Afropolitan

In this episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, we sit with one of Africa’s biggest creators, Tayo Aina, to unpack the truth behind building a global creative career from Lagos. From driving Uber without knowing how to drive, to teaching himself filmmaking, to fighting immigration systems across Africa, Tayo’s journey is the blueprint for the next generation of African storytellers.We discuss the moment J. Cole’s visit to Lagos changed his life, how MrBeast discovering his videos shifted his global visibility, and the hidden mechanics behind building a world-class YouTube career from Africa.We break down the real challenges African creators face brutal CPM disparities, visa walls, platform discrimination, and the hidden costs of chasing a dream in a system not designed for you. But we also explore the beauty, the innovation, the hunger, and the global ambition that make African creators unstoppable.This conversation goes beyond content.It’s about identity, economic mobility, purpose, migration, belonging, and the future of Africa’s attention economy.If you’re a creator, builder, founder, or diaspora kid navigating your own journey, this episode will speak to you.Welcome to the Afropolitan era where Africans tell their stories with power, pride, and global influence.Follow Tayo AinaTayo Aina YouTube – https://youtube.com/@TayoAinaFilms Instagram – https://instagram.com/tayoainafilms Twitter – https://twitter.com/tayoainafilmsSubscribe to Afropolitan PodcastFor more unfiltered conversations with Africa’s boldest builders, thinkers, and creators:Twitter – https://x.com/afropolitanInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcastLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/Website – https://www.afropolitan.ioCommunity – https://afropolitan.io/communityNewsletter – https://afropolitan.io/newsletterSponsored 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 innovation.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.vip0:00 - Airport strip search story2:01 - What people misunderstand about being a creative3:27 - Origin story: Uber driver days (2017)4:39 - Learning to drive on the job6:58 - First YouTube videos documenting Lagos9:40 - Income from Uber driving11:00 - The breakthrough moment decision12:04 - Security issues and leaving Lagos for Abuja13:05 - First wedding shoot and transition to video production13:28 - Jékýllí concert video that got 1M views15:07 - First monetized video (real estate content)15:56 - The YouTube PIN verification problem (couldn't access money until 2020)18:06 - Wema Bank sponsor ad19:03 - Content creation as a business21:00 - The attention economy explained22:29 - Translating the world as an African creator25:23 - San Francisco experience and observations27:10 - First country visited: Russia (2018 World Cup)29:02 - Starting full-time YouTube (August 2019)32:27 - Advice for starting a YouTube channel36:00 - Discovering CPM rate disparities39:23 - Monetization challenges in Nigeria vs. US42:20 - Making videos for US audiences47:27 - Ethiopian airport discrimination experience50:03 - South African visa issues51:45 - Getting St. Kitts passport decision56:27 - Moving to Portugal (2 years ago)1:01:26 - Quality of life comparison: US vs Europe1:04:02 - Why creators should build products not just views1:09:00 - Baroche sponsor ad1:09:56 - Rise Vest sponsor ad1:11:38 - Convo sponsor ad1:11:52 - Rapid fire questions begin1:15:07 - Moving back to Nigeria conversation1:27:00 - YouTube Creator Academy (training 3000+ people)1:30:00 - Future plans: real estate and production studio1:42:00 - Final question: Who should be on the podcast next

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.

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