One 54 Podcast

iHeartPodcasts

One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of growing up African in America.Akbar Gbajabiamila is a former NFL player, sports analyst, and television host best known for co-hosting American Ninja Warrior and CBS' The Talk. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he brings a dynamic presence to media, blending his athletic background with insightful commentary and a deep connection to his roots.Godfrey Daneschmah is a comedian and actor who's resume spans over 30 years and known for his sharp wit, spot-on impressions, and energetic stand-up performances. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage, he infuses cultural insight into his comedy, making him a standout voice in the entertainment industry.One54 - Celebrating Africa’s 54 Countries, One Story At A Time

  1. $100K Family Trip to Nigeria! - One54 Africa Part 1

    5 hr ago

    $100K Family Trip to Nigeria! - One54 Africa Part 1

    In this heartfelt episode of One54, Akbar reflects on an unforgettable nine-day journey through Nigeria, sharing what it meant to reconnect with family, heritage, and identity after decades away. He discusses taking his children to experience their ancestral homeland, the emotional impact of walking where previous generations lived, and why preserving cultural roots matters. The conversation explores traveling through Lagos, Abuja, and Ogun State, navigating the newly renovated Murtala Muhammed International Airport, visiting Olumo Rock, and experiencing the warmth, hospitality, and family-centered culture that define Nigeria. They also talk about introducing their children to authentic Nigerian traditions, marketplaces, local cuisine, and the country's rapidly growing infrastructure. The episode highlights Nigeria's thriving creative scene, including the rise of Afrobeats, Nollywood, and the country's world-class artists. A conversation about collecting African art, supporting emerging creatives, and why African artists deserve greater global recognition.  Along the way, they share honest observations about Lagos traffic, cultural differences, Nigerian nightlife, the importance of clean water infrastructure, dual citizenship, learning Nigerian languages and Pidgin English, and their hopes of investing in Nigeria's future. Above all, this episode is a powerful conversation about legacy, gratitude, family, and building stronger connections between Africa and the diaspora. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    59 min
  2. $100K Family Trip to Nigeria! - One54 Africa Part 2

    5 hr ago

    $100K Family Trip to Nigeria! - One54 Africa Part 2

    In this heartfelt episode of One54, Akbar reflects on an unforgettable nine-day journey through Nigeria, sharing what it meant to reconnect with family, heritage, and identity after decades away. He discusses taking his children to experience their ancestral homeland, the emotional impact of walking where previous generations lived, and why preserving cultural roots matters. The conversation explores traveling through Lagos, Abuja, and Ogun State, navigating the newly renovated Murtala Muhammed International Airport, visiting Olumo Rock, and experiencing the warmth, hospitality, and family-centered culture that define Nigeria. They also talk about introducing their children to authentic Nigerian traditions, marketplaces, local cuisine, and the country's rapidly growing infrastructure. The episode highlights Nigeria's thriving creative scene, including the rise of Afrobeats, Nollywood, and the country's world-class artists. A conversation about collecting African art, supporting emerging creatives, and why African artists deserve greater global recognition.  Along the way, they share honest observations about Lagos traffic, cultural differences, Nigerian nightlife, the importance of clean water infrastructure, dual citizenship, learning Nigerian languages and Pidgin English, and their hopes of investing in Nigeria's future. Above all, this episode is a powerful conversation about legacy, gratitude, family, and building stronger connections between Africa and the diaspora. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    50 min
  3. Joy Reid, Boris Kodjoe, Tiffany Haddish, & More Talk Mental Health | BIPOC

    1 day ago

    Joy Reid, Boris Kodjoe, Tiffany Haddish, & More Talk Mental Health | BIPOC

    In this special One54 Africa collection for BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, some of the most influential voices across entertainment, business, and culture come together for powerful conversations about mental health, grief, resilience, identity, fatherhood, racism, and healing.Bozoma Saint John opens up about losing her husband, daughter, and loved ones to tragedy, sharing how grief transformed her outlook on life. She explains why living with urgency means embracing the "width" of life rather than simply its length.David Oyelowo reflects on the challenges of bringing authentic Black stories to Hollywood, discussing the uphill battles behind films including Selma, A United Kingdom, The Water Man, and The Queen of Katwe. He also explains why he co-founded a streaming platform to create more opportunities for Black storytellers outside traditional Hollywood gatekeepers.Joy Reid shares her personal journey through Harvard University, the loss of her mother, leaving pre-med behind, discovering filmmaking, and how Spike Lee influenced her career path after moving to Brooklyn.Boris Kodjoe discusses how growing up in Germany shaped his understanding of racism, why becoming a present father became his life's mission, and why showing up consistently matters more than material gifts.Gabourey Sidibe reflects on watching one of her earliest auditions, revealing how motherhood transformed her self-image, confidence, and healing after years of insecurity and bullying.Celebrated chef Marcus Samuelsson recounts overcoming discrimination in Europe's culinary world, the moment he was told a Black chef could never own a successful restaurant, and how betting on himself ultimately led him to lead Aquavit and become one of the world's most recognized chefs.The conversation also explores growing up Black in America, confronting racism, the importance of parents preparing children for discrimination while protecting their confidence, and raising resilient families through love and truth.Finally, Tiffany Haddish discusses searching for her Eritrean father, growing up in foster care, healing childhood wounds, and discovering that children need presence, affection, family history, and unconditional love far more than material possessions.This special One54 Africa episode brings together inspiring perspectives on mental health, healing, grief, race, identity, fatherhood, resilience, and the power of community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    34 min
  4. Drea Okeke - One54 Africa Part 2: $1M Social Media influencer

