Creative Development with IFC

Faire bouger le continent : Germaine Acogny sur la danse, la culture et l'avenir créatif de l'Afrique 01.04.2026 21min

Dans cet épisode de Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop s'entretient avec Germaine Acogny, danseuse, chorégraphe et pédagogue de renommée internationale, souvent considérée comme la mère de la danse africaine contemporaine. Pour elle, la danse est bien plus qu'un art : c'est un outil d'éducation, de communication et de transformation sociale. La conversation explore son travail pionnier à l'École des Sables, ainsi que le rôle des traditions chorégraphiques africaines dans la création d'opportunités pour les jeunes et le développement d'un tourisme culturel durable à l'échelle du continent. Moving the Continent: Germaine Acogny on Dance, Culture, and Africa's Creative Future In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with Germaine Acogny, the internationally renowned dancer, choreographer, and educator often regarded as the mother of contemporary African dance. For Acogny, dance is far more than an art form, it is a tool for education, communication, and social transformation. The conversation explores her pioneering work at École des Sables, as well as the role of African choreographic traditions in creating opportunities for young people and fostering the development of sustainable cultural tourism across the continent.

Deep Discipline: Vitomir Maričić on Freediving and Ocean Advocacy 25.02.2026 22min

In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop sits down with world champion freediver Vitomir Maričić, a man who pushes the limits of human endurance - including setting the Guinness World Record for the longest breath-hold at an astonishing 29 minutes and 3 seconds. Freediving is one of the world's most extreme sports. With no oxygen tanks and no room for error, athletes descend hundreds of feet below the ocean's surface on a single breath. Vitomir shares what it takes, physically and mentally, to survive and excel in such a high-stakes environment, and how that discipline shapes his approach to life and business. The conversation also explores Vitomir's deep commitment to ocean conservation and the urgent need for responsible action to protect marine ecosystems.

Respecting the Art: Wynton Marsalis on Jazz and Cultural Legacy 29.01.2026 26min

In conversation with IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop, Wynton Marsalis – award winning trumpeter and the Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center – reflects on how culture and education strengthen people and communities. Drawing on his journey from New Orleans to the world stage, he discusses legacy, mentorship, and global collaboration - highlighting how the arts contribute to social cohesion and economic opportunity.

Passing the Baton: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on Inspiring the Next Generation 05.12.2025 26min

In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, the most decorated 100-meter sprinter of all time, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, joins Makhtar Diop for a powerful conversation on speed, purpose, and legacy. Reflecting on an extraordinary 18-year career- from her early days on the track in Jamaica to becoming one of the greatest athletes in history - Shelly-Ann shares how discipline, faith, and community shaped her path. Now stepping into her next chapter, she discusses life beyond the track, empowering future generations through the Pocket Rocket Foundation and embracing entrepreneurship with her new haircare brand, AFIMI.

The Power of Stories: Kiran Rao on Creativity, Cinema, and Opportunity 24.09.2025 25min

In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop speaks with visionary filmmaker Kiran Rao about the evolution of Indian cinema, the rise of independent voices, and why bold, local storytelling matters. They also discuss Rao's award-winning film Laapataa Ladies - a humorous yet incisive story that shines a light on the struggle against patriarchy, and her new project Humans in the Loop, a thought-provoking film on artificial intelligence and our shared future.

Djo Da Silva : Donner une voix à Cabo Verde 28.05.2025 24min

Dans cet épisode de Creative Development avec IFC, Makhtar Diop, directeur général d'IFC, invite le producteur de musique Djo da Silva — l'homme qui a révélé la légende cap-verdienne Cesária Évora — à explorer la musique, l'émotion, l'identité, et le rôle unique du tourisme culturel à Cabo Verde. Un moment de nostalgie partagée entre deux « Boy Dakar », qui retracent ensemble leurs chemins musicaux. C'est l'histoire de rythmes venus d'Afrique, d'une fierté culturelle et d'une conviction : celle que la musique peut toucher les cœurs et changer le monde. Djo Da Silva: Giving a Voice to Cape Verde In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with music producer Djo da Silva—the man who discovered Cape Verdean legend Cesária Évora—for a powerful conversation about music, emotion, identity, and the unique role of cultural tourism in Cape Verde. It's a moment of shared nostalgia between two "Boy Dakar," reflecting on their musical journeys. A story of African rhythm, cultural pride, and a deep belief in the power of music to move the world.

Defending More Than Goals: Rüdiger's Drive to Uplift Through Sport 03.04.2025 16min

In the latest episode of Creative Development with IFC, professional footballer Antonio Rüdiger shares how his upbringing, values, and career shaped a deep commitment to leadership and social change. From combating racism to winning major championships and starting his own foundation in Sierra Leone, Rüdiger reflects on the transformative power of sports and his vision for a more equitable future.

Mithali Raj and the Rise of Women's Sports in India 18.03.2025 31min

In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Mithali Raj, one of the most celebrated cricketers in the world, and a trailblazer in women's sports shares her remarkable journey as a young classical dancer to becoming the highest run-scorer in women's cricket history. Join us as Mithali reflects on the lessons and challenges that shaped her life, and her vision for the future of women's cricket. This is an inspiring conversation you won't want to miss!

