Sheila Afari, The Audacity of Becoming

In this stirring episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, Kojo Baffoe sits down with iconic South African singer, songwriter, and activist Simphiwe Dana, as she reflects on two decades of music, motherhood, loss, identity, and resilience. With trademark grace and searing honesty, Simphiwe offers insight into the making of a celebrated artist and a deeply personal reflection on womanhood, purpose, and the spiritual nature of creation.Born in the Transkei and raised in Lusikisiki, Simphiwe’s childhood was shaped by movement, responsibility, and the discipline of being the firstborn. She shares vivid memories of growing up surrounded by nature—fetching water, hunting birds, and playing in rivers—which grounded her in a spiritual relationship with the world. This, combined with her father’s role as a preacher and the harmonies of church choirs, formed the foundation for her work: political, poetic, and rooted.Listeners are taken back to a defining moment at Johannesburg’s 206 bar, where Simphiwe nervously took the stage at a poetry night, closed her eyes, and sang Jill Scott’s “A Long Walk.” The standing ovation led to her first televised performance and her acclaimed debut album Zandisile. Behind the success was a deliberate choice: to leave a career in IT and leap into the unknown, trusting only her instincts and her voice.Dana speaks passionately about her creative process. For her, music is spiritual, a sacred act requiring silence, solitude, and surrender. “Something takes over,” she says. “It’s like standing on holy ground.” Her albums are milestones—emotional and political responses to moments that shift her understanding of the world.The conversation also explores grief, especially after the loss of her mother. Dana shares how it made her stop talking, stop eating, and retreat inward. She relied on wine as a means of escape and still cannot bring herself to open her mother’s final messages. “I feel like if I do, I will fall apart, and I cannot afford to fall apart.”Her identity as a mother and provider is a central thread. She raises two children as a single parent—both now university students. She reflects on performing with a baby on her hip, breastfeeding between studio takes, and relying on chosen family. Her parenting style is open to critique and deeply invested in emotional growth.This episode also critiques the South African music industry and the country’s relationship with its cultural identity. Dana speaks about the lack of support for local artists, the devaluation of home-grown creativity, and the post-apartheid failure to rebuild cultural patriotism. “Play the music,” she says. “We’re not asking for charity. We’ve done the work. We just want to be heard.”Now, marking 20 years in the industry, Simphiwe stands at what she calls “a precipice.” While working on a new album, she senses an internal shift. She is expanding her creative expression with a collaborative exhibition, a coffee-table book of unpublished writing, and signature aromatic oils.If you’ve ever struggled with creative doubt, carried too much for too many, or wondered how to sustain your spirit, this conversation is for you. It’s about survival—but also softness. Rebellion, but also surrender. Holding on to wonder, even when life gives you every reason to let it go.Simphiwe Dana is more than a voice. She is a vessel. And this episode is not just a story; it is an offering. Listen now.You can find the latest from Simphiwe on the following social spaces: ⁠⁠⁠X | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠or listen to her music on SpotifyFor more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe NOW: ​⁠⁠⁠⁠Watch/Listen⁠⁠⁠⁠​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newslette⁠⁠⁠⁠r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Recorded at Spotify Africa Joburg StudioShow Music by Kweku 'Taygo' BaffoeProduced by Ayob Vania

In this deeply reflective episode of the Listen To Your Footsteps podcast, host Kojo Baffoe sits down with Ghanaian-South African entrepreneur and publicist Sheila Afari to explore a journey shaped by love, legacy, and fearless innovation. From unexpectedly launching her first business after stepping on a flyer at university, to growing a PR empire across continents, Sheila’s story is a masterclass in audacity, instinct, and emotional resilience.Now based in Washington, D.C., Sheila candidly shares what it means to uproot one’s life for love without letting go of one's roots. Raised in the Eastern Cape by Ghanaian parents, she reflects on how her cultural heritage continues to influence her entrepreneurial spirit. Her journey is not linear, it’s layered. Sheila studied medicine before pivoting to psychology, flirted with law, and eventually followed a calling she didn’t yet have the language for: building things from scratch and making them work.Throughout the conversation, she reveals how she grew her boutique PR agency, launched multiple online media publications, and nurtured a business mindset that focuses not only on scale but on succession. She opens up about battling internal and external expectations, especially from her parents, and how she has had to prove, often silently, that her unconventional path was valid. Her reflections on parenthood, cultural belonging, and legacy-building offer powerful insight for anyone at a crossroads.What you’ll learn in this episode:How to seize opportunity even when you’re not “ready”The unspoken pressures of African family expectationsThe balance between personal ambition and partnershipWhy building systems is the next level of entrepreneurshipThe role of storytelling in creating platforms for African narrativesWhy legacy is not just what you build, but who you become in the processMemorable moments include:Sheila describing how she landed her first event gig Her honest thoughts on moving to the US for love, and what “home” really means nowHer quiet realisation that media isn’t dying, it’s evolving into something more democratised and deeply personalHer powerful reframing of “purpose” as something you grow into, not just stumble uponThis episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, creatives, cultural builders, and anyone navigating multiple homes, whether physical, emotional, or ancestral. Sheila’s journey is a reminder that sometimes, the life you’re meant to live begins with a moment of saying yes to the unknown.You can find the latest from Sheila on sheilaafari.com or on the following social spaces ⁠LinkedIn⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe: To ⁠⁠Watch/Listen⁠⁠ now⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newslette⁠⁠r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ now.Recorded at Spotify Africa Joburg StudioShow Music by Kweku 'Taygo' BaffoeProduced by Ayob Vania

