The African podcast scene is experiencing a renaissance. With growing access to mobile devices and internet connectivity, more Africans are tuning into podcasts as a source of news, entertainment, storytelling, and education. Unlike traditional radio, podcasts offer an on-demand, uncensored platform where authentic African voices can be heard across diverse genres—from politics and history to relationships, spirituality, culture, and entrepreneurship.
Whether you’re commuting, working out, or just relaxing at home, these African podcasts are worth adding to your playlist. Here’s a curated list of some of the best African podcasts you should be listening to right now.
1. Afrobeats Intelligence – Hosted by Joey Akan (Nigeria)
For lovers of Afrobeats and African pop culture, Afrobeats Intelligence is a masterclass in music journalism. Joey Akan, a seasoned music critic, dives deep into the business, politics, and artistry behind the continent’s booming music industry. The interviews feature leading artists, producers, managers, and record executives shaping African music globally. It's a must-listen for aspiring musicians and anyone fascinated by the sound that’s putting Africa on the map.
2. Legally Clueless – Hosted by Adelle Onyango (Kenya)
This raw and relatable podcast by Kenyan media personality Adelle Onyango explores the joys, struggles, and quirks of being young and African. It mixes personal storytelling with interviews of everyday Africans sharing their experiences. Themes range from mental health and career to identity, grief, and healing. Legally Clueless has been praised for its honesty and community-driven feel—making listeners feel heard and less alone.
3. I Said What I Said (ISWIS) – Hosted by FK Abudu & Jola Ayeye (Nigeria)
This witty, no-holds-barred podcast is known for its hilarious banter and thought-provoking takes on Nigerian society. FK and Jola discuss relationships, money, culture, feminism, and everything in between. With sharp humour and occasional guest appearances from creatives and thinkers, ISWIS is both entertaining and enlightening. Their chemistry is infectious, and their commentary reflects the realities of urban African millennial life.
4. The Sandwich Podcast – Hosted by Four Kenyan Creatives
The Sandwich Podcast is Kenya’s breakout hit—a candid, unfiltered show that dives into youth culture, modern relationships, and the social issues facing Nairobi’s vibrant young population. The podcast’s casual format makes you feel like you’re eavesdropping on a fun conversation among friends. It blends humour with honesty, and the hosts don’t shy away from controversy.
5. Unfiltered with Betty Irabor – Hosted by Betty Irabor (Nigeria)
Veteran Nigerian journalist and mental health advocate Betty Irabor brings decades of experience and compassion into her podcast, Unfiltered. Here, she opens up important conversations around wellness, aging, resilience, and recovery—often joined by guests who’ve battled with depression, anxiety, or societal pressure. The podcast serves as a safe space, especially for women navigating life’s transitions in Africa’s fast-changing societies.
6. The African History Podcast – Hosted by M. B. A.
For those eager to dive into Africa’s rich and complex past, this podcast is a goldmine. The African History Podcast explores the untold stories of empires, kingdoms, resistance movements, and influential figures across the continent. It challenges Eurocentric narratives and educates listeners on the significance of African heritage. With well-researched episodes and immersive narration, it’s perfect for history lovers and educators alike.
7. Village Diaries – Hosted by Rumbi & Mufaro (Zimbabwe)
This Zimbabwean podcast takes a lighthearted look at the realities of growing up in an African village, navigating adulting in the diaspora, and staying connected to home. The storytelling is humorous, nostalgic, and deeply relatable for Africans worldwide. Village Diaries resonates with those who straddle tradition and modernity, blending local slang and African proverbs with global conversations.
8. Not Your African Cliché – Hosted by Four African Women from Different Countries
If you’re tired of the “single story” narrative about Africa, this podcast is for you. Not Your African Cliché dismantles stereotypes by exploring pan-African identities, pop culture, politics, and diaspora issues. The hosts, each from different parts of the continent, bring diverse perspectives and challenge listeners to rethink what it means to be African today.
9. Third Culture Africans – Hosted by Zeze Oriaikhi-Sao (Nigeria)
This polished and inspirational podcast highlights African excellence in business, design, tech, and the creative arts. Through intimate conversations with entrepreneurs and innovators, Third Culture Africans shines a light on Africans making waves globally. It’s empowering, especially for Africans in the diaspora or young professionals seeking role models.
10. Chini Ya Maji – Hosted by Kenyan Legal Professionals
“Chini ya Maji” means “beneath the water” in Swahili, and that’s exactly what this podcast does—dig beneath the surface of law, policy, and governance in East Africa. The hosts break down complex issues like elections, constitutional law, and human rights in an engaging and accessible way. It’s ideal for civic-minded listeners and policy enthusiasts.
Why African Podcasts Matter
African podcasts are more than just entertainment—they are vehicles of empowerment, resistance, and community-building. In many countries where mainstream media is censored or biased, podcasts offer a free and independent space for expression. They give voice to marginalised stories, foster connections across borders, and allow Africans to define themselves on their own terms.
With the global rise of audio storytelling, Africa is not just consuming—it's creating. From Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Johannesburg, young Africans are telling their stories in their own voices and rewriting the narrative.
How to Access These Podcasts
Most of these podcasts are available on popular platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and YouTube. Some creators also have websites or Patreon pages where you can support them directly.
To get started:
- Download a podcast app (e.g., Spotify, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts).
- Search the podcast name.
- Subscribe and download episodes.
- Leave a review to support your favourite shows!
Whether you want to laugh, learn, reflect, or simply unwind, Africa's podcasting ecosystem has something for everyone. The voices highlighted above represent just a slice of the continent’s vast storytelling potential. As more Africans plug in and create, the future of podcasting in Africa looks bright.
So next time you reach for your earphones, skip the usual playlist and give one of these African gems a listen—you just might find your new favourite.
