Ten Essential African Podcasts to Listen To

Like everywhere else in the world, podcasts have gained increased popularity in Africa over the last decade. Compared to the more traditional forms of broadcast media on the continent, podcasts are still in the fringe stages of listenership and viewership, and they're mainly followed by"more educated" audiences in urban areas.

'The Africanist Podcast'

While there may be no regular rhythm to its releases, every episode ofThe Africanist Podcast is worthwhile. Hosted by Bamba Ndiaye, a Humanities and African Studies professor, the discussions are varied, from in-depth breakdowns of notable political events to enlightening cultural conversations. Its archive of episodes includes a compelling interview with the African literary giant Ngũgĩ Wa Thiong'o, a scholarly yet entertaining conversation about the evolution of hip-hop in Senegal, a panel discussion on pan-Africanism across the continent and in the diaspora, and much more.

'I Said What I Said'

At the time of writing, the latest episode of theI Said What I Said podcast features a guest appearance by superstar Nigerian pop artist Ayra Starr. Although a significant amount of interviewing happens on this episode, the best part is Starr joining the hosts, Jola Ayeye and Feyikemi Abudu, in dishing out advice to dilemmas about love and life sent in by listeners.

'Purple Royale'

Nearly all of the queer African podcasts OkayAfricaspotlighted two years ago haven't released new episodes, perhaps a reflection of the increased crackdown on queer rights by governments across the continent. However, Zimbabwe'sPurple Royale continues to platform the stories of trans and intersex people. The podcast acts as an audio diary for listeners to peer into these stories in all their affecting, heartbreaking, and sometimes triumphant elements. In addition to these stories, there are interactive episodes about the importance of inclusive healthcare, the role of family and religion in affirming the lives of trans and intersex people, and more.

‘The Republic’

Launched in 2023,The Republic Podcast is a historical podcast by theNigeria-based media publication of the same name. The immaculately-produced narrative podcast series delves into historical Nigerian events with plans to expand to stories across Africa. Its first season focused on Nigeria's president-that-never-was, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale 'MKO' Abiola, exploring the circumstances of an election canceled amidst Nigeria's endemic coup culture in the first four decades post-independence.

'Afrobility'

Africa's tech ecosystem has evolved at quite a breakneck pace over the past decade, and the in-depth insight ofAfrobility captures the essence of the ecosystem's major players and reflects the tech-business landscape in revealing ways. Released in infrequent intervals, each episode is a hyperspecific deep dive into tech companies adding value to people's digital lives across the continent. Hosted by Olumide Ogunsanwo and Bankole Makanju, there are focus episodes on the evolution of tech fixtures like Jiji, M-Kopa, Yoco, Piggyvest and more, as well as roundtable discussions and inquiries into trends like insurance technology.

'Leading Ladies'

In African history, there's little focus on the innumerable women who played revolutionary roles in societies across the continent. Across its four seasons, Leading Ladies, an initiative of the virtual Women's History Museum, sharesbite-sized portraits of women who excelled in leadership and leadership-related roles across pre-colonial and post-colonial Zambia. While its final season was released in 2022, the stories are timeless, and if you're a visual person, they come with animated videos that enhance the podcast into an immersive experience. There's so much knowledge to be gleaned from Leading Ladies, primarily about the subjects themselves and also tacitly about Zambia's evolution.

'Podcast and Chill'

With over 1.5 million subscribers onYouTube alone, there's a strong argument that Podcast and Chill may be Africa's biggest pop culture podcast. The show is hosted by media personality Macgyver "MacG" Mukwevho and former radio broadcaster and music producer Sol Phenduka, also known for his appearance on Big Brother Mzansi. They are accompanied by the off-camera co-host, known as Ghost Lady. Together, they take their audience on an unhinged trek through cultural happenings in South Africa and, sometimes, beyond. Currently over 600 episodes, spanning back over seven years, the show also has a sprawling archive of interviews with everyone, from artists like Oskido and Emtee to actors like John Kani and Pearl Thusi, as well as political figures like Julius Malema, comedians like Mpho Popps, and many more.

'Afrobeats Intelligence'

Joey Akan – veteran music and pop culture journalist turned industry insider – initially started Afrobeats Intelligence as anewsletter dispatch to share his opinions and offer insights into the workings of the Nigerian music industry. It has now evolved into apodcast show with a dedicated following, featuring candid conversations primarily with artists and several producers and music executives. Akan's ability to ask questions and allow his interviewees to wander with their answers gives Afrobeats Intelligence its authentic verve as the place for unstilted expression. Guests include artists like Ayra Starr, CKay and Bien, producers Temple and Tee-Y Mix, and executives Steve Stoute, Kiing Lu, and the iconic Don Jazzy.

'Pure Digital Passion with Moses Kemibaro'

The conversations onPure Digital Passion are a compelling reflection of how far Africa's tech and digital transformation have come, as well as the lengths the continent still has to go to catch up with better-developed parts of the world. Hosted by Moses Kemibaro, the uniqueness of the podcast is in service of the varying ways to approach happenings in the tech ecosystem, using Kenya's status as an African tech hotspot as an entry point into what's happening on the continent. The guests are a who's who of pioneers and leaders in African tech, with discussions ranging from customer-centric tech solutions to the possibilities of enhancing maternal health through the use of generative AI.

'History of Africa Podcast'

The thrill of theHistory of Africa Podcast is getting immersed in a wide range of pre-colonial African stories in culture through the breezy chatter of its anonymous host, an American who goes by the pseudonym Andy. Focusing on a time before Europeans took over the continent, the podcast's six seasons have explored the histories of several empires, civilizations, and tribes, with a season dedicated to a single subject.