One 54 Podcast

iHeartPodcasts
  • 4.9 (219)
  • Society & Culture
  • Updated Weekly

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. Zimbabwean Comedian Alfred Kainga On Learnmore's $27M Lawsuit, Trevor Noah, Kevin Hart & Lion King

    3d ago

    Zimbabwean Comedian Alfred Kainga On Learnmore's $27M Lawsuit, Trevor Noah, Kevin Hart & Lion King

    Alfred Kainga joins One54 Africa for a hilarious and thought-provoking conversation about growing up in Zimbabwe, navigating colonial influence, and building a comedy career that has taken him across the world. Alfred reflects on life in Zimbabwe after British colonization, sharing how English names, language restrictions in school, and cultural divisions shaped his upbringing. He opens up about balancing life between the hood and elite schools, learning multiple African languages, and the realities of tribal tensions, xenophobia, and African identity. The conversation dives deep into African history, politics, and unity as Alfred discusses figures like Julius Malema, Trevor Noah, Elon Musk, and LeBo M while breaking down the ongoing tensions between Zimbabweans and South Africans. He also shares how Kevin Hart gave him his first television opportunity, how he helped Learnmore Jonasi get on Apollo, and the controversy surrounding the viral $27 million lawsuit. From bombing on stage in Jamaica to performing sold-out comedy shows in Nigeria, Alfred delivers unforgettable stories about culture shock, African parenting, comedy across the diaspora, and the lessons he’s learned traveling the continent. A powerful mix of comedy, history, culture, and the African experience told through one of the funniest voices in stand-up today. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 35m
  2. Remi Adeleke: Nigerian Millionaire To New York Poverty, Banana Island & Navy SEAL

    May 20

    Remi Adeleke: Nigerian Millionaire To New York Poverty, Banana Island & Navy SEAL

    Remi Adeleke joins One54 Africa for one of the most unbelievable stories ever told on the podcast.Born into wealth in Nigeria, Remi reflects on growing up as the son of a powerful businessman whose vision and engineering plans helped create the land that became Banana Island in Lagos. He opens up about his father’s fight against government corruption, the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death, and how his family lost everything overnight.Forced to move from luxury in Nigeria to poverty in the Bronx, Remi shares how he was pulled toward the streets before ultimately transforming his life — becoming a Navy SEAL, bestselling author, actor, filmmaker, and motivational speaker.The conversation dives into Nigerian politics, corruption, identity, resilience, and the untold story behind one of the most valuable pieces of land in Africa.This is a powerful story about legacy, survival, and refusing to let tragedy define your future. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2h 28m
  3. Bassem Youssef on Egypt, Black Egyptians, Free Speech & “Jon Stewart of Middle East”

    May 13

    Bassem Youssef on Egypt, Black Egyptians, Free Speech & “Jon Stewart of Middle East”

    Bassem Youssef joins One54 Africa for a hilarious and deeply insightful conversation on identity, culture, comedy, and the complexities of modern Egypt. The Egyptian heart surgeon turned political satirist reflects on building the most watched television show in Egyptian history, navigating censorship, and using humor as a form of resistance and truth-telling. Often called “The Jon Stewart of the Middle East,” Bassem opens up about leaving medicine behind, rebuilding his career in America, and learning stand-up comedy in a second language. The conversation also dives into Egyptian culture, language, food, religion, Arab identity, and the global misconceptions surrounding Egypt and Africa. From debates around the pyramids and pharaohs to hilarious stories about salsa dancing, bidets, and immigrant experiences, this episode blends comedy with powerful cultural commentary. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2h 26m
  4. Yaya DaCosta On Being Afro-Latino, Africa & What It Means to Be Black Everywhere

