Mabel isn’t just another pop star—she’s a dynasty. Born into a lineage of music legends, she’s carved her own lane in the industry, bridging the gaps between R&B, UK pop, and global Afrobeats. On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, she sits with Joey Akan to break down the DNA of her sound, the pressures of legacy, and why her latest reinvention is her most personal yet. From London’s underground to Sweden’s polished pop factories, and now to the heartbeat of African rhythms, Mabel’s journey is a masterclass in adaptation and authenticity.__Season 3. Episode 19. Afrobeats Intelligence.Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter:https://afrobeatsintelligence.substack.comListen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast:https://afrobeatsintelligence.transistor.fm/SOCIALSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrobeatsintel/?hl=enX: https://x.com/AfrobeatsIntelJoey's X: https://x.com/JoeyAkanJoey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyakan/?h..
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Live at EW Lagos: Odumodublvck + The Anti-World Gangstars
What a special episode of Afrobeats Intelligence. This is our second live recording of the podcast and it was an honor to bring this to Entertainment Week Lagos and partner on such an incredible moment. In this live episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast, Joey Akan sits down with Odumodublvck and his collective, Anti World Gangstars, for an unforgettable conversation recorded live at the LiveSpot Entertarium in December 2024.This episode is a masterclass in creativity and collaboration. Odumodublvck breaks down his signature use of allegories in songwriting, offering a glimpse into the storytelling magic behind his music. The group also delves into the importance of camaraderie and co-creation, sharing how their bond fuels their artistic vision.Plus, they spill the details on their new joint album, Nothing Changed—a project that promises to redefine the soundscape of Afrobeats and hip-hop.__Season 3. Episode 18. Afrobeats Intelligence.Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter:https://t.co/brjUmSwWWaListen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast:https://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink...SOCIALSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrobeatsin...X: https://x.com/AfrobeatsIntelJoey's X: https://x.com/JoeyAkanJoey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyakan/?h..
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S3E17: Tee-Y Mix - How To Break Street Artists The Dapper Way
In this episode, we sit down with Tee-Y Mix, legendary music producer turned Executive Vice President at Dapper Entertainment, for an in-depth conversation about his journey and his mission to reshape Nigeria's music scene. Known for producing timeless hits, Tee-Y Mix now stands at the forefront of breaking new talent from Nigeria's streets, helping artists like Shallipopi and Seyi Vibez rise to prominence.Tee-Y Mix shares the philosophy driving Dapper Entertainment—a company dedicated to uncovering and nurturing street artists who reflect the raw, unfiltered energy of Nigeria’s vibrant music culture. From identifying unique sounds to creating artist development strategies, he explains how Dapper Entertainment has become a hub for the country’s most exciting new acts.We dive into the meteoric rise of Shallipopi, an artist whose catchy lyrics and street charisma have made him a household name. Tee-Y Mix unpacks the formula for his breakout success and how the label tailored its approach to elevate his music. Seyi Vibez also takes center stage as Tee-Y Mix discusses the importance of authenticity and storytelling in connecting with fans.Beyond breaking records, Tee-Y Mix reveals the intricacies of signing and developing artists from Nigeria’s streets, highlighting the challenges and triumphs that come with turning raw talent into global stars.Whether you’re a fan of Nigerian music, an aspiring artist, or simply curious about the mechanics of the music industry, this episode is a masterclass in artistry, strategy, and passion. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution of Afrobeats and the visionary leadership shaping its future.__Season 3, Episode 17. Afrobeats Intelligence.Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter:https://t.co/brjUmSwWWaListen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast:https://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink...SOCIALSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrobeatsin...X: https://x.com/AfrobeatsIntelJoey's X: https://x.com/JoeyAkanJoey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyakan/?h...
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S3E16: Kiing Lu - How to Sell Great Records
In this powerhouse episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with Lucas Emeodi, better known as Kiing Lu—a cultural entrepreneur with a "militant mindset" forged through years of navigating Nigeria’s evolving music landscape. From his humble beginnings in Jos as a rapper and producer to becoming a pivotal A&R and founder of Speedplug Promotions, Kiing Lu shares the grit, resilience, and vision that have defined his career.They dive deep into his discovery of TG Omori, his transformative work with Universal Music, and the creation of his own label, Captive Music. Kiing Lu unpacks the philosophy behind the "Militant Camp," a thriving community-driven movement blending hip-hop, Drille, and Afrobeats, designed to push creatives to pursue their dreams relentlessly.With hard-earned lessons on industry relationships, brand building, and self-empowerment, this conversation is a masterclass for anyone striving to leave a mark on the music industry—and the culture at large.__Season 3, Episode 16. Afrobeats Intelligence.Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter: https://t.co/brjUmSwWWaListen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast: https://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink...SOCIALSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrobeatsin...X: https://x.com/AfrobeatsIntelJoey's X: https://x.com/JoeyAkanJoey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyakan/?h...
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S3E15: Wizard Chan - The Big Masquerade
In this special episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with the enigmatic Wizard Chan, the Afro-Teme and reggae sensation whose soulful sound has captured hearts worldwide. From Okrika in Rivers State to becoming a Headies and Galaxy Music Award winner, Wizard Chan's journey is nothing short of magical.They dive deep into his latest project, Time Traveler EP, an introspective body of work that fuses his roots with futuristic sounds. Wizard Chan reflects on his rise to fame with the chart-topping Earth Song, how growing up as the youngest of five shaped his artistry, and why he sees music as a spiritual experience.The conversation goes beyond the music, exploring Wizard Chan’s time in the choir, his marketing studies in Ghana, and his early struggles making covers before finding his voice. Now a beacon for the Afro-Teme genre, Wizard Chan opens up about his creative process, his love for storytelling, and the emotional core of his music.If you’ve ever wondered what makes Wizard Chan tick, this episode will take you on a journey through his mind, his music, and his mission to touch lives with every note. Tune in to hear the soul of a Time Traveler.___Season 3, Episode 15. Afrobeats Intelligence.Subscribe to Afrobeats Intelligence Newsletter: https://t.co/brjUmSwWWaListen to Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast: https://afrobeatsintelligence.podlink.to/New-EpisodesSOCIALSInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/afrobeatsintel/?hl=enX: https://x.com/AfrobeatsIntelJoey's X: https://x.com/JoeyAkanJoey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeyakan/?hl=en
Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast is a podcast spin-off of the popular music newsletter, Afrobeats Intelligence. It's focused on African music and the sprawling ecosystem that inspires and supports creativity from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and more. Hosted by multi-award-winning music journalist Joey Akan, the podcast explores the intersection of art, humanity and processes that give birth to African sonic excellence. Expansive interviews, the most informed and diverse views, and a snapshot into the soul of an industry pushing for global success. We dig into the past, the present and the future, democratizing the core of African music.
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