Voice for Change: Barbara Hendricks' Lifelong Commitment to Music and Human rights

“Creative Development with IFC” marks International Women's Day with the legendary Barbara Hendricks. Join host Makhtar Diop as he explores Barbara’s journey from the segregated southern USA to the world’s most prestigious opera stages. Beyond the notes, Barbara unveils her passionate work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador and the profound influence of human rights on her life's mission. A voice for the voiceless, Barbara shares lessons in embracing humanitarian action and the importance of women's inclusion in decision-making amid today's complex challenges. 

Clarification at 20:25: #IBelong is a UNHCR campaign that aims to end statelessness by identifying and protecting stateless people, resolving existing situations of statelessness and preventing the emergence of new cases. Learn more at https://www.unhcr.org/ibelong

IFC's Makhtar Diop engages in an enlightening conversation with Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group. They explore the intersection of business, culture and community, spotlighting Mahindra's popular artistic initiatives like the Mahindra Blues Festival and the Mahindra Excellence in Theater Awards. Additionally, they delve into IFC’s partnership with the Mahindra Group to promote green transportation in India with electric three wheelers, emphasizing its positive impact on women's empowerment and sustainability. 

Makhtar Diop engages in a captivating conversation with legendary South African guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Jonathan Butler. Following the release of his 28^th album Ubuntu, Butler reflects on his five-decade journey from poverty to international stardom, discovering his unique voice, and the role of musicians in shaping societal change and promoting a universal message of hope and unity.

Dans cet épisode, Makhtar Diop reçoit Mohamed Moustafa, mieux connu sous le nom de Mamane. L’humoriste et entrepreneur créatif partage sa passion pour l'Afrique, ses défis et son avenir plein d’espoir. Il évoque le pouvoir de l’art comme catalyseur de changement et de sensibilisation des populations aux problématiques actuelles tel que le changement climatique, et son engagement pour la formation des jeunes.   

Mohamed “Mamane” Moustafa: Comedy as a Catalyst for Change  

In this episode, IFC’s Makhtar Diop sits down with Mohamed Moustafa better known as “Mamane”. The much-loved comedian and creative entrepreneur shares his passion for Africa, its challenges and its promising future. In addition to his commitment to training youth, Mamane also talks about the power of art as a catalyst for change and for raising awareness of issues such as climate change. 

On the occasion of World Environment Day, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Lewis Pugh, a renowned endurance swimmer and UNEP Patron of the Oceans. From plastic pollution to endangered penguins and disappearing coral reefs, Lewis recounts the daring swims that exposed him to the devastation that lurks beneath the serene surface of our seas. Throughout their discussion, a resounding message echoes: global unity and immediate action are needed to safeguard our seas and preserve the delicate balance of our planet.  

In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, award-winning bassist and author Victor Wooten discusses the link between nature and music, the art of leadership, and the lessons we should heed as technology and artificial intelligence transform many facets of our lives including how we create and engage with music.  

This special episode of Creative Development with IFC brings together Makhtar Diop and legendary American bassist Marcus Miller. Against the backdrop of Black History Month the two discuss Miller’s journey with Miles Davis, the power of music and the song that inspired UNESCO to elect Miller spokesperson of the Slave Route Project.

In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop is in conversation with South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini - the first African artist to be signed by the iconic jazz record label Blue Note. From Coltrane to African cosmology, the two engage in a thought provoking conversation driven by their mutual appreciation for music, history and culture.