From Burnout To Beyond: The Untold Story Of Building Africa’s Leading Wellness Brand
Guest: Simi Williams, Founder of Beyond Fitness

At 26, Simi Williams was hospitalised from burnout while working in high finance in London.
She lost $1M in funding when investors saw she was pregnant — but that didn’t stop her from returning to Nigeria to build Beyond Fitness, now one of Africa’s most respected wellness brands.

In this powerful episode, she opens up about the cost of ambition, postnatal depression, gender bias in fundraising, and the daily fight to build a global business out of Lagos.

In this episode:
→ Burnout and the illusion of success in high finance
→ Motherhood, postnatal depression, and recovery
→ Losing $1M in funding because of pregnancy
→ How gender bias shapes fundraising for women
→ Building Beyond Fitness into a global brand
→ Balancing family, faith, and entrepreneurship
→ Why Lagos taught her control is an illusion
→ Redefining what success and purpose really mean

Follow Afropolitan

Website – https://afropolitan.io

Instagram – @afropolitan

Twitter – @afropolitan

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ 

This episode is sponsored by Inverroche Gin, South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.

Discover more: https://www.inverroche 

Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ 

Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole

Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan   

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 

Hosted by

Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/   

Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/   

Timestamps

0:00 - The Gym Incident That Started Everything

0:38 - Introduction: Simi Williams - From Banking to Beyond Fitness

1:51 - Trying to Be a Global Wellness Entrepreneur

2:34 - When Success Was Breaking Me: Hospital at 26

4:40 - Childhood Connection to Fitness

6:03 - Losing My Therapy: Three Times Movement Failed Me

8:25 - Double Entrepreneur Household: Managing Two Businesses

13:06 - The Birth of Beyond Fitness

15:28 - Fundraising While Pregnant: Losing Investors

19:06 - Being a Woman in Fundraising

21:02 - Reinventing Myself: From Finance to Fitness

22:56 - Moving Back to Nigeria: The Cultural Shock

25:04 - Did I Make a Mistake Coming Back?

27:12 - Bible App Moment & Beyond Fitness Experience

31:29 - Creating a Culture of Care

33:09 - What Banking Taught Me to Unlearn

35:03 - Every Role Except Security: Building From Scratch

37:20 - Why High-Profile People Drop Their Guard at Beyond

39:20 - The Tender Parts: Bamboo Season

42:11 - What I Want My Daughter to See

43:25 - Global Vision for Beyond Fitness

44:48 - Beyond on Tour: Wellness Retreats

48:46 - When Everything Goes Wrong: The Bus Story

51:13 - What I Want to Be Remembered For

51:30 - Rapid Fire Questions

52:46 - Motherhood: What It Taught Me

54:05 - Birth Center Decision

56:00 - Who Should Be Next on the Podcast

Yele Bademosi is a founder, investor, and creative thinker at the intersection of culture, capital, and clarity. He’s the Co-creator and CEO of Onboard. He reveals the untold truth behind losing $3.9 million overnight in the FTX collapse and how that moment transformed his relationship with money, purpose, and freedom.

A former medical student turned tech founder and investor, Yele has built some of Africa’s most influential startups, including Bundle (incubated within Binance). But after reaching the height of startup success, everything came crashing down.

In this deeply personal conversation, Yele shares lessons on resilience, rebuilding from zero, and why he believes private credit, not crypto,  is Africa’s biggest untapped opportunity. He also discusses the future of the creator economy, the importance of financial sovereignty, and how Africa’s next billion-dollar companies will be built by creators, not corporations.

He explains:
 - Why he walked away from medicine to pursue freedom
 - How losing everything in FTX changed his definition of wealth

 - The truth about Africa’s credit gap and economic opportunity
 - What “potential capital” really means  and how to find yours
 - Why creators are Africa’s next economic revolution

 Key Themes

• The Future of Credit in Africa

• Surviving the FTX Collapse

• Rebuilding Purpose & Identity

• The Creator Economy as Africa’s Next Wave

• Financial Freedom, Integrity & the Pursuit of Happiness

🔗 Follow Yele

X (Twitter) – @YeleBademosi
LinkedIn – Yele Bademosi
OnboardGlobal – https://www.linkedin.com/company/onboardbynestcoin/  

Follow Afropolitan

Website – https://afropolitan.io
Instagram – @afropolitan
X (Twitter) – @afropolitan
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ 

This episode is sponsored by Inverroche Gin, South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.

