Shows
My African AestheticUnwasted_African aesthetics and the global translation of African narratives with Prof. Mugendi Kanampiu M’RithaaProfessor Mugendi Kanampiu M’Rithaa is a pioneering transdisciplinary designer, educator, and President Emeritus of the World Design Organization. He is a thinker whose work spans continents, cultures, and causes- a passionate advocate for design as a transformative force on the African continent and a believer in the idea of “Afrika with a K” — a linguistic and philosophical shift toward self-definition and narrative ownership.In this interview, anchored in the project Unwasted by Holos Creative Studio Afrika LTD, Mugendi helps us unpack the effects of consumerism, post-consumer waste and colonial legacies on African beauty standards and forms of artist...
2025-11-0549 min
My African AestheticKouomegne Celia KamdomIn this episode, Celia shares how a move from Paris to Norway, and a lifelong pull toward design led her to create Oriaku, a jewelry brand that fuses African craftsmanship with Scandinavian minimalism. She reflects on growing up with a seamstress mother who shaped her understanding of fashion, and how lived experiences in different contexts helped her develop her personal design language.We talk about the work behind her rebrand, the psychology of visual identity, and the ways she reimagines traditional forms—like Fulani earrings—for everyday wear. Celia also offers an inside look at her...
2025-10-1541 min
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
LuminoCity420: Afrikan PartyIn this episode host, Theodore Walker Robinson Theodore interviews the world class Ivory Coast choreographer Oulouy about his career and the story of the dance crew Supa Rich kids ahead of their presentation of Afrikan Party at the Luminato Festival Toronto.Afrofuturism: The World of Black Sci-Fi and Fantasy Culture by Ytasha Womack The Dreamer and the Dream: Afrofuturism and Black Religious Thought by Roger A. Sneed Queer Times, Black Futures by Kara Keeling Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist by Nancy Goldstein The Motion of Light in Water: Sex and Science Fic...
2024-06-041h 13
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
My African Aesthetic4.3. Paul Matovu: UgandaPaul Matovu’s work with Vertical and Micro Gardening (VMG) in Uganda has been nothing short of transformative; his rural upbringing being the catalyst for his passion to improve food accessibility especially in urban contexts. In this episode, we dive into the world of vertical farming, the role of policymakers in this vital and innovative sector, Africa’s role in ensuring its own food security, the importance of embracing African culture in design and mentorship, and the lessons that Paul has learned from his experimentation and failures. Paul’s journey is one of perseverance and adaptability proved fruitful.@v...
2023-12-011h 11
My African Aesthetic4.2. Jomo Tariku: Ethiopia. USAJomo Tariku is an Ethiopian American Industrial designer, artist and data scientist. He was born in Kenya, raised in Ethiopia and currently lives and has his design practice in the USA. Jomo's work and research has been covered by many publications such as Architectural Digest, de zeen, Vogue, The Design Edit etc. His work is currently in the collection of major museums in the USA and some of his beautiful pieces were featured in the set for Marvel's Black Panther, Wakanda Forever movie. He is one of the founding members of BADG (Black artists + Design Guild)- "a m...
2023-11-061h 18
My African Aesthetic4.1. Otie Pokua Yankyera: GhanaOtie Pokua Yankyera is a young architect and researcher born and raised in Ghana. Research & Development , Traditional Architecture , Sustainability and Local Materials are at the core of her research and practice. In a design space where most young designers aspire towards western architecture, design aesthetics and practices, Otie's passion lies in researching sustainable building practices in indigenous Ghana and Africa . On this episode, we talk about her personal and career journey and her passion for sustainable design and indigenous african buildings; one that she explores through her research and practice under the name Tie` Atelier. Links to Otie's w...
2023-11-021h 00
My African Aesthetic3.5. Joshua Gwamwoiza: UgandaJoshua Gwamoiza is the CEO and founder of ECO-MICE landscaping; a landscape design company with the heart to see sustainable and clean outdoor environments in Uganda. With a unique landscaping brand that emphasizes team execution, innovation, and systematic operations, the firm aims to offer environmental master planning, landscape design and landscape remodeling services that improve their clients´ outdoor living spaces. This young and enthusiastic team aspires to be Africa’s best employer and Africa’s safest place to work. In this episode we talk about what inspires Joshua, his practice and his thoughts on landscape design in Ug...
