Creative Development with IFC
IFC’s new podcast series explores how finance and economic development influence--and are influenced by--creative industries around the world. We’re trying to answer the biggest question of all: how people, working together, can create meaningful change.
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Wally Badarou on his Fusion Legacy and Copyright Advocacy
03/29/2024
Wally Badarou on his Fusion Legacy and Copyright Advocacy
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.
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Alexandra Cousteau: Charting a Course for Ocean Restoration
03/15/2024
Alexandra Cousteau: Charting a Course for Ocean Restoration
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.
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Voice for Change: Barbara Hendricks' Lifelong Commitment to Music and Human rights
03/04/2024
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
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Inna Modja: The Artist and the Activist
10/17/2023
Inna Modja: The Artist and the Activist
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.
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Anand Mahindra on Culture, Commerce and Community
09/26/2023
Anand Mahindra on Culture, Commerce and Community
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.
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Jonathan Butler and the Journey from Poverty to Prosperity
08/08/2023
Jonathan Butler and the Journey from Poverty to Prosperity
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.
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Mohamed « Mamane » Moustapha : l’humour, un catalyseur du changement
07/11/2023
Mohamed « Mamane » Moustapha : l’humour, un catalyseur du changement
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.
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Lewis Pugh: A Deep Dive into the Ocean Crisis
06/05/2023
Lewis Pugh: A Deep Dive into the Ocean Crisis
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.
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Dian Sastrowardoyo: Shaping Stories and Shattering Stereotypes in Indonesian Cinema
05/25/2023
Dian Sastrowardoyo: Shaping Stories and Shattering Stereotypes in Indonesian Cinema
In this week’s episode of Creative Development with IFC, Makthar Diop and Indonesian actress Dian Sastrowardoyo discuss the intersections of philosophy, cinema, finance, and gender equality. Dian shares her unique journey, passion for women's stories, and transition to behind-the-camera roles. The conversation highlights female mentors, challenges faced by women leaders, and the importance of Indonesia's cultural heritage, including the art of Batik.
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Victor Wooten: Taking Notes from Nature
05/11/2023
Victor Wooten: Taking Notes from Nature
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.
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Marcus Miller: A Legend of Jazz, and Artist for Peace
02/16/2023
Marcus Miller: A Legend of Jazz, and Artist for Peace
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.
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Nduduzo Makhathini: An Instrumental Healer
01/26/2023
Nduduzo Makhathini: An Instrumental Healer
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.
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Neila Tazi: L’art et la culture, les leviers du changement
01/10/2023
Neila Tazi: L’art et la culture, les leviers du changement
Dans cet épisode de Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop reçoit Neila Tazi, entrepreneure marocaine, parlementaire, fervente défenseure des arts et de la culture et fondatrice du Festival Gnaoua et Musiques du Monde. Au cours de cette discussion riche et inspirante, Neila nous parle de l’Afrique et du monde arabe, intimement liés par la musique, l’art et l’histoire, de sa passion pour les relations humaines, tissées grâce à la musique et de son engagement à servir son pays, le Maroc. In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Makhtar Diop is in conversation with Neila Tazi, a Moroccan entrepreneur, parliamentarian, champion of arts and culture, and founder of the Gnaoua World Music Festival. In an informative and inspiring discussion Neila tells us about how Africa and the Arab world are intimately linked through music, art and history; her passion for the connections forged through music, and her commitment to serving her country, Morocco.
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Dia Mirza: Celebrated Actor and Eco-Warrior
12/14/2022
Dia Mirza: Celebrated Actor and Eco-Warrior
In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Managing Director Makhtar Diop talks to celebrated Indian actor Dia Mirza. The conversation reveals Dia’s deep-seated passion for the earth as inspired by her childhood in Hyderabad; and her tireless commitment to using her voice to champion environmental causes.
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Pretty Yende: Taking the Opera World by Storm
11/29/2022
Pretty Yende: Taking the Opera World by Storm
In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with operatic soprano sensation Pretty Yende. Yende talks about her journey from a small town in South Africa to opera houses around the world, and the possibilities that arise when diverse voices are included in the global operatic mainstream.
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Edouard Mendy: Saving goals and setting new ones
11/15/2022
Edouard Mendy: Saving goals and setting new ones
In this episode of Creative Development, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with superstar footballer and AFCON Champion Edouard Mendy; goalkeeper for the Senegal national team as well as premier league club Chelsea FC. Mendy speaks about the importance of community, what football has taught him about teamwork and how that fuels his desire to support and invest in tech and youth education in Africa to build skills for the next generation. The conversation is in French with English and French transcripts available at the following .
