The IT Tribe Podcast

Liz Awino

Behind every individual's unanswered “how to” question is a hunger to figure out their purpose and the process to get to success. The IT Tribe’s sole purpose is to demystify the barriers to success using the stories behind each voice to rewrite a narrative. There is a shortage of platforms for young voices to show how they are mastering their craft and navigating everyday challenges. The ultimate vision is to empower young adults to embrace their stories, own their identities, and fearlessly strive for what they want. Get plugged in and let’s grow!

  1. Gatekeeping in Kenyan Music - Auma on The Hidden Struggles of Female Artists in Kenya's Male-Dominated Music Scene

    7h ago

    Gatekeeping in Kenyan Music - Auma on The Hidden Struggles of Female Artists in Kenya's Male-Dominated Music Scene

    Welcome! Your 're Catching us Live on Kenyan Music Studio Motto: " Tuff times neva last, but only tuff people last " Meet Auma building a career on her own terms with just a microphone, a pen, and unshakeable self-belief. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Auma reveals how she navigates the male-dominated Kenyan music industry, fights gatekeeping, and pushes her own boundaries to create authentic art. From her early days singing in church at age three to releasing her debut single Lost Confidence, Auma shares the behind-the-scenes reality of transforming passion into independence in Africa’s music scene. We break down the systemic barriers Kenyan artists face, including the harmful cycle of external validation and overlooked local talent. Auma emphasizes the critical need for systemic support and real curation because Kenya has a goldmine of talent that’s waiting to be recognized. The music industry might be a dog eat dog world but you know what's not this episode, tune in for hidden gems. Takeaways: Authenticity as a DisruptorBuilding true influence requires unwavering authenticity rather than conforming to industry norms. Experience life as art and make art that reflects life Building Systems for Support Before Global ValidationMuch of local talent remains underappreciated and unrewarded until they achieve external validation highlighting a systemic failure to nurture indigenous talent from within their communities first. Stop Gatekeeping! Food for Thought? What is a necessary change we need to empower local artists? and how do YOU contribute towards that change? Enjoyed the episode? Join the Tribe and Leave a Star!

    1h 37m
  2. "Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?" - Daktari Lugadiru speaks on The Hidden Psychology Behind Men’s Mindsets on Body Count, Relationships and Power and Its Impact on Attraction

    Apr 30

    "Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?" - Daktari Lugadiru speaks on The Hidden Psychology Behind Men’s Mindsets on Body Count, Relationships and Power and Its Impact on Attraction

    So what happens when the risk of love is far greater than the rewards? When embarrassment is like a ticking time bomb is love worth the risk? Most men are raised to believe that masculinity hinges on control, provision, and a perception of success yet the truth about what truly makes a man valuable might surprise you. In this candid and insightful season finale, Israel Lugadiru, a media entrepreneur and youth advocate, challenges societal norms and explores how redefining masculinity and relationships can unlock genuine confidence and fulfillment. Discover how cultural and traditional expectations shape our views on love, money, and success and why many men miss the mark by equating worth with body count, material wealth, or status symbols. He delves into the psychology of men, money, leadership, and why real power in relationships comes from initiative, emotional maturity, and authentic connection not just what’s in your bank account or your body count. This episode is packed with practical wisdom that will challenge what you think you know about masculinity and relationshipsTakeaways: The Role of Conscious Decision-Making in Masculinity and Personal WorthMasculinity is socially constructed and fluid, but a grounded identity depends on conscious choices rooted in cultural, spiritual, and personal values rather than societal stereotypes or superficial metrics like wealth or body count. The Intersection of Love, Respect, and Investment in Building Genuine Connections. True love and attraction are rooted in consistent effort, mutual respect, and the willingness to invest time and authenticity, rather than superficial appearances or societal expectations. Challenging Societal Narratives About Gender and ExpectationGender norms, such as men proving their worth through multiple partners or women conforming to prescribed roles, are societal constructs that can be deconstructed for healthier personal identities. Food for Thought? Do you think the risk reward for modern day relationships benefits human connection? Follow the Guest: IG: daktarilugadiru Enjoyed the episode? Join the Tribe and Leave a Star!

