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  • From Ikorodu to Times Square: Tunde Onakoya on Pain, Purpose & Breaking World Records Twice | Afropolitan Podcast

    What does it mean to turn pain into purpose—and purpose into global impact?

    In this unforgettable episode of the Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Tunde Onakoya, the Nigerian chess master, movement builder, and two-time Guinness World Record breaker. From growing up in poverty in Lagos to leading a cultural revolution through Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde shares the full, raw story behind his meteoric rise—from the streets of Ikorodu to the bright lights of Times Square.

    This isn’t just about chess.

    It’s about:

    The emotional cost of reinvention when the world wants you to stay who you were

    Fame, friendships, failure, and finding purpose in pain

    Building global influence without losing your soul

    What it takes to be an outlier—and why greatness always starts in small places

    Whether you're a dreamer, builder, or just someone navigating your own season of becoming, this conversation will meet you where you are.


    00:00 - Intro
    02:09 - Grit, Purpose & Outliers
    12:09 - Growing Up in Ikorodu
    22:09 - Chess as a Tool for Reinvention
    37:09 - The Crisis of Fame
    47:09 - Breaking the World Record (Twice)
    1:07:09 - Ferdinand’s Story
    1:17:09 - Dating, Desires, and Private Love
    1:27:09 - Rapid Fire: Books, Suya, and Legacy





    🎥 Watch the full episode and let us know what part hit you the most.

    📍 Subscribe to The Afropolitan Podcast for more conversations that redefine legacy and soft power across the diaspora.

    #AfropolitanPodcast #TundeOnakoya #ChessInSlums #AfricanExcellence #GuinnessWorldRecord #Reinvention #FameAndPurpose #NigerianCreatives #LegacyMakers

    🎧 This is one of the most powerful episodes we've ever recorded.

  • How Breaking a World Record Led to a Million-Dollar Business

    In this powerful episode of the *Afropolitan Podcast*, DJ Obi opens up about the highs and lows of his journey through Nigeria’s entertainment scene—from breaking world records to battling personal loss.

    We explore:

    * The emotional cost of chasing dreams
    * His transition from DJ to cultural brand
    * Navigating grief, celibacy, and healing
    * Setting boundaries in love, life, and industry
    * Reflections on turning 40, fatherhood, and redefining success
    * The evolution of Afrobeats and building cultural equity

    DJ Obi speaks candidly about the mental and physical endurance it takes to sustain an entertainment career, while also unpacking the softer, often hidden, side of ambition: vulnerability, accountability, and the journey back to self.

    This is more than a music story. It’s a life story.

    Watch now and join the conversation.

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  • What does it take to build a culinary empire in Nigeria, from scratch?

    In this powerful episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, we sit down with Chef Fregz, one of Nigeria’s most beloved chefs and creative entrepreneurs, as he pulls back the curtain on his journey from a passion project to building a group of thriving food and lifestyle brands.

    From shutting down his business at the peak of success to launching four new ventures and a creative agency, Chef Fregz shares the real story behind his reinvention—what it cost, what it taught him, and how he's now building a purpose-driven, multi-million dollar empire rooted in culture, storytelling, and vision.

    Subscribe for more conversations with culture-makers, builders, and Black visionaries across the diaspora.

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and share

    Chapters

    00:00:00 The Journey of Culinary Storytelling
    02:50 Navigating the Culinary Landscape in Nigeria
    06:00 Challenges in Building a Food Business
    08:50 The Evolution of Chef Fregzz
    11:55 Mistakes and Lessons Learned
    15:04 The Launch of New Culinary Brands
    18:02 Exploring the World of Fragrance
    20:50 Scaling African Cuisine Globally
    42:09 Cultural Exports: Fashion, Music, and Food
    45:59 Branding and Presentation in Nigerian Cuisine
    50:07 Passion vs. Business: Navigating the Culinary World
    53:34 Legacy and Empowerment in the Culinary Industry
    56:42 Future Aspirations: Restaurants and Culinary Influence
    01:00:41 Rapid Fire: Personal Favorites and Culinary Memories

  • How Gen Z Will Build the Next Billion-Dollar Companies

    Dayo Ayoade has quietly shaped the products, platforms, and cultural movements that define a generation. From leading WeChat’s West African expansion to producing 60,000+ capacity concerts for Burna Boy, Asake, and Rema, Dayo has lived at the intersection of tech, entertainment, and behavioral insight.

