Explore every episode of the podcast Afro Soul Stories

Wanlov the Kubolor has spent nearly two decades making albums most artists wouldn't touch — one about illegal gold mining years before it became a national crisis, one about Ghana's anti-LGBT politics, a whole catalogue of "card" albums each tackling a different piece of social commentary.

In this episode, Sewor Okudzeto sits down with the Ghanaian-Romanian rapper, producer and filmmaker for a full career retrospective: the FOKN Bois origin story with longtime collaborator M3NSA (the duo behind Coz Ov Moni, the world's first pidgin musical film), his production work with Stevo Atambire and Alostmen, his more recent work with Lamisi on her Real World Records project Let Us Clap, his move into directing over 100 of his own music videos, and the night FOKN Bois played one of their most provocative songs to 5,000 people at the Afrika Shrine in Lagos.

We also get into why he's pulled most of his catalogue off Spotify on principle, his early influences from Ghanaian highlife legends, and what it means to build a career on saying the things other artists won't.

Listen to Wanlov's music on Bandcamp: wanlov.bandcamp.com

Afro Soul Stories — hosted by Sewor Okudzeto — explores the roots, rhythms and creative journeys of African and diaspora artists.

In this special tribute episode, we honour the life and legacy of Ebo Taylor — Ghanaian guitarist, composer, and one of the founding architects of highlife and Afrobeat music. Ebo Taylor passed away on 7th February 2026, aged 90, leaving behind six decades of music that shaped the sound of an entire continent.

We sit down with Kweku Aacht, representative of EBOFEST — the international festival dedicated to Ebo Taylor's legacy — to talk about the man, his music, and the upcoming celebrations honouring both his life and 100 years of highlife music.

From his collaborations with Fela Kuti in 1960s London, to producing Pat Thomas and C.K. Mann at Essiebons, to being sampled by Usher, the Black Eyed Peas, and Kelly Rowland — Ebo Taylor's influence stretches further than most people realise.

EBOFEST 2026 Events:📍 22nd May — Jazz Café, London📍 10th July — The JAGO, London🌍 27th–28th August — Saltpond, Ghana

More info: www.ebofest.com

Afro Soul Stories is hosted by Sewor Okudzeto — exploring the roots, rhythms, and creative journeys of African and diaspora artists, where music meets memory and culture meets innovation.

From Lagos to the Grammys: Tempoe on Afrobeats, Global Hits & Creative Growth | E24

Grammy-nominated Afrobeats producer Tempoe joins Afro Soul Stories for an in-depth conversation on his journey from Lagos to the global stage.

Best known as the producer behind the worldwide hit “Love Nwantiti” — a record that has generated billions of streams — Tempoe shares the story behind his rise, his creative process, and what it really takes to build music that connects across borders.

In this episode, we also explore his recent experiences during Grammys Week in Los Angeles, and his work on Omah Lay’s latest project Clarity of Mind, offering insight into the evolving sound of Afrobeats and the mindset required to stay ahead creatively.

This conversation goes beyond the music — touching on discipline, identity, and the drive to keep pushing forward in a global industry.

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🎧 Afro Soul Stories explores the journeys of artists, producers, and cultural voices shaping Africa and the diaspora through music, storytelling, and creativity.

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In this episode of Afro Soul Stories, I sit down with author and musician Antonio Michael Downing, also known as John Orpheus, to explore the story behind his book Black Cherokee.

We dive into themes of identity, migration, and what it means to live between Trinidad and Canada—navigating multiple cultures while forming a sense of self. Antonio reflects on how storytelling becomes a way of understanding belonging, memory, and history.

We also explore his work as a musician, and how creativity flows between writing and sound, shaping a dual artistic practice that spans both literature and music.

At its core, this conversation is about heritage, voice, and the spaces we occupy between worlds.

In this episode of Afro Soul Stories, we speak with Nigerian percussionist and two-time Grammy Award winner Lekan Babalola.

From growing up in Lagos and connections to the world of Fela Kuti, to collaborations with artists such as Ali Farka Touré, Roy Ayers and Cassandra Wilson, Babalola reflects on a remarkable musical journey.

We also discuss his latest project, The Sacred Arts of Odu Ifa, exploring Yoruba spirituality, music and cultural heritage.

In this special episode of Afro Soul Stories, we speak with London-based saxophonist David Kayode about the release of his EP Ade Kayode.

