Underground Unreleased

This week on Underground Unreleased, we ask: is Afrobeats losing its color?We start by comparing the originality of early 2000s artists to today’s “global sound,” and reflect on the era of buying CDs when music felt more unique and intentional.From there, we break down Crayon’s post-Mavin rant, Ayra Starr opening up about burnout, and the backlash Tiwa Savage faced after attending a banquet hosted by King Charles III for Bola Tinubu.We also touch on Asake’s interview with Korty EO, before diving into a wild AI case where a North Carolina man allegedly made over $8M using fake streams.To close, we debate AI’s place in music - including speculation around Kanye West - and put you onto 3 underground artists you need to hear.

This episode covers everything from Afrobeats history debates to the evolving podcast industry and viral moments shaping conversations online.We discuss Omah Lay’s controversial comments about Afrobeats and the role of Fela in the genre’s legacy, the rise of exclusivity deals in podcasting, and the viral story of Ella - a Lagos commuter whose activism highlighted transportation issues and sparked real change.Later, we get into Ari Lennox and Tiwa Savage’s recent reflections on relationships and societal expectations, before closing out with a spotlight on emerging female artists worth checking out.

This week on Underground Unreleased, we explore the evolving landscape of Afrobeats. With fewer foreign labels giving artistes huge advances, we ask whether the genre is slowing down or simply entering a new phase. We also unpack the economics behind cultural success, including the complicated role piracy has played in spreading African music globally. The conversation then turns to female stardom in hip-hop and Afrobeats, using Ayra Starr's career as a lens to examine what it really takes for women artists to reach megastar status.

A lot of wars have started over food and this one is one of them. On the menu, we discuss Ghanaian restaurant staff attempting to take credit for egusi, break down Billboard calling Rema a one-hit wonder, Rolling Stone Africa publishing an AI article on Wizkid & Asake, Buju Banton saying Afrobeats lacks substance, and whether Mavin Records is positioning Ayra Starr like the superstar she is.Heads up: this episode might make your head hot. Enjoy!

This week on Underground Unreleased, we're going audio-only but still doing what we do best! First, we break down Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance and debate whether any Afrobeats artist right now could’ve done it better. We talk Davido losing another Grammy to Tyla and what it’ll actually take for a Nigerian artist to win on that stage. We also unpack why Mavin Records artists aren’t connecting like they used to, and whether J. Cole stepping away from Kendrick Lamar changes how we view his legacy.

The guys give their review of Asake and Wizkid's collab EP, REAL, and discuss Dremo's "Man2Man" challenge.

Underground or Underground | Episode 13First episode of 2026. First, we address the gap - Detty December, travel, and why it took a minute to get back behind the mic.Recorded during Nigeria vs Morocco, this episode turns into a wider conversation about pressure, narratives, and culture.We unpack what “underground” means in Nigerian music today, debate the state of the Underground rap scene, and touch on:Ayra Starr’s recent image shiftSeun Kuti vs Wizkid FCAfrican categories at the GrammysWhy The Headies lack credibilityThe Tyla Afrobeats debateAsake & Wizkid pushing back their EPAnd Sleepers: two song recommendations for our listeners.ENJOY!

On the new episode, the guys discuss Asake's Red Bull Symphonic concert, Asake and Wizkid's upcoming "Real" EP, T-Pain's status in Nigeria, the state of Hip-Hop post-war between Drake and Kendrick Lamar and lots more!

In this episode, the guys break down Burna Boy’s canceled Chicago show and his so-called “apology,” debate AI’s growing influence in Afrobeats, and dive into whether the culture is truly ready for openly LGBT artistes. They also react to a music review request from a new listener. Tap in!

The guys discuss the issues with attending Burna Boy concerts, beef between Rema and Wizkid, Mavins' new signing, Cupid, Gunna's place in Afrobeats and lots more!

Wuchi and Wale discuss whether Afrobeats needs a reset or not and what separates the underground scene from the mainstream. Also featuring an unreleased song from a dope underground artiste you should tap in with, so don't miss it!

Welcome aboard Soul Commute - a smooth ride through Soul music by Nigerian and Black artists from the diaspora. From vintage textures to modern blends, this episode captures the mood, stories, and sound of underground Soul like you’ve never heard before.Spotlight artist: F3miii, a Dublin-based genre-bender whose Soul-leaning tracks bridge alt-R&B, gospel, and modern pop.Also featuring Lou Val, Moses Ideka, Aussie Maze, and more.Curated by: @OkwuchiiiPresented by: @unreleasedng

Welcome to the underground where the lights flicker, the bass hits like a curse, and the stars are ghosted on socials. This episode taps into the shadowy sound of Opium-inspired rap - dark, hypnotic, and drenched in mystery.What started as a spotlight on South Africa’s rising underground has now evolved into a cross-continental cipher. From the haunting echoes of Drae Sativ to the glitchy growl of Nigeria’s Zaylevelten, this playlist is for the nightcrawlers and mood benders.No backstories. No bios. Just blackout energy. Tune in.Follow Underground Unreleased onTwitter: @unreleasedngInstagram: @unreleasedngSoundCloud: Underground UnreleasedSpotify: Okwuchi Okaa

Vintage Heat, Modern Beats is a journey through the past, present, and future of Highlife music - the sound that laid the foundation for so much of today’s Afrobeats.This episode features:4 vintage slept-on Highlife songsA spotlight on a modern Highlife actAfrobeats tracks with Highlife flavor3-4 modern Highlife recordsAnd a final classic to close it out full circleWhether you’re a Highlife head or just discovering the genre, this one’s a vibe.Hit play, feel the groove, and let the culture move you.Follow Underground Unreleased onTwitter: @unreleasedngInstagram: @unreleasedngSoundCloud: Underground UnreleasedSpotify: Okwuchi Okaa

Heartbreak lingers, trust shatters, and the echoes of love lost still burn. This episode of Underground Unreleased dives deep into the raw emotions of deception, betrayal, and the struggle to move on. From lovers who played pretend to the ones who left scars, each track tells a story of heartbreak, lessons learned, and the strength to walk away. Whether you’re reminiscing about the past or finally closing the door on it, these underground gems will have you feeling every emotion.Follow the show onInstagram: @unreleasedngTwitter: @unreleasedng