VIP ACCESS

We are back with our finale episode of Season 5 of VIP ACCESS. On part 2 of or conversation spotlighting the role of DJs, we bring back Schwaz Isaboke (DJ, Producer & Music Lead at Capital FM), Coco Em (Multidisciplinary Artist & DJ) and Njerae (Performing Artist & Singer). This conversation explores what it takes to build a career that is both creatively fulfilling and commercially vi...

Nairobi’s nightlife is evolving and so is the business behind it. This week on the podcast, we present the first of a 2-part Season 5 finale, featuring Schwaz Isaboke (DJ, Producer & Music Lead at Capital FM), Coco Em (Multidisciplinary Artist & DJ) and Njerae (Performing Artist & Singer). From the evolution of DJ culture and music discovery to the growing influence of nightlife on the...

Africa is moving forward, and so are we. This week on the podcast, we have Grammy Award-nominated global superstar Yemi Alade reflecting on her journey as one of Africa’s biggest music exports, Kenyan artist Coster Ojwang sharing his experiences navigating the industry as both a musician and visual artist and Moses Nyabanda , Managing Director at Equity Group, speaking on finance and opportunities...

I hosted a special edition of the British Council's Creative Hustle in Nairobi featuring Jeremiah Asiamah, internationally acclaimed DJ, BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra broadcaster. This week on the podcast, we spotlight a conversation on the global rise of Kenyan electronic music and how creatives across Nairobi and London are building collaborations and opportunities that extend beyond music into cu...

This week, we continue the conversation with super star actress Kenyan actress Mumbi Maina , writer and director Arnold Mwanjila and Susan Mbogo from DocuBox as we unpack the realities of sustaining Kenya’s film and TV ecosystem beyond the creative process. The episode explores the tension between art and business: how filmmakers navigate funding gaps, ownership, monetisation models and platform d...

This week on the podcast, we are joined by International Kenyan actor Mumbi Maina , Director and Scriptwriter Arnold Mwanjila and Susan Mbogo from DocuBox for a conversation exploring the delicate balance between creative integrity and commercial success in Kenya’s evolving screen industry. Kenyan film and TV is entering a powerful new era. From streaming platforms to international festivals and r...

As we wrap up our production and events series this season on VIP ACCESS, today’s episode focuses on safety planning for more inclusive and secure event spaces. We’re joined by Chris Kirwa , a renowned event organizer and producer with extensive industry experience; Njeri Gitungo , a multi-skilled creative working as a producer, program manager, DJ and member of Nairobi’s Nest Collective and Maria...

On Part two of Curating Festivals, we are once again joined by Wanjeri Gakuru , Sheba Hirst and Ayrosh , who bring their own perspective, skills and experience on building festivals that resonate beyond lineups. We will go into building community, how to rally support, funding, and how to navigate behind the scenes crisis like cancellations or a no-show from a guest or artist. From music, literatu...

We love Festivals! All sorts of festivals, from music, film to literature. This week on the podcast we are hosting curators behind some of your fave festivals: Wanjeri Gakuru (Nairobi Litfest, Rewind, Remix, Reclaim festival, Jalada Mobile Literary and Arts Festival ), Sheba Hirst (NBO Film Festival) and Ayrosh (Folk Fusion) - all which have announced dates to their upcoming editions. Curating a f...

Event production, artist bookings and fan experience are not just about logistics, they are shaped by deeper relationships and unseen dynamics, and that’s the focus of Part 2 of our latest VIP ACCESS episode. This episode features Queen Gathoni (a cultural force and creative producer) under Taji & Co. Production, Frankie Theuri (an accomplished event organizer and promoter) of Vibes Only and D...

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to make an event successful? We ae diving deeper into Events in this part of season 5 and this week, we are joined by pros in the game: Frankie The Brand, Diane Ywaya from B&W and Gathoni Kimuyu from Too Early For Birds. We are spotlighting concerts, festivals and theatre productions (big and small). Event production, artist bookings and fan experie...

Success in music today is no longer one-dimensional, it’s personal, political and constantly evolving. So what does success really look like for an artist in 2026? This week on the pod, we unpack the tension between art and commerce, purpose and sustainability and the pressure to turn creativity into currency. In an era driven by streams, algorithms and visibility, how do artists stay true to thei...

We are back this week with the final part of our conversation around Music licensing, publishing and sync placements featuring publishing specialist Shiro Mwendwa , award-winning producer and sound engineer Eric Musyoka and intellectual property lawyer Sharon Chahale Wata . From navigating copyright law to understanding how songs land in films, TV shows and commercials, the conversation unpacks ho...

