Japa Diaries Podcast

What if Yoruba mythology got the epic fantasy treatment? Ponle Oluwole joins us to talk about Àyànmọ́: Ìbẹ̀rẹ̀ , his Yoruba-inspired fantasy novel, and why he wanted to create the kind of expansive African fantasy story he wished he had growing up. We get into Yoruba mythology, the way African spirituality has been demonized and misunderstood, and what it means to see your culture treated as some...

What happens when love crosses cultures? Sule and Kate met through soccer, fell in love, and eventually had to figure out what their relationship looked like alongside different cultures, religions, family expectations, and parenting styles. They get real about the conversations, compromises, and boundaries it took to build a life together. Plus, why loving each other was only the beginning... Hos...

Hi guys! We’re taking a little break from our regularly scheduled programming this week, but we’re not leaving you without something good to listen to 👀 While we’re away, check out Popcorn for Dinner , a podcast for people who love a good debrief with friends after watching their favorite TV shows or movies. We’re especially excited to introduce you to their episode on The Odyssey . Give it a lis...

You made it abroad, now everyone needs something from you 😅 Fritz joins us for a very real conversation about black tax, family expectations, and the pressure that can come with being “the one who made it.” He shares his journey from Ghana to the U.S., from a full-ride scholarship and multiple campus jobs to building a career in software engineering. We get into sending money home, guilt, boundar...

What happens when your family history is tied to one of the most painful chapters in Nigeria’s history? In the case of filmmakers Leke and Meji Alabi-Isama, they made a documentary about it. Leke and Meji join us to talk about their 2026 BBC documentary, Surviving Biafra , which explores the Nigerian Civil War through the stories of people who lived through it — including their own dad and grandfa...

What happens when you’ve built a life abroad… then realize you want to go home? This week we're sitting down with Desola to talk about her journey from Nigeria to the UK, and eventually, back home again. We talk about career, the realities of moving back home, and why sometimes Japa really can be a round trip. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re joined by Sayo aka Koj (or Shasco, depending on who you ask 😂) of Submarine and a Roach to talk about his Japa journey from Nigeria to Canada, the loneliness that can come with building a life abroad, and why a good salary doesn’t always equal a good life. We get into identity, community, comedy, and how finding your people (and something that gives you purpose) can make a place start to fe...

We’re back and we’re kicking off season five by asking: what happens when Japa doesn’t feel like a one-way trip anymore? Abimisola and Malik catch up on their own Japa journeys, returning home, changing immigration rules, and the growing desire to keep one foot here and one foot there. Plus, we’re talking Lagos, “touching soil,” aging parents, and what it really means to have options. And because...

Filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. left Nigeria at 13 and didn't return for 9 years. In this conversation, he shares what it's like to live between Nigeria and the UK, why he finally made a film about his father, and how creating My Father's Shadow became a healing journey for his entire family. 🎬 My Father's Shadow is in U.S. theaters now, support African storytelling: mubi.com/myfathersshadow Hosted...

Even when we’re out of season, we’re still bringing you good content! In this bonus crossover episode, Abimisola guest hosts Culture Custodian’s Uncultured podcast, diving into the history of japa in Nigeria. We thought you’d enjoy this one. And if you do, be sure to check out more episodes from Uncultured! ---------------------------- Roses are red, our passports are green, ‘Japa’ is migration to...

It’s a wrap on this season of Japa Diaries! 🥳 In this finale episode, we reflect on the highs, the lessons, and the laughter that made this season so special. From identity and home to Afrobeats and activism, it’s a mix of real talk, cultural gems, and love for our community. Tune in for laughs and reflections as we close out another unforgettable season! 💚 💚 Enjoyed the season? Leave us a revi...

