Not Your African Cliché

Happy New Year! The Ladies of NYAC return with our first episode of 2017. We look back on the year 2016 recounting our highlights and lowlights, and gaze lovingly and optimistically into 2017, discussing our goals and aspirations for the new year. We reveal our key words for the year (intentional and purposeful), share some of our new year aspirations (not resolutions) and talk about the changes we’ll be making to achieve those aspirations. Expect your usual does of vulnerability, frankness and giggles. Talked about: Viola Davis and Tom Hanks’ Variety conversation - http://variety.com/video/tom-hanks-viola-davis-actors-on-actors-full-interview/ What we are reading/watching/listening to - The Keys by DJ Khaled (Book) - Chewing Gum by Channel 4 (UK); Netflix (US) (Show) - Skinny Girl in Transit by Ndani TV (Web Series) - Celia by Netflix (TV Show) - The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu (Book) This episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode and theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye P.S. We want to say a very big

On this episode, the ladies of NYAC talk with Jessica, founder of Jet Black, and Rory, founder of TripZapp. They all discuss why travel is important(particularly travel to the African continent & Diaspora), and the rampant misconceptions about travel to & within Africa (by foreigners and Africans). Lastly, the ladies share what African countries they want to visit and why. Find Jessica at @jnambowa and check out her travel company at http://globaljetblack.com/services/ Find Rory at @tripzapp and check out her travel company at http://tripzapp.net/index ----------------------------------------------------------- Reading/Watching/Listening to: - Emeli Sandé’s Long Live the Angels (Music) - FX's Atlanta (TV Show) - Luvvie Ajayi’s I’m Judging You (Book) - Brent Coker's Going Viral (Book) - Common’s Black America (Music) - Hanya Yanagihara's A Little Life (Book) - ABC's How To Get Away With Murder (TV Show) - Post-US election coverage (Articles) - Alicia Keys’ Here (Music) Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze.

On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC chat with Ntokozo (@Ntokozo_Moloi), an activist involved in the #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa, and Zoé (@ztsamudzi), a first-generation Zimbabwean-American PhD candidate and activist from Oakland, CA, about activism and building movements. We recount when activism was first awakened within us and discuss our early encounters with activist movements. Using current movements across the African continent such as the #OromoProtests in Ethiopia, the #ThisFlag movement in Zimbabwe and #FeesMustFall movement in South Africa as examples, we answer the following: How does one mobilize people and build a sustainable movement? How can divisions within a movement be overcome? What activism strategies can be deployed when there aren’t enough bodies? How can Pan-African activist alliances be formed and nurtured? Resources: Oromo Protests in Ethiopia - https://www.buzzfeed.com/aliciamelvillesmith/scores-of-protestors-killed-in-ethiopia?utm_term=.sbYm9Nok#.sbYm9Nok - https://www

On today's episode, the ladies of NYAC openly and vulnerably discuss their experiences moving to new places for school and work, including the isolation that comes it. Additionally, they talk about the arduous process of building new community and what moments of solitude have taught them- about life or themselves. #Africanexcellence is Rahawa Haile who hiked the Appalachian Trail #Africandisgrace is Malik Obama... he can go. Resources: http://brevitymag.com/current-issue/black-in-middle-america/ Reading/Listening/Watching: - Tye Tribute’s Work it out - Young & hungry (TV show) - Solange's A seat at the table - AMC's The Preacher - Showtime's Masters of Sex - Lindy West's Shrill: Notes From A Loud Woman - ABC's American Crime Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

The Ladies of NYAC are joined by Brian Bush (@BrianCBush), an African American from Tennessee, and Ifunaya, a 1st generation Nigerian-American from New Jersey, to examine one of the most complicated sibling relationships in the world: the relationship between African-Americans and black people from Africa. We revisit our first encounters with the African or African-American community, learn the history behind some derogatory words each group has for the other, talk about the differences between/similarities of our struggles, and ask if African-Americans can be accused of culturally appropriating African cultures. Resources: - Articles examining the possible sources of tension between Africans and African-Americans o https://www.library.yale.edu/~fboateng/akata.htm o http://www.clutchmagonline.com/2014/01/must-read-complicated-relationship-africans-african-americans/ - Article about black student make up of Ivy League schools: https://www.good.is/articles/ivy-league-fooled-how-america-s-top-colleges-avoid-

