Afropolitan

What does it take to build a culinary empire in Nigeria, from scratch?In this powerful episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Chef Fregz, one of Nigeria’s most beloved chefs and creative entrepreneurs, as he pulls back the curtain on his journey from a passion project to building a group of thriving food and lifestyle brands.From shutting down his business at the peak of success to launching four new ventures and a creative agency, Chef Fregz shares the real story behind his reinvention—what it cost, what it taught him, and how he's now building a purpose-driven, multi-million dollar empire rooted in culture, storytelling, and vision.Subscribe for more conversations with culture-makers, builders, and Black visionaries across the diaspora.Don’t forget to like, comment, and share

How Gen Z Will Build the Next Billion-Dollar CompaniesDayo Ayoade has quietly shaped the products, platforms, and cultural movements that define a generation. From leading WeChat’s West African expansion to producing 60,000+ capacity concerts for Burna Boy, Asake, and Rema, Dayo has lived at the intersection of tech, entertainment, and behavioral insight.In this powerful episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, Dayo reveals what most people get wrong about African markets and what Gen Z is getting right. In this episode, we explore: • Why WeChat failed in Nigeria and what it teaches us about product market fit • How "gist" became the most powerful form of currency in Nigerian culture • The rise of Detty December and his role in co-creating it with Mr. Eazi • The unseen science behind virality, consumer behavior, and Gen Z's intuition • Why legacy isn’t built in public but in patterns only a few can seeDayo is more than a builder. He’s a cultural alchemist who understands what moves people and why.Whether you're a founder, product thinker, or creative shaping tomorrow's Africa, this episode is for you.Subscribe and turn on notifications for more transformative conversations with African visionaries.

How He Built a $350 Million Real Estate Empire Before 35In this powerful episode of the Afropolitan Podcast, Olawale Ayilara founder of Landwey and the visionary behind Isimi Lagos—shares the untold story behind one of Africa’s most remarkable real estate empires.From walking away from a U.S. visa and marriage plan to betting everything on Lagos, Wale takes us behind the scenes of what it takes to build wealth, legacy, and trust in Nigeria’s chaotic market.In this episode, we explore:– How he lost ₦14B and still chose to refund his clients– Why land, not houses, is the smartest investment in Nigeria– The truth about diaspora disillusionment, devaluation, and coming back home– What the future of sustainable cities looks like on the continent– And the mindset it takes to lead with integrity and long-term visionThis isn’t just a real estate story—it’s a lesson in resilience, innovation, and what it means to build for and from Africa.Subscribe and turn on notifications for more transformative conversations with African visionaries.Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

On this episode of @Afropolitan Podcast, media personality and filmmaker Bolanle Olukanni opens up like never before. She talks about how to rebrand your life You know her from Moments with Mo, red carpets, and some of Nigeria’s most beloved media projects, but this time, Bolanle gets deeply personal. She shares how she turned down her first acting gig (Before 30), why the Nigerian film industry is in survival mode, and what it truly means to carve out space as a woman in media, film, and advocacy. We discuss: • The emotional cost of public visibility • How Nollywood’s cinema culture is broken behind the scenes • Why she chose to pivot into documentary filmmaking and rebuild her life • The tension between influence and purpose • What most people don’t understand about reinvention This is a conversation about courage, timing, and choosing alignment over applause. Watch now and discover the side of Bolanle you’ve never seen. Chapters 00:00 The Challenges of Protecting Art in Nigeria 01:08 Exploring Legacy and Intention 02:54 Cultural Influences and Personal Growth 07:10 Transitioning from Hosting to Acting 12:30 Misconceptions About Nollywood 20:13 Representation of Women in Nollywood 24:04 Balancing Content Creation and Social Causes 27:07 The Impact of Social Media on Perception 29:42 The Reality of Social Media Work 36:01 Navigating Identity and Perception 42:15 The Journey of Self-Discovery 49:06 Changing the Narrative for African Influencers

In this conversation, Arresa Ugwu, the bestselling author of 'The Smart Money Woman', shares her journey from writing a book to creating a successful TV series. She discusses the challenges of filmmaking in Nigeria, the importance of resilience in the face of rejection, and the dynamics of financial conversations among women. Arresa emphasizes the need for vulnerability in discussing money and the impact of social pressures on economic decisions. She also reflects on her experiences with mistakes and the lessons learned along the way, advocating for a balance between financial independence and relationships. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of social comparisons, self-worth, and the importance of authentic relationships among women. They discuss the challenges faced in the Nollywood film industry, the nuances of female friendships, and a filmmaker's journey. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of self-awareness, the value of long-term relationships, and the aspirations for future projects in the creative space.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Arresa Udhla and Her Journey03:07 The Chaos of Filmmaking in Nigeria06:12 The Smart Money Woman: From Book to Screen08:57 Facing Rejection and Finding New Opportunities12:11 Building a Media Empire and Future Projects14:51 Conversations Around Money and Gender Dynamics17:55 Caution in Investing: A Gender Perspective21:07 The Importance of Vulnerability in Financial Conversations24:01 Learning from Mistakes and Resilience27:10 Balancing Financial Independence with Relationships30:11 Navigating Social Pressures and Economic Realities31:28 Building Authentic Relationships Among Women35:44 The Complexity of Female Friendships36:50 Insights on Nollywood and the Streaming Landscape39:55 Challenges and Triumphs in Filmmaking42:52 The Journey of a Filmmaker48:19 Future Aspirations and New Ventures

