Ghanaians Nana Darkoa Sekyiamah and Malaka Grant are 'best friends for frigging life' - and for over a decade they have invited us into their bedrooms to talk about sex and sex positivity through their popular blog ‘Adventures from the Bedrooms of African Women.’ And now, working with AQ Studios, they have turned the blog into a great new podcast.   AQ Studios’ Senior Producer Frederica Boswell sits down with Nana Darkoa and Malaka to ask them what they’ve learned transitioning from writers and bloggers to podcasters, and they share their first episode with AfroQueer’s listeners."   This episode was written and produced by Frederica Boswell and Penny Dale. Sound editing by Tevin Sudi and Mercy Barno. AfroQueer is executive produced by Selly Thiam. AfroQueer is a production of AQ Studios. Our theme song is Pawa by Maia and the big sky. AfroQueer is supported by The Wellspring Philanthropic fund and The Ford Foundation. Click here to listen to other episodes of the Adventures Podcast. You can follow us on all social media platforms @AfroQueer Podcast and listen to all our episodes on our website, www.aqstudios.fm, or anywhere you get your podcasts.

AfroQueer

Introducing The Adventures Podcast

About 20 years ago, Marshall Ngwa moved from Cameroon to the US. He followed his instincts and became one of the country’s hottest drag artists, BeBe Zahara Benet.  BeBe’s first-ever performance was with Cyndi Lauper and in 2009 he won the first-ever RuPaul’s Drag Race. His extraordinary journey to that point and beyond has been captured in a documentary called ‘Being BeBe’. It was made by Emily Branham and filmed over 15 years.  In this episode, AfroQueer host Selly Thiam sits down in conversation with BeBe, to explore his childhood in Cameroon, becoming the first RuPaul’s Drag Race champion, and the film Being BeBe.  You can watch Being BeBe on Apple and Amazon Prime - broadcast premiere June 21st on Fuse. Also go to the film website beingbebemovie.com/ to find out where else you can watch it wherever you are in the world. This episode was written and produced by Penny Dale. Sound editing by Tevin Sudi.  AfroQueer is executive produced by me, Selly Thiam. AfroQueer is a production of AQ Studios. Our theme song is Pawa by Maia and the big sky. AfroQueer is supported by The Wellspring Philanthropic fund and The Ford Foundation. You can follow us on all social media platforms @AfroQueer Podcast and listen to all our episodes on our website,.afroqueerpodcast.com or anywhere you get your podcasts.   

Being Bebe

In this episode, we’ve collaborated with Logan February and turned their essay into an audio short story. We first heard the Nigerian non-binary poet and songwriter Logan February read this essay during AfroQueer’s online festival in 2020. It's a beautiful, intriguing and very personal piece of writing that explores one of their queer experiences in Nigeria. And explores the experience of being ghosted. This excerpt is called My Ghost, adapted from their work - THE MANIA OF QUEER DESIRE: IN PRAISE OF FEVER RAY’S PLUNGE - and it’s read by Kenzy Nna-Udosen. The music in this episode is Fever Ray's album Plunge. This episode was produced by Penny Dale and Selly Thiam. Written by Penny Dale and narrated by Kenny Nna-Udoosen. Sound editing by Mercy Barno and Tevin Sudi. AfroQueer is executive produced by Selly Thiam and is a production of AQ Studios. Our theme song is Pawa by Maia and the big sky. AfroQueer is supported by The Wellspring Philanthropic fund and The Ford Foundation.   

My Ghost

In this episode, we feature a feed drop trade with a podcast we really love, S***hole Country, an audio memoir set in Ghana during the 2017 holiday season. It's produced Radiotopia presents, a podcast feed debuting limited-run, artist-owned series from new and original voices. The narrator Afia, a middle-aged woman living in California, has spent the past few weeks visiting her family in Ghana. She’s wrestling with a major life decision: should she leave America and accept her parents’ offer of a home in Accra? Something big is keeping her from saying yes. And in this episode, she finally shares what it is. You can listen to S***hole Country episodes in podcast directories or at radiotopiapresents.fm and follow @radiotopia on all social media platforms to discover more shows from their network. S***hole Country is written, narrated, and sound designed by Afia Kaakyire, and produced by Afia and Mark Pagán. Julie Shapiro and Audrey Mardavich are executive producers. Cover art by Sindiso Nyoni, and the theme song, “Home,” is by Ria Boss. Follow them on Instagram @radiotopia and Twitter @radiotopia  AfroQueer is a production of AQ Studios, executive produced by Selly Thiam, and produced by Penny Dale. Tevin Sudi and Mercy Barno are our sound editors and Rachel Wamoto is our social media manager. Our theme song is Pawa by Maia and the big sky. AfroQueer is supported by The Wellspring Philanthropic fund and The Ford Foundation.  

