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Themba Gorimbo shares his story of growing up in Zimbabwe, losing both of his parents at a young age, surviving poverty, and eventually finding his way into professional MMA and the UFC. Gorimbo opens up about his childhood in Zimbabwe, the impact of the country’s economic struggles, drought, land reform, and food shortages, and how those experiences shaped his outlook on life. He also reflects on his father’s influence, his mother’s death when he was nine, and the trauma of losing his father just a few years later. He discusses growing up around violence and family fights before discovering MMA through the movie Never Back Down, starring Djimon Hounsou. What started as a way to defend himself against his cousins eventually became a professional fighting career. Gorimbo also talks about leaving Zimbabwe for South Africa as a teenager, being arrested and deported, crossing back into South Africa, working to survive, and the dangers and challenges faced by Zimbabwean immigrants. He discusses xenophobia, the complicated relationship between Zimbabwe and South Africa, and why so many Zimbabweans leave home in search of opportunity. The conversation turns to Gorimbo’s UFC journey, the challenges he faced as an African fighter, sponsorships, fighting politics, and his release from the UFC. He opens up about his relationship with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, how The Rock helped bring him to America, and why being viewed as a “charity case” created complicated expectations. Gorimbo also discusses support from other fighters, including Daniel Cormier and Israel Adesanya, his experiences with UFC leadership and Dana White, and the realities of trying to build a career in professional MMA. He shares his thoughts on Zimbabwe’s gold industry, economic inequality, corruption, and the money flowing out of the country while many people continue to struggle. He also reflects on his experiences in the diamond fields and the realities of Zimbabweans trying to build better lives abroad. From Zimbabwe to South Africa, from poverty and loss to the UFC and global recognition, Themba Gorimbo tells an honest story about family, resilience, fighting, Africa, immigration, and the journey to creating a better life See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Themba Gorimbo shares his story of growing up in Zimbabwe, losing both of his parents at a young age, surviving poverty, and eventually finding his way into professional MMA and the UFC. Gorimbo opens up about his childhood in Zimbabwe, the impact of the country’s economic struggles, drought, land reform, and food shortages, and how those experiences shaped his outlook on life. He also reflects on his father’s influence, his mother’s death when he was nine, and the trauma of losing his father just a few years later. He discusses growing up around violence and family fights before discovering MMA through the movie Never Back Down, starring Djimon Hounsou. What started as a way to defend himself against his cousins eventually became a professional fighting career. Gorimbo also talks about leaving Zimbabwe for South Africa as a teenager, being arrested and deported, crossing back into South Africa, working to survive, and the dangers and challenges faced by Zimbabwean immigrants. He discusses xenophobia, the complicated relationship between Zimbabwe and South Africa, and why so many Zimbabweans leave home in search of opportunity. The conversation turns to Gorimbo’s UFC journey, the challenges he faced as an African fighter, sponsorships, fighting politics, and his release from the UFC. He opens up about his relationship with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, how The Rock helped bring him to America, and why being viewed as a “charity case” created complicated expectations. Gorimbo also discusses support from other fighters, including Daniel Cormier and Israel Adesanya, his experiences with UFC leadership and Dana White, and the realities of trying to build a career in professional MMA. He shares his thoughts on Zimbabwe’s gold industry, economic inequality, corruption, and the money flowing out of the country while many people continue to struggle. He also reflects on his experiences in the diamond fields and the realities of Zimbabweans trying to build better lives abroad. From Zimbabwe to South Africa, from poverty and loss to the UFC and global recognition, Themba Gorimbo tells an honest story about family, resilience, fighting, Africa, immigration, and the journey to creating a better life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kwame Onwuachi joins One54 for a conversation about his Nigerian-American and Afro-Caribbean roots, his journey from the Bronx to becoming one of the most celebrated chefs in the world, and the experiences that shaped his approach to food and culture. The James Beard Award-winning chef, New York Times bestselling author, TIME100 honoree, and star of Top Chef and Chopped discusses his childhood in Nigeria, where he was sent at age 10 to learn discipline and respect, and how that experience gave him a deeper connection to