    In this powerful episode of The Afropolitan Podcast, Dayo reveals what most people get wrong about African markets and what Gen Z is getting right.

    In this episode, we explore:

    • Why WeChat failed in Nigeria and what it teaches us about product market fit

    • How "gist" became the most powerful form of currency in Nigerian culture

    • The rise of Detty December and his role in co-creating it with Mr. Eazi

    • The unseen science behind virality, consumer behavior, and Gen Z's intuition

    • Why legacy isn’t built in public but in patterns only a few can see

    Dayo is more than a builder. He’s a cultural alchemist who understands what moves people and why.

    Whether you're a founder, product thinker, or creative shaping tomorrow's Africa, this episode is for you.

    Subscribe and turn on notifications for more transformative conversations with African visionaries.

  • How He Built a $350 Million Real Estate Empire Before 35
    In this powerful episode of the Afropolitan Podcast, Olawale Ayilara founder of Landwey and the visionary behind Isimi Lagos—shares the untold story behind one of Africa’s most remarkable real estate empires.

    From walking away from a U.S. visa and marriage plan to betting everything on Lagos, Wale takes us behind the scenes of what it takes to build wealth, legacy, and trust in Nigeria’s chaotic market.

    In this episode, we explore:
    – How he lost ₦14B and still chose to refund his clients
    – Why land, not houses, is the smartest investment in Nigeria
    – The truth about diaspora disillusionment, devaluation, and coming back home
    – What the future of sustainable cities looks like on the continent
    – And the mindset it takes to lead with integrity and long-term vision

    This isn’t just a real estate story—it’s a lesson in resilience, innovation, and what it means to build for and from Africa.

    Subscribe and turn on notifications for more transformative conversations with African visionaries.

    Also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

  • On this episode of @Afropolitan Podcast, media personality and filmmaker Bolanle Olukanni opens up like never before. She talks about how to rebrand your life

    You know her from Moments with Mo, red carpets, and some of Nigeria’s most beloved media projects, but this time, Bolanle gets deeply personal. She shares how she turned down her first acting gig (Before 30), why the Nigerian film industry is in survival mode, and what it truly means to carve out space as a woman in media, film, and advocacy.

    We discuss:
    • The emotional cost of public visibility
    • How Nollywood’s cinema culture is broken behind the scenes
    • Why she chose to pivot into documentary filmmaking and rebuild her life
    • The tension between influence and purpose
    • What most people don’t understand about reinvention

    This is a conversation about courage, timing, and choosing alignment over applause.

    Watch now and discover the side of Bolanle you’ve never seen.

    Chapters

    00:00 The Challenges of Protecting Art in Nigeria
    01:08 Exploring Legacy and Intention
    02:54 Cultural Influences and Personal Growth
    07:10 Transitioning from Hosting to Acting
    12:30 Misconceptions About Nollywood
    20:13 Representation of Women in Nollywood
    24:04 Balancing Content Creation and Social Causes
    27:07 The Impact of Social Media on Perception
    29:42 The Reality of Social Media Work
    36:01 Navigating Identity and Perception
    42:15 The Journey of Self-Discovery
    49:06 Changing the Narrative for African Influencers

  • In this conversation, Arresa Ugwu, the bestselling author of 'The Smart Money Woman', shares her journey from writing a book to creating a successful TV series. She discusses the challenges of filmmaking in Nigeria, the importance of resilience in the face of rejection, and the dynamics of financial conversations among women. Arresa emphasizes the need for vulnerability in discussing money and the impact of social pressures on economic decisions. She also reflects on her experiences with mistakes and the lessons learned along the way, advocating for a balance between financial independence and relationships. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into the complexities of social comparisons, self-worth, and the importance of authentic relationships among women. They discuss the challenges faced in the Nollywood film industry, the nuances of female friendships, and a filmmaker's journey. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of self-awareness, the value of long-term relationships, and the aspirations for future projects in the creative space.

