Best Afropop Podcasts (2024)

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Planet Afropop: Breaking into Afrobeats: First Klaz and Kemuel 55:51

1h ago55:51

55:51

In this episode, our reporter in Lagos, Fay Fay, turns us on to two rising stars in African music’s dominant genre, Afrobeats. First Klaz, also known as Helicopter Boy, has made his from humble beginnings to become a top contender, and Kemuel has evolved from a rapper, modeled on gangsta stars, to become a tuneful and insightful Afrobeats singer/so…

1
S3E15: Wizard Chan - The Big Masquerade 1:27:12

24m ago1:27:12

1:27:12

In this special episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with the enigmatic Wizard Chan, the Afro-Teme and reggae sensation whose soulful sound has captured hearts worldwide. From the small town of Okrika in Rivers State to becoming a Headies and Galaxy Music Award winner, Wizard Chan's journey is nothing short of magical. They dive d…

1
Reggaeton and Race 59:04

21h ago59:04

59:04

The dembow, the beat behind reggaetón, is much more than just a backdrop for a night of partying and dancing. The style of music, widely associated with Puerto Rico and forged from a mixture of Jamaican dancehall, Panamanian reggae en español, and American hip hop, has always existed as a form of social and political resistance, and continues to do…

1
Nairobi Roars 59:04

7d ago59:04

59:04

The Kenyan capital is roaring into the 2020s. On this program singer/songwriter/producer Eric Wainaina introduces us to a rising cadre of artists rocking the Nairobi scene. From hip-hop and dancehall to r&b and Gengetone, the city’s cultural melting pot is coming to a boil at a time of political change when artists are finding their voices to speak…

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Planet Afropop: Sia Tolno And Afro Dead 54:49

9d ago54:49

54:49

Sia Tolno escaped war-torn Sierra Leone to become a popular singer in Guinea. As her career blossomed, she shifted to Afrobeat, with deep grooves and strong political messages. But festivals and her record company discouraged her new, big band direction, and she set out on her own. That’s when Sia met American guitarist/bandleader Aaron Feder, lead…

1
S3E14: CKay's EMOTIONS – Love, Loss, and Highlife 1:09:45

10d ago1:09:45

1:09:45

In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey sits down with Nigerian Afrobeats superstar CKay as he takes us through the journey behind his new album, EMOTIONS. Popularly known for breaking global barriers with his 2019 smash hit “Love Nwantiti,” CKay returns with a fresh perspective, diving deep into the highs and lows of fame, heartbreak, and …

1
Africa in Melbourne 59:04

14d ago59:04

59:04

Known as Australia’s music and cultural capital, Melbourne is a hub of creativity boasting a diverse arts scene. The African community in Melbourne has been growing with Africans from all parts of the continent bringing their fashion, food and music to the city. In this episode we’ll explore African musicians and music curators who are making their…

1
Soul to Soul: Ghana's Legendary Music Festival 59:04

21d ago59:04

59:04

On March 6, 1971, a group of some of the top musicians from the United States – Ike & Tina Turner, Wilson Pickett, The Staples Singers, Santana, and more – boarded a plane bound for Ghana to perform in a musical celebration that was dubbed the “Soul to Soul Festival”. Thousands of audience members filled Accra’s Black Star Square for a continuous 1…

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S21,E19: 10/21/24 (VOTE! Jello Biafra and Mojo Nixon, Kiwi jr., Cheekface feat. Sidney Gish), Of Montreal, Simone White, Jenny Hval, Cut Copy, Francis Blume, Bobby Lounge, Mad Tea Party, ØZWALD) 48:31

1M ago48:31

48:31

Season 21 Episode 19 SPECIAL "2024 ELECTION" EPISODE! Love Me, I'm a Liberal - Jello Biafra & Mojo Nixon Undecided Voters - Kiwi jr. Election Day - Cheekface feat. Sidney Gish Forecast Fascist Future - Of Montreal The American War - Simone White Freedom - Jenny Hval Future - Cut Copy Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want - Francis Blume Do …

