The evolution of podcasts over the past few years has been revolting, and one might say they are giving nighttime and daytime television programs a run for their money because they have become preferable for most in regard to all thing’s social commentary, discussions on unconventional lifestyles and divulging into the news, to mention but a few.
The podcasting space in Africa has evolved exponentially enough to cater to various audiences and consumer tastes, and here are a few suggestions for some of our favorite emerging podcasts from the continent.
The Messy In-between
Hosted by two Kenyan women in their 30s, The Messy In Between is the sinking space where Lydia K.M. and Murugi Munyi delve into conversations about career, motherhood, money, friendships, love and relationships.
Commonly known as TMI, the podcast features two chilled hosts discussing topics that fit right into the lifestyle of African women in different stages of life who, through their own lived experiences, try to make sense of the social landscape in the present day.
Every so often, TMI podcast opens its virtual doors to followers to ask their most probing questions and have the hosts weigh in, making for a good listen.
The podcast is witty, riveting and the perfect virtual companion for a laid-back Saturday or any other mellow setting.
I Said I What I Said
Hosted by Feyikemi Abudu and Jola Ayeye, the “I said what I said” podcast can be best described as a digital diary of its hosts, two Nigerian women navigating life in the UK as young adults. The podcast hosts different people every week as they talk about their personal journeys with finances, careers and love while simultaneously debunking weekly dilemmas from their followers in need of advice with their given guest.
Something podcasts everywhere have been trying to adopt, one way or another. This podcast is an ideal way to spend one’s downtime, especially if listening to what’s happening in other people’s lives (in a Naija accent) is a preferred taste.
To My Sisters
Tuning into “To my sisters” podcasts is a breath of fresh air. Tackling topics such as friendships, career hurdles, religion and love queries in a down-to earth empathetic tone, making it ideal to wind down to while simultaneously being introspective.
The podcast also tackles discussions around holistic wellness and sisterhood, and listening to Courtney Boateng and Renee Kaputu get into it feels a lot like listening in (read over hearing) a conversation you would like to weigh in on and can’t walk away from.
Kila-Kitu Podcast
Presented by Rwandans Angell Mutoni, Elodie Mumhoreze, and Marianne, the Kila Kitu podcast is rendition of a digital diary of the three hosts, featuring discussions of how generic topics apply to their lives, especially in the resonance of the setting they find
themselves in, which is being a young adult in Rwanda.
The podcast features light and intense conversations simultaneously from like-minded perspectives, often presented through witty manners. The listening experience also feels like overhearing an interesting conversation from a distance.
The Journey Podcast
Hosted by Rwandan choreographer Manzi Mbaya, “The Journey” is a podcast that delves into what exactly the art scene entails in Rwanda, ranging from dance, theatre, visual arts, music, and more. Listening to the podcast provides an insightful look into Rwanda’s thriving creative industry, serving as beneficial a source to learn about it from its key players. One of the more enticing bonuses is the riveting conversations evoked by the converging guest artists in a singular space, which Manzi Mbaya seems to bring out off them.
The Happiness Revolution podcast is an upcoming podcast hosted by Khanyi Mlaba, the current content director at Global Citizen. With the podcast, Mlaba intends to convey elaborate examples of what happens when joy and happiness are chosen and held onto in a sea of greys. And although the first episode is yet to launch, we couldn’t resist recommending what seems to be the gripping podcast.
What Now
Fairly new, “What now?” hosted by Trevor Noah is one of the fast-emerging and entertaining podcasts on the block, and the host’s big name has a little to do with it. In the podcast, Noah often hosts some of the biggest names in the American entertainment space for in-depth conversations about the appealing lives they lead, how they relate with the comedian, and so much more. People such as Dwayne
‘The Rock’ Johnson, Kerry Washington and Idris Elba have been on the show thus far, and those made for stimulating episodes.
But that’s not the only x-factor that sets the show apart. On episodes when he isn’t chatting up to Hall of Famers, the comedian is joined on the podcast with two friends who have become season regulars to break down different societal norms, shocking current news dynamics, and quiz Trevor on what part of the world he is currently inhabiting – since he’s adopted a modern-day nomadic lifestyle.
Blogger Christina Mbakwe and comedian Josh Johnson’s addition to the show has elevated its quality in a significant way.
The Happiness Revolution
The Happiness Revolution podcast is an upcoming podcast hosted by Khanyi Mlaba, the current content director at Global Citizen. With the podcast, Mlaba intends to convey elaborate examples of what happens when joy and happiness are chosen and held onto in a sea of greys. And although the first episode is yet to launch, we couldn’t resist recommending what seems to be the gripping podcast.
