Biola Alabi is definitely not one for imposing limits on her own possibilities; she thrives, no, revels in re-invention. From public health to super TMT (tech, media and telecom) impact investing (with a serendipitous detour into marketing), she has lived, loved, lost and thrived well enough to wear the t-shirt with her full chest. Kind, resilient …

Anyone claiming to know anything about the art scene in Nigeria who hasn’t heard of Jess Castellote really needs to get out more; or perhaps just get out of the art scene altogether. Jess himself is rather more self-effacing, self-deprecating and ultra-low key. He arrived in Nigeria as an architect volunteer in 1984, fell in love with ART (the capi…

Dr. Wole Odedun’s life story has been truly epic! He really could have ended up as a motor mechanic, eking out an existence on Lebanon Road, Ibadan, Nigeria. Instead, he went back to school, went abroad, studied medicine, worked jolly hard and struck gold; no, hit the mother lode. In this episode, we discuss: · Ode Omu, Ibadan, Malta, Harley Street…

With nearly 30 years as an international civil servant working with the UN, Yewande Odia has been in all the hotspots - Somalia, Haiti, Goma, Tchad and yes, even New York (the original hotspot)! In this episode, we discuss: UN or bust - how to get your foot through the door; Trevor Noah, Chris Rock and the attraction of the educated comic; Theatre …

As if Sarah Boulos’s backstory (past imperfect?) was not epic enough, her present continuous one merits its own Hollywood (or is it Nollywood?) biopic. Born in Burkina Faso, schooled in France and US, Lebanese father and French mother; living in Nigeria for many decades, Sarah has truly bloomed where she was planted. Vibrant, passionate and a muse,…

Blessing Adesiyan established WorkLife Africa, a think-tank focussed on transforming the continent's workforce and work spaces. She has made quite a journey from tech to care, not the first pivot that springs to mind but as the mistress of making lemonade from lemons, she now sits comfortably in her own skin. In this episode, we discuss: Finding yo…

Ugoma Ebilah is a polymath - she has been an economist, successful financier, clothes designer, art dealer and now, one word which might just work when trying to box the unboxable would be 'creative entrepreneur'. In this episode, we discuss: The corporate lane, having an eye, wanting more and the side hustle mission creep. Clarity vs choosing not …

Only the paranoid survive! Only the paranoid survive? Yes! Tokunboh George - Taylor lives by that mantra and she really should know. She is THE foremost PR strategist in Nigeria and founding Managing Director at Hill+Knowlton Strategies, Nigeria. Served her and her clients well (very well) and in this episode, we discuss: branding, self branding an…

Uzo Nzeogu, a talented artist who studied Fine and Applied Arts at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka with greats like Bruce Onobrakpeya and El Anatsui seemed all set to claim his place as a fine artist. But then, he did the maths, ditched paint and chose pragmatism. Pragmatism led him to Newswatch, to Dele Giwa, to Ray Ekpu, to Dan Agbese and to 't…

Helen took a short trip away from university and came back as Miss Nigeria 1979! Sharp, shrewd and always impeccably turned out, Helen Prest Ajayi neatly turned the beauty currency into entrepreneurship, into businesses way ahead of the times. In this episode, we discuss: using what you have to get what you want. spotting trends way ahead of time. …

Eku Edewor is many things but one thing she definitely is not is a slacker. Not just a pretty face (and what a pretty face), she believes in grafting and earning her flowers. In this episode, we discuss: 9 years old and catching the bug (yes, do put your daughter on the stage Mrs. Worthington). 53 Extra, Castle & Castle, Netflix and longevity in th…

A lion in the den who has made his mark on the property landscape. Paul Onwuanibe is group chief executive officer of Landmark Africa Group. With formal education in Architecture, Property Development and Construction Management, together with a London Business School MBA with a merit in “Value Engineering” Paul is one of the renowned lions on the …

For years, Dr. Ayo Aderinwale lived and breathed African political science. He has been in exile fleeing Abacha's regime, been a key figure in the plans and preparations for the United States of Africa, been Deputy President, Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union, established and became executive director of the African Leaders…

Old Gregorian, avid Banana Island Living listener and serial entrepreneur, Adeyemo Sodipo, has embedded himself in the community he migrated into - St. Louis, Missouri. He has set up businesses, serves as a trustee of that most WASP of WASP American institutions, the private Prep school, been a union employer and sits on the board of his local Crim…

Continuing our series unveiling the experiences and memories of the generation before ours, how they lived, loved and explored, our guest is none other than The Original Original, the legend in her own lifetime, Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye. An absolute one-off in the art and craft space and an all-round wonderful personality, Mama Nike shares incred…

The fourth in our series of conversations with people 75 years and over, our conversation with the musical octogenarian is one that uplifts and serenades. We speak with Edna Jane Deinyo Soyanwo (EJD). Born on Sunday January 7th, 1934, EJD holds a BA (Dunelm) degree, a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of London, Associate o…

