Selam & Hello

Lilly Bekele-Piper
  • 4.9 (55)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Selam & Hello is a show featuring stories of joy and justice from Africa and the diaspora. Produced in Kenya for global audiences - Selam & Hello curates conversations on identity and culture that inform, entertain and uplift.

  1. 08/19/2025

    Kabi's Next Cup!

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the official views, positions, or policies of the Australian High Commission Kenya. Selam & Hello has partnered with the Australian High Commission as they celebrate 60 years of partnership with Kenya for this special series: Saying the African Part Out Loud! In this final (and wonderfully fun!) episode, Lilly sits down in studio with Nyokabi (Kabi) Kuguru, founder of Mount Kenya Coffee. With roots in a multigenerational farming family in Nyeri County, Kabi is carrying forward her grandfather's legacy while forging new connections between Kenya and Australia. Armed with two master's degrees from the University of Sydney—in Public Health and Digital Communication and Media—Kabi's path into coffee wasn't the obvious one. But through heritage, passion, and purpose, she is building Mount Kenya Coffee into more than a brand: it's a platform for storytelling, cultural exchange, and community. In this episode, we explore what gave her the confidence to enter a demanding global coffee market, what she is learning from farmers in Kenya and roasters in Australia, how she defines success, and the beautiful advice her grandfather shared with his grandchildren. Kabi also graced the studio with Mount Kenya Coffee beans, and as she and Lilly enjoy a hot cup, they wrap up with a lively game of kahawa ama chai to discover her true favorite! Pour yourself a cup and tune in to this warm, insightful conversation about coffee, culture, and connection. Follow Mount Kenya Coffee: Website https://www.mountkenyacoffee.com.au/Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mountkenyacoffee_auLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kkuguru/ Follow the Australian High Commission Kenya:  Website https://kenya.highcommission.gov.au/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AusHCKenyaInstagram https://www.instagram.com/aushckenya/X https://x.com/aushckenya Follow Selam & Hello: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgA TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello Website https://www.selamandhello.com/  Email us at:  lilly@selamandhello.comproducer@selamandhello.com  Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper Production by: IR Studios

    46 min

  2. 08/12/2025

    The Body & The Blueprint

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the official views, positions, or policies of the Australian High Commission Kenya. In the second episode of the 'Saying the African Part Out Loud' series with the Australian High Commission Kenya, Lilly sits down with Hemanshi Galaiya — Kenyan bioengineer, social entrepreneur, and PhD candidate at the University of Queensland — to explore how science, identity, and purpose intersect. From her early days as a self-proclaimed "nerd" in Nairobi to earning global recognition as a 2024 finalist for the Global Student Prize, Hemanshi's journey takes us from being the first person in her family to pursue higher education to her current research in biomedical engineering. She shares her thoughts on why representation in science is about more than having "a seat at the table" and her philosophy for creating lasting systemic change. We also dive into her award-winning social enterprise, Young Stripes, which brings frugal science and hands-on STEM education to children as young as four — breaking down barriers and sparking curiosity in the next generation of Kenyan scientists. Hemanshi offers hard-earned lessons on starting before you're "ready," the art of fearless networking, and scaling social impact sustainably. Whether you're a young changemaker, an educator, or someone curious about how science can drive equity and environmental sustainability, this conversation is packed with insight, heart, and hope. Follow Young Stripes: Website Facebook  Instagram LinkedIn  Whatsapp X Follow the Australian High Commission Kenya:  Website Facebook Instagram X Follow Selam & Hello: Instagram YouTube TikTokWebsite Email us at:  lilly@selamandhello.comproducer@selamandhello.com  Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper Production by: IR Studios