In this episode, the ladies of NYAC discuss Nigeria's performance at the Olympics, sharing potential explanations for our performance in comparison to other countries. We also talk about the Paralympics then mention our favorite African athletes. Resources mentioned: - http://www.awesomelyluvvie.com/2016/08/nigeria-olympics-opening-ceremony-outfit.html - http://www.okayafrica.com/sports/20-moments-africans-athletes-made-history-2016-rio-summer-olympics/ What we are reading/watching/listening to: - The Smart Money Woman by Arese Ugwu (book) - The Star Side of Bird Hill by Naomi Jackson (novel) - Bank Alert by P-Square (music) - Science Vs (podcast) Episode mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze. Theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

We are bacccckkk! In keeping with the theme of the back-to-school season, the Ladies of NYAC relieve their beginning of school year memories and talk about our favorite things about the season. From buying gel pens and fancy stationary to sewing new house clothes for (Nigerian) boarding school to new fall TV lineup. We also give advice to the youngins on how (not) to start the school year, and suggest ways that working people may infuse their jobs with that back-to-school energy. What we are reading/watching/listening to - The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huchu - Gold by Adekunle Gold - We Need New Names by NoViolet Bulawayo - Things Fall Together EP (especially the song Reinfiltrator) by Falana - Coloring Book by Chance the Rapper - Romance novels by Courtney Milan and Molly O’Keefe - Sister Outside by Audre Lorde This episode was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode and theme song is Ayo by Femi Leye

In our last episode of the season, we sat down with the founder of Brittle Paper, Ainehi Edoro, and talked about the origin and evolution of her online literary platform. We also discussed what African Literature means to each of us, the challenges it's currently facing and our hopes for its growth. Resources: • http://brittlepaper.com/2015/10/lesotho-stepping-frosty-fairytale-moso-victor-sematlane-african-erotica/ • http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/30/opinion/sunday/african-books-for-western-eyes.html?_r=0 • http://brittlepaper.com/2016/03/lauren-beukes-book/ • http://www.snarksquad.com/ What we are currently watching/reading/listening to: • Igoni Barrett's Love is Power, Or Something like That • Ken Saro-Wiwa's Sozaboy • Sarah Manyika's Like A Mule Bringing Ice-cream To The Sun • Leye Adenle's Easy Motion Tourist • 2016 Caine Prize shortlist http://caineprize.com/2016-shortlist/ • Netflix's What Happened, Miss Simone? • UnREAL Survey: http://goo.gl/forms/EDmIV0MS2wUKKp4K3 Show was mixed by Ifeyinwa

The Ladies of NYAC are joined by Sara Jean-Philippe (@Sjnphil), a mental health counsellor, as we talk mental health in our communities. We discuss harmful stereotypes, self-harm warning signs, effects of past trauma on mental health, and how we can be better mental health advocates. Resources: • Robin Hammond’s Condemned Series - http://www.robinhammond.co.uk/condemned-mental-health-in-african-countries-in-crisis/ • Forming a joint dialogue about mental health - https://ethnobiomed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13002-015-0075-6 • Mental Health Policy Development in Africa - http://www.who.int/bulletin/archives/78(4)475.pdf • Mental Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa - http://www.rand.org/blog/2015/03/mental-healthcare-in-sub-saharan-africa-challenges.html ---------------------- Reading/Watching/Listening to • Susannah Cahalan’s Brain on Fire • Ama Ata Aidoo’s Changes: A Love Story • Buchi Emecheta’s Second-Class Citizen • Siana Bangura’s Elephant • Siana Bangura’s Elephant book launch highlight reel: h