The third in our series of conversations with people 75 years and over, our conversation with the royal professor could not have come at a better time - a week after Queen Elizabeth's passing. We speak with Emeritus Professor Osato Frank Giwa-Osagie, Cambridge educated obstetrician-gynaecologist and educator. Professor Giwa-Osagie is a recipient of…

The second in our series of conversations with people 75 years and over, this episode is a truly special one. We meet two Agbaje sisters (82 and 91 years old) who have lived their best lives and lived to tell the tale. Mrs. Moulin Ashake Agbaje - Anozie and Ms. Wule Agbaje (the Agbajes) are special, and boy, do let us know it! In this episode, we t…

Hers was the generation that saw the best of times and, arguably, the worst of times. The heady, optimistic pre Nigerian independence days and then, the abyss of the Civil War. Mrs. Eugenia Arinola Afolabi has seen it all, done it all and wears the robes with a twinkle in her eye. In this episode we discuss: being wooed and wedded in 50s Nigeria; l…

The big C, the dreaded C, that soul destroying word we do everything possible (or at least try) to avoid. Yes, Cancer! In seeking to find some cause for optimism, no matter how faint, we speak to Moji Animashaun, an experienced cancer treatment professional with over 30 years' experience as a radiation therapist. Moji retired as a Deputy Director i…

Sade Doherty works hard - at being a business lawyer, family court assessor, school governor, Musical Society of Nigeria trustee, Centre for Contemporary Arts trustee, and at that most social of High Church communities, The Pink Ladies of the Cathedral Church of Christ. In this episode, we talk about: wearing many hats being 'se kari' or in English…

'The diet starts tomorrow!' Yeah, sure. We've all been there, said that, got the oversized tee shirt. Olamide Balogun, the 'awakening lifestyles' guru and certified wellness coach, puts us through our paces and tells us a few home truths about those healthy choices. We discuss: losing weight veganism on a Nigerian diet what not to eat or drink fast…

Children have a voice, they should be encouraged to use it and people should be encouraged to listen (with apologies to the Duchess of Sussex). Tsemaye, Kwezi, Alicia and Tom from Nigeria, South Africa, France and the United Kingdom share their thoughts. We talk about: the war in Ukraine what makes them happy what they would like for the world the …

Special Educational Needs (SEN) has become rather a ‘thing’ but was it ever thus and we are just more aware now? What do we mean by SEN? You know that feeling when you think something is not quite right? The worry, the angst, who do you call? What do you do? Apparently, “1 in 5 of us has dyslexia” - Dyslexia Nigeria, so yes, it is a ‘thing’. In the…

You get the degrees, plan for the business, find the ideal one at the right price - what could possibly go wrong? Well, plenty as it turns out. Tope Egoh takes us through her adventures in the education space in the UK and now in Nigeria. The highs and lows, agony and ecstasy. She tells us, knowing what she knows now, would she do it all again? In …

This Women’s Month we demystify money, wealth creation and preservation and who better to do this than a woman who does all these and does them well. Bimpe Nkontchou, legal practitioner, family office manager, wealth advisor, art patron extraordinaire and now fintechpreneur! In this episode, we chat about: Advising the Uber wealthy; Succession plan…

‘Niyi Coker, Jr. is currently Professor & Director of the School of Theatre, Television and Film at San Diego State University in California. Prior to which for 14 years, he was the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Chair & Distinguished Professor in African-American Studies at the University of Missouri in Saint Louis. Despite formidable opposition, he creat…

Educated and intrepid with the world as their oyster, the African millennial is young and restless. Fearlesss, ambitious, fiercely afro-centric, secure in their own skin and ready to try new dating options. Kemi Afun-Ogido (or Dolly to the chosen few) is a policy analyst with the AfDB. She has her finger on the pulse of African agribusiness and wor…

We have discussed with artists, masters and collectors about this topic, but what does it mean to the maven of the arts who is also a chief from the Benin Kingdom, the original home of some of these looted works? Do note the use of the word ‘works’, not just ‘artworks’. Our guest, Chief Charles Uwesunyi-Edosomwan, is a mega lawyer, a Senior Advocat…

2021 was quite the year: a roller coaster of highs and lows, peaks and troughs, agonies and nearly-there ecstasy. In our new year episode, guests and listeners of our podcast share their reflections on 2021 and their hopes for 2022. In spite of (or perhaps because of) 2021, they look forward with optimism and positivity. This is the tonic you didn’…

For a guilt free Christmas, we give you the perfect present - a worthy edition with just the right amount of fun. Nkoyo Rapu shows what is possible and how far our dreams can go in reshaping our communities and building a mega social enterprise. Her organization, Bethesda Child Support Agency and what is now termed ‘the Bethesda Model’ has well ove…

Femi Akinsanya - investment banker, broker, educationist and foremost art collector, is no art dilettante. His passion for collecting transcends that plaything of the idle HNI hour, minute or even year - it began with his distinctive upbringing by a woke Yoruba grandmother ahead of her time, a public librarian. We discuss selling a business you sta…

The Nigerian Central Bank Digital Currency, e-Naira, has finally launched, and Oluwaseun Odeku, Associate Director, Forensic Services, KPMG, walks us through. In this episode, we look at What exactly is the e-Naira? Why do we need the e-Naira? Step by step process for e-Naira wallet The security/privacy concerns The future for TelCos, Banks, Fintec…

