Afrobeats Intelligence – Details, episodes & analysis

“In an industry like this, everything is based on value. And if you don’t have it, there are certain rooms you can’t go into.” In this soulful episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Ghanaian music sensation Gyakie, the voice behind hits like “Forever” and “Something.” Gyakie opens up about her journey, blending heartfelt storytelling with sharp insights on navigating the African music industry. Gyakie kicks off by sharing her deep love for Nigeria—its people, food, and talent pool (0:00–8:20), reflecting on its impact since childhood (3:53–5:03). She discusses balancing her father’s legendary musical legacy with her own path, addressing “nepo baby” labels (9:29–15:44, 12:00–13:59). Gyakie reveals how she navigates the industry with a service-driven mindset, stressing that passion alone isn’t enough (15:44–25:06, 17:34–18:57). She explores how love shapes her life and music (25:06–31:20), rejecting restrictive labels on the emotion (25:10–25:48). Gyakie breaks down the industry’s value-driven system, urging artists to avoid bitterness to thrive (31:22–39:53, 31:22–32:32). She closes by examining Afrobeats’ global rise in Ghana and the role of major labels (39:54–42:22). Join Joey Akan and Gyakie for a captivating blend of personal reflection, industry wisdom, and Afrobeats’ global pulse. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The Money…” In this electrifying episode of Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, host Joey Akan sits down with Nigerian music icon Timaya, the “Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa.” From dancehall-infused Afrobeats anthems like “Dem Mama” to global hits, Timaya’s journey is a masterclass in grit and innovation. This candid conversation traces his rise from Port Harcourt’s streets to Lagos’ spotlight and beyond. Timaya kicks off with his deep ties to Bayelsa and his annual Timaya Day concert (0:00–7:00), then breaks down the evolution of Nigerian music eras, from recording challenges to resource access (7:48–11:20). He shares his origin story, revealing why music was his only hustle in Port Harcourt (11:29–21:13), and details his bold crossover to Lagos (17:53–34:40), including his first N500k deal (22:47–28:20) and self-promotion as a backup singer (18:07–19:53). Hear how he coined “Timaya Don Blow” after his second album deal (31:25–34:13). Timaya reflects on his controversial eras, from bold moves to the Empress Njama car saga (38:50–42:45), his Caribbean exploits (43:30–51:50), and Afrobeats’ global takeover (52:00–56:38). He wraps with a raw take on money as his drive, revealing the $100k cost of producing a song (57:24–58:25). Join Joey Akan and Timaya for a no-holds-barred dive into resilience, reinvention, and the pulse of Afrobeats. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Qing Madi steps into the spotlight with a fresh perspective that’s turning heads in the Afrobeats scene. At just 17, she made waves with her breakout hit “Ole,” and now she’s here to share her journey from a young artist to a rising star. Qing Madi joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to discuss her debut album, her dance influences from ballet, and her vision for impacting Afrobeats. She also opens up about navigating her faith and its effects on her growing fanbase. Tune in as we explore the vibrant soundscape of Qing Madi and the crisp clarity of the oraimo SpaceBuds. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Step into the studio with Louddaaa, the producer behind some of Afrobeats’ biggest tracks, on this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence. Louddaaa joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to talk about his journey from Lagos to Mavin Records and his role in shaping hits for artists like Ayra Starr and Simi. Louddaaa shares his thoughts on the oraimo SpaceBuds, highlighting their crisp bass that complements his technical expertise. Dive deep into his creative process, his breakthrough moments, and his vision for the future of Afrobeats as he discusses how the oraimo SpaceBuds bring his sound to life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bien-Aimé 'Bien' Baraza the celebrated Sauti Sol frontman turned solo artist, graces Afrobeats Intelligence with his latest project, Alusa Why Are You Topless?. In this episode, Bien joins Joey Akan, sponsored by oraimo, to delve into his debut album that fuses Kenyan heritage with global sounds. From exploring the depths of Fuji and Apala to reflecting on his time with Sauti Sol and his hopes for a reunion, Bien’s conversation is as dynamic as his music. Listen in as he reveals how the oraimo SpaceBuds enhance his musical experience and share his thoughts on the intersection of music and activism. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the streets of London to the palm-lined avenues of California, Harmony ‘H-Money’ Samuels has lived a life in sound. He’s a man who has seen it all: a Grammy-nominated producer who has shaped the sonic landscapes of legends, from Janet Jackson’s timeless grooves to Wizkid’s Afro-fusion anthems. On this episode of "Afrobeats Intelligence," Joey Akan digs deep into the mind of a producer who has seamlessly navigated the corridors of global music. Harmony's journey is a tale of rhythm and reinvention, of African roots intertwined with Western influences. Growing up in the UK, he absorbed the eclectic beats of his environment, all while keeping Nigeria’s pulse alive in his heart. Now based in California, Harmony has built a career on bridging worlds, working with artists like Reekado Banks and others across Africa, crafting hits that transcend borders and genres. In this conversation, Harmony unpacks his unique creative process, how he channels his cultural duality into his music, and what it’s like to work with legends. He’s not just making beats; he’s crafting legacies, one track at a time. Tune in as Joey Akan gets into the nitty-gritty of what it means to be a musical chameleon in today’s world, blending cultures, sounds, and stories to create something truly global. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

NSG is a British afroswing collective from Hackney East London. The group consists of Six members: OGD, Kruddz, Mojo, Dope, Papii Abz, and Mxjib. Their latest album, "Area Boyz," is out now. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Timi Dakolo is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer. He emerged winner of the inaugural season of Idols West Africa in 2007. Accompanying his victory was a recording contract with Sony BMG, in addition to other prizes. A great vocalist his latest album is titled, "The Chorus Leader." This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abdul Quam Tadese is a multi-faceted musician, culture entrepreneur and philanthropist. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oxlade, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter signed to Troniq Music, Epic Records in France, and Columbia Records in the UK.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices