Afrobeats Intelligence

Uganda has always had the culture. Now it has the moment. Joshua Baraka is the Kampala-bred artist making a case for East Africa's place at the center of the global music conversation, not as a footnote to Afrobeats, but as a creative force with its own sonic identity, emotional depth, and artistic integrity. His breakout hit "Nana" didn't just chart, it made a statement about what East African music can mean on a world stage. In this conversation with Joey Akan, Baraka goes beyond the geography debate. He breaks down the philosophical divide between East and West African music cultures, why he believes Afrobeats is showing signs of decline, and what it means to make art in an era when AI can replicate the sound but not the soul. He also speaks candidly about the industry's obsession with numbers over artistry, navigating social media scrutiny, and why this moment in African music history demands more from its creators. That live-first culture shapes his skepticism of AI's ceiling in music too. You can generate a track. You can't accumulate the human experience that makes a performance land. Joshua discusses: The realities of breaking out from a non-dominant market in African music The importance of identity in a globalized industry, How young artists are redefining what Afrobeats can sound like. Navigating early success, trusting your creative instincts, and building a career that travels beyond borders. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan Follow Joshua Baraka Instagram: itsjoshuabaraka Tik Tok: itsjoshuabaraka Created and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is presented by OkayAfrica, a division of AREYA MEDIA INC, and is sponsored by Martell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with rising DJ and cultural curator Aniko, one of the key figures shaping Lagos’ growing electronic music and rave scene. Known for her bi-monthly Group Therapy events, Aniko has built a community-driven movement that exists alongside, and sometimes outside of, the mainstream Afrobeats ecosystem. Aniko discusses: Her journey from aspiring DJ to international touring artist Building a name independently in a fast-changing music scene Bridging Afrobeats, electronic music, and Lagos nightlife culture Staying grounded while contributing to Africa’s evolving soundscape Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan Follow Aniko Instagram: aniko.xyz Web: aniko.live Soundcloud: anikoxyzCreated and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is presented by OkayAfrica, a division of AREYA MEDIA INC, and is sponsored by Martell. Find exclusive Okayplayer merch, tees and limited releases at https://shop.okayplayer.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this season opener, Joey Akan sits down with the legendary, award-winning producer Sarz for an unfiltered deep dive into the mechanics of a hit record and the evolving DNA of African sound. This episode of Afrobeats Intelligence is powered by OkayAfrica, the pulse of African culture, and sponsored by Martell. Don't miss a beat of Season 5. Join the community by subscribing now and tell us your favorite Sarz-produced track in the comments! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this unfiltered episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, award-winning host Joey Akan sits down with Peruzzi, the DMW star and songwriting mastermind behind some of Afrobeats’ biggest records. From penning classics like 2Baba’s “Amaka” and Davido’s “Assurance” and “Risky,” to shaping his own standout tracks like “Majesty,” “Gunshot,” and “Southy Love” with Fireboy DML, Peruzzi pulls back the curtain on the creative highs, industry pressure, and internal battles that shaped his sound — and nearly broke him. Peruzzi opens up about the moment he realized he was no longer making music from the heart. Though his Huncho Vibes and Rum & Boogie eras produced fan-favorite tracks and expanded his global fanbase, he admits he got lost in the amapiano wave and the financial rush that followed. Chasing chart-toppers and chasing trends began to cloud the original voice that made him special. The fans were dancing. The streams were climbing. But deep down, the music no longer felt like him. In an era of algorithm-driven creativity, Peruzzi shares what it means to disconnect, go silent, and rediscover your core. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this insightful episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Lanre Marsha, Director of West Africa for The Orchard, a global music distribution powerhouse. Lanre pulls back the curtain on the Nigerian music industry, offering a masterclass on navigating its challenges and opportunities with integrity and strategy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Olamide taught me work ethic.” In this captivating episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Nigerian sensation Young Jonn, the hitmaker who transitioned from a prolific producer to a chart-topping artist. Known for bangers like “Dada” and his game-changing work with YBNL, Young Jonn shares the raw journey behind his music and his rise to global stages. Young Jonn opens up about his vibrant personality and early stage performances (0:00–7:00), recounting his first-ever show (5:05–6:07). He details his emotional switch from producer to artist, sparked by the loss of his mother (6:47–11:56), and how manager Isioma pushed him to drop “Dada” (10:30–11:58). He reflects on settling into his new artistic identity (12:00–16:45) and his musical roots, from church to abandoning football dreams (16:45–21:30, 20:10–21:30). Young Jonn dives into his producer