In this episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, Kojo Baffoe sits down with celebrated interior designer and creative director Donald Nxumalo for a rich, reflective conversation that redefines what it means to “design a space.”The conversation takes listeners through a journey of identity, business ethics, cultural narrative, and the sacred connection between people and the spaces they inhabit. It is at once deeply personal and universally relatable, a masterclass in how interiors become an extension of selfhood.Donald’s design philosophy is simple but profound: every space has a story to tell because every person has a story worth honouring. In his words, a well-designed home is not just functional; it’s “a mirror of who you are and a quiet act of dignity.” His reflections range from renovating his mother’s home to manifest her worth to designing multi-million rand properties for a wide spectrum of clients with the same reverence and care.Donald talks about designing with empathy, his transformations are emotional, generational, and cultural. For Donald, design is healing.Donald shares the reality of being an African designer today. He speaks candidly about the tension of expectations, constantly being asked to “show Africa” in a very specific aesthetic way, while navigating the global stage as a contemporary, globally-minded African creative. “We are more than a look,” he explains. “To reduce it to a look is myopic.”They also unpack the complexities of being personality-led in business. For Donald, brand identity is not a PR strategy, it’s a mirror of values. “If I’m consistent, honest, and intentional, then my company reflects that. Visual language is a brand language,” he asserts. This idea becomes central to the conversation: how you show up matters. Not just online. But in how you answer the phone, in how you price integrity. In how you honour people’s time and trust.The conversation looks into Donald’s early years, how he taught himself design before even studying it, how a chance reality TV show launched his career, and how a project with a wealthy South African family introduced him to luxury design at scale. It’s not about glossy finishes and marble, it’s about listening to people. Learning how they live. Understanding that success is not only in the aesthetics, but in the emotional safety a room can offer.Kojo and Donald reflect on the world of publishing, digital media, and building a reputation in an era where validation is democratised through the internet. Donald credits platforms like Destiny Man for giving him visibility, but also acknowledges the power of showing up consistently, even when nobody is watching. “You could just come to work, do your job, and one day someone in Windsor Castle calls you,” he laughs, referencing a surreal moment where a past client in London recognised him and hired him via Instagram.The episode is a reminder that legacy isn’t loud. That impact is often quiet. And that beauty, when done with care, can echo across continents.Whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, an aspiring designer, a business owner, or someone just trying to live with more intentionality, this conversation will resonate. It speaks to the heart of building a life and a brand with values at the centre.Listen to Donald Nxumalo, The Room Remembers Everything, now. And walk away seeing your own space, and your own story, with new eyes.You can find the latest from Donald on LinkedIn, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠ and check out ⁠donaldnxumalo.africa ⁠For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe: To ⁠Watch/Listen⁠ now⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠To the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newslette⁠r⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ now.Recorded at Spotify Africa Joburg StudioShow Music by Kweku 'Taygo' BaffoeProduced by Ayob Vania

