Africa Straight Talk
Emmanuel Nado, Kwesi Wilson and Khaboshi Imbukwa 25 episodes Oct 4, 2026
Africa Straight Talk offers perspectives on the African immigrant experience through bold commentary, conversations, personal stories, and expert insights. The show draws on its hosts' backgrounds in journalism, communications, and academia to explore issues facing the African diaspora. Episodes highlight shared experiences and connect personal narratives with broader social and cultural themes.
Episodes
S02E15: Africa Stands Up to United Nations
S02E14: Dangote, Africa-France Reset in Kenya
In this episode Nado, Kwesi and Zika discuss, Africa-France relationship.
S02E13: Africa Day in California: Celebrating Culture and Community
In this episode we talk to Folake Phillps the founder of AWO Center and Afriicionado Cultural Collective. She shares the organizations mission, the importance of cultural connection and the impact of Africa Day Celebrations an event that brings Africans together to honor culture and community. Website: https://afriicionado.org/
S02E12: Gizelle Mapanda - My Childhood Dream is Now My Happy Reality
A hospital visit in her homeland of Congo as an 8 year old had a profound impact on Gizelle Mapanda. She witnessed how the ratio of healthcare practitioners to patients was tipped against the latter and decided she would pursue a career that will help bridge the gap.In this episode, Gizelle, an ER nurse walks us through how she achieved it and her talks about her work in bringing telehealth to th
S02E11: Navigating the Immigrant Experience in an Anti-Immigrant Climate
Nakel is an author, certified discusses how to adapt survive and thrive in America. From building community to finding your place to starting businesses and even to give back to Africa. He also addressed the threat of artificial intelligence. He called on "lawmakers and key tech developers not to allow the technology to outrun human needs.Nakiel can be found on https://www.nakelnikiema.com/
S01E10: I Started DJ-ing at 16 Years Old
A Ghanaian DJ in Maryland transformed heartbreak into joy, turning the loss of his mother into a global movement of music and healing. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, DJ Fisho, launched Music for your Quarantine Feet (MQF), giving the world a platform to heal and celebrate. Take a listen to learn more about MFQ.Programming note: This is our final episode for the year, we will return next y
S01E09: Entrepreneurship in the Diaspora
The African diasporan is an entrepreneur heart. In this episode, speak with Roy Wanguhu, founder of Elewa Media a creative hub built on collaboration and community. Roy shares his journey from humble beginnings in Kenya to creating a space where creatives connect, share ideas and grow together.Share your story! email us: africastraighttalk@gmail.com
S01E08: Tourism and the privilege we don't talk about
What happens when you go on vacation and you're treated like royalty? Listen to this episode to find out. Mark your calendars! October 9-12th is the The annual Silicon Valley African Film Festival. There will be an incredible array of films by talented African filmmakers .Also Kwesi is gearing up to take the next group of people to Ghana in 2026. If this is something you've been wishing
Encore - S01E06: Fatherhood in three cultures: Ghana, Panama and the United States
We will be back in September with a brand new episode. We're letting Kwesi readjust to life outside of Ghana but in the meantime, enjoy a throwback show on fatherhood in the US.
S01E07: Smart money moves for the African Diaspora
Our fellow host Kwesi faced some technical difficulties while recording this show and was unable to continue recording this episode. On this show we have an incredible discussion about finances with Byb Bibene. From setting boundaries, to not fearing debt and the importance of doing research. Bibene provided guidance on managing finances.
