Showbiz
How Have Podcasts Contributed to the Rise of Afrobeats?
By Ncebakazi Manzi
The rise of Afrobeats over the past decade or so has been nothing short of remarkable. From the streets of Nigeria and Ghana, it has become a global phenomenon, with some of the world’s biggest artists collaborating with Afrobeats icons and emerging artists alike.
In a sign of how rapid the ascent of Afrobeats has been, Spotify recently held events in Nigeria celebrating 13 billion streams of the genre. The growth of Afrobeats is unlikely to slow down anytime soon either, especially as streaming continues to grow across Africa. According to research firm Statista, the continent’s streaming market is set to grow from US$362.5 million this year to US$513.2 million in 2027. Combine that expansion with significant diaspora populations and you have the ingredients for further inter-continental pollination and growth.
But there are other forces advancing the growth of Spotify. Podcasts in particular are playing an increasingly important role. That’s true not just on the African continent, but around the world too.
Africa’s podcast growth
Before looking at how podcasts and music streaming services have complemented each other to drive Afrobeats’ growth, it’s worth providing some additional context around the evolution of podcasts in Africa.
Thanks to rising smartphone adoption and increasingly affordable connectivity, the medium has seen significant growth across the continent. In fact, podcast listenership in Nigeria grew by an astonishing 222% between 2021 and 2022.
Unsurprisingly, it’s not just listenership that’s grown but production too. While it’s difficult to get an exact idea of how many African-produced podcasts there actually are, you only need to open your podcasting app and type a few continent and country-specific search terms in to see how much choice there is today. These podcasts cover a growing number of niches too, including Afrobeats.
At the recent Afrobeats celebration events that were held in Lagos, Nigeria, the first day featured Spotify for Podcasters sessions which were focused on empowering creators and showcasing top podcasts. These events included a workshop on the basics of podcasting followed by a panel discussion with Nigerian podcasters. Next were live podcast recordings of a Spotify for Artists Masterclass on “Afrobeats Intelligence” and “I Said what I Said” featuring Afrobeats artists, Pheelz and Nissi. The day ended with a surprise performance by Pheelz bringing Afrobeats lovers and the expanding community of podcasters together.
Spreading the word about Afrobeats
There are a number of high-quality podcasts with an Afrobeats focus that not only highlight tracks from the genre but also delve into meaningful discussions related to the music.
Take Afrobeats Intelligence, for example. Founded by award-winning Nigerian music journalist Joey Akan, the podcast is a spin-off of his newsletter of the same name. And while it may be rooted in Nigeria, the podcast celebrates creative excellence from across the African continent.
Terms and Conditions by Pulse, meanwhile, dissects worthy culture-related conversations with insights and varying perspectives. Hosted by Neo Akpofure, ex-BBNaija housemate, Oyindasola Chekwa ESQ, a lifestyle influencer and content creator and Sayo AK an artist, planner, and entrepreneur. The podcast was launched in 2021 and also provides invaluable insights into the music industry from people who’ve been in the thick of it.
An older offering comes in the shape of Loose Talk, hosted by the trio of veteran media and music journalists Osagie Alonge, Steve Dede, and Ayomide Tayo. Founded in 2016, when the African podcasting scene was still in its infancy, the show discusses all things music and culture. After a three-year hiatus, Loose Talk started putting out new episodes this year.
Complementary mediums
That these and other shows have built sustainable offerings not only demonstrates the hunger to learn more about Afrobeats as a genre but also their potential to grow the genre’s popularity both in Africa and around the world. That shouldn’t be too surprising either. Being audio-driven mediums primarily, podcasts and music can be incredibly complementary mediums.
This ability to act as a promotional vehicle is underlined by our own Spotify data. It shows that the country with the highest number of Afrobeats podcast listeners is the UK, beating out Nigeria, with the US in the third spot.
