Afrobeats Intelligence

Joey Akan/OkayAfrica
  • ٠٫٠ (٠)
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  • يتم التحديث كل أسبوعين

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. 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. Follow Joey's Substack: https://afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com

  1. قبل يومين

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

    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 really means to chase greatness.  The man behind hundreds of videos (including cultural landmarks like Naira Marley’s “Soapy,” Olamide & Wizkid’s “Totori,” Kizz Daniel & Tekno’s “Buga,” Fireboy & Asake’s “Bandana,” and the entire visual world of Asake’s breakthrough Mr. Money with the Vibe traces his path from directing simply to survive to intentionally building a body of work and visual identities meant to outlive him.  He opens up about the mindset shift that changed everything, why money stopped being the driver, the health crisis that forced him to rediscover his craft, the evolution of Nigerian music videos, the rise of visualizers, AI’s threat and opportunity, and why today’s directors operate in a completely different landscape.  This is a conversation about purpose, resilience, artistic responsibility, and the deliberate choice of greatness from the director who helped define how a generation of Afrobeats looks and feels. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news.Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan X: @joeyakan Follow TG OmoriInstagram: @boy_director Created and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is presented by OkayAfrica, a division of AREYA MEDIA INC, and is sponsored by Martell. Find exclusive Okayplayer merch, tees and limited releases at https://shop.okayplayer.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. ٣١ يوليو

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

    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 meaning behind “Caution Boy,” Shoday explains how he’s building a career rooted in authenticity rather than hype. He reflects on his early struggles, the pressure that comes with viral success, and why consistency matters more than chasing trends. Shoday also opens up about working with his team, trusting God’s timing, creating records that connect emotionally, and why he wants listeners craving his music before it even drops. As the conversation unfolds, Joey and Shoday discuss the future of Afrobeats, the responsibilities of a new generation of artists, and what it truly takes to build a lasting legacy in today’s music industry. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan X: @joeyakan Follow Shoday  Instagram: Shoday Tik Tok: ShodayX: Officialshoday Created and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is presented by OkayAfrica, a division of AREYA MEDIA INC, and is sponsored by Martell.  Find exclusive Okayplayer merch, tees and limited releases at https://shop.okayplayer.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. ١٧ يوليو

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

    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. MAVO breaks down the origin of his self-created vocabulary, the feeling-first philosophy behind records like Tumo Weto, Escaladizzy, Use Me, and Mofe, and how he balanced optometry school with building his music career. He opens up about creating music that feels authentic rather than forced, why simplicity is his greatest creative weapon, how his team built Killer Brother Records from the ground up, and why faith remains at the center of everything he does. MAVO also reflects on becoming one of the leading voices of a new generation, navigating success, protecting his creativity from social media, and why he believes fans should want the music before he gives it to them. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan X: @joeyakan Follow MAVO Instagram: Mavoswago Tik Tok: Mavo X: @mavoswago Created and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is presented by OkayAfrica, a division of AREYA MEDIA INC, and is sponsored by Martell.  Find exclusive Okayplayer merch, tees and limited releases at https://shop.okayplayer.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. ٣ يوليو

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

    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 finding his sound with Eldee, joining Mo’Hits, and beginning his creative partnership with Don Jazzy. He breaks down the making of key records like “Ten Ten” (his transition from rap to singing), “Close to You,” and the hit “Surulere,” while sharing lessons on understanding hits versus misses, the role of gatekeepers in the industry, and the mindset required for longevity.He also discusses his pivot into gaming and knowing when it was time to evolve. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan X: @joeyakan Follow Dr. Sid Instagram: @iamdrsid Facebook: Dr. SidX: Dr. Sid on X Created and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is presented by OkayAfrica, a division of AREYA MEDIA INC, and is sponsored by Martell.  Find exclusive Okayplayer merch, tees and limited releases at https://shop.okayplayer.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

  5. ١٩ يونيو

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

    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, and a key voice in Nigerian music strategy, breaks down the current realities of the Nigerian music industry. He discusses ROI in the business, the lessons we failed to learn from the global explosion of Afrobeats, the “Now What” moment Nigerian music finds itself in, and the international partners who have exited the market. A clear-eyed conversation on sustainability, growth, and the road ahead for artists, labels, and the industry. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan Follow Excel Joab Instagram: @exceljoab Podcast: UNHEARD INSIGHTS with Excel Joab   Created and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is presented by OkayAfrica, a division of AREYA MEDIA INC, and is sponsored by Martell.  Find exclusive Okayplayer merch, tees and limited releases at https://shop.okayplayer.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