his heritage. Onwuachi opens up about Nigerian food and culture, and his thoughts on the Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Senegalese jollof rice debate. He also shares how growing up around Nigerian, Jamaican, Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese, Jewish, and other cultures in New York influenced his cooking and ultimately shaped his culinary identity. He reflects on his early years working in restaurants, attending the Culinary Institute of America, cooking on an oil cleanup boat during the Deepwater Horizon disaster, and selling candy on the New York City subway to fund his first catering company. Onwuachi also details the difficult period of his life when he became involved in selling drugs, the moment he decided to change direction, and how seeing Barack Obama become president inspired him to believe he could accomplish anything. The conversation then moves into his restaurant career, including Kith and Kin in Washington, D.C., Tatiana at Lincoln Center in New York, Dōgon in D.C., and his Las Vegas restaurant Maroon. Onwuachi explains the meaning and history behind his restaurant names and how African and Black history, ancestry, and culture are incorporated into his food. He also discusses restaurant ownership, building the right team, the challenges of the restaurant business, Michelin stars, fine dining, and why owning his intellectual property is so important to him. Onwuachi shares stories about cooking for Barack and Michelle Obama at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, and other major celebrities, including his experience cooking at the Met Gala. He also talks about his upcoming cookbook, his investment in new businesses and packaged goods, and his continued plans to expand his restaurant empire. Kwame Onwuachi closes out the conversation by reflecting on his Nigerian heritage, his relationship with his father, fatherhood, perseverance, and the importance of continuing to evolve. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kwame Onwuachi joins One54 for a conversation about his Nigerian-American and Afro-Caribbean roots, his journey from the Bronx to becoming one of the most celebrated chefs in the world, and the experiences that shaped his approach to food and culture. The James Beard Award-winning chef, New York Times bestselling author, TIME100 honoree, and star of Top Chef and Chopped discusses his childhood in Nigeria, where he was sent at age 10 to learn discipline and respect, and how that experience gave him a deeper connection to his heritage. Onwuachi opens up about Nigerian food and culture, and his thoughts on the Nigerian, Ghanaian, and Senegalese jollof rice debate. He also shares how growing up around Nigerian, Jamaican, Caribbean, Mexican, Chinese, Jewish, and other cultures in New York influenced his cooking and ultimately shaped his culinary identity. He reflects on his early years working in restaurants, attending the Culinary Institute of America, cooking on an oil cleanup boat during the Deepwater Horizon disaster, and selling candy on the New York City subway to fund his first catering company. Onwuachi also details the difficult period of his life when he became involved in selling drugs, the moment he decided to change direction, and how seeing Barack Obama become president inspired him to believe he could accomplish anything. The conversation then moves into his restaurant career, including Kith and Kin in Washington, D.C., Tatiana at Lincoln Center in New York, Dōgon in D.C., and his Las Vegas restaurant Maroon. Onwuachi explains the meaning and history behind his restaurant names and how African and Black history, ancestry, and culture are incorporated into his food. He also discusses restaurant ownership, building the right team, the challenges of the restaurant business, Michelin stars, fine dining, and why owning his intellectual property is so important to him. Onwuachi shares stories about cooking for Barack and Michelle Obama at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Drake, Megan Thee Stallion, and other major celebrities, including his experience cooking at the Met Gala. He also talks about his upcoming cookbook, his investment in new businesses and packaged goods, and his continued plans to expand his restaurant empire. Kwame Onwuachi closes out the conversation by reflecting on his Nigerian heritage, his relationship with his father, fatherhood, perseverance, and the importance of continuing to evolve. