Afrobeats is the sound that’s taken over the world, a genre pulsating with infectious rhythms and captivating artists. But what lies beneath the catchy tunes and electrifying performances? We’re about to embark on a journey into the heart of Afrobeats with the hottest podcasts of 2024!
This list features a diverse range of shows, from interview-driven powerhouses like Osikoya Speaks, where industry stars peel back the layers of fame, to Kwality Kontent’s gamified experience. We’ve also got industry veterans like Joey Akan of Afrobeats Intelligence dissecting the intricate workings of the scene, alongside community-driven platforms like Afrobeats To The World Space, where your voice joins the conversation.
Here are the hottest Afrobeats Podcasts you should be listening to;
Osikoya Speaks
Osikoya Speaks is a podcast that brings listeners into candid conversations between host Wonu Osikoya and key figures in the Nigerian music industry. Wonu engages her guests in friendly, in-depth discussions that reveal their most personal sides, peeling away the layers of their celebrity status to uncover their true selves.
In each nearly hour-long episode, Wonu Osikoya conducts open and honest interviews, diving into the unconventional opinions and unique perspectives of these creative minds. Her approach not only sheds light on the inner workings of the Nigerian music scene but also offers listeners a deeper understanding of the artists behind the music.
Over the years, the podcast has gained significant traction, thanks to Wonu’s commitment to exploring the complexities of the industry. Her distinctive style has made Osikoya Speaks a go-to platform for insightful and revealing conversations with some of Nigeria’s most influential music figures.
Afrobeat Intelligence
The Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, hosted by award-winning Nigerian music journalist Joey Akan, launched on March 16, 2022, as a spin-off of his popular newsletter of the same name.
The show offers deep industry insights while delving into the personal stories and creative processes of some of Africa’s biggest music artists. It explores the art, humanity, and behind-the-scenes work that shapes African music, with episodes typically running for an hour or more.
Available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Boomplay, YouTube, and others, Joey Akan’s engaging hosting style brings rich discussions to the forefront of the African music scene.
Terms and Conditions
Terms and Conditions by Pulse has seen a shift in focus over the years. Originally, the podcast had a stronger Afrobeats focus under the stewardship of former hosts Motolani Alake, Excel Joab, and Melody Hassan, who brought their musical expertise and diverse opinions to the table, engaging with various industry guests.
Well today, the podcast is hosted by Oyindasola Onwuchekwa ESQ, a lifestyle influencer and content creator, and Sayo AK, an artist, planner, and entrepreneur. The show has evolved into an explorative platform that delves into controversial opinions from different artists, producers, and Afrobeats DJs, offering a broader range of cultural insights.
Available on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Boomplay, YouTube, Spreaker, and the Pulse Nigeria website, Terms and Conditions continue to provide listeners with engaging discussions, albeit with a more varied and explorative approach than in its earlier days.
Kwality Kontent
Kwality Kontent is a podcast hosted by Kussman, a prominent music influencer from Twitter (now X). Kussman, known for his advocacy for Afrobeats, launched the Kwality Kontent podcast in 2020.
Unlike most podcasts, Kwality Kontent follows a more gamified format, making it a favourite among fans. Kussman skillfully blends entertainment and lifestyle topics, often featuring upcoming artist discoveries and ranking top artists.
The show can be found on platforms such as Apple Podcasts and Boomplay, with episodes typically lasting 30 to 45 minutes.
The Afrobeats Podcast
The Afrobeats Podcast is hosted by Energy Gawd Adesope Olajide, also known as Adesope Live. Adesope is widely recognized for his global advocacy for Afrobeats. One could even say that he embodies the Afrobeats spirit and carries it wherever he goes.
The podcast is a weekly show that goes into the world of Afrobeats music and culture. Adesope takes great care in crafting questions that cater to the needs of the average Afrobeats listener. He engages his guests in discussions about their connections to music, and Afrobeats pop culture, and seamlessly transitions to addressing social media trends.
Consistently maintaining high quality since 2020, the Afrobeats Podcast has a conversational and energetic format, incorporating interviews, music analysis, and social media commentary to both entertain and inform listeners.
Episodes of the podcast typically run for hours and can be found on platforms such as YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Boomplay.
Afrobeats To The World Space (ATTW)
The Afrobeats To The World (ATTW) podcast is a community-driven show hosted by Emmanuel Owoniyi and Belema Iyo. It originated from live audio conversations on Twitter Spaces before transitioning into the traditional podcast format.
The podcast typically covers current events in the industry, such as new releases and controversies, sparking insightful discussions and sharing perspectives on various aspects of the Afrobeats industry. The ATTW podcast has two hosting styles. One involves Emmanuel Owoniyi hosting the podcast through his X account and later uploading the audio to other platforms. The other style is a more traditional recording and uploading process.
The podcast is available on platforms including Apple Podcasts, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), and has gained popularity for its engaging discussions on the global rise of Afrobeats.
Vivz and Banks
The Vivz and Banks Podcast is hosted by the dynamic duo Vivz and Banks. Vivz is a self-proclaimed Afrobeats Reviewer who initially gained traction as an Afrobeats reactor, sharing her reactions to Afrobeats releases for over 12 years.
She collaborates with fellow YouTuber Banks to delve into Afrobeats music, industry news, and conduct interviews with various artists. Vivz and Banks use a conversational format, sharing their opinions, reactions, and insights on various aspects of the Afrobeats industry, including music, news, and trends. Additionally, they conduct interviews with artists and other industry figures.
The podcast is available on platforms such as YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Deezer, and Podcast Addict. And while the exact start date of the podcast is not available, its presence on multiple platforms suggests it has been active for a few years.
Afrobeats Weekly
Afrobeats Weekly is a podcast hosted by music enthusiast Tunde that chronicles key moments in the genre’s history. Launched in 2022, the podcast has seen Showontstop join as co-host, taking over from former Pulse editor Osagie Alonge.
Each week, Afrobeats Weekly drops a new episode filled with the latest music releases, industry news, and insightful discussions. You can tune in on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for episodes that typically last under an hour.
