Umaizi Desk

Formerly Afro Banta Beats, now Umaizi Desk: Exploring insights, trends, and stories within the African music landscape.

Umaizi Desk June Newsletter - Edition 6

In this week’s episode, we’re diving into how African artists are continuing to take over the global spotlight. From soundtracking Hollywood blockbusters to headlining major international tours, the continent’s musical powerhouses are everywhere you look.

07-28
10:15

Umaizi Desk May Newsletter - Edition 5

In this episode, we unpack the struggles of Tanzanian indie labels, Davido’s surprising e-bike venture, and Youssou N’dour & Angélique Kidjo’s unforgettable performance at The MET. We also cover African BET Award nominations, the rise of Les Flammes, and Rolling Stone Africa’s big Afro Nation collab — tune in for all the latest! Subscribe to stay up-to-date with my monthly newsletter on all things African music.

06-02
10:16

Umaizi Desk April Newsletter Edition 4

In this episode of my monthly African music newsletter, I cover all the biggest news from April, such as African artists at Coachella 2025, Fally Ipupa's brand collab with Vlisco, Scorpion Kings Live with Friends' upcoming concert, and more.

05-12
12:49

Bari Bentley: I Don't Like To Do Copy And Paste Music

In this episode, I am joined by Bari Bentley, an up-and-coming artist from Nigeria now based in the U.S. Bari discusses his journey as an independent artist, his approach to artistic growth, and working with Supreme Band and a team in shaping his development.

03-24
18:43

Derrick Arthur: Ghanaian Music Industry Is In A Transformational State!

On this episode, I am joined by Derrick Arthur, a videographer and founder of Motive8Concepts. Derrick recalls his worldwide adventures capturing the live performances of Ghanaian artist King Promise. Listen as we dive into the world of cameras, the global African music industry, and Ghana!

03-04
25:36

Amanda Nyang'oro: The Goal Is To Be Touring Until You’re 60!

In this debut episode of Umaizi Desk, Amanda Nyang'oro, who's in Music Brand Partnerships at Wasserman, joins me to reflect on all things African music. We look back at 2024, make predictions for 2025, and dive into the world of touring in the United States. Links to check out: African Music Industry Report 2024 What Would An Effective U.S. TikTok ‘Ban’ Mean For African Music? Subscribe to my blog Instagram Youtube

01-28
37:00

Umaizi Desk Podcast Trailer

Formerly Afro Banta Beats, now Umaizi Desk: Exploring insights, trends, and stories within the African music landscape.

01-28
01:06

From Irawo: Two Nigerian Artists' Journey to Music

On this episode, I interview Toyin Ores and Bless Clymax as they discuss their journey from Irawo, a town in Lagos, to creating an EP together that pays homage to the place they called home growing up. Listen to their EP, "From Irawo." Stay up to date with all my blogs.

11-13
52:40

OBO aka Nigerian Superstar, Davido is Back: Timeless Album Review!

On this episode, I review Davido's recent album "Timeless." You can read the review by going to afrobanta.com

04-21
33:06

Remembering South African Artist Costa Titch

On this short episode, I read my tribute of the late South African Artist Costa Titch. You can read the article on afrobanta.com

03-19
07:40

A Look Back At 2022: A Year In African Music

This episodes is an audio version of my article on my review of African music in 2022 which can be found on Afrobanta.com. I discuss the top African artist, album, songs, DJs of 2022 and more. 

01-02
45:24

Did Wizkid Lose His Focus On “More Love, Less Ego” Album?

This episode is a recorded reading of my article where I review Wizkid's recent album "More Love, Less Ego." Please subscribe to my new blog site, Afrobanta.com to catch up on old articles as well as receive notifications on new releases.

11-24
13:09

Aya Nakamura: A New Era of Global French Music

This episode is a recorded reading of my article discussing the amazing talent that is French-Malian Pop/RnB artist, Aya Nakamura. Please subscribe to my new blog site, Afrobanta.com to catch up on old articles as well as receive notifications on new releases.  

11-07
11:19

The Four Giants of African Music: Afrobeats, Amapiano, Francophone, and Bongo Flava!

This episode is an audio version of my medium blog article that discusses the major four music categories out of Africa representing four different regions of the continent. Feel free to read along with this audio and please share the article with friends and family!  

10-19
13:20

Who Owns African Music with Kakazi Kacyira

On this episode, I am joined by a dear friend of mine Kakazi Kacyira straight from Accra, Ghana.  We discuss the rising afro-fusion genre of Afropiano (Afrobeats infused with Amapiano) and the implications it is having on South African artists Impact of western acts jumping on afrobeats tracks  Who owns, benefits and has a right to the different music genres in Africa The current state of the Ghanian music scene in Accra and globally.  

10-14
57:05

Sad Romance by CKay Album Review

On this episode, I offer my take on CKay's third album "Sad Romance."

10-07
30:10

African Artists Getting Their Bag

I discuss about starting my first video podcast African artist's demands for international performances Calm Down by Rema w/ Selena Gomez review Asake's high ticket prices for his US tour Wizkid coming to MSG and more!

09-26
49:35

Love, Damini Album Review ft. Amanda Nyang'oro

On this episode I am joined by Amanda Nyang'oro to discuss our thoughts on the African Giant Burna Boy's new album; Love, Damini. 

07-29
54:26

Unprovoked Promises ft. Blackboy Infinity & Abe the Kid

On this episode, I am joined by artist Blackboy Infinity to talked about his new Album "Unprovoked Promises" which features Abe the Kid; who also produced and mixed a great deal of the album. 

06-24
01:02:16

Listening to Music for the Sounds feat. DJ Havok

On this episode, I am joined by DJ Havok to talk about his start as a DJ, interest in Afrobeats and overall inspiration to create memorable experiences for audiences. 

04-15
41:41

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