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. 18h ago

    Princess Sarah Culberson Part 2: Sierra Leone, Royal Family & Black Royalty - One54 Africa

    Princess Sarah Culberson joins One54 to share the extraordinary true story of discovering that she was born into African royalty after growing up adopted in a white family in West Virginia. From reconnecting with her biological father in Sierra Leone to learning she was part of a royal family with generations of leaders dedicated to public service, Sarah reflects on the emotional journey that changed her life forever. Sarah discusses growing up as a Black child in a small predominantly white town, navigating questions of identity, race, and belonging, and how her adoptive parents encouraged her to embrace the world through travel and education. She shares the emotional experience of meeting her biological family for the first time, being welcomed home by an entire village, reconnecting with her grandmother just months before she passed away, and discovering the rich history of her family in Sierra Leone. The conversation explores adoption, mixed identity, Black identity, African heritage, and the importance of embracing every part of who you are. Sarah also reflects on conversations around race in America, colorism, representation, and how different cultures around the world define identity. She opens up about what it truly means to be a princess, explaining that royalty is rooted in service rather than status. Sarah shares the work she and her family continue to do in Sierra Leone through education, healthcare, technology, and women's empowerment, carrying forward a legacy that spans generations. Along the way, they discuss African royalty throughout history, Princess Diana, Meghan Markle, Bridgerton, Coming to America, Malcolm X's daughter Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, and why Black royalty deserves greater recognition in mainstream media. This is a powerful conversation about family, identity, purpose, culture, and discovering where you truly belong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Princess Sarah Culberson Part 2: Sierra Leone, Royal Family & Black Royalty - One54 Africa

  2. 2d ago

    Princess Sarah Culberson Part 1: Adoption, African Princess & Identity - One54 Africa

    Princess Sarah Culberson joins One54 to share the extraordinary true story of discovering that she was born into African royalty after growing up adopted in a white family in West Virginia. From reconnecting with her biological father in Sierra Leone to learning she was part of a royal family with generations of leaders dedicated to public service, Sarah reflects on the emotional journey that changed her life forever. Sarah discusses growing up as a Black child in a small predominantly white town, navigating questions of identity, race, and belonging, and how her adoptive parents encouraged her to embrace the world through travel and education. She shares the emotional experience of meeting her biological family for the first time, being welcomed home by an entire village, reconnecting with her grandmother just months before she passed away, and discovering the rich history of her family in Sierra Leone. The conversation explores adoption, mixed identity, Black identity, African heritage, and the importance of embracing every part of who you are. Sarah also reflects on conversations around race in America, colorism, representation, and how different cultures around the world define identity. She opens up about what it truly means to be a princess, explaining that royalty is rooted in service rather than status. Sarah shares the work she and her family continue to do in Sierra Leone through education, healthcare, technology, and women's empowerment, carrying forward a legacy that spans generations. Along the way, they discuss African royalty throughout history, Princess Diana, Meghan Markle, Bridgerton, Coming to America, Malcolm X's daughter Ambassador Attallah Shabazz, and why Black royalty deserves greater recognition in mainstream media. This is a powerful conversation about family, identity, purpose, culture, and discovering where you truly belong. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Princess Sarah Culberson Part 1: Adoption, African Princess & Identity - One54 Africa

  3. Jul 8

    Lebo M Part 2: $27M Lawsuit, Nelson Mandela & Legacy - One54 Africa

    The legendary voice and composer behind Disney's The Lion King joins the podcast for a powerful conversation about music, history, and identity. Lebo M shares what it was like growing up during apartheid, witnessing the Soweto Uprising, leaving South Africa in exile, and eventually becoming one of the most influential figures in African music. Lebo also opens up about his ongoing lawsuit, explaining why he sees it as a fight to protect his life's work, intellectual property, and the legacy of African artists. The discussion covers the history of apartheid, Steve Biko, Nelson Mandela, African unity, immigration, media narratives, and the economic realities shaping modern South Africa. Lebo offers thoughtful perspectives on podcasting, public discourse, and the responsibility that comes with having a platform, while sharing unforgettable stories from his decades-long career, the creation of The Lion King, and his mission to keep African culture at the center of the global stage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lebo M Part 2: $27M Lawsuit, Nelson Mandela & Legacy - One54 Africa

  4. Jul 6

    Lebo M Part 1: Apartheid, Soweto & The Lion King - One54 Africa

    The legendary voice and composer behind Disney's The Lion King joins the podcast for a powerful conversation about music, history, and identity. Lebo M shares what it was like growing up during apartheid, witnessing the Soweto Uprising, leaving South Africa in exile, and eventually becoming one of the most influential figures in African music. Lebo also opens up about his ongoing lawsuit, explaining why he sees it as a fight to protect his life's work, intellectual property, and the legacy of African artists. The discussion covers the history of apartheid, Steve Biko, Nelson Mandela, African unity, immigration, media narratives, and the economic realities shaping modern South Africa. Lebo offers thoughtful perspectives on podcasting, public discourse, and the responsibility that comes with having a platform, while sharing unforgettable stories from his decades-long career, the creation of The Lion King, and his mission to keep African culture at the center of the global stage. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Lebo M Part 1: Apartheid, Soweto & The Lion King - One54 Africa

  5. Jul 1

    $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.

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

  6. Jul 1

    $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.

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

  7. Jun 29

    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.

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

  8. Jun 24

    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.

    Drea Okeke - One54 Africa Part 2: $1M Social Media influencer
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4.9
out of 5
253 Ratings

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
    45
  • 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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