Who Controls Stories - Jinna Mutune & Mkamzee Mwatela

What if culture is one of Africa’s most powerful geopolitical tools? In this episode of Panel 54, Waweru Njoroge sits down with Jinna Mutune and Mkamzee Mwatela to explore storytelling, film, performance, and the growing global influence of African creative industries.

The discussion explores how film, television, and performance can become forms of soft power, and why Africa’s creative economy matters not just culturally, but strategically. It also highlights how international collaboration, including engagement with Western creative and media systems, can expand African influence while preserving narrative ownership.

Beyond entertainment, this episode is about identity, memory, influence, and who gets to define Africa’s story in the modern world.

At its core, this is a conversation about power through culture. Why storytelling matters, why representation matters, and why Africa’s creative future will shape more than just entertainment.

A sharp, grounded discussion on culture, influence, and Africa’s place in the global narrative.

Lagos to Lamu. Cape Town to Cairo. This is Panel 54 a global perspective through an African lens.

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🎙 Recorded in Africa 🎧 Produced by Commex Africa and E & C Talent