100 episodes

My name is Simon Javan Okelo. I grew up in the slums of Manyatta in Kisumu, Kenya, serving as the Field Director of Solace International and Co-Director of the Young Generation Centre from 2002-2010 where I directed humanitarian projects in Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, Liberia, and South Sudan. I also worked as a DJ and producer, organizing Unite The People concerts in 2008 in the wake of post-election violence and founding One Vibe Africa.

I came to the US in 2010, and I have since organized events and digital campaigns celebrating the African diaspora locally and globally. For example, since 2014 I have organized the Madaraka Festival at The Museum of POP Culture headlined by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Sauti Sol, Blitz The Ambassador, Rocky Dawuni, Meklit Hadero, Nik West, Naomi Wachira, Karun, and other renowned Grammy award-winning artists.

AFIA Podcast Simon Javan Okelo

    • Society & Culture
    • 5.0 • 194 Ratings

My name is Simon Javan Okelo. I grew up in the slums of Manyatta in Kisumu, Kenya, serving as the Field Director of Solace International and Co-Director of the Young Generation Centre from 2002-2010 where I directed humanitarian projects in Malawi, Kenya, Ghana, Liberia, and South Sudan. I also worked as a DJ and producer, organizing Unite The People concerts in 2008 in the wake of post-election violence and founding One Vibe Africa.

I came to the US in 2010, and I have since organized events and digital campaigns celebrating the African diaspora locally and globally. For example, since 2014 I have organized the Madaraka Festival at The Museum of POP Culture headlined by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Sauti Sol, Blitz The Ambassador, Rocky Dawuni, Meklit Hadero, Nik West, Naomi Wachira, Karun, and other renowned Grammy award-winning artists.

    You Can’t Kill an Elephant with Bullets of Wax | AFIAPodcast

    You Can’t Kill an Elephant with Bullets of Wax | AFIAPodcast

    Hey guys, what's up? Today, we're going to be talking about an African proverb that I think you're really going to like. It's called "You cannot kill an elephant with bullets of wax."Now, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "That's a crazy proverb. Who would ever try to kill an elephant with bullets of wax?"But the point of the proverb is not to be taken literally. It's a metaphor for the challenges that we face in life.Some challenges are just too big to be solved with small solutions. If you're facing a major challenge, you need to be prepared to take bold action.So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by a challenge, remember the African proverb "You cannot kill an elephant with bullets of wax."Join me on the #AFIAPodcast at 6 am PST/4 pm EAT on YouTube @okelojavan to listen to the full interview and share your thoughts in the comments below.SUBSCRIBE to get Daily African Proverbs and their meaning in your life https://rb.gy/jdavpn#MadarakaFestival: https://madarakafestival.com/My New Book: Get your copy of Rooted In Love and dive deep into the world of love, and self-discovery. https://store.bookbaby.com/book/rooted-in-loveRESOURCES:1. Descript: Get the perfect production setup with Descript - the audio and video editing experts who make sure your content looks top-notch. https://www.descript.com/?lmref=877QnQ2. Hostwinds: Get your web hosting sorted with HostWinds – the Webhosting experts that make sure you don't have to worry about your website. https://www.hostwinds.com/12980.html3. Ecamm: Get the perfect streaming setup with Ecamm Live - the live streaming experts that make sure your show looks polished and professional. https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=simon804, Gusto: Looking for a reliable and user-friendly payroll and HR solution for your business? Look no further than Gusto! https://gusto.com/d/simon6633******************************📱 LET'S GET SOCIAL💢 🅵🅾🅻🅻🅾🆆 🅼🅴 🅾🅽:-------💖 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/okelojavan/💖 Twitter: https://twitter.com/OkeloJavan💖 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OkeloJavan/💖 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@okelojavan#Africanproverbs #Ashantiproverbs #Boldaction #Wisdom