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Vidya Balan: Changing Stereotypes in Bollywood
10/21/2022
Vidya Balan: Changing Stereotypes in Bollywood
In this episode, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop is in conversation with multi-award winning actress Vidya Balan. A powerful agent of change, Vidya has paved the way for socially conscious storytelling with women in leading roles in Bollywood cinema. Vidya and Makhtar draw attention to crucial social issues in an inspiring discussion on women’s empowerment in India and beyond.
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Alex Rendell: Learning to love (the environment)
06/16/2022
Alex Rendell: Learning to love (the environment)
In this episode, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop chats with Thai actor, singer and environmental activist Alex Rendell. Together, they discuss the importance of youth education in protecting the world's natural environments, what can be done to mitigate marine plastic pollution and how learning based solutions can be applied across the globe.
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Youssou N’Dour: Musique sans Frontières
06/02/2022
Youssou N’Dour: Musique sans Frontières
In this episode of Creative Development with IFC, host Makhtar Diop talks to renowned Senegalese musician, activist, and former Minister for tourism, Youssou N’Dour. They discuss N’Dour’s award-winning international career; the relationship between music, sports, and culture; and the infrastructure and systems needed for the creative industry in Africa to better support artists. After the introduction, the conversation is in French. English and French transcripts are available at the following . Dans cet épisode de Creative Development with IFC, le directeur général Makhtar Diop s'entretient avec le célèbre musicien sénégalais, activiste et ancien ministre du tourisme, Youssou N'Dour. Ils discutent de la carrière internationale primée de N'Dour ; la relation entre la musique, le sport et la culture ; et l'infrastructure et les systèmes nécessaires à l'industrie créative en Afrique pour mieux soutenir les artistes. Après l'introduction, la conversation est en français. Les transcriptions en anglais et en français sont disponibles au .
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Idris Elba: Food for Thought
05/19/2022
Idris Elba: Food for Thought
In this episode of Creative Development, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with Idris Elba–actor, producer, humanitarian and UN Goodwill Ambassador for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Together, they discuss the importance of agricultural investment in Africa and the plight of smallholder farmers. This wide-ranging discussion about social justice enterprises and causes includes first-hand perspectives on the potential of the creative industry.
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eL Seed: Changing Perceptions through Art
02/10/2022
eL Seed: Changing Perceptions through Art
In the fifth episode of Creative Development with IFC, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop talks to French-Tunisian artist eL Seed about his unique public art pieces in “calligraffiti”--a blend of Arabic calligraphy and graffiti. They also discuss the artist’s recent exhibit at the Women’s Pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai, where eL Seed was the only male artist to participate in the exhibit, and why it’s so important for men to get behind the cause of gender equality. Related links:
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Sauti Sol: Amping up Africa’s Music Scene
01/27/2022
Sauti Sol: Amping up Africa’s Music Scene
IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with Sauti Sol, one of Kenya’s most well-known afro-pop groups, to discuss the evolution of music education and copyrights in Africa, music as storytelling, and how artists can document and share the complexity of their sounds with the world.
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Selly Raby Kane: Designing the Future
01/13/2022
Selly Raby Kane: Designing the Future
In the latest episode of Creative Development with IFC, Managing Director Makhtar Diop talks with Senegalese fashion designer Selly Raby Kane about how artists can help design the future. They also discuss how Kane’s international experience and exposure to diverse forms of art inform her work today, and how artists can create ecosystems to support other artists.
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Baaba Maal: A Voice for Change
12/21/2021
Baaba Maal: A Voice for Change
IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop talks with world-renowned Senegalese musician Baaba Maal about how music can help raise awareness of a changing climate, give voice to the issues that matter to people, and bring people together to make change happen. He also discusses his efforts to combat desertification in the Sahel and to raise awareness for gender equality.
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Don Cheadle: How Art Inspires Change
11/30/2021
Don Cheadle: How Art Inspires Change
IFC's new podcast series explores how finance and economic development influence--and are influenced by--creative industries around the world. In our inaugural episode, IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop sits down with filmmaker, actor, and climate justice activist Don Cheadle to talk about how art and storytelling can raise awareness of a changing climate and inspire people to live their lives differently.
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