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Arresa Udhla and Her Journey
    03:07 The Chaos of Filmmaking in Nigeria
    06:12 The Smart Money Woman: From Book to Screen
    08:57 Facing Rejection and Finding New Opportunities
    12:11 Building a Media Empire and Future Projects
    14:51 Conversations Around Money and Gender Dynamics
    17:55 Caution in Investing: A Gender Perspective
    21:07 The Importance of Vulnerability in Financial Conversations
    24:01 Learning from Mistakes and Resilience
    27:10 Balancing Financial Independence with Relationships
    30:11 Navigating Social Pressures and Economic Realities
    31:28 Building Authentic Relationships Among Women
    35:44 The Complexity of Female Friendships
    36:50 Insights on Nollywood and the Streaming Landscape
    39:55 Challenges and Triumphs in Filmmaking
    42:52 The Journey of a Filmmaker
    48:19 Future Aspirations and New Ventures



  • Subscribe to @Afropolitan

    In this powerful episode of *The Afropolitan Podcast*, Gbenga Akinnagbe —best known as Chris Partlow from The Wire pulls back the curtain on what it *really* takes to survive Hollywood.

    From surviving the streets of D.C. to earning a wrestling scholarship that rerouted his life, Gbenga shares the raw truth about his journey: the odds of "making it," how only 3% of actors earn a livable income, and the emotional toll behind the spotlight.

    He opens up about:
    - Turning down roles to protect his integrity
    - Why he believes no state should have the power to take a life
    - The role therapy played in his healing as a Black man
    - His dream to play Black Panther—and his reaction when Chadwick Boseman was cast
    - Why *The Wire* never won awards, but won the people

    This is more than an actor’s story it’s a lesson in power, purpose, and reclaiming your narrative.

    Tap in if you care about
    - The business of acting
    - Legacy over fame
    - Criminal justice reform
    - Black storytelling on a global stage

  • Subscribe to @afropolitan for more powerful conversations on identity, legacy

    What if we told you that Afrobeats, Big Brother Nigeria, and one of the most powerful creative revolutions in Africa were all connected by one man?

    In this episode, we sit down with Obi Asika—media mogul, cultural architect, and one of the founding forces behind Nigeria’s rise as a global soft power. From launching game-changing music labels in the ‘90s to embedding Nigerian music into reality TV, Obi has always seen the vision before the world caught on.

    We talk about:

    How Nigeria became a global cultural superpower

    The real story behind Afrobeats (and who really started it)

    The truth about soft power, IP, and why Africa must control its narrative

    What every young creator must understand about value and legacy

    How Big Brother Nigeria helped launch a media revolution

    Jay-Z, Fela, Flavor, and the mindset behind long-term greatness

    This isn’t just an interview—it’s a masterclass in cultural strategy, legacy-building, and African excellence.

    If you’re a creative, entrepreneur, or diasporan looking to understand the future of African influence—this episode is for you.

    Drop your thoughts in the comments. Who should we interview next?

  • In this solo episode, Chika and Eche dive into one of the most uncomfortable but necessary conversations:

    Is masculinity dying and what’s really going on with modern womanhood?

    They unpack why dating content is dominated by figures like Andrew Tate and Kevin Samuels, how male dating coaches often pander to women, and the growing disconnect between men and women today.

    They also reflect on the life and legacy of Herbert Wigwe, and the deeper questions we should be asking about impact, ambition, and how we’re remembered.

    Plus, thoughts on Babangida’s new book** and what it reveals about Nigerian leadership, silence, and selective memory.

    This is an episode that blends culture, critique, and clarity.

