Judeslist

In this episode, I speak with Wuraola Oyewusi, whose journey spans pharmacy, AI research, and digital education but what makes her work distinct is how she translates complex AI concepts into the Yoruba language, making emerging technologies accessible to audiences often excluded from digital dialogue.

We explore curiosity as a discipline, mastery as a responsibility, and why languages that are not represented digitally risk what she calls a “digital death”.

Key Themes We Explore

This audio comes from the first conversation I ever recorded for Judeslist.

It was never published.

In 2020, I read something I had written about my mother, about her strength, her faith, and the way she carried our family. After listening quietly, she asked a question that stayed with me:

“How did you remember all these things?”

At the time, I didn’t realize that question would shape how I think about conversation, memory, and documentation.

This clip is shared as an archive, an intentional record of a voice...

In this episode of Judeslist, I speak with PJ Way, founder of Prometheus Productions & AI Film 3. We talk about how AI is reshaping filmmaking by expanding who gets to create and who gets to be seen and heard.

PJ shares the origin story of AI Film 3, which began as a small experiment and grew into a platform supporting independent filmmakers working at the intersection of AI, storytelling, and community. We talk about why emotional response matters more than the tools used, how AI can empower people who struggle to express themselves, and what it really...

In this episode, I speak with Kelly Boesch, an AI artist whose work blends technology, emotion, fashion, music, and color into a deeply human creative practice.

Kelly shares how her background in fine art and film shaped her approach to AI, why emotional connection matters more than technical perfection, and how personalization codes help define a truly unique artistic voice. We talk candidly about navigating criticism, managing feedback online, and staying grounded while building a global community around digital art.

Our conversation explores how AI has transformed Kelly’s creative workflow from image cr...

In this episode, I speak with Jan-Willem Blom an AI filmmaker and creative director whose work sits at the intersection of classic storytelling, world-building and emerging AI tools.

Jan traces his creative origin story back to a video store in the Netherlands hours spent studying VHS covers. That early obsession with imagery, myth and struggle later became the foundation for how he approaches AI filmmaking today.

Jan argues that AI makes images faster, but stories still take time. We explore why struggle is the core of storytelling, how world-building is a...

In this episode, I speak with Michaela, an Emmy and Peabody-nominated director who shares her journey through animation, virtual reality, and generative AI. We discuss the evolution of storytelling in the digital age, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges faced by creatives in a rapidly changing industry. Michaela also shares insights into her last project, Echoes of Legend, and offers valuable advice for aspiring filmmakers navigating the complexities of the creative economy.

We dig into where AI truly adds value in the creative process, where it creates tension, and why authenticity, emotional intelligence, and disciplined execution...

In this conversation, Sandy Carter discusses her book 'AI First, Human Always' and explores the intersection of AI and human creativity. She emphasizes the importance of measuring AI success, the role of data quality, and the need for ethical considerations in AI deployment. Sandy also highlights the significance of engaging with AI tools, the evolving job market, and the future of data ownership, advocating for a proactive approach to AI adoption in business.

Takeaways

In this episode I speak with Amoako Boafo who is celebrated for his captivating portraits that honor and elevate Black figures, carving out a significant place for them in the tradition of portraiture. 

As a prominent voice in the art of the African Diaspora, Amoako redefines how Black forms are perceived in a global context. His unique approach not only challenges traditional perspectives but also invites a more nuanced appreciation of the subjects he portrays.

You can connect with Amoako at https://www.instagram.com/amoakoboafo/?hl=en

Why do you listen to t...

In this episode I speak with Usher Takudzzwa Nyambi a PR and Communications consultant based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Usher has contributed articles to platforms such as GQ South Africa, Okay Africa, and Hypebeast Africa. He is passionate about the cultures and creativity of the continent and seeks to use his platform to amplify emerging voices from Africa.

We talk about the need for collaboration and the creation of platforms that can  connect creatives across different countries. We discuss the role of funding and infrastructure as key factors in supporting the growth of the creative industry.
We a...

In this episode I speak with Barbara Minishi, a visionary artist whose work is fueled by transformation, curiosity, and a deep desire for connection. Starting her career in fashion and editorial photography, Barbara has since broadened her artistic horizons to include film, sound design, and conceptual workshops.

Barbara's creative journey is a testament to the power of listening to the inner call, embracing change, and redefining the boundaries of artistic expression.

Our conversation delves into the themes of self-expression, exposure, and failure. We explore the importance of authenticity, the impact of exposure on understanding, and...