The conversation explores the musical influences behind the project, his creative process as an artist, and how African rhythm and jazz continue to shape the evolving sound of the London music scene.

An insightful artist profile and EP special exploring music, identity, and creative inspiration.

Afro Soul Stories returns with a powerful conversation and impromptu live session featuring Senegalese artist Rijal Chakur, a multi‑talented singer, guitarist and bandleader blending Senegalese spiritual music with modern Afro‑soul grooves. From Dakar to London, Rijial Chakur has been building a unique sound with The Chakurs Band, fusing heritage rhythms, soulful melodies and contemporary influences into an uplifting, genre‑defying experience.

In this episode of Afro Soul Stories, UK artist Razor talks real life, creative growth, and what touring the UK has taught him. From new music to award wins and staying consistent in the long game, this is an honest conversation about longevity and purpose.

Ahnansé (Steam Down) on Collective Consciousness & Global Music | Afro Soul Stories E19In this episode of Afro Soul Stories, host Sewor Okudzeto sits with Ahnansé, founder of Steam Down, to unpack how music, community, and collective consciousness collide in London’s jazz and Afro-diasporic underground.Ahnansé explains the vision behind Steam Down — a live band, weekly London event, and cultural movement rooted in Afro-futurism, spiritual jazz, Afro-infinitism, and global rhythms. We explore how live music creates shared energy, builds community, and reconnects people beyond genre, race, and borders.

Zimbabwean born Nandi is one of the freshest and most soulful artists to come out of the UK. Inspired by South African musical heroes such as Miriam “Mama Africa” Makeba and Hugh Masekela she began to write her own songs. Her dynamic and graceful voice is known to silence crowds, whilst gracing the stage of venues such as Ronnie Scott’s, The Roundhouse and The Southbank Centre. Performances have been acclaimed to be reminiscent of predecessors and her influences such as Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and Ella Fitzgerald. Nandi having worked with artists such as Jack Bruce (CREAM), Emeli Sande, NAO, Steam Down, Maverick Sabre, Orphy Robinson and Cormega has made her a prominent guest artist with emerging production duo 2fox as well as residencies at Venues such as Arts Club Mayfair, Soho House and The Ned. In 2018 Nandi appeared on ITV’s The Voice, mentored by Will.i.am and Sir Tom Jones. 2020 saw Nandi release her debut solo single “Your Love" which was played on the BBC Introducing London radio show by Jess Iszatt. Nandi's subsequent single release in 2023 "It Could've Been Anyone" gained traction being played on played on two shows on Soho Radio. The single campaign culminated with an interview with Mary Mandefield on BBC Radio London's "The Scene". 2024 will see Nandi continue to release new music and perform for corporate clients such as Mazda, Gala Bingo and Cabaret (The Musical).

Mide Johnson, is both a musician and Human rights Lawyer from Nigeria , who spent time in Geneva and now resides in London where he is pursuing his PHD, in this conversation we explore diaspora engagement, identity, and his path as both a human rights lawyer and creative.

Coco Mbassi was born in Paris and originates from Cameroon. Her music is a blend of African roots, classical music, jazz and gospel, with the feel of acoustic soul. A winner of several music awards including the Radio France Internationale Découvertes Contest in 1996, the German World Music CD Critics Award in 2001, she was one of the two finalists for the BBC World Music Awards in 2002. She toured internationally with her band for over two decades. Highlights include Live 8 at the Eden Project (invited by Peter Gabriel), Louisiana International Festival, Jazz Sous Les Pommiers, Festival d’Été in Montréal, Nuits d’Afrique in Québec, Haus der Kulturen der Welt in Berlin, Afroprojekt in Würzburg, and Womad festivals across Europe, Asia and Australia.

Her discography includes Sepia (2001), Sisea (2003), Coco Mbassi Tour (live DVD, 2005), Jóa (2014), Ashuka Series Vol. 1 (2020, African polyphony), a single, Palaba (2021), and her EP ELA in 2023.

Alizee Ndiaye , Born in the south of France to Senegalese and Italian parents , is an Interdisciplinary creative whose work bridges cultures, disciplines, and generations. After moving to London in 2016, she began her creative journey in 2019, driven by a desire to create space for underrepresented voices.

