dillion s. phiri
My creative Journey thus far:
I started my creative journey in 2010 at Cape Town Tourism, where I discovered my passion for building creative communities. In 2011, I founded Creative Nestlings, growing it from hosting creative talks to a continent-wide network of 100,000+ African creatives. Along the way, I've co-founded creative hubs like J&B Hive, curated festivals, and developed platforms like CRCO. My most recent work includes directing "Seeds of Change," a documentary exploring climate change impacts in KwaZulu-Natal, and hosting "Creativity Knows No Borders," a podcast series examining migration and creativity across Africa. Over these 13 years, I've focused on empowering African creativity through technology, storytelling, and community, helping generate $5.4M+ in creative industry revenue and incubating 40+ entrepreneurs. Every step of my journey has been about using creativity as a catalyst for positive change in Africa.
My Superpower
Community Catalyzer - An extraordinary ability to build, nurture and grow creative communities, demonstrated through growing Creative Nestlings to 100,000+ members and consistently bringing people together to create opportunities and value across Africa's creative ecosystem. His work shows a unique talent for identifying potential, connecting dots, and transforming networks into thriving communities that generate real economic and social impact.
My ideal way of working 🤝 is
My ideal way of working is through collaborative community-building - bringing together diverse creative voices, fostering authentic connections, and building ecosystems where everyone can thrive. I believe in leading with empathy, staying curious, and creating spaces where creativity and innovation can flourish organically. I enjoy working with partners who share a vision for empowering African creativity while being open to experimentation and iterative growth.
Next in my creative journey 🚀
I'm expanding my impact in African storytelling through documentary filmmaking and podcasting, building on the success of "Seeds of Change" and "Creativity Knows No Borders." My platform CRCO is poised to revolutionize how creative communities connect and collaborate across Africa. Through speaking engagements and thought leadership, I'm sharing insights from my 13-year journey building creative ecosystems. Whether through film, podcasts, or technology, I'm focused on amplifying authentic African narratives and creating platforms that empower the next generation of creative voices. The biggest opportunity ahead is scaling these initiatives to create even greater impact across the continent, while continuing to tell stories that matter and build technology that serves Africa's creative community.