Get ready for the return of the next edition of the Free Community Street Party! Ako Adjei- LiT Up!

Date: Friday 27th September
Location: Koi Street, Osu, Accra
Time: 6pm -12am

In this episode I speak with Maku a renowned visual artist whose work pushes the boundaries of traditional art, creating pieces that are as jarring as they are captivating. As a multidisciplinary artist, she's not only a painter but also a sculptor, creating organic, semi-abstract forms that engage the senses and invite viewers into a deeply personal  space.

Maku shares her personal challenges, particularly her experience of moving to a new country and feeling a heightened sense of vulnerability and how that led to her powerful journey of self-discovery and resilience. Maku also speaks about her path t...

In this episode I speak with Malian-American artist Penda Diakité who grew up between Mali, West Africa and Portland Oregon. Her mixed media artwork, comprises of a variety of painting techniques, paper collage, and hand engraving. She uses the vibrant colors and patterns of her Malian heritage with influences of her American upbringing to create pieces that reflect her experiences as a bicultural woman, exploring black feminine identity, concepts and traditions from the Malian culture, and how it all co-exists in our present day.

Penda shares her journey of finding her artistic voice, the importance of understanding t...

In this episode I speak with Abdur Rahman Muhammad who is a contemporary artist who works and resides in Accra. He has been a practicing artist for over six years with his work exploring the impact that the high unemployment rate has had on Ghanaian youth, particularly through the lens of the overconsumption of Western cultural media.

Abdur captures in oil on canvas the stories of young men and women who brave perilous journeys for their dreams of a better life in the land of 'milk and honey.' He is a member of the Ghanaian art...

In this episode i speak with Jojo Abdallah about his latest exhibition, PSY-TECH. Jojo is an artist whose paintings offer a dialogue between past and present, reality and fantasy. Ranging from Ga culture to the impacts of colonialism and modern governance. His work creates a blend of historical figures, places, and events, reimagined through a lens of fantasy that may seem nonsensical at first glance but reveals an underlying logic of how he perceives the world.

We delve into the special role that the Accra Psychiatric Hospital plays in Jojo’s life and work. Often seen through a s...

In this episode, I speak with  REWA, a remarkable artist whose work captures muses with gazes that invite and intimidate, drawing viewers into a regal, yet quietly commanding presence.

Born and raised between Nigeria and England, REWA's art reflects her hybrid upbringing, embodying the modern 'Afropolitan' woman—progressive, self-aware, and deeply rooted in Igbo traditions. Her bold figurative portraits are not just artistic expressions but historical chronicles that blend the old with the modern.

REWA's work transcends the typical boundaries of contemporary art, capturing the essence of Igbo culture and the evolution of Nigerian society. Her...

In this episode I speak with Amoako Boafo who is celebrated for his captivating portraits that honor and elevate Black figures, carving out a significant place for them in the tradition of portraiture. 

As a prominent voice in the art of the African Diaspora, Amoako redefines how Black forms are perceived in a global context. His unique approach challenges traditional perspectives and invites a more nuanced appreciation of the subjects he portrays.

He shares his journey as a photographer in Rwanda and the impact of visual storytelling. Through programs like Learning for Change and Women's E...

In this episode, I speak with Stephen Langa a South African Contemporary Artist from the Limpopo province. His body of work explores diverse stories of black people, experiences of those around him, and personal life journey. His charcoal linework and oil paintings have a mesmerizing effect inspired by his emotive feelings.

Stephens' work seeks to galvanize the intimacy of black cultural experiences and highlights his own experiences of his hometown and the city.

You can connect with Stephen at https://www.instagram.com/stephen_langa_art/

Why do you listen to this podcast...

In this episode, I speak with Donald Tombia a screenwriter from Lagos Nigeria. Donald’s journey is a captivating blend of science and art. He has a professional career in Forensic Computing and Cyber security. He has writing credits on two of the latest TV series on Africa Magic. He is one of the brilliant minds behind the highly acclaimed Slum King and Masquerades of Aniedo.

Donald Tombia discusses the importance of collaboration and information sharing in the creative industry, particularly across Africa. He shares his idea generation process, emphasizing the value of being multidisciplinary and well-read, an...

In this episode I speak with Nicole Ocran a mixed-race American fashion blogger living in London. She shares her journey of personal style, fashion trends, and identity through her blog. Nicole's mission is to get to know herself better and build confidence through fashion and beauty.

