Afropolitan

Chopstix: The Grammy-Winning Producer Behind Burna Boy’s “Last Last” & Chris Brown’s “Nightmares” | Afropolitan PodcastFrom the streets of Jos to the global stage, Nigerian producer Chopstix has built a career rooted in passion, resilience, and pure creativity. In this unfiltered conversation, he reveals the battles he’s fought for ownership, the science behind his sound, and how he turned sampling into global smashes.We talk Grammy wins, the making of Last Last, the politics of credit in African music, and the creative brotherhood that shaped a generation. Whether you’re a music fan, artist, or entrepreneur, this is a rare masterclass on building legacy in a cutthroat industry.💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:Why owning your masters is the ultimate game-changerThe untold story of “Last Last” and the Tony Braxton sampleHow a chance encounter in Jos changed Chopstix’s career foreverWhy many African producers don’t get the credit they deserveThe art of making timeless music in a TikTok era⏱ Chapters (adjusted for 2:10 intro)00:00 – Intro02:10 – One truth about the music business that can change your mindset04:00 – Why you must own your masters (and how to do it)06:50 – The six-year fight to reclaim his catalog09:30 – The essential team every artist needs before releasing music11:10 – Why the Grammy was never the goal – and how he won one anyway14:00 – The night Chopstix found out he’d won a Grammy16:00 – How the Grammy changed his career overnight18:00 – Seeing sound: Chopstix explains his creative superpower20:30 – Life in the legendary Jos music scene24:10 – Sampling origins & building a personal sound library28:50 – Early rejections that fueled his rise31:50 – The making of Burna Boy’s “Last Last”36:40 – Why some songs sit unreleased for years39:20 – Chopstix’s unreleased albums and perfectionist process41:40 – Are African producers getting their flowers?45:00 – The credit problem in African music50:00 – Why scarcity mindsets are holding the industry back52:10 – Building artist development systems for the future56:00 – The worst contract he’s ever seen1:00:00 – Visa struggles and working globally without leaving Nigeria1:03:40 – How Chopstix connected to the U.S. market1:06:00 – Closing reflections🎧 Listen 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/id1808954585📌 Follow Chopstix:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chopstiiiix/?hl=en📌 Follow Afropolitan:Instagram: http://instagram.com/afropolitanpodcastTwitter: https://x.com/afropolitanWebsite: https://www.afropolitan.io/Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers?Book a 15-minute convo on https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

From Lagos Kitchens to Hollywood Tables: Chef Tolu Eros on Building Africa’s Culinary Future | Afropolitan PodcastThey don’t call him The Billionaire Chef for nothing.From baking cookies in a shared apartment kitchen to shutting down Coachella with a 325-person jollof dinner, Chef Tolu Eros is building a food empire rooted in memory, movement, and cultural power.In this episode, Eros opens up about his extraordinary journey—losing both parents while building his dream, launching global food brands from scratch, and turning grief into gastronomic greatness.This is more than a conversation about food. It’s about how culture scales—and the boldness required to make Africa the center of the table.Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers?* Book a 15-minute convo on https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.