1
Planet Afropop: Yamé: From the Paris Underground to the World Stage 52:59

24d ago52:59

52:59

Yamé is a French artist of Cameroonian descent who artfully merges R&B, hip-hop, and jazz in his music. On the strength of his breakout single “Bécane,” with a video shot in Cameroon, this young artist held firm at #1 on the Global Spotify Viral charts, accumulating over 68-million streams to date, and winning the attention of the producer Timbalan…

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Sam Mangwana - Le Pigeon Voyager 59:04

28d ago59:04

59:04

They call Sam Mangwana "Le Pigeon Voyageur" - a roaming pigeon. He could also be called a rolling stone because wherever he lays his microphone is his home. In this episode, we behold the amazing return of rumba's living legend - Sam Mangwana. Produced by Georges Collinet.APWW #863By Afropop Worldwide

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S3E13: Smada - The Redemption Party 56:21

1M ago56:21

56:21

In Episode 13 of Season 3 of Afrobeats Intelligence, Smada, the 22-year-old artist and creative force, shares his remarkable journey in a candid conversation. At just 19, Smada launched What the Fuck Lagos, a party series that became a thriving community and safe space for vibes and creativity among young Nigerians. Despite assumptions that he came…

1
The Cumbia Diaspora: From Colombia to the World 59:00

1M ago59:00

59:00

The Cumbia Diaspora: From Colombia to the World by Afropop WorldwideBy Afropop Worldwide

1
Planet Afropop: Mokoomba in the House 47:56

1M ago47:56

47:56

When Zimbabwe’s dynamic roots band Mokoomba had a chance meeting with a house music producer and an American kamelengoni (Malian pentatonic harp) player, the sparks flew. A few weeks later, they all gathered for two days to write and record a song aimed at the lucrative Afro-House, DJ remix market. In this Zimbabwe-focused episode, we hear new mbir…

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S21,E18: 10/07/24 (PARENTHOOD! John Lennon, Little Fevers, Bo and the Locomotive, Irving, SMURNO, Haley, Dappled Cities, They Might Be Giants, Octopus Project, Ben Folds, Kimya Dawson, Sharon Van Etten ... 1:04:26

2M ago1:04:26

1:04:26

Season 21 Episode 18 EXTREMELY SPECIAL "PARENTHOOD" EPISODE! Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) - John Lennon Baby's Baby's - Little Fevers Before You Were Born - Bo and the Locomotive The Gentle Preservation of Children's Minds - Irving Море дерев (A Sea of Trees) - SMURNO Daddy - Haley Father & Son - Dappled Cities And Mom and Kid - They Might Be Gian…

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S3E12: Kold AF - From Law School to Afrofrusion 1:00:45

1M ago1:00:45

1:00:45

In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Kold AF, one of the most exciting new voices in the AfroFusion scene, takes center stage. Known for her unique blend of AfroFusion with Reggae, Dancehall, Soul, R&B, and Afrobeats, Kold AF’s sound captivates with its depth and versatility. Her powerful voice and sharp lyricism cut through, leaving an unfor…

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Hispanic Heritage Month: Hidden Sounds from Ecuador, Bolivia and Uruguay 59:00

1M ago59:00

59:00

Afro-Cuban and Afro-Brazilian musical giants have long enjoyed the spotlight, yet throughout Latin America there are other black enclaves producing some of the New World's most vibrant music. Their stories have gone untold for far too long. In this episode, Afropop explores these lost sounds, starting in an Ecuadorian desert valley where African an…

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S3E11: Llona - How To Make ‘Homeless’ Music 1:29:43

2M ago1:29:43

1:29:43

In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan chats with Llona, the rising artist whose music feels like a mushy hug on a sour day. Llona opens up about his evolution from 2Classic to Llona, a journey that began on the streets of Kano and took him to the mountains of Abuja for introspection and songwriting. He shares how isolation shaped his…

1
Hispanic Heritage Month 2024: Rumba Boogie and Latin Doo-wop 59:00

2M ago59:00

59:00

High quality wav for soundcloudBy Afropop Worldwide

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Planet Afropop - The Women Of Tsapiky 59:56