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mena Massoud joins One54 Africa for a conversation about his Egyptian roots, growing up in Canada, and his journey from studying neuroscience at the University of Toronto to becoming the star of Disney’s Aladdin alongside Will Smith. The Egyptian-Canadian actor opens up about creating Dharma Gin with his wife, blending Egyptian and Indian cultural influences into their spirit, and sharing his favorite Egyptian foods. Mena shares what it was like growing up in a predominantly white Canadian community, learning English through ESL, and navigating the cultural expectations of an immigrant family. He and Godfrey discuss the pressure to become a doctor, the shame associated with pursuing acting, and the difficult conversation with his parents after choosing theater school over neuroscience. He reflects on childhood trauma, self-doubt, people-pleasing, and the pressure to always be better, while exploring how those experiences shaped his career and personal growth. Mena takes us behind the scenes of his breakout role as Aladdin, from booking Jack Ryan with John Krasinski to landing the Disney film after months of auditions. He reveals how theater school prepared him for singing, dancing, camel riding, and the underwater drowning scene, which helped save the production $200,000. He also discusses working with Will Smith, the reality of Aladdin grossing over $1 billion at the box office, and why that massive success did not translate into a massive payday. The actor opens up about the dark place he experienced after Aladdin and how reconnecting with his love for acting helped him regain his confidence. He shares what it was like living in a closet in West Hollywood before booking Jack Ryan and Aladdin, navigating Hollywood as an Egyptian actor. Mena also discusses his new biblical film, Daniel: The Fiery Furnace, his Coptic Christian upbringing, and the importance of standing up for your faith and identity. They explore Egyptian history, the pyramids, the diversity of Africa, and what it means to experience Egypt beyond the tourist attractions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mena Massoud joins One54 Africa for a conversation about his Egyptian roots, growing up in Canada, and his journey from studying neuroscience at the University of Toronto to becoming the star of Disney’s Aladdin alongside Will Smith. The Egyptian-Canadian actor opens up about creating Dharma Gin with his wife, blending Egyptian and Indian cultural influences into their spirit, and sharing his favorite Egyptian foods. Mena shares what it was like growing up in a predominantly white Canadian community, learning English through ESL, and navigating the cultural expectations of an immigrant family. He and Godfrey discuss the pressure to become a doctor, the shame associated with pursuing acting, and the difficult conversation with his parents after choosing theater school over neuroscience. He reflects on childhood trauma, self-doubt, people-pleasing, and the pressure to always be better, while exploring how those experiences shaped his career and personal growth. Mena takes us behind the scenes of his breakout role as Aladdin, from booking Jack Ryan with John Krasinski to landing the Disney film after months of auditions. He reveals how theater school prepared him for singing, dancing, camel riding, and the underwater drowning scene, which helped save the production $200,000. He also discusses working with Will Smith, the reality of Aladdin grossing over $1 billion at the box office, and why that massive success did not translate into a massive payday. The actor opens up about the dark place he experienced after Aladdin and how reconnecting with his love for acting helped him regain his confidence. He shares what it was like living in a closet in West Hollywood before booking Jack Ryan and Aladdin, navigating Hollywood as an Egyptian actor. Mena also discusses his new biblical film, Daniel: The Fiery Furnace, his Coptic Christian upbringing, and the importance of standing up for your faith and identity. They explore Egyptian history, the pyramids, the diversity of Africa, and what it means to experience Egypt beyond the tourist attractions. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adekunle Gold, also known as AG Baby, joins One54 Africa for conversation about his Nigerian roots, music career, creativity, family, and the global rise of Afrobeats. The award-winning Afrobeat superstar, singer, songwriter, designer, painter, sculptor, philanthropist, and performer opens up about his Kosoko family’s royal history in Lagos.    Adekunle Gold reflects on growing up in Lagos, his communal childhood, his family’s religious background, and how singing in church sparked his passion for music. He shares his experience auditioning for MTN Project Fame, and the breakthrough that came after releasing his cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life,” “Sade.” He also discusses his early work as a graphic designer, being known as the “King of Photoshop.” AG Baby takes viewers through his evolution as an artist, including his experiences working alongside Nigerian stars such as Skales and Wizkid. He explains how he developed his sound through Nigerian genres including Highlife, Fuji, Juju, Sakara, and Afrobeat. He also discusses the power of melodies and lyrics in Yoruba, and why African artists should not feel pressured to translate their music for Western audiences. Adekunle Gold opens up about his relationship with Pharrell Williams, including how a Pharrell tweet changed the way he viewed himself as an artist. He explains his unique songwriting process, describing how he spends hours finding melodies before choosing the right one. The conversation then explores his time signed to Def Jam, creative control, owning masters, artist