S01E06: Fatherhood in three cultures: Ghana, Panama and the United States
Last month we heard from Esther, a mother who raised her child in the diaspora. She reflected on the joys, and difficulties of parenting across boarders. I read her heartfelt thank you in this episode, where she paid homage to the village that helped her both in Kenya and the United States.This month, we change our viewpoints. In a stunning blend of Ghanaian, American, and Panamanian cultures, our
S01E05: Bridging Worlds: Raising African kids in America
In many African cultures, children are a blessing and they are raised as part of a community - a village. But what happens when African parents are navigating this journey far from home, and in a culture very different from their own?In this episode we speak to one parent who brought up her child in America. She shares the challenges, joys and yes, even the moments every African parent faces of s
S01E04: Fresh of the Plane
Living in foreign country presents many challenges - language, culture, lifestyle, mental health all affect us in one way or another. We discuss our 'coming to America' moments, what challenges we faced and how we adapted.Want to Be a Guest on our show?We're looking for bold, honest voices to join us on the show! If you have personal stories, insights, or perspectives to share on to
Episode 4 Teaser: Fresh of the Plane
Ever watched Coming to America? This episode is about our Coming to America moment. While it's all laughter and jokes, there are deeper lessons in these shared experiences that we all can reflect upon and learn. Listen to the entire episode going live this week, but for now enjoy a snippet of it!We are looking for guests who want to be on our show. Guests who can candidly talk about diverse t
S01E03: Navigating Grief in the African Diaspora
Grief affects us all in one way or another at some point in our lives. How do we, as Africans in the diaspora, identify that we are going through grief? How do we find support while going through it? All these questions and more were addressed in a candid and insightful conversation with Alimatu Kamara MS, AMFT a mental health therapist counselor about grief and understanding it.
Episode 3: Teaser - Understanding Grief Teaser
Be on the look out for our next show coming out this week! Our topic is on grief and we speak with Alimatu Kamara a Mental Health therapist in San Diego.
S01E02: How Africans in the Diaspora can Cope during these Uncertain Times
We are living in unprecedented times and in this powerful episode we dive into a spirited conversation about what Africans in the diaspora can do to safeguard themselves in this climate. Adoubou Traore, the Executive Director at African Advocacy Network, shares some steps we can take to prepare and protect ourselves in these unprecedented times.
S01E01 New Year New Us
We're back! It's 2025 and while our show has evolved, we're still the same witty, fun and hard-hitting crew you all love!We are shining a spotlight on us - African Diaspora our lives, challenges, and what it means to navigate the world while still staying rooted in our heritage.Join us as we dive into fresh starts, bold moves, and the strength of community. With monthly episodes, we
ENCORE: Episode 91: Meet the fine artist turning banana fibers into quality Ugandan products
We are re-posting some of our favourite past episodes!!!! The goal is to support, elevate and empower our fellow brothers and sisters from the continent to keep the momentum going. Stay tuned for more episodes.Kenyan-born artist, educator and entrepreneur, Kimani Muturi, tells us how he is turning the waste products of banana farming in Uganda into beautiful, export-quality fabrics and rugs.
Episode 135: Africans for Trump: Are they for real?
There are African immigrants who say they support MAGA and Trump. Are they genuine, naive or just optimistic opportunists?
Episode 134: Kamala Harris and other stories
We were a little all over the place on this episode (in a good way of course) - what's hot in America aka Kamala Harris, and how the diaspora can grow a spine.
Episode 133 - WANTED: An African Diaspora with a spine
Africans in the west need to stop "suffering and smiling" and do more to stand up for themselves against anti-immigrant hate.
Episode 132: Welcome back, and the Kenyan Protests
Young people in Kenya have finally woken up and taken President Ruto and his government by the horns. It's a bold and commendable and commendable in a continent where young people rarely question when old politicians tell them they are the leaders of tomorrow. Now the question is: what strategies do young people have to ensure this isn't just another political dust storm that passes with
Episode 131: African leaders and their magic bag of tricks
Episode 130: Internet interruptions and meeting Bob Marley
Did you know that Nado, my co-host, met Bob Marley in Oakland and he autographed his record? I must add that Nado spoke about it as if he was meeting a friend on a random weekend! I don’t know how to feel about that…but I KNOW Kwesi must be extremely jealous 🙂
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