🎯 What You'll Learn:How Eros built Cookie Jar from pre-orders and prayerThe spiritual and emotional cost of building a legacy brandWhy Nigerian restaurants must stop trying to please everyoneBehind the scenes of the Chase x Michael B. Jordan campaignWhat it takes to launch Nigeria’s first Fufu Omakase experienceWhy African cuisine is the next billion-dollar cultural export📍 Chapters00:00 – Intro & Opening01:48 – From Apartment Bakery to Cookie Jar: The Hustle Begins03:41 – Why Most Nigerian Restaurants Fail05:39 – The Power of Specialization: Pasta Kings & Purpose07:54 – A Mother's Dream, A Son's Calling10:42 – Building Through Grief: Losing Both Parents13:30 – Leadership at 21: Shouting, Staff & Self-Discovery15:30 – Letting Go: Loss, Logistics, and Knowing When to Quit17:36 – The Breakfast Business That Almost Broke Him19:47 – Food as a Cultural Ambassador21:25 – The Culinary Industry is Still a Baby23:34 – Social Media Changed the Game for Chefs25:12 – Pandemic Pivot: How Fresh Prep Was Born27:01 – 3 Cities, 1 Dream: How Pop-Ups Became a Movement31:51 – Coachella Chaos: 325 Guests, No Leftovers35:22 – The Visa Story That Changed Everything39:26 – On Set with Michael B. Jordan: A Commercial Goes Global41:40 – Investing in African Gastronomy: What’s Missing?43:18 – Solving Farm-to-Table in Nigeria45:06 – Cookie Jar, Reimagined for the Continent47:14 – America vs. Nigeria: Where the Future Really Is49:02 – Apartment 90: Nigeria’s First Fufu Omakase51:28 – Managing Staff, Mental Health & Money55:12 – The Real Cost of Doing Business in Nigeria57:50 – Documentation Over Vibes: How to Stay Consistent59:22 – The Origin of “The Billionaire Chef”61:16 – What’s Next: Fashion, Furniture, and Expansion🔗 Follow the JourneyChef Tolu Eros: @thebillionairechefUpdates: @ile.eros | @apartment90 | @cookiejarng🎧 Listen & SubscribeYouTube • Spotify • Apple PodcastsAbout Chef Tolu Eros: Known as The Billionaire Chef, Tolu Eros has redefined how African cuisine shows up in the world. Whether it’s luxury dining in Los Angeles, street food reimagined in Lagos, or starring alongside Michael B. Jordan, Eros is turning flavor into legacy.About the Afropolitan Podcast: Global Black culture isn’t a trend. It’s a frequency. Each week, we sit with the architects of modern African influence—from food to fashion, tech to television—to explore what it means to live beyond borders.

The Man Who Built Afrobeats' Visual Empire Just Revealed How Africa Can Own Its Future🎬 Clarence Peters didn't just direct music videos—he architected the visual language that made Nigerian culture irresistible to the world. In this masterclass conversation, the legendary director behind Wizkid's "Holla at Your Boy," Davido's breakout hits, and Burna Boy's global ascension breaks down the real economics of cultural dominance.This isn't just another interview. It's a blueprint.From surviving the "lost decade" of the 90s that nearly killed Nigerian creativity, to building billion-dollar brands with zero government support, to walking away from music at his peak—Clarence reveals the strategic thinking behind every frame that helped Afrobeats conquer the world.🔥 The insights that will change how you think about African creativity:Why Nigeria's 40 million diaspora is the world's most powerful marketing networkHow the creative industry achieved 100% growth for 17 consecutive yearsThe fatal mistake of throwing away institutional knowledge during rapid changeWhy "I don't shoot music videos, I shoot brands" became his million-dollar philosophyThe real reason Nollywood's golden era ended (and how to bring it back)Why film is the only art form that can export the complete African experienceThe quote that broke the internet: "We have 40 million people in the diaspora. What international do you want to give me? I have a virus in every single country. The moment I create something that they can be proud of, there is no better marketing than that."This conversation reveals the untold economics of how disadvantage becomes dominance, why authenticity is strategy, and what it really takes to build cultural empires that last.Whether you're a creative professional, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to understand how African culture conquered the world, this is your roadmap.