What does post-conflict development really look like when youth lead the way?

Meet Noel Mushinzimana, a bold new voice for pan-African solidarity. He shares how mentorship, green innovation, inclusive policy, and cross-continental partnerships are shaping a new African story—all rooted in peace. Tune in to hear how Rwanda’s approach is setting a new bar for development across Africa.

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Part 2 with Alex Cole Acosta dives into hip hop’s staying power, how to build value and community in a “post-social media” era, and why cyphers—rooted in respect, responsibility, and knowledge—can travel from Atlanta to Lagos, Joburg, and Nairobi. We talk playlists, third spaces, pandemic resilience, AI and authenticity, and practical advice for hosting inclusive cyphers.

Highlights

• Culture > genre: why hip hop keeps evolving
• From scarcity to surplus: finding value together
• The cypher’s core values: respect • responsibility • knowledge
• Creative place-keeping vs. place-making
• AI as tool, not soul: why policy matters
• Pan-African bridges: circles with no hierarchy

Learn more / support: @soulfoodcypher | soulfoodcypher.com

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In Part 1, Alex Cole Acosta (Founder, Soul Food Cypher) takes us inside the cypher—how freestyle rap became a space for healing, education, and community in Atlanta. We talk fathers and kids sharing stages, rebuilding “third spaces,” and how this living oral tradition can translate across African cities—from Lagos to Joburg and Nairobi—rooted in local rhythms and languages.

Highlights

• The moment the cypher became a tool for healing
• Why consistent, safe spaces matter for youth and adults
• Passing culture across generations
• Building chapters in Africa grounded in local sound

Learn more / Support @soulfoodcypher | soulfoodcypher.com

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Welcome to the very first episode of Change Narratives!

In this introduction, hosts Dumebi Okwuosah (Nigeria) and Adi Ramaite (South Africa) share the story behind Change Narratives, a platform born out of the 2025 Mandela Washington Fellowship at Georgia State University.

This episode is a candid conversation about why this podcast exists: to tell real stories about Africa’s development — beyond headlines and statistics — through the voices of the people driving change. Dumebi and Adi reflect on their journey as fellows, their passion for collaboration, and their hopes for what this platform will grow into. From music that connects us across borders to the projects and innovations shaping Africa’s future, this is where authentic conversations begin.

Tune in as they set the stage for a season full of inspiring guests, bold ideas, and stories that refine systems, reclaim voices, and reshape Africa.

You’re listening to Change Narratives. Today we’re sharing something a little different — a reflective piece from one of our own, Onyedika, about his very first time stepping into a development policy space. It’s raw, honest, and exactly why we do this work.

This bonus episode takes you behind the scenes of that first-time experience — the nerves, the sense of purpose, and the questions that stick with you long after the event ends. Onyedika opens up about:

• Meeting peers who are turning passion into projects.
• The “Japa” conversation and what it means for skills, purpose, and youth readiness.
• How social media can be a tool for real participation.
• Why AI and data ethics matter for young people stepping into governance spaces.
• And the biggest lesson: showing up, listening, and telling stories is the first step to change.

🎧 Available now on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

#ChangeNarratives #ReflectivePieces #YouthVoices #InclusiveDevelopment #GS25 #Storytelling

In this special episode of Change Narratives, Dumebi introduces Alex Cole Acosta, founder of Soul Food Cypher—an Atlanta nonprofit using freestyle rap to heal, educate, and empower communities.

Born from a love of hip hop and community, Soul Food Cypher showcases the positive side of rap, turning it into a tool for literacy, leadership, and connection. Alex’s story isn’t just about Atlanta—it sparks a bigger question: what would it look like to bring this innovation home to Africa’s vibrant music scene?

At Change Narratives, we spotlight the ideas, people, and stories shaping Africa’s journey to development. This is one of them.

Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to stay part of the conversation.