A new talk show focusing on portraying positive images and triumphant stories of Africans in the diaspora began airing on the cable channel in Maryland, Prince George’s Community Television. This docu-series is called Africa’s Triumph. It airs on PGCTV Comcast 76 and Verizon 42 and reaches 167,000 people locally.
Africa’s Triumph is one of several original series produced by TANTV as part of our aim to tell socially impactful stories. Our mission is to provide inspirational and entertaining content for global citizens and change-makers.
We partnered with Prince George’s Community Television (PGCTV) to tape and air each half hour episode on their network. The show serves as a platform to showcase the trial to triumph stories of the talented, successful, inspirational, creative and inspiring figures who are of African descent and friends of the continent. The talents we profile are found locally but their works have a local-global impact.
During this first season of Africa’s Triumph, we featured a handful of young African change-makers who are business owners, leaders of non-profits, creatives and tech innovators. We also interviewed top restaurateurs, entrepreneurs and more.
Africa’s Triumph Docu-Series seeks to tell the most inspiring African diaspora story through industrious, enterprising and brilliant minds that are proud of their heritage and determined to change the misconceptions of Africa and Africans around the world,” says TV Producer, Adedayo Fashanu.
Africa’s Triumph runs new episodes on Thursdays at 10.30am and repeats on Saturdays at 6pm, PGCTV Comcast 76 and Verizon 42.
For our non-local audience, all our full episodes are uploaded on our YouTube channel @tantvstudios
WINNER OF THE CA AWARDS, BEST NEW SHOW CATEGORY
The CA Awards is known as the community access awards. This award is given by Prince George’s Community Television which recognizes the exceptional producers and shows on the network. Africa’s Triumph was nominated and won the ‘best new show’ category. This is such an honor because it is the first time that a show fully focused positively on the continent is aired on public access television. It is also the first time an African producer is winning this award. Adedayo Fashanu, the producer, gave a remarkable speech upon receiving the award. You can check out the speech here:
GUESTS & HOSTS
The TV show had an amazing lineup of guests.The United States diaspora has over 30 million of us, so we are looking forward to having a wide range of diversity with the guests we bring on the show. Our guests for the first season are from more than five African countries which includes Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Rwanda and Sierra Leone.
MEET THE TV HOSTS
Deborah Abimbola Binutu, Nigeria : ‘Debs’ is a natural at her job. She is an MC and a media personality. Founder of Debz Ent. INTL. An incredible host, with a great on air personality. A motivator and a dream chaser, an entertaining and engaging TV host. A sought-after MC and event moderator with a full on personality to keep a crowd happy.
Paula Ilonze, Nigeria : Paula Ilonze is a trained Nigerian-American multimedia journalist and communications specialist. She has a BA in communication studies and PR from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and an MS in journalism from the University of Southern California. She enjoys reporting on entertainment news and social justice issues.
Jackson Muneza, Rwanda : Jackson Muneza Mvunganyi is a multimedia reporter, broadcaster and Digital media Producer. He is the host of UpFront, a Youth oriented talk show on the Voice of America. Each week, Upfront reaches millions of young adults and students on the African continent and beyond. Jackson Interacts with African youth on issues ranging from entrepreneurship, leadership, education, innovation etc. A native of Rwanda, Mvunganyi has a Bachelor’s degree in Multimedia development from the American University in Washington D.C., and a Masters degree in Information Management at the University of Maryland. Jackson has had a multi-faceted broadcasting career so far, working in both radio and television, in Africa and the United States. Jackson was named one of the 20 young African influencers in the diaspora. He has been invited to speak and moderate at various high level panels at the UN, World Bank and Universities like Harvard,Wharton and others. You can follow him @upfrontafrica.
Kwaku, DJ Earthkwak — a member of the Africanist Podcast, Ghana: The Africanist podcast gives perspectives on life’s trials and tribulations and the struggles of Africans all over the diaspora–all compacted into a genuinely informative and hilarious podcast. They collaborate with the dopest creatives, entertainers, and entrepreneurs navigating social topics, trending media, controversy, and current news…..simply united by the common bond of our culture. DJ Earthkwak is 1/4 of the Africanist and serves as the facilitator of the podcast’s weekly conversations. He is also one of the main DJs of the Afro-Carribean DJ collective, Tagsoundz. He is an expert on music, culture, and rhythm and adds color to the weekly commentary.
Adedayo Fashanu, Nigeria: Founder of TANTV and producer of this show, Africa’s Triumph, Adedayo is a journalist and award winning producer. A seasoned journalist, writer, TV host, producer & film maker. Published works can be found on Forbes, Huffpost, Thrive Global & other outlets.
