

Afrobeats Intelligence
Joey Akan/OkayAfrica
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.afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 10, 2024 • 59min
S3E9: Louddaaa: Beats, Hits & Ayra Star
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. 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

Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 1min
S3E8: Bien-Aimé Baraza’s Solo Adventure: Exploring New Sounds and Old Roots with Alusa Why Are You Topless?
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. 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

Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 14min
S3E7: Harmony 'H-Money' Samuels - Crafting Global Hits
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. 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

Jul 3, 2024 • 58min
Lost Files E04: NSG
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. 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

Jun 27, 2024 • 1h 10min
Lost Files E03: Timi Dakolo
Timi Dakolo is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer. He emerged winner of the inaugural season of Idols West Africa in 2007. Accompanying his victory was a recording contract with Sony BMG, in addition to other prizes. A great vocalist his latest album is titled, "The Chorus Leader." 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

Jun 20, 2024 • 58min
Lost Files E1: Abdul Quam Tadese
Abdul Quam Tadese is a multi-faceted musician, culture entrepreneur and philanthropist. 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

Mar 15, 2024 • 40min
S3E6: Oxlade — How To Deal With Adversity
Oxlade, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter signed to Troniq Music, Epic Records in France, and Columbia Records in the UK. 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

Feb 17, 2024 • 1h 1min
S3E5: Joeboy — How To Move On
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 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

Feb 6, 2024 • 31min
S3E4: Steve Stoute — Independent Afrobeats To The World
Steve Stoute is an American businessman and record executive. The founder and CEO of the Translation, a marketing agency, and the author of The Tanning of America: How Hip-Hop Created a Culture That Rewrote the Rules of the New Economy. In 2017, Stoute received $70 million from investors such as Alphabet Inc. and Andreessen Horowitz to launch United Masters, a music venture for independent artist. In 2023, United Masters launched in Africa, via Lagos, Nigeria. 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

Dec 14, 2023 • 1h 23min
S3E3: Blaqbonez — Emeka Must Shine
Blaqbonez, is a Nigerian rapper signed to Chocolate City. highly regarded for his distinct rap style as, well as his creative ingenuity, his latest album, "Emeka Must Shine," is out now. 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


