Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast is a podcast spin-off of the popular music newsletter, Afrobeats Intelligence. It's focused on African music and the sprawling ecosystem that inspires and supports creativity from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and more. Hosted by multi-award-winning music journalist Joey Akan, the podcast explores the intersection of art, humanity and processes that give birth to African sonic excellence. Expansive interviews, the most informed and diverse views, and a snapshot into the soul of an industry pushing for global success. We dig into the past, the present and the future, democratizing the core of African music.
afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com
All content for Afrobeats Intelligence is the property of Joey Akan/OkayAfrica and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast is a podcast spin-off of the popular music newsletter, Afrobeats Intelligence. It's focused on African music and the sprawling ecosystem that inspires and supports creativity from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and more. Hosted by multi-award-winning music journalist Joey Akan, the podcast explores the intersection of art, humanity and processes that give birth to African sonic excellence. Expansive interviews, the most informed and diverse views, and a snapshot into the soul of an industry pushing for global success. We dig into the past, the present and the future, democratizing the core of African music.
afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com
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 F**k Lagos, a party series that became a thriving community and safe space for vibes and creativity among young Nigerians. Despite assumptions that he came from wealth due to his presence in the Alté community, Smada reveals his roots in the streets, where he built his name from scratch.
Smada discusses the challenges he has faced, including being dropped by Native Records after a scandal involving court allegations that he emphatically denies. He speaks openly about the toll this situation has taken on his mental health and his hope that the full truth will soon be revealed once the case is settled. Additionally, he sheds light on the intellectual property issues surrounding his track “Smada Eh” and how he's managed to navigate these obstacles.
Despite the setbacks, Smada's party series has grown beyond Lagos, reaching cities like London and Abuja, with plans for further expansion. As he prepares for the release of his Nobody Badder EP, Smada outlines his ambitions not just for his party series but also for his career as an artist. His story, from the streets to becoming a cultural figure in Lagos and beyond, is one of resilience, vision, and unwavering determination.
This episode offers an inside look at Smada’s inspiring journey, his battles, and his dreams for the future. Tune in for a compelling conversation about creativity, community, and the highs and lows of the music industry.
_____Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter:https://t.co/brjUmSwWWa
Listen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast:https://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink.to/New-Episodes
SOCIALSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrobeatsintel/?hl=enX: https://x.com/AfrobeatsIntelJoey's X: https://x.com/JoeyAkanJoey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyakan/?hl=en
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com
Afrobeats Intelligence
Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast is a podcast spin-off of the popular music newsletter, Afrobeats Intelligence. It's focused on African music and the sprawling ecosystem that inspires and supports creativity from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and more. Hosted by multi-award-winning music journalist Joey Akan, the podcast explores the intersection of art, humanity and processes that give birth to African sonic excellence. Expansive interviews, the most informed and diverse views, and a snapshot into the soul of an industry pushing for global success. We dig into the past, the present and the future, democratizing the core of African music.
afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com