Hi NYAC listeners, In this episode, the ladies of NYAC talk about the mandatory National Youth Service Corps in Nigeria, their feelings about the incredulous exchange rate, and that glorious day when Lagos was featured on Snapchat. Resources: • http://zikoko.com/list/lagos-in-captain-america-civil-war/ What we are currently watching/reading/listening to: • Skinny Girl in Transit (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBYN7uU9mpE) • Orphan Black • Barbershop 3 Show was mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye

Although late to the to the #Lemonade dissection game, the Ladies of NYAC discuss a less explored running theme in Beyonce’s last two albums – her collaborations with brilliant African writers; Chimamanda Adichie on self-titled Beyonce and Warsan Shire on Lemonade. Joined by book blogger extraordinaire and longtime listener/supporter Darkowaa (@AwoDeee), we talk about our favorite tracks off the Lemonade album, the pros and cons of being featured in such high profile work, the limited visibility and reach African works of art have in Africa, and what it takes for African artistry to gain a wide following. Resources: Articles about Warsan Shire • http://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-writing-life-of-a-young-prolific-poet-warsan-shire • http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/28/arts/music/warsan-shire-who-gave-poetry-to-beyonces-lemonade.html?_r=1 African books for Western eyes • http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/30/opinion/sunday/african-books-for-western-eyes.html?_r=0 Chimamanda’s Sister • http://www

On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC laugh over ridiculous pickup lines they've heard, talk about the idiosyncrasies of dating culture in Nigeria & US, as well as societal pressures on women to get married & shoulder the weight of pleasing their spouses. Resources: • http://www.sadeslist.com/men-in-lagos-are-like-avocados/ • http://zikoko.com/list/the-complete-guide-to-being-a-yoruba-demon/ What we are watching: Outlander, House of Cards, Jennifer Diaries Show was mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye.

On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC Podcast and special guest Sinafik (@sinafikb) from Ethiopia talk Feminism, traditional gender roles, feminist heroes, misogynistic cultural practices and surprisingly feminist ones. Sinafik also shares with us some rad things you may not have known about Ethiopia. Resources: • Nigeria’s Rejected Gender Equality Bill - http://qz.com/639763/nigerian-lawmakers-voted-down-a-women-equality-bill-citing-the-bible-and-sharia-law/ • Ozzy Etomi’s Commentary on bill rejection - https://medium.com/human-development-project/nigeria-fails-it-s-women-over-and-over-again-4149cc04793d#.cmah49sri • Chimamanda Adichie’s We Should All Be Feminists - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hg3umXU_qWc • Why We Smile at Men Who Sexually Harass us - https://medium.com/mshannabrooks/why-women-smile-at-men-who-sexually-harass-us-cf4eeb90ed30#.s320nk3en • Audre Lorde’s Master’s Tools - http://collectiveliberation.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Lorde_The_Masters_Tools.pdf • Her Story Ethiopian Commercial -

On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC and special guests Maame and Maama from Ghana talk about their cultures- from how their cultures shaped them to what they wrestled with and what the future looks like for their ethnic languages. Resources: • http://shebaisthemuse.com/2016/02/in-lagos-everyone-is-trying-to-hammer-and-the-nail-is-fcking-bent/ • http://www.bellanaija.com/2016/03/william-ifeanyi-moore-language-as-an-intrinsic-part-of-our-cultural-identity-or-maybe-not/ What we are reading/watching/listening to: • Girl at War by Sara Novic • Soldier by Falz (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cKgZ9b4SBI8) • War Room • Ride Along 2 • Diplomacy by Kissinger NGO Shoutout: Grow With Nigeria http://www.growwithnigeria.org/ Show was mixed by Ifeyinwa Arinze, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye.

