Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx

ISRAEL OLUWAFEMI MAKANJUOLA

The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx is a culture focused podcast that examines music not merely as entertainment, but as a reflection of society. Hosted by music journalist Femi Makx, the podcast explores the stories, ideas, and social forces shaping today’s music and creative landscape. Through in depth conversations and thoughtful analysis, each episode situates music within broader discussions on identity, youth culture, power, creativity, and everyday life in contemporary society. The Artiste Hangout offers listeners clarity and context, helping them understand what the music reveals abou

  1. Jul 19

    The Responsibility of Influence | Music, Drug Culture & the NDLEA

    I covered the Oyo State meth lab bust: billions in drugs, five suspects, a Mexican trafficking expert arrested. It got me thinking about a different side of Nigeria’s drug problem, one law enforcement can’t touch. For most young Nigerians, drugs weren’t first understood on the streets. They were first heard in a song. On this episode of The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, I sat down with Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA, to talk about drugs, music, and Nigeria’s entertainment industry. I asked him directly: Are artists responsible for glorifying drug use in their lyrics? Do celebrities get protected from arrest while smaller, independent artists take the fall? Can an artist battling addiction trust the NDLEA enough to ask for help without being exposed? And does using drugs actually make anyone more creative, or is that the biggest lie in the music industry? His answers reveal a side of the NDLEA most Nigerians never hear about, including a confidential rehabilitation program that has treated Nigerian celebrities without their names ever going public. This episode covers Afrobeats, addiction, fame, drug culture, youth influence, and the NDLEA’s real approach to Nigeria’s entertainment industry, straight from the agency’s own Director of Media and Advocacy. Topics: NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, Afrobeats, drug addiction, Nigerian music industry, youth culture, rehabilitation, Femi Makx, The Artiste Hangout

    The Responsibility of Influence | Music, Drug Culture & the NDLEA
  2. Apr 30

    Asake M$NEY Album Predictions

    Asake is set to release his fourth studio album M$NEY, and the anticipation across Afrobeats is already building. In this episode of The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we break down everything to expect from the M$NEY album before it drops on May 1st, 2026. This is a full prediction episode focused on the sound, direction, and impact of Asake’s next move. From the marble-inspired artwork to the 13-track lineup under Giran Republic with EMPIRE distribution, the rollout already signals intention. We take a closer look at key collaborations, including DJ Snake on “Worship,” Tiakola on “Badman Gangsta,” and Kabza De Small on “Asambe,” and what they could bring to the overall sound of the project. The conversation dives into Asake’s signature Afrobeats style, from heavy percussion and Fuji influences to Yoruba elements and street pop energy. We also explore the likely themes behind M$NEY, including prosperity, hustle, faith, resilience, and legacy building, all of which have become central to his identity as an artiste. Femi Makx shares clear predictions on standout tracks, chart performance, and viral potential, especially around “Worship,” and how this album could further define Asake’s position in the global Afrobeats conversation. The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx continues to grow as a leading Afrobeats and Nigerian music podcast, charting in over 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The podcast has reached Top 10 in multiple regions and Top 30 in Nigeria’s Music Interviews category on Apple Podcasts, with strong performance on Spotify. It currently sits within the Top 1% of podcasts globally, reflecting its growing influence in African music conversations. If you’re following Afrobeats, Nigerian artistes, or the business behind the music, this episode gives you a clear, grounded perspective before the album drops.

    Asake M$NEY Album Predictions
  3. Apr 1

    Iris by Goo Goo Dolls: What Makes It Evergreen and Why Nigerian Artistes Should Care

