Afropolitan

AUNTY'S SCULPTURE COLLECTIONA limited collection by Anthony Azekwoh x Afropolitan. 200 pieces. Application only.Apply here: https://formless.ai/c/q1GB9jAzOWTr$750,000 became $40 million in six years.That's what happens when you stop betting on Africa's "potential" — and start betting on what's already working.Ibrahim Sagna managed $37 billion at Africa Eximbank. Then he left to build Silverbacks Holdings. 10 exits since 2019. Flutterwave at 24x. Lemfi at 29x. Moov at 5.1x.His thesis? Possible → Probable → Inevitable.In this episode, we break down why Africa has been profitable for centuries, why capital has always known it, and why founders and investors are finally structuring exits that prove it.From colonial extraction to modern venture capital. From seven cars to forty thousand. From early-stage angels to billion-dollar platforms.We cover how African startups move from possible to inevitable, why distribution beats raw talent, and why storytelling is one of the most undervalued assets on the continent.For founders, operators, investors, and anyone tired of hearing that Africa is still "loading."It's not.About Ibrahim SagnaIbrahim Sagna is Executive Chairman of Silverbacks Holdings, a private investment firm allocating capital across tech, entertainment, and sports. Since 2019, the firm has delivered 10 profitable exits.Before Silverbacks, Ibrahim spent 26 years at Africa Eximbank running the investment banking division. He also hosts the In The Valley podcast.Landmark investments include Moove — a global mobility fintech backed by Uber, operating in 29+ cities across five continents — and Wave Mobile Money, backed by Stripe.FOLLOW THE GUESTIbrahim SagnaLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahimsagna?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appInstagram –  https://www.instagram.com/ibrahimsagna?igsh=em56c2pzZmlreWhxTwitter -  https://x.com/ibrahimsagna?s=21&t=g8hW-h3DHs2_PEEsZXCnvwSilverbacks HoldingsLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/silverbacks-holdings_work-hard-activity-7224762396614000640-po9Z?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_iosIn the Valley Youtube - https://youtube.com/@in_thevalley?si=U9bElCNHygbokIwPIn the Valley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/in.the_valley?igsh=NDhlZ2NlaWdpdGl0FOLLOW AFROPOLITANTwitter: https://x.com/afropolitan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ Website: https://www.afropolitan.ioJoin our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/communityGet email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585  SPONSORED BYVBan – Borderless banking for Africa’s digital workforce Use code AFROPOLITAN → https://vban.comInverroche Gin – South Africa’s premium craft gin blending heritage botanicals with innovationhttps://www.inverroche.comRisevest – Invest globally in dollar-denominated stocks, real estate & fixed incomehttps://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afrop...Convo by Afropolitan – Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkershttps://convo.vipTIMESTAMPS00:00 Why Africa is not “potential”01:25 Why colonization proves long term value02:01 Capital extraction then and now02:56 The Silverbacks Holdings thesis explained03:57 How African founders scale globally04:52 From luck to preparation in venture05:51 Possible vs Probable vs Inevitable07:41 How SPVs create focused conviction08:40 Why global expansion signals inevitability10:06 Real exit multiples from African startups11:05 Liquidity as a storytelling engine12:32 From likable to adored brands13:56 Why Apple behaves like a religion15:21 Elevating African companies through narrative17:19 How secondary exits actually work18:46 Inside the Move investment story21:41 Solving Uber’s real problem24:34 Distribution as the real moat27:08 From seven cars to 40,00029:04 Becoming a truly global company30:30 Brands that achieved cultural dominance33:22 Why African culture is always exported38:13 Building IP in film and media39:16 Finding a 1.6 billion person niche41:12 Culture investing with global reach45:00 What DFIs actually do52:10 Why refining beats raw talent56:41 Who controls the story controls value59:37 Almost dying and staying uninterrupted01:08:11 Finding your superpower01:27:07 Why Africa has always been actual01:31:01 The next generation sees no limits