MEET YOUR TANTV CREW
Our studio crew consists of individuals who crewed on the studio cameras and managed the technical control room. The crew also consists of our beauty and style team, our studio assistants and behind-the-Scenes team members, green room host and more. Not everyone can be identified here but we appreciate all our team members , crew, guests and all!
David Barnes & The Entire PGCTV Producers : David is the director and public access Coordinator at Prince George’s Community Television. Our show is made possible, thanks to his support and also to the support of the producers who took time to crew on our show.
Foley Asamoah, MBA- Assistant Producer (Ghana): Foley is a Senior Technical Recruiter who has also been a great assistant producer for this show.
Eniola Makanjuola (Nigeria): Eniola played a vital role as a production assistant helping with set build up/breakdown and other necessary tasks. He is a student, a video creator, comedian, videographer and a multi-talented artist.
Chioma, Nigeria – MAKEUP-ARTIST: She is the founder of OMAH Beauty. A budding beauty entrepreneur, our official make-up artist for TANTV. Follow her on @omahs_hb
Kelvin Iloanya (Nigeria) : Kelvin Iloanya is a Nigerian creative from the DMV who has a passion for creating simple solutions to fulfill unmet needs. He has received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in Marketing at Bowie State University and has worked in a number of marketing and design roles. After graduation, the aspiring creative continues to showcase his leadership potential as he tackles new obstacles in the digital marketing space. He served as a production assistant adding great value to the team.
Fashion Editor/Stylist: Runs Couture (Nigeria) : A fashion company owned by a young Nigerian, “Ola Salami ” who in the past few years has clothed top Nigerian celebrities like Dj Jimmy Jatt, Dj Waxxy, Olu maintain, Faze, Praiz, ex-Super eagles Idah peterside, Yemi sholade,Vector, Solidstar, Iceberg Slim, Teedee Da Unusual, Lace,Dencia, YQ, Ossy Achievas, Mc OPJ (wazobia fm) Aramide, Jumabee, Elan-j, Slimjoe etc and has graced events like; South African Fashion week (Johannesburg) Nigerian Television Fashion Show (NTFS).
Beauty Editor: SMADMakeovers, Ayo Adedoyin (Nigeria) (She Makes A Difference): is an inspirational brand designed to inspire and make a positive difference in the beauty and fashion industry. It encompasses makeup artistry, fashion styling, wardrobe consulting and lifestyle. It is currently managed by Ayo Adedoyin who is a certified M.A.C. Artist and has previously worked with companies such fashion fair, elizabeth Arden and Dermablend. In her quest to make a difference, her goal to enlighten people and remind them they can be empowered through their overall presentation.
MEET OUR GUESTS FROM SEASON ONE
WATCH PILOT EPISODE- EPISODE 1
Modupe Dosunmu (Nigeria) : Modupe Dosumu is a serial entrepreneur, an empowered African and female business woman. She is the president of Province motors and a fashion designer, the managing director of Head2Heels and events. She is a woman whose passion for promoting afro-centric products shines in all she does.
WATCH EPISODE 2 : Interview with Troy Massa (Sierra Leone) and Madelle Kangha (Cameroon)
Troy Massa: is a Sierra Leonean fashion designer and an international advocate who is a natural born leader who builds awareness for international culture. Troy has taken his passion for people, fashion, art and philanthropy to create an avenue for international health. His brand-boosting impact on and offline is inevitable and his fight for international health has gotten him recognized by international brands. Not to mention his title from Glamour Magazine South Africa – naming him as one of Africa’s most creative individuals making an impact! As a graduate of the University of Maryland, Troy has taken his degree in International Public Health Sciences with so much gratitude. Connecting with countries all over the world to end health crises, right now, Troy’s focus is on Africa and changing people’s mindset of the continent. Being a Sierra Leonean American, Troy holds his culture close to his heart and is determined to make a change.
Madelle Kangha :The Founder and President of JumpStart Academy Africa, a social impact venture which seeks to transform Africa by fixing a broken education system. Her vision is that by 2030, the 103 million youth worldwide who currently lack literacy skills will be literate and able to promote sustainable development. Madelle says she started Jumpstart Academy Africa to provide workforce readiness, soft skills, entrepreneurship and technical skills training to young people. Through their programs, they provide skills development and school-to-work transitions for young people across Cameroon and Togo.
