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VANAMAI

VANAMAI

By VANAMAI

We've all heard the African proverb "It takes a village to raise a child." But what happens when you're thousands of kilometres away from your mothers, sisters, aunties and grandmothers? You simply join our podcast village!

We are VANAMAI, African mothers in Australia, exploring what the role of MAI (mother) means to us. Listen as we discuss relationships, business and careers, health, creativity, faith and of course, VANA (children). We want to love and support you through the joyous ups and #nofilter downs of motherhood. Welcome...we're here for you.
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Currently playing episode

How do you talk to your child about their identity?

VANAMAIMay 04, 2020

00:00
29:46
Mother's Day Podcast with Malaika's Tshedi Mholo

Mother's Day Podcast with Malaika's Tshedi Mholo

Our special guest for our Mother’s Day episode is singer Tshedi Mholo, from the award-winning South African group Malaika. We’ve gotten down to their music at countless African engagement parties, weddings and baby showers in Australia. It seems only fitting to ask Tshedi about her experience of motherhood and relationships. Watch the full interview on Youtube at https://youtu.be/yDgldjcLDDc or on our IGTV channel at https://www.instagram.com/vanamai.village/. Tshedi's songs are also on all music streaming platforms and you can follow her daily adventures at https://www.instagram.com/tshedimholo.

We'd also like to thank our friend DJ Chris NG for curating our Mother’s Day Afro house playlist. VANAMAI Vibes Vol 1 is out now, featuring our fave female African musicians, including Tshedi. We hope you have a wonderful day full of laughter, love and dancing!

May 07, 202001:21:36
How do you talk to your child about their identity?

How do you talk to your child about their identity?

Lucie Cutting, co-founder of The Pin, is on the show sharing memories from her childhood growing up with a Nigerian mother and an Anglo father. She also reveals what inspired her blog post ‘Black and pregnant in the Australian health system’, and how she’d like to discuss identity with her young son. The Pin is a discussion platform centred around representing multinational and multicultural people in a diverse range of conversations about race, identity, and culture within the Australian narrative. If you’d like to pitch them a story or be part of their conversations, contact Lucie and Nkechi at hello(at)thepin.org or via Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thepin__/. Song feature: Ugali by The Tony Benson Sextet

May 04, 202029:46
See you in Season 2!

See you in Season 2!

Wow — we did it! One season of sharing stories, laughing, almost-crying, learning, listening and growing friendship with YOU, our listeners and guests. Thanks for your incredible support and we can't wait to share more magic with you in Season 2! Love from Rita and Taku. P.s. If any episodes resonate with you, share them with a friend or two and continue the conversation!

Apr 22, 202001:44
How do you feel about sex, celibacy and dating?

How do you feel about sex, celibacy and dating?

No spoilers — Taku, Jacqui and Primrose discuss it all in this episode. Taku’s aunty in Zimbabwe also leaves an epic 6-minute voicemail with her thoughts on sex in marriage. Friendly manners: this episode is not suitable for young ears — please find a good distraction for any kids around you, or don some headphones. Visit our village at https://www.instagram.com/vanamai.village/ or leave us a voicemail with your questions and comments at https://anchor.fm/vanamai/message.

Apr 21, 202054:46
How does the label of mother, wife, divorcée or aunty make you feel?

How does the label of mother, wife, divorcée or aunty make you feel?

Rita, Mai Kayla or Mwana waHenry? Mai Maya, Ms Mbudzi or Taku? We’re discussing the different labels society gives us when we become mothers, get married, get divorced or are single. We also discuss maiden names and whether to take our husbands’ names when we get married. Song feature: Ndihamba Name by Mafikizolo. Visit our village at https://www.instagram.com/vanamai.village/ or leave us a voicemail with your questions and comments at https://anchor.fm/vanamai/message.

Apr 17, 202042:07
Have you ever heard of uterine fibroids?
Apr 14, 202026:36
How does your faith influence your approach to motherhood?
Apr 10, 202001:04:30
How did you budget and save to buy your first house?
Apr 07, 202054:20
How do you charge for your time and talent in your business?

How do you charge for your time and talent in your business?

Your co-hosts Rita Nita and Taku Mbudzi discuss how they manage money in their separate businesses. Rita Nita is an award-winning dancer, choreographer and director of Èlan Dance Establishment in Perth, Western Australia; www.instagram.com/elan.dance.est/. Taku is a Melbourne-based writer, comedian and podcaster with over ten years‘ experience as an inspirational speaker. She’s currently developing a kids’ TV show and shares what she’s learning about that on her podcast ‘Two Words with Taku’; apple.co/2R5uFxp. Song feature: Ugali by The Tony Benson Sextet
Apr 03, 202059:56
How’s pregnancy without your mother by your side?

How’s pregnancy without your mother by your side?

In this episode, expectant mothers Rita Nita and Jacqui Kairu discuss what it’s like not having their mums around. Listen as they laugh through the joys and challenges of figuring pregnancy out on their own. Song feature: Motherland by Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Mar 31, 202044:39
How’re you coping with the coronavirus pandemic?
Mar 27, 202044:09
Welcome to our VANAMAI village (Trailer)

Welcome to our VANAMAI village (Trailer)

We are VANAMAI, African mothers in Australia, exploring what the role of MAI (mother) means to us. Listen as we discuss relationships, business and careers, health, creativity, faith and of course, VANA (children). We want to love and support you through the joyous ups and #nofilter downs of motherhood. Welcome...we're here for you.
Mar 25, 202000:48