Discover more: https://www.inverroche 

Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ 

Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole
Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan   

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64 

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 

Hosted by

Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/   

Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/   

Stay connected with Afropolitan: 

Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast   

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ 

Website: https://www.afropolitan.io

🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/community

Get email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter 

00:00 - The Biggest Opportunity in Africa: Private Credit

01:09 - Introduction: What's the Biggest Opportunity in Africa?

03:12 - Why Credit is Africa's Missing Infrastructure

05:06 - South Africa's Credit System vs Rest of Africa

06:28 - Who Was Yele Before Bundle & Nestcoin?

07:55 - Growing Up in Ibadan: Early Entrepreneurial Roots

10:20 - Moving to UK at 14: The Internet Opens New Worlds

12:18 - The Medical School Journey & Father's Blessing

14:12 - "Opting Out" of Medical School

16:55 - Writing the Letter to Mom: Pursuit of Freedom

18:37 - Afropolitan Toast: To African Creativity & Legacy

20:25 - Life Lessons from Parents: Excellence & Integrity

22:24 - Losing Dad: The Impact 15 Years Later

26:04 - Five Types of Wealth: Transforming Priorities

28:05 - Moving to London: Being Closer to Family

30:13 - Financial Sovereignty & Why Crypto Matters

32:38 - Building Digital Infrastructure for Africa

35:02 - The Bundle Story: Right Place, Right Time

38:15 - Leaving Binance to Build Nestcoin

40:22 - Raising the Largest African Crypto Seed Round

44:58 - The FTX Collapse: November 11, 2022

48:51 - Surviving the Crisis: Resilience & Recovery

52:13 - 18 Months of Uncertainty: Getting 95% Back

56:43 - Learning to Forgive Yourself

58:27 - Personal Funds Lost in FTX

01:01:32 - Redefining Wealth: Potential Capital

01:06:34 - Afropolitan's Journey: The Million Dollar Prophecy

01:09:28 - Why Afropolitan Will Succeed: Culture Connectors

01:16:51 - The Creator Economy Thesis: Distribution is Queen

01:19:19 - From BET for Africa to Creator Infrastructure

01:23:29 - The Cost of Creation is Dropping: Distribution Wins

01:27:47 - Leading Through Pivots: Vision Evolution

01:32:09 - African Creators to Watch

01:36:05 - Three Systems Creators Need: Banking, Credit, Management

01:40:06 - Onboard: Freedom to Transact Globally

01:42:26 - Stablecoins: The New Financial Infrastructure

01:46:53 - Rapid Fire: Lagos vs London

01:48:28 - Favorite Nigerian Food: Ofada Rice at Mega Chicken

01:51:51 - Who Should Be on Afropolitan Podcast

From $0 To $2.4M In 3 Weeks The Brutal Truth About Startup Fundraising

Guests: Chika & Eche Founders of Afropolitan
What does it really take to raise millions as an African founder In this unfiltered episode Chika & Eche break down how they raised $2.4 million in just 21 days and the painful lessons learned along the way From losing $1.5 million in commitments overnight to discovering why 98% of startups fail this is the playbook for anyone dreaming of building something big

In this episode:
→ How Chika & Eche closed $2.4M in 3 weeks
→ Why $1.5M in commitments disappeared overnight
→ The difference between idea vs traction when pitching
→ Why your team matters more than your idea
→ The pitch deck structure that wins investors
→ Hard lessons from losing a $1M deal
→ Why 98% of startups fail but some still thrive
→ The 5 fundraising stages every founder must master
Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Tunde Onakoya, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.
Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole
Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie
Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585
Hosted by
Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/
Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/
Stay connected with Afropolitan
Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/
🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: http://afropolitan.io/community
Get email updates:

00:00 - Intro
01:37 - How to Fundraise & Pitch: Special Episode Introduction
02:47 - Chika's Fundraising Background: TalentBase & 500 Startups (2015-2016)
04:29 - What Investors Really Care About: Numbers & Audacity
06:09 - Eche's Community Building Journey: From Events to Investment
08:16 - The Power of Long-Term Track Records in Fundraising
10:47 - From Labor to Leverage: Naval's Framework for Building Wealth
13:47 - The Importance of Relationships: 10 Years to First Million
15:42 - The Afropolitan Pitch: 3 Minutes That Changed Everything
18:41 - Phase 1: Events & Year of Return ($2B Economic Impact)
19:17 - Phase 2: COVID Pivot to Clubhouse (200K Community)
20:02 - Phase 3: The 5AM Revelation in Nairobi
22:27 - Phase 4: The Four-Phase Roadmap to Digital Nation
25:14 - Why Team Matters: The Marriage of Co-Founders
28:07 - From Idea to Traction: What VCs Actually Want
31:17 - The Psychology of Fundraising: Creating FOMO
34:09 - When $3.5M Became $2.1M: The Bear Market Reality
37:47 - Due Diligence Goes Both Ways: Choosing Your Investors
40:24 - Creating Momentum: The 3-Week Close
42:22 - Why African Founders Undervalue Themselves
44:47 - The Pitch Deck Breakdown: What Actually Matters
48:41 - Team Dynamics: Why Most Startups Really Fail
51:58 - Chika's TalentBase Story: When Boards Betray Founders
54:27 - The Power of Failure: Your Network is Your Net Worth
56:49 - From Tech-First to Culture-First: The Afropolitan Pivot
59:34 - Building Through Bear Markets: Choosing Gratitude
01:02:11 - Co-Founder Alignment: The Conversations That Save Startups
01:04:36 - Final Thoughts: Your Failed Startups Are Tomorrow's Cap Table

Darey On LiveSpot, Dirty December, Cardi B, And The Business Of African Entertainment

Guest: Darey Art Alade, Founder of LiveSpot 360

What if entertainment wasn’t just about the music, the lights, or the artists but about building the infrastructure of a billion dollar industry in Africa?

In this powerful conversation, Darey takes us behind the scenes of Nigeria’s creative economy from pioneering LiveSpot 360 to bringing global stars like Cardi B and Kelly Rowland, and shaping the cultural movement known as Dirty December.

He shares how festivals are built from scratch, the financial realities of touring in Nigeria, and the policies that could unlock Africa’s entertainment future. Darey also opens up about working with his wife, balancing creativity with business, and why cultural influence is Africa’s next global export.

In this episode:

 → The untold business of concerts, festivals, and shows in Nigeria

 → Why Dirty December became “Africa’s summer”

 → Building LiveSpot 360 out of frustration and problem solving

 → Behind the scenes of Cardi B’s Lagos show and cultural impact

 → How forex, inflation, and infrastructure shape African entertainment

 → The future of Afrobeat, Nollywood, and experiential marketing

 → What every Nigerian artist needs to break through today

 → How cultural influence opens doors to politics and global power

 → Lessons on marriage, business partnerships, and energy management

If you’re Afropolitan, drop a YES in the comments and subscribe for more builder-level conversations.

This episode is sponsored by Inverroche Gin, South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation.