The Diaspora Millennial Podcaster Episode. With now over 7,000 downloads and a million thanks to our fantastic listeners, in this episode, we look at the Nigerian podcasting landscape. The Diaspora Millennial is one demographic that has taken to podcasting with real passion. We sit down with diaspora millennial podcaster, Matilda Bakare, producer a…

This week's edition features Nigerian printmaker, painter and all round maestro, Bruce Onabrakpeya. His candour, complex personality and sharp wit made for a truly intriguing conversation. We discussed Zaria Rebels, return of stolen art, his Harmattan Workshop, his die-hard love for Nigeria; oh, and his intriguing answer to the question ‘who do you…

Mention of the Niger Delta of Nigeria and good (okay, goodish) news in the same sentence is not a song that’s often heard. Our guest, Dr Dara Akala who runs an NGO in the heart of the Niger Delta, has a soothing narrative, one well worth sharing. Dr Akala, a development economist and Executive Director of the corporate social enterprise PIND, has a…

In the rather concerning landscape of the current Nigerian economy, and in spite of COVID-19(or perhaps because of), one segment of the economy seems to be doing exceptionally well - Fintech. The numbers are head turning -Flutterwave valued at $1 billion (that is $200 million more than the highest value bank in Nigeria); Paga and Andela now with a …

In this episode, two young Nigerians, Leonard and Daniel - millenial software developer and a Gen Z photographer - share their thoughts on the Nigeria project. One optimistic, and the other, not so much! We talk about: Finding love in the digital world #ENDSARS Black Lives Matter The Commonwealth/Empire Religion Hope! Fascinating and yes, even weir…

Love in Colour by Bolu Babalola is THE novel of the season. Femi Babalola, Bolu's father and diaspora dad extraordinaire, discusses the very intentional way you raise children to keep them connected with their roots and achieving at the highest level in the adopted country. Bi-coastal living, raising diaspora children, religion, taking bold busines…

Our bonuse episode and Season 1 wrap up with teasers for Season 2! Banana Island Living Podcast started on the 1st of April with the Crypto episode and what a ride it's been. We skip through the different episodes and reveal the most popular. Season 2 starts on the 1st of September and here we give you heads up on what to look forward to on Banana …

When you eat, breathe and live art and you are also an engineer, a lawyer and a stock broker. Definitions and categorisations become superfluous. We present Prince Yemisi Shyllon. When you are arguably the biggest collector of African Art on the continent, you have a unique voice and earned an authentic platform to talk about art in Africa. Prince …

The second in our Art series, we talk to Hannah O'Leary of Sotheby's about the contemporary African art scene. The explosion of the African art scene, how to start collecting, the accessibility, the investment opportunities and the influence of African art on the European artists. Fascinating, educational and, above everything else, the passion for…

The first in our special art series. We speak to two mega artists at the top of the contemporary Nigerian art scene. Alimi Adewale and Ayoola Gbolahan. Two artists, similar in age, similar in success but with different routes to art. We talk about how it all started, what inspires them, the pandemic and the isolation. We laugh - a lot! We get reall…

This week we speak to the hosts of Tesse Leads and Chatting With the Experts podcasts - Tesse Akpeki and Paula Okoneh. The word 'journey' has become rather hackneyed but these two really have had 'a journey'. The peaks, the troughs, the agony and the ecstasy - loss to triumph and everything in between. No holds barred and nothing off the table. Thi…

In this episode we discuss mental health in Nigeria - the myths, the realities and where/how to get help. But how do you talk about such a heavy subject in a light hearted way? Dr. Edebi (the singing physician) educates us and - yes, it is very real. No - it isn't limited to a particular demographic. Yes, we laugh, a lot, but always, always being r…

They are born and bred in the diaspora but identify as Nigerians. But how true is this and how Nigerian are they really? The angst, the agony and the ecstasy of the diaspora millennial is deeply moving and searingly thought provoking. Definitely one to listen to - again and again. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

When you set out to solve a problem, to fulfill a need you have. On that journey, you encounter your purpose; and that purpose turns into a thriving digital business. A digital business started when Instagram was but a babe in arms. Yetty Williams takes us on her journey and, yes, it is absolutely worth the ride! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/priv…

Take three people, all different nationalities, all came to live in Lagos, and listen to them talk about their experiences. There are many ways to tell your Nigerian story. The good and the not so great. The sublime and the mundane. The security, the music, making friends. Real people, real experiences, unvarnished and honest. Not to be missed. Hos…

We talk to Augustine Okpe, a developer with in-depth knowledge of the Banana Island property market. He takes us through all the hoops you need to jump to develop property on the Island and tells us what to do and probably, more importantly, what not to do. Priceless! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Our very first Business episode. The Crypto Episode! In this episode, we discuss Crypto currencies with Dr. Iyabo Masha, a global economist, staff member of the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC and member of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council. The recent Central Bank of Nigeria ban on Crypto currencies going through the banking …