Afrobeats Intelligence, the leading Afrobeats and African music-focused podcast, is back for Season Five. Hosted by award-winning music journalist and leading voice Joey Akan, the show takes on new life this season with interviews featuring stars including Shallipopi, Nigerian-American rapper Wale, and Tec (Wale Davies) of Show Dem Camp, amongst many more.
Afrobeats Intelligence has always been a space where the politics, the behind-the-scenes realities, the drive, the business, and the vulnerability of an entire continent putting its entertainment dreams into the global music industry could be discussed with honesty and openness. Joey Akan has led these conversations with care and expertise that can only be gained through doing the work. The show has been home to some of the most viral moments in music: Tiwa Savage spoke candidly about what it means to be a woman in the industry and the difficult financial expectations that come with fame; Lanre Masha of Sony delivered uncomfortable truths about the state of the business; Donawon revealed that he bet his last $500 on Tems; and Timaya broke down his twenty-year music journey, with humble beginnings going door-to-door asking people to play his music.
Indeed, Afrobeats Intelligence has consistently chronicled the stories, journeys, pain, turmoil, and triumphs of the most impactful players in the Nigerian and African music space, from artists themselves to video directors to studio executives. The show has stood as the destination for the truth of what goes on behind the scenes and what it will take to build an industry of our own
On Season Five, host Joey Akan says, “In the last season of Afrobeats Intelligence, we sat with some of Africa’s most important voices – artists, culture builders, and executives – breaking down how Afrobeats really works. This new season goes deeper. Bigger conversations, sharper stories, and more access to the people who are building the future and sound of African music on a global scale.”
For Season Five, the show is once again presented by OkayAfrica and officially sponsored by Martell. The season’s lineup includes Shallipopi, Wale, Sarz, Ladipoe, Kcee, Joshua Baraka, BOJ, Aniko, Dr. Sid, Jyde Ajala, Tec (of Show Dem Camp), Winny, Magixx, and Alhaji Popping, amongst many more.
Afrobeats Intelligence first partnered with OkayAfrica for season four, a collaboration born of an aligned vision that yielded extraordinary results. The season debuted to rave reviews and engaged audiences, ultimately reaching millions of listeners and viewers across the globe. Season Five goes deeper and wider, and is available on YouTube as well as all major music streaming and podcast services.
On the continued partnership, Isha Sesay, CEO of Areya Media, parent company of OkayAfrica, says, “We are absolutely delighted to continue this journey alongside Joey. It is an honor to work with Africa’s leading voices, of which Joey stands tall. We have always worked to present our people, our stories, and our music with truth and dignity, providing world-class production and the full force of the Areya Media team behind all of our projects. In 2026, we will continue to support the infrastructure and investment behind Africa’s leading voices. It is work that is paramount, and that we at Areya are proud to be a part of.”
Season Five of Afrobeats Intelligence is streaming now on YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Follow the conversation: Instagram @OkayAfrica, X @OkayAfrica
