In this episode, we sit with Majek Fn, a sonic storyteller from Abeokuta, Ogun State, who has carved a thriving music career in the UK.

Majek opens up about his early beginnings, cultural transitions, creative struggles, and the silent battles behind building an international sound. From grassroots dreams to global stages, this conversation unpacks resilience, reinvention, and the mindset required to evolve beyond borders.

This is not just about music , it’s about vision, identity, and the courage to bet on your gift.

Originality over Imitation. Identity over Influence

$21 Is Not 21 Savage — And That’s The Plot Twist 💸🔥

Originality over imitation. Identity over Influence.

Everybody thought they knew the story when they heard the name $21 but this episode flips the script.

On this episode of The AKD Podcast, $21 breaks down the real meaning behind his name — yes, inspired by 21 Savage — but what he’s built with it? Completely his own universe.

This isn’t about copying a wave.

It’s about creating your own current.

$21 shares a raw, unfiltered journey of finding identity in a world that constantly compares. He talks about:

• The pressure of being linked to a global name

• Turning influence into individuality

• Why originality is the real currency in today’s music game

• And how staying authentic separates legends from look-alikes

If you’ve ever struggled with being misunderstood, boxed in, or compared — this episode hits home.

Because in this game?

You can be inspired… but you can’t be replaced.

Tap in. 🎧🔥

From Nigeria to the UK, Ted Man has quietly shaped the sound of modern Afrobeats. On this episode of The AKD Podcast, the acclaimed songwriter opens up about his creative process, industry realities, and what it truly takes to write hits that travel beyond borders.

Man breaks down how African stories become global anthems. From Nigeria to the UK, he reflects on culture, collaboration, and the evolving role of songwriters in pushing Afrobeats to the world stage

Tune in and catch up on a closer chat with Ted Man. 

Sit back and relax for one of the most thought-provoking episodes of Life Before Fame.

This week, we’re joined by Maskking a PhD scholar in International Relations, songwriter, and cultural thinker using music and symbolism to question Africa’s trajectory.

From politics to purpose, academia to artistry, Maskking breaks down the systems shaping Africa today and what young people can actually do to change the narrative. This isn’t just a conversation it’s a wake-up call.

🎧 Educative. Conscious. Necessary.

On this uplifting episode of The AKD Podcast, we sit with Opabo Timilek—a Nigerian UK Afrobeats songwriter whose journey began with singing other people’s songs long before the spotlight ever called his name.

From childhood moments of pure love for music to the bold decision to become a full-time artist, Opabo shares how passion matures into purpose. He opens up about growth, self-belief, and the courage it takes to stop hiding behind covers and start owning your sound.

This episode is a reminder that dreams don’t expire they evolve. If you’ve ever loved something quietly and wondered when to go all in, Episode 32 will leave you inspired, affirmed, and ready to chase your own calling. 🌱✨

Welcome to 2026 — and welcome to Season 4 of the Life Before Fame Podcast.

We’re kicking off the year with our first episode of Season 4, and it’s only right we start with a conversation that’s honest, reflective, and deeply rooted in purpose.

This episode features Soey, an artist whose journey into music began in church, where passion met discipline and faith shaped sound. Soey opens up about how those early moments influenced his artistry, his mindset, and the emotional depth behind his music today.

We dive into the story behind his newly released body of work, “Ment & Disorder” — a project that explores inner conflict, growth, clarity, and the realities creatives often battle in silence. Beyond the music, Soey speaks candidly about identity, pressure, staying grounded, and choosing authenticity over noise.

This is not just an interview — it’s a conversation about beginnings, belief, and becoming.

If you’re an artist, a creative, or anyone navigating purpose before recognition, this episode will resonate.

🎧 Tap in.

Welcome to Season 4

Welcome back to Life Before Fame

In this special 30th episode of The Akd Podcast, we sit down with the multifaceted HypaCee IT expert, venture capitalist, and CEO of Cadberry Music. From writing code to crafting hits, HypaCee shares his incredible journey of growth, reinvention, and balance between the fast-paced worlds of tech and music.

