Joewackle J. Kusi is a Ghanaian writer, filmmaker and podcaster. His focus is on telling stories that have soul. His work includes the feature film, Lucky and a short film called Boy Bo Dey Cry. He’s the creator and producer of Check Your DM, a podcast that brings real stories of how young African celebrities navigate life, career, dating and sex in the age of social media. His grant is funding the production of a radio and online drama that explores culture and class using Ghana’s independence year as a backdrop.

"Africa has a lot of wonderful stories, and they’re best told by Africans. African stories over the years have been told through the lens of poverty, famine, corruption, people waiting to be saved, and a sprinkle of Afrobeats in recent times," he said. 

"It is very important to counter these negative stereotypes by telling our own stories. I am passionate about shifting the narratives of Africa because, beyond all these lenses, Africans are a beautiful people with diverse culture, and shared colourful experiences."