Nicole shares her experiences as a mixed-race individual and the inspiration behind her podcast and upcoming book. She opens up about the challenges of navigating identity and belonging in a society that often tries to force individuals into boxes. She highlights the importance of family and the influence of her Ghanaian...

In this episode I speak with Cyril France an artist who brings attention to individuals from various socioeconomic backgrounds and highlights underlying political issues, shedding light on marginalized communities. Cyril's portraits capture subjects in a space of ambiguity and poise, prompting viewers to reconsider their visual priorities.

His work is influenced by mannerism, a European art style that focuses on communicating emotions and stories through figures. Cyril's goal is to make space for the black figures to speak and tell their stories.

His faith in God gives him the assurance and confidence to pursue his...

In this episode, I speak with Martha Jackson Jarvis, an acclaimed sculptor whose work has been showcased in numerous exhibitions across the U.S. and internationally. She has received several prestigious awards, including the Creative Capital Grant, the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship, and the 2024 DAR Women in the Arts Recognition Award.

Born in 1952, Martha grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia, and now lives in Washington, D.C. She holds a BFA from the Tyler School of Art at Temple University and an MFA from Antioch University, and she has studied mosaic techniques in Ravenna, Italy.

In this episode I speak with  Wana Udobang a writer, poet, performer, curator, and storyteller with three spoken word albums: Dirty Laundry, In Memory of Forgetting, and Transcendence. Her work has taken her across Africa, Europe, and the US, and she has worked on prestigious commissions for events like the Edinburgh International Festival and The Gates Foundation. With a background in journalism, she has contributed to major outlets like The Guardian, Al Jazeera, CNN, and the BBC.

Her curatorial projects include exhibitions for Rele Gallery and a video series exploring history through food. Wana also runs The C...

In this episode, I speak with  Marcellina a visionary artist from Lagos, Nigeria. Marcellina began her artistic path under the guidance of her father, learning drawing, design, stenciling, writing, and calligraphy before studying Art and Industrial Design at the Lagos State Polytechnic.

Marcellina is renowned for her unique style, blending collaging with traditional painting techniques to create rich, textured artworks. Her pieces delve into themes of femininity, identity, familial history, and women's empowerment, often using discarded Ankara fabric—a cultural symbol with deep significance.

You can connect with Marcellina at https://www.instagram.com/marcellina_akp...

In this episode, I speak with Lawrence Maleka, a South African actor and presenter. Best known as the host of Mzansi Magic's reality competition series, Clash of the Choirs South Africa, Lawrence has also co-hosted the AfricaMagic Entertainment show Star Gist and made his mark on community TV with The Gadget Show on Soweto TV. 

In our conversation, Lawrence shares his mother's role in creating opportunities and nurturing his career. He also sheds light on the crucial behind-the-scenes work and the crew's dedication to bringing stories to life, emphasizing the importance of a happy crew and fair r...

In this episode, I speak with Olympia De Maismont a self-taught photo-video reporter based in Burkina Faso. Olympia's keen insight into the local context and passion for storytelling quickly propelled her into the role of a photo-video reporter. As a dedicated freelance journalist, Olympia has covered significant events including various terrorist attacks in Ouagadougou, and the presidential elections of 2015 and 2020. 

Olympia shares stories she has covered showcasing different aspects of society and challenging stereotypes. She discusses her experiences documenting mental health issues in Burkina Faso and her travels to other West African countries. 

In her ow...

In this episode, I speak with Nafkot a documentary photographer and filmmaker based in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. She's also the co-founder of Studio 11. A  vibrant space hosting regular art shows, offering aspiring artists a workplace and a community to learn from.

Nafkot speaks about the challenges posed by Ethiopia's current political and social climate, and how she finds inspiration in these obstacles, pushing her to be more intentional and focused on her personal projects.

She shares how documenting personal stories and experiences can be transformative, fostering personal growth and deeper understanding. She explores Ethiopian identity's c...

In this episode, I speak with Noemie Marguerite a Congolese photographer and filmmaker based in Brooklyn, NY. Her work focuses on capturing the “grey area” of life whether it’s capturing a different approach to event photography, revealing a new perspective of an individual through portraiture, or speaking on the vulnerabilities of life through motion work.

She discusses her background as a Congolese woman raised in the US and the complexities of balancing two cultures. We discuss the need to capture and highlight underrepresented stories, particularly of the African diaspora. She shares her experience of finding validation and in...