What happens when your family history is tied to one of the most painful chapters in Nigeria’s history?

In the case of filmmakers Leke and Meji Alabi-Isama, they made a documentary about it.

Leke and Meji join us to talk about their 2026 BBC documentary, Surviving Biafra, which explores the Nigerian Civil War through the stories of people who lived through it — including their own dad and grandfather, General Alabi-Isama.

From uncovering archival footage to confronting the stories we inherited about the war, this conversation looks at what happens when you dig into the history that shaped your family, your community, and your country.

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re joined by Sayo aka Koj (or Shasco, depending on who you ask 😂) of Submarine and a Roach to talk about his Japa journey from Nigeria to Canada, the loneliness that can come with building a life abroad, and why a good salary doesn’t always equal a good life.

We get into identity, community, comedy, and how finding your people (and something that gives you purpose) can make a place start to feel like home.

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We’re back and we’re kicking off season five by asking: what happens when Japa doesn’t feel like a one-way trip anymore?

Abimisola and Malik catch up on their own Japa journeys, returning home, changing immigration rules, and the growing desire to keep one foot here and one foot there. Plus, we’re talking Lagos, “touching soil,” aging parents, and what it really means to have options.

And because Japa Diaries is growing beyond the podcast, we’re sharing what’s next for the community, from events and screenings to our new street series.

Welcome to season five gang! Let’s get into it 💚

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Filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. left Nigeria at 13 and didn't return for 9 years. In this conversation, he shares what it's like to live between Nigeria and the UK, why he finally made a film about his father, and how creating My Father's Shadow became a healing journey for his entire family.

🎬 My Father's Shadow is in U.S. theaters now, support African storytelling: mubi.com/myfathersshadow

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Even when we’re out of season, we’re still bringing you good content! In this bonus crossover episode, Abimisola guest hosts Culture Custodian’s Uncultured podcast, diving into the history of japa in Nigeria. We thought you’d enjoy this one. And if you do, be sure to check out more episodes from Uncultured!

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Roses are red, our passports are green, ‘Japa’ is migration to a country you’ve never been.

Loosely translated from Yoruba, japa means to run away, and it’s what many Nigerians living in the country today aspire to do in the midst of rising inflation, insecurity, and unemployment.

On this episode, host Abimisola of the Japa Diaries Podcast, surfs the waves and their ripple effects on our identities. On board with her are Nigerian-American Mrs. Tayo Iyiola and Black British returnee Chef Wunmi Durosinmi-Etti. Follow the trio as they sail back and forth across the Atlantic, visiting former presidents, Nollywood icons, and the most elusive Nigerian of them all - the ‘I Just Got Backs’.

Uncultured is a Culture Custodian Production.

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It’s a wrap on this season of Japa Diaries! 🥳 In this finale episode, we reflect on the highs, the lessons, and the laughter that made this season so special. From identity and home to Afrobeats and activism, it’s a mix of real talk, cultural gems, and love for our community.

Tune in for laughs and reflections as we close out another unforgettable season! 💚

💚 Enjoyed the season? Leave us a review, it helps more listeners find us!

💚 We want to get to know you better! Take our quick listener survey → japadiaries.com/survey

💚 If you joined us at our events, we’d love your feedback! Fill out our event survey → japadiaries.com/event

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We’re catching up with rap legend M.I. Abaga! From his U.S. college days to shaping African hip-hop back home, M.I. talks living between two worlds, connecting African creatives, and staying grounded through it all.

M.I also teases his upcoming album The Wolf and reminds us why authenticity will always be his superpower.

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Being an international student can be tough... and expensive. In this episode, we talk to John, co-founder of the African Leadership Bridge, about turning his own struggles into a scholarship fund for African students. 

Then, we hear from Usomine, a current ALB scholar, about how this support is shaping her education and future impact.

Ready to give back? Donate to ALB’s endowment fund here: tr.ee/LzrZAB

Tickets for Press Play game night on Oct 3 are on sale now: posh.vip/e/press-play-independence-edition

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This week, Koko joins us to talk all things Pan-Africanism!

From its historic roots to the challenges of unity today, we talk diaspora identity and why staying connected to African news and stories matters now more than ever.

Tickets for Press Play game night are on sale now: posh.vip/e/press-play-independence-edition 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.