In this episode of Odejuma, Harry chats with Ashe Jaafaru, a performer and storyteller based in the Twin Cities. She shares her journey into theater, the influences that shaped her creative path, and the profound impact of performing in "Maybe You Could Love Me." Together, they discuss the vibrant Black and queer art scene in the Twin Cities area, focusing on themes of collaboration, community, and the therapeutic power of storytelling. Ashe also explains how art serves as both a sanctuary and a form of resistance, a space to process emotions, nurture connections, and celebrate our stories

This conversation serves as an inspiring reminder of how Black voices and stories continue to redefine contemporary theater, enriching our collective understanding of love, identity, and belonging.

For more about Ashe: https://www.instagram.com/ashejaafaru

For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

In this episode of Odejuma, Harry chats with musician and advocate 2AM Ricky to dive into the connections between artistry and social impact. He opens up about the profound loss that has shaped his creative journey, shares the story behind his name, and discusses the freedom he feels in crossing genre boundaries, explaining how this contributes to his work. He also discusses the health challenges he has faced, the essential need for representation in reproductive health, and his goal of creating safe and nurturing spaces for children.

A central part of their conversation revolves around House of Move, 2AM Ricky’s initiative aimed at supporting BIPOC queer and trans creatives, along with the mentorship that has guided him along the way. Through his honest and vulnerable storytelling, Ricky highlights how music can be a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and community transformation. This episode celebrates Black queer voices, the impact of advocacy, and emphasizes the importance of inclusive stories in driving social change.

For more about 2AM Ricky: https://2amricky.com/

Watch the MOVE music video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wABeALW9es

For more information on Harry, visit: https://www.harryitie.com/

In this episode of Odejuma, Harry chats with writer and actor Ryan Walker-Edwards for a heartfelt conversation about storytelling, identity, and his acclaimed short film, "Man Code." They explore the power of sharing personal stories and emphasize moving past trauma-centered views of queer life to highlight joy, intimacy, and humor.

Ryan shares his journey from Birmingham to the screen, discussing how his Caribbean heritage and cultural background influence his work, also emphasizing the importance of creating art that resonates with queer folk. The conversation also addresses the challenges of gaining visibility in the arts, the need for more nuanced storytelling, and the importance of self-care in sustaining a creative career.

Through Ryan’s experiences and the success of "Man Code," this discussion serves as a reminder of the transformative impact of authentic representation and how Black queer voices are reshaping contemporary storytelling.

Watch Man Code here.

To stay connected with Ryan, follow him on Instagram.

For more information on Harry, visit: Harry Itie