AfroQueer Presents: S***hole Country - 1 Corinthians 10:23

In 2019, a young lesbian singer-songwriter from Uganda was struggling financially after breaking up with her partner of 6 years. With a child to support, Shivanah was desperate to make ends meet. And so when a former backup dancer told her that an agent could get her work performing in a club in Dubai, she jumped at the chance. This is truly a story of survival. A warning: in some parts, the details are graphic and troubling. Thank you to Shivanah for sharing her story and music, Sophie Otiende for the role played by her and everyone at Azadi in helping Shivanah escape the traffickers and reintegrate into society. Azadi is a survivor-led organization that offers long-term support and capacity development to survivors of human trafficking. To learn more about the Azadi, click here.   This episode was produced by Penny Dale and Selly Thiam. Written by Penny Dale. Sound editing by Mercy Barno and Tevin Sudi. Rachel Wamoto is our social media manager.  AfroQueer is executive produced by Selly Thiam and is a production of AQ Studios. Our theme song is Pawa by Maia and the big sky. AfroQueer is supported by The Wellspring Philanthropic fund and The Ford Foundation.

Shivanah‘s Story

Over the past few years, African films - documentaries, features, and animations - have started to attract international attention and are being celebrated by audiences abroad. But at home they are causing a stir in a different way - and they are running into trouble with film classification and censorship boards. Many LGBTQ films have been banned. This episode goes behind the scenes of groundbreaking films made in two of Africa’s biggest film-making countries - Nigeria and Kenya. This episode was written and produced by Penny Dale, with input from Maeve Frances and Aida Holly-Nambi. Selly Thiam is our executive producer, Rachel Wamoto our social media manager, and Tevin Sudi our audio editor. AfroQueer Podcast is produced by AQ Studios and Edited on Hindenburg Systems.    Engage with us :   Instagram: www.instagram.com/afroqueerpodcast/ Twitter: twitter.com/Afroqueerpod Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaXCpXBwxmp44Ch-zqUGFw Website: afroqueerpodcast.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/afroqueerpodcast  

Fighting For A Happy Ending

2021 has been a really rough year for Ghana’s LGBTQI people. Police raided and shut down a queer community center in Accra; 21 people attending a paralegal workshop in the city of Ho were arrested and locked up for 21 days before the case was dropped; and eight MPs have come up with draft legislation that, if adopted, makes it a crime just to be queer or a queer ally. But the LGBT community are fighting back - with a #KilltheBill campaign Edem Robby, a Ghanaian filmmaker, reports on what’s been happening and why - and, in a rare interview, she sits down with some of the so-called Ho 21 to hear the horrifying story of their arrests.   This episode was reported by Edem Robby. Produced and written by Penny Dale. Our Story Editor is Kerry Donahue.   AfroQueer is executive Produced by Selly Thiam   Rachel Wamoto is our social media manager, Tevin Sudi, and Mercy Barno are our audio editors. Listen to Human being (Just like you) by Wanlov The Kubolor here.   Optionally, listen to the episode on these streaming sites :   Soundcloud:soundcloud.com/afroqueerpodcast/tracks iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afro…er/id1411257149 Chartable: chartable.com/podcasts/afroqueer Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6ZHmsTo9TgL…84RQyHZsRM6B4U9Q   Engage with us :   Instagram: www.instagram.com/afroqueerpodcast/ Twitter: twitter.com/Afroqueerpod Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaXCpXBwxmp44Ch-zqUGFw Website: afroqueerpodcast.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/afroqueerpodcast    

Ghana 21

In 2008, after moving to the port city of Kisumu in western Kenya, Paula Abuor decided to open up her house to other LGBTQ people. Meeting in bars and parks was just too risky - and, as one of Kenya’s LGBTQ ‘elders’, she really wanted young Kenyans setting out on their queer journeys to have a safe space where they could be themselves, embraced by love when their families and friends wouldn’t accept them. That’s how Annette Atieno found herself there - when she was outed by a relative and her mum sent her away from the family home in Nairobi to Kisumu.  Annette takes us on a poignant journey to meet Paula and other people from that era. In doing so, we delve into an important chapter in Kenya’s LGBTQ history - and Annette reflects on the role Paula and her Kisumu house played in her own queer journey. We are proud to have partnered on this episode with Africa Writes 2021 festival. Africa Writes is the Royal African Society’s literature festival. Each festival showcases established and emerging talent from the African continent and its diaspora in what is now the UK’s biggest celebration of contemporary African writing taking place over an exciting weekend at the British Library. The festival features book launches, readings, author appearances, panel discussions, youth and children’s workshops, and other activities. Learn more on www.africawrites.org AfroQueer Podcast is produced by AQ Studios and Edited on Hindenburg Systems. This episode was reported by Annette Atieno and Tevin Sudi. Produced by Penny Dale with assistance from Annette Atieno. Written by Penny Dale. Our Story Editor is Kerry Donahue.   AfroQueer is executive Produced by Selly Thiam Rachel Wamoto is our social media manager and Tevin Sudi is our audio editor. Engage with us on- Instagram: www.instagram.com/afroqueerpodcast/ Twitter: twitter.com/Afroqueerpod Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaXCpXBwxmp44Ch-zqUGFw Website: www.afroqueerpodcast.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/afroqueerpodcast Listen to AfroQueer Podcast here: Soundcloud:soundcloud.com/afroqueerpodcast/tracks iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afro…er/id1411257149 Chartable: chartable.com/podcasts/afroqueer Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6ZHmsTo9TgL…84RQyHZsRM6B4U9Q 

