Afropolitan

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.

David Oyelowo, an acclaimed British actor and producer, discusses his groundbreaking streaming platform, Mansa, dedicated to amplifying Black narratives. He highlights the unique moment for African filmmakers, driven by technological advancements and audience demand for diverse stories. David shares insights on overcoming Hollywood’s biases, the significance of adapting Chinua Achebe’s 'Things Fall Apart' in Nigeria, and the importance of cultural authenticity. He inspires creators to build their own platforms and reclaim ownership in storytelling.

Banke Kuku, founder and creative director of Banke Kuku Textiles, shares her journey of establishing a luxury fashion brand in Nigeria, worn by celebrities like Gabrielle Union. She details her pivot to e-commerce during COVID to save her business, emphasizing the importance of maintaining local production. Banke discusses the challenges of quality control, the essence of integrity in African fashion, and how her textile training influences her designs. Her resilient mindset and commitment to creating community impact set her apart in the global market.

Austin Okere, the founder of Computer Warehouse Group and a pioneer in Nigeria's tech landscape, shares his incredible journey from a $35,000 startup to a $90 million public company. He discusses the unique challenges of entrepreneurship in Africa, the importance of ethical fundraising, and how to build trust and lasting partnerships. Austin reflects on pivotal moments like rejecting initial private equity offers and strategizing for an IPO. He also emphasizes the significance of legacy and succession planning for future leaders.

Vusi Thembekwayo, an influential investor and founder of MyGrowthFund, dives into the stark realities of building in Africa today. He argues it’s the best time to start, despite past traumas holding many back. Vusi critiques Elon Musk's influence, reveals the emotional scars of poverty, and emphasizes personal accountability for success. He advocates for creating sustainable 'zebra' businesses over just chasing 'unicorns'. With incisive commentary on South African-Nigerian tensions and the importance of reclaiming agency, Vusi delivers a powerful message about the future of the continent.

From Burnout To Beyond: The Untold Story Of Building Africa’s Leading Wellness Brand Guest: Simi Williams, Founder of Beyond FitnessAt 26, Simi Williams was hospitalised from burnout while working in high finance in London.She lost $1M in funding when investors saw she was pregnant — but that didn’t stop her from returning to Nigeria to build Beyond Fitness, now one of Africa’s most respected wellness brands.In this powerful episode, she opens up about the cost of ambition, postnatal depression, gender bias in fundraising, and the daily fight to build a global business out of Lagos.In this episode: → Burnout and the illusion of success in high finance→ Motherhood, postnatal depression, and recovery→ Losing $1M in funding because of pregnancy→ How gender bias shapes fundraising for women→ Building Beyond Fitness into a global brand→ Balancing family, faith, and entrepreneurship→ Why Lagos taught her control is an illusion→ Redefining what success and purpose really meanFollow AfropolitanWebsite – https://afropolitan.ioInstagram – @afropolitanTwitter – @afropolitanLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ This episode is sponsored by Inverroche Gin, South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.Discover more: https://www.inverroche Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemoleBook 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazieListen 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 Hosted byEche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/   Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/   Timestamps0:00 - The Gym Incident That Started Everything0:38 - Introduction: Simi Williams - From Banking to Beyond Fitness1:51 - Trying to Be a Global Wellness Entrepreneur2:34 - When Success Was Breaking Me: Hospital at 264:40 - Childhood Connection to Fitness6:03 - Losing My Therapy: Three Times Movement Failed Me8:25 - Double Entrepreneur Household: Managing Two Businesses13:06 - The Birth of Beyond Fitness15:28 - Fundraising While Pregnant: Losing Investors19:06 - Being a Woman in Fundraising21:02 - Reinventing Myself: From Finance to Fitness22:56 - Moving Back to Nigeria: The Cultural Shock25:04 - Did I Make a Mistake Coming Back?27:12 - Bible App Moment & Beyond Fitness Experience31:29 - Creating a Culture of Care33:09 - What Banking Taught Me to Unlearn35:03 - Every Role Except Security: Building From Scratch37:20 - Why High-Profile People Drop Their Guard at Beyond39:20 - The Tender Parts: Bamboo Season42:11 - What I Want My Daughter to See43:25 - Global Vision for Beyond Fitness44:48 - Beyond on Tour: Wellness Retreats48:46 - When Everything Goes Wrong: The Bus Story51:13 - What I Want to Be Remembered For51:30 - Rapid Fire Questions52:46 - Motherhood: What It Taught Me54:05 - Birth Center Decision56:00 - Who Should Be Next on the Podcast

