Yalezo Njuguna

Yalezo Njuguna is a creative producer, filmmaker & multi-disciplinary artist with over a decade of experience working within film and entertainment. As a music artist he goes by the name of Njakes

Njuguna made his television directorial debut at 20 with the star-studded romantic comedy The Ring (2015), a TV-film starring Sivenathi Mabuya & Kenneth Nkosi. A thirst for more contemporary analysis of African film, music & the digital space found his career expanding into new media, events & industry development. This expansion found Njuguna launching the Next Gen Greats publication, as well as programming the two new festival initiatives in 2018 holding a strong focus on digital-content & youth artistry; BAI Showcase & ARIFF Digital Hub. The impact of his curatorial work led to him to becoming YFM’s film correspondent with the weekly What’s Hot On The Screen segment where he prioritized promoting local & continental films & programming for multiple years during The Best Drive’s record-setting run. During Co-Vid, his career expanded into podcasting with Afriquan Film, South Africa’s first African Cinema podcast, & has since produced more industry-focused podcasts centred on business and education.

Njuguna then co-founded BAI Foundation in 2021 has been instrumental projects included 1) BAI Showcase, 2) HEATSKRS FEST, 3) HEATSKRS CON as well as various collaboration and industry development projects that fallen under HEATSKRS Development Initiative banner; including the support of 1) The Mango Farm, 2) The Bloo Grape Showcase 3) For The Streets Awards and more.

Njuguna currently pursues a career in independent filmmaking and music whilst advocating for youth & infrastructural development within the creative sector through founding, BAI Foundation. Njuguna’s career spans film production, music, cultural organizing, media analysis & broadcasting, skills development & more.