    Want to go deeper? Book a 1-on-1 video call with Chika or Eche on Convo by Afropolitan
    • Chika Uwazie - https://convo.vip/chikauwazie
    • Eche Emole - https://convo.vip/echeemole

    Ready to meet your match?
    Apply to join Legacy, our private dating club for high-achieving Africans across the diaspora: https://legacy.rsvp/

  • We know Nicole Chikwe as the confident beauty entrepreneur, influencer, and founder of The Mummy Summit.

    But in this deeply honest conversation, she opens up like never before.

    Nicole shares:

    What it really felt like to be married to a celebrity while quietly battling insecurity

    How she rebuilt her confidence as a wife, a mother, and a woman in her own right

    The truth about the influencer industry in Nigeria—and the parts no one talks about

    Why motherhood broke her open and how it also made her whole

    What she wants other women to know about self-worth, softness, and starting over

    This is the real story behind the highlight reel.

    Want to go deeper?
    You can now book a 1-on-1 video call with Nicole Chikwe to ask your biggest questions on identity, influence, and soft power via Convo:


    https://convo.vip/nicolechikwe

  • What does it really mean to build a legacy—from billion-dollar companies to your own home?

    In this episode, Iyinoluwa Aboyeji opens up like never before.

    We talk about:

    Surviving the Sosoliso crash that claimed 60 of his classmates

    The pressure and cost of building billion-dollar companies

    Marriage, masculinity, and why “the feminists are shouting”

    Fatherhood, faith, and what legacy really means to him now

    This is the side of Iyin the internet rarely sees.

    Want to go deeper?
    You can now book a 1-on-1 video call with Iyinoluwa Aboyeji to ask your biggest questions on building, leadership, and legacy via Convo:
    https://convo.vip/iyinoluwaaboyeji

  • Subscribe to @Afropolitan for more podcasts like this

    What does it *really* take to reinvent your life especially when the world already thinks it knows who you are?

    In this raw and robust conversation, legendary Nigerian rapper and music executive M.I Abaga sits down with us to unpack his journey of reinvention—from rap icon to record label head, husband, and purpose-driven leader.

    We talk about:
    Walking away from fame to find freedom
    Regret, controversy, and how he made peace with past decisions
    The mental battles that come with being a public figure
    How marriage, and turning 40 changed everything
    Behind-the-scenes stories from his biggest songs and collaborations
    The hardest seasons of his career—and why he didn’t quit
    His vision for Africa’s creative economy and how TASCK is reshaping the game

    Whether you're navigating a career pivot, healing from failure, or just trying to figure out your next chapter—this episode will shift something in you.


  • Quote - “The spirit of Afropolitan, and why I'm so excited about the
    community that's being built, is to connect one of the most powerful
    forces in the world, which is human communities, to the fastest
    growing place in the world, which is the African continent.”

    The Afropolitan Podcast highlights Afropolitans who embrace the
    unknown and walk with purpose. Through this podcast, we aim to empower
    Africans in the Diaspora to maximize their potential and contribute to
    the development of a vibrant and progressive black community.
    In this episode, we chat with Daniel Yu, Founder & CEO of Wasoko, a
    technology company that is transforming the $600 billion market for
    essential goods sold through mom-and-pop stores in Africa. Wasoko
    provides on-demand ordering, delivery, and financing services to these
    small retailers. Wasoko's platform enables shop owners to place orders
    at any time via SMS or a mobile app, and offers free same-day delivery
    of goods directly to their stores. Additionally, Wasoko provides "Pay
    Later" financing options to support the growth of these shops. The
    company operates in several African countries, including Kenya,
    Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal, and collaborates
    with major companies such as Unilever and Procter & Gamble. Wasoko has
    raised over $145 million in equity financing from investors like Tiger
    Global and Avenir Growth Capital, making it one of the largest tech
    companies in Africa.
    Daniel Yu is an entrepreneur and software developer with extensive
    experience working and traveling in over 65 countries, primarily in
    emerging economies such as Africa, the Middle East, Central America,
    Brazil, Southeast Asia, and China. He is skilled at exploring markets
    and building networks to effectively launch technology-driven
    businesses. Daniel is conversational or fluent in eight languages:
    English (native), Mandarin, Swahili, Arabic, Spanish, Cantonese,
    Portuguese, and French.
    Daniel is passionate about leveraging technology and innovation to
    transform the retail landscape in emerging economies, empowering small
    businesses, and making a positive social impact across Africa. Join us
    as Daniel discusses his journey with Wasoko and the importance of
    digital technology and services to solve Africa’s supply chain
    problems.