    Why do some songs vanish after a few weeks while others quietly define generations? In this masterclass episode of The Artiste Hangout Podcast with Femi Makx, we dissect the DNA of the 1998 masterpiece “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls — a song that refuses to die. Beyond the nostalgia, we peel back the layers: its haunting mandolin-driven arrangement, the emotional pull of its 6/8 time signature, and the raw, vulnerable songwriting that has kept it charting for nearly three decades. Released on April 1, 1998, for the City of Angels soundtrack, “Iris” became the most-streamed song of the entire 1990s in the US in 2025 (337.9 million streams according to Luminate), has surpassed 3 billion streams on Spotify, and continues trending strongly in 2026 thanks to organic moments in Deadpool & Wolverine, the series Shrinking, and viral TikTok nostalgia. But why should the Afrobeats generation care? As the Nigerian music industry matures from “viral moments” to building “global legacies,” Femi Makx draws a provocative parallel between this Alternative Rock classic and the future of African sound. We explore: • The “Iris” Blueprint: How unconventional composition and emotional permanence can outlast any trend. • Songwriting vs. Vibes: Why Nigerian artistes must move beyond catchy hooks to intelligent, evergreen storytelling — the kind that secures long-term royalties and generational impact. • The Sonic Bridge: Lessons in cross-genre appeal that can elevate Afrobeats from the dancefloor to timeless catalogues and international Hall of Fame recognition. • The Power of Intelligent Lyrics: Why well-thought-out, honest songwriting beats rushed studio sessions every single time. Whether you’re an upcoming artiste recording on a budget or a established act chasing the next big wave, this episode challenges you to create music that doesn’t just trend — it endures. The Artiste Hangout Podcast with Femi Makx is ranked in the Top 10% of podcasts globally and has charted in over 128 countries. Having recently peaked at #3 on the Apple Music Interview charts in Ghana and trended across 116 countries on Spotify, Femi Makx continues to bridge technical artistry with real-world industry wisdom. Join the conversation that’s shaping the next era of African music excellence. Listen now and start building your own evergreen legacy.

    Iris by Goo Goo Dolls: What Makes It Evergreen and Why Nigerian Artistes Should Care
  4. Mar 20

    Asake – “WORSHIP” (Praise Be to God) & Viral Mecca Umrah Moment

    Asake is trending globally after viral clips emerged of him performing Umrah in Mecca during Ramadan. In the videos, the Afrobeats superstar navigates massive crowds around the Kaaba, touches the Black Stone, and spends deeply personal moments in prayer inside Masjid al-Haram. Fans across X, TikTok, and Instagram are calling him “Alhaji Ahmed Ololade,” celebrating his humility, faith, and the gratitude energy he radiates. This moment connects directly to his unreleased track fans know as “Praise Be to God”, “Worship”, or “Alhamdulillah”. In this solo episode of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, I unpack: • The viral Mecca Umrah clips and why they’re dominating social media • Fan reactions and the trending #Alhamdulillahi movement • Lyrics and themes from live previews (Jo’burg, Red Bull Symphonic, IG snippets) • How the pilgrimage mirrors the song’s core message of faith, gratitude, and humility • Production insights, choir layers, amapiano influence, and potential international collaborations • Updated predictions for the track’s release, chart performance, TikTok virality, and its impact on Asake’s artistic evolution Whether you’re a fan of Afrobeats, exploring spiritual crossover tracks, or following the latest music trends, this episode highlights why “Praise Be to God” could become a timeless anthem for the streets, churches, mosques, and global diaspora alike. About the Host & Podcast Oluwafemi Makanjuola is a broadcast producer, reporter, and the host of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, a platform that explores music beyond entertainment. The podcast critically examines how artists and their work reflect the cultural, social, and economic forces shaping contemporary Africa. Available in over 128 countries, and charting top on Apple Podcasts in multiple regions, the show is recognized for insightful analysis, real conversations, and celebrating artistry in context. Listen and Subscribe Stream the episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Don’t forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and share with fellow music enthusiasts to keep up with the latest in Naija music culture, Afrobeats, and unreleased tracks. #Asake #Alhamdulillahi #PraiseBeToGod #WorshipAsake #Afrobeats #NaijaMusic #UnreleasedAsake #SpiritualAfrobeats #Ramadan2026 #AsakeNewSong #ArtisteHangout #FemiMakx #GlobalAfrobeats #MusicAnalysis #NaijaCulture #ApplePodcastsTopCharts

    Asake – “WORSHIP” (Praise Be to God) & Viral Mecca Umrah Moment
4.9
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx is a culture focused podcast that examines music not merely as entertainment, but as a reflection of society. Hosted by music journalist Femi Makx, the podcast explores the stories, ideas, and social forces shaping today’s music and creative landscape. Through in depth conversations and thoughtful analysis, each episode situates music within broader discussions on identity, youth culture, power, creativity, and everyday life in contemporary society. The Artiste Hangout offers listeners clarity and context, helping them understand what the music reveals abou

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