In this rich and reflective episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, Kojo Baffoe sits down with renowned designer, stylist, and creative director Shaldon Kopman, founder and creative director of Naked Ape, for a conversation that is as layered as the garments he creates. Titled Wearing Wisdom, Stitching Memory, this episode weaves together the threads of personal identity, cultural heritage, global exposure, and the purpose of creativity in a constantly shifting world.From the moment Shaldon speaks about his first steps into the fashion world as a model in Paris during apartheid-era South Africa, it becomes clear that his path was never conventional. “All I wanted to do was leave South Africa,” he says, describing how he wandered the streets of Paris with a metro pass, educating himself on art and style by walking through museums, observing people, and absorbing energy. This self-guided journey became the foundation for a creative voice rooted in purpose and introspection.But this episode is about more than just fashion. It is about memory. It is about land. It is about stitching the past to the present in a way that carries wisdom forward. Shaldon explores his deep connection to storytelling and how his brand is a response to the colonial gaze and the commodification of culture. “We were always somebody else's version of what they thought Africa was,” he shares. Through Naked Ape, he challenges that by creating work that is deliberately African, proudly rooted in craft, and reflective of the continent’s depth and nuance.This episode also delves into Shaldon’s reflections on masculinity, fatherhood, and emotional maturity. He speaks candidly about personal evolution and the desire to be present as a parent and as a partner. In a world often driven by bravado and performative success, his thoughts on emotional literacy and authenticity are powerful. “I am learning to be okay with stillness. To create from truth, not urgency,” he says.You will walk away with a renewed understanding of what it means to build a creative life that is both authentic and sustainable. Whether you're in the fashion industry, a creative thinker, or someone on a personal journey of reflection and alignment, Shaldon’s voice offers valuable perspectives and an invitation to slow down, to listen, and to remember.Shaldon Kopman, Wearing Wisdom, Stitching Memory is a rare, grounding conversation. It invites us to not only consider what we wear but to ask ourselves: What are we carrying? What are we honouring? And how can we show up in the world stitched in memory, clothed in intention?Listen now to experience the full story.Subscribe, watch/listen now on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts. Leave a comment or review and join the conversation. You can find the latest from Shaldon on shaldonkopman.com, ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ now.Recorded at Spotify Africa Joburg StudioShow Music by Kweku 'Taygo' BaffoeProduced by Ayob Vania

In this week’s episode of the Listen To Your Footsteps podcast, host Kojo Baffoe sits down with visual artist and storyteller Tsoku Maela, whose deeply introspective work bridges the seen and unseen, the spiritual and the intellectual, the personal and the collective.Raised in Limpopo, South Africa, Tsoku’s life and creative journey have always lived in the margins, and it is in those liminal spaces that he’s found the deepest truths. In this conversation, he reflects on the complexity of identity, grief,mental health, and what it means to return to yourself as both creator and creation. “You’re not just making the work,” Tsoku says. “The work is also making you.”From his early struggles with self-worth and depression, to walking away from a promising film career to pursue art, Tsoku shares how he learned to listen to silence and honour the things that live beyond words. He and Kojo explore the intersectionsof cultural memory, masculinity, healing, and how Tsoku came to see his work not as a performance, but as a communion.Whether you're an artist, seeker, or simply curious about the deeper rhythms of life, this conversation invites you to pause, reflect, and ask better questions of yourself. Tsoku’s voice is gentle but unwavering, reminding us that there is no blueprint for becoming, only the courage to sit in your truth and allow what isn’t seen to speak.FeaturedTopics:• The power of visual language• Navigating mental health & spiritual alignment• Identity, masculinity & self-permission• Art as ritual and personal archive• Creating from authenticity, not approvalExplore more of Tsoku’s work: https://www.iamtsoku.comSubscribe, watch/listen now on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts. Leave a comment or review and join the conversation. For more on Kojo’s book, Listen To Your Footsteps check out: https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ now.Listen now on your favourite podcast platform and follow@KojoBaffoe [everywhere] for more thought-provoking conversations.Don’t forget to rate, review & share.Recorded at Spotify Africa Joburg StudioShow Music by Kweku 'Taygo' BaffoeProduced by Ayob Vania