Discover more: https://www.inverroche.com/

Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers?
Book a 15-minute convo on Convo (https://convo.vip/) with leaders like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585

Hosted by

Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/

Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/

Stay connected with Afropolitan

Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/

00:00 - Intro

02:36 - The Business Behind the Show

05:38 - The Myth vs Reality of Nigerian Entertainment Business

06:36 - Breaking Down a 30,000-Person Festival Production

13:43 - Equipment Infrastructure: Why International Artists Don't Tour Nigeria

20:02 - How LiveSpot Was Born from Problems

25:10 - From Artist to Industry Builder: The Transition

29:32 - Bringing Cardi B to Nigeria: Behind the Scenes

32:00 - Cardi B Twerking at Sanuisi Roundabout at 6 AM

34:48 - Foreign Exchange Crisis and Creative Business

39:21 - The Future of Detty December

46:46 - Growing Up in a Musical Dynasty

50:17 - Building Business with Your Spouse

57:37 - Energy Management and Setting Boundaries

01:03:09 - "Your Wife Should Be Your Guy"

01:07:23 - The Evolution of Nigerian Music Industry

01:11:45 - What It Takes to Break Into Music Today

01:16:03 - Meeting Bill Clinton: Breaking Ice with Cultural Knowledge

01:20:46 - Policy Recommendations for Nigeria's Creative Industry

01:26:26 - Rapid Fire: Favorite Artists & Nigerian Food

01:32:10 - Who Should Be on Afropolitan Next

The Harsh Truth About Nigeria’s Music Industry Fame Betrayal And Building Billion Naira Businesses
Guest: Ubi Franklin, Music Executive & Founder of Made Men Music Group (Triple MG)

What does it really take to build stars in Nigeria’s music industry? In this explosive episode, Ubi Franklin opens up on the business of Afrobeat, how he discovered Tekno, built Kukere into a national anthem with Iyanya, and why the music business is more volatile than real estate or oil.

From negotiating shows with Davido, to losing money on failed deals, to why “contracts don’t guarantee loyalty,” Ubi shares the unfiltered truth about fame, betrayal, and survival in Africa’s most competitive industry.

In this episode:

 → Why music is the riskiest but most rewarding business in Africa

 → How Ubi Franklin built Triple MG and discovered Tekno

 → The untold story of Kukere and Iyanya’s rise

 → Why Nigerian banks won’t fund entertainment

 → The danger of one hit songs

 → Loyalty, betrayal, and why contracts don’t protect you

 → Ubi’s friendships with Davido, Kiss Daniel, and Tekno

 → Why friendship is worth more than transactions

 → His advice for young men navigating fame, women, and relationships

Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo (https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

Follow Ubi Franklin

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:*

YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan

Spotify Link - https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64

Apple Link - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585

Hosted by

Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/

Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/

Stay connected with Afropolitan

Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/

YouTube Chapters – Ubi Franklin on Afropolitan Podcast

00:00 – Intro: Reinvention, Risk & The Cost of Staying Visible
01:30 – The Business of Entertainment in Africa
05:20 – Why Nigerian Banks Don’t Invest in Music
10:00 – Building TripleMG & Afrobeat’s First Global Push
14:00 – Documenting Iyanya’s Historic 31-City Tour
19:30 – Why Banks Still Don’t Understand Music Catalogs
23:00 – The Structure Problem with Nigerian Entertainers
25:00 – Starting Out: From Julius Agwu’s PA to Running a Studio
30:00 – The Making of Kukere: Hustle, Generators & Breakthroughs
33:20 – From Failed Papers to Bitcoin: An Unexpected Pivot
38:00 – Launching Instant Pickup, Instant Apartment & Early Startups
40:15 – When Nigeria Happened: Business Losses & Hard Lessons
44:40 – Walking Away from Debt & Finding Peace
48:30 – Why Artists Can’t Stay Hot Forever
50:30 – The Big 3: Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy & Breaking Into Their League
56:00 – How Music Used to Spread: From Alaba to the Diaspora
58:40 – The Flavor Blueprint: Staying Relevant Without Being ‘Big 3’
1:03:00 – Understanding Your Market: Flavor, Chike & Small Doctor
1:08:00 – Inside Davido’s Malibu Camp & How Hits Are Born
1:12:00 – Nigeria Will Happen to You: Culture, Corruption & Everyday Chaos
1:18:00 – Why Most Artists Don’t Build Relationships That Matter
1:22:00 – The New Music Economy: Influencers, Distribution & Global Reach
1:27:00 – Why Consistency Beats Hype: Lessons for Young Artists
1:32:00 – Flavor, Chike & Ethnic Markets: The Power of Knowing Your Base
1:38:00 – Building Resilience After Business & Personal Setbacks
1:44:00 – Nigeria vs. Government vs. People: Who Really Holds Us Back?
1:50:00 – Advice on Relationships, Decisions & Longevity
1:55:00 – Who Ubi Wants to See Next on Afropolitan Podcast

