Dr Ali Mazrui

World-renowned academic and political writer, Dr Mazrui is the Director of the Institute of Global Cultural Studies at the State University of New York at Binghampton. He has also served as President of the African Studies Association (USA) and as Vice-President of the International Political Science Association. Dr Mazrui has also served as a Special Advisor to the World Bank. Winner of numerous awards; Dr Mazrui is also ranked among the world's top 100 public intellectuals by readers of Prospect Magazine (UK) and Foreign Policy Magazine (Washington, D.C.)

Prof. Pitika Ntuli

Prof. Pitika Ntuli is a well-known academic, writer, poet and sculptor. He is currently the chairperson of the BET board of trustees.  He was the main organiser of the KwaZulu-Natal Millennium Parade and a key figure in the African Renaissance Annual Festivals in Durban. He was the previous dean of students and professor of fine arts at the University of Durban- Westville as well as the deputy vice-chancellor of the University of Durban-Westville.

Joyce Jenje

Joyce Jenje is the author of the undisputed book – ‘Zimbabwe Township Music 1930s – 2004’. She was also awarded Freelance woman journalist of the year in 1999 (UNIFEM sponsored). Jenje began her research in earnest during 1984. She started with interviews of musicians, who were popular during the 1930 – 1960, in order to better understand the entertainment culture of the earlier generation in urban Zimbabwe.  She later documented her findings on film.

Some awards won by Jenje are: Freelance Woman Journalist of the year 1999 (UNIFEM sponsored) and Best TV Producer of the Year at the 1993 Reuters National Media Awards.