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AUNTY'S SCULPTURE COLLECTION A limited collection by Anthony Azekwoh x Afropolitan. 200 pieces. Application only. Apply here: https://formless.ai/c/q1GB9jAzOWTr Africa is frequently framed as a land of "potential," but what if the foundation of its security is fundamentally broken? In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Nwachukwu, the 22-year-old founder of Terra, who recently raised $11.75M from Silicon Valley giants like 8VC and Palantir's Joe Lonsdale. Nathan isn't just building drones — he's reframing the entire geopolitical future of the continent through Sovereign Intelligence. From surviving a near-death experience at 15 to building a multi-million dollar defense prime, Nathan breaks down why Africa must stop relying on foreign intelligence handouts, why the smartest minds are "wasting their time" on SaaS, and how first-principles thinking is the only way to spark a true African Industrial Revolution. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro: Africa's $55B security market 1:17 - Does age matter when you've raised $11.75M? 2:11 - Biggest misconception about African defense 4:50 - What is sovereign intelligence? 6:55 - Why Africans should build hardware 9:43 - Why physics matters for Africa's future 11:33 - Security as the foundation — first principles 15:05 - Fundraising: African vs. Silicon Valley investors 17:15 - Why Silicon Valley understood first 20:16 - The $11.75M round — Joe Lonsdale leads 24:01 - US retrenchment & Africa's opportunity 28:33 - What happens when infrastructure is attacked 34:15 - Why engineers shouldn't waste time on apps 37:57 - Energy, communications, food — what needs builders 41:49 - Globalization vs. sovereign capability 48:51 - The near-death experience at 15 52:05 - "I'm scared of dying a nobody" 55:45 - What kind of person thrives at Terra 1:00:04 - Nathan's goal: Industrialize Nigeria 1:03:37 - Why Terra manufactures in Africa 1:07:45 - "Biggest company or biggest failure" 1:10:35 - Closing government contracts in Africa 1:16:30 - Rapid Fire 1:20:49 - How Russia-Ukraine changed everything SPONSORS: Vban - Made for Remote Work. Built for Africa. Use code AFROPOLITAN: https://vban.com Risevest - Dollar-denominated investments in stocks, real estate & fixed income: https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan Convo - Book 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers: https://convo.vip/ WHERE TO FIND NATHAN: Twitter/X: https://x.com/_kingnath Terra: https://x.com/terrahaptix Website: https://www.terraindustries.co/ LISTEN TO MORE: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 HOSTED BY: Eche Emole — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/ Chika Uwazie — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/ STAY CONNECTED: Twitter/X: https://x.com/afropolitan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ Website: https://www.afropolitan.io Newsletter: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter Community: https://afropolitan.io/community

Iyanya sat down with The Afropolitan Podcast for one of the most raw, unfiltered conversations we've ever had. 17 years in the music industry. Project Fame winner. The man behind Kukere. And still here — still evolving. This episode covers longevity, reinvention, faith, fame, loss, addiction, therapy, and the real business behind building a lasting career in African music. Iyanya opens up about staying authentic, navigating superstardom, the moment Kukere almost didn't happen, financial mistakes during his peak years, and healing after losing his father, mother, and brother in two years. A masterclass on resilience, growth, and what it truly takes to survive and evolve while protecting your peace. Subscribe for more conversations documenting Black brilliance, culture, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora. 🔗 Follow Iyanya IG: https://www.instagram.com/iyanya X: https://x.com/iyanya 🔗 Follow Afropolitan IG: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast X: https://x.com/afropolitan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation Web: https://www.afropolitan.io Community: https://afropolitan.io/join 🎧 Listen Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU 💼 Sponsors VBan (use code AFROPOLITAN): https://vban.com Inverroche Gin: https://www.inverroche.com Risevest: https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan Convo by Afropolitan: https://convo.vip 🎨 AUNTY'S SCULPTURE COLLECTION Anthony Azekwoh x Afropolitan. 200 pieces. Application only: https://formless.ai/c/q1GB9jAzOWTr TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro: Talk-singing vs. real singing 00:38 – Loss, betrayal, and rebirth 02:18 – Welcome 02:40 – Being original and authentic 03:52 – First US tour (2013) 05:17 – American vs. Nigerian fans 06:30 – Advice to younger artists on fame 07:53 – The business of music 08:24 – The importance of guidance 10:05 – Falling out and reconciling with Ubi 11:04 – Creative freedom vs. business 13:30 – Growth from Project Fame to now 14:46 – The R&B side of Iyanya 16:17 – "You're singing it too much" 18:02 – Why African artists must adapt 20:18 – New album and his father's legacy 20:44 – Losing his father, winning Project Fame 22:15 – Mentorship from elder artists 24:26 – Sound Sultan's advice 26:08 – Doing TikToks and staying humble 26:55 – Fame as addiction 30:04 – Timeline grief and healing 31:23 – Losing three family members in two years 33:03 – Thoughts on therapy and faith 34:00 – Healing through prayer 38:59 – Cash flow lessons from peak years 39:37 – Ownership, investments, legacy 41:25 – Government appointment in Cross River 43:09 – Afrobeats going global 46:27 – Early US tours and empty venues 49:27 – Why artists need teams 53:19 – The real story behind Kukere 55:02 – Almost quitting before Kukere 59:24 – Ghana's role in Kukere blowing up 1:01:03 – Trusting your partner's vision 1:02:51 – Competition vs. collaboration 1:04:42 – Tekno's work ethic 1:06:47 – Surviving the Dana Air crash 1:08:58 – Relationships, privacy, fame 1:12:10 – Celibacy and honesty in dating 1:16:41 – Longevity in music 1:18:12 – Legacy toast 1:20:13 – Rapid fire questions 1:22:38 – Who's next: Moter Black & Seyi Vibez