come-up, meeting Olamide, and crafting “Story for the Gods” (21:31–31:46, 23:45–26:43), sharing hustle lessons from Olamide (27:25–29:00). He breaks down his fast-paced production style that reshaped Nigerian music (31:50–37:02, 31:50–33:36), his growth with Chocolate City (37:33–46:00), and the global reach of Afrobeats through his performances in Europe and the US (46:00–end). Join Joey Akan and Young Jonn for an inspiring deep dive into creativity, resilience, and the pulse of Afrobeats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“We’re here fighting over the tiniest, most fickle things. When in reality the numbers are not matching up.” In this powerful episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Nigerian Afrobeats star Lojay, the voice behind global hits like “Monalisa” and “Billions.” Lojay delivers a raw and introspective look at his quest for legacy, his creative process, and the state of the Nigerian music industry. Lojay opens by sharing his drive to create work that outlives him (0:00–9:40), revealing a past fear of death that shaped his ambition (3:10–4:34). He traces his musical roots from high school fame (8:00–17:00) and early experiments at age 10 (17:00–20:30) to dropping out of a UK university to pursue music in Nigeria (20:30–27:15, 21:40–23:47). Lojay breaks down his growth markers, including writing classes (27:15–29:36), and his unique songwriting process, admitting “I don’t write” (30:59–32:39). He recounts crafting “Billions” with Wizkid and Sarz (32:39–35:55, 32:39–33:50) and turning Sarz’s beat for Wurld into the crossover hit “Monalisa” (53:20–56:03, 53:20–54:54). Lojay explores how love fuels his creativity (39:10–42:00) and why he prioritizes internal taste over trends, praising Asake’s bold sound (42:45–53:00, 49:02–51:15). He closes with a passionate critique of the Nigerian music industry’s lack of foresight, urging Afrobeats to aim higher (1:00:30–end, 1:01:58–1:05:50). Join Joey Akan and Lojay for an inspiring journey through artistry, ambition, and the global rise of Afrobeats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this revealing episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with the elusive strategist behind Tems, one of Afrobeats’ most powerful voices. From spiritual practices to music industry frameworks, Donawon shares how he helped turn a misunderstood talent into a global force. Before the Grammy buzz, the Drake feature, and the Coachella stage, there was just a $500 bet and a belief. “If this fails, I’ll give you everything I have,” he told Tems.And then he built a team. A system. A legacy. Across this unfiltered conversation, Donawon breaks down: Why he walked away from gospel rap — and how that failure gave him purpose Why he built Faceless Management — and stayed in the shadows on purpose The system that scaled Tems’ career beyond algorithms or virality Why he fasts every month and lets faith guide business What’s next for the movement — including artists like Nsikak, Naya Akanji, and a new wave of Nigerian talent How rising stars like Rema, Fireboy DML, and Ayra Starr represent both inspiration and warning signs in today’s industry “Clout is for visibility. But conviction is what makes artists timeless.”“The artist is the fruit. But the tree? That’s where the real work happens.” Whether you’re a fan of Tems’ soulful R&B, an aspiring manager, or someone studying the Afrobeats industry from the inside, this episode is a blueprint for building greatness without shortcuts. Watch this if you’re building a team, launching a label, or dreaming of a music career. It’s long-term thinking for a short-term world. Timecodes: 4:55 - 5:50 {Managing Afrobeats artistes} 7:50 - 8:52 {External influences} 10:30 - 11:25 {Afrobeats as a collective?} 13:18 - 14:32 {Information/educational gap} 17:58 - 18:38 {Ownership and cataloguing} 22:40 - 23:49 {Conversion of the Afrobeats to the world movement} 27:30 - 28:41 {Choosing the artiste} 29:33 - 30:30 {Choosing the artiste 2} 33:46 - 34:54 {Management model vs Company model Nonso Amadi experience} 35:00 - 36:12 {Management model vs Company model 2} 36:25 - 37:30 {Manager - Artiste relationship} 41:41 - 42:43 {Music as a business vs Music as a brand} 58:40 - 59:48 {Managing Omah lay/Clarity of mind} Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The Money…” In this electrifying episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Nigerian music icon Timaya, the “Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa.” From dancehall-infused Afrobeats anthems like “Dem Mama” to global hits, Timaya’s journey is a masterclass in grit and innovation. This candid conversation traces his rise from Port Harcourt’s streets to Lagos’ spotlight and beyond. Timaya kicks off with his deep ties to Bayelsa and his annual Timaya Day concert (0:00–7:00), then breaks down the evolution of Nigerian music eras, from recording challenges to resource access (7:48–11:20). He shares his origin story, revealing why music was his only hustle in Port Harcourt (11:29–21:13), and details his bold crossover to Lagos (17:53–34:40), including his first N500k deal (22:47–28:20) and self-promotion as a backup singer (18:07–19:53). Hear how he coined “Timaya Don Blow” after his second album deal (31:25–34:13). Timaya reflects on his controversial eras, from bold moves to the Empress Njama car saga (38:50–42:45), his Caribbean exploits (43:30–51:50), and Afrobeats’ global takeover (52:00–56:38). He wraps with a raw take on money as his drive, revealing the $100k cost of producing a song (57:24–58:25). Join Joey Akan and Timaya for a no-holds-barred dive into resilience, reinvention, and the pulse of