    Daniel’s Reading List:
    1. Doing Good Better: How Effective Altruism Can Help You Help Others,
    Do Work that Matters, and Make Smarter Choices about Giving Back by
    William MacAskill - https://amzn.to/41EnFJj
    2. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight - https://amzn.to/3IkPMq2
    3. Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder - https://amzn.to/455COGn
    Show Notes
    2:00 Daniel breaks down his background and what led him to Africa as
    an entrepreneur
    3:27 Daniel, as the founder and CEO of Wasako, has been working to
    transform commerce in Africa and tells us the problem it aims to solve
    4:49 Daniel details the monetization model of Wasoko
    5:16 Daniel talks about some of the assumptions he had of this
    commerce model and what challenges he faced going to market
    6:54 Daniel talks about the importance of startups to vertical
    integrate in Africa to ensure successful delivery of their chosen
    offerings and how the process of building in Africa differs from being
    in California, where certain aspects are already taken care of, and
    the focus is primarily on software development
    8:20 Daniel explains why he started in certain African countries
    compared to others and the cultural differences experienced in each
    country
    10:09 Daniel paints the customer onboarding process early on
    11:16 Daniel details the early stages of a startup and the struggles
    you have to go through
    12:37 Daniel talks about his educational background and how It
    informed the work he does today

  • Quote: "Don't approach entrepreneurship from a position of
    desperation; instead, build and have leverage."

    The Afropolitan Podcast highlights Afropolitans who embrace the
    unknown and walk with purpose. Through this podcast, we aim to empower
    Africans in the Diaspora to maximize their potential and contribute to
    the development of a vibrant and progressive black community.

    In this episode, we chat with Obinna Ukwuani, Chief Digital Officer at
    the Bank of Kigali Plc, where he drives digital product development to
    achieve digital financial services objectives. Obinna, born in America
    with Nigerian roots, studied Economics at the Massachusetts Institute
    of Technology (MIT). He founded and directed the Makers Robotics
    Academy Rwanda and NESA by Makers, and now serves as the Founder and
    Director of Bruk Oil Mills in Enugu. Obinna previously worked at
    Paystack and shares his entrepreneurship insights in this episode.

    Obinna is passionate about education, entrepreneurship, and the
    transformative power of Web3/Blockchain technologies for people
    worldwide. Join us as Obinna discusses his journey to the Bank of
    Kigali and the importance of digital technology and services in
    solving Africa's challenges.

    Obinna's Reading List:
    1. Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty by
    Daron Acemoglu, James A. Robinson - https://amzn.to/3kD1fbO
    2. The Biafra Story: The Making of an African Legend by Frederick
    Forsyth - https://amzn.to/3Zt7vBN
    3. The Four Loves by C.S. Lewis - https://amzn.to/3ICWJlD

    Show Notes:
    1:22 Introduction to the Afropolitan Podcast
    1:42 Obinna's background and journey to MIT, earning a BSc in
    Economics
    7:28 Obinna's decision to return to Nigeria and his role in
    nation-building and creating opportunities
    12:09 Obinna's work with the Makers Robotics Academy Rwanda and its
    impact on the local community
    14:14 Obinna shares his first significant encounter with failure and
    the lessons learned
    20:46 Obinna discusses insights from working with Paystack and Bank of
    Kigali on technology's potential for Africans
    24:19 Obinna talks about his experience raising funds for startups and
    offers advice for first-time founders navigating the fundraising
    process
    28:35 The importance of managing desperation and balance when
    dealing with investors
    31:20 Sam Altman's New Yorker profile and the need for Africa to
    leapfrog - https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/10/sam-altmans-manifest-destiny
    38:12 Obinna shares his thoughts on Web3 and Blockchain, addressing
    skepticism and guiding principles
    42:53 Books that have profoundly impacted Obinna's life
    50:27 Hypothetical title of a book about Obinna's life
    51:35 Obinna's perspective on what it means to be Afropolitan

