Uphorial Podcast: Global Afro Culture And Spotlights

Jay-Z  reflects on a difficult 2025 marked by a dismissed civil lawsuit and the emotional toll of defending his  integrity . He shares how he navigated these challenges by leaning on his  inner circle  and family, specifically noting his pride in his daughter  Blue Ivy’s  growth and work ethic during their recent tour. The legendary artist discusses his  business philosophy , rejecting the negativ...

Audu Maikori , co-founder of the influential Nigerian record label  Chocolate City , discussing the evolution and structural challenges of the  Afrobeats industry . Maikori explores how the genre transitioned from a local "hustle" to a global phenomenon, emphasizing the urgent need for  African-owned infrastructure  to prevent international platforms from monopolizing the value created by local ar...

A powerful discussion at the Doha Forum among three leading figures driving change in the Global South: Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani , Bill Gates , and Aliko Dangote . The discussion dissects their motivations, pinpoints major barriers to development, and outlines solutions spanning culture, business, philanthropy, and technology. The consensus highlights that...

Vusi Thembekwayo is a prominent entrepreneur and speaker, focusing on his life, business philosophies, and perspectives on Africa's future. The discussion examines his experiences growing up as a first-generation non-apartheid Black South African, contrasting the  systemic disadvantages  of the past with the  current ease of building businesses  in Africa. Key topics include the challenges of...

The global success of Afrobeats, with Nigerian artists topping international charts and selling out venues worldwide, attracts significant international investment and attention. Ubi Franklin, a music executive and entrepreneur, offers a detailed examination of the complexities of the Nigerian entertainment industry, particularly in the realm of Afrobeat. Franklin discusses the volatility of the m...

In a recent high-level discussion featuring Bill Gates and other leaders, the discussion delved into the pressing challenges and immense opportunities facing Africa and  global health funding cuts , with Gates arguing that the reduction in aid from wealthy nations—historically around one percent of their budgets—will tragically reverse decades of progress, leading to an increase in childhood morta...

Jason Coke, the CFO and co-founder of GVP, which holds rights to brands like  Billboard Africa . Had an interesting conversation that was centered on  African ownership and control of its narrative , particularly within the creative economy and the burgeoning Afrobeats and Afropop cultures. Coke discusses the strategic launch of  Billboard Africa charts  to highlight African artists, the importanc...

Don Jazzy's point of view is that of a confident but humble leader whose motivations have evolved from a desire to prove himself to a passion for nurturing new talent. He believes success is a combination of innate talent, seizing opportunities, surrounding oneself with the right people, and an artist's own relentless drive.

Ace comedian Alibaba Akpobome discusses the profound issues facing Nigeria, primarily focusing on the pervasive lack of quality education and its ripple effects. The conversation highlights how corruption in politics is intrinsically linked to this educational deficit, with politicians benefiting from an uneducated populace whose aspirations remain low. The discussion also touches upon ineffective...

Femi Kuti, an acclaimed musician and son of the legendary Fela Kuti, discusses his latest album, "Journey Through Life." He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his forty-year musical career, emphasizing the importance of personal passion, discipline through daily practice, and carving his path rather than merely replicating his father's legacy. Kuti also touches upon his spiri...

Nigeria's women's national football team, the Super Falcons. It highlights their journeys and challenges in becoming professional athletes, including familial expectations for traditional careers, the financial and systemic struggles faced by women's football in Nigeria, and the cultural differences experienced by those playing in the diaspora. The players also express pride in their N...

As the founder and CEO of Storm 360, an indigenous music label, Asika played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars and elevating the country’s music scene to global prominence. His contributions as an entrepreneur, talent manager, and cultural advocate have cemented his legacy as a key architect of Afrobeats’ rise. Born into a prominent Nigerian family, Obi...

Amaarae, a Ghanaian-American artist, is preparing to release her third album, Black Star. She explores her artistic identity and how the album title reflects her heritage and the roots of dance music. It also touches upon her recent career highlights, including touring with Sabrina Carpenter and performing at Coachella, and her desire for global recognition while staying true to her personal exper...

Music executive Donawon reflects on his journey and the evolution of Afrobeats, emphasizing his unique artist management philosophy centered on authenticity, education, and long-term business ventures beyond just music. Donawon highlights the importance of character and trust in artist relationships, citing his successful partnership with Tems as an example of building a brand around a compelling...

Tunde Onakoya details his personal journey from a poverty-stricken childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, marked by a physical disability, to becoming a two-time Guinness World Record holder in chess and a philanthropic leader. The interview explores his motivations, the challenges of fame and personal reinvention, and his philosophy on leveraging one's unique talents to create opportunities for margina...

"The Honest Bunch Podcast" offers a behind-the-scenes look at their operations and recent controversies. They clarify that Glitch Africa Studios owns the podcast, refuting rumors about individual ownership and addressing accusations of scripting or paying guests.

“The Original Queen of Afrobeats" Tiwa Savage, stops by the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast hosted by Joey Akan and OkayAfrica. The hour-long conversation probes her personal journey, professional evolution, and reflections on the Afrobeats landscape.

Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has released his sixth solo studio album, The Feast, on May 30, 2025. This 12-track project marks a significant milestone in his artistic journey, offering listeners a rich tapestry of sounds and themes that reflect his personal and professional evolution. Listen as we dissect.

In this episode, we dive deep into who we are, Uphorial introducing ourselves to the world, what we do, and our mission statement. Overall, Uphorial provides a comprehensive view of music and culture through news, features, performances, interviews, and product offerings, covering diverse topics from specific artists and music genres to global events, fashion, and documentaries.