In this episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Sofi, one of the most compelling African women creators shaping culture across the diaspora, to unpack the real cost of authenticity, freedom, and building a life on your own terms.Known online as The Odditty, Sofi opens up about choosing self expression over approval, walking away from expectations placed on African women, and turning her personality into a powerful platform. From viral moments to $25K brand deals, from being silenced to owning her voice, this is a raw, unfiltered conversation about identity, trauma, money, boundaries, and becoming unapologetically yourself.This is not an influencer highlight reel.This is a survival story.We talk about the African creator economy, monetising authenticity, being underestimated, navigating family pressure, womanhood in public, and why being different is no longer a weakness but an advantage.This episode explores:• Why being yourself often comes with backlash, loss, and resistance• How Sofi turned authenticity into real income and global opportunities• The hidden cost of being a woman online, especially as an African creator• Why African creators are finally winning and what most people missed• Identity, self worth, trauma, healing, and choosing freedom anywayIf you are a creator, founder, artist, or anyone trying to live honestly in a world that rewards conformity, this conversation will stay with you.Welcome to The Afropolitan Podcast, where African stories are told with honesty, depth, and pride.Follow Sofi (The Odditty)Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/the_odditty/Websitehttps://theodditty.com/🔗 Follow The Afropolitan PodcastInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcastTwitterhttps://x.com/afropolitanLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannationWebsitehttps://www.afropolitan.ioCommunityhttps://afropolitan.io/joinNewsletterhttps://afropolitan.io/newsletterSponsored ByVBanThe borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforceUse code AFROPOLITANhttps://vban.comInverroche GinSouth Africa’s premium craft ginhttps://www.inverroche.comRisevestInvest globally in dollar denominated stocks, real estate, and fixed incomehttps://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitanConvo by AfropolitanBook 1 on 1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkershttps://convo.vipTIMESTAMPS00:00: Intro01:42 Why now is the best time to be an African creator02:38 Telling African stories beyond suffering03:06 Monetising being odd instead of fixing yourself03:35 Blogging, early creation, and finding a voice04:35 The first brand deals and learning your worth05:28 How Sofi landed a $7,500 Home Depot deal06:46 Why representation and visibility matter07:15 What African parents expect versus reality08:39 Sexual harassment and leaving Nigeria10:59 Moving to America and unlearning shame11:50 Viral moments and the birth of The Odditty12:47 Choosing creativity over law school14:16 Family pressure, money, and misunderstanding15:44 Paying the price for freedom16:43 Being ostracised for being yourself18:06 Therapy, healing, and reclaiming power19:30 Viral videos and what happens after22:40 Why viral moments are not the goal24:05 Building community over chasing attention25:32 Boundaries, friendships, and creator burnout28:41 Business boundaries and saying no30:58 Being underestimated and weaponising softness32:53 “She won’t last long” and proving them wrong35:13 Creator politics, envy, and extraction35:39 The business of content creation explained38:28 Managers, agencies, and skin in the game40:51 Why representation must work for you44:00 The New York apartment controversy45:52 The rat race and redefining success47:44 Choosing freedom over lifestyle validation50:43 Turning 30 and rewriting the dream53:37 Race in America versus class in Nigeria01:01:20 Why African creators would win faster at home01:04:33 Lagos creator economy frustrations01:07:41 Why Sofi started her podcast01:10:28 Shame, sex, and breaking taboos01:13:46 Processing trauma and delayed healing01:16:33 Taking power back01:19:40 Boundaries and self respect01:21:34 Rapid fire questions01:23:43 Who should be on the podcast next

Austin Avuru at Afropolitan Live | Building Institutions That Last in AfricaAUNTY'S SCULPTURE COLLECTIONA limited collection by Anthony Azekwoh x Afropolitan. 200 pieces. Application only.Apply here: https://formless.ai/c/q1GB9jAzOWTrIn this episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Austin Avuru—Nigerian geologist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Seplat Petroleum—to explore what it really takes to build institutions that last in Africa.From his early years at NNPC to co-founding one of Nigeria's most successful indigenous energy companies, Austin shares a rare long-term perspective on discipline, governance, succession, and the hidden cost of success. This is not a hype story. It is a builder's story.We discuss why most African businesses collapse after the founder exits, why managing success is harder than starting from nothing, and why building in Nigeria is difficult but absolutely possible.🔗 FOLLOW AFROPOLITANWebsite – https://www.afropolitan.ioInstagram – https://instagram.com/afropolitanTwitter – https://twitter.com/afropolitanBook 1:1 with Eche – https://convo.vip/echeemoleBook 1:1 with Chika – https://convo.vip/chikauwazieSPONSORSVBan – Use code AFROPOLITAN → https://vban.comInverroche Gin → https://www.inverroche.comRisevest → https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitanConvo → https://convo.vipTIMESTAMPS0:00 Intro0:45 What it really takes to build in Nigeria1:36 Discipline, focus, and one step at a time2:18 Would he still choose Nigeria today2:48 Starting his career at NNPC3:49 Founding Platform Petroleum4:36 Co-founding Seplat and acquiring Shell assets5:02 Why Seplat listed on the London Stock Exchange5:14 "We listed to save the company from ourselves"5:47 Managing success as the biggest risk6:27 Why African companies don't survive founders7:47 Why Platform Petroleum still exists today8:27 What NNPC represented in the 1980s10:08 Comparing NNPC to Saudi Aramco11:06 Losing his father at age six11:36 His mother's role in shaping resilience12:59 Returning to his childhood school after 60 years14:14 The missed opportunity to go abroad17:49 Acquiring IOC assets with audacity18:50 Negotiating directly with Shell19:41 Convincing global investors20:42 Almost failing the LSE listing22:06 How trust unlocked approval24:36 Rebuilding market confidence25:54 Scaling from 22K to 100K barrels/day27:00 Why scaling breaks businesses29:00 Choosing the right partners30:23 When to walk away32:04 Why indigenous entrepreneurs must step up35:47 What a family office really is36:25 Why he refused to write a will37:00 Structuring wealth to avoid conflict40:09 Lessons from the Dangote refinery44:08 Energy transition and Africa's right to develop47:49 What a just transition really means50:35 Wealth discipline and philanthropy53:23 Advice to Africans in the diaspora55:35 Why Afropolitan exists57:30 Rapid fire59:39 Biggest hiring mistake1:00:10 Best business advice received1:01:26 One word for the diaspora: "It's possible"1:02:05 Leaders he wants to see next1:03:22 Final reflections on legacy