Yele Bademosi is a founder, investor, and creative thinker at the intersection of culture, capital, and clarity. He’s the Co-creator and CEO of Onboard. He reveals the untold truth behind losing $3.9 million overnight in the FTX collapse and how that moment transformed his relationship with money, purpose, and freedom.A former medical student turned tech founder and investor, Yele has built some of Africa’s most influential startups, including Bundle (incubated within Binance). But after reaching the height of startup success, everything came crashing down.In this deeply personal conversation, Yele shares lessons on resilience, rebuilding from zero, and why he believes private credit, not crypto,  is Africa’s biggest untapped opportunity. He also discusses the future of the creator economy, the importance of financial sovereignty, and how Africa’s next billion-dollar companies will be built by creators, not corporations.He explains: - Why he walked away from medicine to pursue freedom - How losing everything in FTX changed his definition of wealth - The truth about Africa’s credit gap and economic opportunity - What “potential capital” really means  and how to find yours - Why creators are Africa’s next economic revolution Key ThemesThe Future of Credit in AfricaSurviving the FTX CollapseRebuilding Purpose & IdentityThe Creator Economy as Africa’s Next WaveFinancial Freedom, Integrity & the Pursuit of Happiness🔗 Follow YeleX (Twitter) – @YeleBademosiLinkedIn – Yele BademosiOnboardGlobal – https://www.linkedin.com/company/onboardbynestcoin/  Follow AfropolitanWebsite – https://afropolitan.ioInstagram – @afropolitanX (Twitter) – @afropolitanLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ This episode is sponsored by Inverroche Gin, South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.Discover more: https://www.inverroche Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemoleBook 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazieListen 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 Hosted byEche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/   Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/   Stay connected with Afropolitan: Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast   LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ Website: https://www.afropolitan.io🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/communityGet email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter 00:00 - The Biggest Opportunity in Africa: Private Credit01:09 - Introduction: What's the Biggest Opportunity in Africa?03:12 - Why Credit is Africa's Missing Infrastructure05:06 - South Africa's Credit System vs Rest of Africa06:28 - Who Was Yele Before Bundle & Nestcoin?07:55 - Growing Up in Ibadan: Early Entrepreneurial Roots10:20 - Moving to UK at 14: The Internet Opens New Worlds12:18 - The Medical School Journey & Father's Blessing14:12 - "Opting Out" of Medical School16:55 - Writing the Letter to Mom: Pursuit of Freedom18:37 - Afropolitan Toast: To African Creativity & Legacy20:25 - Life Lessons from Parents: Excellence & Integrity22:24 - Losing Dad: The Impact 15 Years Later26:04 - Five Types of Wealth: Transforming Priorities28:05 - Moving to London: Being Closer to Family30:13 - Financial Sovereignty & Why Crypto Matters32:38 - Building Digital Infrastructure for Africa35:02 - The Bundle Story: Right Place, Right Time38:15 - Leaving Binance to Build Nestcoin40:22 - Raising the Largest African Crypto Seed Round44:58 - The FTX Collapse: November 11, 202248:51 - Surviving the Crisis: Resilience & Recovery52:13 - 18 Months of Uncertainty: Getting 95% Back56:43 - Learning to Forgive Yourself58:27 - Personal Funds Lost in FTX01:01:32 - Redefining Wealth: Potential Capital01:06:34 - Afropolitan's Journey: The Million Dollar Prophecy01:09:28 - Why Afropolitan Will Succeed: Culture Connectors01:16:51 - The Creator Economy Thesis: Distribution is Queen01:19:19 - From BET for Africa to Creator Infrastructure01:23:29 - The Cost of Creation is Dropping: Distribution Wins01:27:47 - Leading Through Pivots: Vision Evolution01:32:09 - African Creators to Watch01:36:05 - Three Systems Creators Need: Banking, Credit, Management01:40:06 - Onboard: Freedom to Transact Globally01:42:26 - Stablecoins: The New Financial Infrastructure01:46:53 - Rapid Fire: Lagos vs London01:48:28 - Favorite Nigerian Food: Ofada Rice at Mega Chicken01:51:51 - Who Should Be on Afropolitan Podcast

From $0 To $2.4M In 3 Weeks The Brutal Truth About Startup FundraisingGuests: Chika & Eche Founders of AfropolitanWhat does it really take to raise millions as an African founder In this unfiltered episode Chika & Eche break down how they raised $2.4 million in just 21 days and the painful lessons learned along the way From losing $1.5 million in commitments overnight to discovering why 98% of startups fail this is the playbook for anyone dreaming of building something bigIn this episode:→ How Chika & Eche closed $2.4M in 3 weeks→ Why $1.5M in commitments disappeared overnight→ The difference between idea vs traction when pitching→ Why your team matters more than your idea→ The pitch deck structure that wins investors→ Hard lessons from losing a $1M deal→ Why 98% of startups fail but some still thrive→ The 5 fundraising stages every founder must masterWant to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Tunde Onakoya, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemoleBook 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazieListen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AfropolitanSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585Hosted byEche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/Stay connected with AfropolitanTwitter: https://x.com/afropolitanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcastLinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: http://afropolitan.io/communityGet email updates:00:00 - Intro01:37 - How to Fundraise & Pitch: Special Episode Introduction02:47 - Chika's Fundraising Background: TalentBase & 500 Startups (2015-2016)04:29 - What Investors Really Care About: Numbers & Audacity06:09 - Eche's Community Building Journey: From Events to Investment08:16 - The Power of Long-Term Track Records in Fundraising10:47 - From Labor to Leverage: Naval's Framework for Building Wealth13:47 - The Importance of Relationships: 10 Years to First Million15:42 - The Afropolitan Pitch: 3 Minutes That Changed Everything18:41 - Phase 1: Events & Year of Return ($2B Economic Impact)19:17 - Phase 2: COVID Pivot to Clubhouse (200K Community)20:02 - Phase 3: The 5AM Revelation in Nairobi22:27 - Phase 4: The Four-Phase Roadmap to Digital Nation25:14 - Why Team Matters: The Marriage of Co-Founders28:07 - From Idea to Traction: What VCs Actually Want31:17 - The Psychology of Fundraising: Creating FOMO34:09 - When $3.5M Became $2.1M: The Bear Market Reality37:47 - Due Diligence Goes Both Ways: Choosing Your Investors40:24 - Creating Momentum: The 3-Week Close42:22 - Why African Founders Undervalue Themselves44:47 - The Pitch Deck Breakdown: What Actually Matters48:41 - Team Dynamics: Why Most Startups Really Fail51:58 - Chika's TalentBase Story: When Boards Betray Founders54:27 - The Power of Failure: Your Network is Your Net Worth56:49 - From Tech-First to Culture-First: The Afropolitan Pivot59:34 - Building Through Bear Markets: Choosing Gratitude01:02:11 - Co-Founder Alignment: The Conversations That Save Startups01:04:36 - Final Thoughts: Your Failed Startups Are Tomorrow's Cap Table