🤝 Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on convo.vip with leaders like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with the architects of African excellence 📱 Follow us: @afropolitanpodcast 🎧 Listen: Apple Podcasts | Spotify 📩 Partnerships: info@afropolitan.io📍CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro01:17 – The truth about Nigeria’s creative industry03:04 – Clarence’s childhood, legacy, and early rejection of the industry06:17 – Building his own name away from his parents’ fame09:19 – Working 3 film sets daily: Clarence’s production bootcamp13:45 – What really happened to Nigeria’s artistic golden age17:00 – How the 1990s created a generation of distrust20:00 – From 419 to Afrobeats: Our cultural rebirth26:40 – Why Nigeria never found balance after the 1970s31:24 – Clarence on how Afrobeats really scaled globally35:21 – Music vs structure: The cost of lack of infrastructure40:33 – How SA & the West outmaneuvered Nigeria on rights44:19 – “The international market is not your friend”48:53 – What ruined Nollywood’s golden era?51:38 – The elitist mindset that discarded home video culture55:09 – The real cultural reset we need59:27 – Why the West will always try to remix what we build1:02:25 – Only film can export the full Nigerian experience1:05:36 – Clarence on studios, real estate, and true film power1:10:02 – Why he had to shed music to rebuild film1:13:44 – His bonds with Davido, Wizkid & Burna Boy1:16:53 – Why music videos lost to content creators1:25:16 – The future of music video production & brand alignment1:29:00 – “If I don’t build it, I don’t eat”: The burden of being a builder1:33:47 – The danger of ignoring domestic platforms1:35:00 – Final reflections on legacy and Nigerian innovation

The Future of African Investment: Olu Oyinsan on Betting Early & Building Bold | Afropolitan PodcastWhat does it take to spot a billion-dollar company before anyone else does?In this must-watch episode, we sit down with Olu Oyinsan, Managing Partner at Oui Capital and one of the most respected minds in African venture capital. From backing unicorns like Paystack and Moneypoint to pioneering a thesis around cultural exports as the next tech, Olu shares the blueprint for investing in Africa before it becomes obvious.🎯 In this episode:Why AI has democratized creation—but not attention—and how that shifts the game for African foundersHow Moneypoint beat OPay, even when outfunded 18:1The $1B Afrobeats economy hiding in plain sightWhy Olu invests in underdogs before the world sees their valueWhat VCs still get wrong about the continentThe soft skills and storytelling edge founders need to win💡 Olu doesn’t just fund businesses—he backs belief. This conversation blends tactical insight with emotional clarity and should be required viewing for anyone building or investing in Africa.🔗 Resources:Download the full Oui Capital x TAG Afrobeats Economy Report:https://tagafrica.com.ng/assets/documents/Uncharted_Waters_Nigerias_Afrobeats_Economy.pdfConnect with Olu on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/oluoyinsan/📢 Don’t forget to subscribe to the Afropolitan Podcast:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@afropolitanSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pUApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585📺 Chapters00:00 – Intro01:43 – Why Africa is the world’s final investment frontier06:27 – Olu’s journey: From Nigerian banking to Silicon Valley16:20 – Leading with empathy: How Olu shows up for founders22:05 – The Moneypoint story: Betting on overlooked talent32:10 – VC vs. Private Equity: What African founders must understand39:59 – The $1B Afrobeats report & why cultural exports are the next tech54:53 – Infrastructure gaps no one is talking about1:17:59 – Storytelling and data: Africa’s missing link1:28:23 – The future of AI in African startups1:34:10 – New moats: Influence, infrastructure, and IP1:40:10 – Lessons from building the Moneypoint playbook1:51:27 – Rapid fire: Olu’s wisdom in 90 seconds🎙️ About Olu Oyinsan:Managing Partner at Oui Capital, Olu has backed some of Africa’s most important companies, including Paystack, Tizeti, and Moneypoint. Before launching Oui, he built a global career at Forrester, Silicon Valley Bank, and other firms, before returning to invest in Africa’s future—on its own terms.🌍 About the Afropolitan Podcast:Each week, we explore the people, power, and ideas shaping the future of Africa and its diaspora. From cultural icons to venture capitalists, we tell the stories of who we are—and who we’re becoming.🧠 Want to connect 1:1 with Africa’s boldest thinkers?Book a 15-minute convo on https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

