Podcast appearances and mentions of joey akan

Mabel isn't just another pop star—she's a dynasty. Born into a lineage of music legends, she's carved her own lane in the industry, bridging the gaps between R&B, UK pop, and global Afrobeats. On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, she sits with Joey Akan to break down the DNA of her sound, the pressures of legacy, and why her latest reinvention is her most personal yet. From London's underground to Sweden's polished pop factories, and now to the heartbeat of African rhythms, Mabel's journey is a masterclass in adaptation and authenticity.__Season 3. Episode 19. Afrobeats Intelligence.Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter:https://afrobeatsintelligence.substack.comListen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast:https://afrobeatsintelligence.transistor.fm/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/?h..

Get ready for another chaotic and hilarious episode of Submarine and A Roach, Nigeria's funniest and #1 comedy podcast, hosted by Mayowa, Tmt, and Koj. In Episode 221: "Opeyemi Famakin vs David Hundeyin and Joey Akan vs The Alté-Right," the guys dive into everything from Yoruba culture to Twitter beefs and Lagos drama. The episode starts with Tmt confessing he wore the same outfit to a wedding on Saturday and a funeral on Sunday. This sparks a deep dive into Yoruba traditional attire, with the guys debating why the classic styles outshine modern interpretations. Mayowa takes us on a journey through the All Saints Church Yaba vs St. Jude's beef, before things heat up with a breakdown of the much-discussed feud between David Hundeyin and Opeyemi Famakin. Tmt recounts his run-ins with the FRSC and the Police, sharing the chaos and humor in his recent encounters. Meanwhile, the guest offers insight into the Nigerian comedy scene and what it's like dating as a comedian in Lagos—leading to a roasting session about Tmt's love life as he dramatically declares, “I'm serious now!” The guys also explore the idea of rebranding Submarine and A Roach as Nigeria's Joe Rogan podcast, which somehow ends with the roasting of Peter Obi and a hilarious reading of a Dele Momodu diss from Twitter. They shift gears to discuss dating Ibadan women, the Trevor Noah joke theft allegations and the eternal debate of marriages vs. being single—with Tmt hilariously coining the term “the punishment for being single is how expensive life is.” The conversation gets spicy with Joey Akan vs the Alté community, as Tmt unveils his concept of the Alté-Right and rallies his imaginary army. The guys unpack why Nigerians root for winners, how the Alté scene scaled despite critics, and whether people are too quick to dismiss the gray areas in debates. From Tech Cabal's coverage of bad news to casting for “Children of Blood and Bone”, Nollywood, custom pillows as Nigerian heritage, and the Mainland vs Island divide, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and plenty of roasting. The guys wrap it all up with a discussion about the fire at Bogobiri, their experiences watching comedy there, and an imaginary world where Dr. Umar becomes the President of the United States. It's unfiltered, chaotic, and absolutely hilarious—everything you expect from Submarine and A Roach! Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

What a special episode of Afrobeats Intelligence. This is our second live recording of the podcast and it was an honor to bring this to Entertainment Week Lagos and partner on such an incredible moment. In this live episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, Joey Akan sits down with Odumodublvck and his collective, Anti World Gangstars, for an unforgettable conversation recorded live at the LiveSpot Entertarium in December 2024.This episode is a masterclass in creativity and collaboration. Odumodublvck breaks down his signature use of allegories in songwriting, offering a glimpse into the storytelling magic behind his music. The group also delves into the importance of camaraderie and co-creation, sharing how their bond fuels their artistic vision.Plus, they spill the details on their new joint album, Nothing Changed—a project that promises to redefine the soundscape of Afrobeats and hip-hop.__Season 3. Episode 18. Afrobeats Intelligence.Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter:https://t.co/brjUmSwWWaListen 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..

In this powerhouse episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with Lucas Emeodi, better known as Kiing Lu—a cultural entrepreneur with a "militant mindset" forged through years of navigating Nigeria's evolving music landscape. From his humble beginnings in Jos as a rapper and producer to becoming a pivotal A&R and founder of Speedplug Promotions, Kiing Lu shares the grit, resilience, and vision that have defined his career.They dive deep into his discovery of TG Omori, his transformative work with Universal Music, and the creation of his own label, Captive Music. Kiing Lu unpacks the philosophy behind the "Militant Camp," a thriving community-driven movement blending hip-hop, Drille, and Afrobeats, designed to push creatives to pursue their dreams relentlessly.With hard-earned lessons on industry relationships, brand building, and self-empowerment, this conversation is a masterclass for anyone striving to leave a mark on the music industry—and the culture at large.__Season 3, Episode 16. Afrobeats Intelligence.Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter: https://t.co/brjUmSwWWaListen 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...

