VIP ACCESS

Anyiko Owoko

Anyiko Owoko is one of Africa’s leading music publicists, curators and tastemakers, celebrated for her impact on music, culture and the creative industries. With 20 years experience across broadcast, digital & print media as a writer, editor, reporter & TV host, she brings deep industry insight to her work. In 2018, she founded Anyiko Public Relations, an artist agency championing African talent to global audiences. She is also the creator and host of VIP ACCESS, a culture and industry-focused podcast that has over 100 artists and professionals shaping Kenya and Africa's creative economy.

  1. Content Creation, Music & Culture - Shaping Africa’s Narrative | S5: EP 6

    3D AGO

    Content Creation, Music & Culture - Shaping Africa’s Narrative | S5: EP 6

    Content today is more than promotion it’s currency and a culture mover! Multifaceted content creator and TV host Ann Muli, celebrated filmmaker and cinematographer Enos Olik and leading fashion stylist and brand strategist Brian Babu are on the pod this week on a powerful discussion on Content Creation, Music & Culture – Shaping Africa’s Narrative. Excited to host three of Kenya’s leading creatives shaping the future of media, content and culture. This episode explores how content creation is redefining African identity, visibility and influence across music, fashion and film, highlighting how storytelling, aesthetics and strategy are shaping modern creative careers and cultural impact in Africa’s digital age. • Ann Muli, Content creator, actress and TV host, on authentic storytelling, building a personal brand across fashion, travel and entertainment, and how broadcast media has shaped her structure in her personal productions.• Enos Olik, Director of Photography and filmmaker, on visual storytelling, shaping cultural narratives through film and music, and translating African stories for global audiences.• Brian Babu, Fashion stylist and brand strategist, on style as storytelling, brand building and shaping Africa’s pop culture through fashion and visual identity. They bring great experience across traditional media, fashion, film and digital platforms, revealing how blending craft with content strategy unlocks new opportunities in Africa’s evolving creative economy. Key Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Content creation is central to modern brand building for musicians, filmmakers, stylists and creatives across disciplines. 2. Strong storytelling and aesthetics help shape cultural narratives and amplify African voices globally. 3. Authenticity and process-driven content build deeper audience connection 4. Strategic content bridges creativity and business, opening doors to partnerships, visibility and growth. 5. Africa’s creative economy is being reshaped by creators who control their narratives and platforms. NEXT UP: The Art and Business of Writing Music for Film & TV, drops next week! FOR MORE: YouTube:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠⁠  Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠⁠  TikTok:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠⁠  Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠⁠ https://forms.gle/CcKKRAoxzfjJmQYg7⁠⁠ #VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 6 If you know anyone working towards creating impactful content and stories, share this episode with them.

    49 min
  2. Your Online Footprint & the Future of New Media Entrepreneurship | S5: EP 5

    FEB 10

    Your Online Footprint & the Future of New Media Entrepreneurship | S5: EP 5

    This week we are featuring podcasting pioneer Adelle Onyango, media personality and podcaster Calvin Wanguku, and TikTok star–turned radio host and TV actress Azziad Nasenya on a powerful discussion on Digital Footprint for New Media Entrepreneurship. This episode explores the rise of new media entrepreneurship in Kenya and across Africa, highlighting how community building, strategic partnerships and monetization can transform content creation into a viable business in today’s interconnected digital landscape. • Adelle Onyango, Media personality and founder of Legally Clueless Africa, on pioneering podcasting, building purpose-driven platforms and turning storytelling into a sustainable business model.• Calvin Wanguku, Media personality and co-host of The Mics Are Open Podcast, unpacks how podcasts grow into profitable brands through partnerships, strategy and community.• Azziad Nasenya, Digital content creator and radio host, sharing her journey from viral content to mainstream media, brand collaborations and building influence across platforms. It picks up right where we left off last week, continuing the conversation on digital influence and entrepreneurship. As a follow-up, Anyiko curates a compelling discussion bringing together three of Kenya’s leading creators shaping the future of media, content and community, each sharing insights from their journeys at the intersection of new media, influence and sustainable creative careers. A strong social media presence doesn’t always guarantee audience conversion but crafting unique, authentic content that truly represents you and your community is a winning strategy. This week’s guests all bring experience from traditional media and have found the sweet spot where they blend that foundation with digital influence and new media, turning content and community into sustainable ventures. Key Takeaways from this Episode: Building a strong digital footprint requires going beyond social media to create owned platforms such as podcasts, events, workshops and other direct-to-audience channels. Authentic community building is more valuable than chasing virality, as meaningful audience connection drives long-term growth and sustainability. Content becomes a viable business when paired with clear strategy, structure and intentional monetization through partnerships and collaborations. Experience from traditional media can be a powerful advantage when adapted to new media, strengthening storytelling, consistency and audience engagement. New media entrepreneurship presents real opportunities in Kenya and across Africa, enabling creators to turn content, influence and community into sustainable careers. From community building and financial growth to navigating opportunities in Africa’s evolving media landscape, this episode breaks down what it really takes to turn content creation into a sustainable career in today’s digital age. NEXT UP: Episode 6 will showcase how content creation, music and culture are shaping Africa’s narrative. Drops next week! FOR MORE: YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠  Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠  TikTok:⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠  Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠ https://forms.gle/CcKKRAoxzfjJmQYg7⁠ #VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 5 If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, artist, or brand wondering how to grow visibility, monetize your ideas and thrive in new media, this episode is for you.