Falz—artist, actor, lawyer, and cultural force—sits down with us for one of his most honest and vulnerable conversations yet.From being raised in a family of legal legends to becoming a voice for Nigeria’s youth, Falz has used humor, music, and radical truth-telling to challenge power and reimagine what freedom looks like. In this episode, we go beyond the “Bad Guy” persona to explore the real man behind the bars—his sacrifices, spiritual evolution, and the emotional cost of speaking truth in a country that demands silence.This is not just an artist interview—it’s a blueprint for courage, creativity, and community in an age of chaos.🔔 Subscribe to Afropolitan for more stories from African creators shaping global culture.🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify & more.📌 Chapters00:00 - Intro: Falz, the rapper-lawyer-activist01:30 - What it really takes to build a lasting brand04:20 - Falz on purpose, legacy, and evolution06:00 - The family influence: Growing up Falana08:10 - Choosing music over law: The internal war10:30 - Lawyer by day, rapper by night12:00 - How Falz stays soft in a hard country14:00 - On prophetic loneliness and staying ahead of the curve16:00 - Radical honesty and the cost of integrity18:00 - Falz’s complex relationship with religion21:00 - Witnessing his father get arrested for activism23:00 - Redefining sacrifice through family legacy25:00 - Staying grounded through fame27:00 - The making of “The Feast” and its hidden messages30:00 - Humor as a blade: Building the Falz character33:00 - Why Nigerians must reclaim economic and cultural dignity36:00 - Reflections on #EndSARS, five years later39:00 - Can we organize again? Falz’s answer41:00 - Why community is the only path forward—🔥 Let’s Stay Connected:Instagram: [@afropolitanpodcast]Twitter: [@afropolitan]TikTok: [@afropolitan]Website: afropolitan.io#AfropolitanPodcast #FalzInterview #EndSARS #TheFeastAlbum #NigeriaActivism #AfricanVoices #FalzTheBahdGuy #CreativeCourage #CulturalReinvention #Afrobeats

Ugo Mozie: The African Stylist Redefining Global Fashion | Afropolitan PodcastIn this powerful, intimate conversation, global fashion innovator Ugo Mozie opens up like never before. From surviving a family massacre in Nigeria to styling icons like Chris Brown and Justin Bieber, Ugo shares the spiritual clarity, cultural pride, and emotional depth behind his extraordinary journey.We unpack the cost of fame, the hidden racism in high fashion, the power of African craftsmanship, and how Ugo’s brand Eleven Sixteen is building legacy through storytelling. This is not just an interview—it’s a blueprint for creative sovereignty.—📍 CHAPTERS00:00 – Intro01:30 – Fashion in Africa is not a trend02:44 – Growing up in Nigeria & escaping political violence06:12 – The tragic event that changed everything08:30 – Processing trauma, finding purpose10:30 – Returning to Nigeria despite the past12:59 – Racism in Texas, assimilation, and identity15:59 – Moving to New York at 17: the dream vs. the hustle19:30 – Getting kicked out of housing for being Black23:30 – Interning at Virgin, faking college, and rising fast27:10 – From intern to celebrity stylist at 1828:50 – Paris as a turning point: learning the industry31:40 – Building trust in fashion, even in racist systems36:10 – The story behind Justin Bieber’s Met Gala look40:14 – Chris Brown as first pivotal client42:00 – Why African creatives need unity & team trust44:30 – Quality control and training in Nigeria48:30 – Why he built his atelier in Lagos50:30 – Making the Benin bronze cowboy belt52:30 – Staying