Proof of Life

Hosted by JD Creations

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Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Proof of Life, formerly known as The C.Cast, is a human-centred media platform exploring creativity, culture, process and meaning. Through long-form conversations, visual storytelling, creative breakdowns and cultural moments, Proof of Life documents the people, ideas and work that make culture feel alive. Built from Africa with a global outlook, the platform follows artists, thinkers, builders and creatives as they navigate identity, opportunity, technology, community and the work of becoming. This is not only about what people create. It is about who they become in the process.

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57 recent

September 4, 202656 min

Alex Biaya on Choosing Music, Surviving Rejection & Becoming His Full Self

What happens when the different versions of yourself finally start becoming one?In this episode of Proof of Life, Alex Biaya opens up about navigating life between corporate finance and music, and the journey of allowing both sides of his identity to exist without shrinking either one.Alex reflects on the fear that can come with publicly expressing yourself, especially when your professional reputation, social media presence and creative ambitions all occupy the same space. His approach has become increasingly simple: keep moving, stay focused on the long-term vision and develop enough resilience to continue through rejection.That mindset has carried him through early mornings, full working days, studio sessions and moments where people he respected advised him to leave music behind. Shortly after receiving some of that advice, Alex went on to sell out his first live show and secure a global distribution deal.The conversation also explores his approach to finding opportunity in unexpected spaces. Alex shares why performing Afro-R&B in environments where his sound feels unfamiliar has helped him stand out, and how going where you are less expected can create room for genuine discovery.Later, Alex takes us inside the music itself, unpacking unreleased records and the growing influence of his Congolese heritage. Through Lingala, Congo Rumba-inspired percussion and contemporary R&B, he is finding ways to make the music feel increasingly connected to who he is.This is a conversation about identity, consistency, rejection, self-expression, heritage and having the stamina to keep building when the vision still feels far away.#ProofOfLife #AlexBiaya #AfricanMusic #CreativeJourney #CongoleseMusic

September 4, 202610 min

The Girls Are Alright: Abongile Matintela on Women, Art & Building Creative Community | Part 2

What does it take to create spaces where women artists can be seen, supported and given room to grow?In Part 2 of The Girls Are Alright, Proof of Life sits down with Abongile Matintela for a conversation about curation, visibility, community and the responsibility that comes with creating opportunities for artists.Abongile reflects on the purpose behind the exhibition and the importance of giving emerging artists, including first-time exhibitors, a platform that can help move their careers forward. She also speaks about the relationship between art and politics, and the way creative work can hold personal, social and political expression at the same time.The conversation explores the challenges of curating from a deep pool of talent, the role intuition plays in choosing work, and the importance of building trust with artists through consistency, honesty and understanding.The episode also looks at the wider creative community around the exhibition, bringing together visual artists, designers, musicians and photographers while creating opportunities for people to connect beyond their individual disciplines.At the heart of The Girls Are Alright is a celebration of women supporting women, creating their own spaces and continuing to build within industries where visibility and opportunity still matter deeply.The evening closes by bringing that same spirit into the room through Proof of Life’s Connection Cards, encouraging attendees to meet intentionally, build new relationships and allow the experience to continue beyond the exhibition itself.#ProofOfLife #TheGirlsAreAlright #AbongileMatintela #WomenInArt #CreativeCommunity

August 24, 202616 min

The Girls Are Alright: Naledi Modupi on Women Creating Their Own Spaces | Part 1

What happens when women stop waiting for the spaces they deserve and begin creating them for themselves?In Part 1 of The Girls Are Alright, Proof of Life sits down with Naledi Modupi for a conversation about art, womanhood, creative agency and the thinking behind an exhibition built to celebrate the many dimensions a woman can hold.Naledi reflects on why she and her collaborators felt compelled to create the platform themselves, how art can become a way of reclaiming power, and why women shaping their own spaces matters across the creative industry.The conversation also explores the meaning behind The Girls Are Alright: a statement that holds both the realities women continue to face and the strength, creativity and determination visible in the ways they continue to build, create and move forward.Recorded as part of the Artistry x Proof of Life x Oovookoo collaboration, this episode explores what becomes possible when women have the space to tell their own stories and define how they want to be seen.Subscribe to Proof of Life for more conversations exploring creativity, culture, process, community and the people bringing meaningful work to life.#ProofOfLife #TheGirlsAreAlright #NalediModupi #WomenInArt #AfricanCreatives