    24 Jun

    Drea Okeke - One54 Africa Part 2: $1M Social Media influencer

    Nigerian-American creator and comedian Drea Okeke joins to share the journey behind becoming one of the internet’s most recognizable voices celebrating African culture. Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and recognized among Forbes’ Top Creators, Drea opens up about building a global audience through authenticity, comedy, and storytelling rooted in her Nigerian heritage. Drea discusses growing up between the United States, Belgium, and Nigeria, learning multiple languages, navigating boarding school in Nigeria, and embracing the identity that would later make her “everybody’s favorite tall girl.” She shares how her viral Nigerian slang series took off around the world, teaching people from Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Italy, and beyond about Nigerian culture while helping challenge stereotypes about Africa. The conversation explores culture, language, accents, code-switching, and the experience of being a first-generation African navigating life in America. Drea reflects on being bullied for her Nigerian accent, the misconceptions she faced growing up, and how social media has become a powerful tool for reshaping global perceptions of Africa by showcasing its beauty, success, and modern reality. She also shares stories about her family. Drea explains how her parents encouraged her to embrace her height, her culture, and her individuality while growing up. The episode dives into Drea’s unexpected career path—from earning an engineering degree and working in industrial engineering to taking a leap of faith into full-time content creation. Inspired by Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life, she reveals how discovering her purpose led her to leave corporate life behind and pursue a career built on creativity, joy, and impact. Along the way, they bond over Nigerian food, travel experiences, family traditions, and the growing influence of African culture around the world. From fufu and jollof rice to viral videos and cultural representation, this conversation is packed with laughter, inspiration, and insight into the mindset that helped Drea Okeke become one of the most influential African creators online. Featuring discussions about Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Trevor Noah, Rick Warren, Donald Trump, and the power of digital storytelling, this is a must-watch conversation for fans of African culture, comedy, entrepreneurship, content creation, and social media success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1hr 1min
  5. Drea Okeke - One54 Africa Part 1: From Nigeria to Forbes

    23 Jun

    Drea Okeke - One54 Africa Part 1: From Nigeria to Forbes

    Nigerian-American creator and comedian Drea Okeke joins to share the journey behind becoming one of the internet’s most recognizable voices celebrating African culture. Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and recognized among Forbes’ Top Creators, Drea opens up about building a global audience through authenticity, comedy, and storytelling rooted in her Nigerian heritage. Drea discusses growing up between the United States, Belgium, and Nigeria, learning multiple languages, navigating boarding school in Nigeria, and embracing the identity that would later make her “everybody’s favorite tall girl.” She shares how her viral Nigerian slang series took off around the world, teaching people from Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Italy, and beyond about Nigerian culture while helping challenge stereotypes about Africa. The conversation explores culture, language, accents, code-switching, and the experience of being a first-generation African navigating life in America. Drea reflects on being bullied for her Nigerian accent, the misconceptions she faced growing up, and how social media has become a powerful tool for reshaping global perceptions of Africa by showcasing its beauty, success, and modern reality. She also shares stories about her family. Drea explains how her parents encouraged her to embrace her height, her culture, and her individuality while growing up. The episode dives into Drea’s unexpected career path—from earning an engineering degree and working in industrial engineering to taking a leap of faith into full-time content creation. Inspired by Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life, she reveals how discovering her purpose led her to leave corporate life behind and pursue a career built on creativity, joy, and impact. Along the way, they bond over Nigerian food, travel experiences, family traditions, and the growing influence of African culture around the world. From fufu and jollof rice to viral videos and cultural representation, this conversation is packed with laughter, inspiration, and insight into the mindset that helped Drea Okeke become one of the most influential African creators online. Featuring discussions about Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Trevor Noah, Rick Warren, Donald Trump, and the power of digital storytelling, this is a must-watch conversation for fans of African culture, comedy, entrepreneurship, content creation, and social media success. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    59 min
  6. Gina Yashere - One54 Africa Part 2