    May 6

    Yaya DaCosta On Being Afro-Latino, Africa & What It Means to Be Black Everywhere

    Yaya DaCosta joins One54 Africa for a powerful conversation on identity, culture, and what it truly means to belong. The actress, model, and global traveler reflects on growing up in Harlem in a deeply conscious, activist household and how that shaped her understanding of Black identity across the diaspora. She opens up about her lineage — spanning West Africa, Brazil, and the Caribbean — and how those roots influenced her perspective on culture, language, and history. Yaya also shares her experiences living in Brazil, learning Portuguese, and discovering how Black identity is expressed differently around the world. From capoeira and global travel to conversations about colonialism, language, and representation, this episode challenges how we think about culture and connection. This is a deep dive into heritage, perspective, and embracing every part of who you are. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2h 55m
  5. Korra Obidi on Nigeria, Nollywood, Balancing Motherhood And A Global Career

    Apr 29

    Korra Obidi on Nigeria, Nollywood, Balancing Motherhood And A Global Career

    Korra Obidi joins One54 Africa for a raw, unfiltered conversation about identity, culture, and carving your own path.The Nigerian singer, dancer, and global performer opens up about growing up in Lagos, strict upbringing under a military household, and how that shaped her discipline and mindset. She reflects on starting out in Nollywood, the grind behind the industry, and what it really takes to build visibility in Nigeria.Korra also shares her journey into dance and music — from learning across the world to turning social media into a global platform with millions of followers. She speaks candidly about being labeled “rebellious,” challenging cultural expectations, and redefining what it means to be a modern African woman.From Lagos to the global stage, this episode dives into ambition, independence, and unapologetically being yourself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2h 1m
  6. Tiffany Haddish on Eritrean Roots, Nipsey Hussle & Life Beyond Comedy

    Apr 22

    Tiffany Haddish on Eritrean Roots, Nipsey Hussle & Life Beyond Comedy

    Tiffany Haddish joins One54 Africa for one of her most personal conversations yet — opening up about identity, grief, and healing.From growing up without her father to eventually finding him later in life, Tiffany shares the emotional journey that shaped who she is today. She reflects on reconnecting with her Eritrean roots, traveling to Africa, and the powerful sense of belonging she feels on the continent.She also speaks on the loss of Nipsey Hussle, building bridges between Africa and the diaspora, and navigating life, love, and success while staying true to herself.This episode is raw, funny, and deeply human — a story about finding yourself by understanding where you come from. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2h 1m
  7. David Otunga on Kenya, WWE, Hollywood, Jennifer Hudson & Losing His Father

    Apr 15

    David Otunga on Kenya, WWE, Hollywood, Jennifer Hudson & Losing His Father

    David Otunga joins One54 Africa for a powerful conversation on identity, loss, and reinvention. Born to a Kenyan father and American mother, Otunga reflects on his father’s journey to the U.S. through the historic African Airlift program — and the discipline and values that shaped his upbringing. He opens up about the devastating loss of his father just as he was accepted into Harvard Law School, and how that moment fueled his decision to carry on his legacy. From Harvard Law to a top firm in Chicago, Otunga shares why he walked away from a six-figure legal career to pursue entertainment — leading to a breakout moment in WWE and a career in Hollywood. He also discusses fatherhood, life in the spotlight, his relationship with Jennifer Hudson, and the mindset that allowed him to succeed across multiple worlds. This episode is a story of purpose, pressure, and betting on yourself. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 37m
  8. Christian Okoye: The Nigerian Nightmare, Kansas City Chiefs, NFL & Surviving War | One54 Africa

    Apr 8

    Christian Okoye: The Nigerian Nightmare, Kansas City Chiefs, NFL & Surviving War | One54 Africa

    NFL legend Christian Okoye joins One54 for a powerful conversation on legacy, identity, and resilience.Known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” Okoye shares his incredible journey from growing up in Nigeria during the Biafran War to becoming one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history.He reflects on discovering American football late, overcoming cultural barriers, and rising to prominence with the Kansas City Chiefs.Christian opens up about his transition from track and field to football, the origin of his iconic nickname, and what it meant to represent Nigeria on the global stage. He also shares personal stories about family, loss, discipline, and how his upbringing shaped his mindset.From surviving war to building a Hall of Fame career, this episode is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and paving the way for future generations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    1h 46m
See All (31)

4.9
out of 5
219 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
    31
  • 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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