authentic in an industry of expectations56:20 – Building Eleven Sixteen : A fashion house for the world58:20 – Dressing Diana Ross for the Met Gala (cut per note)60:00 – Losing a client, gaining divine redirection63:00 – Why gratitude speeds up your blessing65:10 – Unlearning the open-door policy, protecting peace68:00 – What’s next for African fashion70:30 – Clients expecting culture from Ugo73:00 – AMVCA vs Met Gala: our fashion is world-class76:00 – Ugo’s vision for African Fashion Awards78:00 – What Eleven Sixteen will become: global, educational, rooted80:00 – Why African fashion isn’t rooted in slavery82:00 – Most meaningful gift: permission to be himself84:00 – Dream Met Gala theme: African Royalty85:30 – Ritual before big moments: prayer & fasting86:30 – What keeps Ugo grounded: purpose > moments90:30 – Ugo’s graduation: stepping into full purpose92:00 – Who Ugo wants next: artist Kehinde Wiley

What does it take to shape culture from behind the scenes, without chasing the spotlight?In this powerful episode of the Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Asa Asika—longtime manager to Davido, co-founder of The Plug, and one of the key architects behind Afrobeats' global rise.Asa opens up like never before about the emotional cost of success, what it really takes to build legacy in the music business, and the blueprint for sustaining relevance after 20 years in the game.From CKay’s viral breakout to the behind-the-scenes drama of Davido’s 2017 run to navigating fame, friendship, and the future of Afrobeats—this is a masterclass in long-term impact.🎧 If you're a builder, a visionary, or anyone navigating high-stakes culture work—this episode is for you.⏱️ Chapters00:00 – Looking Back at 16-Year-Old Asa01:00 – What Makes an Artist Worth the Risk04:20 – CKay & the Unplanned TikTok Breakthrough05:30 – Legacy, Impact & Building Behind the Scenes07:45 – Lessons from the Sony Deal & Afrobeats Missteps09:50 – The Birth of The Plug: Partnership as a Superpower12:00 – Covid, Introversion & Growing as a People Person14:00 – Business Roles & Knowing When to Step Back18:40 – Real Friendship in the Industry23:30 – Tour Life: When the Body Breaks Down27:50 – Management as Emotional Labor31:00 – Storm Records Lessons: It’s Never About Just You35:45 – Intuition vs. Data in Afrobeats44:50 – Are Nigerian Artists Pricing Themselves Out of Nigeria?50:50 – The Break, the Reunion, the Evolution53:00 – 2017’s Run of Hits: If, Fall, Fire, Like Dat59:25 – Sitting on Hits & Timing Releases1:02:10 – The Wedding Speech: A Full-Circle Moment1:10:50 – Marriage, Maturity & Merging Lives1:13:00 – Advice to the Next Generation1:15:30 – Success, Decline & Knowing When to Pivot1:17:30 – Rapid Fire: Rituals, Venues, and Unexpected Contacts1:24:25 – Selling Out the O2 & Core Memories1:26:20 – Missed Opportunities & Celebrating Each Other🔔 Subscribe to the Afropolitan Podcast for unfiltered conversations with the architects of global Black culture:https://www.youtube.com/@afropolitan📲 Follow us for more:Instagram: http://instagram.com/afropolitanpodcastTwitter: https://x.com/afropolitanWebsite: https://afropolitan.io

What happens when we stop centering shame in conversations about sex?In this deeply vulnerable and transformational episode, we sit down with Olawunmi Esan—one of Nigeria’s leading certified sex therapists and educators—to unpack the emotional, cultural, and psychological layers of sexuality that society rarely names.From her personal story of surviving sexual trauma to helping thousands heal their relationship with pleasure, Olawunmi brings science, soul, and softness to the conversation. We discuss porn addiction, performance anxiety in men, desire discrepancies in marriages, and what it truly means to create safety in intimacy—for yourself and with others.Whether you're single, dating, married, or healing, this episode will shift how you think about sex, connection, and emotional honesty.