The Black and Irish Podcast

Activist Jojo Jackson speaks to Leon about discovering her Irish connections, her work with My Block, My Hood, My City, and the importance of meaningful friendships to break down barriers. This episode was recorded in August 2023 during the Milwaukee Irish Festival.

DJ and Musician R3D joins his good friend Leon for a chat about his eponymous club night 'R3D's House', the current state of nightlife in Ireland today, and the reasons why he's decided to emigrate.

Nigerian Lawyer Moyinoluwa Adelakun and activist Funmilayo Oni speak about their scholarship at UCD. They discuss why they are passionate about human rights and give Leon and Femi a lesson on the political and electoral system in Nigeria. The episode was recorded in March 2023 at the time of the Nigerian Presidential Election.

Mullingar rapper Shaq and his manager Damz sit down with Leon to discuss how their working relationship has impacted the creative process. They also discuss the Irish rap scene, the underground, and how young aspiring rappers should approach the music industry.

A special episode ahead of the first Black & Irish town hall event on July 15th called Finding Your Voice. Leon discusses the political landscape in Ireland for the black Irish community with Eric Ehige and Munachi Soribe. Event registration info is on the Black & Irish Instagram page.

Leon Diop is joined by Ronn Mapwata and Happiness Omochere as they detail how they came to be front and centre on-stage during US President Joe Biden's historic address in Ballina, County Mayo in April 2023.

Record producer, owner of Jungle Beam Studios and Entrepreneur, Simba Bianchi sits down with Femi and Leon to discuss emerging talent in Ireland. He reflects on the influence his childhood has had on his career, plus his aims for the future.

Aisha Bolaji, Rachel Wren and Elizabeth Ade join Leon to discuss their careers in Film and TV, the essential role diversity plays in their industry, and the importance of the upcoming Catalyst International Film Festival, which takes place in Limerick this March and April.

Celebrating the Dublin International Film Festival, Femi and Leon are joined by the Nigerian writer, director and actor Derek Ugochukwu. He discusses his 2021 award-winning and BAFTA Shortlisted film 'To All My Darlings' and his new work 'You're Not Home', as well as his path to being a writer and director.

Artist Manager Joel Safo joins Femi and Leon for a chat about his life and career, his experience managing Irish success stories such as Offica and the A92, and the qualities he believes are needed to break through in the music business.