    46 min

  3. 08/05/2025

    LIVE! Now & Next: Caleb Maru Curates Code Across Continents

    The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the official views, positions, or policies of the Australian High Commission Kenya. To commemorate 60 years of diplomatic partnership between Australia and Kenya, Selam & Hello has partnered with the Australian High Commission for a special three-part series: Saying the African Part Out Loud! In this inaugural episode, host Lilly Bekele-Piper is joined by Australian-Ethiopian tech entrepreneur Caleb Maru, founder of Tech Safari—Africa's largest tech newsletter and a rapidly growing media, events, and community platform reaching over one million people monthly. Recorded live at iHub Nairobi with a vibrant crowd at their Creative Community of Practice, the conversation examines the conditions driving successful tech ventures across the continent, whether stronger capital, policy, and/or talent is most needed the Continent's tech ecosystem, the pros and cons of AI's development in our mother tongues and why failure is key to any tech entrepreneur's success. Caleb shares fascinating stories and insights from founders securing major investments, unpacks the pressures of "launching to survive," and offers his forward-looking view of the milestones that will define African tech success in the next 15 years. This episode offers timely, thought-provoking perspectives on African innovation and how African tech leaders are shaping the industry 'now' and creating what is 'next.'  Selam & Hello extends its appreciation to the Australian High Commission Kenya for its support in making this series possible. Special thanks to: iHub Nairobi, Creative Community of Practice, Collins Manaseh, Selina Jamayo, Hesketh Wines and The Wine Box Kenya. Follow Tech Safari Africa: Website Facebook Instagram LinkedInX Follow the Australian High Commission Kenya:  WebsiteFacebookInstagram X Follow Selam & Hello: Instagram YouTube TikTok Website Links from the episode:  The Diaspora Debate: Should African Professionals Return Home?Expatriate As a Service: The streets say you need a white co-founderThe rise and fall of Africa's first UnicornThis table raised over $100M to build Africa's future and its just the beginning  Email us at:  lilly@selamandhello.comproducer@selamandhello.com  Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper Production by: Voomantics Kenya

    1h 46m

  4. 12/23/2024

    The Summit of a Lifetime: Lessons from Ato Nagizy Gebremedhin

    In this poignant final episode of Selam & Hello, Lilly sits down with the extraordinary Ato Nagizy Gebremedhin—engineer, mountaineer, and a treasured elder of Nairobi's community. At 90 years old, Ato Nagizy recently climbed Mount Kenya for the 14th time, exemplifying a life lived with purpose and resilience. Together, they journey through his Ethiopian and Eritrean roots, his groundbreaking path to higher education in Kansas as one of eight students selected by Emperor Haile Selassie, and his time at MIT. They reflect on his impactful career in civil engineering and urban planning with organizations like UNEP and the World Bank, as well as his dedicated work preserving the vernacular architecture of Eritrea. His book Asmara stands as a tribute to the modernist architecture of his beloved city. From pivotal moments in history across America and Africa to the peaks of Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro, Ato Nagizy's life is a tapestry of ambition, heritage, and adventure. Lilly and Ato Nagizy delve into his passion for mountain climbing, exploring the lessons learned from scaling some of Africa's highest peaks and the unyielding drive that has defined his remarkable journey. This episode is a celebration of legacy, resilience, and the mountains—both literal and figurative—that we climb in life. Buy Asmara by Ato Nagizy Gebremedhin The book - amazon.com/Asmara-Modernist-Gebremedhin-published-Publishers/dp/B00EKYS47S  News and articles about Ato Nagizy Gebremedhin Citizen TV - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Y6x9FsqKKI Voice of America - https://www.voanews.com/a/eritrean-american-climbs-mount-kenya-/7752654.html The Daily Naton - https://nation.africa/kenya/sports/other-sports/at-90-oldest-man-climbed-mt-kenya-is-not-about-to-stop-4792728#story  Follow Selam & Hello: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgATikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello Website - https://www.selamandhello.com/  Email us at: lilly@selamandhello.com rahma@selamandhello.com  Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper Production by: IR Production Studio

    56 min

  5. 12/18/2024

    The Aftermath: What the US Election Means to the Continent and Diaspora

    In this compelling episode of Selam & Hello, Lilly sits down with Robyn Emerson, Chair of Democrats Abroad Kenya, for a candid and insightful discussion on the 2024 U.S. election results. Together, they unpack the ripple effects of the American election on Africa and the diaspora, delving into the emotional and political aftermath of Kamala Harris' loss and what it signifies for communities both within America and abroad. The conversation takes a hard look at what a Trump presidency could mean for U.S.-Africa relations, the diaspora's role in shaping global narratives, and how Black women continue to stand at the forefront of the fight for justice and equality. Tune in for a timely and thought-provoking episode that bridges continents, amplifies voices, and asks the hard questions about our shared future. Follow Robyn: LinkedIn - https://ke.linkedin.com/in/robyntemerson Website - https://about.me/robytnemerson Twitter - https://x.com/austexanywhere?s=21&t=qXfj3Yi02NuEi0ZoxSRd8A  Book referenced by Robyn: Musings: Reflections on my journey with cerebral palsy by Zawadi Muraya - https://nuriakenya.com/product/musings-reflections-of-my-journey-with-cerebral-palsy/  Follow Selam & Hello: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgATikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello Website - https://www.selamandhello.com/  Email us at: lilly@selamandhello.com producer@selamandhello.com  Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper Production by: IR Studio