Aunty’s is a limited sculpture collection by Anthony Azekwoh, released in collaboration with Afropolitan.We are placing 200 sculptures from the collection.Acquisition is by application only.This is not a traditional purchase. Each piece is placed intentionally.Applications can be submitted here:https://formless.ai/c/q1GB9jAzOWTrIn this episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Anthony Azekwoh, a Nigerian visual artist and sculptor redefining how African memory, culture, and identity are preserved through art.This conversation introduces Aunty’s, a sculpture collection rooted in reclaiming African history after centuries of cultural theft — beginning with the looting of the Benin Bronzes in 1897. Rather than waiting for restitution, this episode explores what it means to rebuild African memory through ownership, craft, and contemporary creation.Anthony breaks down his creative process, from sketching and digital sculpting to producing physical sculptures in Nigeria using bronze, marble dust, and fiberglass. He reflects on the role of “aunties” as cultural archivists, the importance of joy and celebration in African storytelling, and why African homes can become modern museums.The conversation also goes deeper into Anthony’s personal journey. He speaks candidly about leaving university, navigating religious institutions, financial instability, NFT booms and crashes, payment barriers for African creatives, and what it took to rebuild after hitting financial rock bottom. This is a rare, unfiltered look at what it means to build art, business, and legacy from Africa — without permission.Legal Disclaimer: The opinions, statements, and views expressed by guests appearing on the Afropolitan Podcast are solely their own and do not represent the views, opinions, or positions of Afropolitan, its hosts, affiliates, or employees. Any claims or characterizations made by guests regarding third parties, including institutions or organizations, are the guest's personal opinions and should not be interpreted as statements of fact endorsed by this platform.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro & Teaser: Anthony on making his first million through prints1:28 - Welcome & Introduction to the Aunties Sculpture Collection1:47 - The History: 1897 Benin Bronze Looting & Cognitive Colonization2:39 - Why Aunties Matter to African History3:15 - Anthony Explains Why He Created the Aunties Collection4:05 - The Design Philosophy: Circles, Triangles & Making African Shapes Iconic5:06 - Creative Process: How an Idea Becomes a Sculpture6:33 - Bringing Production Home to Nigeria (3D Printing & Bronze from Benin)7:15 - "We Are Our Own Museums Now" - Art Living in Homes Worldwide9:01 - Disconnection from African Art History & Discovering It Abroad10:55 - What Anthony Wants People to Feel When They Own an Auntie12:25 - Connecting the African Diaspora Through Art13:04 - Playing Eternal Games with Eternal People16:23 - Anthony's Origin Story: Starting as a Writer Who Taught Himself to Draw16:50 - Why He Left Covenant University (The Full Story)19:52 - Peak NFT Boom & Figuring Out How to Make Art a Living24:28 - Emeka's Story: How He Got Himself Rejected from Faith Academy31:06 - The Covenant University Experience & Institutional Control35:39 - Biggest Misconceptions About Monetizing Art37:16 - The Red Man Painting & First Million Naira Moment38:45 - "You Can't Game the System" - Why Hit Paintings Can't Be Predicted39:16 - How NFTs Changed Everything for African Artists41:38 - Payment Rails Nightmare: PayPal Holding $10K for 6 Months43:43 - Why Crypto is a Lifeline for African Creators45:00 - Dad's Reaction to the Art Money Coming In47:11 - The Sculpture Business Failure: Starting 2024 at -$20K53:38 - Clearing 100 Million Naira by December54:49 - Is Web3 Dead? (Anthony's Take)56:06 - How Anthony Got Into NFTs & First Sale Story59:57 - The Crypto Crash: Losing $20-30K Overnight1:02:49 - Business Opportunities in the Art World1:05:28 - Loneliness in Building an Art Business1:11:14 - Rapid Fire Questions (Favorite Nigerian Dish, Mythical Figure, Books, Movies)1:15:22 - "There's No Plan B" - Compounding on One Thing1:15:48 - 50 Years From Now: "The Greatest Ever"1:16:20 - Gatekeeping in the Art World1:17:27 - Tattoo Stories & Parent Reactions1:23:01 - Who Should Be on the Afropolitan Podcast? (Rema's recommendation)