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/brjUmSwWWaListen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast: https://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink.to/New-EpisodesSOCIALSInstagram: 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

In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey sits down with Nigerian Afrobeats superstar CKay as he takes us through the journey behind his new album, EMOTIONS. Popularly known for breaking global barriers with his 2019 smash hit “Love Nwantiti,” CKay returns with a fresh perspective, diving deep into the highs and lows of fame, heartbreak, and personal growth. We talk about the influence of his Igbo heritage, his favorite collaboration with The Cavemen. on “Addicted” and how he's harnessed highlife to tell stories that connect beyond borders.Reflecting on his viral success and his more private personality within the industry, CKay opens up about taking a step back, re-grounding himself in Nigeria, and creating an album that's both deeply personal and universally resonant. Join us as CKay shares the struggles, the wins, and the vibes that make EMOTIONS an unfiltered look at the soul behind the stardom. Tune in for an intimate, no-holds-barred conversation about music, culture, and what it takes to find yourself amidst it all.___Season 3, Episode 14. Afrobeats Intelligence.Subscribe to Afrobe4ts Intelligence Newsletter: https://t.co/brjUmSwWWaListen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast: https://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink.to/New-EpisodesSOCIALSInstagram: 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

In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Kold AF, one of the most exciting new voices in the AfroFusion scene, takes center stage. Known for her unique blend of AfroFusion with Reggae, Dancehall, Soul, R&B, and Afrobeats, Kold AF's sound captivates with its depth and versatility. Her powerful voice and sharp lyricism cut through, leaving an unforgettable impression.Kold AF opens up about her journey, from juggling law school at Obafemi Awolowo University to making waves in the music industry. She reflects on her evolution as an artist, and how she has quickly become a force to reckon with—named a Spotify Equal Africa Ambassador and spotlighted as one of the artists to watch by Culture Custodian.With the release of her latest Kaution EP in September 2024, Kold AF continues to push boundaries, delivering a fresh sound that's catching the attention of both fans and critics alike. We also explore her collaboration with Aema for International Women's Day and how she uses her platform to advocate for social justice, especially on tracks like "No Pity."Kold AF's ability to blend genres while maintaining a distinct voice sets her apart as a trailblazer in the AfroFusion space. Tune in to hear how her rise in the industry mirrors her bold artistic vision and why she's poised to shape the future of music.

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.

On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Qing Madi steps into the spotlight with a fresh perspective that's turning heads in the Afrobeats scene. At just 17, she made waves with her breakout hit “Ole,” and now she's here to share her journey from a young artist to a rising star. Qing Madi joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to discuss her debut album, her dance influences from ballet, and her vision for impacting Afrobeats. She also opens up about navigating her faith and its effects on her growing fanbase. Tune in as we explore the vibrant soundscape of Qing Madi and the crisp clarity of the oraimo SpaceBuds.

Step into the studio with Louddaaa, the producer behind some of Afrobeats' biggest tracks, on this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence. Louddaaa joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to talk about his journey from Lagos to Mavin Records and his role in shaping hits for artists like Ayra Starr and Simi. Louddaaa shares his thoughts on the oraimo SpaceBuds, highlighting their crisp bass that complements his technical expertise. Dive deep into his creative process, his breakthrough moments, and his vision for the future of Afrobeats as he discusses how the oraimo SpaceBuds bring his sound to life.

Bien-Aimé 'Bien' Baraza the celebrated Sauti Sol frontman turned solo artist, graces Afrobeats Intelligence with his latest project, Alusa Why Are You Topless?. In this episode, Bien joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to delve into his debut album that fuses Kenyan heritage with global sounds. From exploring the depths of Fuji and Apala to reflecting on his time with Sauti Sol and his hopes for a reunion, Bien's conversation is as dynamic as his music. Listen in as he reveals how the oraimo SpaceBuds enhance his musical experience and share his thoughts on the intersection of music and activism.