He opens up about evolving his brand, the story behind his name change, and how he’s building Cadberry Music into a hub for innovation and artistry. Whether you’re a dreamer, a techie, or a music lover, this episode is packed with gems, energy, and inspiration you won’t want to miss.

It’s a soulful, energetic, and unfiltered conversation about change, creativity, and chasing purpose through sound. Whether you’ve been rocking with HypaCee since day one or you’re just discovering his world, this is one episode you’ll want on repeat.

🎙️ Plug in, vibe out, and get inspired — the evolution of HypaCee starts here.

In this unforgettable Episode 29 of The AKD Podcast – Life Before Fame, we sit down with one of Lagos’ fastest-rising sensations – SHINEBM – for an intimate, raw, and deeply inspiring conversation. "From Streetlights to Spotlights" this episode peels back the layers of the man behind the music to uncover the hustle, heartbreak, and hope that shaped his rise to fame.

Before the world knew his name, before the stages and streaming numbers, there was a young man battling doubt, grinding through the noise of Lagos, and dreaming beyond the skyline. SHINEBM takes us on a journey through his early life, from humble beginnings to sleepless nights in the studio, sharing stories of personal loss, unlikely mentors, and the defining moments that tested his will to continue.

More than just a story of fame, this episode is a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of chasing your truth when the odds are stacked against you.

Whether you're an aspiring artist, a dreamer on the edge, or a fan of SHINEBM’s electrifying music, this episode will inspire you to bet on yourself and keep pushing forward.

🎙️ Tune in now and discover why SHINEBM isn’t just a star — he’s a movement.

🟢 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more.

🎧 Hashtag: #LifeBeforeFame #TheAKDPodcast #SHINEBM #FromStreetlightsToSpotlights

Life Before Fame Podcast – Episode 28: Zaanurty on Self-Belief, Music, and the Road to Greatness

THE AKD PODCAST is back again hosted by David Sorinolu, popularly known as THE AKD, this episode of Life Before Fame takes you on an inspiring ride with fast-rising artist Zaanurty. More than just an interview, Episode 28 is a masterclass in resilience, passion, and the unstoppable force of self-belief.

Zaanurty opens up about his early beginnings in university, where music wasn’t just a hobby but a calling—fueled by the energy of his crew, endless late-night sessions, and the hunger to create something timeless. He shares striking memories of those days, painting a vivid picture of the challenges, sacrifices, and small wins that shaped him into the artist he is today.

But beyond music, Zaanurty stresses one powerful message: self-belief is everything. His story is a reminder that no matter what path you’re on—whether you’re an artist, creative, entrepreneur, or professional—the key to unlocking your potential lies in believing in yourself even when no one else does.

Packed with raw truths, laughter, and life lessons, this conversation will leave you motivated, entertained, and ready to chase your own dreams with renewed fire.

So plug in, stream, and share Episode 38 with your circle. This is one episode you’ll not only listen to—you’ll carry it with you.

In this captivating episode on LIFE BEFORE FAME hosted by David Sorinolu, CEO & Founder of THE AKD MEDIA, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of NARTANNDK -- the rising star making waves with his debut album "Between Life & Art"

From humble beginnings to unforgettable milestones, NARTANNDK gets real about his highs, the lows, and the moments that shaped his path in the entertainment industry. With honesty and humor, he opens up about his struggles, his creative process, and the passion that drives his music.

David Sorinolu's signature style brings out the best in the conversation -- from heartfelt truths to laugh-out loud stories, making this more than an interview. It is a raw conversation and a story to learn from giving listeners a front row seat to the realities of chasing dreams in today's music scene.

Whether you're an aspiring musician or music lover or someone seeking motivation , this episode delivers a powerful mix of entertainment, insights and inspiration.

Tune in now and experience NARTANNDK like never before

Keywords: Life Before Fame Podcast, David Sorinolu, THE AKD MEDIA, NARTANNDK, Between Life And Art album, Entertainment Podcasts, African Artistes, Gen Z music culture.