Beyond the Game: Leadership, Legacy & Change with Jason Wright 27.02.2025 24min

In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop speaks with Jason Wright, a trailblazer in the sports industry. A former running back in the U.S. National Football League (NFL), Jason made history as the first Black president of an NFL team in the league's 105-year history. Now, as Managing Partner of Project Lead at Ariel Investments, he leads a private equity fund focused on investing in women's sports. He shares his insights on how sports can drive economic growth, promote equity, and create opportunities for social inclusion. Tune in for a compelling conversation on the impact of sports in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie on Literature, Feminism and Universality 10.07.2024 24min

In the latest episode of Creative Development with IFC, host Makhtar Diop is in conversation with renowned Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Celebrated for her award-winning books and impactful talks, Chimamanda delves into gender dynamics in African societies, the influence of colonial histories on women's narratives, and the crucial work of reframing African stories. From universality to feminism, this episode explores the rich complexity of African identity and storytelling through the lens of one of the continent's leading literary voices.

Nadia Nadim: Advancing Equality through Sports, Medicine, and Education 10.06.2024 17min

In today's episode of Creative Development with IFC Makhtar Diop sits down with the incredible Nadia Nadim. Born in Afghanistan and having fled to Denmark as a refugee, Nadia's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. She has played for top-tier football teams like Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan, and the Danish national women's team; mastered nine languages; and is a doctor specializing in reconstructive surgery. As a UNESCO Champion for Girls' and Women's education, Nadia shares her insights on overcoming adversity, the power of education, and the importance of equal opportunities in sports and beyond.

Kwesi Botchway: Creating Art, Creating Community 22.05.2024 17min

In the latest episode of Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop interviews Kwesi Botchway, an inspiring young artist from Accra, Ghana. Influenced by both African and Western art traditions, Kwesi's bold and colorful portraits have earned global acclaim for their profound depiction of blackness and afro-impressionism. In a compelling discussion Makhtar and Kwesi discuss the challenges African artists face, the need for better infrastructure, policies and support, and Kwesi's efforts to mentor the next generation.

Beyond the Surface: Exploring Ocean Conservation with Craig Leeson 09.05.2024 29min

In the latest episode of Creative Development with IFC, host Makhtar Diop takes a deep dive into ocean conservation and environmental storytelling with award-winning filmmaker and global sustainability ambassador, Craig Leeson. Craig shares his journey from exploring the beaches of Tasmania to producing impactful documentaries like 'A Plastic Ocean' and 'The Last Glaciers.' In a conversation that spans film, finance, and the path toward a sustainable future, Makhtar and Craig highlight the urgent need for collective action to protect our planet's precious ecosystems.

Voyage autour des cordes : l'univers musical d'Ablaye Cissoko 24.04.2024 23min

Dans cet épisode, Makhtar Diop s'entretient avec le célèbre joueur de kora, Ablaye Cissoko. Ils explorent les richesses de la tradition mandingue qu'Ablaye mêle à la musique contemporaine et la transmission du savoir qui s'étend sur des années d'apprentissage dédiées à la maîtrise de la kora. Découvrez le parcours unique de ce virtuose de la musique qui l'a mené à jouer aux quatre coins du globe, ses initiatives visionnaires telles que le festival « Au tour des cordes » et l'échange culturel qu'il promeut. A Voyage Through Strings: The Musical Universe of Ablaye Cissoko In this episode, Makhtar Diop talks to renowned kora player Ablaye Cissoko. Together, they explore the rich tapestry of the Mandingue tradition that Ablaye seamlessly weaves into contemporary music, and the longstanding practice of kora apprenticeship, where knowledge is passed down over years of dedicated practice. Discover the unique journey of this musical virtuoso, which has seen him traverse the globe as he shares his craft through visionary initiatives to foster cultural exchange - including the "Au Tour Des Cordes" festival, among others.

In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop revisits the heyday of the late 70's fusion and electro-pop era with trailblazing keyboardist and synth pioneer Wally Badarou. Wally shares his unique journey from a family of Beninese doctors to his prolific work as a session musician and composer with English groups like Level 42, Mick Jagger, Grace Jones, and many others. Reflecting on his upbringing in both Africa and France, Wally discusses his deep-rooted passion for music and technology, along with his ongoing advocacy for the rights of music composers in an era of digital production.

Alexandra Cousteau: Charting a Course for Ocean Restoration 15.03.2024 24min

Join Makhtar Diop and prominent ocean advocate Alexandra Cousteau in a captivating conversation that is both a reckoning with the damage done to our oceans, and a solutions-driven call to action around how we can save them. The granddaughter of legendary oceanographer and explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, Alexandra shares how she is continuing the family legacy with a focus on rebuilding and restoring ocean abundance through innovative strategies and solutions.

Voice for Change: Barbara Hendricks' Lifelong Commitment to Music and Human rights 04.03.2024 29min

"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

Inna Modja: The Artist and the Activist 17.10.2023 24min

In this episode, Makhtar Diop is joined by multi-talented artist and activist Inna Modja for a captivating discussion on music, advocacy, and the role of creativity in shaping a better world. Inna shares her dedication to raising awareness about gender-based violence and female genital mutilation. They also delve into the transformative power of art, technology, and storytelling in addressing climate change, and how the creative industry can reshape its model to make a positive impact on society.

Anand Mahindra on Culture, Commerce and Community 26.09.2023 27min

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.

Jonathan Butler and the Journey from Poverty to Prosperity 08.08.2023 32min

Makhtar Diop engages in a captivating conversation with legendary South African guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Jonathan Butler. Following the release of his 28th 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.