AfroWay - Soul From The East

​🎨 Is Kenya the world’s next great art frontier? From the sacred beadwork of our ancestors to the neon-lit street murals of 2026 Nairobi, art in Kenya is more than just "decor"—it’s a revolution. In this week’s episode of AfroWay Soul from the East, your host James Mabinda takes you on a 10-minute journey through the soul of the 254. ​We’re diving into: ​🇰🇪 The Ancestral Pulse: How trad...

Why is a song from 2013 the biggest anthem of 2026? 🌍 Host James Mabinda takes you on a journey through the tragic Rwandan history of Stromae and the modern digital crisis that brought this song back to life. ​ Highlights: ​The tragic loss of Pierre Rutare in 1994. How Stromae invented the 'Brussels Sound. ​The 'Digital Mannequin' theory: Why we are absent in 2026. ​The controversy behind the AI...

Why does a Kenyan guitar sound so unique? In this episode of Afroway: Soul From The East, host James Mabinda breaks down the technical 'Secret Sauce' with a special look at the 'Nairobi Twist' master, John Nzenze. ​What you'll learn: ​The 'Thumb and Index' technique: Why we don't need plastic picks. The Legend of John Nzenze: How he turned finger-picking into a national dance. ​The 'Interlocking'...

In this deep-dive special, James Mabinda honors the legendary George Mukabi. From a self-taught shamba boy to the creator of the Omutibo genre, learn how Mukabi's unique finger-picking style forever changed African acoustic guitar. ​What's inside: ​The story of Mukabi's first handmade guitar. ​How Malawian 'Nyasa' bands influenced the Kenyan sound. ​The legacy of hits like 'Sengula' and 'Mtoto si...

Benga is more than just a Lakeside rhythm. In this episode of Afroway: Soul From The East, host James Mabinda tracks how Benga traveled to Central and Eastern Kenya to create new sub-genres. ​What you'll hear: ​How Joseph Kamaru brought Benga to Central Kenya. ​The rise of the Kamba Benga kings like Kakai Kilonzo. ​Why Benga is the musical language that unites Kenya. Music Credit: DO Misiani - Per...

In this episode of Afroway: Soul From The East, host James Mabinda introduces the legends who made Benga a global sound. Meet the King of Benga, D.O. Misiani, and discover how River Road became the heart of African music.​What you'll hear:​The story of D.O. Misiani and Shirati Jazz.​Why Benga was the 'voice of the people.'​How Nairobi became the hit factory of the 70s. Music Credit: DO Misiani - J...

"Welcome to Afroway: Soul From The East! Host James Mabinda takes us back to the 1940s to discover how the traditional Nyatiti harp turned into the electric Benga sound we love. ​What you'll hear: ​How the guitar replaced the traditional harp. ​Why Benga music sounds so fast and energetic. ​The story of the 'One-Two' beat. ​Join the conversation with #soulfromtheeast and follow us @afrowayonline."...

"It's January 2026, and the continent is officially shaking! 🌍🏆 ​If you think AFCON 2025 is just about 22 men chasing a ball, you're missing the biggest culture shift of the year. In this episode of AfroWay, we step off the pitch and into the streets to see how the 'Beautiful Game' is taking over African entertainment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"It's January 2026, and the 'uncanny valley' has officially arrived in Africa. Have you looked closely at your timeline lately? From digital models wearing high-fashion Kente to AI-generated musicians topping the charts, the line between reality and 'code' is disappearing. ​In this episode of Afroway, we pull back the curtain on the 'Virtual Influencer' boom. We discuss: ​The Rise of Digital Human...

Is the Amapiano reign finally over? This week, we compare the Soulful sounds of 'Piano' with the high-octane energy of 'Lekompo.' We break down why the BPM is rising and what it means for the African club scene in 2026. HOST James Mabinda FOLLOW US IG/TikTok: @afrowayonline @afrowaypodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nollywood has entered its 'Billionaire Era.' This week, we analyze the massive box office success of 2025/2026, the rise of high-end VFX, and whether cinema tickets are becoming too expensive for the common man. HOST James Mabinda MUSIC & CREDITS Background Vibes: "Adding the Sun" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) FOLLOW US IG/TikTok/FB: @afrowayonline @afrowaypodcast Hosted on Acast. See acast....

In our episode, we dive into the 2026 Grammy nominations. Is Africa finally getting its due, or is the global industry ''watering down'' our sounds? We discuss Burna Boy's record-breaking year and why the ''African Ceiling'' cracking. HOST James Mabinda MUSIC & Credits Background Vibes: ''Kumasi Groove (plus flugelhorn)'' by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com) FOLLOW US IG / TikTok / FB: @afrowayo...

African music went global—but global success raises new questions. In Part Two of this AfroWay series, James Mabinda examines what happens after the breakthrough. Who gets paid? Who owns the rights? And how are governments and industries responding to Africa's growing cultural and economic power? This episode explores streaming royalties, copyright systems, government support, cross-border collabo...

Over the last decade, African music has evolved from local stages to the center of global culture. In this episode of AfroWay – Soul From The East, host James Mabinda explores how African artists broke through international barriers—without waiting for permission. From the rise of streaming platforms to the global explosion of Afrobeats and Amapiano, this episode tells the story of talent meeting...

Teni (Teni The Entertainer) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer renowned for her distinctive blend of Afro-pop, humor, and emotionally charged storytelling. Her music reflects joy, resilience, and everyday African experiences, making her one of the most relatable voices in contemporary African music. In this episode, we delve into Teni's rise to fame, her creative process, and the sign...

Butera Knowless stands as one of Rwanda's most influential musical voices, known for her soulful sound, elegance, and consistency. In this episode, we explore her journey, artistic evolution, and impact on the Rwandan and East African music scene. From heartfelt ballads to empowering anthems, Knowless blends tradition and modern Afro-pop to tell stories of love, resilience, and identity. This conv...

Nviiri the Storyteller is a Kenyan singer and songwriter celebrated for his poetic songwriting and emotionally rich sound. Through music that reflects love, heartbreak, growth, and everyday African experiences, Nviiri has redefined modern Kenyan storytelling. This podcast episode explores his musical journey, artistic evolution, and why narrative-driven music continues to resonate with audiences a...