2023-02-1540 min
My African Aesthetic3.4. Evelyn Mugisha: Uganda. AustraliaEvelyn Mugisha´s architecture and design career journey is bold, daring, versatile and inspiring. She is an Architect and project management practitioner from Uganda. She moved to Australia in 2019 and currently works at Infrastructure Victoria, an independent infrastructure advisory body for the State of Victoria in Australia. Evelyn shares her fascination for cities, the large scale urban infrastructure that makes up cities and how this infrastructure works. She offers her views on the state and the future of African cities of infrastructure, pointing us to some innovative and sustainable solutions. We are intrigued and inspired by Evelyn's pe...
2023-02-1344 min
My African Aesthetic3.3. Fungi Dube: ZimbabweFungi Dube is a self-taught brand and visual identity graphic designer from Harare, Zimbabwe who has created a career for herself in design and visual storytelling. She describes her approach to design as being rooted in strategic, intentional and calculated sensibilities. Fungi is enthusiastic about designing from her African roots while being intentional about honoring designers who have played a key role in shaping Afrikan design. In this episode, Fungi reminds us that the African narrative is multi-diverse and multi-directional. She also points us to the rich, relevant and very much available inspiration that is to be f...
2023-02-121h 04
My African Aesthetic3.2. Kinam Konkan Konlan: Ghana. NorwayKinam Konkan Konlan is the founder of African Food Festival Norway (AFFN), the largest celebration of African culture, cuisine and heritage in the Nordics. She is from Ghana and moved to Norway with her family at the age of 2. She is passionate and enthusiastic about telling the African food story, sharing our collective African food heritage and highlighting its place globally. Kinam believes that African food connects to the expression of who we are as africans; the memories and histories we share as individual African countries with various tribes but also as a continent.https://kin...
2023-02-1140 min
My African Aesthetic3.1. Ibrahim Elhayawan: Egypt. NorwayIn this episode ,we talk to Ibrahim Elhayawan, an architect born and raised in Cairo, Egypt. He takes us through his career journey ; from his early days in Egypt, to his 12 years at SNØHETTA a prestigious Norwegian design office, and eventually to Various Architects. In 2008, he Co-founded Various Architects, a Norwegian architectural studio- a mixture of youthful and experienced staff with various backgrounds, that prioritizes environmental solutions and innovative sustainable designs and encourages cross disciplinary engagement in architectural practice. We also talk about the opportunities and challenges of working in a foreign context and how leading an...
2023-02-1053 min
Design Thinking 101Language + Design Research + Researcher Self-Care with Abby Bajuniemi — DT101 E96Dr. Abby Bajuniemi holds a PhD in applied linguistics from the University of Minnesota and is currently a user researcher in industry. We talk about language, design research and researcher self-care. Listen to learn about: >> How language and linguistics affect design>> The interaction of society and language>> Trauma-informed user research>> Researcher self-care>> The importance of asking for help>> Language and technology>> Being mindful about the language used in design Our Guest Abby is the manager of UX Research and Content at Calendly. She holds a PhD in Hispanic and Lusophone Literatures...
2022-08-0946 min
Curious Story LabPrem Krishnamurthy: Questioning the Boundaries Between Art + DesignIn episode three, host Michele Washington has a conversation with Prem Krishnamurthy. A creator who exists between many worlds, from designer and curation, to writing and education, while living in Berlin. Prem’s the co-founder of WKSHPS, known for its multidisciplinary design practices. The firm works across numerous platforms from art, architecture, education, and culture worldwide. Listen as he guides you through a down-to-earth discussion of an ever-evolving abundance of projects projects including being the creative director of Front International 2022, the Cleveland triennial of contemporary art. Prem has also produced an ever-changing experimental digital book, P!DF, plus Present!, a t...