August 20, 202653 min

The Truth About DJing in 2026 | John Lyra on AI, Clout and Real Craft

In this episode of Proof of Life, Josh sits down with John Lyra for a live conversation about DJ culture, community, technology and the human craft behind music.John reflects on nearly 15 years behind the decks, his role in music curation and bookings, and the work he is doing through his DJ academy to help the next generation build confidence, professionalism and longevity. The conversation moves through the changing role of AI, the lowered barrier to entry in creative work, the difference between content and craft, and why song selection, preparation and real love for music still matter.This episode also explores the less glamorous side of DJing, from long late-night sets to difficult crowds, and the importance of genuine relationships in building a creative career. At its heart, this is a conversation about music as a bridge, creativity as a discipline, and the balance between using new tools while protecting the soul of the work.#ProofOfLife #JohnLyra #DJCulture #MusicIndustry #DJAcademy

June 19, 20261 hr 14 min

Vumaala on Gospel House, Faith & the Community Behind the Music | Proof of Life

Vumaala’s music carries the feeling of a gift being returned through rhythm, faith, and community.In this episode of Proof of Life, we sit down with Vumaala, the South African-born, LA-based producer, multi-instrumentalist, and artist whose sound brings together South African dance music, gospel, cinematic feeling, and house music. His journey moves through identity, faith, creative pressure, and the courage to release work that still carries the truth of where it came from.The conversation opens up the human story behind the music: the season in LA that forced him to separate his worth from his output, the spiritual awakening that reshaped how he sees creativity, and the community-led process that brought the MZA choir together. Through Vumaala’s story, music becomes more than a finished product. It becomes a timestamp, a gathering place, and a way of returning the gift.As Proof of Life enters its next chapter, this episode reflects the platform’s new direction: archiving the stories, cultural experiences, and creative processes that keep us human in an increasingly automated world.Watch the full conversation and step into the life behind the sound.#ProofOfLife #Vumaala #GospelHouse #HouseMusic #AfroHouse #SouthAfricanMusic #CreativeProcess #FaithAndCreativity #MusicProducer

February 26, 20261 hr 8 min

Branding for Africa Dr Mzamo Masito on Culture Language and Access

Dr Mzamo Masito, Canva Africa Lead and former Google Sub Saharan Africa CMO, shares a sharp perspective on prejudice, the cost of ignorance, and what shifts when people get real access to tools, skills, and platforms. Real talk on building brands, telling better stories, and why creativity can open doors for African creators and SMEs when it’s paired with strategy and consistency. Follow C.Cast on Spotify, leave a rating, and share this with someone who’s building. #DrMzamoMasito #CanvaAfrica #BrandStrategy #AfricanCreatives #CreatorEconomy

December 5, 20251 hr 20 min

Why African Creatives Struggle in the Film Industry - C.Cast with Abo Booi

A year after his second appearance, Abo Booi returns to the C.Cast for Part 3 , continuing one of our most meaningful conversations about the reality of working as a filmmaker and creative in South Africa. Abo shares the emotional, financial and practical challenges of building a career in a difficult creative economy, speaking about resilience, critical mass, social capital, and the tension between talent and opportunity. We explore what it takes to grow in the South African film industry, how to think about ownership and storytelling, and why African creatives need stronger ecosystems to thrive. He also gives insight into his new Afrofuturist sci-fi short film and the process of developing it into a full feature, breaking down how low budget filmmaking, consistency and strategic relationships shape long-term growth. If you are a filmmaker, creator or entrepreneur navigating the African creative landscape, this episode will feel like a mirror.

November 21, 20251 hr 1 min

How Content Creation Became a Real Career in Africa - C.Cast with Doqter Cabbage

South African digital creator Doqter Cabbage (Mqhelomhle Moyo) sits down with us to talk about clean comedy, African storytelling and the creative discipline behind his viral skits. From GTA South Africa to How to Train a South African Dog , he breaks down how he writes, shoots and edits his ideas, how brand deals fit into the bigger picture and why creators need to protect themselves from platform dependency. He also reflects on early lessons from his sister, the lack of knowledge he had when starting out and how those moments shaped the creator he is today. A thoughtful, funny and practical conversation for anyone building a creative career in Africa.

November 6, 20251 hr 4 min

What Google Thinks About Africa’s Digital Future - C.Cast with Kabelo Makwane

Tech should empower, not intimidate. Google South Africa’s Country Director, Kabelo Makwane, breaks down what real digital inclusion looks like, how AI readiness starts with understanding, and why human-first tech leadership is Africa’s opportunity to shine.If you're building something, learning something, or just trying to keep up, this one's worth your time.

October 23, 20251 hr 1 min

How Small Businesses Can Thrive in the Age of AI - C.Cast with Emmaneul Omokhegbe

Emmanuel Omokhegbe believes the real shift in work isn’t about quitting your job. You need to change your mindset. As founder of Swiftbooked , he’s helping South African entrepreneurs automate bookings and reclaim their time. This conversation explores the rise of AI, small-business innovation, and why thinking like a co-founder might be the future of work. You don't want to miss it!