Music licensing, publishing and sync placements remain some of the most powerful — yet least understood — revenue streams in the African music industry, and that’s our focus on the podcast this week, featuring publishing specialist Shiro Mwendwa , award-winning producer and sound engineer Eric Musyoka and intellectual property lawyer Sharon Chahale Wata for a deep dive into the business of music l...

In Part 2 of our discussion on Writing Music for Film & TV, Anyiko is hosting award-winning filmmaker Grace Kahaki , interdisciplinary artist and sound designer Jim Chuchu and music producer and sound specialist CLUE. From concept to final score, this episode touches on collaboration between composers and filmmakers, the role of sound in shaping narrative, and how African creatives can positio...

Music on screen enhances storytelling, emotion and strategy and that's our focus on the podcast this week, presenting award-winning filmmaker Grace Kahaki, interdisciplinary artist and sound designer Jim Chuchu, music producer and sound specialist CLUE for a deep conversation on scoring for film and TV. This episode unpacks the often-overlooked world of composing for visual media, from concept...

Content today is more than promotion it’s currency and a culture mover! Multifaceted content creator and TV host Ann Muli , celebrated filmmaker and cinematographer Enos Olik and leading fashion stylist and brand strategist Brian Babu are on the pod this week on a powerful discussion on Content Creation, Music & Culture – Shaping Africa’s Narrative. Excited to host three of Kenya’s leading cre...

This week we are featuring podcasting pioneer Adelle Onyango , media personality and podcaster Calvin Wanguku , and TikTok star–turned radio host and TV actress Azziad Nasenya on a powerful discussion on Digital Footprint for New Media Entrepreneurship. This episode explores the rise of new media entrepreneurship in Kenya and across Africa, highlighting how community building, strategic partnershi...

Excited to whisk you away to Uganda, Kampala this week! I met Lucy Bunyenyezi (Lucy_Smize) - Ugandan travel, food and lifestyle visual storyteller and founder of Forking Around Kampala) and Roy Ronald Tumwizere - National Advocacy Manager at Uganda Breweries Limited at AUMEX 2025, where I moderating this conversation about mastering the art of influencer entrepreneurship. Lucy Bunyenyezi (@lucy_sm...

I used to think understanding Copyright and Intellectual Property is complicated but thank God I met Wandiri Karimi and June Gachui , because these women make it so easy. On this eps of VIP ACCESS, I am hosting them alongside two other industry experts working at the intersection of music, law and creative advocacy: Wandiri Karimi , intellectual property lawyer, musician and Lead IP Consultant at...

Anyiko wraps up this essential conversation on How Streaming Revenue & Music Distribution Really Work with 3 women shaping Africa’s digital music economy: Martha Huro (ex-Boomplay EA), Agnes Opondo (A&R Executive) and Beth Achitsa (The Orchard EA). If you’ve ever asked: what does my distributor actually do? This episode is for you. In this episode, we move from theory to practice, unpackin...

On VIP ACCESS Season 5 opener episode, Anyiko hosts 3 leading women at the forefront of Africa’s digital music economy. Martha Huro , Former Managing Director for East Africa at Boomplay Music, shares insights on the importance of artists branding, structure and leveraging on your data. Agnes Opondo , A&R Music Executive, unpacks distribution and marketing strategies for growing your fanbase,...

Welcome to VIP ACCESS , a culture and industry podcast taking you inside how the creative sector really works. Hosted by Anyiko Owoko, this season goes beyond the art to explore the systems, policies and people shaping today’s music and media industries. Season 5 of VIP ACCESS premieres Tuesday, 13 January 2026 . New episodes drop every other Tuesday, wherever you get your podcasts: https://linktr...

Evajay is a dynamic and multi-talented Nigerian music artist from Port Harcourt. His skills range from singing, songwriting, music production and performance. From soulful ballads to upbeat dance tracks, his music is an eclectic blend of styles. His passion for music began at an early age, as he honed his craft as a bass player in his local church band. In this interview he takes me through the pu...

Jess White is the director and founder of Akum Agency and also a very good friend of mine. He works as an Artist Manager, Booking Agent, Music Consultant and Creative Producer. Jess White is a creative and dynamic artist manager, booking agent, music consultant and event producer, providing a platform to music, the arts and creative expression in South Africa, the region and beyond. In 2014, he fo...