Uphorial Podcast: Global Afro Culture And Spotlights

Uphorial Podcast
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  • MUSIC COMMENTARY

Uphorial serves as a platform that extensively covers both music and broader cultural elements, providing content ranging from artist features and performances to news, fashion, and documentaries. We tell our African stories as it is and should be.

  1. 12/09/2025

    Global South: Culture, Industry, and Philanthropic Partnership

    A powerful discussion at the Doha Forum among three leading figures driving change in the Global South: Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Bill Gates, and Aliko Dangote. The discussion dissects their motivations, pinpoints major barriers to development, and outlines solutions spanning culture, business, philanthropy, and technology. The consensus highlights that Africans and the Global South must first lead their own development and articulate their own narratives and systems (be it through business or culture) before international partners can effectively collaborate and achieve self-sufficiency and prosperity.

    15 min

  2. 10/26/2025

    Vusi Thembekwayo: Building Africa’s Future and the Trauma of Poverty

    Vusi Thembekwayo is a prominent entrepreneur and speaker, focusing on his life, business philosophies, and perspectives on Africa's future. The discussion examines his experiences growing up as a first-generation non-apartheid Black South African, contrasting the systemic disadvantages of the past with the current ease of building businesses in Africa. Key topics include the challenges of starting an entrepreneurial path against generational expectations, the psychological trauma of poverty, and the importance of African founders reinvesting their capital for continental growth. Thembekwayo also offers critical commentary on global figures like Elon Musk, accusing him of hypocrisy for opposing South African economic empowerment laws while seeking profit in the region, and addresses the contentious narrative surrounding South Africa-Nigeria relations and the complexities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

    14 min

  3. 10/01/2025

    Volatility of the Nigeria music business

    The global success of Afrobeats, with Nigerian artists topping international charts and selling out venues worldwide, attracts significant international investment and attention. Ubi Franklin, a music executive and entrepreneur, offers a detailed examination of the complexities of the Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly in the realm of Afrobeat. Franklin discusses the volatility of the music business, comparing it to other high-risk ventures and stressing the importance of perpetual revenue streams like music catalogs, which banks in Nigeria are hesitant to finance due to a lack of understanding and reliance on foreign exchange profits. Ubi Franklin, a music executive and entrepreneur, offers a detailed examination of the complexities of the Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly in the realm of Afrobeat. Franklin discusses the volatility of the music business, comparing it to other high-risk ventures and stressing the importance of perpetual revenue streams like music catalogs, which banks in Nigeria are hesitant to finance due to a lack of understanding and reliance on foreign exchange profits.

    14 min

  4. 10/01/2025

    Bill Gates - Nigeria Key to Africa's Success (Dissect)

    In a recent high-level discussion featuring Bill Gates and other leaders, the discussion delved into the pressing challenges and immense opportunities facing Africa and global health funding cuts, with Gates arguing that the reduction in aid from wealthy nations—historically around one percent of their budgets—will tragically reverse decades of progress, leading to an increase in childhood mortality. Gates explains that while Asia has seen many countries graduate from aid dependence, sub-Saharan Africa remains critically in need, emphasizing that the continent's large youth population can only become an asset if basic needs like health and nutrition are met. The discussion later shifts to the importance of African nations taking self-responsibility for development, including investing in infrastructure and human capital, with a specific focus on the role of sports as both a unifying force and a business opportunity to build essential ecosystems. Finally, Gates reiterates that while he is directing significant private funds toward Africa, particularly in Nigeria, government and external aid are necessary to sustain progress and unlock the continent's full potential.

    18 min

  5. 10/01/2025

    Billboard Africa and the Afrobeat Narrative

    Jason Coke, the CFO and co-founder of GVP, which holds rights to brands like Billboard Africa. Had an interesting conversation that was centered on African ownership and control of its narrative, particularly within the creative economy and the burgeoning Afrobeats and Afropop cultures. Coke discusses the strategic launch of Billboard Africa charts to highlight African artists, the importance of learning from past mistakes in the hip-hop industry, and the role of the UAE (Dubai) as a major investor and cultural bridge to the continent. Additionally, the discussion touches on the need to utilize major media brands like Time and Rolling Stone to amplify lesser-known African regions such as Botswana.

    12 min

  6. 10/01/2025

    The Making of Don Jazzy

    Don Jazzy's point of view is that of a confident but humble leader whose motivations have evolved from a desire to prove himself to a passion for nurturing new talent. He believes success is a combination of innate talent, seizing opportunities, surrounding oneself with the right people, and an artist's own relentless drive.

    14 min

  7. 07/06/2025

    Nigerian Governance, Education, and Comedy

    Ace comedian Alibaba Akpobome discusses the profound issues facing Nigeria, primarily focusing on the pervasive lack of quality education and its ripple effects. The conversation highlights how corruption in politics is intrinsically linked to this educational deficit, with politicians benefiting from an uneducated populace whose aspirations remain low. The discussion also touches upon ineffective governmental policies, the challenges of national development, and the importance of a national census for effective budgeting.

    14 min

  8. 06/29/2025

    Femi Kuti: A Legacy Beyond Music

    Femi Kuti, an acclaimed musician and son of the legendary Fela Kuti, discusses his latest album, "Journey Through Life." He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his forty-year musical career, emphasizing the importance of personal passion, discipline through daily practice, and carving his path rather than merely replicating his father's legacy. Kuti also touches upon his spiritual and modest outlook on life, his concerns for Nigeria's political landscape and youth, and his efforts to honor his family's enduring influence while forging his unique artistic identity. The interview highlights Kuti's commitment to authenticity, innovation, and social commentary through his music.

    13 min
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Uphorial serves as a platform that extensively covers both music and broader cultural elements, providing content ranging from artist features and performances to news, fashion, and documentaries. We tell our African stories as it is and should be.

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