Subscribe to  @Afropolitan  In this powerful episode of *The Afropolitan Podcast*, Gbenga Akinnagbe —best known as Chris Partlow from The Wire pulls back the curtain on what it *really* takes to survive Hollywood.From surviving the streets of D.C. to earning a wrestling scholarship that rerouted his life, Gbenga shares the raw truth about his journey: the odds of "making it," how only 3% of actors earn a livable income, and the emotional toll behind the spotlight.He opens up about:- Turning down roles to protect his integrity  - Why he believes no state should have the power to take a life  - The role therapy played in his healing as a Black man  - His dream to play Black Panther—and his reaction when Chadwick Boseman was cast  - Why *The Wire* never won awards, but won the people  This is more than an actor’s story it’s a lesson in power, purpose, and reclaiming your narrative.Tap in if you care about- The business of acting  - Legacy over fame  - Criminal justice reform  - Black storytelling on a global stage  

Subscribe  to @afropolitan for more powerful conversations on identity, legacyWhat if we told you that Afrobeats, Big Brother Nigeria, and one of the most powerful creative revolutions in Africa were all connected by one man?In this episode, we sit down with Obi Asika—media mogul, cultural architect, and one of the founding forces behind Nigeria’s rise as a global soft power. From launching game-changing music labels in the ‘90s to embedding Nigerian music into reality TV, Obi has always seen the vision before the world caught on.We talk about:How Nigeria became a global cultural superpowerThe real story behind Afrobeats (and who really started it)The truth about soft power, IP, and why Africa must control its narrativeWhat every young creator must understand about value and legacyHow Big Brother Nigeria helped launch a media revolutionJay-Z, Fela, Flavor, and the mindset behind long-term greatnessThis isn’t just an interview—it’s a masterclass in cultural strategy, legacy-building, and African excellence.If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or diasporan looking to understand the future of African influence—this episode is for you.Drop your thoughts in the comments. Who should we interview next?

What does it really mean to build a legacy—from billion-dollar companies to your own home?In this episode, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji opens up like never before.We talk about:Surviving the Sosoliso crash that claimed 60 of his classmatesThe pressure and cost of building billion-dollar companiesMarriage, masculinity, and why “the feminists are shouting”Fatherhood, faith, and what legacy really means to him nowThis is the side of Iyin the internet rarely sees.Want to go deeper?You can now book a 1-on-1 video call with Iyinoluwa Aboyeji to ask your biggest questions on building, leadership, and legacy via Convo:https://convo.vip/iyinoluwaaboyeji

We know Nicole Chikwe as the confident beauty entrepreneur, influencer, and founder of The Mummy Summit.But in this deeply honest conversation, she opens up like never before.Nicole shares:What it really felt like to be married to a celebrity while quietly battling insecurityHow she rebuilt her confidence as a wife, a mother, and a woman in her own rightThe truth about the influencer industry in Nigeria—and the parts no one talks aboutWhy motherhood broke her open and how it also made her wholeWhat she wants other women to know about self-worth, softness, and starting overThis is the real story behind the highlight reel.Want to go deeper?You can now book a 1-on-1 video call with Nicole Chikwe to ask your biggest questions on identity, influence, and soft power via Convo:https://convo.vip/nicolechikwe

In this solo episode, Chika and Eche dive into one of the most uncomfortable but necessary conversations:  Is masculinity dying and what’s really going on with modern womanhood?They unpack why dating content is dominated by figures like Andrew Tate and Kevin Samuels, how male dating coaches often pander to women, and the growing disconnect between men and women today.They also reflect on the life and legacy of Herbert Wigwe, and the deeper questions we should be asking about impact, ambition, and how we’re remembered.Plus, thoughts on Babangida’s new book** and what it reveals about Nigerian leadership, silence, and selective memory.This is an episode that blends culture, critique, and clarity.Want to go deeper? Book a 1-on-1 video call with Chika or Eche on Convo by Afropolitan• Chika Uwazie - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie• Eche Emole - https://convo.vip/echeemoleReady to meet your match?Apply to join Legacy, our private dating club for high-achieving Africans across the diaspora: https://legacy.rsvp/