    2h 19m
  3. Coach KKim Possible - Kimathi Kaumbutho talks Why Financial Support and Infrastructure Are the Biggest Barriers to Kenyan Football Success

    Apr 23

    Coach KKim Possible - Kimathi Kaumbutho talks Why Financial Support and Infrastructure Are the Biggest Barriers to Kenyan Football Success

    What's your winning team? rather what's your football team? Arsenal? In the world of sports, especially football, many young athletes dream of greatness. But the reality is that only a few make it to the top. Why is that? In this episode, Kimathi Kaumbutho popularly known as Coach Kim, founder of True Talents of Africa, reveals how he's rewriting that narrative. After years of playing in the US, winning championships, and navigating the challenges of talent development in Kenya, he shares a powerful replicable blueprint to turn raw potential into sustainable careers and how local sports infrastructure can be transformed from charity to industry. This episode isn't just for aspiring footballers it's for anyone passionate about sports development, youth empowerment, and Africa’s future. Coach Kim's journey from local football to international scholarship and his vision for a thriving, sustainable sports industry in Kenya will inspire you to rethink what's possible with the right environment, mindset, and support. Takeaways: Reframing Success Through ImpactRecognizing broader impact and local success as valid achievements can redefine what constitutes “making it” in sports. The Mental Model of Incremental InvestmentSustainable growth in talent development programs requires cautious, gradual investment. You can't grow as an industry if everything is charity. Recreating environments fosters replicable successIdentifying systems that work in the African context and tweaking them to match the environment brings success closer. Football doesnt have to be expensive if we do it right. Food For Thought: If we collectively invested in local talent and showed up to support them how does that look like practically? and sustainably? Follow the Guest: IG: coach kkimm Enjoyed the episode? Join the Tribe and Leave a Star!

    3h 8m
  4. Nigeria of My Dreams - Uzoma Orji on Why Dreaming of Nigeria’s Future Is a Revolutionary Act!

    Apr 16

    Nigeria of My Dreams - Uzoma Orji on Why Dreaming of Nigeria’s Future Is a Revolutionary Act!

    Dear Dreamer, Imagine if Africa was free, Imagine if freedom wasnt measured, Imagine if peoples belonged and were dignified, Imagine if...... Everything points towards what you see and envision for your future but how often do we engage and resist realism? In this episode, Uzoma Orji, an artist, technologist, and futurist unlocks the power of dreaming beyond limits. As the creative director and founder of the Ministry of Dreams formerly known as Nigeria of My Dreams, he is dedicated to designing digital products and a speculative government agency that bridge art, culture, knowledge production, and technology. He is the visionary whose ideas are shaping futures we’ve yet to see.Discover how he sees possibilities five years ahead and strategically builds toward that future with unwavering faith and bold decisions. If you're a young dreamer feeling stuck in the noise of practicality, this episode is your blueprint for turning imagination into reality. Takeaways: Seeing the future is a moral act of responsibilityVisionaries aren’t just dreamers; they see themselves as custodians of the future, bearing the weight of the present to shape what is to come. Collective flourishing over individual successProgress in communities or nations depends on shifting from individualistic pursuits to collective well-being; a transcendent principle that counters capitalist individualism. The power of giving time and patience in system-buildingGive time, time! Real change is fundamentally a slow process. Time is a critical ingredient that allows visions to germinate and systems to evolve authentically. Food for Thought?If you stayed in the energy of your dreams and fought being realistic what small changes would you make to your life right now? Follow the Guest: IG: Uzoma.studio + uzzzoma Enjoyed the episode? Join the Tribe and Leave a Star!

