My African Aesthetic

African Living: Community & Social Sustainability Kinam Imole Konlan (sosial entrepreneur), Terese Mungai-Foyn(Actress and director) and Eunice Nanzala Schumacher(moderator) reflect on how African diaspora communities collectively adapt traditional cultural practices to build thriving, inclusive and sustainable neighborhoods. The panel explores and reflects on how African cultural practices can contribute to social sustainability, building community, and resilience in African diaspora communities and the contexts to which they belong. Eunice Nanzala Schumacher is an architect, curator at the National Museum of art, Architecture and design and founder of My African Aesthetic . Currently a curator of learning and engagement at the National Museum in Oslo, she has over 15 years varied experience in architecture, city and regional planning, design and project management. She is also passionate about education and spends time away from my job with my family, friends and managing My African Aesthetic, a platform that interrogates, documents and celebrates African aesthetics, African design philosophy and African Placemaking. Kinam Imole Konlan is a culinary culture reformer, entrepreneur, and founder of African Food Festival Norway (AFFN) — Scandinavia’s largest celebration of African cuisine and culture. As CEO of BAAT DII AS and founder of Ark Builders Academy, she works at the intersection of food, culture, and community development. Kinam’s work centers on reclaiming and reimagining African food traditions not just as nourishment, but as tools for empowerment, identity, and sustainable community building. Through AFFN, she creates inclusive spaces that honor Africa’s culinary diversity while fostering economic opportunities, especially for women and diaspora entrepreneurs. www.kinam.net https://africanfoodfestivalnorway.no/ IG @africanfoodfestivalnorway kontakt@africanfoodfestivalnorway.no Terese Mungai-Foyn is an Oslo-based theatre director, instructor, and performer studying an MA in directing at Oslo National Academy of the Arts (KHiO). Mungai-Foyn is also a cultural advocate with a career spanning over two decades in both institutional and independent performing arts. A graduate of Nordic Black Theatre's theatre school, she began as an actor in 1998 before shifting to directing to tell stories on her own terms—centered on authenticity, systemic critique, and social justice. Her directorial work, including the recent production of Blue/Orange, explores themes of power, race, and mental health, and challenges societal norms around accessibility, representation, and inclusion. Mungai-Foyn is deeply committed to collaborative storytelling and community engagement. She believes theatre should serve as a barometer of society—reflecting, challenging, and inspiring action. Her practice is rooted in values such as collective responsibility and cultural integrity, making her an important voice in discussions about how African cultural practices, both traditional and reimagined, can offer sustainable and inclusive models for living. A collaboration with Black History Month Norway. With support from Oslo kommune, Kulturrådet og Fritt Ord. 30.10.2025 https://www.blackhistorymonthnorway.no/events-1-1/sampson-addae-4yjf3-7rrjy-yzb6d Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Diaspora Dialogues, African Living- African aesthetics in a global context. The talk connects historical and contemporary African aesthetics and design philosophy. We explore how African aesthetics and design philosophy shape and challenge global academic discourse. The panel also reflects on how African perspectives challenge and contribute to the expansion of our knowledge and understanding of design, identity and cultural heritage in an era marked by increasing globalization and the need for decolonization of knowledge. The conversation dwells on both historical and contemporary expressions, focusing on how African aesthetics can provide new impulses for teaching, research and creative practice. Henry Mainsah is a Research Professor at OsloMet and part of the Technology and Sustainability research group at Consumption Research Norway (SIFO). He obtained a PhD in Media and Communication from the University of Oslo and has developed an interdisciplinary research portfolio located at the crossroads between the social sciences and the creative disciplines focusing on digital media, youth culture, design, and interdisciplinary methods. Mainsah’s research covers topics such as digitization, digital literacy, youth culture, smart living, creative research methods, and participatory design. Academic disciplines: Media studies and journalism, Cultural studies, Humanities. Henry is also a Board member at My African Aesthetic.https://www.oslomet.no/om/ansatt/henryma/ Don Lawrence is an award-winning architect and founder of Don Lawrence Arkitekt AS, a contemporary architecture practice based in Oslo, Norway. With degrees from The Cooper Union in New York City and the Oslo School of Architecture and Design (AHO), Don’s cross-continental education and practice have shaped a design approach that bridges art, architecture, and landscape. His work explores how built form can respond to and shape a place, focusing on cultural narrative, identity, and the natural environment. Don’s practice reflects a deep commitment to rethinking the role of architecture in a global context—one that honors the past while engaging contemporary challenges. As a panelist, he brings a unique perspective on how African aesthetics and design philosophies can expand prevailing architectural discourse, contributing to new modes of teaching, research, and creative practice. www.don-lawrence.com @_don_lawrence_arkitekt T-Michael is a Ghanaian/Norwegian Artist based in Bergen, the western coastal city of Norway. His creative work comprises his eponymous label, Norwegian Rain, T-Kimono, Film lab (short films) and T Creative Spaces. T-Michael is renowned for his eponymous label. His conceptual approach to tailoring is inspired by his love of sartorial traditions and his passionate quest for a different narrative within tailoring, design and creativity. Celebrating stylistic and cultural diversities present in today's zeitgeist, T-Michael's creations are characterized by meticulous attention to detail and impeccable construction. The collection skillfully navigates the convergence of tradition and innovation, seamlessly blending elements from the timeless and the avant-garde. A collaboration with Black History Month Norway. With support from Oslo kommune, Kulturrådet og Fritt Ord. 08.10.2025 https://www.blackhistorymonthnorway.no/events-1-1/event-one-5j9cr-shd9j-er3s6-2skf5-kxtzx-cxxmf-bxzzn-4mm6z-wtecz-wdr7t-sefz3-mjjn7-ldw8z Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Professor 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 Solutions Afrika LTD, Mugendi helps us unpack the effects of consumerism, post-consumer waste and colonial legacies on African beauty standards and forms of artistic expression. Unwasted reimagines discarded synthetic hair as a material of value but also sparks deeper reflections on African aesthetics, material culture, and self-definition. We reflect on how African women navigate inherited colonial beauty norms, the environmental burden of synthetic hair, and the loss of indigenous African art, design and architecture knowledge systems. Professor M’Rithaa calls for a reclamation of traditional African hair practices – ethically, aesthetically, and sustainably – illustrating how local and indigenous cultural practices interact with global consumer-driven beauty ideals. He takes us on a journey through African aesthetic traditions – from the symbolic meanings of hair and adornment, to the deep knowledge systems embedded in crafts, patterns and materials. Our dialogue moves beyond African hair aesthetics examining broader questions of community-based craft, circular economies, and how African artists, architects and creatives are shaping a vibrant, self-defined aesthetic. Professor M’Rithaa invites us to rethink our materials, our methods, and our mindsets – in service of a more sustainable, culturally grounded, and creatively liberated future for African aesthetic and design philosophy. Link to UNWASTED Documentary | Holos Creative Solutions (HCS_Afrika Ltd): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aX2WWoguuz4 Produced for PRAKSIS Presents/ https://www.praksisoslo.org/presents. Guest edited by My African Aesthetic under the theme: “African aesthetics- a diasporan perspective” Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

