Podcasts · Music

Afrobeats Intelligence

Joey Akan/OkayAfrica

79 episodes

Created and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is the podcast extension of the popular music newsletter, Afrobeats Intelligence. Presented by OkayAfrica and sponsored by premium cognac brand Martell, Afrobeats Intelligence explores the intersection of art, humanity, and the processes that give birth to African sonic excellence.

More about the show

Through eclectic interviews that spotlight creativity from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and beyond, Joey invites listeners every other Friday to take a snapshot into the soul of an industry pushing toward global greatness. Together, we examine the past, present, and future of African music, democratizing access to the ideas, people, and movements shaping its evolution.

If you are new to Afrobeats Intelligence, start here!

Episodes page 1 of 2

  1. Jeriq on Community, Culture and the Business of Music

    · 1 h 05 min · S5 E18

    Jeriq has built a career by staying deeply connected to where he comes from while finding his place in the mainstream. In this conversation with Joey Akan, Jeriq reflects on growing up in Enugu, the determination to…

  2. Jyde Ajala on Visual Architecture, Working with Legends & Why Music Videos Still Matter

    · 1 h 05 min · S5 E16

    Jyde Ajala is one of the most in-demand music video directors in Afrobeats. After studying film production at Full Sail University in Florida and working for over a decade in the United States, he returned to Nigeria…

  3. FOLA on Locking In, From Betting Shop to Paid Crowds & Building ‘Catharsis’ on His Terms

    · 54 min · S5 E15

    FOLA sits down with Joey Akan and goes all the way back; Ibadan, the betting shop, the pen and notepad days when nobody was watching. He talks about locking in early, the people who believed in him when the gap felt…

  4. Winny: Finding Your Voice, Creating Without Fear & Trusting the Process

    · 42 min · S5 E15

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Winny sits down with Joey Akan for a conversation about finding her voice, trusting her instincts, and learning to create on her own terms. She reflects on growing up in Jos,…

  5. Alhaji Popping: Excellence, Strategy & Building in Entertainment

    · 1 h 16 min · S5 E14

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Alhaji Popping sits down with Joey Akan for a wide-ranging conversation about the principles that have shaped his career across entertainment, business, and culture. He…

  6. TG Omori on Greatness, Creativity, Legacy & The Future of Music Videos

    · 56 min · S5 E13

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits with TG Omori, one of the most prolific and influential music video directors of his generation, for a raw conversation about creativity, ambition, and what it…

  7. Shoday on Hit Songs, Industry Pressure & Building a Lasting Career

    · 1 h 11 min · S5 E12

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising stars, Shoday, to unpack the journey behind his breakout run. From the viral success of Purr and Hey Jago to the…

  8. MAVO on Escaladizzy, Building His Own Lane & What It Means to Lead a New Generation

    · 1 h 04 min

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with rising Afrobeats artist MAVO, the optometrist turned pop star who has quietly built one of the most distinctive creative identities in Nigerian music.…

  9. Dr. Sid on Mo’Hits, Career Pivots & The Reality of Longevity in Afrobeats

    · 1 h 19 min · S5 E10

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with veteran artist and longtime friend of the show, Dr. Sid. Dr. Sid reflects on his journey, from choosing music over a ₦45k/month job in 2005, to…

  10. Excel Joab: Nigerian Music Industry ROI, What We Didn’t Learn from Afrobeats to the World & The “Now What” Moment

    · 1 h 09 min · S5 E9

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Excel Joab, Senior Manager of A&R and Artist Development at AWAL (Sony Music) for West Africa, former Content Acquisition Manager at Boomplay, co-founder of Energize Music,…

  11. Ladipoe: What Stayed the Same in Afrobeats, Rap Beef, & New Album

    · 1 h 21 min · S5 E8

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Ladipoe , Mavin Records signee, Headies award-winning rapper, and one of the leading voices in Nigerian hip-hop and Afrobeats, reflects on the current state of the genre.…

  12. Wale Davies (Tec): Palmwine Pioneer, Show Dem Camp Legend & BAFTA-Winning Writer of My Father's Shadow

    · 1 h 16 min · S5 E7

    On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with Wale Davies (Tec), one half of the revered rap duo Show Dem Camp, cultural architect of the Palmwine Music movement, and now acclaimed screenwriter…

  13. Shallipopi on Auracle, Global Success, Creating a Sub-Genre & Working with Wizkid

    · 57 min · S5 E6

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence (powered by Martell 🥃), host Joey Akan sits down with Shallipopi, the Pluto originator who has rapidly become one of Afrobeats’ most distinctive and commercially dominant…

  14. Joshua Baraka on East Africa's Takeover, the Decline of Afrobeats & AI in Music

    · 1 h 12 min · S5 E2

    Uganda has always had the culture. Now it has the moment. Joshua Baraka is the Kampala-bred artist making a case for East Africa's place at the center of the global music conversation, not as a footnote to Afrobeats,…