    1h 59m
  5. Rwendo: African Pride and Sovereignty - Mthulisi Khumbula Unpacks the Invisible Shackles to African Sovereignty and Identity Binding the Continent

    Apr 10

    Rwendo: African Pride and Sovereignty - Mthulisi Khumbula Unpacks the Invisible Shackles to African Sovereignty and Identity Binding the Continent

    How many of us envision ourselves living and building in our countries? Would you turn down an opportunity overseas to build in Africa? Most Africans are unknowingly caught in invisible shackles; silent influences that shape our identity, pride, and future. But what if the key to true independence is understanding ourselves first? In this episode, Mthulisi Khumbula an introspective thinker, founder of Rwendo, & Swan World and a strategic revolutionist who in the realm of strategic revolution chairs the reclaiming African narrative conversation. With a deep understanding of the socio-political landscape across Africa, he offers unique insights that are both enlightening and thought-provoking. Mthulisi challenges us to question the narratives fed to us through history, media, and education, urging us to reclaim our sovereignty by embracing an unapologetically African identity. From the importance of local languages and traditional culture to the impact of colonial education systems and neocolonial dependencies these are the his takes... Takeaways: Sovereignty is not just political; it’s cultural and economic.Many Africans are unknowingly caught in a cycle of dependency where external validation and imported narratives shape self-perception and societal progress. Understanding one’s identity is essential for true independence. Language and cultural storytelling are central to identity and influence how Africans perceive their place in the world. Education as a Tool for SovereigntyThe current education model reflects colonial legacies, limiting indigenous knowledge. Reform curricula to emphasize African history and future-oriented skills. Food for Thought:If leaving your country wasnt an option would you move differently? How would you think? How will you live and contribute to the communities around? Enjoyed the episode? Join the Tribe and Leave a Star!

    2h 1m
  6. "Is the Boychild Being Left Behind?" - Tonny Olela Stands in The Gap to Transform MEN'talities, Harmful Patriarchal Norms and Advocate for Gender Equity

    Mar 26

    "Is the Boychild Being Left Behind?" - Tonny Olela Stands in The Gap to Transform MEN'talities, Harmful Patriarchal Norms and Advocate for Gender Equity

    What language would we use if the boychild was not the enemy but the outdated cultural practices and norms? Most conversations about gender focus solely on women and girls, but the neglected voice of the boy child is equally critical and often overlooked. What happens when a society leaves the boy behind? In this episode, Olela Tonny, former UNFPA Kenya Youth Advisory Panel member, Founder of AfriKea and champion for the boy child unpacks the complex realities faced by young men in Africa and beyond. Discover how deep-rooted cultural norms, systemic biases, and silent emotional struggles threaten to undermine the future of masculinity and what urgent steps we must take to bridge the gap.From the harmful stereotypes that suppress emotional expression to the systemic neglect that leaves boys vulnerable to violence, mental health issues, and societal rejection, Tonny shares insights drawn from years of activism, research, and grassroots engagement. Tonny stresses that addressing the challenges faced by the boy child is not just about equity it’s about healing a society fractured by misinformation, violence, and inequality. This episode is an urgent call to redefine what it means to be a man, champion emotional intelligence, and create a community where boys grow up supported, understood, and empowered to grow into healthy, responsible men. Takeaways: Supporting the boy child requires understanding neglectPrograms like safe spaces for boys to express emotions or re-evaluating masculinity norms can foster healthier male identities and societal balance. Redefining masculinity by challenging harmful stereotypesEducational campaigns to normalize vulnerability in men and role models demonstrating emotional openness can transform masculinity from suppressive to supportive. The systemic support for gender rights must be rooted in local contextGender equity efforts demands a holistic, inclusive approach that integrates cultural context,intersectionalities of marginalized groups, like PWD girlchild and boychild and societal norms Food for Thought: How can we balance boychild inclusion and girlchild empowerment in our society and communities? Enjoyed the episode? Join the Tribe and Leave a Star!

