Explore why Nigerian artistes such as Davido, Rema, Falz, and IllBliss are using social media to highlight insecurity across the country. This episode breaks down kidnappings, ransom trends, and the critical role of celebrity voices in shaping national awareness.

We examine why artistes are speaking out about insecurity and how their online reactions reflect the growing crisis in Nigeria. While not a deep dive, the discussion provides an accurate, surface-level understanding of verified incidents including kidnappings, bandit attacks, and rising ransom demands. Analysts now describe these trends as the economy of insecurity.

The episode shows how artistes leverage their social platforms to raise awareness. They are not profiting from these crises but amplifying updates, responding to attacks, and drawing attention to the kidnap-for-ransom epidemic. Documented posts and public statements from Davido, Rema, Falz, IllBliss, and others illustrate this pattern.

Listeners gain insight into how repeated attacks across multiple states, increasing ransom payments, and widespread fear have created a criminal ecosystem that functions like an economy. The conversation also explains why artistes feel compelled to speak publicly and how their online responses influence national awareness.

For a deeper, data-driven analysis, read the full Substack article Nigeria’s Kidnap for Ransom Industry: The Economy of Insecurity here:

In this episode, we break down Young Jonn’s highly anticipated album Blue Disco and dive into the impact of having Rema and Asake featured on key tracks like Lalala. We explore how the album blends emotion, introspection, and dance-ready Afrobeats energy, its potential streaming performance, and what this collaboration signals for Young Jonn’s rise as a front-line Afrobeats artist. From first impressions to chart predictions and listener reception, this episode gives a full, insider look at one of the year’s most talked-about releases.

The Artiste Hangout is the go-to destination for music insights, artist breakdowns, and exclusive Afrobeats discussions. With over 100,000 streams on Audiomack, thousands more across major platforms, top charting in the Bahamas for over a week, and availability in more than 110 countries, we bring listeners closer to the stories behind the music and the artists shaping the Afrobeats sound today.

On this episode of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we take a first look at Tems newly released EP titled Love Is a Kingdom. The project dropped as a surprise earlier today and the music space is already buzzing. This episode gives listeners an early guide before the full review. It explores the timing of the release, the creative direction Tems has been building since Born in the Wild, and the expectations surrounding this new body of work.

This is a pre EP reaction that helps listeners understand the context behind the drop. It highlights Tems artistic growth, her continued global momentum, and the emotional themes hinted at by the title Love Is a Kingdom. It is clear, informative and perfect for anyone searching for updates on Tems, new Nigerian music or the evolution of her sound.

A full breakdown of every track will follow after a proper listen. For now, this episode sets the stage for what Tems has just introduced to the world.

Mavo fans won’t like this but someone has to say it. In this episode of The Artiste Hangout Podcast with Femi Makx, we unpack the viral lyric “Your body na meatpie” from Mavo’s new track Body featuring CKay and what it reveals about the growing problem with how women are portrayed in today’s music.

This conversation is not about canceling Mavo. It is about accountability, awareness, and how words shape culture. Femi Makx breaks down why lyrics like this matter, what they teach young listeners, and why the Nigerian music industry needs to rethink what it glorifies.

From TikTok trends to everyday street lingo, this episode challenges artistes and fans to reflect on how far creativity should go and where we draw the line between expression and objectification.

Taylor Swift’s twelfth studio album The Life of a Showgirl is here and it is already dominating global conversations. On this episode of The Artiste Hangout Podcast with Femi Makx, we unpack everything shaping this new era — the sound, the storytelling, and the major collaborations behind the pop moment everyone is talking about.

From The Fate of Ophelia to Elizabeth Taylor and the much-discussed Sabrina Carpenter feature on the title track, we explore what stands out, what sparks debate, and how this project builds on Taylor’s creative journey after The Tortured Poets Department.

Expect sharp insights, real reactions, and cultural context that capture why The Life of a Showgirl is already defining a new chapter in pop music history.