Gaise Baba How a Gospel Song Went Viral Before Release Faith Discipline and the Untold Story of “No Turning Back”In this episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Gaise Baba, one of the most important voices shaping Afro Gospel, to unpack the real story behind how his song “No Turning Back” became a global movement before it was ever officially released.From organizing free concerts while broke, to navigating criticism from the church, personal grief, and long seasons of obscurity, Gaise Baba shares a raw and honest journey built on faith, discipline, and conviction.This conversation explores how preparation meets purpose when nobody is watching.We dive into:How “No Turning Back” went viral on TikTok and Instagram before release, and why timing mattered more than strategyThe real economics of gospel music in Nigeria, and why African artists are quietly out earning Western counterpartsFaith versus logic in creativity, business, and decision makingThe backlash around modern gospel music and how Gaise Baba stayed rooted through criticismWhat it really means to build while broke, unseen, and underestimatedThis episode goes beyond music.It is about identity, discipline, legacy, grief, and cultural influence.If you are a creator, artist, founder, or someone navigating purpose in a noisy world, this conversation will stay with you.Welcome to The Afropolitan Podcast, where African stories are told with honesty, depth, and pride.Follow Gaise BabaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaisebaba/ Subscribe to Afropolitan PodcastFor more unfiltered conversations with Africa’s boldest builders and storytellers.Twitter – https://x.com/afropolitanInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcastLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/Website – https://www.afropolitan.ioJoin the Network State – https://afropolitan.io/join🔗 Community – afropolitan.io/community Newsletter – afropolitan.io/newsletter Sponsored by:VBan: The borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforce.Use code AFROPOLITAN to sign up → https://vban.comInverroche Gin: South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.Discover more → https://www.inverroche.comRisevest — Invest globally in dollar-denominated stocks, real estate & fixed income.Sign up → https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitanConvo by Afropolitan — Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers.Visit https://convo.vip/Listen Everywhere:YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585Hosted by:Eche – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/Chika – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/0:00 - Intro & Teaser2:09 - How Gaise Baba Got Into Gospel Music4:24 - Personal Faith Journey & Encounter at 185:57 - Navigating Criticism of Modern Gospel Sound9:08 - The Light Up Movement: Free School Concerts15:42 - Advice for Creators Building in Obscurity18:27 - No Turning Back: The Viral Rollout Strategy22:51 - The Song Blew Before It Was Released25:00 - The Unlikely Collaboration with Lawrence Oyor29:02 - Shooting the Music Video with 1,000+ Church Members36:24 - How the Lawrence Oyor Collaboration Happened41:02 - Understanding the Gospel Music Industry Economics44:29 - Nigeria as the New Frontier for Worship Music52:06 - Moving by Faith: Organizing Events with Nothing57:05 - Lessons from Berklee College of Music1:03:06 - Why Light Must Operate in Darkness1:09:05 - Christians Need to Be at the Table1:17:17 - Losing His Mom & Releasing No Turning Back1:25:01 - The Spiritual Regiment That Prepared Him1:26:12 - Advice for Young Men Finding Their Way Back to God1:34:48 - Rapid Fire: Favorite Food, Gospel Song & Artists1:38:28 - Who Should Be on the Podcast Next: Soji Labby