From the streets of London to the palm-lined avenues of California, Harmony ‘H-Money' Samuels has lived a life in sound. He's a man who has seen it all: a Grammy-nominated producer who has shaped the sonic landscapes of legends, from Janet Jackson's timeless grooves to Wizkid's Afro-fusion anthems. On this episode of "Afrobeats Intelligence," Joey Akan digs deep into the mind of a producer who has seamlessly navigated the corridors of global music.Harmony's journey is a tale of rhythm and reinvention, of African roots intertwined with Western influences. Growing up in the UK, he absorbed the eclectic beats of his environment, all while keeping Nigeria's pulse alive in his heart. Now based in California, Harmony has built a career on bridging worlds, working with artists like Reekado Banks and others across Africa, crafting hits that transcend borders and genres.In this conversation, Harmony unpacks his unique creative process, how he channels his cultural duality into his music, and what it's like to work with legends. He's not just making beats; he's crafting legacies, one track at a time. Tune in as Joey Akan gets into the nitty-gritty of what it means to be a musical chameleon in today's world, blending cultures, sounds, and stories to create something truly global.

NSG is a British afroswing collective from Hackney East London. The group consists of Six members: OGD, Kruddz, Mojo, Dope, Papii Abz, and Mxjib. Their latest album, "Area Boyz," is out now.

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Joeboy is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who was discovered by Mr Eazi and signed in 2017. After four projects and a world of hit records, he finally has his career in his hands. Here he tells Joey Akan about his entire deal and his plans for the future.Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter: https://t.co/brjUmSwWWaListen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast: https://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink.to/New-Episodes

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Ayra Starr is a Beninese-born Nigerian singer signed to Mavin Records. After launching a fashion career at the age of 16, she pivoted to music, covering several songs by popular artists on Instagram, before sharing her first original song in December 2019. This caught the eye of record executive Don Jazzy, who signed her to his record label Mavin Records. In this episode, Ayra seats with music journalist, Joey Akan, talking about finding herself and her voice via music.

Sarkodie is a Ghanaian rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Tema. Buoyed by a lifetime of groundbreaking success, he is also considered one of the major proponents of the Azonto genre and dance and one of the most successful African rappers of all time.In this episode, he seats with music journalist, Joey Akan. Sarkodie talks about working post-humously with Bob Marley, the weight of responsibility and how he engages legacy.

General Pype is a pioneering Nigerian reggae/dancehall artist and songwriter. He gained international prominence through his debut single, “Keep It Cool” in 2007, which featured on the Golden Globe-winning American television series “The Shield,” and through his 2009 signature hit, “Champion." Now in Hollywood, General Pype was a set designer on Black Panther, Samaritan and Guardians of the Galaxy. Find Afrobeats Inteliigence Newsletters here: https://afrobeatsintelligence.substac...Stay connected with Afrobeats Intelligence here:Sign up for our audio podcasts here!http://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink....Website: https://afrobeatsintelligence.substac...Instagram: http://Instagram.com/AfrobeatsIntel (Follow)Twitter: http://twitter.com/AfrobeatsIntel (Follow)Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Afrobeats Intelligence TikTok: Afrobeats IntelligenceAbout Afrobeats Intelligence :Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast is a podcast spin-off of the popular music newsletter, Afrobeats Intelligence. It's focused on African music and the sprawling ecosystem that inspires and supports creativity from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and more. Hosted by multi-award-winning music journalist Joey Akan, the podcast explores the intersection of art, humanity and processes that give birth to African sonic excellence. Expansive interviews, the most informed and diverse views, and a snapshot into the soul of an industry pushing for global success. We dig into the past, the present and the future, democratizing the core of African music.

Tekno (Augustine Miles Kelechi Okechukwu)  is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and music producer.In this episode, he seats with music journalist, Joey Akan, for a rare career interview. Tekno talks about leaving Abuja, signing in Lagos, navigating superstardom, losing his voice and almost unaliving himself from the sidelines of inactivity.Lots of great stories that you don't want to miss!!Find Afrobeats Inteliigence Newsletters here: https://afrobeatsintelligence.substac...Stay connected with Afrobeats Intelligence here:Sign up for our audio podcasts here!http://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink....Website: https://afrobeatsintelligence.substac...Instagram: http://Instagram.com/AfrobeatsIntel (Follow)Twitter: http://twitter.com/AfrobeatsIntel (Follow)Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Afrobeats Intelligence (Like) TikTok: Afrobeats IntelligenceAbout Afrobeats Intelligence :Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast is a podcast spin-off of the popular music newsletter, Afrobeats Intelligence. It's focused on African music and the sprawling ecosystem that inspires and supports creativity from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and more. Hosted by multi-award-winning music journalist Joey Akan, the podcast explores the intersection of art, humanity and processes that give birth to African sonic excellence. Expansive interviews, the most informed and diverse views, and a snapshot into the soul of an industry pushing for global success. We dig into the past, the present and the future, democratizing the core of African music.

