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What does the future of Nigeria look like for the generation that will live with its consequences? On this episode of The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, Femi Makx sits down with Nigerian activist Aisha Yesufu for a wide ranging conversation about Nigerian youths, Nigeria at 66, activism, leadership, culture, civic participation and the future of Nigeria. Known for her outspoken advocacy and role in major civic movements in Nigeria, Aisha Yesufu shares her perspective on the generation coming of age in today’s Nigeria. She discusses why she believes Nigerian youths are doing more than they are often given credit for, the opportunities created by technology and social media, the challenges inherited from previous generations, and why young Nigerians must refuse to sell themselves short. The conversation also explores Nigeria’s political future and 2027, including youth participation, voting, protecting the vote, leadership and the responsibility of young Nigerians to play an active role in shaping the country they will spend their lives in. Aisha also reflects on #EndSARS, activism, generational divisions, tribalism, religion, identity and the need for young Nigerians to imagine and build a different Nigeria. But this is still The Artiste Hangout. Femi Makx takes the conversation beyond music to explore the culture, ideas, people and social forces shaping the world around us. Because music does not exist in isolation from the society that creates it, and the stories of the people shaping Nigeria deserve a space beyond the usual headlines. From Nigerian music and youth culture to activism, identity, leadership and social change, this episode asks a simple but important question: What happens when the generation that inherited Nigeria decides it must dare to build its own? The Generation That Must Dare with Aisha Yesufu. #AishaYesufu #TheArtisteHangout #FemiMakx #NigerianYouths #NigeriaAt66 #Nigeria2027 #NigerianYouth #Nigeria #Activism #EndSARS #YouthLeadership #NigerianPolitics #YouthCulture #NigerianMusic #SocialChange

Seyi Vibez is turning up the volume. On this episode of The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we take a closer look at SWAGGU, Seyi Vibez’s latest album and one of the biggest talking points in Nigerian music right now. Across 14 tracks, SWAGGU captures an artiste exploring ambition, success, love, faith, identity, street culture and a growing global reach. From the opening track VOLUME to ILOME, GTA, BACK 2 U, PANSA and the Quavo assisted title track SWAGUU, the project gives us different sides of Seyi Vibez while keeping his Nigerian identity firmly at the centre. We look beyond the headlines and streaming numbers to examine the music itself, Seyi Vibez’s evolution, the role of Burna Boy as executive producer, the significance of Quavo’s only feature on the album and the different sounds and ideas that shape SWAGGU. VOLUME also gives us an interesting starting point. The album opener has emerged as one of the project’s biggest early performers, while other songs including ILOME, GTA and BACK 2 U continue to make strong appearances across Nigeria’s streaming charts. And the numbers are difficult to ignore. SWAGGU crossed 50 million Spotify streams within six days of release, with every song on the album surpassing one million Spotify streams. The project has also placed multiple tracks high on Spotify Nigeria’s Top 50. (Album Talks) But this episode is not simply about numbers. It is about understanding why Seyi Vibez remains such an important part of the conversation around contemporary Nigerian music, how his sound continues to evolve and what SWAGGU tells us about the next stage of his career. And while we are having that conversation, The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx is growing too. We have now crossed 25,000 total plays on Spotify. From conversations around the biggest names and stories in African music to independent breakdowns of albums, artistes, culture and the ideas shaping the industry, The Artiste Hangout continues to build an audience across borders. The podcast has also recorded international chart appearances, including placements in the Music Interviews category across South Africa, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates. (Rephonic) This is why we keep having these conversations. Not simply to tell you what to listen to, but to ask better questions about the music, the artistes behind it and the culture surrounding it. SWAGGU BY SEYI VIBEZ AND THE VOLUME OF HIS EVOLUTION Listen now and join the conversation. The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx Seyi Vibez
SWAGGU
VOLUME
ILOME
GTA
BACK 2 U
Quavo
Burna Boy
Nigerian music
Afrobeats
Street pop
Afropop
Nigerian artistes
African music
Music analysis
The Artiste Hangout
Femi Makx