    • 14 min
    Throwing Pebbles at an Elephant | African Proverbs | AFIAPodcast

    Throwing Pebbles at an Elephant | African Proverbs | AFIAPodcast

    Have you ever felt like you're throwing pebbles at an elephant? It's like no matter what you do, it doesn't make a difference. This Nigerian proverb can teach us a lot about how to deal with these situations.In this video, we'll explore the meaning of the proverb "Throwing pebbles at an elephant in no way disturbs him." We'll also discuss three nuggets of wisdom that we can learn from this proverb.Join me on the #AFIAPodcast at 6 am PST/4 pm EAT on YouTube @okelojavan to listen to the full interview and share your thoughts in the comments below.SUBSCRIBE to get Daily African Proverbs and their meaning in your life https://rb.gy/jdavpn#MadarakaFestival: https://madarakafestival.com/My New Book: Get your copy of Rooted In Love and dive deep into the world of love, and self-discovery. https://store.bookbaby.com/book/rooted-in-loveRESOURCES:1. Descript: Get the perfect production setup with Descript - the audio and video editing experts who make sure your content looks top-notch. https://www.descript.com/?lmref=877QnQ2. Hostwinds: Get your web hosting sorted with HostWinds – the Webhosting experts that make sure you don't have to worry about your website. https://www.hostwinds.com/12980.html3. Ecamm: Get the perfect streaming setup with Ecamm Live - the live streaming experts that make sure your show looks polished and professional. https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=simon804, Gusto: Looking for a reliable and user-friendly payroll and HR solution for your business? Look no further than Gusto! https://gusto.com/d/simon6633******************************📱 LET'S GET SOCIAL💢 🅵🅾🅻🅻🅾🆆 🅼🅴 🅾🅽:-------💖 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/okelojavan/💖 Twitter: https://twitter.com/OkeloJavan💖 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OkeloJavan/💖 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@okelojavan#Africanproverbs #Nigerianproverbs #wisdom #lifelessons #inspiration#motivation #self-improvement #personalgrowth #challenges #overcomingobstacles #stayingpositive

    • 40 min
    Thought Breaks the Heart | African Proverb Nuggets of Wisdom for a More Peaceful Mind | AFIAPodcast

    Thought Breaks the Heart | African Proverb Nuggets of Wisdom for a More Peaceful Mind | AFIAPodcast

    Hey everyone, what's up? Today, we're going to be talking about the African proverb "Thought breaks the heart."I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, "How can a thought break my heart? I'm a tough cookie. My heart is made of stone."But hear me out. Thoughts can be powerful. They can make us feel happy, sad, angry, or scared. And if we dwell on negative thoughts, they can start to eat away at our hearts.That's why it's important to be mindful of our thoughts. We need to pay attention to what we're thinking and challenge any negative thoughts that come up.Here are three nuggets of wisdom that can help you to manage your thoughts and protect your heart:1. Be mindful of your thoughts. Pay attention to the thoughts that are running through your mind. Are they positive or negative? Are they helping you or hurting you?2. Challenge your negative thoughts. Ask yourself if there is any evidence to support your negative thoughts. Are you seeing things from a balanced perspective?3. Focus on the present moment. When your mind wanders to the past or future, gently bring it back to the present moment. Take a few deep breaths and focus on your surroundings.Remember, your thoughts are just thoughts. They don't have to control you. By being mindful of your thoughts, challenging your negative thoughts, and focusing on the present moment, you can protect your heart and create a more peaceful mind.Now, I want to hear from you. What are some of your favorite African proverbs? Share them in the comments below!Join me on the #AFIAPodcast at 6 am PST/4 pm EAT on YouTube @okelojavan to listen to the full interview and share your thoughts in the comments below.SUBSCRIBE to get Daily African Proverbs and their meaning in your life https://rb.gy/jdavpn#MadarakaFestival: https://madarakafestival.com/My New Book: Get your copy of Rooted In Love and dive deep into the world of love, and self-discovery. https://store.bookbaby.com/book/rooted-in-loveRESOURCES:1. Descript: Get the perfect production setup with Descript - the audio and video editing experts who make sure your content looks top-notch. https://www.descript.com/?lmref=877QnQ2. Hostwinds: Get your web hosting sorted with HostWinds – the Webhosting experts that make sure you don't have to worry about your website. https://www.hostwinds.com/12980.html3. Ecamm: Get the perfect streaming setup with Ecamm Live - the live streaming experts that make sure your show looks polished and professional. https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=simon804, Gusto: Looking for a reliable and user-friendly payroll and HR solution for your business? Look no further than Gusto! https://gusto.com/d/simon6633******************************📱 LET'S GET SOCIAL💢 🅵🅾🅻🅻🅾🆆 🅼🅴 🅾🅽:-------💖 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/okelojavan/💖 Twitter: https://twitter.com/OkeloJavan💖 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OkeloJavan/💖 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@okelojavan#Africanproverbs #thoughts #mindfulness #negativethinking #presentmoment #wisdom

    • 29 min
    Why can’t a village cock crow in town? | African wisdom to help you succeed | AFIAPodcast