Adindu Victor, popularly known as AV, is a singer and songwriter who comes from a music and entertainment enthusiastic family, ‘the Adindu's'. With a late guitarist father, and years of leading a dance group in Benin, the Nigerian star moved to Lagos to see the lights, cameras and the crowd going wild.Find Afrobeats Inteliigence Newsletters here: https://afrobeatsintelligence.substac...Stay connected with Afrobeats Intelligence here: Sign up for our audio podcasts here!http://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink....Website: https://afrobeatsintelligence.substac...Instagram: http://Instagram.com/AfrobeatsIntel (Follow) Twitter: http://twitter.com/AfrobeatsIntel (Follow) Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Afrobeats Intelligence (Like) TikTok: Afrobeats IntelligenceAbout Afrobeats Intelligence :Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast is a podcast spin-off of the popular music newsletter, Afrobeats Intelligence. It's focused on African music and the sprawling ecosystem that inspires and supports creativity from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and more. Hosted by multi-award-winning music journalist Joey Akan, the podcast explores the intersection of art, humanity and processes that give birth to African sonic excellence. Expansive interviews, the most informed and diverse views, and a snapshot into the soul of an industry pushing for global success. We dig into the past, the present and the future, democratizing the core of African music.Beyonce, Rihanna, Lil Yachty, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Solange, and many more.

Don Jazzy is a Nigerian record producer and cultural entrepreneur. He is the founder and the CEO of Mavin Records, and was co-owner of the now-defunct Mo' Hits Records record label with D'banj. In this episode, he seats with music journalist, Joey Akan, chopping it up for the greatest interview ever. Don Jazzy talks about grieving, creating Mavins and running it for a decade, reinventing Himself, signing and grooming superstars and much much more!Lots of great stories that you don't want to miss!!Find Afrobeats Inteliigence Newsletters here: https://afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com/Stay connected with Afrobeats Intelligence here: Sign up for our audio podcasts here!http://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink.to/New-Episodes+ Subscribe now: http://bit.ly/REVOLT_Subscribe_NowWebsite: https://afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com/Instagram: http://Instagram.com/AfrobeatsIntel (Follow) Twitter: http://twitter.com/AfrobeatsIntel (Follow) Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Afrobeats Intelligence (Like) TikTok: Afrobeats IntelligenceAbout Afrobeats Intelligence :Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast is a podcast spin-off of the popular music newsletter, Afrobeats Intelligence. It's focused on African music and the sprawling ecosystem that inspires and supports creativity from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and more. Hosted by multi-award-winning music journalist Joey Akan, the podcast explores the intersection of art, humanity and processes that give birth to African sonic excellence. Expansive interviews, the most informed and diverse views, and a snapshot into the soul of an industry pushing for global success. We dig into the past, the present and the future, democratizing the core of African music.Beyonce, Rihanna, Lil Yachty, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Solange, and many more.

In the first episode of season 2 of "The.Wav NG", Djaji Prime and The Bamyy have an in-depth conversation on Nigerian Hip-Hop, breaking down the Twitter beef between MI Abaga, & Joey Akan; Psycho YP and DNDSection's trading diss tracks, Bamyy's problem with Fresh L, Dababy in Nigeria and much more. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.wav_/ TIMESTAMP 0:00 - Introduction 1:13 - ABCs of Afropop 4:53 - Joey Akan vs MI Abaga 6:27 - Dababy In Naija 8:18 - MI's Abaga Is Not An Underdog 18:17 - The Problem With Nigerian Hip-Hop 22:55 - Is Music Twitter A Bubble 24:30 - Psycho YP v DNDSection 39:25 - Nigerian Mainstream Only Cares About Beef 40:33 - Bamyy's Beef With Fresh L 49:41 - Boj Gbagada Express Review It's #TheWavNG, #Afropop's most essential show. Presented by Visionary Media.