    54 min

  6. 12/10/2024

    The Year That Was

    In this reflective year-end episode of Selam & Hello, Lilly and Selam & Hello's Creative Producer, Rahma take a heartfelt journey through the show's most memorable milestones and candidly share the challenges and opportunities that come with sustaining their platform. They delve into the power of personal storytelling, how their guiding pillars of joy and justice shape who they are, and why these core values remain central to the community they've built. Join them as they look ahead to the next chapter of Selam & Hello, exploring fresh possibilities and their hopes for new seasons to come. It's a powerful reminder of where they've been, who they are, and what lies on the horizon. Follow Selam & Hello: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgATikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello Website - https://www.selamandhello.com/  Email us at: lilly@selamandhello.com rahma@selamandhello.com  Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper Production by: IR Production Studio

    34 min

  7. 08/13/2024

    (BONUS) Ethical Influence: Navigating Brand Engagement Amid Kenya's Revolution

    We are back from our season break to bring you this special and timely conversation. Since June 18, Kenya has been immersed in a political and cultural revolution. This episode features a dynamic conversation with two trailblazers in the world of media and marketing who discuss what it means to be fully present, transparent, and ethical as content creators and brand managers during unprecedented times. Join Lilly as she sits down with Adelle Onyango, a powerhouse Kenyan media personality, founder of Legally Clueless Africa, and the visionary behind the Adelle Onyango Initiative, and Ryan Majiwa, the mastermind behind digital media and creative strategies at Saracen Marketing Group, whose impressive portfolio includes giants like EABL and Unilever. Tune in to discover how brands and creators can make meaningful, responsible choices, build authentic connections, and make a positive impact in today's rapidly evolving landscape. Follow Adelle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adelleonyango Twitter: https://x.com/adelleo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adelle-onyango Website: https://www.adelleonyango.com/ | https://www.legallycluelessafrica.com/ Follow Ryan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/romaj1 Twitter: https://x.com/romaj1gig LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmajiwa Follow Selam & Hello: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgA TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello Website: https://www.selamandhello.com/ Email us at: lilly@selamandhello.com rahma@selamandhello.com Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper https://soundcloud.com/silaspiper Production by: Sema Box

    1h 17m

  8. 07/03/2024

    99 Stories and Counting ... (Part 2)

    In part 2 of this special 99th episode, join Lilly and Njoki Munene as they discuss some of their favorite conversations and transformative moments from the show. They dish about what really happens before live shows and the non-negotiables that have to happen before every interview. Lilly and Njoki talk about the growth process that has come with 99 episodes, what has worked and what hasn't - and the hard and soft life of being a creative. We hope you enjoy the final chapter of our two-part season finale! Thank you for tuning in and for your incredible support of our show. We are grateful. Episodes Mentioned on this Episode Selam & Done: Dennis Ombachi Chops It Up! Being a Woman Shouldn't Be a Death Sentence Gen Z Has Entered the Chat Black Queer Beloved The Case for Choice The Case for Indigenous (Re)Imaginings Habibi Al-Sudan We are Making This for Our Children Conversation with Class of 2020: Global Students in a Global Pandemic Good Intentions Aren't Good Enough: Ending Orphanage Tourism Happy New Year with Eliud Kipchoge! LIVE! Stories from Kakuma Refugee Camp Why Did You Leave? Follow Lilly: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lilly-bekele-piper Follow Njoki: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/snjokimunene Follow Selam & Hello: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sselamandhello/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGmO35TpU1jj2fGlzFQwLgATikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@seovelamandhello Website - https://www.selamandhello.com/  Email us at: lilly@selamandhello.com producer@selamandhello.com  Music Credits: Selam & Hello Jingle by Silas Piper Production by: Sahihi Africa Productions Editor & Sound Engineer: Bukachi Akatsa (bw@bukachi.vip)

    33 min
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4.9
out of 5
55 Ratings

About

Selam & Hello is a show featuring stories of joy and justice from Africa and the diaspora. Produced in Kenya for global audiences - Selam & Hello curates conversations on identity and culture that inform, entertain and uplift.

Information

  • Creator
    Lilly Bekele-Piper
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    116
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Lilly Bekele-Piper
  • Show Website
    Selam & Hello