One 54 Podcast

Gina Yashere joins One54 to share her extraordinary journey from engineer to international comedy powerhouse, reflecting on the path that led her to co-create and executive produce CBS's Bob Hearts Abishola, the first American network sitcom centered on a Nigerian family. The award-winning Nigerian-British comedian opens up about embracing her Edo heritage, the legacy of the Kingdom of Benin, and why she calls it the "real Wakanda." She discusses the stolen Benin Bronzes, Queen Idia's influence on her life, colonialism's lasting impact, and the importance of preserving African history and culture.
Yashere also gets candid about growing up in London as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, navigating strict parenting, identity, colorism, and the psychological effects of colonialism. She recounts her mother's sacrifices as a single parent after her father returned to Nigeria, the emotional reunion with him decades later, and the complicated realities of forgiveness, family, and generational trauma. From surviving racism in England to challenging beauty standards and cultural conditioning, Gina shares the experiences that shaped both her resilience and her comedy.
With stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, Gina reflects on her rebellious spirit, leaving home to pursue independence, and the determination that fueled her rise in entertainment. This conversation explores Nigerian culture, Black history, immigration, motherhood, identity, and what it truly means to create opportunities for yourself while opening doors for others.
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Gina Yashere joins One54 to share her extraordinary journey from engineer to international comedy powerhouse, reflecting on the path that led her to co-create and executive produce CBS's Bob Hearts Abishola, the first American network sitcom centered on a Nigerian family. The award-winning Nigerian-British comedian opens up about embracing her Edo heritage, the legacy of the Kingdom of Benin, and why she calls it the "real Wakanda." She discusses the stolen Benin Bronzes, Queen Idia's influence on her life, colonialism's lasting impact, and the importance of preserving African history and culture.
Yashere also gets candid about growing up in London as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, navigating strict parenting, identity, colorism, and the psychological effects of colonialism. She recounts her mother's sacrifices as a single parent after her father returned to Nigeria, the emotional reunion with him decades later, and the complicated realities of forgiveness, family, and generational trauma. From surviving racism in England to challenging beauty standards and cultural conditioning, Gina shares the experiences that shaped both her resilience and her comedy.
With stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, Gina reflects on her rebellious spirit, leaving home to pursue independence, and the determination that fueled her rise in entertainment. This conversation explores Nigerian culture, Black history, immigration, motherhood, identity, and what it truly means to create opportunities for yourself while opening doors for others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Oyelowo joins One54 Africa for a conversation about identity, family, faith, Hollywood, and the stories that shape culture. The acclaimed actor, producer, director, and founder of Mansa reflects on his Nigerian roots, explaining the royal history behind the Oyelowo name, growing up between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, and how returning to Nigeria as a child transformed his confidence and sense of belonging. He shares how his father’s Yoruba heritage and his mother’s Igbo background came together during a time of deep division following the Nigerian Civil War, revealing the remarkable love story that led his parents to leave Nigeria and start a new life in England.
David opens up about navigating life as a young Black student in London after returning from Nigeria, dealing with bullying, and being labeled a “coconut.” He also shares unforgettable boarding school stories, including secretly understanding Yoruba while pretending he couldn’t speak it, and the hilarious chain of events that led to him dating twins at the same time.
He discusses the making of A United Kingdom, why the true story resonated so deeply with him, and how the film challenged historical narratives about race, love, leadership, and colonialism. He explains why he spent years fighting to get Selma made, why portraying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became one of the defining experiences of his career, and how projects like Bass Reeves, Queen of Katwe, and A United Kingdom were driven by a desire to expand the stories audiences see about Black people around the world.
The Hollywood star shares candid insights about working with Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, Colman Domingo, André Holland, and other industry leaders while reflecting on the challenges and opportunities facing Black storytellers today. He also discusses the creation of Mansa, the importance of preserving authentic Black stories, and why collaboration across cultures is essential for future generations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Oyelowo joins One54 Africa for a conversation about identity, family, faith, Hollywood, and the stories that shape culture. The acclaimed actor, producer, director, and founder of Mansa reflects on his Nigerian roots, explaining the royal history behind the Oyelowo name, growing up between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, and how returning to Nigeria as a child transformed his confidence and sense of belonging. He shares how his father’s Yoruba heritage and his mother’s Igbo background came together during a time of deep division following the Nigerian Civil War, revealing the remarkable love story that led his parents to leave Nigeria and start a new life in England.
David opens up about navigating life as a young Black student in London after returning from Nigeria, dealing with bullying, and being labeled a “coconut.” He also shares unforgettable boarding school stories, including secretly understanding Yoruba while pretending he couldn’t speak it, and the hilarious chain of events that led to him dating twins at the same time.
He discusses the making of A United Kingdom, why the true story resonated so deeply with him, and how the film challenged historical narratives about race, love, leadership, and colonialism. He explains why he spent years fighting to get Selma made, why portraying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became one of the defining experiences of his career, and how projects like Bass Reeves, Queen of Katwe, and A United Kingdom were driven by a desire to expand the stories audiences see about Black people around the world.
The Hollywood star shares candid insights about working with Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, Colman Domingo, André Holland, and other industry leaders while reflecting on the challenges and opportunities facing Black storytellers today. He also discusses the creation of Mansa, the importance of preserving authentic Black stories, and why collaboration across cultures is essential for future generations.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bozoma Saint John joins One54 Africa Podcast for an inspiring conversation about African identity, cultural pride, global marketing, and building a legacy that extends far beyond corporate success.
Bozoma Saint John reflects on her Ghanaian roots and upbringing across Ghana, Kenya, and the United States, sharing how family history, Ghanaian traditions, language, food, and the lasting effects of colonization shaped her worldview. She discusses the importance of representing Africa on the global stage, challenging misconceptions about the continent, and using storytelling and marketing to change narratives.
The conversation dives into Bozoma Saint John’s work on Ghana’s Year of Return initiative, where she helped transform the campaign into a worldwide movement celebrating culture, music, fashion, food, and community. She also shares stories involving Boris Kodjoe and the mission to reconnect the African diaspora with the continent through meaningful cultural experiences.
Bozoma Saint John also recounts her extraordinary career journey, from arriving in New York and landing a temporary role with Spike Lee to boldly critiquing one of his scripts and turning the opportunity into a four-year career. She explains how recognizing Beyoncé’s potential before her solo breakthrough led to a game-changing Pepsi campaign that helped launch her rise as one of the most influential marketing executives in the world.
From leadership lessons at Netflix, Uber, Apple Music, iTunes, and PepsiCo to candid conversations about intuition, negotiation, confidence, and career reinvention, Bozoma Saint John shares the strategies that helped her thrive at the highest levels of business. She also offers powerful insights on women in leadership, advocating for greater self-advocacy, higher compensation, and fearless ambition.
The discussion explores her decision to leave corporate America, write her memoir, and pursue new opportunities in entertainment, including The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and NBC’s On Brand. Bozoma Saint John explains how trusting her instincts has guided some of the biggest decisions of her life and career.
Bozoma Saint John, Beyoncé, marketing, Spike Lee, Boris Kodjoe, Ghana, Culture, global branding, brand strategy, personal branding, Pepsi marketing, Pepsi, chief marketing officer, leadership, business leadership, career growth, entrepreneurship, diversity in business, storytelling, corporate branding, advertising strategy, brand building, marketing expert, media executive, celebrity marketing, business podcast, leadership lessons, women in business, global business strategy
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