That same year, Alizée founded DTMH (Don’t Touch My Heritage),a platform dedicated to uplifting and celebrating Black and Brown artists through collaboration, visibility, and storytelling. Her practice began with styling and costume design, her first loves, before evolving into creative direction, curation, and writing. A natural expansion of her curiosity and passion for narrative.

In 2024, Alizée wrote Griot, born from a deep need to tell her diasporic Senegalese story and explore the complexity, pride, and poetry of belonging. Through her work, she continues to champion the legitimacy of interdisciplinary creation, proving that artistry is fluid, that one can move between forms while staying rooted in truth, heritage, and imagination.

Donovan Haffner, winner of the 'Jazz Newcomer' category at the Jazz Parliamentary Awards 2025 is a south-east London born and bred alto saxophonist.

Donovan's debut album Alleviate is a vitally exciting contemporary jazz recording, that reflects Donovan Haffner's burgeoning talent in a glowing light. This essential body of work will undoubtedly position the young musician as a rising jazz star and one of 2025's breakthrough artists. 

Boy Nash is a creative writer and performer with Ghanaian heritage who grew up in both London and Accra, he specialises in the fusion of spoken word, rap, and poetry. The purpose of Boy Nash's music is to inspire, motivate and help people achieve their goals and aspirations.

M3NSA ( born Bondzie Mensa Ansah ), producer, musician, performer, and filmmaker. 

Known for his recognizable sound and instinctual storytelling while still deeply rooted in his motherland, Ghana, he has grown into an international act because of his ability to navigate different languages, cultures, and artistic expressions through the years.

From his beginnings, designing the sound of Hiplife, to today reinterpreting Afrobeats with his unique touch. 

His journey has been a testament to artistic evolution, coming back live on stages with different performances, from music curation to club experiences to big live shows.

As a true artisan of his craft, M3NSA utilizes electronic instruments to build an alternative and emotionally resonant musical tapestry. His performances are not mere concerts; they are immersive experiences, a fusion of artistry and technology that transport audiences into the heart of his creative universe.

It's an invitation to join him on a musical odyssey, where the boundaries between languages, cultures, and genres blur, and the magic of M3NSA's artistry comes to life in electrifying fashion.

Afolabi Lipede, also known as Flame, is a multifaceted artist, serving as a music producer, bass guitarist, singer, songwriter and founder of Afunja Music, a fusion of African funk and jazz, drawing from a diverse array of cultural influences from the world music spectrum.

Born in Mozambique during a 16-year war, MoYah was forced to flee his country as a political refugee & move to Lisbon at a young age.

Inspired by his parents broad musical taste & the impact of Rap music whilst living in Portugal, he quickly learned that music could be used not only for entertainment but also as a powerful tool for self exploration & social expression.

Gary Washington AKA “The Urban Cellist" is a Multi-disciplinary artist, whose roots come from playing professionally in New Orleans. Gary has created his own unique sound, interspersing his vocals, beatboxing and layering it all while playing cello at the same time.

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Zamar-Eden is a Jamaican/ Sierra Leonean Bassist, Singer, Producer and Composer born and raised in South-East London. Her sound is influenced mainly by Neo-soul, jazz, Afro-Beat/Highlife, More recently Dub, Brazilian sounds and other musics of the diaspora. 

Afro Soul Stories: Ep8 Full episode on Youtube

Love Itoya is a Greek-Nigerian singer-songwriter based in London, creating Pop, Afro and R&B music that blends soulful vocals with powerful storytelling. Her songs focus on empowerment, representation, and personal growth, drawing from her multicultural background to inspire and uplift audiences.

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David Kayode talks to Sewor Okudzeto on British Jazz/Afrobeat & his New album |Afro Soul Stories: E6

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411 Silks talks to Sewor Okudzeto on Casa Polo Club & Visual Identity | Afro Soul Stories: E5

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Zoka The Author talks on lyricism & Identity to Sewor Okudzeto | Afro Soul Stories: E4

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Mack Jehu & Sewor Okudzeto talk Ghanaian legends and UK Hip Hop |Afro Soul Stories:E3

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@LEMZITV talks with Sewor Okudzeto on Creative Connections | Afro Soul Stories E2

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Kofi Debrah & Sewor Okudzeto on Sustainability & Music: OKO Forest & AsaBaako Music Festival | Afro Soul Stories E1

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