400k+ Views, Industry Shifts, and Stories Still Worth Telling.
Gyakie, Joeboy, Timaya — Now Donawon… And We’re Still Just Getting Started.
Hey family,
I’m writing this with a heart full of gratitude and a to-do list that looks like a mixtape tracklist. But we’re here.
Afrobeats Intelligence just crossed 400,000 views on OkayAfrica’s YouTube. That’s not a viral moment. That’s consistent storytelling. That’s community. That’s every single one of you who tuned in, shared, commented, and argued passionately in the DMs about whether Timaya is the GOAT or just your uncle’s GOAT.
Let’s take a quick victory lap, shall we?
We kicked off Season 4 with:
Gyakie – the Afro-fusion artist with poise, purpose, and pipes. Gyakie opened up about the emotional and artistic evolution behind her new album, After Midnight, and how she’s learning to carry her father’s legacy while carving a distinct lane of her own. She speaks candidly about navigating the pressures of fame, the complexity of being labeled a "nepo baby," and her deep desire to earn everything on her own merit.
Joeboy – who broke down his peaceful transition from emPawa Records, launching Young Legend, learning from Mr. Eazi, and building a loyal fan community that goes far beyond hit songs.
And then… Timaya. Listen — Timaya’s episode should be bottled and taught in cultural anthropology classes. The man broke down longevity like a sermon. The ego, the reinvention, the mistakes, the money, the grace — all of it. That wasn’t just an interview; that was a masterclass in survival and legacy.
These aren’t just podcasts. They’re archives.
Where to Watch (And Listen)
Right now, our YouTube presence is split between two channels — don’t let the algorithm confuse you:
Afrobeats Intelligence’s YouTube channel has all the snippets and clips — perfect for quick gems and shareable moments.
But for the full video episodes, head to OkayAfrica’s YouTube. That’s where the full sauce lives — uncut, unfiltered, and in high-definition.
Audio-wise, we're sorting out a little back-end reshuffle. The podcast is still up on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, so you’re good there. If you’ve been searching on Audiomack or Boomplay and came up blank — we feel you. It’s temporary. We’re rerouting things to get back on track across all platforms. Thanks for your patience.
What You’ll Get From Us (Now and Going Forward)
The Afrobeats Intelligence newsletter is more than podcast updates. Expect:
Culture-shifting African music news
Behind-the-scenes breakdowns of the business
Hot takes that don’t come from bots
And maybe a few voice notes disguised as essays
On IG and X, the energy stays the same: sneak peeks, unfiltered moments, and all the in-between that doesn’t make the final cut but makes the story better.
Up Next — This Friday, May 30
Muyiwa “Donawon” Awoniyi is in the building.
If you’ve ever tweeted “Afrobeats to the World” without really knowing what it costs to get there, this is the episode you need. Muyiwa is the man behind Omah Lay and Tems’ rise. A global thinker, a spiritual strategist, and a manager who knows that success without purpose is just noise.
We talked faith, systems, mental health, and the beauty of long-term vision in a short-attention-span industry. It’s not just a conversation — it’s a meditation on what this game could be if we did it with more intention.
Set your reminders. Season 4’s latest episode drops Friday, May 30.
Let’s keep building this thing — loud, layered, and unapologetic.
— Joey A.
Hi Joey, would you consider having Kevin Boayke on? I know it won't do numbers but it would be interesting to here his take on seeing African music gain traction in foreign markets as a returnee. Would love to know why he chose to focus on building the ecosystem on the continent instead of enmeshing himself in far more developed and lucrative industry. I mean why take the risk.