Darey Art Alade, a seasoned Nigerian musician and founder of LiveSpot 360, takes us behind the scenes of Africa's entertainment industry. He shares insights on building large-scale festivals, like the cultural phenomenon 'Dirty December', and discusses the challenges of bringing international stars to Nigeria amidst economic hurdles. Darey highlights the importance of cultural influence as a global export, balancing creativity with business, and offers advice for emerging artists navigating the dynamic landscape of African entertainment.

The Harsh Truth About Nigeria’s Music Industry Fame Betrayal And Building Billion Naira BusinessesGuest: Ubi Franklin, Music Executive & Founder of Made Men Music Group (Triple MG)What does it really take to build stars in Nigeria’s music industry? In this explosive episode, Ubi Franklin opens up on the business of Afrobeat, how he discovered Tekno, built Kukere into a national anthem with Iyanya, and why the music business is more volatile than real estate or oil.From negotiating shows with Davido, to losing money on failed deals, to why “contracts don’t guarantee loyalty,” Ubi shares the unfiltered truth about fame, betrayal, and survival in Africa’s most competitive industry.In this episode: → Why music is the riskiest but most rewarding business in Africa → How Ubi Franklin built Triple MG and discovered Tekno → The untold story of Kukere and Iyanya’s rise → Why Nigerian banks won’t fund entertainment → The danger of one hit songs → Loyalty, betrayal, and why contracts don’t protect you → Ubi’s friendships with Davido, Kiss Daniel, and Tekno → Why friendship is worth more than transactions → His advice for young men navigating fame, women, and relationshipsWant to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo (https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.Follow Ubi FranklinListen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:*YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/@AfropolitanSpotify Link - https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64Apple Link - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585Hosted byEche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/Stay connected with AfropolitanTwitter: https://x.com/afropolitanInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcastLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/YouTube Chapters – Ubi Franklin on Afropolitan Podcast00:00 – Intro: Reinvention, Risk & The Cost of Staying Visible01:30 – The Business of Entertainment in Africa05:20 – Why Nigerian Banks Don’t Invest in Music10:00 – Building TripleMG & Afrobeat’s First Global Push14:00 – Documenting Iyanya’s Historic 31-City Tour19:30 – Why Banks Still Don’t Understand Music Catalogs23:00 – The Structure Problem with Nigerian Entertainers25:00 – Starting Out: From Julius Agwu’s PA to Running a Studio30:00 – The Making of Kukere: Hustle, Generators & Breakthroughs33:20 – From Failed Papers to Bitcoin: An Unexpected Pivot38:00 – Launching Instant Pickup, Instant Apartment & Early Startups40:15 – When Nigeria Happened: Business Losses & Hard Lessons44:40 – Walking Away from Debt & Finding Peace48:30 – Why Artists Can’t Stay Hot Forever50:30 – The Big 3: Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy & Breaking Into Their League56:00 – How Music Used to Spread: From Alaba to the Diaspora58:40 – The Flavor Blueprint: Staying Relevant Without Being ‘Big 3’1:03:00 – Understanding Your Market: Flavor, Chike & Small Doctor1:08:00 – Inside Davido’s Malibu Camp & How Hits Are Born1:12:00 – Nigeria Will Happen to You: Culture, Corruption & Everyday Chaos1:18:00 – Why Most Artists Don’t Build Relationships That Matter1:22:00 – The New Music Economy: Influencers, Distribution & Global Reach1:27:00 – Why Consistency Beats Hype: Lessons for Young Artists1:32:00 – Flavor, Chike & Ethnic Markets: The Power of Knowing Your Base1:38:00 – Building Resilience After Business & Personal Setbacks1:44:00 – Nigeria vs. Government vs. People: Who Really Holds Us Back?1:50:00 – Advice on Relationships, Decisions & Longevity1:55:00 – Who Ubi Wants to See Next on Afropolitan Podcast