Ayra Starr and ZAYN come together on “Heaven Baby,” a collaboration that is quietly becoming one of the most talked-about songs from Ayra Starr’s Starrgirl era. But what exactly makes Heaven Baby stand out? In this episode of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we take a closer look at Ayra Starr and ZAYN’s unexpected musical pairing, the song’s emotional pull, its softer sound, the vulnerability in its lyrics, and why listeners appear to be connecting with it differently from some of the bigger, louder records around it. From Ayra Starr’s Afrobeats identity to ZAYN’s pop and R&B influence, “Heaven Baby” sits at an interesting intersection of African music and global pop. We also look at the song’s growing conversation across social media, its TikTok appeal, and why some songs do not need to be the loudest to leave the biggest impression. Is “Heaven Baby” an underrated Ayra Starr song? Is the Ayra Starr and ZAYN collaboration working because of its simplicity? And why does this particular song feel so personal to listeners? Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx goes beyond the lyrics and the vibes to explore the music, culture, ideas and conversations shaping today’s artists and the African music industry. Listen, share and join the conversation. #AyraStarr #ZAYN #HeavenBaby #AyraStarrZAYN #Starrgirl #Afrobeats #Afropop #AfrobeatsPodcast #MusicPodcast #MusicReview #NigerianMusic #ArtisteHangout #FemiMakx

What happens when Nigeria’s biggest music stars, celebrity influence and the realities of politics collide? In this compelling episode of The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, Abisola Omoyeni sits down with Omoyele Sowore for a thought-provoking conversation about Davido, the Osun election, Nigerian artistes in politics, celebrity influence, youth participation and the growing intersection between Afrobeats and Nigerian politics. Abisola Omoyeni is a multi-talented Nigerian media professional known for her work across broadcast journalism, content production, digital storytelling and writing. A first-class graduate of the prestigious University of Ibadan, she brings a sharp, thoughtful and deeply engaging perspective to this conversation. At the centre of the episode is the increasingly important question of artistes and politics in Nigeria. What happens when millions of young Nigerians look to musicians not only for entertainment, but also for opinions on elections, leadership and society? How much political influence should celebrities wield? Can artistes use their platforms to encourage voter education, civic participation, political awareness and accountability? And where should the line be drawn between celebrity endorsement and informed political engagement? Sowore also speaks on Davido and the Osun political conversation, opening up a wider debate about fame, influence, political power and the responsibility that comes with having one of the largest youth audiences in Nigeria. This is more than a conversation about Davido or the Osun election. It is a conversation about Nigeria’s entertainment industry, Afrobeats, celebrity culture, Nigerian democracy, young voters and the political power of influence. And The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx continues to take the conversation beyond Nigeria. The podcast is currently charting across 39 Apple Podcasts and iTunes charts internationally, with appearances across markets including Nigeria, Egypt, Malta, Côte d’Ivoire, Angola, Uganda, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, India, Qatar, New Zealand, Tanzania, Senegal, Greece, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates and more. From music and culture to the issues shaping the future of young Nigerians, The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx continues to create space for conversations that matter. If you are interested in Davido, Omoyele Sowore, Abisola Omoyeni, Osun politics, Nigerian politics, artistes in politics, Afrobeats, celebrity influence, youth politics, Nigerian elections and the future of democracy in Nigeria, this is an episode you should not miss. Listen, share and join the conversation. Hosted by Femi Makx, with Abisola Omoyeni. #ArtisteHangout #FemiMakx #AbisolaOmoyeni #OmoyeleSowore #Davido #OsunElection #OsunPolitics #NigerianPolitics #ArtistesInPolitics #Afrobeats #CelebrityPolitics #CelebrityInfluence #YouthPolitics #NigerianYouth #NigerianElection #Nigeria #NigerianDemocracy #MusicAndPolitics #DavidoPolitics