In the first episode of season 2 of "The.Wav NG", Djaji Prime and The Bamyy have an in-depth conversation on Nigerian Hip-Hop, breaking down the Twitter beef between MI Abaga, & Joey Akan; Psycho YP and DNDSection's trading diss tracks, Bamyy's problem with Fresh L, Dababy in Nigeria and much more. Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.wav_/ TIMESTAMP 0:00 - Introduction 1:13 - ABCs of Afropop 4:53 - Joey Akan vs MI Abaga 6:27 - Dababy In Naija 8:18 - MI's Abaga Is Not An Underdog 18:17 - The Problem With Nigerian Hip-Hop 22:55 - Is Music Twitter A Bubble 24:30 - Psycho YP v DNDSection 39:25 - Nigerian Mainstream Only Cares About Beef 40:33 - Bamyy's Beef With Fresh L 49:41 - Boj Gbagada Express Review It's #TheWavNG, #Afropop's most essential show.

Over the last several years, American listeners have grown more and more attuned to the sounds of West African pop music—also known as Afrobeats–whether it’s the swaggering Nigerian Afro-fusion of Burna Boy, the playfully genre-bending anthems of Ghanaian-American singer Amaarae, or the enthusiastic dabbling of stateside superstars like Drake and Diplo. On this episode, Pitchfork Editor Puja Patel is joined by Nigerian journalist Joey Akan, publisher of the Afrobeats Intelligence newsletter, and Mankaprr Conteh, Pitchfork Editorial Operations Associate, for a discussion about the music’s global rise and the West’s complicated rush to embrace it, as well as the fraught nature of the term “Afrobeats” itself.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to Don’t Alert the Stans! For this week’s episode, the boys are joined by Joey Akan, one of the leading voices covering contemporary African music. A journalist, writer and media consultant, Joey is the Founder/CEO of Afrobeats Intelligence. He has also contributed to the likes of The Fader, The New York Times, OkayAfrica, Highsnobiety, CNN, DJ Booth and many others. As there is no news agenda this week, the boys dedicate the lion share of this week’s episode to an in-depth interview with Joey where they discuss the milestones and watershed moments that led to Afrobeats current renaissance. Elsewhere they muse on the influence and impact of US/UK artists borrowing from African music on African nations itself, the perception of lesser known and lesser acclaimed African genres like alte, gqom, highlife and juju and much more! (43:04). Not one to miss! Sope’s Listens for the Week: Durand Bernarr – Dur& RILEY - BGE Nic’s Listens for the Week: 21 Savage x Metro Boomin - Savage Mode III Eden’s Listens for the Week: Bryson Tiller – Anniversary dvsn – A Muse In Her Feeligns Remember to RATE, REVIEW AND SUBSCRIBE! Enjoy! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Intro Music by: @Jmzofficial Artwork designed by: @_manlikemike Episode audio edited by: @TonySupremeuk ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Get involved! Don't forget to tweet us your thoughts on the episode at #DATSPOD! Rate and review us on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify and Anchor Follow us on: Twitter - @datspod Instagram - @datspod Anchor – @datspodcast Hashtag - #datspod / #DontAlertTheStans --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/datspodcast/message

