Neo-soul pioneer Goapele joins the One54 Africa Podcast for a powerful conversation on identity, legacy, and building a career on her own terms.

Born to a South African father who fled apartheid and a German-Jewish mother, Goapele reflects on growing up in Oakland, navigating race and belonging, and uncovering the untold stories of her family’s past.

She opens up about the silence surrounding apartheid trauma, the complexity of mixed identity, and how culture, language, and history shape who we become.

Goapele also breaks down her journey as an independent artist — owning her masters, building her fanbase from the ground up, and creating timeless music like “Closer.”

From the Bay Area to South Africa, this episode explores music, activism, and the power of staying true to yourself.

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World-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson joins One54 for a powerful conversation on identity, resilience, and building a global legacy through food.

Born in Ethiopia and adopted into a Swedish family, Marcus shares his journey from surviving childhood illness and loss to growing up in Sweden and navigating racism at a young age. He opens up about reconnecting with his Ethiopian roots, meeting his biological father later in life, and the emotional weight of understanding both sides of his story.

Marcus breaks down his rise in the culinary world — from training across Europe and Japan to becoming a top chef in New York City. He reflects on betting on himself, overcoming barriers, and the moment he was told a Black chef couldn’t own a restaurant.

The episode also dives into African food culture, jollof debates, global travel, and how food connects communities across the diaspora.

From Ethiopia to Sweden to New York, this is a story of purpose, perseverance, and redefining what’s possible.

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Mr. Olympia champion Samson Dauda joins One54 for a powerful conversation about discipline, identity, and what it takes to become the best in the world.

Born in Nigeria and raised in the UK, Samson shares his journey from strict boarding school life to discovering rugby, fitness, and ultimately bodybuilding. He opens up about the discipline ingrained in Nigerian culture, the culture shock of moving to the UK, and how those early experiences shaped his mindset and work ethic.

Samson breaks down his rise in bodybuilding, the grind behind becoming the first Nigerian-born athlete to win Mr. Olympia, and what it felt like to finally reach the top after years of setbacks. He also dives into the science of bodybuilding — from training and nutrition to stage presence and competition strategy.

From Lagos to the global stage, this episode explores resilience, sacrifice, and the mindset required to build greatness.

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