Paula‘s House

The year is 1884. The Kingdom of Buganda has a new King, Kabaka Mwanga II. He is a teenager and everybody’s talking about him, his sexuality, and the young men in his court. Religions are being introduced to the Kingdom, and the British are keeping a watchful eye. This is a story of murder, colonialism and Christianity, and the last pre-colonial King of Buganda. AfroQueer Podcast is produced by AQ Studios and Edited on Hindenburg Systems. AfroQueer is produced by Selly Thiam, Aida Holly-Nambi and Maeve Frances. Amelie Bertholet Yengo is our associate producer. Rachel Wamoto is our social media manager and Tevin Sudi is our audio editor. Engage with us on- Instagram: www.instagram.com/afroqueerpodcast/ Twitter: twitter.com/Afroqueerpod Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaXCpXBwxmp44Ch-zqUGFw Website:afroqueerpodcast.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/afroqueerpodcast Listen to AfroQueer Podcast here: Soundcloud:soundcloud.com/afroqueerpodcast/tracks iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afro…er/id1411257149 Chartable: chartable.com/podcasts/afroqueer Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6ZHmsTo9TgL…84RQyHZsRM6B4U9Q

Our Husband, The King

In 2016 two women meet and fall in love, online. They live on different continents, and the choices they make will bring them together or force them apart. This is a story about truth and lies, and what happens when everything unravels. This episode features music from Tetu Shani and Jumadi. Click the links below to listen. https://soundcloud.com/tetushani/we-know https://soundcloud.com/atienoz/iwala-wala AfroQueer Podcast is produced by None on Record at AQ Studios and Edited on Hindenburg Systems. This episode was reported by Rachel Wamoto and Maeve Frances. AfroQueer is produced by Selly Thiam, Aida Holly-Nambi and Maeve Frances. Amelie Bertholet Yengo is our associate producer. Rachel Wamoto is our social media manager and Tevin Sudi is our audio editor. Engage with us on- Instagram: www.instagram.com/afroqueerpodcast/ Twitter: twitter.com/Afroqueerpod Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaXCpXBwxmp44Ch-zqUGFw Website:afroqueerpodcast.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/afroqueerpodcast Listen to AfroQueer Podcast here: Soundcloud:soundcloud.com/afroqueerpodcast/tracks iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afro…er/id1411257149 Chartable: chartable.com/podcasts/afroqueer Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/6ZHmsTo9TgL…84RQyHZsRM6B4U9Q

Choices

Coming out to a parent can be tough. In this episode AfroQueer shares a slice of queer African fiction, to bring you courage. You'll hear Kevin Mwachiro read 'I am a homosexual, Mum' a short story by the late Kenyan author Binyavanga Wainaina. Listen in as Aida Holly-Nambi speaks with Kevin on the impact Binyavanga had on his life, and what this story did for queer Kenyans. AfroQueer Podcast is produced by None on Record at AQ Studios and Edited on Hindenburg Systems. This episode was produced by Aida Holly-Nambi, Selly Thiam and Maeve Frances. Amelie Bertholet Yengo is our associate producer. Rachel Wamoto is our social media manager and Tevin Sudi is our audio editor. Engage with us on- Instagram: www.instagram.com/afroqueerpodcast/ Twitter: twitter.com/Afroqueerpod Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaXCpXBwxmp44Ch-zqUGFw Website:afroqueerpodcast.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/afroqueerpodcast Listen to AfroQueer Podcast here: Soundcloud:soundcloud.com/afroqueerpodcast/tracks iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afro…er/id1411257149 Chartable: chartable.com/podcasts/afroqueer Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZHmsTo9TgLHE2yyK63y61?si=AHmMtX84RQyHZsRM6B4U9Q