2022-05-261h 12
My African AestheticReflections on Season 2_Eunice Nanzala Schumacher and Penina Acayo LakerOn this episode; co-hosts; Eunice N Schumacher and Penina Acayo Laker start off this seasons recap on a high note and share highlights and lessons learned from an amazing group of practitioners this season: Architects (Tosin Oshinowa, Jesse Tukacungurwa), Graphic Designers and researchers and educators (Tapiwa Matsinde, Henry Mainsah) and revolutionary design thinking enthusiast changing the game (Ateh Nkem Atabong). Many thanks to all our gusets!Our first article is out in Uganda´s architectural journal by the Uganda Society of Architects (USA)Our very own; Penina Acayo Laker has co-authored a book; “The Black Experience in Design: Identit...
2022-04-1231 min
Curious Story LabMabel O. Wilson: Race, Modernism and ArchitectureIn episode two host, Michele Washington interviews Mabel Wilson, currently the Nancy and George Rupp Professor of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, a Professor in African American and African Diasporic Studies, the Director of the Institute for Research in African American Studies and co-director of the Global Africa Lab at Columbia University. Wilson talks about her immense body of research, which ranges from academia, writing, race, architecture, and curatorial projects. One of her most recent exhibitions was held at MoMA, “Reconstructions Architecture and Blackness in America.” Wilson also discusses her practice Studio &, being a founding member of Who Builds Your Archi...
2022-01-2649 min
My African Aesthetic2.6. Henry Mainsah: Cameroon. NorwayHenry Mainsah is a Research Professor, media and design scholar at the Institute for Consumption Research at the Oslo Metropolitan University in Norway (OsloMet). He is originally from Cameroon and has lived, studied and worked in different African and European contexts. He obtained his PhD from the University of Oslo. He worked at the university of Oslo, and later worked as an Associate Professor at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design. His research interests include interdisciplinary research methods, digital media, design, identity, digital literacies, and youth culture. His publications are available in print and on t...
2021-12-281h 07
My African Aesthetic2.5. Tapiwa Matsinde: Zimbabwe. EnglandTapiwa Matsinde is an author, an independent curator, a content creator, a design consultant and design business mentor. Storytelling is at the heart of what she does. She draws a lot of inspiration from her Zimbabwean heritage and the rich and diverse cultural heritage from the African continent and African diaspora. Her practice is focused on shining a light on designers, artisans and creatives who are underrepresented in the creative industries in Africa and the African diaspora. She shares their stories, and helps them tell their own stories through her award-winning platform atelier 55; that started as a blo...
2021-12-1554 min
Beyond Boundaries Podcast44: Brandon Perez & Heidy PiñaOn this episode, Rob chats with two Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts Beyond Boundaries students based in the School of Architecture in BB24 student Brandon Perez and BB25 student Heidy Piña to talk about how architecture, when leveraged with public policy and communication design, can be a power for good in the world! We chat about the new Creative Practice for Social Change minor launched by Beyond Boundaries and Communication Design instructor Penina Acayo Laker, Brandon's time as a Goldman Fellow with the Creative Exchange Lab studying East St. Louis, and Heidy's first semester and "big qu...
2021-11-1041 min
My African Aesthetic2.4. Ateh Nkem Atabong: Cameroon. NorwayIn this episode, we chat with Ateh Nkem Atabong, a pharmacist and business development expert originally from Cameroon, now based in Norway. Ateh has a strong connection to Africa and is passionate about driving innovation across various sectors, especially healthcare, agriculture, and logistics. He’s the co-founder and CEO of SAWA AS, an agribusiness company importing high-quality African ingredients to Europe, and the founder of HETA Consult, which focuses on healthcare solutions for the African market. Ateh also holds leadership roles on several boards, including the Norway Cameroon Business Council and African Trade Group. With years of ex...
2021-08-081h 02
My African Aesthetic2.3. Ateh Nkem Atabong: Cameroon. NorwayIn this episode, we chat with Ateh Nkem Atabong, a pharmacist and business development expert originally from Cameroon, now based in Norway. Ateh has a strong connection to Africa and is passionate about driving innovation across various sectors, especially healthcare, agriculture, and logistics. He’s the co-founder and CEO of SAWA AS, an agribusiness company importing high-quality African ingredients to Europe, and the founder of HETA Consult, which focuses on healthcare solutions for the African market. Ateh also holds leadership roles on several boards, including the Norway Cameroon Business Council and African Trade Group. With years of ex...