    The Afropolitan Podcast is hosted by Eche Emole, co-founder of
    Afropolitan. Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Jamit,
    or wherever you get your podcasts.

    Connect with Afropolitan:
    Twitter - https://twitter.com/afropolitan
    Website - https:

  • Quote - “Founders need to realise that investors love founders that
    have failed before because it is in your failings, you learn the
    most.”

    The Afropolitan Podcast spotlights Afropolitans who aren’t afraid to
    step into the unknown and walk in purpose. With this podcast we hope
    to empower Africans in the Diaspora to harness their full potential
    and contribute to the development of a bold and progressive black
    community.

    Our guests will share their working formulas, the hard facts about
    leaving familiar terrain, embracing the unknown, and staying relevant
    afterwards.

    This episode features Kyle Maloney, Co-Founder of Tech Beach; a
    startup with an active community designed to connect the Caribbean
    with the Global Technology Ecosystem.

    Klye studied Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical
    University and was exposed to entrepreneurship early on which
    culminated in Co-founding Tech Beach to offer a much needed service in
    the region.

    He is passionate about empowering people and companies in the
    Caribbean through technology to scale and solve pertinent issues.

    Listen and enjoy as Kyle talks to us about his journey with Tech
    Beach, his background and plans for the future.

    Kyle’s Reading List

    Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, Arthur R. Pell
    https://amzn.to/3XzOzzZ

    The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary
    Results by Gary Keller, Jay Papasan
    https://amzn.to/3lFdS6a

    Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad
    Ones by James Clear
    https://amzn.to/2P8LAvI

    Show Notes
    2:30 Impact of covid and background of Tech Beach
    5:58 Context of the Caribbean for startups
    7:52 Expansion in the Caribbean compared to Africa
    9:07 Fundraising process, challenges and advice
    11:32 Recruiting and retaining talent
    13:31 Kyle’s background and influences
    19:49 Lessons from failure
    24:00 Process to find the right mentor within the ecosystem
    28:15 Title of the book about your life
    30:53 Reading list
    32:44 Being Afropolitan
    35:03 Future plans

    The Afropolitan Podcast is hosted by Eche Emole, co-founder of Afropolitan.
    Listen and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Jamit, or
    wherever you get your podcasts.

    Want to learn more about Afropolitan?

    Twitter - https://twitter.com/afropolitan
    Website - https://www.afropolitan.io/


  • Quote - “There is no joy to be found in playing small and dimming your lights.”


    The Afropolitan Podcast spotlights Afropolitans who aren’t afraid to
    step into the unknown and walk in purpose. With this podcast we hope
    to empower Africans in the Diaspora to harness their full potential
    and contribute to the development of a bold and progressive black
    community.


    Our guests will share their working formulas, the hard facts about
    leaving familiar terrain, embracing the unknown, and staying relevant
    afterwards.


    This episode features Hanu Agbodje, Founder & CEO of PATRICIA; a
    fintech company founded in 2017 using Blockchain technology to process
    cryptocurrency transactions in Africa and beyond.


    Hanu holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Statistics from
    University of Port Harcourt and founded PATRICIA after 13 other
    unsuccessful businesses.


    He is passionate about crypto and how the technology can solve
    Africa’s biggest problems and synergise payments.


    Listen and enjoy as Hanu talks to us about his journey with PATRICIA
    and ambition to transform alternative payments solutions in Africa.


