EP 63 - My Country Nigeria

In This Episode: 

For the past few weeks, my country Nigeria has been in the spotlight of  World News, but unfortunately, it hasn’t been for great things. 

I do not condone or support any acts of fraud, kidnapping, or violence. However, I have noticed that even though 80% of Nigerian’s are good people who are doing great things around the world. The media has decided to concentrate on the 20% who have done shameful things. 

While we stand up against the evil acts of the 20%, we must not forget to also celebrate the good things that the other 80% are doing. 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. World Economic Forum: https://www.weforum.org/events/world-economic-forum-on-africa-2019

2. Jim Ovia: https://jimovia.com/

3. Zenith Bank: https://www.zenithbank.com/

4. Africa Rise and Shine: https://jimovia.com/the-book/

5. UNESCO: https://en.unesco.org/

6. Nollywood: http://www.nollywoodweek.com/en/whats-nollywood/

7. Price Water House Coopers: https://www.pwc.com/

8. United Nations: https://www.un.org/en/

9. Chimamanda Adichie: https://www.chimamanda.com/

10. Half of a Yellow Sun: https://www.amazon.com/Half-Yellow-Chimamanda-Ngozi-Adichie/dp/1400095204

11. Purple Hibiscus: https://www.amazon.com/Purple-Hibiscus-Chimamanda-Ngozi-Adichie/dp/1616202416

12. That Thing Around Your Neck: https://www.amazon.com/Thing-Around-Your-Neck/dp/0307455912

13. Wole Soyinka: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wole_Soyinka

14. Ben Okri: https://benokri.co.uk/

15. Chinua Achebe:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinua_Achebe

16. Davido: https://www.instagram.com/davidoofficial/ 

17. Wizkid: https://www.instagram.com/wizkidayo/ 

18. Buna Boy: https://www.instagram.com/burnaboygram/

19. 2Face (2Baba): https://www.instagram.com/official2baba/

20. D’Banj: https://www.instagram.com/iambangalee/

21. Tiwa Savage: https://www.instagram.com/tiwasavage/ 

22. Universal: https://www.universalmusic.com/

23. Beyoncé: https://www.beyonce.com/ 

24. Lion King: The Gift: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lion_King:_The_Gift

25. Fela Kuti: http://fela.net/

26. Broadway: https://www.broadway.com/

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/

EP 62 - Meet Nollywood

In This Episode: 

I will introduce you to the world's third-largest film industry, Nollywood.   

I’ll take you a journey, from the beginning of Nollywood to where we are today, and how quickly we have grown and achieved world recognition. 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Stella Damasus: https://www.stelladamasus.com/
2. Nollywood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nollywood
3. Nigeria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria
4. Hollywood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_of_the_United_States
5. Bollywood: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bollywood
6. Bruce Lee: https://brucelee.com/
7. Hurbet Ogunde: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hubert_Ogunde
8. 35mm: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/35_mm_format
9. TIFF: https://www.tiff.net/
10. Cannes: https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/
11. Netflix: https://www.netflix.com/
12. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/
    

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 61 - Beyond Religion

In This Episode: 

I would tell you a story of an amazing man, who put his love for humanity before faith and religion. 

It is sad, however, that this story came to light over a year later because Imam Abubakar Abdullahi was one 2019 recipients of the International Religious Freedom Award, in the USA. 

We as Nigerians and Africans need to learn to honor the good things our people do. We should not wait for foreign countries and their media to do it first 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Goodness Network: https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/
2. International Religious Freedom Award: https://www.state.gov/international-religious-freedom-award-winners/
3. Imam Abubakar Abdullahi: https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/18/africa/nigeria-cleric-honored-intl/index.html
4. Bakin Lade, Plateau: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barkin_Ladi
5. US Department of State: https://www.state.gov/
   

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 60 - #MeTooAfrica

In This Episode: 

I talk about a long-awaited movement, that has begun in my country Nigeria and the whole of Africa. 

#MeTooAfrica

For many years, RAPE CULTURE has been overlooked in Africa but not anymore. Our people are finally beginning to see the importance of speaking up. Hopefully, we will also begin to severely punish these rapists for their crimes, regardless of their gender, educational background, and status in society. 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Ese Walters: http://bit.ly/2NOeSUk 
2. COZA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_Wealth_of_Zion_Assembly
3. Biodun Fatoyinbo: http://bit.ly/2LeW7r3
4. Timi Dakolo: http://bit.ly/2LeW7r3
5. YNaija TV: http://ynaija.tv/
6. Stella Damasus Reacts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=035TdxJlrgo
7. Elisha Abbo: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ishaku_Elisha_Abbo
8. Gambia: http://www.visitthegambia.gm/
9. Yahya Jammeh: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yahya_Jammeh
10. Human Rights Watch and Trial International: https://www.hrw.org/topic/justicia-internacional/international-criminal-court
11. New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/
12. Adama Barrow: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adama_Barrow
13. Equatorial Guinea: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equatorial_Guinea
14. Fatou Jallow: https://nyti.ms/2XC5nfs 
15. Gambia Youth and Reconciliation Commission: http://bit.ly/2NSddx1 
16. Senegal: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senegal
17. Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en.html
    

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 59 - THE IGBO LANGUAGE GOING EXTINCT

In This Episode: 

According to UNESCO, the Igbo language would be extinct by 2025. It may seem like it's many years away, but in reality, it's only 6 years away. When I read this, I was so worried about my people and our language.