AI Startups Unicorns And The Future Of Africa With Ike Eze
 🎙️ Guest: Ike Eze, Venture Capitalist, Author of Founders Fit, and Co-founder of Beta.Ventures

From Silicon Valley exits to building venture capital in Africa, Ike Eze shares the unfiltered truth about startups, fundraising, unicorns, and the coming wave of AI in Africa.

This episode is packed with insights on how founders can avoid shiny-object syndrome, find the right “founder fit,” raise money realistically, and why the future of Africa’s tech story may be written through AI applications, capital flows, and unstoppable resilience.

💡 In this episode:
 → What signals show Africa is ready for unicorns
 → Why diaspora money isn’t always startup money
 → The hard truth about founders and self-awareness
 → The bubble era of crazy valuations and down rounds
 → What AI means for Africa and the opportunities ahead
 → Why ideas follow capital, not passion alone
 → How to find your real founder-market fit
 → Lessons on money, humility, and building wealth ethically

Connect with Ike Eze
Book a 1:1 on Convo → https://convo.vip/ikeeze
Follow Ike on LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikeeze/
Buy Ike Eze’s Book: The Founder Fit: Finding the Business Idea that’s Right for You
https://www.amazon.com/Founder-Fit-Finding-Business-Thats/dp/B0FD7YBM6Y

✨ Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo (https://convo.vip/) with leaders like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

Join the Afropolitan Community on Whatsapp & Telegram
https://www.afropolitan.io/community

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:

YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan

Spotify Link - https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64

Apple Link - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585

Hosted by

Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/

Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/

Stay connected with Afropolitan

Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/

Full Timestamps

00:00 – Intro
01:30 – From Silicon Valley exits to building in Africa
08:12 – Why founder self-awareness matters more than pitch decks
14:05 – The danger of chasing shiny objects in startups
20:47 – Diaspora money vs. startup money: hard truths
28:55 – How Africa can build its first wave of unicorns
37:42 – What “Founder Fit” really means
46:18 – The bubble era of crazy valuations & down rounds
55:36 – Why ideas follow capital, not passion
01:04:44 – The role of humility & ethics in building wealth
01:12:58 – AI’s potential to reshape Africa’s future
01:22:11 – Capital flows, resilience, and what’s ahead
01:30:24 – Advice for founders: clarity, patience, and self-trust
01:39:30 – Closing reflections & where to find Ike

🎙️ Guest: Femi Kuti, Afrobeat Pioneer & Son of Fela Kuti

What does it mean to carry a legacy in a country that keeps failing its people? In this explosive conversation, Femi Kuti opens up on life in Nigeria, politics, betrayal, family, and the impossible task of keeping a band together for four decades.

From rejecting politicians who jailed his father to speaking about the decay in schools, health care, and infrastructure, Femi shares the painful reality of being an artist in Nigeria. He explains why you can’t wish for a government to fail, why colonialism still lives in our minds, and what it truly takes to fight for integrity, family, and music.

💡 In this episode:
→ Why Femi refuses to support failed Nigerian leaders
→ The painful reality of betrayal and band members running away
→ How colonialism destroyed Africa’s self-belief
→ The truth about education, health care, and leadership failure
→ Lessons from Fela Kuti’s legacy and why family unity matters
→ How social media distorts truth and history
→ The fight to carry Afrobeat and Nigeria’s voice to the world
→ Why Nigeria must rebuild from schools to infrastructure to survive

✨ Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo (https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:*

YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan

Spotify Link - https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64

Apple Link - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585

Hosted by

Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/

Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/

Stay connected with Afropolitan

Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/

Frantz Fanon Book Title - The Wretched of the Earth.