    1 hr
  3. The Art of Building Sustainable Influencer Entrepreneurship | S5: EP 4

    FEB 3

    The Art of Building Sustainable Influencer Entrepreneurship | S5: EP 4

    Excited to whisk you away to Uganda, Kampala this week! I met Lucy Bunyenyezi (Lucy_Smize) - Ugandan travel, food and lifestyle visual storyteller and founder of Forking Around Kampala) and Roy Ronald Tumwizere - National Advocacy Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited at AUMEX 2025, where I moderating this conversation about mastering the art of influencer entrepreneurship. Lucy Bunyenyezi (@lucy_smize) reflects on how she built a sustainable digital brand rooted in culture and her passion for travel, food and lifestyle. She shares how she positions Uganda and Africa as aspirational destinations, via storytelling, consistency and strategy.Roy Ronald Tumwizere (also the Founder of Trroy Studios), shares insights from both sides of the tableleading brand advocacy for global spirits while building a platform that nurtures dancers and creative talent in Uganda. He breaks down how creators can position themselves as credible partners for corporates and scale creative ideas into businesses.As Africa’s digital economy continues to expand, content creators are no longer just influencers; they are entrepreneurs, brand builders and cultural tastemakers. From musicians and dancers to travel storytellers and lifestyle curators, today’s creators sit at the intersection of creativity, commerce and identity. But with visibility comes pressure: to stay authentic, attract brand partnerships, monetize responsibly and build something that lasts beyond trends. On the show this week, we look at how creators design their visual identity and voice, attract partnerships, build loyal communities and navigate the tension between authenticity and monetization in a highly visible digital world. Key Takeaways from this Episode: Every creator is a brand: Visual identity, tone, values and consistency shape how audiences and brands perceive you and determine long-term opportunities. Influence must be structured: Sustainable creator careers require systems, professionalism and clear business thinking beyond likes and reach. Partnerships thrive on alignment: Brands look for creators with strong identity, engaged communities and credibility not just numbers. Authenticity is the real currency: Creators who stay true to their vision while listening to their audience build trust, loyalty and longevity. Community fuels sustainability: Belonging, engagement, and dialogue are key to growth, monetization and resilience in the creator economy. NEXT UP: Episode 5 will fly us back to Kenya for a fire eps on how your digital footprint can lead to new media and entrepreneurship. Love the sound of that! Drops next week. FOR MORE: YouTube:⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠  Instagram:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠  TikTok:⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠  Share Your Feedback:⁠ https://forms.gle/CcKKRAoxzfjJmQYg7 #VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 4 If it resonates, share it with someone building their creative brand and welcome back next week for Eps 5.

    1h 1m
  4. Intellectual Property, Publishing & Legal Rules Every Artist Should Know | S5: EP 3

    JAN 27

    Intellectual Property, Publishing & Legal Rules Every Artist Should Know | S5: EP 3

    I used to think understanding Copyright and Intellectual Property is complicated but thank God I met Wandiri Karimi and June Gachui, because these women make it so easy. On this eps of VIP ACCESS, I am hosting them alongside two other industry experts working at the intersection of music, law and creative advocacy: Wandiri Karimi, intellectual property lawyer, musician and Lead IP Consultant at Kairu & McCourt Advocates, breaks down copyright law, dispute resolution, legal parameters for artists and the importance of contracts and split sheets. Paul Kaindo, Chief Legal Counsel at the Kenya Copyright Board, offers insight into copyright enforcement, infringement, and the role of institutions in protecting creators. David Katee, entertainment and IP lawyer, shares case studies from his work representing top Kenyan artists and navigating copyright disputes across local and international markets. June Gachui, performer, creative entrepreneur and founder of JGIP Consultants, breaks down what IP means while speaking on performance rights. As Africa’s digital music economy continues to grow, questions around ownership and copyright protection have never been more urgent. From rampant piracy to misunderstood contracts and unregistered works, many artists are still losing value because of lack of legal clarity. This week's podcast explores what intellectual property means and what legal steps creators can take when their rights are violated. Key Takeaways from this Episode: Ownership starts with knowledge: Understanding copyright, contracts and split sheets is essential as unregistered works and unclear agreements leave artists vulnerable to exploitation. Institutions matter, but artists must be proactive: Copyright bodies and legal frameworks exist but creators must take responsibility for registration, documentation, and enforcement of their rights. IP goes beyond recordings: Performance rights, publishing and neighbouring rights are critical income streams that artists often overlook but are central to long-term sustainability. Legal clarity protects creative freedom: Artists who understand their rights are better positioned to negotiate, resolve disputes and build careers that extend beyond hype or streaming numbers. This is a timely and essential conversation on intellectual property and the legal foundations every artist must understand to build a sustainable career in today’s music industry. If you liked it and know someone who might, please share it out! NEXT UP: Episode 4 will be on building sustainable influencer entrepreneurship. FOR MORE: YouTube:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠⁠  Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠⁠  TikTok:⁠⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠⁠  Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠ https://forms.gle/CcKKRAoxzfjJmQYg7⁠ #VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 3 Leave a comment and join us next week for a new episode.