    1h 32m
  7. Grass For Lunch? - Tanya Missy THE Runway Model talks Colorism, Texturism, and Beauty Standards in the Fashion Industry

    Mar 13

    Grass For Lunch? - Tanya Missy THE Runway Model talks Colorism, Texturism, and Beauty Standards in the Fashion Industry

    What does it take to be a DITR (Diamond in the rough)? Grass for Lunch? Body Measurements? Tanya Missy shares her journey as a model and finance student, discussing the duality of her career paths. She unpacks the challenges faced in the modeling industry in Kenya and Africa, including misconceptions, the importance of representation, and the need for professionalism. Tanya emphasizes the significance of perseverance, community support, and setting boundaries in a field often marred by sexualization and misunderstanding. Through her experiences, she aims to educate aspiring models and advocate for a more respectful perception of the profession. In this conversation, She emphasizes the need for confidence and self-awareness in navigating these challenges and critiques the unrealistic body measurements imposed by the fashion industry. Takeaways: Modeling is more than beauty, it’s resilience and professionalism.Success in the industry requires perseverance, confidence, boundaries, and a strong work ethic beyond just physical appearance. The African modeling industry faces systemic challenges.Issues like colorism, rigid beauty standards, exploitation in recruitment, and lack of representation make building a career more complex for African models. Building a personal brand and support system is essential.Education, authentic collaborations, social media, and genuine relationships help models navigate the industry and create sustainable careers. Leave a star!

    1h 47m
  8. God, Grills & Sketches - From Chef to Caricature? Kartoons' Leap from 9 - 5 to Finding Purpose in Biblical Caricature Artistry

    Mar 5

    God, Grills & Sketches - From Chef to Caricature? Kartoons' Leap from 9 - 5 to Finding Purpose in Biblical Caricature Artistry

    Thou shall not overcook or overdraw...but alas seems like Mungai is a specialized aura farmer in his field Eric Mungai popularly known as Kartoons by Mungai, a caricature artist shares his inspiring journey from working as a chef to becoming a full-time caricuture artist. In this episode, he opens up about career transition, self-discovery, and the strategy required to pursue art professionally. He dives into faith-based storytelling, personal branding for artists, and the importance of marketing in building a sustainable creative career locally and globally. Mungai explains how he uses caricature art to communicate biblical messages with simplicity and impact. This episode is a powerful discussion on faith, creativity, purpose, and building genuine expression in today’s creative industry. Takeaways: Art as Purpose & Process Mungai shares how art became both a form of self-expression and healing, using simple illustrations to communicate powerful biblical truths and life lessons that resonate deeply. The Courage to Choose Creativity Leaving a stable job to pursue art wasn’t easy, but his journey highlights the power of becoming without rushing success. Think Outside the Box You have not met, interacted nor collaborated with everyone destined for you so cast the net wider than your ordinary scope and you might be a lucky fisher! Food for Thought: Do you see work as exercising your gift/ purpose or are you merely surviving? Enjoyed this episode? Listen & Follow Us Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/1BIiPA4F7wSIecXAjQI5FD?si=z2LjhEykSDWTtl8vEYIUmg Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-it-tribe-podcast/id1810449824 Follow The Guest: Kartoons by Mungai everywhere! Join the Tribe and Leave a Star!

    1h 53m
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About

Behind every individual's unanswered “how to” question is a hunger to figure out their purpose and the process to get to success. The IT Tribe’s sole purpose is to demystify the barriers to success using the stories behind each voice to rewrite a narrative. There is a shortage of platforms for young voices to show how they are mastering their craft and navigating everyday challenges. The ultimate vision is to empower young adults to embrace their stories, own their identities, and fearlessly strive for what they want. Get plugged in and let’s grow!

Information

  • Creator
    Liz Awino
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Liz Awino
  • Show Website
    The IT Tribe Podcast