South Africa is almost indisputably leading the pack right now in terms of quality hip-hop music produced on the continent. South African rappers, more so than any other African rappers I’ve researched, have that distinct level of lyrical ability and production quality which makes hip-hop great. In an article highlighting some of the top African Hip-hop artists, Joey Akan says that “the power of hip-hop lies in the South of the continent, as rappers from South Africa continue to drive the pulse of the culture. Much of the hip-hop in South Africa is derived from Western beats and samples mixed with localized rhythms and accents and drives the urban culture of the continent.” As I dove into the discography of different South African artists, I could almost immediately identify an American hip-hop song that I felt it paralleled. Some artists rapped over more mainstream style beats, whether it’s upbeat with African drums or bouncy r&b vibes. Most artists in this mix rap in their native languages- including Zulu, Swahili, and Xhosa. They mix in AAVE fluently. Sometimes verses will be all English. There are different factors that determine what language an artist speaks. Most of the time, it is just what depends on how they are most comfortable delivering the message. In the case of more mainstream artists, they will rap/sing in English to reach larger audiences. In All of the songs I selected for this mixtape, I felt the artists were right “in the pocket” in their verses. Being “in the pocket” in both music and dance means to be rhythmically in sync and fluid. Each of these songs I felt had complex cadences, fluid transitions, and essential elements of quality hip hop. Speeka- “Party ya Mapantsula” The first song on this mix of very talented South African artists is “Party ya Mapantsula” by Speeka featuring Noks Matchbox, Sfilikwane, Mthizo & Jef. Speeka is a well-known producer in South Africa who collabs with many rappers. Rappers are eager to hop on his beats. Most of the song is in Zulu and what sounds like some Xhosa- both are South African languages. Mapantsula is a Zulu slang term meaning petty gangsta. So the song title means Party with petty gangstas or Party of petty gangstas. The vibe of the songs parallels group songs by American artists like- “Mercy” which features Big Sean, Pusha T, 2chainz, and Kanye Wet, or “Down Bad” which features JID, J cole, Bas, and Nudy. “Party ya Mapantsula” takes on the general braggadocio style rap, where rappers talk their shit- explaining their come-up, lifestyle, and origins for 16 plus bars. Sfilikwane- “Vandal” Next in the mix is Sfilikwane’s “Vandal’”. I selected this song purely because of the sonics. Most of the song is in Zulu, and does not have a translation online. However, Sfilikwane’s delivery and flow throughout the song is masterful. It stood out to me because I felt the execution was equal if not superior to that of American artists. The instrumental has an old school boom-bap vibe, but the lyric cadences are complex enough to make it sound modern. In other words, Sfilikwane was right in the pocket on this record. Many of the comments on this video read something including “uyakhafula” which means “You spittin”. Sho Madjozi- “John Cena” Sho Madjozi represents for the ladies on this mix with her song- “John Cena”. This song embodies that upbeat braggadocio style of rap, but with more of an identifiably African style beat. The song is mostly rapped in English. The hook goes, “ Some wanna act rough like John Cena, Some wanna get buck like John Cena! He use to be cool when I use to come through now you wanna act tough like John Cena!” She performed this song on the popular American internet music show- Colors. The performance got her mainstream recognition from artists like Missy Elliot and Pharell. It also got reposted by John Cena himself. Sho Madjozi sits in that braggadocio pocket very well. Her lyrical ability also made me include her in this mix with her very talented peers. Gigi Lamayne- “Stoners Prayer” South African artist Gigi Lamayne joins the many artists who have made songs that are odes to marijuana. Gigi’s “Stoners Prayer” is her own take on this common theme in hip-hop. The lyrics go, “ Dear Lord, thank you for the herbs you grew, Dear Lord, thank you for the munchies too.” The theme of the song immediately made me think of Jhene Aiko’s “Sativa” – where she sings and raps about Sativa strains of weed and their effects. I also thought of Wiz Khalifa’s “Young Wild and Freee” where the lyrics repeat- “So what we get drunk, so what we smoke weed, we’re just having fun, we don’t care who sees.” Gigi mostly performs in English and makes music with more mainstream themes. Nonetheless, she is just as skilled her more conscious or lyrical peers. AKA & Anatii – “10 Fingers” Last on the mix I’d thought I’d end it out with a banger. “10 Fingers” is a collaboration between internationally recognized artist- AKA and Anatii, both from South Africa. 10 fingers is the typically “ I’m getting money, I’m living the life” type of hip-hop record. Anatii adds some R&B flavor to the song. From just the song, you couldn’t really tell that the artists are South African. They speak all English and fluently use AAVE in their lyrics. Their sound is very attractive to mainstream radio stations. There is low profanity, upbeat tempos, and, of course, catchy hooks. All in All, the songs on this list fit into that effortless braggadocio style of rap. The cadences and delivery in these songs are on point, and truly embody what I believe is the essence of hip hop. All of the artists featured in the mix are also very technically skilled rappers, and it was possible to determine that just based off sonics for those songs performed in African languages. 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Ep. 32 - It's Joey Akan People by Black Culture

PGM Radio with Peter Okoye (P-Square), Camille Storm, Joey Akan, and Ifeanyi Nwune was revealing yet inspiring. Major lessons to be learned.  

Alté this, Alté that. This week on No Ketchup Podcast, Joey Akan and Segun Akande sit with one of the leading lights of Nigeria's emerging sounds, Odunsi The Engine, to discuss his life, his music, and the glowing movement that he represents and champions.

On this episode, Joey Akan talks about the difference between God and his ‘servants’ that are Pastors, and how a lot of his words are twisted to fit a personal narrative, and for a certain end.

Joey Akan talks about the Nigerian feminist movement, Chimamanda Ngozi-Adichie's loose tongue, and the need to cook and pray for hours on end!!!

Joey Akan hosts Media Personality and Music Industry Analyst, Ogagus Sakpaide, where they discuss the differences between good and bad music, branding, Yemi Alade and more.

Joey Akan and Henry Igwe discuss on the death of OJB Jezreel, Wizkid and 2face Idibia. They also delve into the tragic Orlando Shooting,