Rema is back with “TEA”, and this time, he isn’t trying to tell you a complicated story. He’s flirting. He’s flexing. He’s talking about attraction. And he keeps coming back to one word: TEA. But is there actually more to the song than that? In this episode of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, Femi Makx breaks down Rema’s latest release and asks whether listeners are sometimes guilty of expecting too much from artists they admire. Because when it comes to Rema, every new song seems to invite a bigger conversation. Is this a new era? Is he making a statement? Is there a hidden meaning? Is he experimenting with a new sound? But what if “TEA” is simply Rema having fun? The song is direct and unapologetic, built around desire, confidence and a playful use of language. “Tea” becomes more than just a word for the woman Rema is describing. It also carries the familiar cultural meaning of something hot, something people want to talk about, something that catches attention. And then there is the production. “TEA” is produced by Mustard, bringing one of America’s most recognisable modern producers into Rema’s latest musical moment. That collaboration alone makes the record worth paying attention to, especially as Afrobeats continues to blur the boundaries between Nigerian pop and global sounds. Femi Makx looks beyond the obvious and asks a bigger question: Does every Rema song need to mean something profound? Maybe “TEA” is not trying to change the culture. Maybe it is not trying to redefine Rema. Maybe it is simply a swagger record, a party record and a record designed to live in the moment. And perhaps that is enough. This is Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx. A podcast where we go beyond the lyrics, beyond the vibes, and into the ideas, culture and conversations behind the music. Listen to the full reaction and join the conversation. #Rema #TEA #RemaTEA #FemiMakx #ArtisteHangout #RemaTeaReaction #Afrobeats #Afropop #NigerianMusic #AfrobeatsPodcast #MusicPodcast #Mustard #Rema2026 #NigerianMusic #AfrobeatsCulture

Everyone’s arguing about whether Tyla should’ve cancelled her Lagos show. Femi Makx aka Oluwafemi Makanjuola is asking a different question: what happens when this becomes the new normal? In one week, Tyla’s Nigeria concert disappeared, Ayra Starr got denied entry into South Africa, and a Nigerian senator called for visa retaliation against South African artists. Three separate headlines. One pattern. In this solo breakdown, Femi traces where this is actually heading, and why the artists caught in the middle might be the first casualties of a crisis they didn’t create. Amapiano is in every Nigerian playlist. Afrobeats runs through South African clubs. That relationship is now on the clock. 🎙️ New episode of The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx. Listen now.

I covered the Oyo State meth lab bust: billions in drugs, five suspects, a Mexican trafficking expert arrested. It got me thinking about a different side of Nigeria’s drug problem, one law enforcement can’t touch. For most young Nigerians, drugs weren’t first understood on the streets. They were first heard in a song. On this episode of The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, I sat down with Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA, to talk about drugs, music, and Nigeria’s entertainment industry. I asked him directly: Are artists responsible for glorifying drug use in their lyrics? Do celebrities get protected from arrest while smaller, independent artists take the fall? Can an artist battling addiction trust the NDLEA enough to ask for help without being exposed? And does using drugs actually make anyone more creative, or is that the biggest lie in the music industry? His answers reveal a side of the NDLEA most Nigerians never hear about, including a confidential rehabilitation program that has treated Nigerian celebrities without their names ever going public. This episode covers Afrobeats, addiction, fame, drug culture, youth influence, and the NDLEA’s real approach to Nigeria’s entertainment industry, straight from the agency’s own Director of Media and Advocacy. Topics: NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, Afrobeats, drug addiction, Nigerian music industry, youth culture, rehabilitation, Femi Makx, The Artiste Hangout

The World Cup anthem conversation is already heating up and this time, it’s global superstar Shakira alongside Afrobeats giant Burna Boy at the center of it all. In this episode of The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we break down the possibility of Burna Boy and Shakira delivering a FIFA anthem that could dominate the world stage ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Can any song ever match the energy and legacy of Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)? Is nostalgia making fans too harsh on newer World Cup songs? And why does Burna Boy’s involvement feel like another huge moment for Afrobeats globally? From fan reactions to music expectations, global culture, football vibes, and what makes a World Cup anthem truly timeless, this episode dives deep into the conversation everyone is already talking about. #BurnaBoy #Shakira #FIFA2026 #WorldCupAnthem #WakaWaka #Afrobeats #FootballCulture #TheArtisteHangout #FemiMakx #SpotifyPodcasts #PodcastNigeria #TrendingNow #MusicPodcast #WorldCup #BurnaBoyPodcast

