Afropolitan

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

🎙️ 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

“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.

From Lagos Kitchens to Hollywood Tables: Chef Tolu Eros on Building Africa’s Culinary Future | Afropolitan Podcast

They don’t call him The Billionaire Chef for nothing.

From baking cookies in a shared apartment kitchen to shutting down Coachella with a 325-person jollof dinner, Chef Tolu Eros is building a food empire rooted in memory, movement, and cultural power.

In this episode, Eros opens up about his extraordinary journey—losing both parents while building his dream, launching global food brands from scratch, and turning grief into gastronomic greatness.

This is more than a conversation about food. It’s about how culture scales—and the boldness required to make Africa the center of the table.

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.

🎯 What You'll Learn:

• How Eros built Cookie Jar from pre-orders and prayer
• The spiritual and emotional cost of building a legacy brand
• Why Nigerian restaurants must stop trying to please everyone
• Behind the scenes of the Chase x Michael B. Jordan campaign
• What it takes to launch Nigeria’s first Fufu Omakase experience
• Why African cuisine is the next billion-dollar cultural export
  
  

📍 Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Opening
01:48 – From Apartment Bakery to Cookie Jar: The Hustle Begins
03:41 – Why Most Nigerian Restaurants Fail
05:39 – The Power of Specialization: Pasta Kings & Purpose
07:54 – A Mother's Dream, A Son's Calling
10:42 – Building Through Grief: Losing Both Parents
13:30 – Leadership at 21: Shouting, Staff & Self-Discovery
15:30 – Letting Go: Loss, Logistics, and Knowing When to Quit
17:36 – The Breakfast Business That Almost Broke Him
19:47 – Food as a Cultural Ambassador
21:25 – The Culinary Industry is Still a Baby
23:34 – Social Media Changed the Game for Chefs
25:12 – Pandemic Pivot: How Fresh Prep Was Born
27:01 – 3 Cities, 1 Dream: How Pop-Ups Became a Movement
31:51 – Coachella Chaos: 325 Guests, No Leftovers
35:22 – The Visa Story That Changed Everything
39:26 – On Set with Michael B. Jordan: A Commercial Goes Global
41:40 – Investing in African Gastronomy: What’s Missing?
43:18 – Solving Farm-to-Table in Nigeria
45:06 – Cookie Jar, Reimagined for the Continent
47:14 – America vs. Nigeria: Where the Future Really Is
49:02 – Apartment 90: Nigeria’s First Fufu Omakase
51:28 – Managing Staff, Mental Health & Money
55:12 – The Real Cost of Doing Business in Nigeria
57:50 – Documentation Over Vibes: How to Stay Consistent
59:22 – The Origin of “The Billionaire Chef”
61:16 – What’s Next: Fashion, Furniture, and Expansion

🔗 Follow the Journey

• Chef Tolu Eros: @thebillionairechef
• Updates: @ile.eros | @apartment90 | @cookiejarng

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

• YouTube • Spotify • Apple Podcasts

About Chef Tolu Eros:
Known as The Billionaire Chef, Tolu Eros has redefined how African cuisine shows up in the world. Whether it’s luxury dining in Los Angeles, street food reimagined in Lagos, or starring alongside Michael B. Jordan, Eros is turning flavor into legacy.

About the Afropolitan Podcast:
Global Black culture isn’t a trend. It’s a frequency. Each week, we sit with the architects of modern African influence—from food to fashion, tech to television—to explore what it means to live beyond borders.