2023 in Klosters, Switzerland. The first in-person gathering in three years, the famous international forum as always, provided invaluable insights and networking opportunities to those who attended. Omar chats to us about his main reflections from WEF including the global macroeconomic forecast, the trade, demographic and industrialisation opportunities for Africa. China meanwhile signalled at the World Economic Forum that it is for business once more following its 'Zero-Covid policy' against the backdrop of substantial economic and political resources flowing to...
2023-01-261h 00
The African Business PodcastDriving growth across African e-commerceIn this episode we speak to Daniel Yu, a 32-year-old Californian entrepreneur now based in Zanzibar. He is the founder and CEO of Wasoko, a supply chain and distribution company established in 2015 to respond to the challenges faced by small and micro-business across Africa in managing stock levels. Having just raised $125 million in Series B venture capital funding from Tiger and Avenir, Wasoko is now valued at $625 million, and has its sights set on eliminating the inefficiencies plaguing Africa’s enormous, dynamic, so-called ‘informal’ retail economy. A humble innovator, Daniel has learned Swahili in order to better service his custome...
2022-10-2640 min
The African Business PodcastHow the UK is investing in African developmentBritish International Investments (BII), the UK’s official development finance agency, was the first organisation of its kind when it was founded in 1948. It remains at the forefront of international development finance, particularly for Africa, where it deploys 70% of its $2-$4 billion of new capital every year. CEO Nick O'Donohoe is a pioneer of impact investing, coming to BII following stints in investment banking and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and having co-founded Big Society Capital, the world’s first social investment bank. He explains how BII fits into the UK’s foreign policy in the context of Brexit...
2022-10-1251 min
The African Business PodcastGeneral Electric on Africa's energy transitionSince General Electric was founded by Thomas Edison almost a century and a half ago, the power business has changed a lot. Vuyelwa Mahanyele, regional sales director for GE’s gas business in Southern and East Africa, has seen this change up close. She tells us how decarbonisation became the overarching theme for both the company and the region, and steps through the financial, technical and policy aspects of making it a reality. Achieving the trilemma of affordable, reliable and sustainable power in Africa remains a serious challenge. Mahanyele suggests that a combination of gas and renewables can do much of...
2022-09-2151 min
The African Business PodcastConservation, biodiversity and ESG in AfricaIn this episode we talk to zoologist-turned lawyer, Alexander Rhodes, about his work as Chair of Tusk conservation charity and Partner and Head of Mishcon Purpose at international law firm Mishcon de Reya. We start with Alexander’s personal journey, from a young zoologist working alongside indigenous communities in Kenya to a leading, purpose-driven lawyer with decades of experience in both the commercial and philanthropic domains. He talks about the relationship between business and nature; not just in terms of impact, but also the embeddedness and reliance of economies and societies on healthy, diverse and resilient ecosystems....
2022-05-2048 min
The African Business PodcastPolitical Economy Outlook 2022: Sub-Saharan Africa In this episode we are joined by Barnaby Fletcher, Associate Director at Control Risks. In a wide-ranging discussion covering politics, economics and conflict at different scales, we unpick the risks and opportunities for Africa in 2022. We begin by discussing the nature of risk, outlining Barnaby's work as a leading risk analyst for East and Southern Africa and the career journey he took to get there. He defines risk as the potential effect of uncertainty, and explains how, while risk exists everywhere, the combination of debt, pandemic, climate change and multi-dimensional conflict makes Africa a particularly compelling case. Ongoing unrest in the S...
2022-01-2649 min
The African Business PodcastOutlook for Africa's Legal and Operating Environment with Andrew Skipper, Head of Africa, Hogan Lovells In this episode, we speak to Andrew Skipper, Head of Africa at Hogan Lovells and a senior partner in the corporate practice of the firm. Skipper sets out the pertinent issues for investors and entrepreneurs to be aware of on the continent's diverse legal landscape, which draws on indigenous customary law and common law principles as well as legal frameworks of several other jurisdictions. He also highlights the significant impact that Covid-19 has had on the law. Skipper also discusses the importance of culture in business, and how his love of Africa and African art has deepened h...