AUNTY'S SCULPTURE COLLECTION A limited collection by Anthony Azekwoh x Afropolitan. 200 pieces. Application only. Apply here: https://formless.ai/c/q1GB9jAzOWTr $750,000 became $40 million in six years. That's what happens when you stop betting on Africa's "potential" — and start betting on what's already working. Ibrahim Sagna managed $37 billion at Africa Eximbank. Then he left to build Silverbacks Holdings. 10 exits since 2019. Flutterwave at 24x. Lemfi at 29x. Moov at 5.1x. His thesis? Possible → Probable → Inevitable. In this episode, we break down why Africa has been profitable for centuries, why capital has always known it, and why founders and investors are finally structuring exits that prove it. From colonial extraction to modern venture capital. From seven cars to forty thousand. From early-stage angels to billion-dollar platforms. We cover how African startups move from possible to inevitable, why distribution beats raw talent, and why storytelling is one of the most undervalued assets on the continent. For founders, operators, investors, and anyone tired of hearing that Africa is still "loading." It's not. About Ibrahim Sagna Ibrahim Sagna is Executive Chairman of Silverbacks Holdings, a private investment firm allocating capital across tech, entertainment, and sports. Since 2019, the firm has delivered 10 profitable exits. Before Silverbacks, Ibrahim spent 26 years at Africa Eximbank running the investment banking division. He also hosts the In The Valley podcast. Landmark investments include Moove — a global mobility fintech backed by Uber, operating in 29+ cities across five continents — and Wave Mobile Money, backed by Stripe. FOLLOW THE GUEST Ibrahim Sagna Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahimsagna?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Instagram –  https://www.instagram.com/ibrahimsagna?igsh=em56c2pzZmlreWhx Twitter -  https://x.com/ibrahimsagna?s=21&t=g8hW-h3DHs2_PEEsZXCnvw Silverbacks Holdings Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/silverbacks-holdings_work-hard-activity-7224762396614000640-po9Z?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios In the Valley Youtube - https://youtube.com/@in_thevalley?si=U9bElCNHygbokIwP In the Valley Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/in.the_valley?igsh=NDhlZ2NlaWdpdGl0 FOLLOW AFROPOLITAN Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast    LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/  Website: https://www.afropolitan.io Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/community Get email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter  Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585   SPONSORED BY VBan – Borderless banking for Africa’s digital workforce  Use code AFROPOLITAN → https://vban.com Inverroche Gin – South Africa’s premium craft gin blending heritage botanicals with innovation https://www.inverroche.com Risevest – Invest globally in dollar-denominated stocks, real estate & fixed income https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afrop... Convo by Afropolitan – Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers https://convo.vip TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Why Africa is not “potential” 01:25 Why colonization proves long term value 02:01 Capital extraction then and now 02:56 The Silverbacks Holdings thesis explained 03:57 How African founders scale globally 04:52 From luck to preparation in venture 05:51 Possible vs Probable vs Inevitable 07:41 How SPVs create focused conviction 08:40 Why global expansion signals inevitability 10:06 Real exit multiples from African startups 11:05 Liquidity as a storytelling engine 12:32 From likable to adored brands 13:56 Why Apple behaves like a religion 15:21 Elevating African companies through narrative 17:19 How secondary exits actually work 18:46 Inside the Move investment story 21:41 Solving Uber’s real problem 24:34 Distribution as the real moat 27:08 From seven cars to 40,000 29:04 Becoming a truly global company 30:30 Brands that achieved cultural dominance 33:22 Why African culture is always exported 38:13 Building IP in film and media 39:16 Finding a 1.6 billion person niche 41:12 Culture investing with global reach 45:00 What DFIs actually do 52:10 Why refining beats raw talent 56:41 Who controls the story controls value 59:37 Almost dying and staying uninterrupted 01:08:11 Finding your superpower 01:27:07 Why Africa has always been actual 01:31:01 The next generation sees no limits

In this episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Sofi, one of the most compelling African women creators shaping culture across the diaspora, to unpack the real cost of authenticity, freedom, and building a life on your own terms. Known online as The Odditty, Sofi opens up about choosing self expression over approval, walking away from expectations placed on African women, and turning her personality into a powerful platform. From viral moments to $25K brand deals, from being silenced to owning her voice, this is a raw, unfiltered conversation about identity, trauma, money, boundaries, and becoming unapologetically yourself. This is not an influencer highlight reel. This is a survival story. We talk about the African creator economy, monetising authenticity, being underestimated, navigating family pressure, womanhood in public, and why being different is no longer a weakness but an advantage. This episode explores: • Why being yourself often comes with backlash, loss, and resistance • How Sofi turned authenticity into real income and global opportunities • The hidden cost of being a woman online, especially as an African creator • Why African creators are finally winning and what most people missed • Identity, self worth, trauma, healing, and choosing freedom anyway If you are a creator, founder, artist, or anyone trying to live honestly in a world that rewards conformity, this conversation will stay with you. Welcome to The Afropolitan Podcast, where African stories are told with honesty, depth, and pride. Follow Sofi (The Odditty) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_odditty/ Website https://theodditty.com/ 🔗 Follow The Afropolitan Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast Twitter https://x.com/afropolitan LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation Website https://www.afropolitan.io Community https://afropolitan.io/join Newsletter https://afropolitan.io/newsletter Sponsored By VBan The borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforce Use code AFROPOLITAN https://vban.com Inverroche Gin South Africa’s premium craft gin https://www.inverroche.com Risevest Invest globally in dollar denominated stocks, real estate, and fixed income https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan Convo by Afropolitan Book 1 on 1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers https://convo.vip TIMESTAMPS 00:00: Intro 01:42 Why now is the best time to be an African creator 02:38 Telling African stories beyond suffering 03:06 Monetising being odd instead of fixing yourself 03:35 Blogging, early creation, and finding a voice 04:35 The first brand deals and learning your worth 05:28 How Sofi landed a $7,500 Home Depot deal 06:46 Why representation and visibility matter 07:15 What African parents expect versus reality 08:39 Sexual harassment and leaving Nigeria 10:59 Moving to America and unlearning shame 11:50 Viral moments and the birth of The Odditty 12:47 Choosing creativity over law school 14:16 Family pressure, money, and misunderstanding 15:44 Paying the price for freedom 16:43 Being ostracised for being yourself 18:06 Therapy, healing, and reclaiming power 19:30 Viral videos and what happens after 22:40 Why viral moments are not the goal 24:05 Building community over chasing attention 25:32 Boundaries, friendships, and creator burnout 28:41 Business boundaries and saying no 30:58 Being underestimated and weaponising softness 32:53 “She won’t last long” and proving them wrong 35:13 Creator politics, envy, and extraction 35:39 The business of content creation explained 38:28 Managers, agencies, and skin in the game 40:51 Why representation must work for you 44:00 The New York apartment controversy 45:52 The rat race and redefining success 47:44 Choosing freedom over lifestyle validation 50:43 Turning 30 and rewriting the dream 53:37 Race in America versus class in Nigeria 01:01:20 Why African creators would win faster at home 01:04:33 Lagos creator economy frustrations 01:07:41 Why Sofi started her podcast 01:10:28 Shame, sex, and breaking taboos 01:13:46 Processing trauma and delayed healing 01:16:33 Taking power back 01:19:40 Boundaries and self respect 01:21:34 Rapid fire questions 01:23:43 Who should be on the podcast next