2M ago59:56

59:56

Tsapiky is fierce, joyful, high-energy, electric-guitar driven dance music from southwest Madagascar. Producers Morgan Greenstreet and Boris Paillard went to Tuléar to record and interview today’s main female players in the tsapiky scene. The music is typically performed in “bal poussières” (dust balls, mandriampototse in malagasy) ) that can last …

1
The Panama Beat 59:00

2M ago59:00

59:00

High quality wav for soundcloudBy Afropop Worldwide

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S3E10: Qing Madi - Rising Rhythms, Guided by Grace 52:19

2M ago52:19

52:19

On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Qing Madi steps into the spotlight with a fresh perspective that’s turning heads in the Afrobeats scene. At just 17, she made waves with her breakout hit “Ole,” and now she’s here to share her journey from a young artist to a rising star. Qing Madi joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to discuss her debut…

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Hispanic Heritage Month 2024 - The New York Sound of Latin Music 59:04

2M ago59:04

59:04

New York City has long been a major incubator for Latin music with its large populations of Puerto Rican, Dominican, Panamanian, Cuban, and Colombian musicians and music fans. We celebrate some of the giants of New York’s Latin music scene—Ray Barretto, Larry Harlow, Jerry Gonzalez—as well as less well known artists. Topics include the cross-pollin…

1
Planet Afropop - Afro Nation 44:25

2M ago44:25

44:25

Planet Afropop - Afro Nation by Afropop WorldwideBy Afropop Worldwide

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S3E9: Louddaaa: Beats, Hits & Ayra Star 59:07

2M ago59:07

59:07

Step into the studio with Louddaaa, the producer behind some of Afrobeats’ biggest tracks, on this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence. Louddaaa joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to talk about his journey from Lagos to Mavin Records and his role in shaping hits for artists like Ayra Starr and Simi. Louddaaa shares his thoughts on the oraimo Space…

1
African Sounds of the Indian Subcontinent 59:04

2M ago59:04

59:04

In this Hip Deep program, we explore musical connections between Africa and India. First up is the story of the Afro-Indian Sidi community. In the 13th century, Africans arrived in India as soldiers in the armies of Muslim conquerors. Some were able to rise through the ranks to become military leaders and even rulers. Their descendants continue to …

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S3E8: Bien-Aimé Baraza’s Solo Adventure: Exploring New Sounds and Old Roots with Alusa Why Are You Topless? 1:00:46

3M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Bien-Aimé 'Bien' Baraza the celebrated Sauti Sol frontman turned solo artist, graces Afrobeats Intelligence with his latest project, Alusa Why Are You Topless?. In this episode, Bien joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to delve into his debut album that fuses Kenyan heritage with global sounds. From exploring the depths of Fuji and Apala to refle…

1
South African Roots in the 21st Century 59:04

3M ago59:04

59:04

Yes, it’s the age of South African House, Afrobeats, Afro R&B and the likes, but roots music lives on in South Africa. This show updates the Zulu pop music known as maskanda, with a look back at its history and a survey of the current scene--rich musically, but troubled by fan rivalry that can lead to violence and even deaths. We’ll hear nimble uka…

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S3E7: Harmony 'H-Money' Samuels - Crafting Global Hits 1:13:44

3M ago1:13:44

1:13:44

From the streets of London to the palm-lined avenues of California, Harmony ‘H-Money’ Samuels has lived a life in sound. He’s a man who has seen it all: a Grammy-nominated producer who has shaped the sonic landscapes of legends, from Janet Jackson’s timeless grooves to Wizkid’s Afro-fusion anthems. On this episode of "Afrobeats Intelligence," Joey …

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Borderless Sounds: The New North Africa 59:04

3M ago59:04

59:04

North African music receives very little coverage in the United States. There are no high-profile mixes of recent Tunisian underground dance music from hip DJs, and no young Algerian musicians with major distribution deals in the U.S. So we decided to explore what exactly is going on in this part of the world. We trace the origins of some of the re…