Which is why I decided to have this amazing woman, as the first guest on the show. Her name is Chimmie Gbugu and she is the founder of Akwukwo LLC. Akwukwo is dedicated to creating fun and exciting learning materials that teach the Igbo language to children. 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Akwukwo: http://www.akwukwo.com/
2. UNESCO: https://en.unesco.org/
3. WhatsApp: https://www.whatsapp.com/
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com
   

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 58 - Africans and Retirement

In This Episode: 

When I moved to the USA, I had a shocking realization. This was something I didn't see a lot in my country (Nigeria). People above the age of 60 or 70, still in the workforce. In Nigeria, almost everyone within that age bracket is retired.

However, in the USA, I have seen several elderly people working and even doing odd jobs. 

Listen to the episode to find out how I feel about this.

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Nigeria: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigeria
   

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/

EP 57 - African First Ladies

In This Episode: 

Most of the time, we as Africans tend to overlook the First Ladies of our countries. We fail to acknowledge their hard work, contribution, and even sacrifice. 

That is why I have decided to dedicate this episode to African First Ladies, and one of them in particular who has done great things for her country Rwanda, Jeannette Kagame. 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellen_Johnson_Sirleaf
2. Jeannette Kagame: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeannette_Kagame 
3. Imbuto Foundation: http://imbutofoundation.org/
4. Paul Kagame: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Kagame
5. Kigali, Rwanda: http://rwandatourism.com/destinations/kigali-city/
6. Organization of African First Ladies against HIV AIDS: http://www.oafla.org/#page28_container5
   

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 56 - #FreeOurGirls

In This Episode: 

No country or continent is perfect. I love Africa, and I know this show is dedicated to informing people of the beauty of Africa that the media doesn't show you. 

However, I love my continent so much that I also want us to be better and do better. That is why I have decided to speak on the #FreeOurGirls issue that occurred in Burundi a few weeks ago.

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Burundi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burundi
2. Pierre Nkurunziza: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_Nkurunziza 
3. CNN: https://www.cnn.com/
4. Lewis Mudge: https://www.hrw.org/about/people/lewis-mudge
5. Justice Minister Aimée Laurentine Kanyana: https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aim%C3%A9e_Laurentine_Kanyana 
6. Global Citizen: https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/
   

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 55 - 'Between' The Movie

In This Episode: 

I’m going to tell you about something very special that is happening TODAY (04/12/19). It’s the London premiere of a feature film that I co-produced and play the lead role in. 

I have played the lead role in very many movies over the last 2 decades, but this one is extra special because it was filmed with the intention of changing how African’s are viewed and portrayed in the entertainment industry.

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. ‘Between’- The Movie: https://www.indextwostudios.com/between
2. Index Two Studios: https://www.indextwostudios.com  
3. Ruméh: https://www.instagram.com/rumeh_ejoor/  
   

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 54 - The Modern Day Shero: Wangari Maathai

In This Episode: 

We will honor the life and achievements of Wangari Maathai, the first Black African Woman to win a Nobel Peace Prize. She fought for peace, women rights and was an environmentalist who played a major role in saving the earth. 

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Nobel Peace Prize: https://www.nobelpeaceprize.org/ 
2. Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica: https://www.mountosb.org/  
3. University of Pittsburgh: https://www.pitt.edu/  
4. University of Nairobi: http://www.uonbi.ac.ke/  
5. National Council of Women of Kenya: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesicovaginal_fistula 
6. The Greenbelt Movement: https://www.greenbeltmovement.org/ 
7. The Greenbelt Movement (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Green-Belt-Movement-Approach-Experience/dp/159056040X 
8. Unbowed: https://www.amazon.com/Unbowed-Memoir-Wangari-Maathai/dp/0307275205 
9. The Challenge For Africa: https://www.amazon.com/Challenge-Africa-Wangari-Maathai/dp/0307390284 
10. The LA Times: https://www.latimes.com/ 
11. The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/world
    

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com

Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/

Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com

Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/ 

EP 53: THE MODERN DAY SHERO - JOSEPHINE EFFAH-CHUKWUMA

In This Episode:

“According to the 2018 report on the killing of women and girls released by the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, about 87,000 were killed worldwide in 2017, 58 percent of them victims of domestic or family violence” - The Washington Post.

This is why we have chosen to dedicate this episode to Josephine Effah-Chukwuma. She is the first person ever to set up an organization and shelter in Nigeria, to help women and young girls who are victims of Domestic Violence.

Domestic violence is a battle that we all must continue to fight.

Mentioned In This Episode:

1. Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh: https://www.drasatrust.org/dr-adadevoh/
2. Josephine Effah-Chuwkuma: https://www.ashoka.org/en-US/fellow/josephine-effah-chukwuma
3. Rosa Parks: https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/rosa-parks
4. Female Genital Mutilation: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation
5. VVF: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesicovaginal_fistula
6. Project Alert Nigeria: https://projectalertnig.org/

Connect:

Email: excusemyafrican@gmail.com Website: http://www.excusemyafrican.com/ Stella Damasus Blog: http://www.stelladamasusblog.com Stella Damasus Website : https://www.stelladamasus.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/excusemyafrican Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realexcusemyafrican/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Excuse-My-African-1360118967397852/