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 becoming 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 emphasizes, 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 Studio

Show Music: Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe

Producer: 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.

Subscribe, 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

"Unlock the Secrets to a Life of Impact: Alistair Mokoena’s Blueprint for Leadership, Growth, and Legacy"

In this transformative episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, host Kojo Baffoe sits down with Professor Alistair Gaopaleloe Mokoena—a trailblazer in entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, and academia. From his roots in a family of entrepreneurs to leading Google South Africa and shaping the next generation of leaders, Alistair’s journey is a masterclass in self-mastery, purpose, and intentional living.

Discover how Alistair’s philosophy of “Life is the next five minutes” can help you stay present while strategically planning for a future of significance. Learn why he believes in integration over balance and how this mindset can help you harmonize family, career, and personal growth without sacrificing what matters most.

Alistair shares actionable insights on:

• Navigating career transitions with confidence and clarity.
• The power of deliberate planning to create a life of impact.
• Leadership lessons from boardrooms to classrooms.
• Crafting a legacy that transcends titles and wealth.

This episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s a roadmap to living a life that matters. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, Alistair’s wisdom will inspire you to take action and redefine what success means to you.

Don’t miss this extraordinary episode—your future self will thank you.

Tune in now on Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts, subscribe, and join the conversation. Because the life you’ve always wanted is just one listen away.

You can find the latest from Alistair on ⁠⁠⁠any of these social spaces - ⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠X [Formerly Twitter] 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

In this episode of the Listen To Your Footsteps podcast, Kojo sits down with Salamina Mosese—a household name in South Africa’s entertainment industry who has seamlessly transitioned from television star to author, producer, and advocate for African stories.

Salamina takes us back to her childhood, from her early days in rural Limpopo to her family's relocation to Soweto, schooling in the suburbs, and her unintentional foray into the world of acting at just 14 years old.

Salamina shares how navigating fame shaped her identity and taught her the importance of owning her narrative. We dive deep into her decision to pivot into corporate communications, her reflections on balancing career and motherhood, and her passion for writing children’s books that center African representation.

“I want my daughters to see themselves in the stories they read,” Salamina explains as she describes the inspiration behind her books and her long-term vision of creating iconic characters for South African children.

Join us for an engaging conversation on storytelling, resilience, and the legacy we leave behind.

Subscribe and watch/listen now on ⁠Spotify ⁠or wherever you find your podcasts!

You can find the latest from Salamina on ⁠⁠⁠any of these social spaces - ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ 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

In this week’s Listen To Your Footsteps podcast, Kojo Baffoe is joined by Taryn Gill, the fearless entrepreneur and founder of The Perfect Hair. Taryn shares her remarkable journey from a thriving media career to building a curl care empire rooted in authenticity and community.

Taryn delves into the power of storytelling, a skill she honed in her media days and carried into her entrepreneurial ventures. "Before my products hit the shelves, it was the stories that built the brand," she reflects. Her commitment to celebrating natural beauty and empowering women shines through as she tackles topics like self-confidence, reinvention, and creating meaningful connections with her audience.

Balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship, Taryn reveals the challenges of stepping away from corporate life to pursue her dreams. "I had to trust my gut and evolve, even when it was terrifying."

This candid conversation is packed with insights on branding, resilience, and the transformative power of community. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or seeking personal growth, this episode offers invaluable lessons and inspiration.

Don’t miss Taryn Gill’s journey of wild hair, bold dreams, and fearless reinvention.

Subscribe and watch/listen now on Spotify or wherever you find your podcasts!

You can find the latest from Taryn on ⁠⁠⁠any of these social spaces - ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠X [formerly Twitter]⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠or check out her linktr.ee for more. 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

This week on the Listen To Your Footsteps podcast, Kojo Baffoe sits down with Fortune Masina, a celebrated figure in South African hip-hop and an advocate for authenticity in music and life. Fortune reflects on his journey, from his early days in music production to his evolving role as a father, mentor, and cultural observer.

Fortune shares candidly about finding joy in personal growth, balancing family with creativity, and the enduring lessons hip-hop has taught him. "Hip-hop is more than music—it’s a mindset," he says.

His thoughts on crafting meaningful art, embracing change, and creating space for future generations to thrive will captivate listeners.

Join us for a conversation that blends wisdom, humour, and inspiration, offering a unique look into Fortune Masina's life and work.

Subscribe and listen now on Spotify or wherever you find your podcasts!

You can find the latest from Fortune ⁠⁠⁠any of these social spaces LinkedIn, ⁠⁠⁠Instagram, X [formerly Twitter], Facebook, Spotify. 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