An artiste can sing, sure. But in our world today, being an artiste goes beyond music. Anyone with a message of value has a song, and that song does not have to sound like Drake, Beyoncé, Tems, Wizkid, or Davido. Your truth can be your song. Your hustle can be your song. That is why on The Artiste Hangout, we are not just spotlighting emerging artistes. We are amplifying voices with something meaningful to say.

This podcast is usually about music and artistry, but sometimes we need to step back and look at the bigger system that shapes every opportunity we fight for: governance. Whether you are an artiste, producer, or young hustler, the policies made in Abuja ripple down to how we live, work, and create.

In this episode, I speak with Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC (Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre), about why youth participation in governance is not just a political matter but a survival issue. With more than 60 percent of Nigeria’s population under 25 and young people still sidelined in decision-making, the gap between policy and reality could not be clearer.

Rafsanjani explains how digital activism, civil society, and grassroots pressure are forcing the doors open for youth inclusion, and why staying silent only guarantees exclusion.

If you have ever wondered why your voice feels unheard or why the hustle in music and beyond is so tough, this conversation connects the dots between governance, opportunity, and the future young Nigerians deserve.

In this episode, we spotlight Isoka II (6AM), the collaboration bringing together Ciza, Tems, Omah Lay, Thukuthela, and Jazzworx. 🇿🇦 🇳🇬

Ciza, born Nkululeko Nciza, is proving he’s more than just music royalty. From his South African roots to his strategic moves in Nigeria, he’s building a career that resonates across borders. And with Tems’ Grammy-winning vocals and Omah Lay’s distinct vibe on this remix, Isoka I (6AM) feels like a bold step into continental and global recognition.

We unpack Ciza’s journey, the weight of Nigeria–South Africa collabs, and why this record has the potential to travel far beyond both countries.

Intro and outro credit: Tony Doe Podcast.

Disclaimer / Fair Use Note

This episode is journalistic commentary and prediction on Isaka II (6AM) by Ciza featuring Tems, Omah Lay, Thukuthela, Jazzworx, and Lekaa Beats. All rights to the music and official artwork belong to their respective owners. The cover art used here is an AI-generated pencil sketch inspired by the song’s theme and is not the official artwork.

This one right here is personal……

Tiwa Savage is about to drop her new album and I’ve got some thoughts. From the title alone you can already tell it’s not just music, it’s a statement. In this episode I break down what this project could sound like, why it feels different from her past albums, and why it might even be the most important one of her career. It’s a prediction, but it’s also a conversation about growth, legacy, and how Tiwa continues to set the pace in Afrobeats.

Big shout to Tony Doe—he’s that veteran Nigerian broadcaster and podcast coach who hosts The Tony Doe Podcast and Into The Podverse. His intro and outro here set the tone right because you know the guy understands storytelling and audio vibes.

Disclaimer / Fair Use Note:

This episode is a journalistic commentary and prediction on Tiwa Savage’s forthcoming album This One Is Personal. All rights to the music and official artwork belong to their respective owners. The cover art used here is an AI-generated pencil sketch inspired by the album’s theme and is not the official artwork.

In this episode, I sat with Toni and Kalhm to talk about something a lot of people have been noticing — gospel music is starting to sound like everything else.

We talked about the pressure to chase virality, how trends are shaping the sound, and what that means for the music’s depth and identity. It’s an honest conversation about where gospel stands today and where it might be heading.

The episode also features an intro excerpt from Pastor Sunday Ogidigbo and an outro excerpt from Minister Dunsin Oyekan that help frame the discussion.

In March 2021, I started The Artiste Hangout Podcast with Femi Makx with one goal — to give artistes and creatives a platform to be heard. My first episode barely got plays, but I kept going. Today, the podcast streams in 109 countries, ranks in the global top 10%, and even bagged the Jollof Radio Media 2024 Team Choice Award.

This episode, The Creator Who Became a Spectator, speaks to anyone who’s ever had the fire to create but ended up just watching from the sidelines. It’s a reminder that consistency matters, you don’t have to be the best to start, and while your first work might not change the world, it will change you.