In this gripping episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, host Kojo Baffoe sits down with Grammy-winning composer Lebohang Morake, known the world over simply as Lebo M, the voice and vision behind some of the most celebrated music in cinematic and stage history. From his early days in Johannesburg to his groundbreaking work on The Lion King, Lebo M discusses the deep cultural roots of his music, his inspirations, and the personal and professional journeys that have shaped his illustrious career.He shares stories of the challenges he faced, the triumphs he celebrated, and the wisdom he’s gathered along the way. This episode is not just about music; it's about making a global impact while staying connected to one’s heritage.From his beginnings in Soweto’s Pelican Club to exile in Lesotho and global acclaim, Lebo’s journey is a testament to the power of intuition, passion, and unshakable authenticity.Key Moments:The Hustle Begins: At 14, Lebo became the youngest background singer in South Africa, thanks to a mother who “threw [him] at anything arts-related”—even when school wasn’t a priority.Exile & Survival: A gig in Lesotho turned into a political escape. “I collapsed at the Caledon River. They carried me across,” he recalls. His refugee hustle? Playing piano for ambassadors to fund his passage to America.The Power of Naivety: How a coffee-run kid co-composed The Power of One soundtrack without formal training. “Hans Zimmer’s orchestrators said, ‘Call a lawyer—that’s YOUR work.’”Lion King’s Magic: Lebo reveals the serendipity behind Circle of Life: “I was bored, humming over Hans’ chords. That ‘ahhh’? One take.”Broadway Revolution: Why The Lion King’s stage adaptation redefined African storytelling: “It was tech meets tradition—and it worked.”Parenting & Sacrifice: “My older kids grew up in hotels. I’m still making up lost time.”Lin-Manuel & Mufasa: Why he embraced the prequel: “If it’s Lin, I’m in.”Why Listen?Lebo’s story isn’t just about music—it’s about trusting your voice when no one else does. His reflections on collaboration (“Art isn’t work when you love it”) and confronting fear (“I’m terrified until I step on stage”) will inspire creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone navigating reinvention.Join us to explore the profound impact of Lebo M’s work, learn from his approach to creativity and innovation, and get inspired by his commitment to mentoring the next generation of artists. This is a journey through the life of a man who has not only made music but also made history.Listen now to uncover how exile shaped an icon, why authenticity outlasts trends, and how to turn chaos into creativity.Subscribe, watch/listen now on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts. Leave a comment or review and join the conversation. You can find the latest from Lebo M on ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or get the latest from her ⁠website⁠⁠.For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ now.Recorded at Spotify Africa Joburg StudioShow Music by Kweku 'Taygo' BaffoeProduced by Ayob Vania

In this episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, Kojo Baffoe talks to digital entrepreneur, holistic wellness advocate, and keynote speaker, Juanita Khumalo. Juanita’s journey is one of grit, self-discovery, and the transformative power of holistic well-being. From her humble beginnings in Galeshewe, Kimberley, where she grew up in a home without electricity, to her rise as a corporate powerhouse and wellness advocate, Juanita’s story is inspiring and deeply relatable.Juanita opens up about the challenges she faced growing up, including studying by candlelight and sharing a room with her family. Despite these obstacles, she excelled academically and in sports, eventually earning a bursary to study at the University of the Witwatersrand [WITS]. However, her journey was not without its hurdles. She faced failure for the first time in her first year of university and discusses her transition from finance to marketing, shedding light on the strategic decisions that propelled her career forward. She battled burnout in her corporate career and shares deeply personal struggles with mental health, providing listeners with heartfelt insights into overcoming adversity while striving for professional success. One of the most powerful moments in the conversation is when Juanita reflects on her response to being diagnosed with burnout: “I was diagnosed with burnout and all those other illnesses, and they booked me off immediately. I was like, what do you mean? You’re booking me off for three months?”Juanita’s transition from corporate life to wellness advocacy is a testament to her fortitude and commitment to holistic well-being. She shares how therapy and self-awareness helped her heal and find her purpose: “I want to help impart the tools, knowledge, and resources that I learned through my journey with wellness.” Her message is clear: wellness is not about perfection but balance and self-compassion.This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt like they didn't fit in or they didn't have what it takes to succeed. It's a conversation teeming with insights for those navigating life’s challenges, seeking inspiration, or looking to prioritise their mental and physical health. It's a powerful reminder that no matter where you start, you can create a life of purpose and fulfillment.Watch or listen to the latest podcast episode to hearJuanita’s insights on overcoming adversity, the importance of mental health, and the transformative power of holistic well-being. Whether you’re a young professional, a wellness enthusiast, or someone looking for inspiration, this episode offers helpful lessons and actionable insights.EPISODE CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:36 Meet Juanita Kumalo00:55 The Origin of Juanita's Name04:29 Growing Up in Kimberley10:43 High School and Early Ambitions12:26 University Challenges and Strategies23:56 First Job Experiences26:03 Internship at Forbes and CNBC28:51 Landing a Job at L'Oreal33:30 Reflecting on Family and Education35:51 Choosing WITS and Moving to Johannesburg37:31 Navigating University Life38:26 Identity Crisis and Puberty41:10 Entering the Beauty Industry44:11 Corporate Challenges and Realizations46:12 Journey to Wellness50:16 Burnout and Mental Health Struggles54:00 Therapy and Healing01:00:38 Advocating for Holistic Wellness01:07:31 Reflections and Future Plans01:17:10 Closing ThoughtsSubscribe, watch/listen now on ⁠⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts. Leave a comment or review and join the conversation. You can find the latest from Juanita Khumalo on ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X [formerly Twitter]⁠, or get the latest on Trove Wellness here.For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ now.Recorded at Spotify Africa Joburg StudioShow Music by Kweku 'Taygo' BaffoeProduced by Ayob Vania

