Afrobeats Intelligence

In this special episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with the enigmatic Wizard Chan, the Afro-Teme and reggae sensation whose soulful sound has captured hearts worldwide. From Okrika in Rivers State to becoming a Headies and Galaxy Music Award winner, Wizard Chan's journey is nothing short of magical. They dive deep into his latest project, Time Traveler EP, an introspective body...

In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey sits down with Nigerian Afrobeats superstar CKay as he takes us through the journey behind his new album, EMOTIONS. Popularly known for breaking global barriers with his 2019 smash hit “Love Nwantiti,” CKay returns with a fresh perspective, diving deep into the highs and lows of fame, heartbreak, and personal growth. We talk about the influence of hi...

In Episode 13 of Season 3 of Afrobeats Intelligence, Smada, the 22-year-old artist and creative force, shares his remarkable journey in a candid conversation. At just 19, Smada launched What the F**k Lagos, a party series that became a thriving community and safe space for vibes and creativity among young Nigerians. Despite assumptions that he came from wealth due to his presence in the Alté commu...

In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Kold AF, one of the most exciting new voices in the AfroFusion scene, takes center stage. Known for her unique blend of AfroFusion with Reggae, Dancehall, Soul, R&B, and Afrobeats, Kold AF’s sound captivates with its depth and versatility. Her powerful voice and sharp lyricism cut through, leaving an unforgettable impression. Kold AF opens up about her jo...

In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan chats with Llona, the rising artist whose music feels like a mushy hug on a sour day. Llona opens up about his evolution from 2Classic to Llona, a journey that began on the streets of Kano and took him to the mountains of Abuja for introspection and songwriting. He shares how isolation shaped his sound, creating what he calls "homeless music"—so...

On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Qing Madi steps into the spotlight with a fresh perspective that’s turning heads in the Afrobeats scene. At just 17, she made waves with her breakout hit “Ole,” and now she’s here to share her journey from a young artist to a rising star. Qing Madi joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to discuss her debut album, her dance influences from ballet, and her...

Step into the studio with Louddaaa, the producer behind some of Afrobeats’ biggest tracks, on this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence. Louddaaa joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to talk about his journey from Lagos to Mavin Records and his role in shaping hits for artists like Ayra Starr and Simi. Louddaaa shares his thoughts on the oraimo SpaceBuds, highlighting their crisp bass that complemen...

Bien-Aimé 'Bien' Baraza the celebrated Sauti Sol frontman turned solo artist, graces Afrobeats Intelligence with his latest project, Alusa Why Are You Topless?. In this episode, Bien joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to delve into his debut album that fuses Kenyan heritage with global sounds. From exploring the depths of Fuji and Apala to reflecting on his time with Sauti Sol and his hopes for...

From the streets of London to the palm-lined avenues of California, Harmony ‘H-Money’ Samuels has lived a life in sound. He’s a man who has seen it all: a Grammy-nominated producer who has shaped the sonic landscapes of legends, from Janet Jackson’s timeless grooves to Wizkid’s Afro-fusion anthems. On this episode of "Afrobeats Intelligence," Joey Akan digs deep into the mind of a producer who has...

NSG is a British afroswing collective from Hackney East London. The group consists of Six members: OGD, Kruddz, Mojo, Dope, Papii Abz, and Mxjib. Their latest album, "Area Boyz," is out now. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm...

Timi Dakolo is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer. He emerged winner of the inaugural season of Idols West Africa in 2007. Accompanying his victory was a recording contract with Sony BMG, in addition to other prizes. A great vocalist his latest album is titled, "The Chorus Leader." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bo...

Abdul Quam Tadese is a multi-faceted musician, culture entrepreneur and philanthropist. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oxlade, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter signed to Troniq Music, Epic Records in France, and Columbia Records in the UK.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joeboy is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who was discovered by Mr Eazi and signed in 2017. After four projects and a world of hit records, he finally has his career in his hands. Here he tells Joey Akan about his entire deal and his plans for the future. Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter: https://t.co/brjUmSwWWa Listen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast: https://afrobeatsintelligence...

Steve Stoute is an American businessman and record executive. The founder and CEO of the Translation, a marketing agency, and the author of The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy. In 2017, Stoute received $70 million from investors such as Alphabet Inc. and Andreessen Horowitz to launch United Masters, a music venture for independent artist....

Blaqbonez, is a Nigerian rapper signed to Chocolate City. highly regarded for his distinct rap style as, well as his creative ingenuity, his latest album, "Emeka Must Shine," is out now. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...

Mr Eazi is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record executive. He is the pioneer of Banku music, a fusion of sound he describes as a mixture of Ghanaian highlife and Nigerian chord progressions and patterns. His latest album, "The Evil Genius" is out now. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence...

Crown Uzama, known professionally as Shallipopi, is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He gained mainstream attention with the release of "Obapluto" in 2023. Shallipopi is signed to Dvpper Music Distribution, a Nigerian music record distribution founded by Damillola Akinwunmi. He is best known internationally for his 2023 hit single "Elon Musk", which peaked at No. 1 on the Nigeria Top 100...

Tempoe is a Nigerian record producer, DJ, singer and songwriter. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Tempoe is popularly known for the tag "MÄD!,"in all of his music productions. His production of Ckay's breakout hit, "Love Nwantiti" received global recognition. Tempoe's client list is chocked full of hits for superstars including Omah Lay, Joeboy, CKay, Jason Derulo, Victony amongst others.  This is a public...

Ayra Starr is a Beninese-born Nigerian singer signed to Mavin Records. After launching a fashion career at the age of 16, she pivoted to music, covering several songs by popular artists on Instagram, before sharing her first original song in December 2019. This caught the eye of record executive Don Jazzy, who signed her to his record label Mavin Records. In this episode, Ayra seats with music jou...

Sarkodie is a Ghanaian rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Tema. Buoyed by a lifetime of groundbreaking success, he is also considered one of the major proponents of the Azonto genre and dance and one of the most successful African rappers of all time. In this episode, he seats with music journalist, Joey Akan. Sarkodie talks about working post-humously with Bob Marley, the weight of respons...

General Pype is a pioneering Nigerian reggae/dancehall artist and songwriter. He gained international prominence through his debut single, “Keep It Cool” in 2007, which featured on the Golden Globe-winning American television series “The Shield,” and through his 2009 signature hit, “Champion." Now in Hollywood, General Pype was a set designer on Black Panther, Samaritan and Guardians of the Galaxy...

Tekno (Augustine Miles Kelechi Okechukwu)  is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and music producer. In this episode, he seats with music journalist, Joey Akan, for a rare career interview. Tekno talks about leaving Abuja, signing in Lagos, navigating superstardom, losing his voice and almost unaliving himself from the sidelines of inactivity. Lots of great stories that you don’t want to miss!! Find Af...

Adindu Victor, popularly known as AV, is a singer and songwriter who comes from a music and entertainment enthusiastic family, ‘the Adindu’s’. With a late guitarist father, and years of leading a dance group in Benin, the Nigerian star moved to Lagos to see the lights, cameras and the crowd going wild. Find Afrobeats Inteliigence Newsletters here: https://afrobeatsintelligence.substac... Stay conn...

Don Jazzy is a Nigerian record producer and cultural entrepreneur. He is the founder and the CEO of Mavin Records, and was co-owner of the now-defunct Mo' Hits Records record label with D'banj.  In this episode, he seats with music journalist, Joey Akan, chopping it up for the greatest interview ever. Don Jazzy talks about grieving, creating Mavins and running it for a decade, reinventing Himself,...