AfroWay - Soul From The East

Can a book have a bassline? In this session of AfroWay - Soul From the East, host James Mabinda dives into “The Cinematic Read”—focusing on books from the continent and the global diaspora that move with the kinetic energy, sharp editing, and scale of a widescreen film.James dissects three distinct literary masterworks: Marlon James’s aggressive fantasy epic ‘Black Leopard, Red Wolf’ (paired with experimental, heavy Afrobeat); Yaa Gyasi’s sweeping multi-generational masterpiece ‘Homegoing’ (structured like the history of Black music from traditional drumming to jazz and hip-hop); and Oyinkan Braithwaite’s razor-sharp Lagos thriller ‘My Sister, the Serial Killer’ (dripping in cool Afro-funk).Turn the pages, adjust your headphones, and explore how these global stories bridge the gap between rich cultural history and modern, widescreen art.Host: James MabindaFollow our official WhatsApp Channel for updates: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6ryFu3wtbGgOVawX0sSupport the station: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support👉 Subscribe to AfroWay for weekly deep-dives into global Black music, business tech, and storytelling.

Did Eddie Butita just save the Kenyan music industry, or did he walk into a political minefield? In this deep-dive episode of AfroWay – Soul From The East, James Mabinda breaks down the "Sipangwingwi" copyright scandal, the 700 "stolen" songs, and the government’s new plan to put your royalties on e-Citizen.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

From the roots of Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela to the modern African Jazz Renaissance. James Mabinda takes you on a 1-hour journey through the history, struggle, and rebirth of the African sound.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

Mystery, Mountains, and Five-Note Scales! 🎹🇪🇹 We are diving into the world of Ethio-Jazz and the legend Mulatu Astatke. It’s haunting, and it’s funky.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

Independence had a sound, and it was called HIGHLIFE! 🎷🇳🇬🇬🇭 From the fancy ballrooms to Fela Kuti’s street rebellion. 🌍✨ Host: James Mabinda#highlife #FelaKuti #Afroway #soulfromtheeast #africanmusic #podcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

Jazz didn’t start in America—it just went there to get packaged. 🛡️🇿🇦 Deconstructing the "Port of Return" and how South African Marabi became the ultimate sound of resistance. 🎷🔥Host: James MabindaWhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6ryFu3wtbGgOVawX0sBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

It’s not a boys' club anymore. 🛡️🇰🇪 Deconstructing the rise of Kenya’s Slam Queens—from Mumbi Macharia to the new champions Nyash & Kazu. This is how the Matriarchs of the Mic are redefining the 254. 🎙️✨Host: James MabindaWhatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6ryFu3wtbGgOVawX0s​#SlamPoetryAfrica #WomenInPoetry #MumbiMacharia #Afroway #JamesMabinda #SoulFromTheEast #NairobiCreatives #PoetrySlamKenyaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

3 Minutes. No Props. No Mercy. 🕒🇰🇪 Deconstructing the rules of the Kenya Poetry Slam and why the 'Judges from the Crowd' make it the most honest art form in the 254. 🛡️🎙️Host: James MabindaFollow US on Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6ryFu3wtbGgOVawX0s​#SlamPoetryAfrica #KenyaPoetrySlam #JamesMabinda #Afroway #SpokenWord #PoetryRules #SoulFromTheEast #NairobiCultureBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

Deconstructing the rise of the Kenya Poetry Slam and why our poets are the new voice of the revolution. 🛡️✨ Host: James MabindaFollow US on Whatsapp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6ryFu3wtbGgOVawX0s​​#PoetrySlamKenya #DominionPoet #SpokenWord #Afroway #JamesMabinda #SoulFromTheEast #Kwani #NairobiPoetsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

Deconstructing why the 2026 Drill scene is the true successor to the Mau Mau legacy. No gatekeepers, just the hustle. 🎤🇰🇪​WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb6ryFu3wtbGgOVawX0s​#Wakadinali #BuruklynBoyz #NairobiDrill #254HipHop #SoulFromTheEast #JamesMabinda #Afroway #KwaniniKeshoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

One voice starts a fire. A Clan changes a country. 🔥 Deconstructing the Ukoo Flani legacy, with our host James Mabinda. 🎙️🇰🇪 Music Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Feathers_of_a_Seraphim_-_Featherstep.wavFollow US: Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn @afrowayonline on TikTok @afroway_online#UkooFlani #KenyanHipHop #CultureReport #SoulFromTheEast #JamesMabindaBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

​🎨 Is Kenya the world’s next great art frontier? From the sacred beadwork of our ancestors to the neon-lit street murals of 2026 Nairobi, art in Kenya is more than just "decor"—it’s a revolution. In this week’s episode of AfroWay Soul from the East, your host James Mabinda takes you on a 10-minute journey through the soul of the 254.​We’re diving into:​🇰🇪 The Ancestral Pulse: How traditional art survived the colonial era.​🖌️ The Modern Icons: From Michael Soi’s satire to Wangechi Mutu’s global takeover.​🚀 The 2026 Shift: Why the Nairobi Arts Biennale is changing the game for local creators.​Art is the heartbeat of the East. Are you listening?Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

