T.O. SPOTLIGHT: Patricia & Moses Mawa - African Culture to Mainstream Media

The spotlight is shining bright for Moses and Patricia Mawa as this inspiring couple was recently featured on CNN International - African Voices. The Mawa's are building a media empire Silvertrust Media here in Toronto, and they talk about their humble beginnings in Africa, where they are now, and where they are headed with their unique media company. Patricia is from Nigeria and Moses from Uganda coming to Canada with just twenty dollars in his pocket, the two driven individual crossed paths while pursuing their passions film and media; and joined forces developing a media/ publication company showcasing African culture and diversity not only in Canada but throughout the world.

Read more on this business savvy couple and watch their candid interview with CNN as they share trials, triumphs, and what it takes to be successful entrepreneurs....

Patrica Mawa is the Managing Editor of Silvertrust Media and also the host of one of the company's media outlets Planet Africa, a weekly television program that focuses on African culture and current affairs, and the Mawa's intent is to give viewers various content including politics and awareness to issues within Africa that is delivered in a confident light, not only in their broadcasting, but also through their publications. Silvertrust Media publishes three magazine Planet Africa, Destiny, and Diversity - one of the most widely distributed magazines in Canada. 

Moses Mawa is Chairman & CEO of Silvertrust Media, he explains in the CNN interview that by having a business background in produce back in Uganda and earning his B.A. in film at Carlton University in Ottawa, helped him to start his own production company; and while Patricia was pursuing her career in broadcasting, she was referred by family friends to Moses for opportunities; the two later married and began forging forward together in life and making their dreams become their reality, and as they say the rest is history. The Planet Africa program launched in 2002 and is broadcast in Canada and syndicated in Europe and parts of Africa.

This is a very enlightening and inspiring interview, as Patricia discusses where she get her work ethics from, being a target for her grade school bullies growing up, Patricia says..."I learned that if you do good work, it doesn't matter if people like you or not they will come around you."...explaining a situation were her bullies came to her for help with school projects knowing that Patricia was good at what she does, and how that experience set the path of continuing strong work ethics and ultimately success. Moses shares in the interview his experience being raised by his mother who's from Sudan and father from Uganda, saying it gave him a unique background and picture of life, which helped to mold him in to the person he has become.

Silvertrust Media centered itself on diversity in producing three magazines, two television programs, three award programs, also provides consulting and production services to integrated media, and in addition runs a mentoring program for youth. The Mawa's story is one of faith, determination, and purpose which brought them success. The Mawa's are a great example of making it through the odds, and a African Canadian success story.

Recipients from the 2012 Planet Africa Awards

Watch CNN African Voices - featuring Moses and Patricia Mawa....

CTV News coverage on the 2012 Planet Africa Awards press conference....