Afrobeats Intelligence

Jesse Jagz is a Nigerian rapper, producer and songwriter. After joining Chocolate City in 2010, Jagz released his debut studio album, "Jag of All Tradez." in the same year. He left Chocolate City in 2013 and announced the launch of his independent label, Jagz Nation. Jagz released his second studio album Jagz Nation, Vol.1. Thy Nation Come in 2013; it included singles such as 'Redemption,' 'Bad Girl,' 'Sex & Scotch' and 'God on the Mic.' His third studio album, Jagz Nation Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company, was released in 2014. He returned to Chocolate City in 2015 but left the laxbel again prior to releasing his fourth studio album Odysseus in 2017. In May 2020, he released a 5-track EP titled "Garba."

In this revealing episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with the elusive strategist behind Tems, one of Afrobeats’ most powerful voices. From spiritual practices to music industry frameworks, Donawon shares how he helped turn a misunderstood talent into a global force.

Before the Grammy buzz, the Drake feature, and the Coachella stage, there was just a $500 bet and a belief.

“If this fails, I’ll give you everything I have,” he told Tems.And then he built a team. A system. A legacy.

Across this unfiltered conversation, Donawon breaks down:

• Why he walked away from gospel rap — and how that failure gave him purpose
• Why he built Faceless Management — and stayed in the shadows on purpose
• The system that scaled Tems’ career beyond algorithms or virality
• Why he fasts every month and lets faith guide business
• What’s next for the movement — including artists like Nsikak, Naya Akanji, and a new wave of Nigerian talent
• How rising stars like Rema, Fireboy DML, and Ayra Starr represent both inspiration and warning signs in today’s industry

“Clout is for visibility. But conviction is what makes artists timeless.”“The artist is the fruit. But the tree? That’s where the real work happens.”

Whether you’re a fan of Tems’ soulful R&B, an aspiring manager, or someone studying the Afrobeats industry from the inside, this episode is a blueprint for building greatness without shortcuts.

Watch this if you’re building a team, launching a label, or dreaming of a music career. It’s long-term thinking for a short-term world.

Timecodes:

1. 4:55 - 5:50 {Managing Afrobeats artistes}
2. 7:50 - 8:52 {External influences}
3. 10:30 - 11:25 {Afrobeats as a collective?}
4. 13:18 - 14:32 {Information/educational gap}
5. 17:58 - 18:38 {Ownership and cataloguing}
6. 22:40 - 23:49 {Conversion of the Afrobeats to the world movement}
7. 27:30 - 28:41 {Choosing the artiste}
8. 29:33 - 30:30 {Choosing the artiste 2}
9. 33:46 - 34:54 {Management model vs Company model Nonso Amadi experience}
10. 35:00 - 36:12 {Management model vs Company model 2}
11. 36:25 - 37:30 {Manager - Artiste relationship}
12. 41:41 - 42:43 {Music as a business vs Music as a brand}
13. 58:40 - 59:48 {Managing Omah lay/Clarity of mind}

T.G Omori is Nigeria's most in-form music video director. The elite creative pushes the most expressive and progressive aesthetics in Afrobeats. He hs the heart and pulse of Afrobeats in a chokehold, pushing the edgiest and creative videos from Nigeria, and beyond. The is the guy who's giving 'Afrobeats to the world,' the visual treatment it deserves.

In this powerhouse episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with Lucas Emeodi, better known as Kiing Lu—a cultural entrepreneur with a "militant mindset" forged through years of navigating Nigeria’s evolving music landscape. From his humble beginnings in Jos as a rapper and producer to becoming a pivotal A&R and founder of Speedplug Promotions, Kiing Lu shares the grit, resilience, and vision that have defined his career.

They dive deep into his discovery of TG Omori, his transformative work with Universal Music, and the creation of his own label, Captive Music. Kiing Lu unpacks the philosophy behind the "Militant Camp," a thriving community-driven movement blending hip-hop, Drille, and Afrobeats, designed to push creatives to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

With hard-earned lessons on industry relationships, brand building, and self-empowerment, this conversation is a masterclass for anyone striving to leave a mark on the music industry—and the culture at large.
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Season 3, Episode 16. Afrobeats Intelligence.

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In this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Kold AF, one of the most exciting new voices in the AfroFusion scene, takes center stage. Known for her unique blend of AfroFusion with Reggae, Dancehall, Soul, R&B, and Afrobeats, Kold AF’s sound captivates with its depth and versatility. Her powerful voice and sharp lyricism cut through, leaving an unforgettable impression.

Kold AF opens up about her journey, from juggling law school at Obafemi Awolowo University to making waves in the music industry. She reflects on her evolution as an artist, and how she has quickly become a force to reckon with—named a Spotify Equal Africa Ambassador and spotlighted as one of the artists to watch by Culture Custodian.

With the release of her latest Kaution EP in September 2024, Kold AF continues to push boundaries, delivering a fresh sound that’s catching the attention of both fans and critics alike. We also explore her collaboration with Aema for International Women’s Day and how she uses her platform to advocate for social justice, especially on tracks like "No Pity."

Kold AF's ability to blend genres while maintaining a distinct voice sets her apart as a trailblazer in the AfroFusion space. Tune in to hear how her rise in the industry mirrors her bold artistic vision and why she’s poised to shape the future of music.