    Why can’t a village cock crow in town? | African wisdom to help you succeed | AFIAPodcast

    Ever wondered why a village cock can't crow in town? It's a Kenyan proverb that teaches us a valuable lesson about success.In the village, the cock is the king of the roost. He crows loudly and proudly, and everyone knows who he is. But when he goes to town, he's just another bird in the crowd. He gets lost in the noise and the chaos, and his crow goes unheard.The same is true for us. When we're in our comfort zone, we can shine. But when we venture into new territory, we can feel out of place and lost. We may doubt ourselves and our abilities.But don't give up! Just remember the village cock. He may not be able to crow in town, but he's still a king. So go forth and crow with confidence, no matter where you are in life.Here are three nuggets of wisdom from this proverb:1. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. It's where you'll learn and grow the most.2. Don't compare yourself to others. Everyone is on their own unique journey.3. Believe in yourself. You are capable of great things.Join me on the #AFIAPodcast at 6 am PST/4 pm EAT on YouTube @okelojavan to listen to the full interview and share your thoughts in the comments below.SUBSCRIBE to get Daily African Proverbs and their meaning in your life https://rb.gy/jdavpn#MadarakaFestival: https://madarakafestival.com/My New Book: Get your copy of Rooted In Love and dive deep into the world of love, and self-discovery. https://store.bookbaby.com/book/rooted-in-loveRESOURCES:1. Descript: Get the perfect production setup with Descript - the audio and video editing experts who make sure your content looks top-notch. https://www.descript.com/?lmref=877QnQ2. Hostwinds: Get your web hosting sorted with HostWinds – the Webhosting experts that make sure you don't have to worry about your website. https://www.hostwinds.com/12980.html3. Ecamm: Get the perfect streaming setup with Ecamm Live - the live streaming experts that make sure your show looks polished and professional. https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=simon804, Gusto: Looking for a reliable and user-friendly payroll and HR solution for your business? Look no further than Gusto! https://gusto.com/d/simon6633******************************📱 LET'S GET SOCIAL💢 🅵🅾🅻🅻🅾🆆 🅼🅴 🅾🅽:-------💖 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/okelojavan/💖 Twitter: https://twitter.com/OkeloJavan💖 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OkeloJavan/💖 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@okelojavan#Africanproverb #villagecock #successtips #self-confidence #motivation#personaldevelopment #self-improvement #Kenyan proverb#wisdom #lifelessons #personalgrowth #self-belief #inspirational #motivational

    • 17 min
    The Hair on the Head is Older Than the Beard on the Chin | What This African Proverb Can Teach You About Life | AFIAPodcast

    The Hair on the Head is Older Than the Beard on the Chin | What This African Proverb Can Teach You About Life | AFIAPodcast

    Hey everyone, what's up? Today, I'm going to be talking to you about an African proverb that I really love: "The hair on the head is older than the beard on the chin."This proverb means that our elders are wiser than we are. They have more experience and knowledge, and we should learn from them.I know that sometimes it can be hard to listen to our elders. They may have different views than us, and they may not always be right. But even if we don't agree with them all the time, we should still respect them and listen to what they have to say.Our elders have seen a lot in their lives. They've made mistakes, and they've learned from them. They have a lot of wisdom to share with us, and we would be foolish not to listen.So next time you're talking to an elder, take the time to listen to them. Ask them questions about their life. Learn from their experiences. You may be surprised at what you learn.Here are three nuggets of wisdom that I've learned from my elders:1. Always be kind to others. You never know what someone else is going through.2. Don't sweat the small stuff. In the grand scheme of things, most things are not that important.3. Enjoy the journey. Life is short, so make the most of it.I hope you found this video helpful. If you did, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel for more African wisdom.Join me on the #AFIAPodcast at 6 am PST/4 pm EAT on YouTube @okelojavan to listen to the full interview and share your thoughts in the comments below.SUBSCRIBE to get Daily African Proverbs and their meaning in your life https://rb.gy/jdavpn#MadarakaFestival: https://madarakafestival.com/My New Book: Get your copy of Rooted In Love and dive deep into the world of love, and self-discovery. https://store.bookbaby.com/book/rooted-in-loveRESOURCES:1. Descript: Get the perfect production setup with Descript - the audio and video editing experts who make sure your content looks top-notch. https://www.descript.com/?lmref=877QnQ2. Hostwinds: Get your web hosting sorted with HostWinds – the Webhosting experts that make sure you don't have to worry about your website. https://www.hostwinds.com/12980.html3. Ecamm: Get the perfect streaming setup with Ecamm Live - the live streaming experts that make sure your show looks polished and professional. https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=simon804, Gusto: Looking for a reliable and user-friendly payroll and HR solution for your business? Look no further than Gusto! https://gusto.com/d/simon6633******************************📱 LET'S GET SOCIAL💢 🅵🅾🅻🅻🅾🆆 🅼🅴 🅾🅽:-------💖 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/okelojavan/💖 Twitter: https://twitter.com/OkeloJavan💖 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OkeloJavan/💖 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@okelojavan#African proverbs #Malawian proverbs #wisdom #elders #experience #knowledge #lifelessons #inspiration #motivation #personalgrowth#self-improvement

