Afrobeats Intelligence

Joey Akan/OkayAfrica
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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

  1. 3 ngày trước

    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

    1 giờ 21 phút
  2. Wale Davies (Tec): Palmwine Pioneer, Show Dem Camp Legend & BAFTA-Winning Writer of My Father's Shadow

    22 thg 5

    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

    1 giờ 16 phút
  3. Shallipopi on Auracle, Global Success, Creating a Sub-Genre & Working with Wizkid

    8 thg 5

    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

    57 phút
  4. Joshua Baraka on East Africa's Takeover, the Decline of Afrobeats & AI in Music

    24 thg 4

    Joshua Baraka on East Africa's Takeover, the Decline of Afrobeats & AI in Music

    Uganda has always had the culture. Now it has the moment. Joshua Baraka is the Kampala-bred artist making a case for East Africa's place at the center of the global music conversation, not as a footnote to Afrobeats, but as a creative force with its own sonic identity, emotional depth, and artistic integrity. His breakout hit "Nana" didn't just chart, it made a statement about what East African music can mean on a world stage. In this conversation with Joey Akan, Baraka goes beyond the geography debate. He breaks down the philosophical divide between East and West African music cultures, why he believes Afrobeats is showing signs of decline, and what it means to make art in an era when AI can replicate the sound but not the soul. He also speaks candidly about the industry's obsession with numbers over artistry, navigating social media scrutiny, and why this moment in African music history demands more from its creators. That live-first culture shapes his skepticism of AI's ceiling in music too. You can generate a track. You can't accumulate the human experience that makes a performance land.  Joshua discusses: The realities of breaking out from a non-dominant market in African music The importance of identity in a globalized industry, How young artists are redefining what Afrobeats can sound like. Navigating early success, trusting your creative instincts, and building a career that travels beyond borders. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan Follow Joshua Baraka Instagram:  itsjoshuabaraka Tik Tok: itsjoshuabaraka 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

    1 giờ 12 phút
  5. Kcee on The Limpopo Anthem & Ojapiano

    10 thg 4

    Kcee on The Limpopo Anthem & Ojapiano

    From the gritty streets of Ajegunle in Lagos, where he once dreamed of a football career, to winning the Star Quest talent show with his duo KC Presh in 2002, Kcee has spent over two decades shaping the sound of Nigerian music. He exploded globally with the infectious 2013 hit “Limpopo,” which became a dancefloor movement, then continued to reinvent himself with club anthems like “Pullover,” “Okoso,” and later experiments in Ojapiano and highlife. KCee discusses: His evolution: the shift from hip-hop and Afropop while embracing his Igbo roots through the groundbreaking Cultural Praise series, sonically diverse albums like Mr. Versatile (2024) and the fresh 2025 highlife-Afrobeats fusion Okonkwo and Sons Unlimited. Longevity in an industry that often discards veterans, The business of reinvention and family ties with his brother E-Money,  Why he’s still dropping hits and packing international stages well into his 40s.   Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news.Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan Follow KCee Instagram: @iam_kcee Facebook: kceeWebsite: Mr. Versatile 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

    1 giờ 11 phút
  6. Aniko on Revolutionizing Nigeria's Rave and House Music Scene

    27 thg 3

    Aniko on Revolutionizing Nigeria's Rave and House Music Scene

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with rising DJ and cultural curator Aniko, one of the key figures shaping Lagos’ growing electronic music and rave scene. Known for her bi-monthly Group Therapy events, Aniko has built a community-driven movement that exists alongside, and sometimes outside of, the mainstream Afrobeats ecosystem. Aniko discusses: Her journey from aspiring DJ to international touring artist Building a name independently in a fast-changing music scene Bridging Afrobeats, electronic music, and Lagos nightlife culture Staying grounded while contributing to Africa’s evolving soundscape Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan Follow Aniko Instagram: aniko.xyz Web: aniko.live Soundcloud: anikoxyzCreated 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

    1 giờ 9 phút
  7. Wale on the Cost of Fame, Plans for Nigeria, Afrobeats’ Breakthrough Moment

    13 thg 3

    Wale on the Cost of Fame, Plans for Nigeria, Afrobeats’ Breakthrough Moment

    In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with rapper Wale for a candid conversation about identity, culture, and the global rise of Afrobeats. Raised in a Nigerian household in Washington, D.C., Wale reflects on how African music shaped his instincts as an artist long before Afrobeats became a global phenomenon. He discusses why he believed early on that African sounds would eventually dominate global pop, the key moments that accelerated the genre’s global breakthrough, and the importance of protecting local African music markets as the sound expands worldwide. Wale also shares personal reflections on visiting Nigeria for the first time as an adult and reconnecting with the culture that has always influenced his music. The conversation offers a thoughtful look at diaspora identity, musical evolution, and the future of African music on the world stage. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan Follow Wale: Instagram: @wale Facebook: Wale Web: Everythingisalot 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

    1 giờ 10 phút
  8. Sarz talks Global Success, Making Pop hits, and Cultural Ownership

    27 thg 2

    Sarz talks Global Success, Making Pop hits, and Cultural Ownership

    In this season opener, Joey Akan sits down with the legendary, award-winning producer Sarz for an unfiltered deep dive into the mechanics of a hit record and the evolving DNA of African sound. This episode of Afrobeats Intelligence is powered by OkayAfrica, the pulse of African culture, and sponsored by Martell. Don't miss a beat of Season 5. Join the community by subscribing now and tell us your favorite Sarz-produced track in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1 giờ 19 phút
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Giới Thiệu

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

Thông Tin

  • Nhà sáng tạo
    Joey Akan/OkayAfrica
  • Năm hoạt động
    2022 - 2026
  • Tập
    69
  • Xếp hạng
    Thô tục
  • Bản quyền
    © 2025 Joey Akan
  • Trang web chương trình
    Afrobeats Intelligence

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