Pánsá Pánsá Podcast

About Pánsá Pánsá Podcast

This is a podcast where we discuss the lives of African immigrants and their assimilation into Western society as they raise younger generations in a country that is quite different from their own. We also explore the experiences of children of immigrants as they balance between their heritage African and Western cultures. We are presenting informative, interesting, and expansive dialogue about the intricate experiences of African immigrants in America. For additional information, please log onto our website @ pansapansa.org and follow us on instagram @ pansa.pansaforum

Publisher

Ms Kemi Seriki

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Mar 2021

Latest episode

25 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

93 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   25 Sept 2026

   Episode 85: Redefining Manhood with Alim Barry: Ending Violence Against African Women

   In our continuous thought-provoking episode, I sat down with Alim Bari, the founder of the Redefining African Masculinity (RAM) Movement, to examine the evolving conversation around African masculinity in the diaspora and on the continent. Summary: This episode explores the complex issues surrounding African masculinity and violence against women. We discuss cultural, historical, and societal factors, and how African men can be part of the solution to foster healthier families and communities. We explore the deep-rooted issues of masculinity, violence, and cultural practices within African communities, especially in the context of migration and societal change. The conversation emphasizes the importance of leading by example, fostering vulnerability, and redefining healthy masculinity to build stronger, more respectful communities. Key Topics: Cultural and traditional influences on masculinity Impact of colonialism and religion on gender roles Forms of violence against women including FGM, domestic, sexual, and systemic The importance of safe spaces for men to discuss masculinity Legal & societal reforms needed to protect women The role of community & religious leaders in change Historical perspective on gender roles in pre-colonial Africa The influence of globalization and modernity on African masculinity The impact of household behavior on community stability The importance of modeling emotional regulation for children The influence of religious teachings on gender roles Legal and social strategies to combat violence against women The effects of migration on gender dynamics and masculinity The significance of safe spaces for vulnerability among men The dangers of using residency status to control women The need for family-centered conversations on cultural practices Redefining masculinity through responsibility and compassion The role of community institutions in enforcing anti-violence laws Chapters: 04:03 Understanding masculinity and societal expectations 08:06 Resistance among African men to discussing violence against women 12:07 Different forms of violence and their root causes 20:03 The impact of colonialism and religion on gender norms 23:35 Vulnerability as strength and its role in reducing violence 26:53 The influence of religious teachings on gender roles and violence 29:58 Pre-colonial African society and gender roles 30:41 Legal and social systems needed to protect women and girls 33:56 The impact of migration on gender roles and family dynamics 37:18 FGM and the importance of family conversations 39:50 The importance of laws, education, & community leadership 40:58 The importance of laws & community action in ending FGM 44:25 Redefining African masculinity: Responsibility, courage, and emotional maturity 48:04 The role of women in supporting healthy masculinity 49:59 The role of traditional values and modern challenges 51:35 Creating safe spaces for men to be vulnerable 54:49 The dangers of using religious texts to justify violence 58:37 The importance of family communication & collective decision-making 59:54 Pathways to redefining masculinity and fostering change 01:02:04 The influence of capitalism & gender roles in relationships 01:04:59 Strategies for African men to adapt healthily in the West 01:07:48 The importance of community & religious institutions in violence prevention 01:11:55 The need for legal recognition of religious mediation 01:15:24 Addressing migration-related stress & identity shifts 01:20:09 The importance of cultural pride and maintaining roots 01:25:10 Balancing responsibility and respect in relationships 01:30:10 The fight against FGM and the importance of legal protections 01:35:09 The role of religious leaders in promoting gender equality 01:39:51 Preventing cross-border practices like forced marriage and FGM 01:44:48 Redefining masculinity: Courage, responsibility, and emotional maturity 01:50:07 Conclusion: Building respectful, strong communities through dialogue and action

2. 

   4 Sept 2026

   Episode 84: Gina Yashere Controversy - Can Black People Discriminate Against Black People?