On this episode, the Ladies of NYAC and special guest Lebo from Lesotho discuss our educational backgrounds and examine the good (boarding school adventures), the bad (crowded classrooms and impatient teachers) and the ugly (corporal punishment). Resources: • http://www.brookings.edu/research/interactives/africa-learning-barometer • https://efareport.wordpress.com/2015/03/06/no-girl-left-behind-education-in-africa/ • http://www.aaionline.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/AAI-SOE-report-2015-final.pdf What we are reading/watching/listening to: • Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things • Courtney Milan’s Brother Sinister Series • Generations (South African Soap) • Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mocking Bird OkayAfrica shoutout written by Ifeanyi Awachie: http://www.okayafrica.com/news/african-podcasts-you-should-be-listening-to/ Show was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye

Hey listeners! In this episode, we talk about our favorite African actors, our collective weariness at the portrayal of African characters in the media and the benefits of the increasing presence of African actors in Hollywood. Our Favorites: Danai Gurira, Eclipsed and The Walking Dead http://www.pbs.org/newshour/bb/when-danai-gurira-couldnt-find-complex-stories-about-african-women-she-wrote-her-own-2/ David Oyelowo, Selma, Middle of Nowhere and The Butler Chiwetelu Ejiofor, Half of a Yellow Sun and The Martian Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Belle, Beyond The Lights, Concussion and Undercovers References: The Book of Negroes, Djimon Hounsou, NYAC S1 Episode 1, Family Guy (http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2016/01/according-to-family-guy-rhinoceros-is.html), Blackish (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4831834/?ref_=ttep_ep12), Modern Family (http://www.hulu.com/watch/700524), Sense 8, Concussion, Beasts of No Nation, Luther, Ayanda, 12 Years A Slave, Shuga (https://vimeo.com/7775923), 24, Waiting to Exhale, Love Jones, Brown Sug

Happy Black History Month (Black Fist Emoji)! In this episode we explore how Black History is celebrated in different parts of the world; discuss differences between BHM celebrations in the US vs UK; share the things we learnt thanks to BHM; shoutout some of our black heroes: Lewis Howard Latimer, Madam C.J. Walker, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin and Toussaint Louverture; and demand our fucking reparations from white people. Resources: • Excerpt from Edward Baptist’s The Half Has Never Been Told - http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2014/11/19/slavery-economy-baptist • BBC’s Britain’s Forgotten Slave Owners - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b063db18 • PBS’s Black in Latin America - http://www.pbs.org/wnet/black-in-latin-america/about/ What we are currently watching/reading/listening to: • Rihanna’s ANTI Album • Mat Johnson’s Loving Day • HBO’s Game of Thrones • Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You Show was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme music is "Ayo" by the über talented Femi Leye

Hear your favorite hosts talk about entrepreneurship, specifically in Nigeria, and shout out up and coming entrepreneurs!

Happy New Year! Inspired by Chimamanda Adichie’s Danger of a Single Story TED Talk, we examine Afropolitanism and discuss whether or not it’s the new Single Story about Africa. We discuss the relatively new concept as it relates to Afro-Pessimism and Pan-Africanism. Is Afropolitanism a social movement? A political one? Does it matter? Related articles: - http://africasacountry.com/2014/01/why-im-not-an-afropolitan/ - http://thelip.robertsharp.co.uk/?p=76 - http://blog.qeh.ox.ac.uk/?p=910 - http://africainwords.com/2013/02/08/exorcizing-afropolitanism-binyavanga-wainaina-explains-why-i-am-a-pan-africanist-not-an-afropolitan-at-asauk-2012/ - What we are currently watching/reading/listening to: - Minority Report (The Movie) - Anthony Doerr’s All the Light We Cannot See - Aziz Ansari’s Modern Romance - Abraham Verghese’s Cutting for Stone - Kristin Kimball’s The Dirty Life - The web series An African City, Gidi Up and Shuga - Falz’s Stories That Touch album Show was mixed by Ifeoluwa Olokode, and theme musi

We talk about and compare our experiences celebrating Christmas in Nigeria and the U.S. Then we discuss Nigerian crossover church services.