In this episode of Afropolitan Podcast, we sit with Tracy Nwapa, Nigerian entrepreneur, interior designer, and founder of Interior Culture by Obiageli, Slice Lagos, Pavilion a as she opens up about building culture, losing everything, and starting again in Lagos.From dominating Lagos nightlife during Detty December to navigating betrayal, co-founder conflict, and walking away from a business she built from the ground up, Tracy shares the unfiltered realities of hospitality, ownership, and resilience in Nigeria.We explore how Tracy went from media and broadcast journalism to interior design, restaurants, and nightlife, why hospitality is one of the hardest businesses in Lagos, and what it truly takes to build experiences that people remember.This conversation goes beyond nightlife.It’s about purpose, feminine leadership in male-dominated industries, building with integrity in broken systems, and why Nigeria still feels like home despite the chaos.If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, builder, or part of the African diaspora thinking about coming back home, this episode will challenge how you think about success, ownership, and resilience.Welcome to The Afropolitan Podcast where African stories are told with honesty, depth, and pride.🔗 FOLLOW THE GUESTTracy NwapaInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/Slice Lagos – https://www.instagram.com/slicelagos/ 🔗 FOLLOW AFROPOLITANWebsite – https://www.afropolitan.ioInstagram – https://instagram.com/afropolitanTwitter – https://twitter.com/afropolitanCommunity – https://afropolitan.io/communityNewsletter – https://afropolitan.io/newsletterSPONSORED BYVBan – Borderless banking for Africa’s digital workforceUse code AFROPOLITAN → https://vban.comInverroche Gin – South Africa’s premium craft gin blending heritage botanicals with innovationhttps://www.inverroche.comRisevest – Invest globally in dollar-denominated stocks, real estate & fixed incomehttps://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitanConvo by Afropolitan – Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkershttps://convo.vip0:00 - Introduction2:00 - What People Get Wrong About Hospitality in Lagos4:07 - How Tracy Dominated Lagos Last December7:00 - Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry8:00 - How Tracy Stumbled Into Hospitality11:28 - Advice for Diaspora Entrepreneurs Moving Back to Nigeria15:04 - What Nigeria Offers That Nowhere Else Does19:29 - Getting Into Interior Design Business25:55 - The Interior Design Business Model in Nigeria32:04 - Parents' Reaction to Her Success33:37 - Co-Founder Conflict & Walking Away from Slice42:57 - The Moment She Decided to Build Again48:00 - The Role of Rage in Rebuilding52:46 - Dealing with Betrayal from Staff57:01 - The Fundraising Journey1:00:32 - Introducing CUSP: Luxury West African Fine Dining1:05:02 - Introducing FOMO: The Future of Nightlife1:08:51 - Retirement Plans from the Nightlife Business1:21:36 - Rapid Fire Questions1:29:06 - Meeting FOMO Prime (The Robot)1:33:00 - Closing & Who Should Be Next

Tayo Aina, a filmmaker and YouTuber from Lagos, shares his incredible journey from driving Uber to becoming a leading African creator. He discusses how J. Cole's visit transformed his life and how MrBeast's recognition skyrocketed his visibility. Tayo highlights the unique challenges African creators face, from visa discrimination to monetization hurdles. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling from an African perspective and offers practical advice for aspiring creators. His insights underscore creativity's potential to reshape narratives and economies.

Tayo Oviosu, the founder and CEO of Paga, is a pioneer in African fintech with a vision for financial inclusion. He shares insights on the struggles of building digital payments in Nigeria, revealing the hidden challenges posed by local regulations and economic conditions. Tayo discusses the critical need for patient capital in Africa and how diaspora identity can be an advantage. His reflections on the long path to success and the importance of resilience offer valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors in the continent's evolving landscape.

Adetutu Ladetong, a creative entrepreneur and founder of WOLF Studios, shares her insights on the challenges African creators face in monetizing their content. She discusses why now is a pivotal moment for creators in Africa, with shifts in infrastructure and audience. Adetutu breaks down payment dynamics in Nigeria, what successful creators do differently, and the importance of global storytelling. She also highlights barriers posed by tech companies and advocates for local partnerships to enhance creator economies.

Dr. Julius Oni, an orthopedic surgeon and co-founder of Excite Capital, shares his inspiring journey from Johns Hopkins to transforming healthcare in Nigeria. He discusses Nigeria's $2B medical tourism opportunity and how he aims to reduce this gap with local solutions. Oni outlines his business model for sustainable healthcare in emerging markets and the importance of choosing legacy over comfort. He highlights the progress in Nigerian medical care, including innovations in fertility and sickle cell treatments, while providing guidance for professionals considering a move back home.