Trailblazers: SBS's new vodcast series chronicles African-Australian migrants making their mark

Trailblazers: SBS's new vodcast series chronicles African-Australian migrants making their mark

30 August, 2024

Media releases

In celebration of International Day for People of African Descent on 31 August, SBS presents a new five-part video series showcasing the inspiring stories of African migrants as they forge unique paths in Australia.

From sharing their first impressions of Australia to offering valuable advice for future generations, SBS presents a new vodcast series that showcases the inspiring journeys of African migrants, highlighting their triumphs and challenges as they establish themselves in business, entertainment and other industries across Australia.

Trailblazers has been crafted to support the growing number of young African migrants settling in Australia who speak a range of languages alongside English, as identified by the latest Census data. The bespoke series joins SBS's slate of regular audio programs in languages spoken across Africa, including Amharic, Arabic, Dinka, French, Oromo, Portuguese, Somali, Swahili and Tigrinya.

Hosted and produced by journalist Sharon Masige, who emigrated to Australia from Uganda 20 years ago, the series explores the diverse experiences that have shaped the lives of African migrants in Australia. Masige also shares reflections on her own journey, offering valuable insights and advice to the next generation of migrants eager to build a life in Australia.

With this series, I wanted to capture both the rewarding and challenging aspects of life in Australia, sharing stories that will inspire and encourage new migrants, said Masige.

Why the title Trailblazers'? Well, forging a unique path is never easy, especially when it challenges family and community expectations. Achieving success on this journey not only paves the way for others, but also motivates the next generation of African migrants who are curious about the opportunities in Australia.

This series is important to me as there were some things I wish I had known before moving to Australia. Now, I'm honoured to share advice for others on their journey and am excited for what the next generation of African migrants will bring to Australia.

The five episodes feature talks with:

Community engagement manager Wanyika Mshila from Kenya, who built a career in the Australian arts and theatre industry;

Founder of Sydney's Little Lagos Ade Adeniyi from Nigeria, who turned his vision for his homeland cuisine into a reality in the Australian restaurant industry;

Dancer and choreographer Lucky Lartey from Ghana, who is at the forefront of intercultural dance practices in Australia;

Business entrepreneur Alies Bol from Sudan who brought the richness of African prints to Australia's activewear industry; and

Actor, writer and producer Belinda Jombwe from Uganda, who is making her mark in the Australian entertainment industry.

The series is hosted and produced by Sharon Masige, with an all African-Australian crew.

Trailblazers is available now on YouTube and SBS.com.au.

SBS's flagship settlement guide, Australia Explained, helps new migrants to settle and live well in Australia with practical information in more than 50 languages, across topics like health, housing, employment and more. To learn more about Australia Explained visit sbs.com.au/AustraliaExplained.

For a pdf copy of this media release, click here.

LINK:	https://www.sbs.com.au/aboutus/2024/08/30/trailblazers-sbss-new-vodcas...
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