Austin Avuru at Afropolitan Live | Building Institutions That Last in Africa AUNTY'S SCULPTURE COLLECTION A limited collection by Anthony Azekwoh x Afropolitan. 200 pieces. Application only. Apply here: https://formless.ai/c/q1GB9jAzOWTr In this episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Austin Avuru—Nigerian geologist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Seplat Petroleum—to explore what it really takes to build institutions that last in Africa. From his early years at NNPC to co-founding one of Nigeria's most successful indigenous energy companies, Austin shares a rare long-term perspective on discipline, governance, succession, and the hidden cost of success. This is not a hype story. It is a builder's story. We discuss why most African businesses collapse after the founder exits, why managing success is harder than starting from nothing, and why building in Nigeria is difficult but absolutely possible. 🔗 FOLLOW AFROPOLITAN Website – https://www.afropolitan.io Instagram – https://instagram.com/afropolitan Twitter – https://twitter.com/afropolitan Book 1:1 with Eche – https://convo.vip/echeemole Book 1:1 with Chika – https://convo.vip/chikauwazie SPONSORS VBan – Use code AFROPOLITAN → https://vban.com Inverroche Gin → https://www.inverroche.com Risevest → https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan Convo → https://convo.vip TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 0:45 What it really takes to build in Nigeria 1:36 Discipline, focus, and one step at a time 2:18 Would he still choose Nigeria today 2:48 Starting his career at NNPC 3:49 Founding Platform Petroleum 4:36 Co-founding Seplat and acquiring Shell assets 5:02 Why Seplat listed on the London Stock Exchange 5:14 "We listed to save the company from ourselves" 5:47 Managing success as the biggest risk 6:27 Why African companies don't survive founders 7:47 Why Platform Petroleum still exists today 8:27 What NNPC represented in the 1980s 10:08 Comparing NNPC to Saudi Aramco 11:06 Losing his father at age six 11:36 His mother's role in shaping resilience 12:59 Returning to his childhood school after 60 years 14:14 The missed opportunity to go abroad 17:49 Acquiring IOC assets with audacity 18:50 Negotiating directly with Shell 19:41 Convincing global investors 20:42 Almost failing the LSE listing 22:06 How trust unlocked approval 24:36 Rebuilding market confidence 25:54 Scaling from 22K to 100K barrels/day 27:00 Why scaling breaks businesses 29:00 Choosing the right partners 30:23 When to walk away 32:04 Why indigenous entrepreneurs must step up 35:47 What a family office really is 36:25 Why he refused to write a will 37:00 Structuring wealth to avoid conflict 40:09 Lessons from the Dangote refinery 44:08 Energy transition and Africa's right to develop 47:49 What a just transition really means 50:35 Wealth discipline and philanthropy 53:23 Advice to Africans in the diaspora 55:35 Why Afropolitan exists 57:30 Rapid fire 59:39 Biggest hiring mistake 1:00:10 Best business advice received 1:01:26 One word for the diaspora: "It's possible" 1:02:05 Leaders he wants to see next 1:03:22 Final reflections on legacy

Aunty’s is a limited sculpture collection by Anthony Azekwoh, released in collaboration with Afropolitan. We are placing 200 sculptures from the collection. Acquisition is by application only. This is not a traditional purchase. Each piece is placed intentionally. Applications can be submitted here: https://formless.ai/c/q1GB9jAzOWTr In this episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Anthony Azekwoh, a Nigerian visual artist and sculptor redefining how African memory, culture, and identity are preserved through art. This conversation introduces Aunty’s, a sculpture collection rooted in reclaiming African history after centuries of cultural theft — beginning with the looting of the Benin Bronzes in 1897. Rather than waiting for restitution, this episode explores what it means to rebuild African memory through ownership, craft, and contemporary creation. Anthony breaks down his creative process, from sketching and digital sculpting to producing physical sculptures in Nigeria using bronze, marble dust, and fiberglass. He reflects on the role of “aunties” as cultural archivists, the importance of joy and celebration in African storytelling, and why African homes can become modern museums. The conversation also goes deeper into Anthony’s personal journey. He speaks candidly about leaving university, navigating religious institutions, financial instability, NFT booms and crashes, payment barriers for African creatives, and what it took to rebuild after hitting financial rock bottom. This is a rare, unfiltered look at what it means to build art, business, and legacy from Africa — without permission. Legal Disclaimer: The opinions, statements, and views expressed by guests appearing on the Afropolitan Podcast are solely their own and do not represent the views, opinions, or positions of Afropolitan, its hosts, affiliates, or employees. Any claims or characterizations made by guests regarding third parties, including institutions or organizations, are the guest's personal opinions and should not be interpreted as statements of fact endorsed by this platform. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro & Teaser: Anthony on making his first million through prints 1:28 - Welcome & Introduction to the Aunties Sculpture Collection 1:47 - The History: 1897 Benin Bronze Looting & Cognitive Colonization 2:39 - Why Aunties Matter to African History 3:15 - Anthony Explains Why He Created the Aunties Collection 4:05 - The Design Philosophy: Circles, Triangles & Making African Shapes Iconic 5:06 - Creative Process: How an Idea Becomes a Sculpture 6:33 - Bringing Production Home to Nigeria (3D Printing & Bronze from Benin) 7:15 - "We Are Our Own Museums Now" - Art Living in Homes Worldwide 9:01 - Disconnection from African Art History & Discovering It Abroad 10:55 - What Anthony Wants People to Feel When They Own an Auntie 12:25 - Connecting the African Diaspora Through Art 13:04 - Playing Eternal Games with Eternal People 16:23 - Anthony's Origin Story: Starting as a Writer Who Taught Himself to Draw 16:50 - Why He Left Covenant University (The Full Story) 19:52 - Peak NFT Boom & Figuring Out How to Make Art a Living 24:28 - Emeka's Story: How He Got Himself Rejected from Faith Academy 31:06 - The Covenant University Experience & Institutional Control 35:39 - Biggest Misconceptions About Monetizing Art 37:16 - The Red Man Painting & First Million Naira Moment 38:45 - "You Can't Game the System" - Why Hit Paintings Can't Be Predicted 39:16 - How NFTs Changed Everything for African Artists 41:38 - Payment Rails Nightmare: PayPal Holding $10K for 6 Months 43:43 - Why Crypto is a Lifeline for African Creators 45:00 - Dad's Reaction to the Art Money Coming In 47:11 - The Sculpture Business Failure: Starting 2024 at -$20K 53:38 - Clearing 100 Million Naira by December 54:49 - Is Web3 Dead? (Anthony's Take) 56:06 - How Anthony Got Into NFTs & First Sale Story 59:57 - The Crypto Crash: Losing $20-30K Overnight 1:02:49 - Business Opportunities in the Art World 1:05:28 - Loneliness in Building an Art Business 1:11:14 - Rapid Fire Questions (Favorite Nigerian Dish, Mythical Figure, Books, Movies) 1:15:22 - "There's No Plan B" - Compounding on One Thing 1:15:48 - 50 Years From Now: "The Greatest Ever" 1:16:20 - Gatekeeping in the Art World 1:17:27 - Tattoo Stories & Parent Reactions 1:23:01 - Who Should Be on the Afropolitan Podcast? (Rema's recommendation)

Gaise Baba How a Gospel Song Went Viral Before Release Faith Discipline and the Untold Story of “No Turning Back” In this episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Gaise Baba, one of the most important voices shaping Afro Gospel, to unpack the real story behind how his song “No Turning Back” became a global movement before it was ever officially released. From organizing free concerts while broke, to navigating criticism from the church, personal grief, and long seasons of obscurity, Gaise Baba shares a raw and honest journey built on faith, discipline, and conviction. This conversation explores how preparation meets purpose when nobody is watching. We dive into: How “No Turning Back” went viral on TikTok and Instagram before release, and why timing mattered more than strategy The real economics of gospel music in Nigeria, and why African artists are quietly out earning Western counterparts Faith versus logic in creativity, business, and decision making The backlash around modern gospel music and how Gaise Baba stayed rooted through criticism What it really means to build while broke, unseen, and underestimated This episode goes beyond music. It is about identity, discipline, legacy, grief, and cultural influence. If you are a creator, artist, founder, or someone navigating purpose in a noisy world, this conversation will stay with you. Welcome to The Afropolitan Podcast, where African stories are told with honesty, depth, and pride. Follow Gaise Baba Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gaisebaba/  Subscribe to Afropolitan Podcast For more unfiltered conversations with Africa’s boldest builders and storytellers. Twitter – https://x.com/afropolitan Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ Website – https://www.afropolitan.io Join the Network State – https://afropolitan.io/join 🔗 Community – afropolitan.io/community Newsletter – afropolitan.io/newsletter  Sponsored by: VBan: The borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforce. Use code AFROPOLITAN to sign up → https://vban.com Inverroche Gin: South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation. Discover more → https://www.inverroche.com Risevest — Invest globally in dollar-denominated stocks, real estate & fixed income. Sign up → https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan Convo by Afropolitan — Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers. Visit https://convo.vip/ Listen Everywhere: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 Hosted by: Eche – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/ Chika – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/ 0:00 - Intro & Teaser 2:09 - How Gaise Baba Got Into Gospel Music 4:24 - Personal Faith Journey & Encounter at 18 5:57 - Navigating Criticism of Modern Gospel Sound 9:08 - The Light Up Movement: Free School Concerts 15:42 - Advice for Creators Building in Obscurity 18:27 - No Turning Back: The Viral Rollout Strategy 22:51 - The Song Blew Before It Was Released 25:00 - The Unlikely Collaboration with Lawrence Oyor 29:02 - Shooting the Music Video with 1,000+ Church Members 36:24 - How the Lawrence Oyor Collaboration Happened 41:02 - Understanding the Gospel Music Industry Economics 44:29 - Nigeria as the New Frontier for Worship Music 52:06 - Moving by Faith: Organizing Events with Nothing 57:05 - Lessons from Berklee College of Music 1:03:06 - Why Light Must Operate in Darkness 1:09:05 - Christians Need to Be at the Table 1:17:17 - Losing His Mom & Releasing No Turning Back 1:25:01 - The Spiritual Regiment That Prepared Him 1:26:12 - Advice for Young Men Finding Their Way Back to God 1:34:48 - Rapid Fire: Favorite Food, Gospel Song & Artists 1:38:28 - Who Should Be on the Podcast Next: Soji Labby

In this episode of Afropolitan Podcast, we sit with Tracy Nwapa, Nigerian entrepreneur, interior designer, and founder of Interior Culture by Obiageli, Slice Lagos, Pavilion a as she opens up about building culture, losing everything, and starting again in Lagos. From dominating Lagos nightlife during Detty December to navigating betrayal, co-founder conflict, and walking away from a business she built from the ground up, Tracy shares the unfiltered realities of hospitality, ownership, and resilience in Nigeria. We explore how Tracy went from media and broadcast journalism to interior design, restaurants, and nightlife, why hospitality is one of the hardest businesses in Lagos, and what it truly takes to build experiences that people remember. This conversation goes beyond nightlife. It’s about purpose, feminine leadership in male-dominated industries, building with integrity in broken systems, and why Nigeria still feels like home despite the chaos. If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, builder, or part of the African diaspora thinking about coming back home, this episode will challenge how you think about success, ownership, and resilience. Welcome to The Afropolitan Podcast where African stories are told with honesty, depth, and pride. 🔗 FOLLOW THE GUEST Tracy Nwapa Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ 🔗 FOLLOW AFROPOLITAN Website – https://www.afropolitan.io Instagram – https://instagram.com/afropolitan Twitter – https://twitter.com/afropolitan Community – https://afropolitan.io/community Newsletter – https://afropolitan.io/newsletter SPONSORED BY VBan – Borderless banking for Africa’s digital workforce Use code AFROPOLITAN → https://vban.com Inverroche Gin – South Africa’s premium craft gin blending heritage botanicals with innovation https://www.inverroche.com Risevest – Invest globally in dollar-denominated stocks, real estate & fixed income https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan Convo by Afropolitan – Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers https://convo.vip 0:00 - Introduction 2:00 - What People Get Wrong About Hospitality in Lagos 4:07 - How Tracy Dominated Lagos Last December 7:00 - Being a Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry 8:00 - How Tracy Stumbled Into Hospitality 11:28 - Advice for Diaspora Entrepreneurs Moving Back to Nigeria 15:04 - What Nigeria Offers That Nowhere Else Does 19:29 - Getting Into Interior Design Business 25:55 - The Interior Design Business Model in Nigeria 32:04 - Parents' Reaction to Her Success 33:37 - Co-Founder Conflict & Walking Away from Slice 42:57 - The Moment She Decided to Build Again 48:00 - The Role of Rage in Rebuilding 52:46 - Dealing with Betrayal from Staff 57:01 - The Fundraising Journey 1:00:32 - Introducing CUSP: Luxury West African Fine Dining 1:05:02 - Introducing FOMO: The Future of Nightlife 1:08:51 - Retirement Plans from the Nightlife Business 1:21:36 - Rapid Fire Questions 1:29:06 - Meeting FOMO Prime (The Robot) 1:33:00 - Closing & Who Should Be Next