📍 Timestamps
00:00 – Rejecting false friends and betrayal in music
01:30 – Why Afrobeat is more than just music
15:36 – Breaking away from Fela and building my own legacy
25:42 – Nigeria’s leaders and the decay of schools and hospitals
36:18 – The impossible challenge of keeping a band together
47:25 – How betrayal broke me on tour and why trust is fragile
53:27 – What Afrobeat really means and the message behind it
01:04:10 – Fame, money and the broken Nigerian music industry
01:09:52 – Nigeria then and now – hospitals, football and leadership
01:26:04 – Violence, fear and deciding to work on myself
01:35:01 – Why I will never support failed Nigerian politicians
01:42:10 – What real laws should look like in Nigeria
01:50:39 – Band betrayals, runaway musicians and survival costs
02:00:15 – Colonialism and how it still controls Africa’s mind
02:06:27 – Why education and music schools can save Nigeria
02:15:26 – The colonial mindset and why thinkers must be in government
02:20:39 – Slavery, Pan-African unity and the lost dream
02:26:21 – TikTok, young people and the danger of forgetting history
02:33:02 – Listening to the next generation and taking their advice
02:40:14 – How my family kept Fela’s legacy alive
02:45:46 – Culture, tradition and the fight for family unity
02:47:00 – Closing reflections on legacy, faith and the future of Nigeria

From Harvard To MTN: How One Man Built Africa’s First Billion-Dollar Private Equity Firm

Okechukwu Okey Enelamah, Founder of African Capital Alliance by Chika Uwazie and Eche Emole

What if Africa wasn’t just an investment opportunity but the future of global capital?
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Okey Enelamah shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in Eastern Nigeria during the war, to earning an MBA from Harvard, joining Goldman Sachs, and ultimately pioneering private equity in Africa with African Capital Alliance (ACA).
From launching Nigeria’s first major private equity ((PE) fund to backing legendary deals like MTN (44X) and ABC Transport, Okey reveals the lessons, leadership principles, and legacy mindset that built one of Africa’s most influential investment firms, scaling from 35 million dollars to over 1.2 billion AUM.

💡 In this episode:
→ How Africa became a contrarian bet with outsized returns
→ Behind the scenes of Nigeria’s greatest PE deal MTN
→ Building during military rule and economic uncertainty
→ How to raise capital across funds and generations
→ The real story behind special economic zones and policy reform
→ Mentorship faith and integrity in business
→ Why AI and digital infrastructure are Africa’s next big bets
→ How to think like a long term investor

✨ Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo (https://convo.vip/) with leaders like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:*

YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan

Spotify Link - https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64

Apple Link - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585

🕒 Timestamps

00:00 – Private equity explained & Africa’s $10B potential
01:00 – Okey’s background: from medicine to Goldman Sachs
02:20 – Growing up in Enugu & early pull to finance
10:45 – Breaking into South Africa’s market post-apartheid
12:25 – Origin story of ACA: building Nigeria’s first major PE fund
14:40 – Mentorship, Dick Kramer, and launching ACA under military rule
19:20 – The legendary MTN deal: 44x returns and wealth creation
23:40 – Mentorship, relationships, and showing up in Africa
25:45 – ABC Transport story: governance & exits in Nigerian PE
27:40 – Fundraising journey: $35M → $570M → $1.2B AUM
30:00 – PE vs VC explained: growth capital vs early bets
34:30 – Future opportunities: Nigeria’s digital economy surpassing oil
38:20 – Why McDonald’s hasn’t entered Nigeria yet
42:20 – Ethics & walking away from bad deals
46:45 – Writing Apostles of Righteousness in the Marketplace
52:25 – Missing early-stage unicorns? ACA’s view on VC partnerships
56:15 – Currency devaluation & protecting African PE returns
1:03:00 – Special Economic Zones: vision for industrial infrastructure
1:07:10 – How Nigeria can unlock manufacturing competitiveness

“How I Negotiate Multi-Million Dollar Deals Without Giving Up Ownership”
Amy Oraefo: The Entertainment Lawyer Rewriting the Rules | Afropolitan Podcast

From Atlanta to Lagos, entertainment attorney Amy Oraefo is helping creatives protect their power, scale their brands, and build businesses that last.

