The 2020 quarantine has brought about some of the most impactful and innovative communication methods and sent social media platforms into overdrive with collective live streams such as Tory Lane’s Quarantine Radio, Swizz Beats’ Versuz challenges and many others record breaking broadcasts.
But none has been longer and more impactful than the Africa Day 2020 Live Stream hosted yesterday on Monday May 25th by rising media mogul and social entrepreneur Rashad J. Mahdi (@KingRJMahdi). The 8 hour long stream consisted of back to back interviews with some of the most influential panAfrican speakers, experts and personalities from around the world.
Top invites included The UNIA-ACL President General Cleophus Miller, Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya, Repatriate Scholar Dr Obedele Kambon, African Diaspora News Channel’s Phil Scott, Instagram Motivator SixTheGoddess, Gambian Millionaire Businessman Papa Yussupha Njie and a host of others.
Perhaps the most satisfying members of the line up were Xyayx Institute Founder, QueButter and FDMG Founder, Dr. Umar Johnson. The pair have been exchanging words and shots via social media in regards to their both developing schools for black youth but on last night’s live stream, the respect was maintained and they both shared nothing but fresh and positive jewels for the tens of thousands of viewers tuned in.
The theme of the live stream event was in partnership with the newly formed “Exodus Alliance” and the theme was ‘The Mass & Immediate Repatriation of the African Diaspora” and the online pivot was brought about after more than 1,500 guests were scheduled to attend the Africa Day 2020 event in person in Dakar Senegal. The COVID19 pandemic posed obvious challenges but the show must go on right?
“8 hour livestream. 36 speakers. No breaks. No obstructions. No conflict. Tens of thousands of viewers. Countless solutions and strategies shared.” — @KingRJMahdi
RJ Mahdi created an open floor for black entrepreneurs and successful repatriates to tell their story and share strategies to help others engage the continent. New repats like American Carmen Smith (@Donutie) share how her business selling headwraps and waistbeads financed her relocation, established business owners like Canadian Victor BuSoleil (@VicSoleil) and British Mali Morris (@MosiahsBar) shared how they’ve been able to settle in Africa and not only build but expand their businesses exponentially.
Other guests who were born in Africa like artist and model Afua Boni talked about the isolation she felt living in places like Germany and her plans to get back home to Ghana. Vice Prime Minister Keturah Amoako, chimed in with huge details about the Government of the State of the African Diaspora and how they are rolling out new citizen ID cards for African descendants.
The show went on seamlessly and without disruption & with impeccable visual quality and network connection, to many’s surprise since the host was located in Dakar Senegal. The host, RJ Mahdi was shown to have changed outfits as many as 4 times during the live stream, showing up each couple hours with new crisp embroidered dashiki and seated in a new setting.
Thousands of comments filled the live chat on Youtube and Facebook where the broadcasts was live and most were filled with joy and gratitude for such an impactful Africa Day effort. If you missed it, check it out here.