Asake is set to release his fourth studio album M$NEY, and the anticipation across Afrobeats is already building. In this episode of The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we break down everything to expect from the M$NEY album before it drops on May 1st, 2026. This is a full prediction episode focused on the sound, direction, and impact of Asake’s next move. From the marble-inspired artwork to the 13-track lineup under Giran Republic with EMPIRE distribution, the rollout already signals intention. We take a closer look at key collaborations, including DJ Snake on “Worship,” Tiakola on “Badman Gangsta,” and Kabza De Small on “Asambe,” and what they could bring to the overall sound of the project. The conversation dives into Asake’s signature Afrobeats style, from heavy percussion and Fuji influences to Yoruba elements and street pop energy. We also explore the likely themes behind M$NEY, including prosperity, hustle, faith, resilience, and legacy building, all of which have become central to his identity as an artiste. Femi Makx shares clear predictions on standout tracks, chart performance, and viral potential, especially around “Worship,” and how this album could further define Asake’s position in the global Afrobeats conversation. The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx continues to grow as a leading Afrobeats and Nigerian music podcast, charting in over 30 countries across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The podcast has reached Top 10 in multiple regions and Top 30 in Nigeria’s Music Interviews category on Apple Podcasts, with strong performance on Spotify. It currently sits within the Top 1% of podcasts globally, reflecting its growing influence in African music conversations. If you’re following Afrobeats, Nigerian artistes, or the business behind the music, this episode gives you a clear, grounded perspective before the album drops.

ACL 2.0 just landed and the streets are on fire. Blaqbonez didn’t just reply — he VIOLATED Odumodublvck again. After Odumodu allegedly bought the beat and took down the original ACL (a track that refused to die and was already pulling serious numbers), Blaqbonez came back with a fresh beat, sharper delivery, and that calculated mix of shots and “big bro” talk that has fans saying they actually felt bad for him. In this episode of The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we get into: • How the beef jumped from subliminals to full beat-buying drama • The exact moments in ACL 2.0 where Blaqbonez applies pressure and shifts tone • Why that “advice” angle is hitting harder than the insults • Was taking the song down a smart move or the moment this slipped out of Odumodu’s control Blaqbonez refused to let the moment die — and this version feels like the one that might haunt Odumodublvck for life. Now it’s on the table. Did Blaq cook twice or is Odumodu loading something bigger? Team Blaq or Team OD?

Adekunle Gold and Olamide finally link up on Formation, one of the most talked-about Afrobeats releases of 2026. In this episode of The Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we break down Formation, the long-awaited collaboration between two YBNL Nation alumni, and why this full-circle moment hits deeper than just music. From the sound and production to the chemistry between Adekunle Gold and Olamide, this is a full breakdown of what makes Formation stand out in today’s Afrobeats scene. If you’re following new Afrobeats music, Nigerian artists, and major collaborations, this episode gives you the full context behind the record and why it matters now.

Tomorrow, April 3, 2026, Omah Lay drops his sophomore album Clarity of Mind. In this prediction episode of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we explore the 12-track project, its themes of emotional clarity, vulnerability, and growth, and what the lead singles like “Don’t Love Me,” “Waist,” and “Holy Ghost” tell us about the full body of work. With intimate warehouse listening sessions already creating huge buzz and strong production continuity from Tempoe, this could be Omah Lay’s most focused and mature statement yet. What are your predictions? Which track are you most excited for? Join the conversation after you listen on April 3. #OmahLay #ClarityOfMind #Afrobeats2026 #ArtisteHangout

Why do some songs vanish after a few weeks while others quietly define generations? In this masterclass episode of The Artiste Hangout Podcast with Femi Makx, we dissect the DNA of the 1998 masterpiece “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls — a song that refuses to die. Beyond the nostalgia, we peel back the layers: its haunting mandolin-driven arrangement, the emotional pull of its 6/8 time signature, and the raw, vulnerable songwriting that has kept it charting for nearly three decades. Released on April 1, 1998, for the City of Angels soundtrack, “Iris” became the most-streamed song of the entire 1990s in the US in 2025 (337.9 million streams according to Luminate), has surpassed 3 billion streams on Spotify, and continues trending strongly in 2026 thanks to organic moments in Deadpool & Wolverine, the series Shrinking, and viral TikTok nostalgia. But why should the Afrobeats generation care? As the Nigerian music industry matures from “viral moments” to building “global legacies,” Femi Makx draws a provocative parallel between this Alternative Rock classic and the future of African sound. We explore: • The “Iris” Blueprint: How unconventional composition and emotional permanence can outlast any trend. • Songwriting vs. Vibes: Why Nigerian artistes must move beyond catchy hooks to intelligent, evergreen storytelling — the kind that secures long-term royalties and generational impact. • The Sonic Bridge: Lessons in cross-genre appeal that can elevate Afrobeats from the dancefloor to timeless catalogues and international Hall of Fame recognition. • The Power of Intelligent Lyrics: Why well-thought-out, honest songwriting beats rushed studio sessions every single time. Whether you’re an upcoming artiste recording on a budget or a established act chasing the next big wave, this episode challenges you to create music that doesn’t just trend — it endures. The Artiste Hangout Podcast with Femi Makx is ranked in the Top 10% of podcasts globally and has charted in over 128 countries. Having recently peaked at #3 on the Apple Music Interview charts in Ghana and trended across 116 countries on Spotify, Femi Makx continues to bridge technical artistry with real-world industry wisdom. Join the conversation that’s shaping the next era of African music excellence. Listen now and start building your own evergreen legacy.