In 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 process of collaborating directly with artisans across Africa, ensuring fair pay, honoring each maker’s strengths, and documenting the histories behind every piece. The conversation expands into identity as well: what it means to find home across Africa, France, and Scandinavia without feeling pressured to choose just one. Themes: African design, Ethical sourcing, modern minimalism, cultural integrity. https://www.oriaku-studio.com/nb, https://www.instagram.com/oriaku_studio/ Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

George 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, international music acts, fashion shows, food, and more—all aimed at uplifting African-Norwegian voices and building community. Plus, we get a glimpse of his future plans: cross-Nordic collaborations, deeper civic engagement, and growing the festival into a platform for social change. 🔗 Learn more at osloafroartsfestival.no and follow @osloafroarts for the latest updates. Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Discover 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 approach connects kids from different backgrounds through shared stories and ideas, fostering empathy and highlighting their common humanity. As a film director, Regina blends traditional African storytelling with modern media, creating a powerful space for youth to express themselves as individuals while engaging in cross-cultural connection. Her film @The Lost Cafe was featured on Netflix and won the afriff Audience Choice Award Film 2017 This year another film «A warm Christmas» directed by Regina will be showcased on Friday, May 16, 2025 at the African Pavilion/pavilionafriques at the Cannes Film Festival. @peridotent @reginaudalor @bragi_film_festival https://www.pavillonafriques.com @pavillonafriques https://bragifestival.com https://www.youtube.com/@peridotstudios Visit our website or follow us on social media for updates on our work and opportunities to collaborate or support us. Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

In 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 identity in the face of adversity. Thomas delves into the relationship between dance, African aesthetics and identity, offering insights on how cultural legacies shape personal narratives & storytelling through movement. We talk about “The Tawala Technique: An Africognosomatic Approach to Dance” ; a technique that he has meticulously developed for over 27 years, one that represents a groundbreaking advancement in African and African Diaspora dance studies. Thomas also discusses the concept of the "cognoscape" —a way to present African perspectives outside Eurocentric academic norms and its intersections with cultural identity, artistic expression, and the ongoing push for inclusivity and decoloniality in the arts. https://tabankadance.com/ Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Angelica 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 of turbans, not just as a fashion statement but as a cultural and political emblem uniting the African diaspora and allowing them to trace their ancestry- an exploration of African aesthetics that led to recognition at the Smithsonian's African History Museum. Instagram: @missbalanata Miss Balanta was featured in the “In Slavery’s Wake” exhibition at the Smithsonian's African History Museum. https://nmaahc.si.edu/explore/exhibitions/in-slaverys-wake Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