    45 min
  5. How Streaming Revenue & Music Distribution Really Work Part 2 | S5: EP 2

    JAN 20

    How Streaming Revenue & Music Distribution Really Work Part 2 | S5: EP 2

    Anyiko wraps up this essential conversation on How Streaming Revenue & Music Distribution Really Work with 3 women shaping Africa’s digital music economy: Martha Huro (ex-Boomplay EA), Agnes Opondo (A&R Executive) and Beth Achitsa (The Orchard EA). If you’ve ever asked: what does my distributor actually do? This episode is for you. In this episode, we move from theory to practice, unpacking what artists must do to earn sustainably and grow long-term careers in the digital age. Key Takeaways from this Episode: 1. Streaming alone isn’t enough: visibility, marketing and PR are critical to driving streams and income 2. Understanding royalties, split sheets and metadata is non-negotiable 3. Data and analytics are powerful tools for decision-making, not just numbers 4. Distribution is a partnership - know your distributor’s role and what they offer beyond uploads 5. Sustainable careers are built through structure, strategy and ecosystem thinking. From monetisation gaps to winning strategies and how to seize opportunities, this is an honest conversation on how to move with intention. NEXT UP: Episode 3 will be about ownership and how artists can protect their work. Stay tuned, drops next week. FOR MORE: YouTube:⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠⁠  Instagram:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠⁠ Instagram:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠⁠  TikTok:⁠ ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠⁠  Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠ https://forms.gle/CcKKRAoxzfjJmQYg7⁠ #VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 2 Leave us a review and join us next week for Eps 3.

    1h 1m
  6. How Streaming Revenue & Music Distribution Really Work Part 1 | S5: EP 1

    JAN 13

    How Streaming Revenue & Music Distribution Really Work Part 1 | S5: EP 1

    On VIP ACCESS Season 5 opener episode, Anyiko hosts 3 leading women at the forefront of Africa’s digital music economy. Martha Huro, Former Managing Director for East Africa at Boomplay Music, shares insights on the importance of artists branding, structure and leveraging on your data. Agnes Opondo, A&R Music Executive, unpacks distribution and marketing strategies for growing your fanbase, building sustainable music ecosystems and fair monetisation in Africa’s music industry. Beth Achitsa, Head of East Africa at The Orchard, who discusses the role of your distributor, artist development and where African music stands when it comes to streaming revenue. Together, they explore the opportunities, challenges and future of music in the digital age.Music streaming can be a major source of income, but for many emerging artists with lower streams, it often falls short. While top-tier acts may cash in on royalties alone, most need marketing and PR to boost visibility and streams. In this episode, we break down streaming royalties, the role of split sheets and analytics, and the key steps artists need to take to earn sustainably, grow their audience and maximize revenue across digital platforms. If you’ve ever wondered how streaming royalties really work, how to grow your audience and revenue online, this episode is for you.  Our podcast this week breaks down the realities of the African music industry, sharing practical insights and strategies to help artists navigate the digital music ecosystem with confidence and purpose. NEXT UP: Part 2 of How Streaming Revenue & Music Distribution Really Work, drops next week. FOR MORE: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/c/VIPACCESSwithANYIKO⁠  Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/anyikotv/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/industrytalks_ke/⁠  TikTok: ⁠www.tiktok.com/@anyikotv⁠  ⁠Share Your Feedback:⁠⁠ https://forms.gle/CcKKRAoxzfjJmQYg7⁠ #VIPACCESSWithAnyiko Season 5 Eps 1 Share this episode with someone who might benefit, leave us a review and join us next week for Part 2.

    54 min

About

Anyiko Owoko is one of Africa’s leading music publicists, curators and tastemakers, celebrated for her impact on music, culture and the creative industries. With 20 years experience across broadcast, digital & print media as a writer, editor, reporter & TV host, she brings deep industry insight to her work. In 2018, she founded Anyiko Public Relations, an artist agency championing African talent to global audiences. She is also the creator and host of VIP ACCESS, a culture and industry-focused podcast that has over 100 artists and professionals shaping Kenya and Africa's creative economy.