Is this the last one?...

It's the day after …..Monday, 

and the echoes of the long weekend linger in the air, vibrant with memories of laughter and camaraderie. 

We spent our time amidst flowing juices and an abundance of joy, celebrating not only the moments shared but also the friendships both new and old that were rekindled. 

The festival brought us together.. African Americans and all likes, transforming strangers into familiar faces, while the presence of our longtime friends reminded us of the foundations that brought us to this celebration.

As I reflect on what lies ahead after this gathering, a question arises: How do we sustain the energy and excitement that filled our hearts? 

The inevitable return to my daily routine—a regular 9:00 to 5:00 job—looms on the horizon, ready to reclaim its place in my life. I can’t help but wonder what will happen to the delightful memories we created over the weekend, those bright moments that seem to fade as the normalcy of life resumes. 

This is a question I find myself grappling with each time I leave conferences and gatherings, but this particular one, the 7th & final Afros and Audio Festival, holds a poignant significance as it marks our last opportunity to unite in this way.

My take: I urge everyone to reach out to those you met over this weekend, to nurture the connections that were sparked. If history is any guide, after a week, the excitement will dissolve back into the routine of everyday life, and the conversations we had may fade into mere recollections rather than actionable goals that we can manifest.

We owe it to ourselves to carve out some time and space to acknowledge the bittersweet nature of this last gathering—while also looking forward to new opportunities that may arise from our experiences here. Even if you are a first-time participant without a frame of reference from previous events, this is a chance to envision a path forward within the podcasting world.

Afros and Audio Festival may serve as your launching pad, your benchmark. For those who have been through the evolution of our community—from the early days of virtual meetups to now gathering in vibrant public spaces—there’s a wealth of experiences to draw from, insights that will empower you on your podcasting journey.

To those who have honed their craft and boldly stepped into the spotlight to create a rich and welcoming ecosystem for listeners, now is truly your moment to shine. Your efforts have drawn audiences to our platform, and it’s time to celebrate the amazing work that you’ve accomplished.

Let’s all hold onto that promise and look forward to future gatherings, where we can continue to connect, collaborate, and create.

Personally, I have had my share of unforgettable moments. As I shared during my closing remarks at the State of the Podcast speech, I long for my fellow podcasters to visit me in my own backyard—Africa. As much as I cherished immersing myself in the narratives shared by African American voices, I would be thrilled to showcase the richness of African voices, teeming with thoughts and innovative ideas that could harmonize beautifully together. 

I’ll leave this invitation open, as I firmly believe this is not a Kwaheri “farewell”. Reflecting on the customs of many cultures, we know that true goodbyes are rare; instead, we often say, "Until we meet again."

Disclaimer: I like to think of myself as both smart and a bit lazy! With the help of AI tools, creating my posts has become much easier and more enjoyable. That said, I’ve still done my research and shared my thoughts in my own way. Technology has made it simple to present my ideas clearly, helping you to easily read and understand them without any tricky jargon or expressions.

Sambaza, a Kenyan immigrant, is deeply passionate about podcasting and public speaking. As he delves into the art of podcasting and explores its many facets, he draws on his experiences as a diasporan and Pan-Africanist to create unique content. His dedication has earned him three nominations for Diasporan Podcaster of the Year among others. Additionally, Sambaza actively collaborates with other podcasters and collectives, continuously enhancing his skills as a creator.