development, and why young artists need to build themselves beyond having one viral hit. Adekunle Gold reveals how watching Beyoncé perform at Coachella inspired him to completely rethink his own live shows. AG Baby also discusses writing for Beyoncé and the emotional story behind a song he originally wrote for the Lion King project after losing his father. He talks about Rihanna, Beyoncé, Bill Withers, and the complicated process of clearing interpolations for his album Fuji. He also reflects on family, marriage, fatherhood, misinformation surrounding his children, and his commitment to giving back through his sickle cell foundation. To close, Adekunle Gold discusses the explosive worldwide growth of Afrobeats and what it means to see African music embraced globally.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adekunle Gold, also known as AG Baby, joins One54 Africa for conversation about his Nigerian roots, music career, creativity, family, and the global rise of Afrobeats. The award-winning Afrobeat superstar, singer, songwriter, designer, painter, sculptor, philanthropist, and performer opens up about his Kosoko family’s royal history in Lagos.    Adekunle Gold reflects on growing up in Lagos, his communal childhood, his family’s religious background, and how singing in church sparked his passion for music. He shares his experience auditioning for MTN Project Fame, and the breakthrough that came after releasing his cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life,” “Sade.” He also discusses his early work as a graphic designer, being known as the “King of Photoshop.” AG Baby takes viewers through his evolution as an artist, including his experiences working alongside Nigerian stars such as Skales and Wizkid. He explains how he developed his sound through Nigerian genres including Highlife, Fuji, Juju, Sakara, and Afrobeat. He also discusses the power of melodies and lyrics in Yoruba, and why African artists should not feel pressured to translate their music for Western audiences. Adekunle Gold opens up about his relationship with Pharrell Williams, including how a Pharrell tweet changed the way he viewed himself as an artist. He explains his unique songwriting process, describing how he spends hours finding melodies before choosing the right one. The conversation then explores his time signed to Def Jam, creative control, owning masters, artist development, and why young artists need to build themselves beyond having one viral hit. Adekunle Gold reveals how watching Beyoncé perform at Coachella inspired him to completely rethink his own live shows. AG Baby also discusses writing for Beyoncé and the emotional story behind a song he originally wrote for the Lion King project after losing his father. He talks about Rihanna, Beyoncé, Bill Withers, and the complicated process of clearing interpolations for his album Fuji. He also reflects on family, marriage, fatherhood, misinformation surrounding his children, and his commitment to giving back through his sickle cell foundation. To close, Adekunle Gold discusses the explosive worldwide growth of Afrobeats and what it means to see African music embraced globally.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Okogie joins One54 Africa for a conversation about his Nigerian roots, NBA journey, basketball career, Nigerian culture, and representing Nigeria on the international stage. The Nigerian American NBA veteran and Utah Jazz player opens up about his identity, growing up between Nigerian and American cultures, and why returning to Nigeria helped him embrace his heritage with confidence. Josh Okogie reflects on his first trip back to Nigeria after leaving as a child, reconnecting with family, visiting Lagos, Abuja and his village, and traveling across different parts of the country while playing for the Nigerian national team. He also talks Nigerian food, including jollof rice, garri, meat pies, chin chin, puff puff and assorted meats, along with his family’s influence and the challenges of maintaining a Nigerian diet during an NBA season. The conversation then turns to Josh Okogie’s childhood and how basketball became his passion. He explains how his older brother’s basketball goal introduced him to the game, his first dunk in eighth grade, and the moment he realized he could take basketball beyond high school. Okogie discusses playing for Chris Paul’s AAU team, competing against some of the best young players in the country, and how those experiences changed his mindset about reaching the NBA. Josh Okogie also shares his college experience at Georgia Tech, his decision to leave college after two seasons for the NBA, and the importance of trusting his opportunity. He reflects on learning from Chris Paul, eventually becoming his teammate in Phoenix, and the full-circle experience of going from being mentored by CP3 as a young player to sharing an NBA locker room with him. They explore Okogie’s NBA career, his versatility as a two-way player, joining the Utah Jazz, and his perspective on the evolution of NBA positions and basketball. He discusses Utah Jazz history, John Stockton and Karl Malone, while also sharing