  15. Kcee on The Limpopo Anthem & Ojapiano

    · 1 h 11 min · S5 E4

    From the gritty streets of Ajegunle in Lagos, where he once dreamed of a football career, to winning the Star Quest talent show with his duo KC Presh in 2002, Kcee has spent over two decades shaping the sound of…

  16. Aniko on Revolutionizing Nigeria's Rave and House Music Scene

    · 1 h 09 min · S5 E3

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with rising DJ and cultural curator Aniko, one of the key figures shaping Lagos’ growing electronic music and rave scene. Known for her bi-monthly Group…

  17. Wale on the Cost of Fame, Plans for Nigeria, Afrobeats’ Breakthrough Moment

    · 1 h 10 min · S5 E2

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with rapper Wale for a candid conversation about identity, culture, and the global rise of Afrobeats. Raised in a Nigerian household in Washington, D.C.,…

  18. Sarz talks Global Success, Making Pop hits, and Cultural Ownership

    · 1 h 19 min · S5 E1

    In this season opener, Joey Akan sits down with the legendary, award-winning producer Sarz for an unfiltered deep dive into the mechanics of a hit record and the evolving DNA of African sound. This episode of…

  19. Afrobeats Intelligence Returns with Season 5 Today!

    · 2:18 · Trailer

    Hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence Season 5 dives deeper into the stories, systems, and sonic architecture shaping Afrobeats’ global takeover. Featuring…

  20. Peruzzi on Losing His Mom, Industry, Making “Assurance” & “Risky” w Davido | Afrobeats Intelligence

    · 53 min

    In this unfiltered episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, award-winning host Joey Akan sits down with Peruzzi, the DMW star and songwriting mastermind behind some of Afrobeats’ biggest records. From penning classics like…

  21. Director Pink On Creating Afrobeats’ Most Watched Music Videos | Afrobeats Intelligence

    · 1 h 09 min

    In this candid episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with Director Pink—the award-winning creative force behind some of Afrobeats' most visually stunning and culturally defining music videos. Known for…

  22. Lanre Masha on Global Deals, Artist Breakouts & Afrobeats Money | Afrobeats Intelligence

    · 1 h 17 min

    In this insightful episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Lanre Marsha, Director of West Africa for The Orchard, a global music distribution powerhouse. Lanre pulls back the curtain on…

  23. Ruger on Making Blown Boy Ru, Getting Co-Signed by Wizkid & His New Label | Afrobeats Intelligence

    · 1 h 03 min

    What does it take to bounce back and build from scratch? In this new episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits with Nigerian dancehall star Ruger—the artist behind hits like Asiwaju, Girlfriend, and Toma…

  24. Young Jonn on Life After Grief, Building Hits, TikTok Charts & World Tours | Afrobeats Intelligence

    · 1 h 02 min

    “Olamide taught me work ethic.” In this captivating episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Nigerian sensation Young Jonn, the hitmaker who transitioned from a prolific producer to a…

  25. Tiwa Savage on Motherhood, Nigerian Fame & Why Afrobeats Overlooks Women | Afrobeats Intelligence

    · 1 h 00 min

    In this unforgettable episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with the one and only Tiwa Savage — singer, songwriter, and enduring icon of the African music movement. With a career that’s spanned…

  26. Lojay on Making 'Billions", Crafting His Sound, and Starting A Legacy | Afrobeats Intelligence

    · 1 h 19 min

    “We’re here fighting over the tiniest, most fickle things. When in reality the numbers are not matching up.” In this powerful episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Nigerian Afrobeats…

  27. Bella Shmurda on Losing Millions, Belief in Purpose & Knowing The Why | Afrobeats Intelligence

    · 1 h 03 min

    “When I blew and started making money, I went broke.” In this gripping episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Nigerian Afrobeats star Bella Shmurda for a raw and revealing…

  28. Tems’ manager Donawon reveals how he built her career without clout, co-signs, or major label deals — just conviction, systems, and spirit.

    · 1 h 12 min

    In this revealing episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with the elusive strategist behind Tems, one of Afrobeats’ most powerful voices. From spiritual practices to music industry frameworks, Donawon…

  29. Gyakie on Fan Pressure, Fame Fatigue & Finding Peace in the Chaos | Afrobeats Intelligence

    · 50 min

    “In an industry like this, everything is based on value. And if you don’t have it, there are certain rooms you can’t go into.” In this soulful episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with…

  30. Timaya Talks Record Deals & Music Business

    · 1 h 02 min

    “The Money…” In this electrifying episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Nigerian music icon Timaya, the “Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa.” From dancehall-infused Afrobeats anthems like “Dem…

  31. Joeboy gets HONEST about FANS, DM's, and the REAL Music Industry

    · 1 h 09 min · Explicit

    Joeboy gets brutally honest in this revealing long-form conversation with Joey Akan. For the first time, he breaks down his peaceful transition from emPawa Records, launching Young Legend, learning from Mr. Eazi, and…

