Creative Development with IFC IFC

In the latest episode of Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop interviews Kwesi Botchway, an inspiring young artist from Accra, Ghana. Influenced by both African and Western art traditions, Kwesi's bold and colorful portraits have earned global acclaim for their profound depiction of blackness and afro-impressionism. In a compelling discussion Makhtar and Kwesi discuss the challenges African artists face, the need for better infrastructure, policies and support, and Kwesi's efforts to mentor the next generation.  

In the latest episode of Creative Development with IFC, host Makhtar Diop takes a deep dive into ocean conservation and environmental storytelling with award-winning filmmaker and global sustainability ambassador, Craig Leeson. Craig shares his journey from exploring the beaches of Tasmania to producing impactful documentaries like 'A Plastic Ocean' and 'The Last Glaciers.' In a conversation that spans film, finance, and the path toward a sustainable future, Makhtar and Craig highlight the urgent need for collective action to protect our planet's precious ecosystems.

Dans cet épisode, Makhtar Diop s’entretient avec le célèbre joueur de kora, Ablaye Cissoko. Ils explorent les richesses de la tradition mandingue qu’Ablaye mêle à la musique contemporaine et la transmission du savoir qui s'étend sur des années d'apprentissage dédiées à la maîtrise de la kora. Découvrez le parcours unique de ce virtuose de la musique qui l’a mené à jouer aux quatre coins du globe, ses initiatives visionnaires telles que le festival « Au tour des cordes » et l’échange culturel qu’il promeut.  
A Voyage Through Strings: The Musical Universe of Ablaye Cissoko 
In this episode, Makhtar Diop talks to renowned kora player Ablaye Cissoko. Together, they explore the rich tapestry of the Mandingue tradition that Ablaye seamlessly weaves into contemporary music, and the longstanding practice of kora apprenticeship, where knowledge is passed down over years of dedicated practice. Discover the unique journey of this musical virtuoso, which has seen him traverse the globe as he shares his craft through visionary initiatives to foster cultural exchange - including the "Au Tour Des Cordes" festival, among others. 

In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop revisits the heyday of the late 70’s fusion and electro-pop era with trailblazing keyboardist and synth pioneer Wally Badarou. Wally shares his unique journey from a family of Beninese doctors to his prolific work as a session musician and composer with English groups like Level 42, Mick Jagger, Grace Jones, and many others. Reflecting on his upbringing in both Africa and France, Wally discusses his deep-rooted passion for music and technology, along with his ongoing advocacy for the rights of music composers in an era of digital production.

Join Makhtar Diop and prominent ocean advocate Alexandra Cousteau in a captivating conversation that is both a reckoning with the damage done to our oceans, and a solutions-driven call to action around how we can save them. The granddaughter of legendary oceanographer and explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Alexandra shares how she is continuing the family legacy with a focus on rebuilding and restoring ocean abundance through innovative strategies and solutions.  

“Creative Development with IFC” marks International Women's Day with the legendary Barbara Hendricks. Join host Makhtar Diop as he explores Barbara’s journey from the segregated southern USA to the world’s most prestigious opera stages. Beyond the notes, Barbara unveils her passionate work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and the profound influence of human rights on her life's mission. A voice for the voiceless, Barbara shares lessons in embracing humanitarian action and the importance of women's inclusion in decision-making amid today's complex challenges. 
Clarification at 20:25: #IBelong is a UNHCR campaign that aims to end statelessness by identifying and protecting stateless people, resolving existing situations of statelessness and preventing the emergence of new cases. Learn more at https://www.unhcr.org/ibelong