Why does a Kenyan guitar sound so unique? In this episode of Afroway: Soul From The East, host James Mabinda breaks down the technical 'Secret Sauce' with a special look at the 'Nairobi Twist' master, John Nzenze.​What you'll learn:​The 'Thumb and Index' technique: Why we don't need plastic picks.The Legend of John Nzenze: How he turned finger-picking into a national dance.​The 'Interlocking' puzzle: How two guitars finish each other's sentences.​Music Credit: John Nzenze - AngelikeJoin the conversation with #soulfromtheeast and follow us @afrowayonline.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

In this deep-dive special, James Mabinda honors the legendary George Mukabi. From a self-taught shamba boy to the creator of the Omutibo genre, learn how Mukabi's unique finger-picking style forever changed African acoustic guitar.​What's inside:​The story of Mukabi's first handmade guitar.​How Malawian 'Nyasa' bands influenced the Kenyan sound.​The legacy of hits like 'Sengula' and 'Mtoto si Nguo.'Music Credit: George Mukabi​Join the tribute with #soulfromtheeast and follow us @afrowayonline.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

Benga is more than just a Lakeside rhythm. In this episode of Afroway: Soul From The East, host James Mabinda tracks how Benga traveled to Central and Eastern Kenya to create new sub-genres.​What you'll hear:​How Joseph Kamaru brought Benga to Central Kenya.​The rise of the Kamba Benga kings like Kakai Kilonzo.​Why Benga is the musical language that unites Kenya.Music Credit: DO Misiani - Peres​Join the conversation with #soulfromtheeast and follow us @afrowayonline.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

In this episode of Afroway: Soul From The East, host James Mabinda introduces the legends who made Benga a global sound. Meet the King of Benga, D.O. Misiani, and discover how River Road became the heart of African music.​What you'll hear:​The story of D.O. Misiani and Shirati Jazz.​Why Benga was the 'voice of the people.'​How Nairobi became the hit factory of the 70s.Music Credit: DO Misiani - John Nyunja​Join the conversation with #soulfromtheeast and follow us @afrowayonline.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

"Welcome to Afroway: Soul From The East! Host James Mabinda takes us back to the 1940s to discover how the traditional Nyatiti harp turned into the electric Benga sound we love.​What you'll hear:​How the guitar replaced the traditional harp.​Why Benga music sounds so fast and energetic.​The story of the 'One-Two' beat.​Join the conversation with #soulfromtheeast and follow us @afrowayonline."Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

"It's January 2026, and the continent is officially shaking! 🌍🏆​If you think AFCON 2025 is just about 22 men chasing a ball, you're missing the biggest culture shift of the year. In this episode of AfroWay, we step off the pitch and into the streets to see how the 'Beautiful Game' is taking over African entertainment.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

"It's January 2026, and the 'uncanny valley' has officially arrived in Africa. Have you looked closely at your timeline lately? From digital models wearing high-fashion Kente to AI-generated musicians topping the charts, the line between reality and 'code' is disappearing.​In this episode of Afroway, we pull back the curtain on the 'Virtual Influencer' boom. We discuss:​The Rise of Digital Humans: Why brands in Lagos and Nairobi are hiring robots instead of people.​The Beauty Standard: How 'perfect' AI faces are impacting the mental health of African youth.​The Soul Factor: Can a machine truly represent the 'vibe' and lived experience of the Motherland?​Whether you're a creator or a consumer, you need to know who (or what) is actually influencing you. Let's get digital! 🤖🌍"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

Is the Amapiano reign finally over? This week, we compare the Soulful sounds of 'Piano' with the high-octane energy of 'Lekompo.' We break down why the BPM is rising and what it means for the African club scene in 2026.HOSTJames MabindaFOLLOW USIG/TikTok: @afrowayonline @afrowaypodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

Nollywood has entered its 'Billionaire Era.' This week, we analyze the massive box office success of 2025/2026, the rise of high-end VFX, and whether cinema tickets are becoming too expensive for the common man.HOSTJames MabindaMUSIC & CREDITSBackground Vibes: "Adding the Sun" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)FOLLOW USIG/TikTok/FB: @afrowayonline @afrowaypodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

In our episode, we dive into the 2026 Grammy nominations. Is Africa finally getting its due, or is the global industry ''watering down'' our sounds? We discuss Burna Boy's record-breaking year and why the ''African Ceiling'' cracking.HOSTJames MabindaMUSIC & CreditsBackground Vibes: ''Kumasi Groove (plus flugelhorn)'' by Kevin Macleod (incompetech.com)FOLLOW USIG / TikTok / FB: @afrowayonline, @afrowaypodcastBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

African music went global—but global success raises new questions.In Part Two of this AfroWay series, James Mabinda examines what happens after the breakthrough. Who gets paid? Who owns the rights? And how are governments and industries responding to Africa's growing cultural and economic power?This episode explores streaming royalties, copyright systems, government support, cross-border collaborations, and the future opportunities for African artists in film, gaming, live music, and global partnerships.If African music is the sound of today, this conversation defines the business and power structures of tomorrow.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.

Over the last decade, African music has evolved from local stages to the center of global culture.In this episode of AfroWay – Soul From The East, host James Mabinda explores how African artists broke through international barriers—without waiting for permission. From the rise of streaming platforms to the global explosion of Afrobeats and Amapiano, this episode tells the story of talent meeting technology, culture meeting opportunity, and sound crossing borders.You'll hear how artists rebuilt the music industry from the ground up, how fans became promoters, and why African music didn't just get discovered—it arrived prepared.This is the first part of a two-episode series on Africa's musical rise and global influence.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/afroway-soul-from-the-east--6846244/support.