Bamako Airlines (Austin-based Afrocentric band)

is composed of nine veteran musicians who love the polyrhythmic, electric nature of 1970s’ era Afropop.  Hints of jazz, Latin, rock, and Indian classical music permeate throughout their music. Exploring genres with roots 5,000 miles away, Bamako Airlines keeps Austin dancing!

ISSA NYAPHAGA – Film Co-Producer / Artist 

Issa Nyaphaga grew up in Nditam, Cameroon. His remote village, Nditam has no access to running water, electricity or medicine. His work as a political cartoonist was published weekly in several national newspapers in Cameroon before he was repeatedly censored and jailed. One of the newspapers, “Le Messager Popoli” (“The Messenger of the People”) published the top news stories in the form of cartoons and comics for the very large illiterate population living in urban areas. In 1996 independent publication reached about 5 million readers and was banned by the Cameroonian regime. He struggled with censorship laws and issues, which forced him (and many other journalists) into exile in France, where he co-founded African Journalists in Exile (JAFE).  Issa has since raised funds with his art and brought a myriad of development projects back to his village in partnership with a number organizations such as Amnesty International, Rotary International, Human Rights watch, and has shown his work, taught and performed at galleries and events all over the world. He has spoken at TEDx, United Nations Human Rights Commission, and many more, most recently being honored as a tribal leader in his village and recognized by the State of New Mexico where he spends part of his time. 

EVENT PANELIST BIOS

SOPHIE ROUSMANIERE –  Producer/Director/Camera

Sophie Rousmaniere is an award winning film maker who has worked as a filmmaker and freelance journalist in the US, and in 15 other countries reporting on culture, human rights and activism with creating creative media. Sophie’s work is largely social issue based, having worked on topics from child prostitution in Thailand to theater for change in Pakistan. She is the Executive Director of Issue Television and CEO of Ironthorn Media, a boutique small business marketing company in Austin, TX. She is a central Texas real estate investor, and co-produces promotes music and events. She also works as a media consultant, camera operator, editor and musician.

JAY MINTON – Co-Producer, Marketing, Sound Supervisor

Jay Minton is the Co-founder of Issue TV and Ironthorn Media. This dynamic husband and wife team have built both entities in partnership since 2008. He has been the creative head of all things audio for both Issue TV and Ironthorn Media’s productions. He is a talented composer and musician, playing a wide variety of instruments to create the emotional lubricant that only really good sound can do. Jay is our social media maven, running up to 18 social media pages at a time through the help of our team of interns and volunteers. Jay promotes a variety of bands, films, causes and music events each year in some capacity and books and promotes music and film tours.  He is a mentor and consultant to other film makers and musicians on social media practices, and event promotion. 

JIM ELLINGER – Community Radio Specialist for Radio Taboo 

Jim Ellinger of Austin Airwaves is a longtime ‘radio activist’. Jim has traveled to over 20 countries including Borneo, Tunisia, and Mozambique installing community and public safety stations.  During Hurricane Katrina, he established a public safety station for families sheltering in the Astrodome and did the same in Wimberley after the 2015 flooding. Subsequently, Austin Airwaves traveled to Haiti and helped the first radio stations get back on air to provide community information amidst the earthquake devastation.  At the bidding of artist Issa Nyaphaga, Jim recently traveled to Cameroon where he led the installation of solar powered Radio Taboo — the first news service of any kind within hundred kilometers. On October 26th, 2017, Jim returned to Texas to successfully build KTIM 89.1 FM a community radio station serving LaGrange, Texas. He is also the founder of Austin’s KOOP Radio, and recent recipient of The ART FM Radio Pioneer Award which recognizes individuals who transcend traditional uses of radio to discover new possibilities in broadcasting. 

LAURA RICE – Producer and Reporter at Austin’s KUT Radio  

Laura first joined the KUT team in April 2012. She now works for the statewide program Texas Standard as a reporter and producer. Laura came to KUT from the world of television news. She has worn many different hats as an anchor, reporter and producer at TV stations in Austin, Amarillo and Toledo, OH. She travelled to Ghana during her Studies at University of Missouri-Columbia to study Community Radio for Development in Africa. Both Laura and Jim have both been speakers at Issue TV’s Austin Radio Taboo Fundraising events in the past.