2021-06-2154 min
My African Aesthetic2.2. Jesse Tukacungurwa: UgandaArchitect Jesse Tukacungurwa is a Registered Architect, with over 15 years of experience in building projects design, project management and supervision. He is the director of design at ONCEPTi Architects in Kampala Uganda; a firm that he started 12 years ago. Jesse holds a Bachelor degree in Architecture from Makerere University in Kampala-Uganda and a Masters degree in Sustainable building Technology from the University of Nottingham. His practice specialises in Sustainable building design aiming to transfer knowledge and skills on how to bring down the energy load of buildings and create architectural solutions for the African context.h...
2021-05-2439 min
My African Aesthetic2.1. Tosin Oshinowo: England. NigeriaTosin Oshinowo is a Nigerian architect, Designer, Creative Entrepreneur, Culture Enthusiast, History Junkie & Mummy. Tosin holds a Bachelor's degree in Architecture from Kingston University, a Masters in Urban Design from the Bartlett School of Architecture London and an Architecture Postgraduate Diploma from the Architecture Association, London.She had her early professional practice in London and Rotterdam before moving to Nigeria. Tosin is the founder and Director of CmDesign Atelier/OSHINOWO STUDIO, an Architectural Design Consultancy firm she set up in 2012 in Nigeria. It is a collaborative, informed and aspirational design practice that strives to work wi...
2021-05-1947 min
Design Lab with Bon KuDesigning for Social Change | Penina Acayo LakerPenina Acayo Laker is a graphic designer, researcher, and Assistant Professor of Communication Design at Washington University in St. Louis. Her research and creative practice explore how human-centered, research-driven design methodologies catalyze unique ideas to address complex societal challenges facing communities in St. Louis and Uganda. She has collaborated on an award-winning project that used simplified iconography to communicate ailments associated with the spread, prevention, and treatment of malaria in Kibera, Kenya. Penina earned an MFA in Visual Communication Design from Kent State University and a BA in Art from Goshen College. As a component of her MFA thesis...
2021-04-2942 min
My African AestheticReflections on Season 1_Eunice and PeninaAfter such a rich first season, Eunice and Penina (co-hosts) sit down and reflect upon key themes such as: the role of identity and knowing ones heritage when designing in the African context; the value of telling our own stories, in our own African way and lens; and how our education system needs to stay relevant to meet the demands of today's landscape; that emerged from our conversations with our guests. A huge thank you to all our guests for sharing their stories and invaluable experiences with us. To all our listeners, we appreciate your support, messages an...
2021-04-2423 min
My African Aesthetic1.10. Jude Yaw Agboada: Ghana. USAJude Yaw Agboada is a visual communication designer, educator and branding expert from Ghana. He currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri and teaches communication design at the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri where he holds a position as the 2019-21 Louis D. Beaumont Artist-in-Residence.Through his design practice, Jude has worked with clients like Ghana International School, University of Ghana Business School, and GIZ Ghana. Jude uses storytelling and dialogue to explore ways to encourage difficult conversations across cultures. In his practice, Jude explores how...
2021-01-151h 11
My African Aesthetic1.9. Jude Yaw Agboada: Ghana. USAJude Yaw Agboada is a visual communication designer, educator and branding expert from Ghana. He currently resides in St. Louis, Missouri and teaches communication design at the Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri where he holds a position as the 2019-21 Louis D. Beaumont Artist-in-Residence.Through his design practice, Jude has worked with clients like Ghana International School, University of Ghana Business School, and GIZ Ghana. Jude uses storytelling and dialogue to explore ways to encourage difficult conversations across cultures. In his practice, Jude explores how...
2021-01-0844 min
My African Aesthetic1.8. Doreen Adengo (RIP) : USA. UgandaDoreen Adengo is an Architect based in Kampala, Uganda where she runs an architectural firm called Adengo architecture. Much of Doreen’s work is focused on communicating the value of professional design services in African cities. In a context where non-designers often build their own homes, schools, and other structures, she believes that it’s critical to make the case that architects and urban planners can improve people’s everyday lives, helping cities develop sustainably.After completing her undergraduate and graduate studies at the Catholic University and Yale respectively, Doreen worked for design firms in London, Washington DC, and...
2021-01-0139 min