stories about meeting Nigerian basketball legend Hakeem Olajuwon and studying Hakeem’s famous Dream Shake. Okogie recalls playing against Jaylen Brown in high school in an unforgettable triple-overtime game and explains why he believes Jaylen Brown is often misunderstood. He also discusses Jimmy Butler, his rookie-season experience in Minnesota, and what he learned from Butler’s approach to basketball and leadership. The conversation ultimately returns to Nigeria and Okogie’s decision to represent the Nigerian national team after previously playing for USA Basketball. He explains how he switched his international basketball eligibility, played for Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and experienced the unique bond of playing alongside other Nigerian players. Okogie was also part of the Nigerian team that stunned Kevin Durant and Team USA in a memorable exhibition victory in Las Vegas. Josh Okogie closes by discussing the Okogie Family Foundation, giving back to children and underserved communities, his annual community carnival in Snellville, Georgia, and his desire to use basketball as a tool to mentor young people and help the next generation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Okogie joins One54 Africa for a conversation about his Nigerian roots, NBA journey, basketball career, Nigerian culture, and representing Nigeria on the international stage. The Nigerian American NBA veteran and Utah Jazz player opens up about his identity, growing up between Nigerian and American cultures, and why returning to Nigeria helped him embrace his heritage with confidence. Josh Okogie reflects on his first trip back to Nigeria after leaving as a child, reconnecting with family, visiting Lagos, Abuja and his village, and traveling across different parts of the country while playing for the Nigerian national team. He also talks Nigerian food, including jollof rice, garri, meat pies, chin chin, puff puff and assorted meats, along with his family’s influence and the challenges of maintaining a Nigerian diet during an NBA season. The conversation then turns to Josh Okogie’s childhood and how basketball became his passion. He explains how his older brother’s basketball goal introduced him to the game, his first dunk in eighth grade, and the moment he realized he could take basketball beyond high school. Okogie discusses playing for Chris Paul’s AAU team, competing against some of the best young players in the country, and how those experiences changed his mindset about reaching the NBA. Josh Okogie also shares his college experience at Georgia Tech, his decision to leave college after two seasons for the NBA, and the importance of trusting his opportunity. He reflects on learning from Chris Paul, eventually becoming his teammate in Phoenix, and the full-circle experience of going from being mentored by CP3 as a young player to sharing an NBA locker room with him. They explore Okogie’s NBA career, his versatility as a two-way player, joining the Utah Jazz, and his perspective on the evolution of NBA positions and basketball. He discusses Utah Jazz history, John Stockton and Karl Malone, while also sharing stories about meeting Nigerian basketball legend Hakeem Olajuwon and studying Hakeem’s famous Dream Shake. Okogie recalls playing against Jaylen Brown in high school in an unforgettable triple-overtime game and explains why he believes Jaylen Brown is often misunderstood. He also discusses Jimmy Butler, his rookie-season experience in Minnesota, and what he learned from Butler’s approach to basketball and leadership. The conversation ultimately returns to Nigeria and Okogie’s decision to represent the Nigerian national team after previously playing for USA Basketball. He explains how he switched his international basketball eligibility, played for Nigeria at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, and experienced the unique bond of playing alongside other Nigerian players. Okogie was also part of the Nigerian team that stunned Kevin Durant and Team USA in a memorable exhibition victory in Las Vegas. Josh Okogie closes by discussing the Okogie Family Foundation, giving back to children and underserved communities, his annual community carnival in Snellville, Georgia, and his desire to use basketball as a tool to mentor young people and help the next generation. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selema Masekela joins One54 Africa for a conversation about identity, family, culture, sports, music, and the legacy of his father, Hugh Masekela. The Emmy-nominated host, journalist, broadcaster, musician, filmmaker, and longtime X Games personality discusses his unique upbringing as the son of a South African father, Haitian mother, and Puerto Rican stepfather. Selema opens up about discovering that his father, Hugh Masekela, was a legendary South African jazz musician and anti-apartheid activist. He reflects on Hugh's international success, including "Grazing in the Grass," his exile from South Africa, and his relationships with musicians and artists across the African diaspora. He also shares stories about growing up in Staten Island alongside Method Man, his