In this episode of Listen to Your Footsteps, host Kojo Baffoe sits down with Jean Daniel Kanza, an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural bridge-builder. Born in Kinshasa, raised in South Africa, and now back in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Jean Daniel shares his journey of navigating identity, art, and entrepreneurship across two vastly different worlds.From his early dreams of wanting to become a filmmaker inspired by Spike Lee and John Singleton to his pivot into music and entrepreneurship, Jean Daniel’s story is one of resilience, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. “I never took myself seriously as a musician, but music gave me the platform to do everything else,” he reflects.Jean Daniel also delves into his entrepreneurial ventures, from running a school tuck shop in Kinshasa to exporting South African culture to the DRC. “There’s no small job. People need to eat and drink every day,” he emphasises, highlighting the importance of residual income in building a sustainable future.This episode offers valuable insights into navigating different cultures, building a business from the ground up, and the impact of sharing your story. Jean Daniel's journey demonstrates that success is rarely a straight line—it's about adapting to change and finding potential where others see roadblocks.Listen to this conversation if you want insights on how to turn your passions into profit, navigate cultural complexities, and build a legacy that transcends borders.Subscribe, watch/listen now on ⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts. Leave a review, and join the conversation. 🎙️You can find the latest from Jean Daniel on ⁠⁠⁠any of these social spaces - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, or SoundCloud a taste of his music.For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ now.Recorded at: Spotify Africa Joburg StudioShow Music: Kweku 'Taygo' BaffoeProducer: Ayob Vania

In this episode of Listen to Your Footsteps, host Kojo Baffoe sits down with Yasmin Furmie, a former social worker turned fashion entrepreneur, to explore her incredible journey of reinvention and resilience. From her early life in South Africa to immigrating to Australia as a teenager, Yasmin shares the challenges of navigating cultural identity and finding her voice in a new country.Yasmin reflects on her career shift, saying, "I never thought of being in fashion at all. I just thought I can't draw. But something happened, and I realised it was the right time to go into what fuels me and makes me happy." The conversation delves into her experiences as a mother, the struggles of balancing family life with personal ambition, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.Listeners will gain invaluable insights into how Yasmin built her fashion brand, SiSi, The Collection, with her business partner Cynthia, and how they’ve created timeless pieces that reflect their personal style. This episode is for anyone looking to redefine their path, embrace change, and find joy in the unexpected twists of life.Listen now to hear Yasmin’s inspiring story of resilience, reinvention, and the courage to pursue passion later in life.7 Lessons/Insights/Take Aways from this conversationSubscribe, watch/listen now on⁠⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts. Leave a review, and join the conversation. 🎙️You can find the latest from Yasmin on ⁠⁠⁠any of these social spaces - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok,Facebook.For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠ to the⁠⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ now.Recorded at: Spotify Africa Joburg StudioShow Music: Kweku 'Taygo' BaffoeProducer: Ayob Vania

What happens when you bet on yourself? In this electrifying episode of Listen to Your Footsteps, Kojo Baffoe sat down with Dumisani Mahlangu, the founder and visionary behind Chepa Streetwear, to explore the intersection of identity, entrepreneurship, and creativity. Dumisani takes us inside the hustle, heartbreak, and breakthroughs that built his brand. From working corporate jobs to selling at flea markets, Dumisani breaks down:🔹 Why failure is the best teacher🔹 How to transition from a 9-5 to full-time entrepreneurship🔹 The power of learning sales, psychology, and digital marketing🔹 Integrating family, business, and personal growth "If you’re waiting for the ‘perfect time,’ you’ll wait forever. Start now. Learn along the way.” – Dumisani Mahlangu If you're an entrepreneur, creative, or dreamer, this episode will push you to take action, stay resilient, and build something meaningful. It's packed with actionable advice and heartfelt reflections perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs and lifelong learners alike. Press play now and let Dumisani's story ignite your passion for growth! Subscribe, watch/listen now on ⁠⁠Spotify ⁠⁠or wherever you find your podcasts. Leave a review, and join the conversation. 🎙️ You can find the latest from Dumisani on ⁠⁠⁠any of these social spaces - ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, or visit the Chepa website for the latest streetwear. For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠ to the ⁠⁠⁠Zebra Culture Newsletter⁠⁠⁠ now. Recorded at: Spotify Africa Joburg Studio Show Music: Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe Producer: Ayob Vania