    Hanu’s Reading List


    The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason

    https://amzn.to/3E3l8iW


    Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter
    Thiel and Blake Masters

    https://amzn.to/3lt34Iq


    How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell

    https://amzn.to/2VzobXM


    Show Notes

    1:23 Patricia's mission and vision for the world

    1:58 Recruiting and retaining talent

    3:30 The journey to Patricia

    9:39 African founders competing anywhere in the world

    12:25 What promise cryptocurrency holds for Africa?

    15:02 Advice for founders dealing with government regulation

    16:25 Dealing with failure and lessons learnt

    19:23 Balance between creativity and objectives

    20:38 Title of the book about your life

    22:07 Other passions aside from Patricia

    24:08 Self-care and avoiding burnout

    25:07 Reading list

    30:41 Being Afropolitan

    32:38 Future of Patricia


    The Afropolitan Podcast is hosted by Eche Emole, co-founder of Afropolitan.

    Listen and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Jamit, or
    wherever you get your podcasts.


    Want to learn more about Afropolitan?


    Twitter - https://twitter.com/afropolitan

    Website - https://www.afropolitan.io/

  • Quote - “This frail body will house the greatest spirit humanity will
    ever know.”

    The Afropolitan Podcast spotlights Afropolitans who aren’t afraid to
    step into the unknown and walk in purpose. With this podcast we hope
    to empower Africans in the Diaspora to harness their full potential
    and contribute to the development of a bold and progressive black
    community.

    Our guests will share their working formulas, the hard facts about
    leaving familiar terrain, embracing the unknown, and staying relevant
    afterwards.

    This episode features Tunde Onakoya, Founder of Chess In Slums Africa;
    a non-profit organisation that utilises the game of chess to educate
    and empower underprivileged children to achieve far more than their
    circumstances.

    Tunde holds a National Diploma in Computer Science from Yaba College
    of Technology and created Chess in Slums Africa to use chess as a tool
    to educate and propel the destiny of children out of poverty.

    He is passionate about equaling the playing field and has a goal to
    educate 1 million children in slum communities in 5 years.

    Listen and enjoy as Tunde talks to us about his journey with Chess In
    Slums Africa and redressing the imbalance in society.

    Tunde’s Reading List

    Philosophy for Life and Other Dangerous Situations: Ancient Philosophy
    for Modern Problems by Jules Evans
    https://amzn.to/3DMbVLF

    The Prosperity Paradox: How Innovation Can Lift Nations Out of Poverty
    by Clayton M. Christensen, Efosa Ojomo, Karen Dillon
    https://amzn.to/3DNoFBO

    Self-Discipline through Ikigai and Kaizen (Longevity and Happiness at
    Hand) by Mark Morimoto
    https://amzn.to/3lnLVQb

    Manifesto for a Moral Revolution Paperback – May 4, 2021 by Jacqueline Novogratz
    https://amzn.to/3RGYd2i

    Show Notes
    1:29 Background and discovery of chess
    4:31 Creation and mission of Chess In Slums Africa
    9:07 Impact on children/slums
    11:28 Ferdinand with cerebral palsy winning the chess tournament in Makoko
    14:17 Partnership with chess.com
    16:10 Finding purpose with Chess In Slums Africa
    19:42 Fulfilling potential linked to mission of Chess In Slums Africa
    22:43 Reading list
    25:24 Future plans and how to get involved/support
    27:28 Title of the book about your life
    28:13 What does being Afropolitan mean to you

    The Afropolitan Podcast is hosted by Eche Emole, co-founder of Afropolitan.
    Listen and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Jamit, or
    wherever you get your podcasts.

    Want to learn more about Afropolitan?

    Twitter - https://twitter.com/afropolitan
    Website - https://www.afropolitan.io/

  • Yida Gao
    Quote - “Talent is everything for an early stage company and the
    people they hire early on define the trajectory of the company.”


    The Afropolitan Podcast spotlights Afropolitans who aren’t afraid to
    step into the unknown and walk in purpose. With this podcast we hope
    to empower Africans in the Diaspora to harness their full potential
    and contribute to the development of a bold and progressive black
    community.