    • 15 min
    The Mouth and the Hand Can Never Miss Each other | African Wisdom | AFIAPodcast

    The Mouth and the Hand Can Never Miss Each other | African Wisdom | AFIAPodcast

    Hey everyone! It's Simon Javan Okelo, your African proverb expert. Today, we're talking about the Malawian proverb, "The mouth and the hand can never miss each other."This proverb is a reminder that our words and actions are always connected. We can't say one thing and do another without people noticing.But what does this mean for our lives? How can we use this proverb to create a better life for ourselves and others?In this video, I'm going to share three nuggets of wisdom from this proverb, along with some personal stories and examples.So if you're looking for some African wisdom to help you live your best life, stick around!Three nuggets of wisdom:1. Your words and actions are always connected.Think about it. When you say you're going to do something, but you don't, what message are you sending to the people around you?What message are you sending to yourself?When your words and actions are aligned, you build trust and credibility. You show people that you're reliable and that you can be counted on.But when your words and actions are misaligned, you send the opposite message. You show people that you're not trustworthy and that you can't be counted on.2. Your words and actions have power.The words you speak and the actions you take have the power to create or destroy.They have the power to hurt or heal.They have the power to inspire or discourage.So be mindful of your words and actions. Choose them carefully.Use your words and actions to create a better world for yourself and others.3. You are the creator of your own reality.Your words and actions create your reality.What you say and do shapes the world around you.So choose your words and actions wisely.Create the reality you want to live in.Join me on the #AFIAPodcast at 6 am PST/4 pm EAT on YouTube @okelojavan to listen to the full interview and share your thoughts in the comments below.SUBSCRIBE to get Daily African Proverbs and their meaning in your life https://rb.gy/jdavpn#MadarakaFestival: https://madarakafestival.com/My New Book: Get your copy of Rooted In Love and dive deep into the world of love, and self-discovery. https://store.bookbaby.com/book/rooted-in-loveRESOURCES:1. Descript: Get the perfect production setup with Descript - the audio and video editing experts who make sure your content looks top-notch. https://www.descript.com/?lmref=877QnQ2. Hostwinds: Get your web hosting sorted with HostWinds – the Webhosting experts that make sure you don't have to worry about your website. https://www.hostwinds.com/12980.html3. Ecamm: Get the perfect streaming setup with Ecamm Live - the live streaming experts that make sure your show looks polished and professional. https://www.ecamm.com/mac/ecammlive/?fp_ref=simon804, Gusto: Looking for a reliable and user-friendly payroll and HR solution for your business? Look no further than Gusto! https://gusto.com/d/simon6633******************************📱 LET'S GET SOCIAL💢 🅵🅾🅻🅻🅾🆆 🅼🅴 🅾🅽:-------💖 INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/okelojavan/💖 Twitter: https://twitter.com/OkeloJavan💖 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OkeloJavan/💖 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@okelojavan

    • 32 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
194 Ratings

194 Ratings

*MK_LIVELY* ,

Every minute is worth it!

This is one of the best podcasts on the internet! - Wonderful team, amazing conversations and most of all safe space!

Mhinchey ,

Love the conversations!!

Simon such an amazing space you have created!

White Label American Podcast ,

Magnificent & Highly Recommended

Simon is one of the hardest working podcasters that you'll ever know. This man is a true creative, music, festivals, online forums, and podcasting. Name it he does it. Simon is able to utilize his creativity into allowing his guests just flow in their element and you have African Father in America as the result. After listening to a couple of episodes, I recommend checking out his singles "sulwe & chandore" you will appreciate this man even more.

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Inconceivable Truth
Wavland
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
The Interview
The New York Times
This American Life
This American Life
Expedition Unknown
Discovery
Shawn Ryan Show
Shawn Ryan | Cumulus Podcast Network