  6. ٥ يونيو

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

    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.  Known for hits like “Know You” with Simi and “Feeling” with Bnxn, and recognised as a key figure in the new wave of Nigerian rap, Ladipoe discusses what has changed in Afrobeats, what has stayed the same, and the growing urgency he senses from the fan base. He talks about the importance of a strong opening song, how each artist forges their own identity, the “guiding delusion” in the industry, why tension remains constant, his thoughts on beef, and institutions in the scene.  He also gives an update on his plans for a new album this year. A candid conversation about artistry, evolution, and the road ahead. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan Follow Ladipoe Instagram: @ladipoe Facebook: Ladipoe Website: Ladipoe Created and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is presented by OkayAfrica, a division of AREYA MEDIA INC, and is sponsored by Martell.  Find exclusive Okayplayer merch, tees and limited releases at https://shop.okayplayer.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

  7. ٢٢ مايو

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

    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 whose work on My Father's Shadow has earned major international recognition, including a BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut and multiple AMVCA wins (including Best Writing and Best Movie). Wale reflects on the grind of building a career with full independence in Nigeria’s music industry: early resistance, the deliberate choice to stay independent, and the creation of a loyal, cross-generational community through authentic storytelling and sonic experimentation. He traces the evolution of Show Dem Camp and the Palmwine sound, while unpacking his bold expansion into film, artist development, and cultural documentation. He dives deep into the making of My Father's Shadow — the deeply personal, semi-autobiographical film co-written with his brother Akinola Davies Jr. — its historic Cannes premiere, and the weight of telling intimate Nigerian stories on the global stage. From the realities of creating in Nigeria versus international markets, to the philosophy of “dying empty” by fully realizing one’s creative potential, this conversation is a powerful masterclass in ownership, longevity, legacy, and platforming African narratives. A rich, insightful dialogue about building something meaningful that transcends one industry. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan Follow Wale Davies Instagram:  kingxdavies Created and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is presented by OkayAfrica, a division of AREYA MEDIA INC, and is sponsored by Martell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

  8. ٨ مايو

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

    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 voices. From his 2023 breakout with “Elon Musk” and Planet Pluto, to back-to-back #1 albums Presido La Pluto and Shakespopi, Shallipopi’s momentum shows no signs of slowing. His latest project, Auracle, continues the streak, debuting at #1 on Apple Music and further cementing his global reach.  Joey and Shallipopi dive deep into the realities of explosive success, the personal transition from dance video creator in Benin City (alongside his brothers) to chart-topping artist, and the relentless work ethic behind the music, including the story of making an album in just days.  Shallipopi unpacks how he’s carving out a fresh sub-genre within Afrobeats, blending street energy, futuristic sounds, and his signature Plutomania style, while expanding the sound’s international footprint. They also explore high-profile collaborations with Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rauw Alejandro, and others, plus the mindset required to stay grounded amid rapid fame.  Raw, insightful, and full of industry wisdom, this conversation captures Shallipopi’s unique creative universe and his vision for the next chapter of Afrobeats. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan Follow Shallipopi Instagram:  theycallmeshallipopi  Snapchat:  Shallipopi  Website: https://www.theycallmeshallipopi.com/  Created and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is presented by ⁠⁠OkayAfrica⁠⁠, a division of AREYA MEDIA INC, and is sponsored by ⁠⁠Martell.⁠⁠    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Shallipopi on Auracle, Global Success, Creating a Sub-Genre & Working with Wizkid
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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. 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. Follow Joey's Substack: https://afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com

المعلومات

  • صناع العمل
    Joey Akan/OkayAfrica
  • سنوات النشاط
    ٢٠٢٢ - ٢٠٢٦
  • الحلقات
    ٧٤
  • التقييم
    فاضح
  • حقوق النشر
    © 2025 Joey Akan
  • موقع البرنامج على الويب
    Afrobeats Intelligence

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