🔗 Explore More from Olawunmi Esan:Sexcapades: Erotic Intimacy Exerciseshttps://learning.olawunmiesan.com/sexcapadesBook a One-on-One Session with Olawunmiwww.olawunmiesan.com/myservicesTake a Course on Pleasure & Healinghttps://learning.olawunmiesan.com/products/Chapters:00:00 - Redefining Sex Beyond Intercourse01:43 - Why Ola Became a Sex Therapist03:46 - The Link Between Shame, Pleasure & Pain05:31 - When to Start Teaching Children About Sex10:53 - The Problem with Porn Education18:32 - Faith, Masturbation & Porn: Complex Conversations24:36 - Sexual History, Marriage & Performance Anxiety34:48 - Not All Men Cheat: Reframing Intimacy Norms42:29 - Lagos and the Epidemic of Desire Discrepancy46:14 - Olawunmi’s Personal Story of Rape & Healing53:07 - How Parents Can Create Safe Spaces for Kids57:02 - Reclaiming Your Body After Sexual Trauma1:00:00 - Advice for Partners of Trauma Survivors1:03:24 - Sexual Discipline & the Diddy Allegory1:08:23 - Why Erectile Issues Are Often About Anxiety1:12:23 - Men, Intimacy & Emotional Healing1:14:06 - Rapid Fire: What Men Should Stop Doing in Bed1:15:22 - Why Planned Sex Isn’t Boring1:17:17 - The True Definition of Sex1:20:09 - Final Question: Who Should Sit in This Seat Next?1:20:23 - Breaking Hypersexual Habits Before MarriageThe Afropolitan Podcast is your passport to conversations at the intersection of legacy, liberation, and global Black excellence.Subscribe and turn on notifications to never miss an episode.

From Ikorodu to Times Square: Tunde Onakoya on Pain, Purpose & Breaking World Records Twice | Afropolitan PodcastWhat does it mean to turn pain into purpose—and purpose into global impact?In this unforgettable episode of the Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Tunde Onakoya, the Nigerian chess master, movement builder, and two-time Guinness World Record breaker. From growing up in poverty in Lagos to leading a cultural revolution through Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde shares the full, raw story behind his meteoric rise—from the streets of Ikorodu to the bright lights of Times Square.This isn’t just about chess.It’s about:The emotional cost of reinvention when the world wants you to stay who you wereFame, friendships, failure, and finding purpose in painBuilding global influence without losing your soulWhat it takes to be an outlier—and why greatness always starts in small placesWhether you're a dreamer, builder, or just someone navigating your own season of becoming, this conversation will meet you where you are.00:00 - Intro 02:09 - Grit, Purpose & Outliers 12:09 - Growing Up in Ikorodu 22:09 - Chess as a Tool for Reinvention 37:09 - The Crisis of Fame 47:09 - Breaking the World Record (Twice) 1:07:09 - Ferdinand’s Story 1:17:09 - Dating, Desires, and Private Love 1:27:09 - Rapid Fire: Books, Suya, and Legacy🎥 Watch the full episode and let us know what part hit you the most.📍 Subscribe to The Afropolitan Podcast for more conversations that redefine legacy and soft power across the diaspora.#AfropolitanPodcast #TundeOnakoya #ChessInSlums #AfricanExcellence #GuinnessWorldRecord #Reinvention #FameAndPurpose #NigerianCreatives #LegacyMakers🎧 This is one of the most powerful episodes we've ever recorded.

How Breaking a World Record Led to a Million-Dollar BusinessIn this powerful episode of the *Afropolitan Podcast*, DJ Obi opens up about the highs and lows of his journey through Nigeria’s entertainment scene—from breaking world records to battling personal loss.We explore:* The emotional cost of chasing dreams* His transition from DJ to cultural brand* Navigating grief, celibacy, and healing* Setting boundaries in love, life, and industry* Reflections on turning 40, fatherhood, and redefining success* The evolution of Afrobeats and building cultural equityDJ Obi speaks candidly about the mental and physical endurance it takes to sustain an entertainment career, while also unpacking the softer, often hidden, side of ambition: vulnerability, accountability, and the journey back to self.This is more than a music story. It’s a life story.Watch now and join the conversation.