WATCH EPISODE 3 : Interview with Irene-Dele Adejumo (Nigeria) & Micheal Iheankanwa (Nigeria)
Irene-Dele Adejumo: Irene Dele is an award winning, multi-faceted beauty entrepreneur, fruit carving expert, professional private chef, wife and mom of two boys. She has a degree in Political Science and Sociology from The College of William and Mary in Virginia. 2009 was the year she started following her passion and launched her two companies: Fruit Art USA (which competed on Food Network) and LaBelleZZa Makeup Artistry. In 2011, Ms. Dele decided to truly follow her dreams and quit her day job to work fulltime on her own companies, and has never looked back. While working as a makeup artist, she uncovered the challenge of finding eyeshadows and lip colors that popped on the skin of women of color. It was even harder to find foundation shades that perfectly matched their skin tone without giving an ashy look or heavy and cakey feel. In November of 2012, Irene decided to create an inclusive Makeup line – Omolewa Cosmetics (A made in USA, Cruelty Free and Non-Toxic – Paraben Free, Sulfate Free and Vegan Friendly) a bold, luscious, elegant palette of colors that can be used daily, on special occasions and on-the-go. Omolewa Cosmetics is a wide-ranging, fully comprehensive makeup line that can help every woman achieve a red-carpet ready look; Bold eyes and lips, with radiant, healthy skin! Irene Dele has been featured in numerous media outlets including The Food Network, Allure, ELLE, Black Enterprise, NBC4, Fox 45, ABC/WJLA News Channel 8, CNBC/WUSA9, Cooking Channel , Bella Naija & more.
Micheal Iheankanwa: Michael Iheakanwa is a Nigerian-born IT professional currently based in Maryland, USA. Outside of his full-time career as an IT Specialist, he spends most of his free time with his family as well as giving back to the communities that he belongs to. Currently, he serves as the Vice President for Umu Igbo Unite, a non-profit, 501c3 organization that exists to preserve, and promote the Igbo culture of Nigeria. In addition, Mr. Iheakanwa has also accepted the challenge of creating the 1 Nigeria Festival. The 1 Nigeria Festival is a cultural festival that is attempting to provide simple solutions for simple problems back in Nigeria through several initiatives. The festival will not only showcase the various cultures of Nigeria, it will raise awareness of some societal, nutritional, educational, and employment issues. Mr. Iheakanwa believes that it is part of our social responsibility to create all things, including an opportunity for those who belong to our underserved communities.
WATCH EPISODE 4 : Interview With Daniel Isele (Di-Star) (Nigeria) & Chardelle Moore (Caribbean) & Wale Olawoyin (Nigeria)
Daniel Isele: popularly known as Di-Star, is one of Africa’s foremost multi- talented artists and entrepreneurs in the music and entertainment industry in the diaspora and globally. Di-Star was born in Nigeria and currently lives in Maryland. Di-Star is the CEO of Di Productions, an audio-visual solution company. For almost 23 years, Di-Star has maintained a reputation amongst his fans and peers as one of the most sought after entrepreneurs/artists/producers/musicians in the scene today. Di-Star studied in South Africa and was given a scholarship to study entrepreneurship at the Richard Branson Center for Entrepreneurs as a business developer and life coach. He also studied film production, television production and entertainment production at the South African School of Motion Pictures and Live Performance (AFDA). He is a serial creative, highly respected amongst his peers as one of Africa’s finest motivational artists, producers, and business educators. He inspires and empowers the world globally through music, business workshops, and art that projects the importance of personal development, education, and positive cultural awareness.
Wale Olawoyin : He is an award-winning cinematographer, realtor, and the founder of Champion Studio LLC, a well-known mid-Atlantic multimedia production company. Wale arrived in the United States at the young age of 11 and developed a strong passion for computers while attending Duval high school. A true entrepreneur, Wale self-taught himself through videos and built his first computer at the age of 14. Wale went on to explore this passion at Howard University, where he attained a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems, here he also entered the world of videography by shooting music videos for local artists in the DMV area. Upon graduating he took a traditional job as expected by his family and society, but soon after, he realized that his creative talents far surpassed a traditional job role. He quit his job to pursue his dreams full time and has never looked back. What started as shooting music videos transformed into a multimedia company that works with numerous African celebrities and companies like Coca-Cola Consolidated. A humble spirit, Wale serves as a mentor to other aspiring videographers and inspires those around him to follow their dreams.