    Our guests will share their working formulas, the hard facts about
    leaving familiar terrain, embracing the unknown, and staying relevant
    afterwards.


    This episode features Yida Gao, Managing General Partner of Shima
    Capital; an early stage crypto and Web3 investment firm.


    Yida holds a BSc in Mathematics and Computer Science from
    Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He previously worked in Wall
    Street for Morgan Stanley in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group.


    He is passionate about investing in crypto and Web3 companies that
    chart new territory.


    Listen and enjoy as Yida Gao talks to us about his journey with Shima
    Capital and insights on the venture capitalist environment.


    Yida’s Reading List


    Play Bigger: How Pirates, Dreamers, and Innovators Create and Dominate
    Markets by Al Ramadan, Dave Peterson, Christopher Lochhead, Kevin
    Maney

    https://amzn.to/3jfIPx0


    Show Notes

    2:02 Journey into crypto

    4:10 Shima’s investment thesis and approach to funding startups

    6:09 Main criteria to invest in a founder

    8:34 Fundraising process for Shima Capital

    10:50 Misconceptions about venture capitalists

    12:13 VCs inspired by

    13:09 Recruiting and retaining talent

    14:48 Navigating the fundraising environment

    17:25 Process of capital calls

    20:20 Best guidance that Shima offers for portfolio companies

    23:47 First encounter with failure and lesson learnt

    26:25 Reading list

    28:14 Title of the book about your life

    29:28 What does being Afropolitan mean to you


    The Afropolitan Podcast is hosted by Eche Emole, co-founder of Afropolitan.

    Listen and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Jamit, or
    wherever you get your podcasts.


    Want to learn more about Afropolitan?


    Twitter - https://twitter.com/afropolitan

    Website - https://www.afropolitan.io/

  • Fadekemi Abiru

    Quote - “Afropolitan is daring to be yourself in a rapidly changing
    world and not having to ask for permission.”


    The Afropolitan Podcast spotlights Afropolitans who aren’t afraid to
    step into the unknown and walk in purpose. With this podcast we hope
    to empower Africans in the Diaspora to harness their full potential
    and contribute to the development of a bold and progressive black
    community.


    Our guests will share their working formulas, the hard facts about
    leaving familiar terrain, embracing the unknown, and staying relevant
    afterwards.


    This episode features Fadekemi Abiru, Head Of Insights at Stears; a
    financial data/intelligence company providing subscription-based
    data/insight to professionals/businesses.


    Fadekemi holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Bristol and
    an MSc in African Development from the London School of Economics. She
    previously worked as an economist for the UK government and provided
    analysis on various projects.


    She is passionate about ensuring that decisions whether in business or
    government in Africa are driven by real time data and insights to
    drive critical economic developments.


    Listen and enjoy as Fadekemi Abiru talks to us about her journey with
    Stears and the importance of data-driven insights on Africa.


    Fadekemi’s Reading List


    All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks

    https://amzn.to/3EiIoZj


    Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7) by J. K. Rowling

    https://amzn.to/3OlqtG7


    Economics Rules by Dani Rodrik

    https://amzn.to/3As5j3w




    Show Notes

    1:55 Founding of Stears and its mission

    3:10 Plans to cover the 2023 Nigerian elections

    8:03 Data-driven insights/expectations on the Nigeria 2023 elections

    10:22 How has technology enabled the Stears Elections product

    11:12 Significance and likely impact of the Nigerian Electoral Act
    2022 on the upcoming elections

    12:29 Conducting polls in the future

    14:08 Data trends that make this upcoming election different from the
    last election

    15:58 First encounter with failure and lesson learnt

    16:02 Title of the book about your life

    18:45 Reading list

    21:09 What does being Afropolitan mean to you


    The Afropolitan Podcast is hosted by Eche Emole, co-founder of Afropolitan.

    Listen and subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Jamit, or
    wherever you get your podcasts.


    Want to learn more about Afropolitan?


    Twitter - https://twitter.com/afropolitan

    Website - https://www.afropolitan.io/