Àkójọpọ̀: Pan-African Art Music Conversations

In this episode, Daniel breaks down his piece on guerrilla tactics in Nigerian arts administration — what it really takes to survive, adapt, and build in a system that wasn't designed for you.

Composer and musician Chukwuebuka Ozioko discusses African Art Music as both a creative practice and an evolving tradition. We explore compositional approaches, cultural influences, and the responsibilities of contemporary African artists working within and beyond inherited musical frameworks.

In this conversation with Jonatan Carrasco, this episode explores African art music as a collaborative and intercultural practice. We discuss sound as a carrier of memory, the role of cross-cultural exchange, and how artists engage African musical ideas with respect, curiosity, and shared creative responsibility in today’s global music landscape#PanAfricanArtMusicPodcast

Vocalist Aderayo Odebiyi joins us to reflect on Pan-African Art Music through the lens of the voice. This episode examines repertoire, language, identity, and performance practice, highlighting how vocal expression becomes a powerful site for cultural connection, interpretation, and storytelling across Africa and its diaspora.

What defines African Art Music, and who does it belong to? In this conversation with Ngozi Emeagwai, we explore African Art Music as a people-centered practice—rooted in community, lived experience, and cultural continuity. The episode challenges narrow definitions and re-centers African voices in shaping the narrative.

In this episode, Joshua Kerobo offers a concise yet thoughtful introduction to the historical development of African Art Music. From indigenous musical systems to formal composition and institutional contexts, we trace how African composers and musicians have shaped an art music tradition rooted in culture, resistance, and innovation - both on the continent and in the diaspora.

In this opening message, the Executive Director of Akojopo Music Foundation reflects on the vision, values, and purpose behind the podcast. This episode situates Akojopo’s work within a broader Pan-African cultural ecosystem, highlighting the importance of storytelling, collaboration, and artistic stewardship in preserving and advancing African art music across generations and geographies.Akojọpọ Podcasts are a new and engaging way to interact with the Foundation's mission of bringing Pan-African art music stories to larger audiences than ever before! Our podcasts feature a wide array of topics, ranging from narratives on the origins of African art music, to interviews on current African art music trends wit musicians, composers, administrators, etc.) from around the world. Make sure to go to Akojọpọ Music Foundation's website (akojopomf.org) to learn more about our goals and programs supporting Pan-African art music!