  32. S3E17: Tee-Y Mix - How To Break Street Artists The Dapper Way

    · 1 h 35 min

    In this episode, we sit down with Tee-Y Mix, legendary music producer turned Executive Vice President at Dapper Entertainment, for an in-depth conversation about his journey and his mission to reshape Nigeria's music…

  33. S3E16: Kiing Lu - How to Sell Great Records

    · 1 h 02 min

    In this powerhouse episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with Lucas Emeodi, better known as Kiing Lu—a cultural entrepreneur with a "militant mindset" forged through years of navigating Nigeria’s…

  34. S3E15: Wizard Chan - The Big Masquerade

    · 1 h 29 min

    In this special episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with the enigmatic Wizard Chan, the Afro-Teme and reggae sensation whose soulful sound has captured hearts worldwide. From Okrika in Rivers State…

  35. S3E14: CKay's EMOTIONS – Love, Loss, and Highlife

    · 1 h 12 min

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey sits down with Nigerian Afrobeats superstar CKay as he takes us through the journey behind his new album, EMOTIONS. Popularly known for breaking global barriers with his…

  36. S3E13: Smada - The Redemption Party

    · 58 min

    In Episode 13 of Season 3 of Afrobeats Intelligence, Smada, the 22-year-old artist and creative force, shares his remarkable journey in a candid conversation. At just 19, Smada launched What the F**k Lagos, a party…

  37. S3E12: Kold AF - From Law School to Afrofrusion

    · 1 h 02 min

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Kold AF, one of the most exciting new voices in the AfroFusion scene, takes center stage. Known for her unique blend of AfroFusion with Reggae, Dancehall, Soul, R&B, and…

  38. S3E11: Llona - How To Make ‘Homeless’ Music

    · 1 h 32 min

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan chats with Llona, the rising artist whose music feels like a mushy hug on a sour day. Llona opens up about his evolution from 2Classic to Llona, a journey that began…

  39. S3E10: Qing Madi - Rising Rhythms, Guided by Grace

    · 54 min

    On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Qing Madi steps into the spotlight with a fresh perspective that’s turning heads in the Afrobeats scene. At just 17, she made waves with her breakout hit “Ole,” and now she’s…

  40. S3E9: Louddaaa: Beats, Hits & Ayra Star

    · 1 h 01 min

    Step into the studio with Louddaaa, the producer behind some of Afrobeats’ biggest tracks, on this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence. Louddaaa joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to talk about his journey from Lagos…

  41. S3E8: Bien-Aimé Baraza’s Solo Adventure: Exploring New Sounds and Old Roots with Alusa Why Are You Topless?

    · 1 h 03 min

    Bien-Aimé 'Bien' Baraza the celebrated Sauti Sol frontman turned solo artist, graces Afrobeats Intelligence with his latest project, Alusa Why Are You Topless?. In this episode, Bien joins Joey Akan, sponsored by…

  42. S3E7: Harmony 'H-Money' Samuels - Crafting Global Hits

    · 1 h 16 min

    From the streets of London to the palm-lined avenues of California, Harmony ‘H-Money’ Samuels has lived a life in sound. He’s a man who has seen it all: a Grammy-nominated producer who has shaped the sonic landscapes…

  43. Lost Files E04: NSG

    · 1 h 01 min

    NSG is a British afroswing collective from Hackney East London. The group consists of Six members: OGD, Kruddz, Mojo, Dope, Papii Abz, and Mxjib. Their latest album, "Area Boyz," is out now. This is a public episode.…

  44. Lost Files E03: Timi Dakolo

    · 1 h 10 min

    Timi Dakolo is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer. He emerged winner of the inaugural season of Idols West Africa in 2007. Accompanying his victory was a recording contract with Sony BMG, in addition to…

  45. Lost Files E1: Abdul Quam Tadese

    · 1 h 01 min

    Abdul Quam Tadese is a multi-faceted musician, culture entrepreneur and philanthropist. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit…

  46. S3E6: Oxlade — How To Deal With Adversity

    · 42 min

    Oxlade, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter signed to Troniq Music, Epic Records in France, and Columbia Records in the UK. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get…

  47. S3E5: Joeboy — How To Move On

    · 1 h 04 min

    Joeboy is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who was discovered by Mr Eazi and signed in 2017. After four projects and a world of hit records, he finally has his career in his hands. Here he tells Joey Akan about his…

  48. S3E4: Steve Stoute — Independent Afrobeats To The World

    · 32 min

    Steve Stoute is an American businessman and record executive. The founder and CEO of the Translation, a marketing agency, and the author of The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules…

  49. S3E3: Blaqbonez — Emeka Must Shine

    · 1 h 23 min

    Blaqbonez, is a Nigerian rapper signed to Chocolate City. highly regarded for his distinct rap style as, well as his creative ingenuity, his latest album, "Emeka Must Shine," is out now. This is a public episode. If…

  50. S3E2: Mr Eazi — African Music Business Genius

    · 1 h 36 min

    Mr Eazi is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record executive. He is the pioneer of Banku music, a fusion of sound he describes as a mixture of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions and patterns. His…

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