In this episode, Amy takes us inside multi-million dollar negotiations, the mistakes artists make with their IP, and what it takes to succeed as a Black woman in entertainment law. She shares her journey from trained dancer to top-tier lawyer, her experiences working across two continents, and why every artist must understand how money flows in their industry.

We also break down the cultural differences between doing business in Nigeria vs. America, the future of African music publishing, and get candid about modern dating dynamics.

✨ Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers?
Book a 15-minute convo on Convo with leaders like Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more.

Connect with Amy on Convo - https://convo.vip/amyoraefo

🎧 Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:

• YouTube

• Spotify

• Apple

CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction & Copyright Reality Check
02:12 – Amy’s Journey: From Dance Dreams to Entertainment Law
07:25 – Multi-Million Dollar Negotiations: The 18-Month Battle
11:13 – Biggest Mistakes Creatives Make with Their IP
14:24 – Navigating Africa & America: Cultural Differences
16:40 – Music Publishing Challenges in Nigeria
22:32 – The Power of Niche Markets: Nigeria’s 225 Million Opportunity
25:42 – Protecting the Fort: Working with Earn Your Leisure
28:36 – Entrepreneurship vs. Law: Balancing Risk & Compliance
39:44 – Misconceptions About Entertainment Lawyers
42:08 – Accountability & Copyright Enforcement Differences
42:47 – Rapid Fire: Power Outfits, Emojis & Guilty Pleasures
46:51 – Modern Dating Dynamics: Standards & Accountability
57:52 – Career Impact on Dating: The Double-Edged Sword
01:03:05 – Defining Success: Autonomy & Freedom
01:03:42 – Whose Story We Want to Hear Next

#EntertainmentLaw #MusicBusiness #AfropolitanPodcast #Africa #Nigeria #Lagos #Atlanta #Copyright #Negotiation #AmyOraefo

Chopstix: The Grammy-Winning Producer Behind Burna Boy’s “Last Last” & Chris Brown’s “Nightmares” | Afropolitan Podcast

From 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-changer

• The untold story of “Last Last” and the Tony Braxton sample

• How a chance encounter in Jos changed Chopstix’s career forever

• Why many African producers don’t get the credit they deserve

• The art of making timeless music in a TikTok era

⏱ Chapters (adjusted for 2:10 intro)

00:00 – Intro
02:10 – One truth about the music business that can change your mindset
04:00 – Why you must own your masters (and how to do it)
06:50 – The six-year fight to reclaim his catalog
09:30 – The essential team every artist needs before releasing music
11:10 – Why the Grammy was never the goal – and how he won one anyway
14:00 – The night Chopstix found out he’d won a Grammy
16:00 – How the Grammy changed his career overnight
18:00 – Seeing sound: Chopstix explains his creative superpower
20:30 – Life in the legendary Jos music scene
24:10 – Sampling origins & building a personal sound library
28:50 – Early rejections that fueled his rise
31:50 – The making of Burna Boy’s “Last Last”
36:40 – Why some songs sit unreleased for years
39:20 – Chopstix’s unreleased albums and perfectionist process
41:40 – Are African producers getting their flowers?
45:00 – The credit problem in African music
50:00 – Why scarcity mindsets are holding the industry back
52:10 – Building artist development systems for the future
56:00 – The worst contract he’s ever seen
1:00:00 – Visa struggles and working globally without leaving Nigeria
1:03:40 – How Chopstix connected to the U.S. market
1:06:00 – Closing reflections

🎧 Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes:
YouTube link - https://www.youtube.com/@afropolitan
Spotify Link - https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64
Apple 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/afropolitanpodcast
Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan
Website: 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.