Chardelle Moore : She is a multitalented motivational entertainer and entrepreneur! As an award-winning television personality, international motivational speaker, poet, creative director and rising artist, Chardelle is blazing a new trail of positive entertainment and empowering people all over the globe! With a decade of professional experience in television and motivation speaking, Chardelle’s energy and stage presence is certainly unparalleled. She has carved out her own lane intersecting spirituality, personal development and infinite creativity that inspires change and transforms lives! In 2019, Chardelle launched Motivational Moore LLC, a motivational multimedia and communications company aimed to elevate the human consciousness through speaking, TV, digital content and music! Prior to launching her own business, Chardelle spent 5 years as a television host, reporter and creative producer at FOX45 Baltimore. Since 2009, Chardelle toured nationally and internationally as a keynote speaker and poet at hundreds of conferences, universities and festivals, sharing strategies her audiences can use to change their mindset and unleash their gifts! Throughout her career, Chardelle has worked with leading media companies including CBS, BET, The CW. She has starred in television commercials for Chevrolet, Colgate and more.
WATCH EPISODE 5 : Interview with Think Africa
THINK AFRICA : We interviewed some board members from this start-up called “THINK AFRICA”. Think Africa is an organization with a mission to connect young professionals in the diaspora to Africa, one country at a time, through trips, events, content and contact sourcing. The goal is to inspire young professionals in the diaspora to leverage their skills, ingenuity, and resources in contributing development of Africa. ThinkAfrica focuses on connecting the African Diaspora and friends of Africa with the Continent. ThinkAfrica defines the Diaspora as “anyone who has lineage or roots tied to Africa, no matter how far back”. “The African Diaspora was responsible for approximately $40 Billion in formal remittances in 2015, which is estimated to be approximately 25% of total remittances (most remittances to the continent are said to be informal). As a result, we believe the Diaspora needs to play a major role in the revival and empowerment of the continent through financial investment, ideas, business creation, and more.” ThinkAfrica hosts a series of events, trips, and content that allow people to easily connect with the African continent. We hope that all Diasporans will be encouraged to become active change makers in the African story.
THE TEAM : On this episode, we had two Think Africa board members as our guests.
Emmanuel Tunde Ogunsalu (Nigeria) : Emmanuel B. Ogunsalu is currently the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of ThinkAfrica. Emmanuel Ogunsalu is an alumnus of the University of Maryland, College Park (UMD); graduating in 2012 with a Bachelors of Science in Finance and Accounting. After graduating from UMD, he joined CohnReznick Advisory Group where he launched his career in finance, executing business valuation engagements for various multinational companies. Emmanuel specializes in valuation and consulting engagements related to start-ups, middle market companies, and public companies across various industries. He has also held analyst positions at Deutsche Bank and Emerging Capital Partners, working primarily in the United States on Africa related engagements. In addition to his full time position, he consults various small businesses on capital budgeting / forecasting, capital funding, operational improvement and risk management. This also includes working very closely with his family’s businesses including Queensway restaurant and its various related business ventures in the United States and Nigeria.
Kofoworola O. – Nigeria- Guest : A board director of Think Africa, he is also an A+, Network+, & Security+ certified Cyber Professional with a masters degree in Cybersecurity Management and Policy from University of Maryland. He is studying to obtain his CAP certification. He previously did a lot of work with special needs children but his passion for Cybersecurity motivated him to pursue a Cybersecurity education in order to better serve companies in the Cyber world. His goal is to grow his career in Cybersecurity and take Think Africa globally.
WATCH EPISODE 6 : Interview with Kevin Onyona
KEVIN ONYONA (Kenya) : Kevin Onyona , born in Kenya and immigrated to the U.S, is the founder of Swahili Village restaurant. A visionary and trailblazer restaurateur who is making history in many ways. His restaurant, Swahili Village is the first African fine dining establishment of its kind in Washington DC. Kevin has a true African immigrant triumphant story.
WATCH EPISODE 8: Interview with Wale Ehinmidu (Nigeria)
WALE EHINMIDU : Wale Ehinmidu is a Nigerian American who loves his roots. He is also known as MC Wallywa in his entertainment field. A multi-talented individual, he is an entrepreneur, business owner, brand ambassador, entertainer, master of ceremony and a musical artist. He has lived in the DMV area for over twenty years. As an entrepreneur, his business is in real estate. The founder of ‘All City Groups’, also known as all city flooring and granite– which is a Maryland Licensed General Contracting Business and showroom. The company handles full real estate investment , home improvement projects and sells remodelling products. As an entertainer, he founded an event series known as the Afro-xperience and he also has a newly released single, called ‘Corner’.
For sponsorship and guest inquiry for Season two 2021, please contact:
Adedayo Fashanu: adedayo.fashanu@tantvstudios.com , phone number: 202-903-7470
Follow the show on Instagram and Facebook : @africastriumph @tantvstudios
