Mabel isn’t just another pop star—she’s a dynasty. Born into a lineage of music legends, she’s carved her own lane in the industry, bridging the gaps between R&B, UK pop, and global Afrobeats. On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, she sits with Joey Akan to break down the DNA of her sound, the pressures of legacy, and why her latest reinvention is her most personal yet. From London’s underground to Sweden’s polished pop factories, and now to the heartbeat of African rhythms, Mabel’s journey is a masterclass in adaptation and authenticity.
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Season 3. Episode 19. Afrobeats Intelligence.

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What a special episode of Afrobeats Intelligence. This is our second live recording of the podcast and it was an honor to bring this to Entertainment Week Lagos and partner on such an incredible moment.

In this live episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, Joey Akan sits down with Odumodublvck and his collective, Anti World Gangstars, for an unforgettable conversation recorded live at the LiveSpot Entertarium in December 2024.

This episode is a masterclass in creativity and collaboration. Odumodublvck breaks down his signature use of allegories in songwriting, offering a glimpse into the storytelling magic behind his music. The group also delves into the importance of camaraderie and co-creation, sharing how their bond fuels their artistic vision.

Plus, they spill the details on their new joint album, Nothing Changed—a project that promises to redefine the soundscape of Afrobeats and hip-hop.
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Season 3. Episode 18. Afrobeats Intelligence.

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In this episode, we sit down with Tee-Y Mix, legendary music producer turned Executive Vice President at Dapper Entertainment, for an in-depth conversation about his journey and his mission to reshape Nigeria's music scene. Known for producing timeless hits, Tee-Y Mix now stands at the forefront of breaking new talent from Nigeria's streets, helping artists like Shallipopi and Seyi Vibez rise to prominence.

Tee-Y Mix shares the philosophy driving Dapper Entertainment—a company dedicated to uncovering and nurturing street artists who reflect the raw, unfiltered energy of Nigeria’s vibrant music culture. From identifying unique sounds to creating artist development strategies, he explains how Dapper Entertainment has become a hub for the country’s most exciting new acts.

We dive into the meteoric rise of Shallipopi, an artist whose catchy lyrics and street charisma have made him a household name. Tee-Y Mix unpacks the formula for his breakout success and how the label tailored its approach to elevate his music. Seyi Vibez also takes center stage as Tee-Y Mix discusses the importance of authenticity and storytelling in connecting with fans.

Beyond breaking records, Tee-Y Mix reveals the intricacies of signing and developing artists from Nigeria’s streets, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with turning raw talent into global stars.

Whether you’re a fan of Nigerian music, an aspiring artist, or simply curious about the mechanics of the music industry, this episode is a masterclass in artistry, strategy, and passion. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of Afrobeats and the visionary leadership shaping its future.

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Season 3, Episode 17. Afrobeats Intelligence.

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In this powerhouse episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with Lucas Emeodi, better known as Kiing Lu—a cultural entrepreneur with a "militant mindset" forged through years of navigating Nigeria’s evolving music landscape. From his humble beginnings in Jos as a rapper and producer to becoming a pivotal A&R and founder of Speedplug Promotions, Kiing Lu shares the grit, resilience, and vision that have defined his career.

They dive deep into his discovery of TG Omori, his transformative work with Universal Music, and the creation of his own label, Captive Music. Kiing Lu unpacks the philosophy behind the "Militant Camp," a thriving community-driven movement blending hip-hop, Drille, and Afrobeats, designed to push creatives to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

With hard-earned lessons on industry relationships, brand building, and self-empowerment, this conversation is a masterclass for anyone striving to leave a mark on the music industry—and the culture at large.
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Season 3, Episode 16. Afrobeats Intelligence.

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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 Okrika in Rivers State to becoming a Headies and Galaxy Music Award winner, Wizard Chan's journey is nothing short of magical.

They dive deep into his latest project, Time Traveler EP, an introspective body of work that fuses his roots with futuristic sounds. Wizard Chan reflects on his rise to fame with the chart-topping Earth Song, how growing up as the youngest of five shaped his artistry, and why he sees music as a spiritual experience.

The conversation goes beyond the music, exploring Wizard Chan’s time in the choir, his marketing studies in Ghana, and his early struggles making covers before finding his voice. Now a beacon for the Afro-Teme genre, Wizard Chan opens up about his creative process, his love for storytelling, and the emotional core of his music.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes Wizard Chan tick, this episode will take you on a journey through his mind, his music, and his mission to touch lives with every note. Tune in to hear the soul of a Time Traveler.
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Season 3, Episode 15. Afrobeats Intelligence.

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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 personal growth. We talk about the influence of his Igbo heritage, his favorite collaboration with The Cavemen. on “Addicted” and how he’s harnessed highlife to tell stories that connect beyond borders.

Reflecting on his viral success and his more private personality within the industry, CKay opens up about taking a step back, re-grounding himself in Nigeria, and creating an album that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. Join us as CKay shares the struggles, the wins, and the vibes that make EMOTIONS an unfiltered look at the soul behind the stardom. Tune in for an intimate, no-holds-barred conversation about music, culture, and what it takes to find yourself amidst it all.
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Season 3, Episode 14. Afrobeats Intelligence.

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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 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.

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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 unforgettable impression.

Kold AF opens up about her journey, from juggling law school at Obafemi Awolowo University to making waves in the music industry. She reflects on her evolution as an artist, and how she has quickly become a force to reckon with—named a Spotify Equal Africa Ambassador and spotlighted as one of the artists to watch by Culture Custodian.

With the release of her latest Kaution EP in September 2024, Kold AF continues to push boundaries, delivering a fresh sound that’s catching the attention of both fans and critics alike. We also explore her collaboration with Aema for International Women’s Day and how she uses her platform to advocate for social justice, especially on tracks like "No Pity."

Kold AF's ability to blend genres while maintaining a distinct voice sets her apart as a trailblazer in the AfroFusion space. Tune in to hear how her rise in the industry mirrors her bold artistic vision and why she’s poised to shape the future of music.
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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 sound, creating what he calls "homeless music"—songs that give comfort and peace when nothing else does. With his latest album Homeless making waves, Llona reveals how his struggles, solitude, and spiritual journey have carved out a unique space for his voice in the Afrobeats scene.

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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 album, her dance influences from ballet, and her vision for impacting Afrobeats. She also opens up about navigating her faith and its effects on her growing fanbase. Tune in as we explore the vibrant soundscape of Qing Madi and the crisp clarity of the oraimo SpaceBuds.
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