We’re catching up with rap legend M.I. Abaga! From his U.S. college days to shaping African hip-hop back home, M.I. talks living between two worlds, connecting African creatives, and staying grounded through it all. M.I also teases his upcoming album The Wolf and reminds us why authenticity will always be his superpower. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being an international student can be tough... and expensive. In this episode, we talk to John, co-founder of the African Leadership Bridge , about turning his own struggles into a scholarship fund for African students.  Then, we hear from Usomine, a current ALB scholar, about how this support is shaping her education and future impact. Ready to give back? Donate to ALB’s endowment fund here:...

This week, Koko joins us to talk all things Pan-Africanism! From its historic roots to the challenges of unity today, we talk diaspora identity and why staying connected to African news and stories matters now more than ever. Tickets for Press Play game night are on sale now: posh.vip/e/press-play-independence-edition   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We did it! Our first-ever live event was a success, and we can’t thank you enough for showing up and showing love. In this episode, we recap the highs and lows: from ticket-sale nerves to the epic games and the joy of building community in person. Whether you were there in-person or missed it, come relive the energy with us! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No new episode this week, we’re still recovering from our very successful community event! Thank you to everyone who came out, we had a timee! If you missed it, don’t worry, we’re sharing all the details in next week’s episode. In the meantime, catch up on past episodes and we’ll see you soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when immigrant parents and kids try to meet in the middle? This week, we’re talking about parents. Immigrant parents, to be exact. How do we balance respect for their sacrifices with the need to live our own lives? We sit down with our Aunty Tayo, a Nigerian mom and doctor, to talk about cultural expectations, independence, and the beauty (and messiness) of intergenerational relations...

Afrobeats had a massive year, and we’re breaking it all down in this lively “year in review” episode!  We chat about unforgettable moments, our songs of the summer, and what’s next for Afrobeats as trends shift and expand worldwide. Plus, Deji shares a curated playlist of songs you need to have on repeat.  P.S. Our Austin event is less than 2 weeks away, grab your ticket now! Hosted on A...

This week on Japa Diaries, Timilehin shares his homecoming story returning to Nigeria after 15 years in the U.S. From the grief of losing his grandmother to reconnecting with family, this episode explores identity, belonging, and what it truly means to go home. Early bird tickets to our game night event are almost gone! Cop yours (and your +1s) now: japadiaries.com/event --------------------------...

We’re talking language loss, revival, and cultural pride with Jalil Anibaba and Oju, creator of Awujo. Hear how Yoruba speakers and learners in the diaspora are keeping the language alive through community, curiosity, and creativity. And because you know we can’t resist a little fun, we play a Yoruba-themed game by Awujo which was equal parts competitive and humbling. Our listeners get 10% off the...

We’re kicking off Season Four with real talk about the immigrant experience! From wedding planning to visa troubles, we’re catching you up on life since Season Three. We dig into why accountability matters when building something bigger than ourselves, and share why destination weddings might just be the secret to sidestepping cultural chaos. Oh, and our first-ever community game night is coming u...

And that's a wrap on season 3! In this special episode, we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting each of our incredible episodes from this season. We also pull back the curtain and share exclusive BTS moments, including the thrilling high of going viral. And what’s a finale without a glimpse into the future? We’re excited to discuss our ambitious plans for Season 4, including how we’r...

In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Uzo Art to discuss her journey moving to the US at just six years old. Uzo opens up about the challenges of assimilation and a period where she almost lost herself. We also explore her unique perspective, connecting with both first-generation Americans and recent immigrants. Through it all, Uzo has managed to stay true to her authentic self, ch...

Japa Diaries is going professional! Tune into our conversation with Aisa Diallo, Esq. from Diallo Law Group , as she breaks down the U.S. immigration system. We discuss U.S. immigration policies, common issues African immigrants encounter, and several viable paths to citizenship. Aisa also shares expert tips for navigating the immigration system. Whether you're an immigrant or just curious about i...

In this inspiring episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Eno, the amazing founder of Naija Comm! Eno shared her incredible journey, from her lifelong passion for creating to building a successful career as a creative entrepreneur. We also dove deep into the heart and soul behind Naija Comm and its mission to uplift African creatives and entrepreneurs who don't want the traditional 9-5 life....