In this episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, we sit with one of Africa’s biggest creators, Tayo Aina, to unpack the truth behind building a global creative career from Lagos. From driving Uber without knowing how to drive, to teaching himself filmmaking, to fighting immigration systems across Africa, Tayo’s journey is the blueprint for the next generation of African storytellers. We discuss the moment J. Cole’s visit to Lagos changed his life, how MrBeast discovering his videos shifted his global visibility, and the hidden mechanics behind building a world-class YouTube career from Africa. We break down the real challenges African creators face brutal CPM disparities, visa walls, platform discrimination, and the hidden costs of chasing a dream in a system not designed for you. But we also explore the beauty, the innovation, the hunger, and the global ambition that make African creators unstoppable. This conversation goes beyond content. It’s about identity, economic mobility, purpose, migration, belonging, and the future of Africa’s attention economy. If you’re a creator, builder, founder, or diaspora kid navigating your own journey, this episode will speak to you. Welcome to the Afropolitan era where Africans tell their stories with power, pride, and global influence. Follow Tayo Aina Tayo Aina YouTube – https://youtube.com/@TayoAinaFilms Instagram – https://instagram.com/tayoainafilms Twitter – https://twitter.com/tayoainafilms Subscribe to Afropolitan Podcast For more unfiltered conversations with Africa’s boldest builders, thinkers, and creators: Twitter – https://x.com/afropolitan Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ Website – https://www.afropolitan.io Community – https://afropolitan.io/community Newsletter – https://afropolitan.io/newsletter Sponsored by VBan – Borderless banking for Africa’s digital workforce. Use code AFROPOLITAN → https://vban.com Inverroche Gin – South Africa’s premium craft gin blending heritage botanicals with innovation. https://www.inverroche.com Risevest – Invest globally in dollar-denominated stocks, real estate & fixed income. Sign up → https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan Convo by Afropolitan – Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers. Visit https://convo.vip 0:00 - Airport strip search story 2:01 - What people misunderstand about being a creative 3:27 - Origin story: Uber driver days (2017) 4:39 - Learning to drive on the job 6:58 - First YouTube videos documenting Lagos 9:40 - Income from Uber driving 11:00 - The breakthrough moment decision 12:04 - Security issues and leaving Lagos for Abuja 13:05 - First wedding shoot and transition to video production 13:28 - Jékýllí concert video that got 1M views 15:07 - First monetized video (real estate content) 15:56 - The YouTube PIN verification problem (couldn't access money until 2020) 18:06 - Wema Bank sponsor ad 19:03 - Content creation as a business 21:00 - The attention economy explained 22:29 - Translating the world as an African creator 25:23 - San Francisco experience and observations 27:10 - First country visited: Russia (2018 World Cup) 29:02 - Starting full-time YouTube (August 2019) 32:27 - Advice for starting a YouTube channel 36:00 - Discovering CPM rate disparities 39:23 - Monetization challenges in Nigeria vs. US 42:20 - Making videos for US audiences 47:27 - Ethiopian airport discrimination experience 50:03 - South African visa issues 51:45 - Getting St. Kitts passport decision 56:27 - Moving to Portugal (2 years ago) 1:01:26 - Quality of life comparison: US vs Europe 1:04:02 - Why creators should build products not just views 1:09:00 - Baroche sponsor ad 1:09:56 - Rise Vest sponsor ad 1:11:38 - Convo sponsor ad 1:11:52 - Rapid fire questions begin 1:15:07 - Moving back to Nigeria conversation 1:27:00 - YouTube Creator Academy (training 3000+ people) 1:30:00 - Future plans: real estate and production studio 1:42:00 - Final question: Who should be on the podcast next

Tayo Oviosu, founder & CEO of Paga, one of Africa’s most successful mobile money companies processing over $20 billion in transactions, joins The Afropolitan Podcast for a rare, unfiltered conversation on fintech, leadership, diaspora identity, and building in Nigeria through crisis, chaos, and conviction. From leaving a stable career in the US to pioneering digital payments in a pre-fintech Nigeria, Tayo shares the untold story behind Paga’s early struggles, near-death moments, and the strategy that turned it into one of Africa’s biggest financial infrastructure companies. More than entrepreneurship, this episode explores the psychology of resilience, navigating naira devaluation, regulation, global perceptions of Africa, and the emotional weight of building for 200 million people when systems are broken. He opens up about: ✦ What Silicon Valley still gets wrong about Africa ✦ The hidden cost of building in Nigeria, power, security, FX, people ✦ Why diaspora identity is an advantage, not a conflict ✦ Lessons from raising capital before “African tech” was a thing ✦ Why fintech in Africa isn’t a product, it’s infrastructure ✦ What the next decade of African money will look like ✦ Why founders burn out and how to stay sane in unstable markets If you’re a founder, operator, investor, or future builder across Africa and the diaspora, this is a masterclass in vision, endurance, and building systems that outlive you. Follow Tayo Oviosu LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/oviosu Twitter – https://x.com/tayoov  Subscribe to Afropolitan Podcast For more unfiltered conversations with Africa’s boldest builders, thinkers, and creators: Twitter – https://x.com/afropolitan Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ Website – https://www.afropolitan.io Community – https://afropolitan.io/community Newsletter – https://afropolitan.io/newsletter Sponsored by VBan – Borderless banking for Africa’s digital workforce. Use code AFROPOLITAN → https://vban.com Inverroche Gin – South Africa’s premium craft gin blending heritage botanicals with innovation. https://www.inverroche.com