Afro Soul Stories

Wanlov the Kubolor has spent nearly two decades making albums most artists wouldn't touch — one about illegal gold mining years before it became a national crisis, one about Ghana's anti-LGBT politics, a whole catalogue of "card" albums each tackling a different piece of social commentary. In this episode, Sewor Okudzeto sits down with the Ghanaian-Romanian rapper, producer and f...

In this special tribute episode, we honour the life and legacy of Ebo Taylor — Ghanaian guitarist, composer, and one of the founding architects of highlife and Afrobeat music. Ebo Taylor passed away on 7th February 2026, aged 90, leaving behind six decades of music that shaped the sound of an entire continent. We sit down with Kweku Aacht, representative of EBOFEST — the international festival ded...

From Lagos to the Grammys: Tempoe on Afrobeats, Global Hits & Creative Growth | E24 Grammy-nominated Afrobeats producer Tempoe joins Afro Soul Stories for an in-depth conversation on his journey from Lagos to the global stage. Best known as the producer behind the worldwide hit “Love Nwantiti” — a record that has generated billions of streams — Tempoe shares the story behind his rise, his crea...

In this episode of Afro Soul Stories , I sit down with author and musician Antonio Michael Downing, also known as John Orpheus, to explore the story behind his book Black Cherokee . We dive into themes of identity, migration, and what it means to live between Trinidad and Canada—navigating multiple cultures while forming a sense of self. Antonio reflects on how storytelling becomes a way of unders...

In this episode of Afro Soul Stories, we speak with Nigerian percussionist and two-time Grammy Award winner Lekan Babalola. From growing up in Lagos and connections to the world of Fela Kuti, to collaborations with artists such as Ali Farka Touré, Roy Ayers and Cassandra Wilson, Babalola reflects on a remarkable musical journey. We also discuss his latest project, The Sacred Arts of Odu Ifa, explo...

In this special episode of Afro Soul Stories, we speak with London-based saxophonist David Kayode about the release of his EP Ade Kayode. The conversation explores the musical influences behind the project, his creative process as an artist, and how African rhythm and jazz continue to shape the evolving sound of the London music scene. An insightful artist profile and EP special exploring music, i...

Afro Soul Stories returns with a powerful conversation and impromptu live session featuring Senegalese artist Rijal Chakur, a multi‑talented singer, guitarist and bandleader blending Senegalese spiritual music with modern Afro‑soul grooves. From Dakar to London, Rijial Chakur has been building a unique sound with The Chakurs Band, fusing heritage rhythms, soulful melodies and contemporary influenc...

In this episode of Afro Soul Stories , UK artist Razor talks real life, creative growth, and what touring the UK has taught him. From new music to award wins and staying consistent in the long game, this is an honest conversation about longevity and purpose.

Ahnansé (Steam Down) on Collective Consciousness & Global Music | Afro Soul Stories E19In this episode of Afro Soul Stories, host Sewor Okudzeto sits with Ahnansé, founder of Steam Down, to unpack how music, community, and collective consciousness collide in London’s jazz and Afro-diasporic underground. Ahnansé explains the vision behind Steam Down — a live band, weekly London event, and cultu...

Zimbabwean born Nandi is one of the freshest and most soulful artists to come out of the UK. Inspired by South African musical heroes such as Miriam “Mama Africa” Makeba and Hugh Masekela she began to write her own songs. Her dynamic and graceful voice is known to silence crowds, whilst gracing the stage of venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, The Roundhouse and The Southbank Centre. Performances have b...

Mide Johnson, is both a musician and Human rights Lawyer from Nigeria , who spent time in Geneva and now resides in London where he is pursuing his PHD, in this conversation we explore diaspora engagement, identity, and his path as both a human rights lawyer and creative.

Coco Mbassi was born in Paris and originates from Cameroon. Her music is a blend of African roots, classical music, jazz and gospel, with the feel of acoustic soul. A winner of several music awards including the Radio France Internationale Découvertes Contest in 1996, the German World Music CD Critics Award in 2001, she was one of the two finalists for the BBC World Music Awards in 2002. She toure...

Alizee Ndiaye , Born in the south of France to Senegalese and Italian parents , is an Interdisciplinary creative whose work bridges cultures, disciplines, and generations. After moving to London in 2016, she began her creative journey in 2019, driven by a desire to create space for underrepresented voices. That same year, Alizée founded DTMH (Don’t Touch My Heritage),a platform dedicated to uplift...

Donovan Haffner, winner of the 'Jazz Newcomer' category at the Jazz Parliamentary Awards 2025 is a south-east London born and bred alto saxophonist. Donovan's debut album Alleviate is a vitally exciting contemporary jazz recording, that reflects Donovan Haffner's burgeoning talent in a glowing light. This essential body of work will undoubtedly position the young musician as a risi...

Boy Nash is a creative writer and performer with Ghanaian heritage who grew up in both London and Accra, he specialises in the fusion of spoken word, rap, and poetry. The purpose of Boy Nash's music is to inspire, motivate and help people achieve their goals and aspirations.

M3NSA ( born Bondzie Mensa Ansah ), producer, musician, performer, and filmmaker.  Known for his recognizable sound and instinctual storytelling while still deeply rooted in his motherland, Ghana, he has grown into an international act because of his ability to navigate different languages, cultures, and artistic expressions through the years. From his beginnings, designing the sound of Hiplife, t...

Afolabi Lipede, also known as Flame, is a multifaceted artist, serving as a music producer, bass guitarist, singer, songwriter and founder of Afunja Music, a fusion of African funk and jazz, drawing from a diverse array of cultural influences from the world music spectrum.

Born in Mozambique during a 16-year war, MoYah was forced to flee his country as a political refugee & move to Lisbon at a young age. Inspired by his parents broad musical taste & the impact of Rap music whilst living in Portugal, he quickly learned that music could be used not only for entertainment but also as a powerful tool for self exploration & social expression.

Gary Washington AKA “The Urban Cellist" is a Multi-disciplinary artist, whose roots come from playing professionally in New Orleans. Gary has created his own unique sound, interspersing his vocals, beatboxing and layering it all while playing cello at the same time. Full episode on YouTube

Zamar-Eden is a Jamaican/ Sierra Leonean Bassist, Singer, Producer and Composer born and raised in South-East London. Her sound is influenced mainly by Neo-soul, jazz, Afro-Beat/Highlife, More recently Dub, Brazilian sounds and other musics of the diaspora.  Afro Soul Stories: Ep8 Full episode on Youtube

Love Itoya is a Greek-Nigerian singer-songwriter based in London, creating Pop, Afro and R&B music that blends soulful vocals with powerful storytelling. Her songs focus on empowerment, representation, and personal growth, drawing from her multicultural background to inspire and uplift audiences. Full episode on YouTube

David Kayode talks to Sewor Okudzeto on British Jazz/Afrobeat & his New album |Afro Soul Stories: E6 Full episode on YouTube

411 Silks talks to Sewor Okudzeto on Casa Polo Club & Visual Identity | Afro Soul Stories: E5 Full episode on YouTube

Zoka The Author talks on lyricism & Identity to Sewor Okudzeto | Afro Soul Stories: E4 Full episode on YouTube

Mack Jehu & Sewor Okudzeto talk Ghanaian legends and UK Hip Hop |Afro Soul Stories:E3 Full episode on YouTube