Asake is trending globally after viral clips emerged of him performing Umrah in Mecca during Ramadan. In the videos, the Afrobeats superstar navigates massive crowds around the Kaaba, touches the Black Stone, and spends deeply personal moments in prayer inside Masjid al-Haram. Fans across X, TikTok, and Instagram are calling him “Alhaji Ahmed Ololade,” celebrating his humility, faith, and the gratitude energy he radiates. This moment connects directly to his unreleased track fans know as “Praise Be to God”, “Worship”, or “Alhamdulillah”. In this solo episode of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, I unpack: • The viral Mecca Umrah clips and why they’re dominating social media • Fan reactions and the trending #Alhamdulillahi movement • Lyrics and themes from live previews (Jo’burg, Red Bull Symphonic, IG snippets) • How the pilgrimage mirrors the song’s core message of faith, gratitude, and humility • Production insights, choir layers, amapiano influence, and potential international collaborations • Updated predictions for the track’s release, chart performance, TikTok virality, and its impact on Asake’s artistic evolution Whether you’re a fan of Afrobeats, exploring spiritual crossover tracks, or following the latest music trends, this episode highlights why “Praise Be to God” could become a timeless anthem for the streets, churches, mosques, and global diaspora alike. About the Host & Podcast Oluwafemi Makanjuola is a broadcast producer, reporter, and the host of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, a platform that explores music beyond entertainment. The podcast critically examines how artists and their work reflect the cultural, social, and economic forces shaping contemporary Africa. Available in over 128 countries, and charting top on Apple Podcasts in multiple regions, the show is recognized for insightful analysis, real conversations, and celebrating artistry in context. Listen and Subscribe Stream the episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Don’t forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and share with fellow music enthusiasts to keep up with the latest in Naija music culture, Afrobeats, and unreleased tracks. #Asake #Alhamdulillahi #PraiseBeToGod #WorshipAsake #Afrobeats #NaijaMusic #UnreleasedAsake #SpiritualAfrobeats #Ramadan2026 #AsakeNewSong #ArtisteHangout #FemiMakx #GlobalAfrobeats #MusicAnalysis #NaijaCulture #ApplePodcastsTopCharts

For decades, Africa’s global story has been defined by commodities such as oil, gold, cocoa, and minerals. But today another force is reshaping the narrative. Culture. In this episode of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we explore a question gaining global attention. Is culture now Africa’s most powerful export? From the global rise of Afrobeats to the worldwide reach of Nollywood, African creativity is influencing music charts, film platforms, fashion, and digital culture. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, and Rema are pulling billions of streams across the world, while African stories continue to expand their audience on platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video. Beyond entertainment, the African creative economy is growing rapidly. Analysts project the sector could approach 200 billion dollars in value by 2030, creating millions of opportunities for young creatives across music, film, fashion, and media. But can culture rival traditional exports? Can creativity become one of Africa’s strongest economic forces? In this episode, Oluwafemi Makanjuola, broadcast producer, reporter, and host of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, unpacks the numbers, the global influence, and the deeper shift happening in how Africa is seen and heard around the world. The episode explores both the opportunities and the structural challenges shaping the future of African creativity. Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx continues to spotlight the voices, ideas, and industry conversations driving Africa’s entertainment and creative industries forward.