The Qonnect

"follow the clues that God has given you"
The Kenyan native Effy Kawira began her career in film as an actor and producer creating short films and music videos in Minneapolis with local filmmakers and friends which then led her into the world of directing and from there her interest and devotion blossomed.

Effy’s propulsive passion for storytelling is the driving force behind every project. Effy’s versatility in her experiences in acting, modeling, producing, and illustration has been a key player in providing her with the skill to adapt and collaborate with a diverse range of artists. She is dedicated to telling the stories of those who may feel voiceless and unheard. Not only does Effy seek to execute content that mesmerizes the viewer, but she aims to aid in propelling the change for more representation of various communities in the media.
Join us for a conversation on what drew Effy to filmmaking (5:00), what inspires her (8:05), what going to college to study economics taught her (14:25), importance of having a tribe (20:06), the values that shape her work (23:08), her favourite work to date and In Praise of the Shadow (28:45), confidence (35:25), what representation looks like in the current film industry and her favourite directors (46:12), Hunger Magazine Editorial - Devenir Femme (52:22) and a message to her younger self (60:00).
Find her elsewhere on the internet:
Website (www.effykawira.com)
Instagram (www.instragram.com/effygasm)
Twitter (twitter.com/effykawira)
In Praise of the Shadow (Youtube)
Hunger Mag Editorial (www.hungertv.com/editorial/devenir-femme/)

Have thoughts about this episode? Share with us on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect and tagging @theqonnect on Instagram and @qaaliciid on Instagram and X.
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If you feel like you, or someone else, should be on The Qonnect email us [email protected]

“there’s no way you can come into my house and tell me not to make a cup of tea”

Noni Muchiri is a modern-day nomad! A "third culture kid" of sorts with her roots firmly planted in Kenya! She's currently a Digital Journalist at BBC Africa and also runs a lifestyle YouTube channel under her name: Muthoni Muchiri. Noni is hella passionate about Africa, it's vibrancy, it's deep culture, it's beauty - even in complex/less ideal scenarios. Her aim is to one day visit every single African country (once Ms. Rona is done with her world tour) and her content has always tried to reflect her love and passion towards what we have to offer the world, not only as a country but also as a continent.

Join us for a conversation on how Noni started on Youtube (12:38), moving back to Kenya (19:24), TikTok (27:17), difference between content creators and influencer (30:23), taking the perfect photo (33:52), working with brands (38:48), removing yourself from negative situations (44.19 and Africans creating for themselves (54:28).

Find her elsewhere on the internet:

YouTube: Muthoni Muchiri
Instagram: @noni_muchiri

Have thoughts about this episode? Share with us on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect and tagging @theqonnect on Instagram and @qaaliciid on Instagram and X.
Follow @qaaliciid & @theqonnect on Instagram.
If you feel like you, or someone else, should be on The Qonnect email us [email protected]

In this episode of The Qonnect Podcast, I explore the profound impact of art in driving social change. I reflect on the legacies of music icons like Nina Simone and Michael Jackson, as well as Ai Weiwei’s bold political commentary and visual artist JR’s transformative murals.

This episode underscores the responsibility of artists to use their platforms for advocacy, fostering empathy, and bridging societal divides. I share some of my own reflections on the current socio-political climate, and the enduring power of art in promoting shared humanity and calling for renewed efforts in leveraging art for social justice.

00:00 Introduction to 'Backlash Blues' by Nina Simone

01:37 Nina Simone's Legacy and Documentary

02:38 The Role of Art in Social Change

05:12 Michael Jackson's Impactful Music

07:07 Art as a Tool for Activism

08:07 Ai Weiwei: Challenging Power Through Art

09:33 The Universal Language of Art

10:34 The Power of Art in Humanising 'The Other'

11:17 JR's Transformative Prison Mural

12:46 JR's Journey from Graffiti to Global Art

13:51 Art as a Tool for Connection and Visibility

14:29 The Social Responsibility of Artists

15:07 The Role of Art in Advocacy and Activism

15:56 The Consequences of Silence in Art

17:22 The Power and Responsibility of Artists

Relevant Links:

• "Backlash Blues" by Nina Simone
• "What Happened, Miss Simone?" (2015) - On Netflix
• "Earth Song" - Michael Jackson
• "They Don’t Care About Us" – Michael Jackson (2020 Spike Lee Director's Cut)
• Ai Weiwei: The West should be ‘ashamed’ of global refugee crisis | Real Talk Interview on Middle East Eye
• "Human Flow" - Ai Weiwei
• "Never Sorry" – Ai Weiwei
• TED Talk: "Can Art Change the World?" – JR
• TEHACHAPI, THE YARD - JR

Have thoughts about this episode? Share with us on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect and tagging @theqonnect on Instagram and @qaaliciid on Instagram and X.
Follow @qaaliciid & @theqonnect on Instagram.
If you feel like you, or someone else, should be on The Qonnect email us [email protected]

Allow me to reintroduce myself!
In this episode of The Qonnect Podcast, I talk about the podcast's mission to feature deep, real conversations with global changemakers, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity, human connection, and inspiring stories. I also share my personal motivations and experiences that led me to star this podcast, and what I want this podcast to be.

Have thoughts about this episode? Share with us on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect and tagging @theqonnect on Instagram and @qaaliciid on Instagram and X.
Follow @qaaliciid & @theqonnect on Instagram.
If you feel like you, or someone else, should be on The Qonnect email us [email protected]

On the final episode of this season of The Qonnect, Qali looks back on some of her favourite moments and what she learnt from them.
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Have thoughts about this episode? Share on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect or post at Qali's Twitter or Instagram accounts below:
Follow @theqonnect on Instagram.
Find Qali on Instagram & Twitter. Check out her website Being Qaali

Have thoughts about this episode? Share with us on social media using the hashtag #TheQonnect and tagging @theqonnect on Instagram and @qaaliciid on Instagram and X.
Follow @qaaliciid & @theqonnect on Instagram.
If you feel like you, or someone else, should be on The Qonnect email us [email protected]