Series Classification: G (General Programmes)
African New Zealanders are elevating their own voices and weaving a rich tapestry of connections with Tangata Whenua while healing from past hurts.
In this episode, we meet musician Deva Mahal, podcast host and mental health advocate Thabiso Sibanda and activist Wasa Ali who led the Black Lives Matter protest in New Zealand.
Thabiso Sibanda Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Wasa Ali
"Somalia is survival of the fittest. You were born into a maze. Every corner you take is a door."
Musician, MC and activist Wasa Ali has played a pivotal role in generating support for the African community in New Zealand. Working with youth is an important part of Wasa's life and we learn how being raised by a strong solo mother has impacted his quest to help others live fulfilling lives.
Thabiso Sibanda
"Just existing in a space where you aren't the majority is very confusing for people."
In his podcast Thabiso and his co-host interview people of all different backgrounds about mental health and wellness. He talks about his passion for bringing people together to challenge stigma, what it was like arriving in NZ as a child and how he sees the struggles of Māori people mirror some of his own experiences.
Deva Mahal
"The Pacific and Māori culture. It felt really familiar to me and I felt at home with that."
Deva is a well-loved Wellington musician from a multi-talented musical family. She talks about how artists of African heritage are enriching the New Zealand music industry and the rich, rewarding relationships she has with her family.
Behind the scenes...
Thabiso Sibanda - a behind-the-scenes shot from the RNZ video series Giants Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Wellington-based content creator Thabiso Sibanda Photo: Alex Bradshaw / Fire Fire
Giants
Every year, families relocate to New Zealand from a diverse range of cultures that share a deep respect for whānau (family), community and whakapapa (ancestry). In the seven-part video series Giants, we learn how these new New Zealanders view themselves as standing on the shoulders of their ancestors – 'giants' who paved the way for their own descendants to settle here and live lives that are meaningful. Discover how New Zealand's migrant communities are creating a fresh legacy while staying connected to their own cultures.
Episode credits:
Creator - Alex Bradshaw
Producers - Alex Bradshaw and Tara Durrant
Executive Producer - Pietra Brettkelly
Featuring - Thabiso Sibanda, Wasa Ali, Deva Mahal, Sienna Williamson (V/O)
NZ On Air Photo: NZOA
