Afros in the Diaspora

Afros in the Diaspora

by Sarah Uwadiae

Self-Improvement Personal Journals

Disarming Stereotypes with Charles

Charles Andrew Payne is an accomplished actor, writer, comedian and inspirational speaker with an extensive resume.  Notably, he had the pleasure of sharing the screen with esteemed actors like Johnny Depp in an early TV role on "21 Jump Street," Kevin Sorbo on "Andromeda" and "Miracle in East Texas," and even joined forces with Pam Grier and Snoop Dogg on "The L-Word." Beyond his acting accolades, Charles Andrew Payne has also become a sought-after guest speaker, known for delivering impactful messages of resilience, kindness, and forgiveness. His writings have been featured in various publications and produced on television and stage.  Join us on this episode as Charles takes us on his inspiring journey from his happy childhood in Grenada, moving to Canada and experiencing things like a plane ride and electricity for the first time, experiencing his "trauma years" as the only Black kid in school, the popularity and imposter syndrome that came with being an athlete and model, and creating a career path in the arts and sales. His story is filled with highs, lows, and moments of sobering reality and he tells it with grace, maturity, and a sense of humour. Listen and laugh, learn and be inspired! Follow Charles Andrew Payne on Instagram, FaceBook and TikTok @charlesandrewpayne - Watch out for his upcoming Stand-up comedy shows and Film & TV productions. If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora Podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Growing up with Nollywood with Ivanna

Ivanna Ihekwoaba is a Nigerian-born actor, spoken word poet, and filmmaker based in Vancouver. Ivanna created her debut short film "Who We Are", under the under the Reel Youth Black Brilliance program, in partnership with Telus StoryHive. She can be seen playing the role of Esther in the award-winning short film “Esther & Sai”, inspired by a true story. As a filmmaker, her work focuses on raw and vulnerable storytelling, with a spotlight on mental health and self-expression. Ivanna is also an alumni of the VIFF Catalyst Mentorship Program 2023 cohort. She is currently in post-production on a documentary about Black poets in Vancouver, through the Fabienne Colas Foundation and Netflix’s “Being Black in Canada” program.  Join us on this episode full of laughter as we reminisce about growing up with movies from the Nigerian film industry also known as Nollywood; their impact in our lives, our society and how they offer a sense of grounding and connection between African immigrants in the diaspora and our culture and people back home. Follow Ivanna on Instagram @ivannaoiy - Feel free to reach out for creative collaborations. If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Unearthing Identity with Chish

Chish is a Mutli-Disciplinary artist based in Calgary AB (Canada). He started painting as a form of therapy 8 years ago. His passion for art began when Chish first learned how to draw from his cousin while living at his grandmother’s house in his home country, Zambia. Growing up he was inspired by musicians, actors, artists, and world leaders. Chish believes that by adding color you can shed light in the dark. After rediscovering his faith, he intends to live a life that honors God and his family. On this episode, Chish takes us on a vulnerable journey of how he grew from having a lack of direction, and a weak sense of self and identity to discovering and building strong personal, spiritual and cultural roots that have strengthened his sense of self and identity as a Zambian man in the diaspora. He shares about his path to becoming an artist, his work and how his last visit to Zambia and his faith are a source of rejuvenation and strength. Enjoy! Checkout Chish's website and feel free to reach out: artofchish.ca If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Embracing Self-Expression with Adetola aka aloT of Poetry

Adetola "aloT of Poetry" Adedipe, a Nigerian-South African poet and two-time Calgary Slam Champion, From performances at Arts Commons to being a featured artist at various poetry festivals and publications, she's made her mark on the artist community through focusing on true, unapologetic authenticity and healing vulnerability. As the Founder of Poetic Designers, a brand, and web design business that focuses on independent artist business development, she aims to empower her community by providing services to build confidence and provide insight into the power of strategy in the art world. Her poetry, performance and dedication to her community reflect her commitment to building a community that embraces self-love and authenticity. Come along on this episode as Adetola recounts her immigration journey, maneuvering through the cultural and physical isolation inherent in the immigration experience. Discover how she embraces her creative passion and voice through poetry and how she stays true to her multi-dimensional heritage in the Canadian landscape. Follow Adetola on Instagram @poeticdesigners and @alot.of.poetry Also find her work in the links below. https://www.poeticdesigning.com/ https://www.alotofpoetry.com/ If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