   In this episode of Pansa Pansa Podcast, we return to a conversation that generated significant discussion about race, identity, migration, and belonging within the Black diaspora. On June 15, 2026, One 54 Podcast featured British-Nigerian comedian Gina Yashere, who spoke about her experiences growing up in England and encountering racism at school and later in her professional career as an engineer. Gina also described experiencing discrimination from people within other Black communities, specifically mentioning individuals from the Caribbean, including Jamaicans. Her comments sparked a heated conversation on social media, particularly within Caribbean and West Indian communities. Some listeners felt that her comments unfairly generalized Caribbean people and called for an apology, while others questioned whether experiences of discrimination between Black people should be described as racism. Rather than dismissing either side, this episode of Pansa Pansa Podcast asks a deeper question: What happens when people who share a racial identity have very different histories, cultures, migration experiences, and understandings of race? To explore this complex subject, we welcome back Taiwo Ogunniake-Williams, who was previously featured on Pansa Pansa Podcast to share her powerful story of growing up in Britain as a fostered child and navigating the British foster-care system. Like Gina Yashere, Taiwo was born and raised in Britain to Nigerian parents. Her experiences provide an important perspective on what it means to grow up African in Britain while navigating both racial discrimination and the complicated relationships that can exist between different Black communities. Key Topics: African immigrant experiences in Britain Intra-racial discrimination and prejudice Cultural identity and heritage Historical context of Windrush and colonialism Impact of media stereotypes on perceptions Intercultural marriages and blending cultures Systemic racism and community dynamics Healing and inner work for community unity Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the episode and its importance 07:33 Family perceptions of Britain and colonial mindset 09:12 Differences between Caribbean and African immigrant experiences 10:18 Cultural rules and early childhood experiences 11:34 The importance of education and religion in Nigerian families 12:53 Intercultural relationships and stereotypes in Britain 14:05 Racism, stereotypes, and media influence 15:47 Identity, belonging, and the feeling of being caught between cultures 17:01 The impact of systemic racism and community dynamics 18:58 Media stereotypes and their effects on perceptions 20:10 Personal stories of connection and cultural affinity 21:46 Identity as Nigerian, British, and multi-passport holder 22:36 Belonging and the search for home in the diaspora 23:27 Cultural pride, assimilation, and social media influence 30:49 Intra-racial discrimination and community tensions 32:25 Experiences of discrimination from within the same racial group 33:38 Differences in perceptions of race between African and Caribbean communities 37:30 Community behaviors, stereotypes, and biases in Britain 40:05 The importance of acknowledging shared heritage and differences 44:43 Systemic racism, immigration, and the fight for civil rights 50:06 Cultural stereotypes, biases, and the need for self-awareness 55:19 The importance of honest dialogue and inner healing 01:00:20 The role of education and historical awareness in community healing 01:07:21 The reality of systemic racism and political climate in Britain 01:12:29 The ongoing need for open conversations about race and identity 01:14:11 Building unity through honesty and understanding 01:17:07 Advice for young Africans and the importance of cultural pride 01:20:34 Connecting with Africa and embracing cultural heritage 01:22:19 Encouraging respectful dialogue and community building

3. 

   14 Aug 2026

   Episode 83: From South Africa to New York: Race, Identity, Motherhood & Building Opportunity for African Immigrants with Yolanda Makha

   What does it mean to leave home, build a new life in another country, and dedicate that life to helping others do the same? In this episode of the Pansa Pansa Podcast, we sit down with Yolanda Phindile Makha, a South African-born social entrepreneur, nonprofit leader, media professional, and advocate whose work is transforming the lives of African immigrants and refugees in the United States. Yolande shares her remarkable journey from growing up in South Africa to building a new life in New York more than two decades ago. She reflects on the values that shaped her childhood, the challenges she faced as a new immigrant, and lessons she learned while navigating a new culture, career, and identity. Together, we explore how immigration reshapes family life, parenting, and cultural identity, and discuss what it means to raise children who are deeply connected to both their African heritage and their American experiences. Drawing on her unique perspective as a South African, Yolande also offers thoughtful reflections on race, belonging, and identity in America. We examine the similarities and differences between South Africa's history of apartheid and America's long struggle with institutional racism, while discussing how African immigrants navigate race, discrimination, and relationships with the diverse groups in America. The conversation also explores the growing challenge of xenophobia in South Africa and considers how African communities can foster greater unity both on the African continent and throughout the diaspora. Professionally, Yolanda discusses her journey from South Africa's fashion and media industries to becoming a respected nonprofit leader in New York. She explains how her immigrant experience inspired her to establish AfCoFo (Africa Community Forum), a nonprofit organization dedicated to workforce development, entrepreneurship, education, and community support for African immigrants and refugees. We also explore her work through Africa Desk, an initiative that builds partnerships between Africa and New York's fashion, film, media, education, and creative industries while creating new opportunities for African talent and businesses. Throughout the conversation, Yolanda shares valuable leadership lessons, practical advice for new immigrants, insights for young entrepreneurs, and her vision for strengthening economic, educational, and cultural partnerships between Africa and the United States. This episode is a thoughtful conversation about resilience, leadership, motherhood, identity, community building, and the power of investing in people. Key Topics: Yolanda Maha's immigrant journey from South Africa to the US Her work with African Community Forum and African Desk The importance of cultural identity and heritage Challenges and opportunities for African immigrants in America Building systems for long-term success and empowerment The role of education and therapy in personal growth Navigating race, racism, and systemic barriers in America Strategies for African immigrants to thrive without losing their identity The importance of community organization and collaboration Future goals for African diaspora initiatives Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Yolanda Maha and her work 01:49 Yolanda's childhood in South Africa and cultural influences 05:10 Her early interest in fashion and media in South Africa 07:49 The impact of her mother's leadership and values 11:50 Migration to the US and initial challenges 16:02 First job experiences and navigating the American system 20:08 Race, racism, and systemic barriers in America 25:12 Building African identity and community in the diaspora 29:53 Parenting and cultural preservation in New York 35:10 The role of therapy and mental health awareness 39:59 African Desk and its mission to elevate Africa in the US 44:53 African Community Forum and community organization 49:58 Future goals for African diaspora initiatives 59:53 Closing thoughts on leadership, legacy, and empowerment

Who has been a guest on Pánsá Pánsá Podcast

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Chinedu Achebe
• Oludara Adeeyo
• Luc Olinga

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 55 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

82

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

71

Contact Pánsá Pánsá Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.