childhood relationship with his father, and how Hugh's complicated experiences with apartheid, exile, grief, and addiction affected their family. The conversation then moves into Selema's career in action sports and media, including his work with ESPN, the X Games, surfing, snowboarding, and his unexpected journey into television. He explains how becoming the host of American Ninja Warrior gave him another major opportunity in entertainment after leaving ESPN and turning away from traditional television. Selema recounts returning to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Hugh Masekela and explains how John Skipper and ESPN brought them together to create programming that highlighted South Africa's culture, people, history, and diversity. He reflects on Hugh's life in exile, his activism against apartheid, his time in Nigeria with Fela Kuti, and his involvement in the music surrounding the Rumble in the Jungle and Soul Power. Selema also discusses the importance of cultural curiosity and how his father's experiences shaped the way he views Africa and the world. Later, Selema explores the history of Black people and surfing, explaining the longstanding relationship between Africans and the ocean and how slavery and racism disrupted that connection. He discusses African surfing traditions in places like Ghana and Senegal and the importance of reclaiming that history. Touching on Selema's multicultural identity, his public relationship with Lupita Nyong'o, and the cultural connections between South Africa, Haiti, Kenya, America, and the broader African diaspora. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Selema Masekela joins One54 Africa for a conversation about identity, family, culture, sports, music, and the legacy of his father, Hugh Masekela. The Emmy-nominated host, journalist, broadcaster, musician, filmmaker, and longtime X Games personality discusses his unique upbringing as the son of a South African father, Haitian mother, and Puerto Rican stepfather. Selema opens up about discovering that his father, Hugh Masekela, was a legendary South African jazz musician and anti-apartheid activist. He reflects on Hugh's international success, including "Grazing in the Grass," his exile from South Africa, and his relationships with musicians and artists across the African diaspora. He also shares stories about growing up in Staten Island alongside Method Man, his childhood relationship with his father, and how Hugh's complicated experiences with apartheid, exile, grief, and addiction affected their family. The conversation then moves into Selema's career in action sports and media, including his work with ESPN, the X Games, surfing, snowboarding, and his unexpected journey into television. He explains how becoming the host of American Ninja Warrior gave him another major opportunity in entertainment after leaving ESPN and turning away from traditional television. Selema recounts returning to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup with Hugh Masekela and explains how John Skipper and ESPN brought them together to create programming that highlighted South Africa's culture, people, history, and diversity. He reflects on Hugh's life in exile, his activism against apartheid, his time in Nigeria with Fela Kuti, and his involvement in the music surrounding the Rumble in the Jungle and Soul Power. Selema also discusses the importance of cultural curiosity and how his father's experiences shaped the way he views Africa and the world. Later, Selema explores the history of Black people and surfing, explaining the longstanding relationship between Africans and the ocean and how slavery and racism disrupted that connection. He discusses African surfing traditions in places like Ghana and Senegal and the importance of reclaiming that history. Touching on Selema's multicultural identity, his public relationship with Lupita Nyong'o, and the cultural connections between South Africa, Haiti, Kenya, America, and the broader African diaspora. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremiah Brown, a Nigerian American model, content creator, Love Island USA star, and rising streamer, joins the One54 Africa podcast for a conversation about his journey from modeling and filmmaking to reality TV, live streaming, mental health, and embracing his identity. Jeremiah shares how he discovered his passion for modeling, transitioned from working behind the camera to being in front of it, and built a career through major brand partnerships with Adidas, Coca-Cola, Spotify, Amazon Kindle, Ulta Beauty, Papa John’s, and Smoothie King. The discussion turns to Jeremiah’s experience on Love Island USA, including the casting process, life in Fiji, the pressure of reality television, relationships, dating, and staying true to his morals while competing for the $50,000 prize. Jeremiah also talks about his time at Streamer University, streaming 120 hours in five days, and his connection with Kai Cenat. He explains how Twitch, IRL streaming, clip farming, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts have transformed the creator economy and why even celebrities like Kyrie Irving can