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Listen To Your Footsteps

Listen To Your Footsteps

Kojo Baffoe | Zebra Culture

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I have always been fascinated by how people got to where they are and how they do what they do. Having worked across multiple sectors including media, retail, consulting, fashion, etc, I am curious about a lot of things. In Listen To Your Footsteps, I get to have conversations with Africans operating across various fields like the arts, design, advertising, media, entertainment, technology and business about their life’s journey and the lessons they have learned along the way. It as a space for reflection, introspection, acknowledgement and celebration.

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Top 10 Listen To Your Footsteps Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Listen To Your Footsteps episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Listen To Your Footsteps for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Listen To Your Footsteps episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Listen To Your Footsteps - Kobby Ankomah-Graham, Moving Towards Peace, Love + Empathy
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11/04/22 • 63 min

In this episode of the Listen To Your Footsteps podcast, I chat to lecturer, writer, creative arts & culture specialist and DJ, Kobby Ankomah-Graham, about his life in the UK, moving home to Ghana, finding his lane professionally, exploring his many talents, the importance of creativity and knowing oneself, building community, curating music and how it builds community, dealing with grief, and much more.

You can find Kobby on his website, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out https://kojobaffoe.com/book/

Please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Editor: Another Dizhaman Production

Show Music: Kweku Baffoe

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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

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Listen To Your Footsteps - Tsoku Maela, What Isn't Seen Still Speaks
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04/25/25 • 75 min

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 approval

Explore more of Tsoku’s work: https://www.iamtsoku.com



Subscribe, 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 Studio

Show Music by Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe

Produced by Ayob Vania

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In this episode of Listen To Your Footsteps, we sit down with the multifaceted dillion s. phiri, a strategy director, social sculptor, and filmmaker who has carved out a unique path through creativity and community-building.

dillion s. phiri's journey began with a deep-rooted influence from his mother, who guided him toward a career in technology, a field that would offer stability for him as a refugee/migrant in South Africa.

From his early days working at Cape Town Tourism, where he gained invaluable insights into policy, frameworks, and the intersection of technology with urban development, to his struggles and triumphs as a refugee pursuing a degree through Greenwich University, dillion s. phiri shares the experiences that shaped his perspective on life and work.

As a parent, he opens up about the challenges of raising children in a globalized world, the importance of supporting their dreams, and the evolution of parenting styles. dillion s. phiri also reflects on his close relationship with his mother, whose daily conversations bring him grounding and life lessons in perseverance, positivity, and forward movement.

The conversation delves into dillion s. phiri's role as a community-builder and the creation of Creative Nestlings, a platform that evolved from a for-profit business to a non-profit institution with a mission to impact the creative community. He candidly discusses his love-hate relationship with Creative Nestlings, his struggles with personal fulfillment as a filmmaker, and his ongoing journey of healing from years of internal pain.

Join us for an intimate and inspiring episode as dillion s. phiri shares his story of resilience, creativity, and the pursuit of a more carefree and happy life.

You can find the latest from dillion s. phiri on ⁠⁠any of these social spaces YouTube, LinkedIn, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook, ⁠⁠⁠X [formerly Twitter]⁠⁠⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠.

For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Editor: Jason Rademeyer

Recorded at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podhouse⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Show Music: Kweku Baffoe

Producer: Ayob Vania

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Listen To Your Footsteps - Shaldon Kopman, Wearing Wisdom, Stitching Memory
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05/15/25 • 79 min

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 Studio

Show Music by Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe

Produced by Ayob Vania

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Listen To Your Footsteps - Sheila Afari, The Audacity of Becoming
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06/05/25 • 71 min

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 expectations
  • The balance between personal ambition and partnership
  • Why building systems is the next level of entrepreneurship
  • The role of storytelling in creating platforms for African narratives
  • Why legacy is not just what you build, but who you become in the process

Memorable 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 now
  • Her quiet realisation that media isn’t dying, it’s evolving into something more democratised and deeply personal
  • Her powerful reframing of “purpose” as something you grow into, not just stumble upon

This 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:

Recorded at Spotify Africa Joburg Studio

Show Music by Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe

Produced by Ayob Vania

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"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

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Listen To Your Footsteps - RJ Benjamin, Notes from the Soul

RJ Benjamin, Notes from the Soul

Listen To Your Footsteps

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04/17/25 • 92 min

What does it take to turn a childhood love for He-Man theme songs into a career shaping South Africa’s music scene? RJ Benjamin—vocal coach, producer, and reluctant performer—reveals the raw, unvarnished truth in this electrifying episode of Listen To Your Footsteps.