2020-08-0634 min
The African Business PodcastSouth African media and political economy with Lukanyo Mnyanda, editor, Business DayIn this first episode of Series 2, we speak to Lukanyo Mnyanda, editor of Business Day, Africa's leading financial daily, based in Johannesburg. As Business Day celebrates its 35th birthday, Lukanyo talks to us about the history of the paper and the important role the business media and community in South Africa play in upholding governance and institutions. We also discuss the outlook for the political economy in the wake of the Moody's downgrade earlier this year and the impact of Covid-19. Credits: Executive Producer and Host: Desne Masie Co-producer: Peter Doerrie Digital Edtitor: Charles...
2020-07-3052 min
The African Business PodcastChina-Africa relations with Jinny Yan, Chief China Economist, ICBC Standard Bank In episode 13, following the Two Sessions meeting in China, and the extraordinary China-AU Summit in June 17, host Desné Masie invites our special guest Jinny Yan, Chief China Economist at ICBC Standard Bank to discuss the effect of COVID-19 on China’s economic and political relationship with Africa as well as the global economic outlook. With a focus on putting into practice the opportunities from the China-Africa tie up, we dive into China's Belt and Road initiatives, discuss Africa’s economic debts to China and highlight the importance of ESG factors in new China-Africa projects. 2020 marks the fi...
2020-07-071h 04
The African Business PodcastThe UK's Trade and Investment priorities in Africa with Emma-Wade Smith Podcast host Desne Masie was delighted to welcome our special guest for Episode 12, Emma Wade-Smith, Her Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Africa to discuss the UK government's trade and investment priorities in Africa post-Brexit, and the private sector support the Department for International Trade is extending for UK businesses operating on the African continent in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. Wade-Smith tells us about the many initiatives, and trade and investment agreements that came out of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's UK-Africa Investment Summit in January, given how strategic Africa is for the UK's post-Brexit strategy. We also find out more about th...
2020-06-1236 min
The African Business PodcastRunning Africa's largest stock exchange during a pandemic and a ratings downgrade with Dr Leila FouriePodcast host Desne Masie was delighted to welcome our special guest for Episode 11, Dr Leila Fourie, CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Dr Fourie took the helm at the exchange around 6 months ago amid an already tough time in the global economy. Economic headwinds for the exchange have only been amplified in 2020 with the Covid-19 global pandemic and the ratings downgrade of South Africa's sovereign debt to below investment grade. We caught up with Leila to discuss how these developments have affected capital raising and listings, and what her vision is for the exchange beyond the c...
2020-05-2623 min
The African Business PodcastGlobal governance and leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic with Lord Peter HainPodcast host Desne Masie was delighted to welcome our special guest for Episode 10, Lord Peter Hain, who has had an eminent career in politics and is a world-leading expert on governance. He was born in Kenya and raised in South Africa, and went on to lead the anti-apartheid movement when he later moved to the UK as a young man. Lord Hain went on to have many eminent cabinet roles in Tony Blair's and Gordon Brown's respective Labour governments including Minister for Africa, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and Secretary of State for Wales. He has also been t...
2020-05-1248 min
The African Business PodcastDeepening Africa's Capital Markets with Ibukun Adebayo of the London Stock Exchange GroupPodcast host Desne Masie speaks to African Business magazine editor, David Thomas, about the April issue of African Business magazine. The cover story looks at the outlook for renewable energy in Africa and the politics around the low-carbon transition timetable that is appropriate for Africa's energy mix. David and Desne also have an in-depth discussion on the impact of coronavirus for Africa and how this has inspired the launch of our liveblog resource for the pandemic's development on the continent which you can read here. Our special guest is Ibukun Adebayo, of the International Markets team at the London Stock E...
2020-04-071h 05
The African Business PodcastTechnology sector opportunities and inequalities with Musa Kalenga Podcast host Desne Masie speaks to African Business magazine editor, David Thomas, about the March issue of African Business magazine, a lusophone special looking at the new regime in Angola and its apparent purge of the Dos Santos dynasty from state-owned enterprises and coffers. We also discuss our Mozambique Special Report, and the prospects for the country in the wake of Cyclone Idai. Our special guest is Musa Kalenga, venture capitalist and futurists and one of the co-founders of Africa Tech Round Up. We discuss with Musa the opportunities and challenges for tech in Africa, particularly how to widen digital i...