    17 Jun

    Gina Yashere - One54 Africa Part 2

    Gina Yashere joins One54 to share her extraordinary journey from engineer to international comedy powerhouse, reflecting on the path that led her to co-create and executive produce CBS's Bob Hearts Abishola, the first American network sitcom centered on a Nigerian family. The award-winning Nigerian-British comedian opens up about embracing her Edo heritage, the legacy of the Kingdom of Benin, and why she calls it the "real Wakanda." She discusses the stolen Benin Bronzes, Queen Idia's influence on her life, colonialism's lasting impact, and the importance of preserving African history and culture. Yashere also gets candid about growing up in London as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, navigating strict parenting, identity, colorism, and the psychological effects of colonialism. She recounts her mother's sacrifices as a single parent after her father returned to Nigeria, the emotional reunion with him decades later, and the complicated realities of forgiveness, family, and generational trauma. From surviving racism in England to challenging beauty standards and cultural conditioning, Gina shares the experiences that shaped both her resilience and her comedy. With stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, Gina reflects on her rebellious spirit, leaving home to pursue independence, and the determination that fueled her rise in entertainment. This conversation explores Nigerian culture, Black history, immigration, motherhood, identity, and what it truly means to create opportunities for yourself while opening doors for others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    59 min
  7. Gina Yashere - One54 Africa Part 1

    15 Jun

    Gina Yashere - One54 Africa Part 1

    Gina Yashere joins One54 to share her extraordinary journey from engineer to international comedy powerhouse, reflecting on the path that led her to co-create and executive produce CBS's Bob Hearts Abishola, the first American network sitcom centered on a Nigerian family. The award-winning Nigerian-British comedian opens up about embracing her Edo heritage, the legacy of the Kingdom of Benin, and why she calls it the "real Wakanda." She discusses the stolen Benin Bronzes, Queen Idia's influence on her life, colonialism's lasting impact, and the importance of preserving African history and culture. Yashere also gets candid about growing up in London as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, navigating strict parenting, identity, colorism, and the psychological effects of colonialism. She recounts her mother's sacrifices as a single parent after her father returned to Nigeria, the emotional reunion with him decades later, and the complicated realities of forgiveness, family, and generational trauma. From surviving racism in England to challenging beauty standards and cultural conditioning, Gina shares the experiences that shaped both her resilience and her comedy. With stories that are equal parts hilarious and heartfelt, Gina reflects on her rebellious spirit, leaving home to pursue independence, and the determination that fueled her rise in entertainment. This conversation explores Nigerian culture, Black history, immigration, motherhood, identity, and what it truly means to create opportunities for yourself while opening doors for others. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1hr 12min
  8. David Oyelowo - One54 Africa Part 2

    10 Jun

    David Oyelowo - One54 Africa Part 2

    David Oyelowo joins One54 Africa for a conversation about identity, family, faith, Hollywood, and the stories that shape culture. The acclaimed actor, producer, director, and founder of Mansa reflects on his Nigerian roots, explaining the royal history behind the Oyelowo name, growing up between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, and how returning to Nigeria as a child transformed his confidence and sense of belonging. He shares how his father’s Yoruba heritage and his mother’s Igbo background came together during a time of deep division following the Nigerian Civil War, revealing the remarkable love story that led his parents to leave Nigeria and start a new life in England. David opens up about navigating life as a young Black student in London after returning from Nigeria, dealing with bullying, and being labeled a “coconut.” He also shares unforgettable boarding school stories, including secretly understanding Yoruba while pretending he couldn’t speak it, and the hilarious chain of events that led to him dating twins at the same time. He discusses the making of A United Kingdom, why the true story resonated so deeply with him, and how the film challenged historical narratives about race, love, leadership, and colonialism. He explains why he spent years fighting to get Selma made, why portraying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became one of the defining experiences of his career, and how projects like Bass Reeves, Queen of Katwe, and A United Kingdom were driven by a desire to expand the stories audiences see about Black people around the world. The Hollywood star shares candid insights about working with Ava DuVernay, Oprah Winfrey, Colman Domingo, André Holland, and other industry leaders while reflecting on the challenges and opportunities facing Black storytellers today. He also discusses the creation of Mansa, the importance of preserving authentic Black stories, and why collaboration across cultures is essential for future generations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1hr 45min
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About

One54, hosted by Akbar and Godfrey, is a first of its kind podcast spotlighting the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, this podcast reveals the challenges and culture clashes of growing up African in America.Akbar Gbajabiamila is a former NFL player, sports analyst, and television host best known for co-hosting American Ninja Warrior and CBS' The Talk. Proud of his Nigerian heritage, he brings a dynamic presence to media, blending his athletic background with insightful commentary and a deep connection to his roots.Godfrey Daneschmah is a comedian and actor who's resume spans over 30 years and known for his sharp wit, spot-on impressions, and energetic stand-up performances. Drawing from his Nigerian heritage, he infuses cultural insight into his comedy, making him a standout voice in the entertainment industry.One54 - Celebrating Africa’s 54 Countries, One Story At A Time

Information

  • Creator
    iHeartPodcasts
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    41
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    One 54 Podcast

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