have to build a new audience when entering the streaming world. Jeremiah opens up about the pressure of modeling and being perceived for his appearance, his comparison to Shemar Moore, and how live streaming helped him become more comfortable showing his authentic self. The conversation then becomes more personal as Jeremiah discusses mental health, losing his best friend AJ in high school, recognizing signs of depression, loneliness among young men, therapy, and how books helped him change his mindset and relationships. He explains why promoting reading, self-mastery, and men’s mental health has become an important part of his platform. The episode closes with Jeremiah trying Nigerian food for the first time and playing a “Date, Marry, Friend Zone”. Jeremiah also discusses his book club, the importance of getting young men to read, and how his goal is to use his platform to encourage people to invest in their mental health and personal growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremiah Brown, a Nigerian American model, content creator, Love Island USA star, and rising streamer, joins the One54 Africa podcast for a conversation about his journey from modeling and filmmaking to reality TV, live streaming, mental health, and embracing his identity. Jeremiah shares how he discovered his passion for modeling, transitioned from working behind the camera to being in front of it, and built a career through major brand partnerships with Adidas, Coca-Cola, Spotify, Amazon Kindle, Ulta Beauty, Papa John’s, and Smoothie King. The discussion turns to Jeremiah’s experience on Love Island USA, including the casting process, life in Fiji, the pressure of reality television, relationships, dating, and staying true to his morals while competing for the $50,000 prize. Jeremiah also talks about his time at Streamer University, streaming 120 hours in five days, and his connection with Kai Cenat. He explains how Twitch, IRL streaming, clip farming, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts have transformed the creator economy and why even celebrities like Kyrie Irving can have to build a new audience when entering the streaming world. Jeremiah opens up about the pressure of modeling and being perceived for his appearance, his comparison to Shemar Moore, and how live streaming helped him become more comfortable showing his authentic self. The conversation then becomes more personal as Jeremiah discusses mental health, losing his best friend AJ in high school, recognizing signs of depression, loneliness among young men, therapy, and how books helped him change his mindset and relationships. He explains why promoting reading, self-mastery, and men’s mental health has become an important part of his platform. The episode closes with Jeremiah trying Nigerian food for the first time and playing a “Date, Marry, Friend Zone”. Jeremiah also discusses his book club, the importance of getting young men to read, and how his goal is to use his platform to encourage people to invest in their mental health and personal growth. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Van Lathan, an award-winning journalist, Oscar-winning executive producer, author, and former TMZ personality, joins the One54 Africa podcast for a discussion about identity, culture, history, and the future of the Black diaspora. Van shares stories about growing up in Louisiana, Southern community traditions, and experiencing Nigerian culture for the first time through palm wine, chin chin, and conversations about his ancestry. The discussion quickly turns to Van Lathan's discovery that he is Nigerian through AncestryDNA and how learning from his Nigerian friend deepened his appreciation for African culture. Van explains the distinction he makes between "Black American" and "American Black," emphasizing the importance of honoring the unique history of Black Americans while also recognizing their African origins. Godfrey and the hosts respond by sharing their experiences growing up between Nigerian and American cultures, leading to an honest conversation about identity, the "tether" debate, diaspora tensions, and why unity should matter more than division. They explore the lasting effects of slavery, colonialism, Jim Crow, and anti-Blackness around the world. They discuss how misinformation about Africa shaped generations of Black Americans, why many Africans and Black Americans misunderstand each other, and how education can bridge those gaps. The conversation also examines cultural ownership, the meaning behind terms like "akata," the importance of respecting every Black culture, and why Black Americans and Africans should celebrate each other's histories instead of competing over them. Later, Van reflects on his past criticism of Emmanuel Acho, admitting he regrets how he communicated his views even though he still believes in the issues he raised. He explains why respectful dialogue creates more progress than public attacks, while also discussing race, systemic inequality, police brutality, Tulsa, economic opportunity, and the ongoing impact of history on modern America. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.