THE LATITUDES PODCAST FEATURING UGOMA EBILAH
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Powered by: iTOO Artinsure
Supported by: BASA
Co-curated by: Art School Africa
Hosted by: Refiloe Mpakanyane
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Travel physically, travel spiritually, dream and try to achieve those dreams. To not dream is to die. - Ugoma Ebilah
Chapter 2 of the Latitudes Podcast, which looks at connecting the stories from the continent, takes us to Lagos in this week's episode.
Refiloe Mpakanyane is joined by Lagos based art curator, gallerist and cultural convener Ugoma Ebilah, where Ugoma talks us through the skills that have enabled her to stay at the forefront of shaping contemporary discourses in African art. Whether it was through representing artists and changing the artist-gallerist dynamic; founding BLOOM Art (a gallery and salon that has been instrumental in instigating dynamic curatorial interventions and programming that has attracted a new generation of art collectors and enthusiasts) or serving on the board of trustees for G.A.S Foundation: Ugoma is a cultural producer with a deep held belief in art’s potential to be a catalyst for structural renewal, ideological innovation and societal transformation.
Highlights Include:
- How Ugoma’s corporate finance skills have bolstered her creative arts and cultural work.
- Brokering her first sale by selling a Lemi Ghariokwu piece. He is also famously known creating iconic record covers for Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti.How to speak the language of the collector.
- Joining the Guest Artist Space Foundation’s board of trustees.
- Growing the continent’s pool of art collectors before the pool of artists outstrips them and looks to other territories for survival.
Referenced exhibitions & institutions:
- Guest Artists Space (G.A.S.) Foundation a non-profit organisation established by Yinka Shonibare
- “A Tapestry of Contradictions and Convergence at the 2024 Lagos Biennial”, Artthrob feature by Sinazo Chiya (March 2024)
- The Art Basel and UBS Art Market Report 2025
Chapter 2 (connecting the stories from the continent) spans episodes 4-6 of Season 2 of the Latitudes Podcast, and is a regionally focused exploration of the intersections between local art scenes across the continent. Featuring insights from curators, art advisors, museum directors, and gallerists; this chapter examines curatorial themes, market positioning, and unique regional dynamics.
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I know for sure that no one ever died from trying to be better and do better. - Ugoma Ebilah
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If we are, if we're listening to the laws of nature, laws of humanity, the laws of communality, which are all embedded in the laws of art and aesthetics, we won't allow the ugly, we won't allow the dangerous, we'll not allow the problematic, because it's problematic for everybody. - Ugoma Ebilah
About the Latitudes Podcast
Hosted by dynamic broadcast journalist and penchant for the arts Refiloe Mpakanyane, The Latitudes Podcast, which is the only podcast dedicated to contemporary African art, is an immersive and engaging platform that builds a new layer of access to the contemporary visual arts from Africa.
Season two of the Latitudes Podcast offers a dynamic, in-depth exploration of the ‘art world’ in Africa through twelve curated episodes, structured across four interconnected themes. From artists and facilitators to curators, critics, and collectors, the series unpacks the industry’s inner workings, shedding light on creative journeys, market dynamics, art criticism, and the evolving role of patrons. This podcast serves as both a resource and a platform for critical discourse, bridging regional perspectives and shaping the future art from Africa and diaspora.
About Refiloe Mpakanyane
Refiloe Mpakanyane is a broadcast journalist, with a penchant for the arts. Known for her love and support of local African literature, art and artists, Mpakanyane has an Honours Degree from the Wits School of Journalism and majored in International Relations, Media Studies and English Literature for her undergrad. Her firm grounding in the critical, analytical and creative thinking of the humanities discipline has underpinned her passion for broadcasting, leading her to delve into working not only behind the scenes in radio and television production, but in front of the camera and hosting her own radio shows as well.
About Latitudes Online
Latitudes Online is the world's leading online marketplace for art from Africa. Discover and buy artworks from over 3,000 artists and enjoy editorial from leading voices on the continent. When you buy from Latitudes Online you have peace of mind that your artwork will be safely delivered to you in perfect condition. Click here to start your collecting journey.
About iTOO Artinsure
iTOO is a collective of industry leading experts across a range of special risk insurance offerings. Art and collectables are a fast growing asset class around the world. Representing years of value that could diminish in a matter of seconds, it’s critical to take the time to insure with an expert who understands the length and breadth of the industry. Damage, an increasing rise in cultural crime and forgery can translate to serious loss in terms of your appreciating works and collectables.
About Art School Africa
This year, Latitudes has joined forces with Art School Africa to co-curate this latest season of the podcast. A registered non-profit, Art School Africa supports artists across the continent. While Africa has a deep and complex artistic history, many artists still struggle to access global markets - Art School Africa works to bridge this gap by providing resources, mentorship, and career opportunities.
About Business and Arts South Africa (BASA)
BASA was founded in 1997 as a joint initiative between government and the private sector, as part of a strategy to secure greater involvement in the arts from businesses operating in South Africa. Established as a Section 21 company, BASA is constituted in terms of the Companies Act, and is registered as a public benefit organisation. Its delisting as a Schedule 3 entity has seen Business and Arts South Africa NPC register for VAT. BASA is accountable to its stakeholders – the government, BASA members and the creative sector.
20 Aug 2025