An Immigrant's Guide to Surviving the Holidays with Sarah

Season's Greetings from Afros in the Diaspora Y'all! In this episode, Sarah - creator and host - shares her experiences with Christmas and the Holidays in a new country and as a immigrant. She goes on to offer a few helpful tips on creating a positive holiday filled with fun, contentment and hope. Sarah also shares an announcement - Afros in the Diaspora will be going on a end-of-year break. The next episode will be up on the 12th of January, 2024. Thank you all for your continued support! Follow Sarah on Instagram @sarahuwadiae If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Cultural Roots and Family with Kundai

Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Kundai spent the early years of her life with relatives. She embarked on a journey from Zimbabwe and eventually settled in Canada. Presently, she calls Calgary, Alberta, home, where she resides with her immediate family. With an active practice in nursing, Kundai is passionate about children and nature. She overcame her love-hate relationship with writing and achieved a milestone in 2021 by successfully self-publishing a children's book titled A Trip to the Wild. In this episode, Kundai shares her journey of resilience and adaptation across various countries before finally settling in Canada. We reflect on the challenges of preserving our cultural heritage and identity while adapting to the diverse cultural landscapes of the countries we call home. Kundai sheds light on the importance of family throughout her migratory journey and the profound impact these journeys have had on her identity. Join us for a captivating conversation that explores the intersections of identity, family, and cultural heritage through the lens of a Zimbabwean immigrant forging a unique path in Canada. Follow Kundai on Instagram @teteshands If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Navigating Interracial Relationships with Sherry

Sherry Buroker is a creative young professional, working as an actress in the voice, theatre, and film industry in Canada. With experience in video editing and scriptwriting, she brings various skills to her creative pursuits. Motivated by a desire to inspire others, Sherry is committed to demonstrating that dreams are achievable through persistent dedication to her creative career. Outside of her professional endeavors, she dedicates her free time to community engagement in her local community by volunteering at her church and participating in events focused on promoting and celebrating African culture. In this compelling episode, Sherry invites us into a raw, candid, and vulnerable exploration of her life as a Black immigrant woman navigating an interracial relationship and marriage. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster as she unveils the genuine challenges they've encountered — from navigating traditional wedding rites to confronting hurtful comments on their social media and YouTube page. Join us on this journey as Sarah, the host, adds an unexpected touch of humor, stumbling on some words along the way. It's a candid conversation that delves into the highs and lows of love, cultural dynamics, and the resilience needed to thrive in an interracial relationship. Follow Sherry on Instagram @sherryburoker If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Catwalks and Close-ups with Soliana

In today's episode, we have Werknesh, better known by her stage name "Soliana," a rising East African actor and model based in Alberta. Soliana originally hails from the Northwestern part of Kenya, the Turkana district before she moved to Canada with her family in 2009. In this episode, prepare for laughter as she takes us through the humorous anecdotes and challenges of her journey as an immigrant. Delve into Soliana's unique narrative as she shares the highs and lows of her path as an actor and model, creatively navigating the artistic and cultural terrain of Alberta. Get ready for an entertaining ride as she gives us a glimpse into her beautiful soul and her family's perspective on her artistic pursuits. If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

A Picture of Friendship and Belonging with Nasya

In today's episode, we have Nasya, a first-generation immigrant hailing from Jos, Nigeria, whose journey to Canada began as a student. Nasya's story unfolds as she successfully navigates the academic landscape, earning a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Calgary. Now firmly rooted in Calgary, she not only excels in her professional life but also emerges as a dynamic music producer and local artist. Join us as Nasya delves into her student experience, navigating cultural shocks within the educational system, and the intricacies of forging friendships while settling into her new life in Canada. This promises to be a conversation filled with laughs and hope. You may even learn a thing or two so stay tuned! If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

Not All Information is Valuable with Dr. Chinenye

In this podcast episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of Dr. Chinenye Nwoke, an enthusiastic epidemiologist specializing in immigrant health and the mental well-being of African mothers. Driven by a passion for health equity, she currently focuses her research on maternal depression and anxiety within the Canadian immigrant community. Dr. Chinenye shares her experiences as an international student, spanning her undergraduate, Master's, and PhD degrees. Join us as we explore topics such as the importance of accurate information, navigating the pressure to over-achieve in African communities, and contributing positively as immigrants to create opportunities within our society. Get ready for an insightful conversation that delves into both academic and personal aspects of Dr. Chinenye's inspiring journey. If you are an African/Black immigrant and would like to be a featured guest on Afros in the Diaspora podcast, send a DM or email with the information below! Facebook | Instagram | Tiktok - @afrosinthediaspora For Inquiries - hi@afrosinthediaspora.com

5 of 6