Prosper Taiwo
When Tosin Adefeko conceived the idea of the Africa Podcast Festival, it was never just about putting voices behind microphones. It was an attempt to amplify African narratives, democratise storytelling, and build a creative economy driven by authenticity and innovation.
What began as a gathering of creators, enthusiasts, and curious listeners has now evolved into a movement. Christened PodFest Naija, the podcast festival was one that challenged global stereotypes, empowered local storytellers, and positioned podcasting as a tool for cultural transformation and economic opportunity across Africa.
Adefeko’s journey, from media executive to creative entrepreneur, reflects the spirit of a generation unwilling to wait for validation. In a world where content is king, she saw a gap – Africa’s stories were often told by outsiders or filtered through narrow lenses. Podcasting, with its low barriers to entry and intimate connection with audiences, offered a remedy. For her, it wasn’t just about catching a global trend; it was about rewriting the rules of engagement for African voices in the digital era.
Indeed, at the inaugural Africa Podcast Festival, held in Lagos recently, the energy was palpable. Creators from across Nigeria and beyond shared not just microphones but missions. They were redefining journalism, experimenting with new formats, and pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an African storyteller in a digital world. It centered on celebration, collaboration, innovation and learning for the podcast ecosystem. It was a creative melting pot designed to spotlight the power of storytelling through podcasts. The event brought together storytellers, creators, brands, cultural and policy leaders for a dynamic experience designed to celebrate the voices shaping Nigeria’s podcasting community, sparking innovation through conversations on future trends and evolving audience behaviours.
“The inspiration came from a moment of clarity. The overwhelming realisation that we were already sitting inside a movement, we just needed to gather the tribe. As strategic communications consultants, we have always told brand stories; now, we are intentionally amplifying consumer-led narratives to create deeper, shared connections.
“At our core, we believe that’s life’s experiences are always in motion, better experienced through channels that connect people, communities and culture. We all crave the same things: connection and community so we must continually seek avenues to co-exist, co-create, and engage with ourselves and our stories, it is this co-dependence that makes us thrive better as humans. Our stories remind us that we are not alone and that shared experience is what makes us stronger. That’s the spirit behind Podfest Naija,” Adefeko had told THISDAY ahead of the festival, while reflecting on the purpose.
The festival lived up to expectations as it drew over 1,500 creators, storytellers, brands, and policymakers for a day of powerful conversations, cultural showcases, and innovation. Curated by the Adefeko-led The Muvmnt Studio in partnership with Eventful, the festival delivered on its promise to bring Nigeria’s most influential voices together to celebrate storytelling, collaborate across industries, innovate new formats, and learn from leading voices shaping the future.
“Over time, we realised that everyone was working in silos, there was no platform bringing the tribe together. We knew something had to change,” she added.
In her keynote address, Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa, Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, emphasised the growing importance of podcasting in amplifying Nigeria’s creative voice globally.
“Podcasting has become one of the most powerful tools for projecting our soft power and amplifying Nigerian creativity to the world,” the Minister stated. “It is a veritable medium that transcends borders, democratising how stories are told and who gets to tell them.”
She further highlighted podcasting as a strategic tool for youth engagement and job creation.
“Our young people are not just listeners. They are creators. They are hosts. They are writers. They are sound engineers, researchers and digital entrepreneurs. Everything that speaks to that value chain from the bottom to the up. I think podcasting covers everything. Mr. President is really committed to looking at how we can fortify the future of the young people. And the only way that we can do that is by absorbing as many young people into the job market as possible.”
The festival’s lineup featured over 40 storytellers and cultural icons, including Chude Jideonwo, Tunde Onakoya, Adaora Mbelu, Rufai Oseni, Morayo Afolabi-Brown, Masoyinbo and many others, who led conversations that cut across generations, genres, and industries.
Major brands powered immersive activations throughout the venue, reinforcing the intersection between storytelling, culture, and brands. One of the day’s most anticipated moments was the unveiling of “The Next Big Podcaster,” an initiative by The Muvmnt Studio to spotlight emerging talent set to redefine the podcast space.
Pearllie Hart was announced live on stage as the winner, positioning her as a podcaster to watch under The Muvmnt Studio’s spotlight.
As Africa faces high youth unemployment, podcasting and the broader creative industries offer an alternative pathway. With smartphones becoming ubiquitous and internet access expanding, the barriers to entry are lower than ever. What’s needed, as Adefeko insists, is not permission but participation.
By empowering young Africans to tell their own stories, she’s cultivating both confidence and competence, a rare combination that transforms societies from within.
Her movement also challenges gender dynamics in media and technology. In an industry historically dominated by stereotypes, Adefeko’s leadership and commitment to female representation have inspired many. Through mentorship programs and intentional inclusion, she ensures that women are not just participants but shapers of the narrative landscape. In doing so, she redefines leadership as not merely occupying space, but creating it for others.
As Adefeko and her team look to the future, their ambitions are expansive. They envision an Africa where podcasting fuels civic dialogue, strengthens democracy, and bridges linguistic and cultural divides. The private sector, too, is beginning to see the potential. Brands seeking authentic engagement now look to podcasts for audience connection. Governments exploring citizen engagement realise the medium’s intimacy.
Today, the Africa Podcast Festival stands as a symbol of what can happen when one person’s idea becomes a shared mission. It is no longer just Tosin Adefeko’s vision; it belongs to the thousands of creators, listeners, and supporters who see themselves reflected in its purpose. The Podcast festival has proven that change begins with a voice, one that refuses to be silent, one that believes stories can build nations.
L-R: CEO, Slickcity Studios, Malik Afegbua; Representative of Obi Asika, Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Ed Emeka Keazor; Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa; CEO, AT3 Resources – The Muvmnt Agency, Curator, Podfest Naija, Tosin Adefeko; Tech Content Creator, Tobi Ayeni (Miss Techy), and Founder, Naija AI Film Festival, Obinna Okerekeocha, at the inaugural Podfest Naija 2025 event held in Lagos…recently
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