From his early days mimicking Michael Jackson to coaching stars like Trevor Noah and composing for Netflix, RJ’s story is a masterclass in embracing duality. “Creating music came easily, but the red carpet? That felt like a betrayal of who I am,” he confesses. His candid reflections on impostor syndrome, industry competition, and the “miles” required to succeed will resonate with anyone who’s ever doubted their place in their craft.

But this isn’t just a story about music—it’s about reinvention. RJ’s pivot from solo artist to behind-the-scenes maestro proves that success isn’t linear. “The streaming era forced me to ask: Do I want fame, or do I want to live?” he muses.

And then there’s fatherhood. His daughter’s perfect pitch mirrors his own childhood, blurring the lines between legacy and letting go.

Key Moments:

  • The Stage Fright Paradox: RJ reveals why performing felt unnatural despite his vocal genius (“Ishmael fed off the audience—I just froze”).
  • Behind the Boards: How pivoting to production and TV scoring during Covid saved his career (“Client said, ‘Make it blues-hip-hop’—I had to unlearn my ego”).
  • Fatherhood & Perfect Pitch: His daughter’s uncanny musical gift (“She’s five and identifies notes while eating cereal”).
  • Industry Truths: The real story behind his shelved album—and why awards left him cold (“Best Adult Contemporary? I was offended”).

This conversation is a symphony of humility, hustle, and heart. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or simply seeking proof that passion can pay the bills, RJ’s journey will leave you inspired—and maybe even humming a new tune.

Listen now. Your creativity will thank you.

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 RJ Benjamin on ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠or ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠

Stream RJ's music on 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 by Kweku 'Taygo' Baffoe

Produced by Ayob Vania

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In this compelling episode, we’re joined by Munyaradzi Chanetsa, a trailblazing marketer and music industry executive. With a career dedicated to elevating voices and capturing the essence of African culture, Munyaradzi shares his journey from a passionate creator to a respected figure in the African Music landscape.

Known for his fearless approach, Munyaradzi takes us through the pivotal moments that led him to amplify underrepresented voices and challenge conventional views. Through this conversation, he offers insight into becoming a "Man Of The Industry" and establishing Masters Of The Industry as a movement to champion excellence, empower musicians and build legacy, reminding us that we can all drive real change.

Join us as we dive into the art of breaking barriers, going with the flow and bringing communities together. This episode promises to leave you inspired, with a renewed appreciation for the stories that shape who we are.

You can find the latest from Munya Chanetsa on ⁠his ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠LinkedIn⁠, ⁠and ⁠Facebook⁠. You can learn more about MOTI ⁠here⁠.

For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://kojobaffoe.com/book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Editor: Jason Rademeyer

Recorded at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podhouse⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Show Music: Kweku Baffoe

Producer: Ayob Vania

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Listen To Your Footsteps - Bogosi Motshegwa, Living Life with Honesty and Humility
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10/20/22 • 97 min

In this episode of the Listen To Your Footsteps podcast, Bogosi Motshegwa, Chief Creative Officer at Black River FC & Brand Service Co, and
Thinkerneur Founder and Strategy Director, shares his journey into the world of advertising, how he has ruffled feathers through his writing, dealing with the loss of his brother and how he came back from that, being a father and balancing that with his professional responsibilities, and so much more.

You can find Bogosi on the Thinkerneur website, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and on LinkedIn.

For more on my book Listen To Your Footsteps, check out https://kojobaffoe.com/book/

Please leave us a review and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Editor: Another Dizhaman Production

Show Music: Kweku Baffoe

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FAQ

How many episodes does Listen To Your Footsteps have?

Listen To Your Footsteps currently has 83 episodes available.

What topics does Listen To Your Footsteps cover?

The podcast is about Society & Culture and Podcasts.

What is the most popular episode on Listen To Your Footsteps?

The episode title 'Kobby Ankomah-Graham, Moving Towards Peace, Love + Empathy' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Listen To Your Footsteps?

The average episode length on Listen To Your Footsteps is 69 minutes.

How often are episodes of Listen To Your Footsteps released?

Episodes of Listen To Your Footsteps are typically released every 13 days, 12 hours.

When was the first episode of Listen To Your Footsteps?

The first episode of Listen To Your Footsteps was released on May 5, 2021.

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