Risevest – Invest globally in dollar-denominated stocks, real estate & fixed income. Sign up → https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan Convo by Afropolitan – Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers. Visit https://convo.vip Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 02:18 Leaving the US: The Moment Tayo Realized He Had to Build for Nigeria 05:02 Nigeria’s Cash Chaos: The Origin Story Behind Paga 08:44 How to Raise Money When No One Believed in African Startups 12:33 Regulators, Rejections and Early Paga Near-Failures 16:11 Why Payments in Africa Requires Infrastructure Not Just an App 19:52 How Diaspora Identity Became Tayo’s Hidden Advantage 24:31 Surviving Nigeria’s Naira Crisis, FX, Inflation and Founder Psychology 28:46 Hiring in Nigeria Talent, Trust, Burnout and High-Performance Teams 33:12 The Harsh Reality of Building a Business in Nigeria 36:48 Why Paga Succeeded When So Many African Fintechs Failed 41:20 Africa’s Money Future, Digital Wallets and Financial Inclusion 45:55 How Founders Stay Sane While Building in Dysfunction 50:22 Competing With Banks, Telcos and Big Tech in Emerging Markets 55:03 Government, Regulation and Playing the Long Game 01:00:44 The Chaos Years, Power, Security and Founder Sacrifice 01:05:39 What Silicon Valley Still Misunderstands About Africa Raising Global Capital Today vs Ten Years Ago 01:15:58 Africa’s Fintech Wave Is Just Beginning 01:20:36 What Founders Need to Win, Discipline, Clarity and Survival Tactics 01:25:18 Should Diaspora Africans Move Back, Tayo’s Unfiltered Advice 01:29:43 What Tayo Would Tell His 25-Year-Old Self 01:34:02 The Next Decade of African Innovation 01:38:27 Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts

FOLLOW ADETUTU Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ Woof Studios – (add link) SUBSCRIBE TO AFROPOLITAN PODCAST For more unfiltered conversations with Africa’s boldest builders, creators, and storytellers. Twitter – https://x.com/afropolitan Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ Website – https://www.afropolitan.io Join the Network State – https://afropolitan.io/join Community – https://afropolitan.io/community Newsletter – https://afropolitan.io/newsletter Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585  Hosted by Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/    Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/    This episode is sponsored by: Vban, short for VIRTUAL BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER is the borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforce. Use the code AFROPOLITAN to sign up: https://vban.com Inverroche Gin, South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation. Discover more: https://www.inverroche  Risevest, a digital wealth-manager connecting you to global, dollar-denominated investments in US stocks, real estate & fixed income.  Use this link to sign up: https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan  Convo by Afropolitan – Book 1:1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers. https://convo.vip/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro 00:28 Why now is the moment for African creators 01:25 How creators actually get paid in Nigeria 02:23 Why multinational brands don’t spend in Africa 03:41 Why African creators earn less than US creators 04:40 The new money in social commerce, affiliates & merch 05:09 How global creators build multi-country audiences 06:03 Why Nigerian filmmakers win, distribution secrets 07:01 Why she deeply cares about creators 08:56 What creators misunderstand about YouTube money 10:22 Why tech companies deprioritise Africa 11:44 Ranking TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn 14:36 Why YouTube is still the best platform in 2025 17:38 Why TikTok grows fastest (but pays least) 18:06 Breaking banking & payment barriers on the continent 20:02 Why African storytelling hasn’t broken globally 22:33 How she took creators to Cannes Lions 25:48 Inside the YouTube Plugged In event 29:07 Leaving Google: the real story 32:22 The business model behind WOLF Studios 33:43 Which industries pay creators the most 38:02 How to manage brands, teams & bad stakeholders 40:50 Building structure as a creator 41:45 How Afropolitan can scale globally 44:27 Why WOLF Studios rejects certain creator verticals 48:29 The future of licensing, web series & Nollywood 55:21 Should Nollywood charge micro-fees? 57:46 Why FOMO is the missing monetisation lever 01:00:26 What TV stations will pay creators for 01:02:19 The trillion-dollar opportunity in social commerce 01:05:24 Final toasts 01:06:17 Why RiseVest matters 01:07:13 Rapid Fire 01:11:22 Creator burnout & how to reinvent 01:13:18 Final message

Dr. Julius Oni, orthopedic surgeon, investor, and co-founder of Excite Capital, joins The Afropolitan Podcast to reveal how he left Johns Hopkins Hospital to transform Africa’s healthcare system—and why Nigeria is now one of the most powerful emerging markets for medical innovation, investment, and talent. From building a $243M real estate portfolio to returning home to tackle Nigeria’s $2B medical tourism gap, Julius opens up about the discipline, sacrifice, and purpose behind choosing legacy over comfort. He breaks down what it truly takes to move back, build systems in Africa, and deliver world-class care in a market where 220 million people are served by fewer than 500 orthopedic surgeons. He opens up about: ◼️ Why Nigeria’s $2B medical tourism crisis is Africa’s biggest opportunity ◼️ The business model behind building sustainable healthcare in emerging markets ◼️ Leaving a top U.S. hospital to pursue purpose — not prestige ◼️ How he built financial freedom through real estate before moving back ◼️ What African professionals must understand about risk, faith, and purpose ◼️ How Excite Capital grew to $243 million while empowering the diaspora If you’re a builder, investor, or African professional planning your “move back,” this episode will give you the frameworks, courage, and clarity to build boldly. Follow Dr. Julius Oni: Instagram – instagram.com/doctorjko Exsite Capital – https://www.xsitecapital.com   Oni Clinic - https://www.oniclinic.com  Subscribe to Afropolitan Podcast For unfiltered conversations with Africa’s boldest builders and visionaries. Twitter – https://x.com/afropolitan Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ Website – https://www.afropolitan.io Newsletter – https://afropolitan.io/newsletter Sponsored by VBan – The borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforce. Use code AFROPOLITAN → https://vban.com Inverroche Gin – South Africa’s premium craft gin rooted in heritage botanicals. Discover more → https://www.inverroche.com Risevest – Invest globally in U.S. stocks, real estate & fixed income. Sign up → https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan Convo by Afropolitan – Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers. Visit → https://convo.vip/ Listen Everywhere: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 Hosted by: Eche – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/ Chika – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/ Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie 📍Timestamps  00:00 Intro: Africa’s Healthcare & Future of Medical Innovation 00:21 Nigeria’s $2B Medical Tourism Problem 01:47 The Reality of Bone Setters & Healthcare Gaps 04:10 Why Healthcare in Africa Is a Long-Term Investment 05:04 The Insurance Divide & Business Opportunity 07:24 Reversing Medical Tourism — Nigeria as a Health Hub 09:44 Why U.S. Healthcare Costs 4× More 11:31 The Long Game: Building Quality Medical Systems 13:23 Why He Chose Medicine & Orthopedics 17:31 Purpose Awakening: The Moment Everything Changed 19:51 Leaving Johns Hopkins to Serve Nigeria 23:42 Building Financial Independence Before Returning 26:06 Choosing Purpose Over Comfort 28:02 The Role of Privilege, Luck & Faith 30:25 Finding a North Star to Guide Your Decisions 33:10 Vision Frameworks for African Professionals 36:31 The Truth About Patient Trust in Africa 38:24 Performing Surgery on Presidents & Public Figures 45:26 The Mental Discipline Required in Surgery 51:06 Afrobeats, Black Coffee & Music in the OR 52:35 Nigeria’s Healthcare Renaissance 55:52 IVF, Sickle Cell, and Medical Breakthroughs in Africa 59:15 The Post That Went Viral: Moving Back to Nigeria 01:02:24 Staying Focused Amid Criticism 01:06:07 Building Excite Capital to $243M 01:20:59 Understanding Multi-Family Real Estate 01:25:19 How Black Professionals Can Build Wealth Together 01:27:33 Afropolitan Toast Segment 01:28:57 Rapid Fire: Culture, Legacy & Identity 01:33:57 Who Julius Wants Next on Afropolitan

David Oyelowo, award-winning British actor, producer, and founder of Mansa, the streaming platform reshaping Black storytelling, joins The Afropolitan Podcast to discuss why Africa and platforms like AFRIFF (Africa International Film Festival) are paving the way for the next global film powerhouse. From his Oscar-nominated role as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma to produce the first major screen adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart with Idris Elba, David reveals the truth about Hollywood, representation, and building a platform that returns creative ownership to Black filmmakers worldwide. He opens up about: ◼️ Why now is the greatest moment in history to be an African filmmaker ◼️ The rise of Mansa and how he raised $8 million to build a Black-owned streaming platform ◼️ The truth about Hollywood gatekeepers and why he built his own house ◼️ How he secured the rights to Things Fall Apart and why it must be filmed in Nigeria ◼️ Lessons on grief, faith, and family and why excellence is the best weapon against prejudice If you’re a creator, filmmaker, or visionary shaping culture from Africa and the diaspora, this episode will inspire you to build systems, not seek permission. Follow David Oyelowo Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/davidoyelowo/ Mansa – https://www.mansaplatform.com  Subscribe to Afropolitan Podcast For more unfiltered conversations with Africa’s boldest builders and storytellers. Twitter – https://x.com/afropolitan Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ Website – https://www.afropolitan.io Join the Network State – https://afropolitan.io/join 🔗 Community – afropolitan.io/community Newsletter – afropolitan.io/newsletter  Sponsored by: VBan: The borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforce. Use code AFROPOLITAN to sign up → https://vban.com Inverroche Gin: South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation. Discover more → https://www.inverroche.com Risevest — Invest globally in dollar-denominated stocks, real estate & fixed income. Sign up → https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan Convo by Afropolitan — Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers. Visit https://convo.vip/ Listen Everywhere: YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU Apple – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 Hosted by: Eche – https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/ Chika – https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/ 📍 CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:45 Why Now is the Greatest Moment for African Filmmakers 03:10 How Technology Solved Piracy & Changed Nollywood 06:00 Representation & Dreaming in White: The Power of Narrative 08:00 Becoming the First Black King at the Royal Shakespeare Company 10:30 Playing Dr. King and Shifting Global Perception 14:00 Founding Mansa: The Netflix for Black Stories 18:00 Building a Streaming Platform from Nigeria 21:30 Raising $8 Million for Mansa & The George Floyd Moment 25:00 The Hardest Lessons in Building Tech as a Creative 28:00 Trade-Offs, Resilience & Reinventing Yourself 31:00 Why Mansa Chose an AVOD Model & Free Access 33:30 Hollywood Gatekeepers & Proving the Diaspora Market 36:00 Selma, The Butler & The Reality of Being “Undervalued” 38:30 Black Lives Matter: Missed Opportunities and Systemic Cycles 42:00 Reclaiming Our Stories Beyond Slave Narratives 46:30 The Fall of Hollywood & Why Africa is Next 49:00 Navigating Gatekeepers & Building Your Own House 52:00 Things Fall Apart with Idris Elba 56:00 Black British vs Black American Actors Debate 59:00 The Future of African Cinema & Ownership 01:02:00 Authenticity, Resources & Legacy in Storytelling 01:06:00 Convincing the Achebe Family & Shooting in Nigeria 01:10:00 Advice to His Son: Excellence vs Nepotism 01:11:30 Selma & Oscar Snub: Turning Pain into Purpose 01:14:30 Timeline Grief & Losing His Mother 01:19:00 Why He Makes Films for Legacy and Home 01:22:00 Reparations, Heritage & Black Brilliance 01:25:00 Favorite Food, Directors & Dream Projects 01:32:00 Who He Wants Next on the Afropolitan Podcast 01:33:30 Legacy, Faith & The Future of Black Cinema

Banke Kuku, founder and creative director of Banke Kuku Textiles, reveals how she built one of Africa’s most recognizable luxury fashion brands, worn by Gabrielle Union, Lupita Nyong’o, and Beyoncé, from her living room in Lagos to global runways. In this exclusive episode of the Afropolitan Podcast, Banke opens up about the brutal realities of building a “Made in Nigeria” brand, surviving COVID after investing every penny, and redefining African luxury for a global audience. She explains:  ◼️ How she pivoted overnight during COVID to save her entire business ◼️ Why she refused to move manufacturing abroad despite the challenges ◼️ The hard truth about funding, quality control, and integrity in African fashion ◼️ What investors actually look for when backing creative entrepreneurs ◼️ Why staying patient, purpose-driven, and ethical is her biggest competitive edge If you’re a designer, founder, or dreamer building something out of Africa, this episode will inspire you to create with courage, resilience, and authenticity. Follow Banke Kuku Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bankekuku/ Website: https://www.bankekuku.com Subscribe to Afropolitan Podcast For more unfiltered conversations with the world's most insightful Africans. Stay connected with Afropolitan: Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/ Website: https://www.afropolitan.io Join the Network State: https://afropolitan.io/join 🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/community Get email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter This episode is sponsored by: VBan — The borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforce. Use the code AFROPOLITAN to sign up: https://vban.com Inverroche Gin — South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation. Discover more: https://www.inverroche.com Risevest — A digital wealth-manager connecting you to global, dollar-denominated investments in US stocks, real estate & fixed income. Use this link to sign up: https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan Convo by Afropolitan — Book 1-on-1 calls with Africa’s boldest thinkers. Visit https://convo.vip/ to connect with leaders like Tunde Onakoya, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more. Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585 Hosted by Eche: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/ Chika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/ Book 1:1 with Eche - https://convo.vip/echeemole Book 1:1 with Chika - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 00:38 The Rise of Nigeria’s Fashion Industry & Creative Economy 02:20 From Home Interiors to Founding a Fashion Label 04:55 Launching Her Brand Right Before the Pandemic 06:50 How She Pivoted to E-Commerce Overnight 09:30 Selling Pajamas Online to Save the Business 11:00 Building a “Made in Nigeria” Luxury Brand 13:40 The Harsh Realities of Manufacturing in Africa 16:30 Balancing Global Quality Standards with Local Talent 18:50 Funding Her Fashion Startup Through GT Bank & Grants 21:00 Lessons on Integrity, Leadership & Hiring the Right Team 23:00 What Global Investors Look for in African Designers 25:45 How “Made in Nigeria” Became Her Global Advantage 27:30 Pricing, Perception & The African Luxury Dilemma 30:00 Behind the Gabrielle Union Collaboration 33:00 Is Nigerian Fashion Overpriced — or Undervalued? 34:45 The Banke Kuku Woman: Confidence, Class & Culture 37:30 Taking Nigerian Fashion to Global Markets 40:00 The Psychology of Patience, Faith & Growth 42:00 The Doha Partnership & Middle East Expansion 43:30 Moving From London to Lagos — Culture Shock & Adaptation 45:00 Inside Her New Collection “Savannah” & Its Story 47:20 The Future of Fashion Investment in Africa 49:45 Protecting African Craftsmanship, Culture & IP 51:00 Building Her New Luxury Flagship Store in Lagos 52:30 Customer Experience, Culture & Patience in Business 54:00 Her Favorite Signature Pieces & What They Represent 55:40 The Strangest Custom Requests From Clients 57:00 The Afropolitan Toast: Creativity, Legacy & Resilience 59:00 Rapid-Fire Questions + Closing Reflections

Austin Okere, the founder of Computer Warehouse Group (CWG), Nigeria’s first technology company to IPO on the Nigerian Stock Exchange shares the extraordinary 20-year journey of building from $35,000 in seed capital to a $90 million public company. In this powerful conversation, Austin reveals the hard truths about entrepreneurship in Africa: raising capital without structure, surviving the 2008 crash, handling rejection while scaling ethically, and knowing when to step down to make room for the next generation. He explains: ◼️ Why building in Africa is harder and more meaningful than anywhere else ◼️ How to raise money ethically and survive multiple rejections ◼️ What most founders get wrong about succession and legacy ◼️ How to build trust, partnerships & governance investors respect ◼️ Why true wealth is measured by impact, not bank balance 🔗 Follow Austin Okere LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/austinokere 🔔 Subscribe to Afropolitan Podcast for more unfiltered conversations with the world's most insightful Africans. Stay connected with Afropolitan:  Twitter: https://x.com/afropolitan  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afropolitanpodcast    LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/afropolitannation/  Website: https://www.afropolitan.io Join the Network State – https://afropolitan.io/join  🔗 Join our community for exclusive updates: afropolitan.io/community Get email updates: https://www.afropolitan.io/newsletter  This episode is sponsored by: Vban, short for VIRTUAL BANK ACCOUNT NUMBER is the borderless banking app built for Africa’s digital workforce. Use the code AFROPOLITAN to sign up: https://vban.com Inverroche Gin, South Africa’s premium craft gin that fuses heritage botanicals with innovation. Discover more: https://www.inverroche  Risevest, a digital wealth-manager connecting you to global, dollar-denominated investments in US stocks, real estate & fixed income.  Use this link to sign up: https://click.risevest.com/gb0g/afropolitan  Want to connect 1:1 with Africa's boldest thinkers? Book a 15-minute convo on Convo: https://convo.vip/ with leaders like Tunde Onakoya, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Asa Asika, and more. Listen to more Afropolitan Podcast episodes: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Afropolitan    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6YwRlkSOq8e35xU6bOp9pU?si=b3a132f9afb3459f&nd=1&dlsi=32c01e3224ac4c64  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/afropolitan/id1808954585  Hosted by Eche — https://www.linkedin.com/in/eemole/    Chika — https://www.linkedin.com/in/chikauwazie/    00:00 – The Truth About Building in Africa 02:15 – Opportunities in Africa 04:55 – Starting CWG with $35,000 07:00 – Leaving His Job & Early Struggles 09:30 – Partnering with Dell 13:00 – Building Nigeria’s Maintenance Culture 15:30 – Telecom Expansion and VSAT Networks 18:10 – Managing FX Challenges 19:15 – The Afropolitan Toast Segment 20:00 – Software Beginnings & Banking Opportunity 23:00 – The Infosys Partnership 26:00 – Y2K & Winning Three Banks 28:00 – Scaling CWG Through Banking Consolidation 31:45 – $10M Aureos Investment 34:30 – Closing Tony Elumelu at Midnight 37:45 – Surviving the 2008 Global Meltdown 40:20 – Preparing for IPO 41:10 – Listing CWG at $90M Valuation 42:30 – 2,500x Return for Early Investors 44:00 – Private Equity Due Diligence Process 47:30 – Navigating the Nigerian IPO Process 50:55 – Co-Founders and Partnership Structure 53:50 – The T-Person & H-Person Framework 57:00 – Succession Planning & Letting Go 01:00:45 – Transition to Also Leadership Academy 01:03:00 – Redefining What It Means to Be a Billionaire 01:05:30 – How to Join a Board 01:07:55 – Ethics and Corporate Governance 01:09:30 – When CBN Banned ATMs 01:13:20 – Turning a Crisis Into Opportunity 01:15:30 – Reflections on the Abraaj Collapse 01:17:30 – Staying Grounded After Success 01:19:45 – Building the Also Leadership Academy 01:21:45 – Scaling Through COVID & Online Training 01:25:00 – Legacy, Impact, and Shared Prosperity 01:27:30 – Advice to Young Entrepreneurs 01:29:00 – Defining a Billionaire by Impact 01:31:15 – Lessons From 28-Year-Old Austin 01:34:30 – Closing Reflections & Outro