For listeners, it’s easy to imagine how this symbiosis between streaming and podcasts comes about. They might have a friend recommend an Afrobeats artist or have their curiosity sparked by a song featured on the soundtrack for a movie or series. Once they’ve listened to those songs, they’ll likely want to find out more about the artist or to discover other, similar artists.
Podcasts offer them a convenient way of doing that (especially if they can access said podcasts from the same app), while also providing insights into the genre and news on the latest artist releases, collaborations, and developments.
Afrobeats and beyond
While Afrobeats has undoubtedly been one of the biggest beneficiaries of Africa’s podcasting explosion, there is no doubt that other genres are benefitting and will benefit in the future too. As more and more African producers launch their own podcasts and smartphone penetration and connectivity continue to grow across the continent, that symbiotic influence will only keep growing.
Ncebakazi Manzi is the Podcast Manager at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa
When Pragya and Abhi’s complicated love story kept viewers glued to their screens in Kumkum Bhagya, many Nigerian homes were already familiar with the emotional rollercoaster that ZeeWorld dramas bring. From hidden identities and unexpected betrayals to family members standing in the way of love, the show became one of the many dramas that turned ordinary evenings into moments of suspense and heated conversations.
The same happened with This is Fate, where viewers followed the journey of characters like Prachi and Ranbir through love, misunderstandings and family conflicts. Every revelation, heartbreak and reunion became something audiences discussed long after the episode ended.
This is the magic ZeeWorld has created over the years. The channel has mastered a style of storytelling built around emotions Nigerians connect with.
For many Nigerian women, ZeeWorld is not just another entertainment channel. It has become part of everyday routines, family conversations and shared viewing experiences.
Here is why it continues to hold their attention.
Love Stories That Keep Viewers Invested
ZeeWorld understands the power of romance, especially when love is tested. Love is never simple in ZeeWorld’s dramas. Characters have to deal with family expectations, misunderstandings, betrayal and difficult choices before finding happiness. This emotional journey keeps viewers invested because they are not just watching a love story unfold; they are hoping for the characters to overcome every obstacle.
Family Drama That Feels Familiar
Beyond romance, ZeeWorld’s biggest strength is its focus on family. Many of its storylines explore themes Nigerians understand deeply, parental expectations, family loyalty, marriage pressures and the desire to protect loved ones. While the settings may be different, the emotions feel familiar. The mother trying to protect her child, the family fighting to preserve its name or the woman trying to find acceptance are experiences that resonate with many viewers.
Characters Who Become Part of the Conversation
A major reason ZeeWorld has built such a loyal audience is the connection viewers have with its characters. Fans celebrate their favourite characters, criticise their decisions and debate their choices like they are discussing people they know. A storyline from a ZeeWorld drama can easily become the main topic of conversation among friends, sisters or family members.
The Joy of Watching Together
In a world where streaming has made entertainment more individual, ZeeWorld still represents the traditional television experience where people gather around the same screen and share reactions together. It is the channel playing while dinner is being prepared, the show discussed during visits and the reason viewers make sure they do not miss an important episode.
Television trends may change and new streaming platforms may emerge, but stories built on love, family and human emotion rarely go out of style. As long as ZeeWorld continues to tell those stories, it will keep giving Nigerian women a reason to tune in, laugh, cry and ask the same question at the end of every episode.
Don’t miss your favorite Zee World shows on GOtv Ch 30.
To upgrade, subscribe or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen as fan favourite David bowed out in one of the most emotional episodes of the season, leaving Fads and Favy as the final two contestants standing in the race for the life-changing ₦73 million grand prize.
With the grand finale within touching distance, the Top 3 walked into the kitchen to find an elegantly laid dining table and an exquisite signature dish created by Chef Eros and Chef Stone. After savouring the meal alongside the judges, they received what would become the defining challenge of their MasterChef journey: recreating the dish with absolute precision to earn a coveted place in the finale.
There were no second chances. With Favy’s immunity pin already behind her, all three contestants stood on equal footing.
“Precision is your friend. Panic is your enemy,” Chef Stone cautioned as the clock began to tick.
