• Joey Akan

Stories by Joey Akan

sarz nigerian music
Music

Interview: Sarz Has Powered a Generation of Nigerian Music—and He Isn't Stopping Anytime Soon

We talk to the star producer about his role in the rising global popularity of Nigerian music, spanning his production on massive singles from the likes of Wizkid, Skepta, Drake and more.

Patoranking Is a New Man On 'Wilmer'
Music

Patoranking Is a New Man On 'Wilmer'

INTERVIEW: The afro-fusion musician speaks about his humble past, the struggle to rise above poverty, and how his daughter inspired his album Wilmer.

Tay Iwar: Nigeria's Most Reclusive Musician Opens Up
Music

Tay Iwar: Nigeria's Most Reclusive Musician Opens Up

In his most open interview ever, the Nigerian artist demystifies himself, opening up about his reclusive personality and why emotions are the biggest drivers of his art.

Dangote Isn't Nigeria's Hero, But Don't Ask Burna Boy
Music

Dangote Isn't Nigeria's Hero, But Don't Ask Burna Boy

Dangote the man isn't a true hero of the masses, but "Dangote," the song, serves to show them that they can surmount poverty using his wealth as a guiding light.

The Music Business of Mr Eazi
Music

The Music Business of Mr Eazi

Mr Eazi has independently built a music career for himself via smart business decisions. Now the Banku Music CEO wants to help others do the same through his new endeavor, emPawa.

How Runtown Got His Groove Back
Music

How Runtown Got His Groove Back

In the past year, Runtown has had to look behind him to shed the ghosts of his former label. Now he's looking forward to more success.

WurlD: Nigeria's Most Inspired Star?
Music

WurlD: Nigeria's Most Inspired Star?

We talk to the Nigerian artist about creating a sound that connects to the quintessential Afropolitan mind.

Coachella 2019: Why Burna Boy & Mr Eazi Are The Right Artists to Bring Afrobeats to the World
Music

Coachella 2019: Why Burna Boy & Mr Eazi Are The Right Artists to Bring Afrobeats to the World

With Wizkid's no show at Coachella 2018, Burna and Eazi are next in line to lead Africa's takeover of global pop music

Op-Ed: In 'Fever,' Wizkid & Tiwa Savage Are Manipulating African Curiosity For Profit
Popular

Op-Ed: In 'Fever,' Wizkid & Tiwa Savage Are Manipulating African Curiosity For Profit

Wizkid and Tiwa Savage aren't dating, they have successfully utilized public attention on their interactions to improve their bottom-line. But the main problem here are the attacks on Tiwa.

Bas: ​"I Was Born in France & Raised in New York But I'm Still African"
Popular

Bas: ​"I Was Born in France & Raised in New York But I'm Still African"

Exclusive: The Dreamville rapper talks about his Sudanese roots and the African influences on his latest record, Milky Way.

Op-Ed: Kanye West In Africa Is Music Marketing At Its Worst
Popular

Op-Ed: Kanye West In Africa Is Music Marketing At Its Worst

Scream all you want. Feel the euphoria of Kanye moving to our drums, but don't forget he's here for marketing.

The Return Of Duncan Mighty—Nigeria's Most Unlikely Superstar
Latest

The Return Of Duncan Mighty—Nigeria's Most Unlikely Superstar

After losing his mainstream relevance, Duncan Mighty is back. We meet the hyper-dimensional genius to talk about his unlikely comeback and the controversies that dog him.

A Smiling Macron Wants To Make France Africa's Best Friend, But at What Cost?
Featured

A Smiling Macron Wants To Make France Africa's Best Friend, But at What Cost?

The charismatic French President came through to Fela Kuti's temple, played some drums, gave a speech, and potentially lit a fire.

Exploring Diddy's Obsession With Fela Kuti
Popular

Exploring Diddy's Obsession With Fela Kuti

Diddy's been posting about his love for Fela all over the internet.

The Politics of the Nigerian Music Industry
Music

The Politics of the Nigerian Music Industry

Dissecting the tension between the older "gatekeepers" and newer artists in the Nigeria.

J. Cole's Lagos Performance and My Depression
Nigeria

J. Cole's Lagos Performance and My Depression

After a suicide attempt, J. Cole became more than an artist to me. He was my life coach. One year later, he came to Nigeria.

The Significance Of Wizkid's Failure To Perform At Coachella
News

The Significance Of Wizkid's Failure To Perform At Coachella

And what consequences this could have for future Nigerian and African music shows abroad.