One 54 Podcast

The legendary voice and composer behind Disney's The Lion King joins the podcast for a powerful conversation about music, history, and identity. Lebo M shares what it was like growing up during apartheid, witnessing the Soweto Uprising, leaving South Africa in exile, and eventually becoming one of the most influential figures in African music. Lebo also opens up about his ongoing lawsuit, explaini...

The legendary voice and composer behind Disney's The Lion King joins the podcast for a powerful conversation about music, history, and identity. Lebo M shares what it was like growing up during apartheid, witnessing the Soweto Uprising, leaving South Africa in exile, and eventually becoming one of the most influential figures in African music. Lebo also opens up about his ongoing lawsuit, explaini...

In this heartfelt episode of One54, Akbar reflects on an unforgettable nine-day journey through Nigeria, sharing what it meant to reconnect with family, heritage, and identity after decades away. He discusses taking his children to experience their ancestral homeland, the emotional impact of walking where previous generations lived, and why preserving cultural roots matters. The conversation explo...

In this heartfelt episode of One54, Akbar reflects on an unforgettable nine-day journey through Nigeria, sharing what it meant to reconnect with family, heritage, and identity after decades away. He discusses taking his children to experience their ancestral homeland, the emotional impact of walking where previous generations lived, and why preserving cultural roots matters. The conversation explo...

In this special One54 Africa collection for BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, some of the most influential voices across entertainment, business, and culture come together for powerful conversations about mental health, grief, resilience, identity, fatherhood, racism, and healing. Bozoma Saint John opens up about losing her husband, daughter, and loved ones to tragedy, sharing how grief transfo...

Nigerian-American creator and comedian Drea Okeke joins to share the journey behind becoming one of the internet’s most recognizable voices celebrating African culture. Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and recognized among Forbes’ Top Creators, Drea opens up about building a global audience through authenticity, comedy, and storytelling rooted in her Nigerian heritage. Drea discuss...

Nigerian-American creator and comedian Drea Okeke joins to share the journey behind becoming one of the internet’s most recognizable voices celebrating African culture. Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and recognized among Forbes’ Top Creators, Drea opens up about building a global audience through authenticity, comedy, and storytelling rooted in her Nigerian heritage. Drea discuss...

Gina Yashere joins One54 to share her extraordinary journey from engineer to international comedy powerhouse, reflecting on the path that led her to co-create and executive produce CBS's Bob Hearts Abishola , the first American network sitcom centered on a Nigerian family. The award-winning Nigerian-British comedian opens up about embracing her Edo heritage, the legacy of the Kingdom of Benin, and...

Gina Yashere joins One54 to share her extraordinary journey from engineer to international comedy powerhouse, reflecting on the path that led her to co-create and executive produce CBS's Bob Hearts Abishola , the first American network sitcom centered on a Nigerian family. The award-winning Nigerian-British comedian opens up about embracing her Edo heritage, the legacy of the Kingdom of Benin, and...

David Oyelowo joins One54 Africa for a conversation about identity, family, faith, Hollywood, and the stories that shape culture. The acclaimed actor, producer, director, and founder of Mansa reflects on his Nigerian roots, explaining the royal history behind the Oyelowo name, growing up between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, and how returning to Nigeria as a child transformed his confidence and...

David Oyelowo joins One54 Africa for a conversation about identity, family, faith, Hollywood, and the stories that shape culture. The acclaimed actor, producer, director, and founder of Mansa reflects on his Nigerian roots, explaining the royal history behind the Oyelowo name, growing up between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, and how returning to Nigeria as a child transformed his confidence and...

Bozoma Saint John joins One54 Africa Podcast for an inspiring conversation about African identity, cultural pride, global marketing, and building a legacy that extends far beyond corporate success. Bozoma Saint John reflects on her Ghanaian roots and upbringing across Ghana, Kenya, and the United States, sharing how family history, Ghanaian traditions, language, food, and the lasting effects of co...

