Ghanaian podcast show, Sincerely Accra, has been chosen as a recipient of Spotify’s 2022 Africa Podcast Fund. The popular podcast, produced by Kwame Asante Ofori and hosted by Joseph Nti, focuses on urban life in Ghana’s capital, Accra.
Sincerely Accra hosts an assortment of personalities curated around fascinating topics, and of a myriad of discussions from the public sphere and popular culture, with a mix of Pidgin, Twi, and Ga.
The 5-year-old podcast will receive its share of the $100,000 Spotify fund alongside twelve other selected podcasts from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Cameroon.
Mr Ofori and Mr Nti shared their story with TheAfricanDream:
“We started Sincerely Accra to tell the intriguing stories of Accra living, and it’s really amazing to us that what started out as Accra’s love letter to Ghanaians is now on track to becoming Accra’s love letter to the world.
Therefore, we owe a ton of gratitude to the Gold Coast Report (GCR) team, Spotify Africa and most importantly our sincerities; our unrelenting die-hard fans, who have gone to the moon and back for us. We appreciate it so much and cannot wait to show everyone what we have coming up. Keep checking for us because it’s always a good time on Sincerely Accra.”
According to Spotify, this funding will help promote podcasts expanding reach in the African market. Melissa Mbugua, Co-Director of Africa Podfest, said, “We’re excited about the development of podcasting in Africa. Particularly because the medium allows underrepresented African voices to tell the story of Africa.”
In alphabetical order according to countries, the 13 recipient podcasts are:
CAMEROON
Entrepreneur, journalist and art collector Diane Audrey Ngako is the host of Si Maman M’avait Dit, which roughly translates to ‘If my mom had told me’. On her podcast, Diane Audrey gives the floor to guests, posing questions about what lessons they’ve learnt navigating their lives, careers, and relationships.
GHANA
Sincerely Accra is a popular Ghanaian podcast based on urban life in the national capital Accra. Episodes alternate between vox pops and in-studio interviews, predominantly in English with an occasional blend of Pidgin, Twi and Ga. Hosted by Joseph Nti and produced by Kwame Asante, the podcast is fast-paced and colourful, featuring a mix of personalities with exciting and varying discussions driven by current opinions and pop culture.
KENYA
The Sandwich Podcast, the podcast with the most listeners in Kenya, is hosted by four creatives: Joan, Kibz, Nyamita and Owen. Delivered in a mix of English, Swahili, and Sheng, topics on the podcast are inspired by the hosts’ life experiences and the guests they feature.
The Messy Inbetween is hosted by Murugi Munyi and Lydia Mukami. It covers love, money, work, life, and advice led by lived experience and all things that make life what it is. TMI provides a safe space for women to discuss their experiences candidly.
Mantalk.ke, hosted by Kenyan creators Eli Mwenda and Oscar Koome, recognises the need for conversations led by men on issues such as toxic masculinity, fatherhood, feminism, dating, and self-care. The two hosts strive to have uncomfortable conversations, even if that means putting themselves on the spot.
Nipe Story, hosted and narrated by Kenyan writer, journalist, and queer activist Kevin Mwachiro, gives a voice to written African short stories. Mwachiro provides a platform for African writers to have their short stories heard.
NIGERIA
I Said What I Said, one of the most popular podcasts in Nigeria, is hosted by Feyikemi Abudu, an entrepreneur who is excited about helping small businesses to grow, and Jola Ayeye, a storyteller with a core interest in contemporary African culture. Each week, they dive into the Lagos Millennial experience and share their take on current happenings in Nigerian society.
Tea With Tay, hosted by Nigerian content creator Taymesan, covers societal issues and personal experiences in a fun, light-hearted and entertaining way. Taymesan hosts celebrities and other guests engaging topical conversations that spotlight his guests’ unique and intriguing stories.
F&S Uncensored covers music, pop culture and personal experiences. Hosted by Feyikemi Akin-Bankole and Simi Badiru, The podcast offers commentary on trending pop culture topics and informed opinions on how these topics affect everyday Nigerians.
SOUTH AFRICA
After School Is After School with Sis G.U, hosted by Gugulethu Nyatsumba, aims to speak more openly and honestly about the battles that Gugulethu continues to face in her 20s. The podcast seeks to foster a connection with the audience, with sharing life lessons and inspiring emotional growth.
South African podcast The Journey Kwantu, hosted by Vusumzi Ngxande, explores and questions matters around African spirituality and identity. In each episode, Vusumzi holds a conversation with a guest to dig into the most complex issues around African beliefs.
Wisdom & Wellness with Mpoomy Ledwaba, hosted by content creator Mpoomy Ledwaba, aims to foster connections with her guests and inspire her audience through important conversations that touch on life lessons and individual journeys.
Convos & Cocktails with Lesego Tlhabi is a podcast hosted by the prominent South African satirist, best known for her character Coconut Kelz. The focus of Lesego’s podcast is candid conversations that “we, as black women, want to have… but often don’t.”