In 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 resources and collective efforts, drawing parallels with other immigrant communities who successfully build wealth. Beyond financial gains, the conversation touches upon raising children with diverse backgrounds and the power of community and parental involvement in children's activities, reinforcing the value of nurturing relationships and life skills beyond traditional academic settings. Recorded: 31.10.2024 https://www.folkseiendom.no/ Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Dilú 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 preserving cultural authenticity. • The significance of cultural aesthetics in fostering inclusion, connection, social integration and bridging cultural gaps. • How AfroCraft embraces, compliments and contrasts different aesthetics and preferences. Recorded: 12.10.2024 https://afrocraft.no/ Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Don 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 his team combine local craftsmanship with sustainable methods—highlighting the significance of recognizing traditional techniques, drawing lessons from traditional African building techniques and aesthetics. This blend represents a holistic approach to architecture that seeks to honor the materials, the environment, and the individuals who inhabit these spaces. Through Don Lawrence's reflective narrative, we grasp essential lessons about identity, resilience, and the quest for innovative and sustainable design practices. His story serves as a reminder of the profound influence of cultural roots and personal experiences in creating architectural spaces that resonate deeply with the communities they serve. Recorded: 03.08.2024 https://www.don-lawrence.com/ Visit our website for more insights and updates on our future episodes! Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

When 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 vending machine encounter, and a fortuitous meeting that led him to new horizons all underscore the importance of seizing opportunities. Solomon's commitment to his craft and embrace of his heritage illuminate the path for aspiring creatives, demonstrating that every class and every experience weaves into the broader canvas of our professional endeavors. The importance of telling our own stories, nurturing our cultural identities, and documenting our histories is a call to action for all listeners; urging us to hold fast to our heritage and share our unique narratives with the world. Solomon is the Creator and Director of the award winning «Adventures of Nkoza “Enjovu,The Elephant Tail” animated short film. He is also a writer at Moonbug Entertainment. His practice under the name Sowl Studios majors in Concept Design, Architectural Visualization, 3D Modeling and Animation, Motion Capture, Matte Painting, Illustration, and Story-boarding. He has worked with Rival Interactive, Cornerstone, SAIC, Camber and Floreo. He also shares his knowledge and tips with his over 140,000 subscribers on his YouTube Channel. sowl.com https://www.youtube.com/@SolomonJagwe instagram.com/solomonjagwe facebook.com/Art.of.Solomon.W.Jagwe https://www.nkozaandnankya.com/ https://www.nkozaandnankya.com/mobileapp/ https://www.facebook.com/NkozaandNankya/ Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Cliff 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 is an advocate for representation, diversity and inclusion in theatre and film, specifically in Norway. He believes in the immense power of storytelling and its potential impact on the younger generation; emphasizing the role African creatives play in telling their own stories and debunking misconceptions. So, whether you’re intrigued by african aesthetics, cherish the influence of motherhood, or advocate for diversity in film and theatre; this episode serves as an inspiring and insightful treat. https://nordicblacktheatre.no/ @nordicblackxpress @blacktheatre Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Paul 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. @vertical_and_micro_gardening @saiga.bairon https://hivecolab.org/vertical-micro-gardening https://vmg.verticalandmicrogardening.org/about/#our-vision https://theindexproject.org/award/nominees/5333 https://www.climatecolab.org/contests/2016/land-use-agriculture-forestry-livestock/c/proposal/1331576 https://vc4a.com/ventures/vertical-and-micro-gardening-vmg/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl6dX5cl_bk Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Jomo 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 member-driven platform for creative professionals seeking community, collaboration, and creative support.” On this episode; Jomo shares his personal and career journey, his struggles and achievements on this journey and his hopes and dreams for the future of black designers in Africa and the diaspora. Instagram: @jomotariku Website: https://www.jomofurniture.com/ Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Otie 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 work; youtube.com/@Otie.Yankyera Instagram: @owtieh-https://www.instagram.com/owtieh/ @tie.atelier-https://www.instagram.com/tie.atelier/ Center for Learning Disabilities https://www.africanfemalearchitects.work/post/668015459739828224/a-centre-for-learning-disabilities-by-otie-pokua Presentation: Sustainable Building Practices - Northern Ghana I || Otie Pokua Yankyera https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fr6mGHjiKD8 Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Joshua 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 Uganda and Africa. https://landscapeuganda.com/ Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Evelyn 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 personal and career achievements, specifically her process of transitioning to a different career path with architecture and design as her backbone/foundation. Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Fungi 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 found in our African contexts, heritage and day to day life; tasking us with the challenging and encouraging us to go outside, observe and talk to our own people about their everyday lives and processes. Instagram: @fungidubegraphics https://www.fungidube.com/my-links Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/

Kinam 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://kinam.net/african_festival Support the show Instagram: @myafricanaesthetic Website: https://www.myafricanaesthetic.com/