I Am a Homosexual, Mum

One night in Marrakech, a woman called Manal crashes her car, and when the police are called to the scene, they do everything but help her. In this episode, we take you to Morocco and introduce you to two Moroccan trans women, one trying to find her community and one who - inexplicably - vilifies it. This is a story about how celebrity, online influencers, and transphobia collide, one night in Marrakech. AfroQueer Podcast is produced by None on Record at AQ Studios and Edited on Hindenburg Systems. This episode was produced and reported by Amelie Bertholet Yengo. Produced by Selly Thiam, Maeve Frances, and Aida Holly- Nambi. Sound editing by Tevin Sudi. Rachel Wamoto is our social media manager. Engage with us on- Instagram: www.instagram.com/afroqueerpodcast/ Twitter: twitter.com/Afroqueerpod Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaXCpXBwxmp44Ch-zqUGFw Website:afroqueerpodcast.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/afroqueerpodcast Listen to AfroQueer Podcast here: Soundcloud:soundcloud.com/afroqueerpodcast/tracks iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afro…er/id1411257149 Chartable: chartable.com/podcasts/afroqueer Spotify:open.spotify.com/show/6ZHmsTo9TgL…iiQzmt1B3dsw7RRQ

One Night In Marrakech

In this episode, we tell you a bit about why we do what we do! We are excited to bring you this rebroadcast from an interview with our host, Selly Thiam, on the podcast HowSound. HowSound tells the backstory to great audio storytelling, and in this episode, Rob Rosenthal interviews Selly and does a deep-dive into some of our favorite episodes. We'll also give you an update on season three! Set your calendars for more stories from Queer Africa. AfroQueer Podcast is produced by None on Record at AQ Studios and Edited on Hindenburg Systems. This episode was produced by HowSound, Selly Thiam, Maeve Frances, and Aida Holly- Nambi. Sound editing by Tevin Sudi. For more on audio storytelling, you can find all the episodes of HowSound at Transom.org. Engage with us on- Instagram: www.instagram.com/afroqueerpodcast/ Twitter: twitter.com/Afroqueerpod Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaXCpXBwxmp44Ch-zqUGFw Website:afroqueerpodcast.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/afroqueerpodcast Listen to AfroQueer Podcast here: Soundcloud:soundcloud.com/afroqueerpodcast/tracks iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afro…er/id1411257149 Chartable: chartable.com/podcasts/afroqueer Spotify:open.spotify.com/show/6ZHmsTo9TgL…iiQzmt1B3dsw7RRQ

The Joy and The Privilege

We are back! In this episode, we investigate how the Ugandan government has been using fear around the pandemic to target the LGBTQ community. We ask, in Sweden, are immigrants and people of color more at risk? We hear from our community in West Africa on how COVID is affecting their lives and their work. And we go to Boston where we speak with one of AfroQueer’s favourite couples about how self-quarantine can affect your relationship. And we check in with our listeners from all over the world. We wanted to ask… How are YOU doing? This episode was reported by Selly Thiam, Aida Holly-Nambi and Amelie Bertholet Yengo. Produced by Selly Thiam, Maeve Frances, Aida Holly-Nambi and associate producer Amelie Bertholet Yengo. Sound editing by Tevin Sudi. Rachel Wamoto is AfroQueer's social media manager. Engage with us on- Instagram: www.instagram.com/afroqueerpodcast/ Twitter: twitter.com/Afroqueerpod Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaXCpXBwxmp44Ch-zqUGFw Website:afroqueerpodcast.com Patreon: www.patreon.com/afroqueerpodcast Listen to Season 2 here: Soundcloud:soundcloud.com/afroqueerpodcast/tracks iTunes: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afro…er/id1411257149 Chartable: chartable.com/podcasts/afroqueer

How Are You Doing?

“Closets are for clothes.” Yet we say that a queer person who hasn’t come out is in the proverbial closet. In this episode, we share African coming out stories entrusted to us. This is the high we all need as we go on break. Do share your coming out stories with us in the comment section. :) AfroQueer Podcast is produced by None on Record at AQ Studios and Edited on Hindenburg Systems. This episode was produced by Rachel Wamoto, who is also AfroQueer's social media manager, Selly Thiam, Maeve Frances and Aida Holly- Nambi. Sound editing by Tevin Sudi. Thank you to our storytellers Kevin, Jabari and Solomon and all our listeners who sent in amazing comments. Engage with us on- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afroqueerpodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Afroqueerpod Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnaXCpXBwxmp44Ch-zqUGFw Website:afroqueerpodcast.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/afroqueerpodcast Listen to Season 2 here: Soundcloud:https://soundcloud.com/afroqueerpodcast/tracks iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afroqueer/id1411257149 Chartable: https://chartable.com/podcasts/afroqueer Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/6ZHmsTo9TgLHE2yyK63y61?si=knTzYViiQzmt1B3dsw7RRQ

AfroQueer Live

AfroQueer is a podcast about Queer Africans living, loving, surviving and thriving on the African Continent and in the Diaspora.

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AfroQueer

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