Afrobeats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Tee-Y Mix, legendary music producer turned Executive Vice President at Dapper Entertainment, for an in-depth conversation about his journey and his mission to reshape Nigeria's music scene. Known for producing timeless hits, Tee-Y Mix now stands at the forefront of breaking new talent from Nigeria's streets, helping artists like Shallipopi and Seyi Vibez rise to prominence. Tee-Y Mix shares the philosophy driving Dapper Entertainment—a company dedicated to uncovering and nurturing street artists who reflect the raw, unfiltered energy of Nigeria’s vibrant music culture. From identifying unique sounds to creating artist development strategies, he explains how Dapper Entertainment has become a hub for the country’s most exciting new acts. We dive into the meteoric rise of Shallipopi, an artist whose catchy lyrics and street charisma have made him a household name. Tee-Y Mix unpacks the formula for his breakout success and how the label tailored its approach to elevate his music. Seyi Vibez also takes center stage as Tee-Y Mix discusses the importance of authenticity and storytelling in connecting with fans. Beyond breaking records, Tee-Y Mix reveals the intricacies of signing and developing artists from Nigeria’s streets, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with turning raw talent into global stars. Whether you’re a fan of Nigerian music, an aspiring artist, or simply curious about the mechanics of the music industry, this episode is a masterclass in artistry, strategy, and passion. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of Afrobeats and the visionary leadership shaping its future. __Season 3, Episode 17. Afrobeats Intelligence.Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter:https://t.co/brjUmSwWWa Listen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast:https://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink... SOCIALSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrobeatsin...X: https://x.com/AfrobeatsIntelJoey's X: https://x.com/JoeyAkanJoey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyakan/?h... 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

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 of work that fuses his roots with futuristic sounds. Wizard Chan reflects on his rise to fame with the chart-topping Earth Song, how growing up as the youngest of five shaped his artistry, and why he sees music as a spiritual experience. The conversation goes beyond the music, exploring Wizard Chan’s time in the choir, his marketing studies in Ghana, and his early struggles making covers before finding his voice. Now a beacon for the Afro-Teme genre, Wizard Chan opens up about his creative process, his love for storytelling, and the emotional core of his music. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Wizard Chan tick, this episode will take you on a journey through his mind, his music, and his mission to touch lives with every note. Tune in to hear the soul of a Time Traveler.___Season 3, Episode 15. Afrobeats Intelligence. Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter: https://t.co/brjUmSwWWa Listen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast: https://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink.to/New-Episodes SOCIALSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrobeatsintel/?hl=enX: https://x.com/AfrobeatsIntelJoey's X: https://x.com/JoeyAkanJoey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyakan/?hl=en 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

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 community, Smada reveals his roots in the streets, where he built his name from scratch. Smada discusses the challenges he has faced, including being dropped by Native Records after a scandal involving court allegations that he emphatically denies. He speaks openly about the toll this situation has taken on his mental health and his hope that the full truth will soon be revealed once the case is settled. Additionally, he sheds light on the intellectual property issues surrounding his track “Smada Eh” and how he's managed to navigate these obstacles. Despite the setbacks, Smada's party series has grown beyond Lagos, reaching cities like London and Abuja, with plans for further expansion. As he prepares for the release of his Nobody Badder EP, Smada outlines his ambitions not just for his party series but also for his career as an artist. His story, from the streets to becoming a cultural figure in Lagos and beyond, is one of resilience, vision, and unwavering determination. This episode offers an inside look at Smada’s inspiring journey, his battles, and his dreams for the future. Tune in for a compelling conversation about creativity, community, and the highs and lows of the music industry. _____Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter:https://t.co/brjUmSwWWa Listen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast:https://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink.to/New-Episodes SOCIALSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrobeatsintel/?hl=enX: https://x.com/AfrobeatsIntelJoey's X: https://x.com/JoeyAkanJoey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyakan/?hl=en 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

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"—songs that give comfort and peace when nothing else does. With his latest album Homeless making waves, Llona reveals how his struggles, solitude, and spiritual journey have carved out a unique space for his voice in the Afrobeats scene. 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