Hosted by Larry Madowo, the episode sees Joeboy in conversation from Lagos, where he shares an intimate account of his journey—from a university student with big dreams to one of Africa’s most streamed and recognizable music exports.
Born Joseph Akinwale Akinfenwa-Donus in 1997, Joeboy’s path into music took a defining turn in 2017 when his cover of Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” went viral. The moment marked his transition from rapping to singing, a shift that would ultimately shape his artistic identity. The buzz caught the attention of Mr Eazi, who brought him into the emPawa Africa Talent Incubation programme—an initiative aimed at nurturing emerging African artists.
That opportunity proved pivotal. In 2018, Joeboy released “Fààjí” featuring Mr Eazi, a track that helped lay the foundation for his career. Soon after, he secured a deal with Warner Music Africa, under which he released his breakout single “Baby” in 2019. The song became an instant hit, followed closely by “Beginning,” which amassed over 23 million views on YouTube, further cementing his status as a rising star.
That same year, he dropped “Love & Light,” and collaborated with Mayorkun on tracks like “Don’t Call Me” and “All for You,” showcasing his versatility and growing influence within the Afropop scene.
Joeboy’s artistic evolution continued with the release of his debut album, “Somewhere Between Beauty & Magic” in 2021, followed by his sophomore project, “Body & Soul” in 2023. Both albums reflect his signature blend of melody-driven songwriting and emotionally resonant themes, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
His success has also been recognized on major platforms. He clinched Best Artiste in African Pop at the All Africa Music Awards 2019 and Best Pop at the Soundcity MVP Awards Festival 2020—milestones that underscore his growing impact on the continent’s music industry.
The African Voices feature offers viewers not just a look at Joeboy’s achievements, but an insight into the mindset and moments that shaped his rise. As Afrobeats continues to command global attention, stories like his highlight the blend of talent, timing, and opportunity driving the genre forward.
The episode begins airing at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, with multiple repeats scheduled across the weekend and into the following week, giving audiences ample opportunity to catch a glimpse of one of Nigeria’s standout musical exports in conversation on a global platform.