Alfred Kainga joins One54 Africa for a hilarious and thought-provoking conversation about growing up in Zimbabwe, navigating colonial influence, and building a comedy career that has taken him across the world. Alfred reflects on life in Zimbabwe after British colonization, sharing how English names, language restrictions in school, and cultural divisions shaped his upbringing. He opens up about b...

Remi Adeleke joins One54 Africa for one of the most unbelievable stories ever told on the podcast. Born into wealth in Nigeria, Remi reflects on growing up as the son of a powerful businessman whose vision and engineering plans helped create the land that became Banana Island in Lagos. He opens up about his father’s fight against government corruption, the mysterious circumstances surroundin...

Bassem Youssef joins One54 Africa for a hilarious and deeply insightful conversation on identity, culture, comedy, and the complexities of modern Egypt. The Egyptian heart surgeon turned political satirist reflects on building the most watched television show in Egyptian history, navigating censorship, and using humor as a form of resistance and truth-telling. Often called “The Jon Stewart o...

Yaya DaCosta joins One54 Africa for a powerful conversation on identity, culture, and what it truly means to belong. The actress, model, and global traveler reflects on growing up in Harlem in a deeply conscious, activist household and how that shaped her understanding of Black identity across the diaspora. She opens up about her lineage — spanning West Africa, Brazil, and the Caribbean &mda...

Korra Obidi joins One54 Africa for a raw, unfiltered conversation about identity, culture, and carving your own path. The Nigerian singer, dancer, and global performer opens up about growing up in Lagos, strict upbringing under a military household, and how that shaped her discipline and mindset. She reflects on starting out in Nollywood, the grind behind the industry, and what it really takes to...

Tiffany Haddish joins One54 Africa for one of her most personal conversations yet — opening up about identity, grief, and healing. From growing up without her father to eventually finding him later in life, Tiffany shares the emotional journey that shaped who she is today. She reflects on reconnecting with her Eritrean roots, traveling to Africa, and the powerful sense of belonging she feels...

David Otunga joins One54 Africa for a powerful conversation on identity, loss, and reinvention. Born to a Kenyan father and American mother, Otunga reflects on his father’s journey to the U.S. through the historic African Airlift program — and the discipline and values that shaped his upbringing. He opens up about the devastating loss of his father just as he was accepted into Harvard...

NFL legend Christian Okoye joins One54 for a powerful conversation on legacy, identity, and resilience. Known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” Okoye shares his incredible journey from growing up in Nigeria during the Biafran War to becoming one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history. He reflects on discovering American football late, overcoming cultural barriers, and rising to p...

Neo-soul pioneer Goapele joins the One54 Africa Podcast for a powerful conversation on identity, legacy, and building a career on her own terms. Born to a South African father who fled apartheid and a German-Jewish mother, Goapele reflects on growing up in Oakland, navigating race and belonging, and uncovering the untold stories of her family’s past. She opens up about the silence surroundin...

World-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson joins One54 for a powerful conversation on identity, resilience, and building a global legacy through food. Born in Ethiopia and adopted into a Swedish family, Marcus shares his journey from surviving childhood illness and loss to growing up in Sweden and navigating racism at a young age. He opens up about reconnecting with his Ethiopian roots, meeting his bio...

Mr. Olympia champion Samson Dauda joins One54 for a powerful conversation about discipline, identity, and what it takes to become the best in the world. Born in Nigeria and raised in the UK, Samson shares his journey from strict boarding school life to discovering rugby, fitness, and ultimately bodybuilding. He opens up about the discipline ingrained in Nigerian culture, the culture shock of movin...

Joy Reid joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, history, and the global Black experience. The discussion begins with the 2024 election, Donald Trump, and shifting global power dynamics, including whether the world is entering a “China Century” as America faces growing political division. Reid reflects on her groundbreaking career as the first Black woman to host a...

Dr. Donald Grant, Akbar, and Godfrey come together for an expansive and thought-provoking conversation on mental health, accountability, culture, and personal evolution. Bringing together clinical expertise, lived experience, and sharp cultural commentary, the trio dives deep into the emotional realities shaping relationships, identity, and public life. Dr. Grant offers insight into trauma, emotio...