In this final episode of 2024, I chat with Steffi Bandereka Nineza about her journey from Burundi to Canada, and back to Africa. Steffi shares honest insights about what diaspora Africans can learn when they return home - spoiler alert: we don't know better, we just know different!

Join the DeeSquad on Instagram

Artwork by Inarunyonga

Music by KDaGreat

Steffi's LinkedIn

I sit down with the one and only Makeda Mahadeo, who brings her Jamaican vibes to the heart of Rwanda! We dive into her journey from landing in Kigali with zero plans to making her mark in the local media space. Makeda opens up about finding her community, motherhood, and those little moments that make life there blissful. Plus, she shares how staying true to herself while going with the flow led to some amazing opportunities.

Join the DeeSquad on Instagram

Artwork by Inarunyonga

Music by KDaGreat

Makeda's LinkTree

In my last solo episode of the year, I'm revealing all my Burundian favorites! From my secret coffee spot to the best 'sambusa' in town, here's everything I love about life in Buja. Plus, I share how this country humbled me and taught me that sometimes, all you just need is a friend to buy you "ama unités" 😉

Join the DeeSquad on Instagram

Artwork by Inarunyonga

Music by KDaGreat

Moving back home isn't always what you expect. In this episode, I unpack four common misconceptions returnees have about life in Africa - from the surprise of reverse culture shock to the reality of living costs in Burundi.

Send us a DM on Instagram

Artwork by Inarunyonga

Music by KDaGreat

In this episode, I take a deep dive into the nuanced terminology around Africans who move back to the continent after living abroad. I break down the distinctions between "returnees" and "repats" and share my own experience as a "temporary returnee" in Burundi.

Send us a DM on Instagram

Artwork by Inarunyonga

Music by KDaGreat

In a world that can feel like one big, lonely desert sometimes, the motherland can be our oasis, a place where we can truly be ourselves, feel understood, and find our people. In this episode, I open up about my journey from Burundi to Cameroon and beyond, sharing how these experiences showed me that Africa isn't just a continent, it's where we come to feel whole again.

I also unpack the story behind DeeScovered Oasis and why, for so many of us out here trying to figure life out, Africa is that perfect place to catch our breath and remember who we are.

Join the DeeSquad on Instagram

Podcast cover by Inarunyonga

Music by KDaGreat

In this episode, I open up about my creative journey, my transition from a political science student to a multimedia storyteller. I also reveal what my vision for the DeeScovered Oasis podcast is, offer a sneak peek of upcoming episodes, and discuss how my experiences in Burundi influenced this platform that highlights African returnee stories.

________

Podcast cover by Inarunyonga

Music by KDaGreat

Previous work mentioned with Yaga Burundi

Covering everything from personal journeys to cultural connections, the DeeScovered Oasis podcast features Duchesse as she shares her experiences and those of others who have returned to Africa, the motherland. This is a space for all who value belonging. Welcome!