2020-03-2341 min
The African Business PodcastSustainable Investing with the Private Infrastructure Development Group Podcast host Desne Masie speaks to group publisher, Omar Ben Yedder back from his travels on the African continent and beyond. Omar has over the past month been to several high level conference and working groups, including World Economic Forum Davos 2020 in Switzerland, The 33rd AU Summit in Addis Ababa and the Intra-African Trade Fair pre-meetings in Kigali. We discuss whether Davos is still fit for purpose and the AU's plans for increasing peace and security in Africa through the Silencing the Guns initiative, focused on the Sahel and West Africa. Our special guest is Philippe Valahu, the CEO of the P...
2020-03-0251 min
The African Business PodcastInsurance trends in Africa with African Risk Capacity LimitedIn this episode, Editor of African Business Magazine, David Thomas, and podcast host, Desne Masie, discuss the response to the Corona Virus in Africa, the recent plague of locust in East Africa and other effects of climate change in Africa. We also consider if South African Airways should be wound up given its neverending financial troubles. In the diary we look ahead to the sustainable investment forum with Invest Africa and the Private Infrastructure Development Group on 11 February in the City of London. Our special guest this week is the CEO-designate for African Risk Capacity...
2020-02-1046 min
The African Business PodcastCrypto and Blockchain in Africa with ConsensysIn this episode, Editor of African Business Magazine, David Thomas, and podcast host, Desne Masie, discuss the first UK-Africa Summit in London, and the highlights of this month's issue of African Business Magazine especially developments in Sudan and in Francophone West Africa around the new eco currency. We also look ahead to the upcoming Mining Indaba in South Africa on 3-6 February. Our special guest this week is the Africa lead for Consensys, Monica Singer, who is also the former CEO of Strate. We discuss the Consensys paper on Central Bank Backed Digital Currencies of which she...
2020-01-2758 min
The African Business PodcastAfrica in 2020In this mini-cast, group publisher for African Business Magazine, Omar Ben Yedder, and podcast host, Desne Masie, set the scene for Africa in 2020, which is set to be a bumper year, kicking off with the first UK-Africa Summit in London and the annual World Economic Forum at Davos where climate change is hot on the agenda as one of the major business risks. We also take a look at the various elections happening around the continent in 2020. Further reading African Business Magazine WEF Africa in 2020 WEF 2020 UK-Africa Summit Show credits ...
2020-01-2020 min
The African Business PodcastThe Africa List Business Barometer Launch with Nieros Oyegun, Head of NetworkNieros Oyegun, head of network for CDC's The Africa List talks us through the initiative, which wants to fortify top executives with leadership skills and a peer network that spans across countries. The programme selects the leading 100 companies in each country based on current performance and future potential. Then two high-performing leaders from each company, nominated by the current CEO or chairman, are invited to join. Its membership is comprised of executives at large multinationals, local mid-market family businesses, and high growth start-ups from nearly 20 industries. On December 3, The Africa List launched the Business Barometer survey with...
2019-12-0939 min
The African Business PodcastCrown Agents Bank: Creating Liquidity and Supporting Payments in AfricaIn this episode we interview the CEO of Crown Agents Bank, Albert Maasland, about the work they are doing supporting forex provision, liquidity and payments all over continent, including in smaller and more fragile states. Albert also talks us through the enormous opportunities in Africa. We discuss the significance of the bank’s recent acquisition of the Fintech Segovia and the its win as best FX Provider for Emerging Market Currencies at the Global Finance Foreign Exchange Awards 2020. Group Publisher Omar Ben Yedder also provides us with his usual diary update. Further reading...
2019-11-2939 min
The African Business PodcastLaunch Episode - The African OpportunityIn the special edition launch episode, we interview group publisher and editor-in-chief of African Business Magazine, Omar Ben Yedder, on his vision for this essential listen on the business and economics of the African continent today. In keeping with the unprecedented interest in investing and capital raising across markets and sectors on the continent, we have as our first guest, Michelle Essomé, the CEO of the African Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (AVCA) set the scene of this exciting phase in African business against the backdrop of AVCA’s recently launched 2019, half year data track with all...
2019-10-3038 min