For Fads, the challenge became her finest hour. Calm, focused and technically brilliant, she delivered a plate that impressed the judges with its flawless execution, balanced flavours and refined presentation. Her performance earned her Dish of the Day and secured her place as the first finalist.
Favy also rose to the occasion, presenting a dish that won praise for its taste and composure under pressure.
David, however, struggled to bring his vision to life. Despite pouring everything he had into the cook—admitting he had cooked with his “last breath”—his risotto lacked the required texture, while his duck fell short on flavour. In a competition where every detail mattered, those small imperfections had enormous consequences.
Standing beside Favy in the bottom two, David waited anxiously as the judges delivered their final decision.
His MasterChef journey had come to an end.
What followed was one of the season’s most unforgettable moments. Overcome with emotion, David broke down as he reflected on how far he had come. Across the room, Favy was so consumed by the moment that she barely realised she had secured her place in the finale.
Yet even in defeat, David’s story found a remarkable new beginning.
Moved by his passion, determination and undeniable talent, the judges described him as “a diamond in the rough” and rewarded his potential with an extraordinary opportunity: a fully sponsored six-month professional training programme at Chef Stone’s Red Dish culinary school, followed by a paid six-month internship at Chef Eros’s Ile Eros restaurant.
It was a powerful reminder that while competitions may end, dreams do not.
Now, the table is set for an unforgettable finale.
Next week, Fads and Favy will go head-to-head in one last culinary showdown for the MasterChef Nigeria title and the life-changing ₦73 million prize.
Two finalists. One kitchen. One final opportunity to create the dish that changes everything.
MasterChef Nigeria airs every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, with repeat broadcasts on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Family.
What happens when one tragic event forces a family to confront secrets they’ve spent years trying to bury? In The Journal, the mysterious death of a family member brings five siblings back together, but instead of finding answers, they uncover hidden truths that threaten to change everything they thought they knew about each other. To catch The Journal, tune in on Africa Magic Showcase Ch 8 on Saturday at 7:15 PM.
Stories like this are what make Nollywood impossible to ignore. Whether you’re in the mood for emotional family drama, romance, suspense or stories packed with unexpected twists, GOtv has a lineup of Nollywood movies to keep you entertained all weekend.
If you’re looking for what to watch, here are some Nollywood movies to add to your watchlist this weekend.
Iya
Some battles don’t happen outside the home. In Iya, a mother is determined to drive a wedge between her son and his wife. She goes to great lengths to frustrate her daughter-in-law, hoping to push her back into the life she once lived, making money from her beauty. It’s an emotional story about family interference, manipulation and the lengths some people will go to get what they want.
Showing on Africa Magic Yoruba Ch 2 on Saturday at 8:25 PM.
One Man
Nkechi and Amara share a close bond as sisters, but poverty tears them apart while they are still young. Years later, fate brings them back together, but their reunion doesn’t go as expected. Instead, a shocking decision threatens to change both of their lives forever. It’s a touching story about family, sacrifice and the unexpected turns life can take.
Showing on Africa Magic Epic Ch 6 on Saturday at 11:05 AM.
Unlucky
Kenny and Nora’s relationship is already far from perfect, but things become even more complicated when Mabel, a brilliant tech enthusiast, moves in next door. What starts as a simple neighbourly connection soon turns into a complicated love triangle that leaves everyone questioning where their hearts truly belong.
Showing on Africa Magic Showcase Ch 8 on Sunday at 10:14 PM.
My Madam And I
Chief Donald and Jifeofor have spent years as rivals, but life has a funny way of changing the script. While the two men continue their feud, their children unexpectedly fall in love. Now they must decide whether love is strong enough to overcome pride, family rivalry and years of bad blood.
Showing on Africa Magic Family Ch 7 on Sunday at 11:05 PM.
Whether you’re in the mood for family drama, romance, suspense or stories packed with emotional twists, GOtv’s Nollywood lineup has you covered this weekend. So settle in and let these stories take over your screen.
To upgrade, subscribe or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
