Episode 1: Files ’26 and the Power of Building Outside the System

SEASON 2. EPISODE 1.We kick off a new season with Emmanuel Oke, also known as Emaxee. A creative quietly shaping some of the most interesting ideas in African music right now.Emaxee is the mind behind Files ’26, a fully independent project where he brought emerging artists together, produced an album, and paired it with a fiction novel to build a deeper world around the music. We talk about how the project came together, why independence matters, and what it takes to execute ideas outside the traditional system.We also get into his journey. From being an artist, to working behind the scenes across Mavin and Divizzion Music, to co-founding NoteSphere. Now, he is building Cosamote, a community-focused creative agency rooted in collaboration and long-term thinking.The conversation moves into community building, creative ownership, and why strong ecosystems matter more than hype. We also reflect on the 2016 era of Afrobeats, the songs that defined it, and the records turning 10 this year.Tap in for a thoughtful conversation on music, culture, and the people building quietly but intentionally.Listen, watch, and join the conversation.Like, rate, share, and let us know what stood out.