Beyond the Base

What does it really take for an artist to blow up today? In this episode of Beyond the Base, we sit down with rising Afropop artist Derrick UGC to break down the real strategy behind growing in the music industry. From viral moments to consistency, branding, and the role of social media, we discuss everything. Derrick shares his journey from rebranding his sound to performing on big stages, and why blowing up as an artist is more than just talent. We also discussed why talent alone isn’t enough anymore, the real role of social media in music success and what it actually takes to build a career in music today. If you’re an upcoming artist, creative, or just curious about how the industry works, this episode is for you. 🎧 Subscribe for more stories on culture, identity, and the Nigerian Gen Z experience. Make sure to follow us on: Twitter: https://x.com/thebaselineblog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebase_podcast/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthebasepodcast

Everybody is talking about Artificial Intelligence right now. We have so many AI-powered companies making headlines, but can AI actually solve Nigeria’s biggest problems? In this episode of Beyond the Base, we sit down with Tona Tech (Adetona Adegbite), an undergraduate student and tech founder, to unpack the realities of AI, startups, and building technology in Nigeria. We explore the current AI wave, the hype surrounding tools like ChatGPT and Gemini, and whether leveraging AI can meaningfully address challenges like Lagos traffic, infrastructure gaps, and misinformation. Tona also shares insights about Alertly, his AI-driven product that delivers personalised, verified news updates via WhatsApp, helping people cut through misinformation and media agenda-setting. We also discussed the broader Nigerian tech ecosystem, exploring the realities of entrepreneurship, the ambition of building a unicorn, and the structural challenges that founders face, from lack of infrastructure to the trust issues that affect everyday business in Nigeria. We also talk about life as a student building tech products, the future of work in an AI-driven world, and why succeeding today may require more effort than ever before. If you’re interested in AI, startups, technology in Africa, or the future of work, this episode offers an honest and thoughtful conversation about what it really takes to build in Nigeria.

In this episode of Beyond the Base, we have a very special guest: Adeife Adeoye, a renowned social media strategist, founder, creator, and digital powerhouse. Adeife is building one of the most impactful digital communities for women in Nigeria. As the founder of Remote WorkHer, she has helped thousands step into remote careers and strengthen their income, skills, and professional identity. She also does social media consulting and has built a personal brand reaching millions of people. Today, our conversation with Adeife goes deeper than success headlines. We unpack the reality behind virality, the business of content creation, and the mental and operational demands of leadership in today’s digital economy. From navigating online harassment after going viral “by mistake”… to negotiating contracts… to running a startup under pressure, this episode is an honest look at what it really takes to move from creator to CEO. Whether you're a creator, entrepreneur, or simply navigating digital life in Nigeria, this conversation offers perspective, strategy, and honesty. Watch, share, and subscribe for more conversations exploring impact, culture, and growth. ❤️ Like the video 💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes Connect with Adeife on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadeifeadeoye/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adeifeadeoye YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@adeifeadeoye⁩

How broke is Gen Z in Nigeria? And why does it feel like many are struggling? In this episode of Beyond The Base, we sit down with Samuel Aladegbaye, a certified financial and investment analyst who studies money for a living, to break down the realities of finance, work, and survival for young people in Nigeria’s economy. Samuel has been featured on CNBC Africa, Arise News, and has spoken at the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorations. In this conversation, he helps us make sense of money beyond the noise — from inflation and policy changes to why Gen Z is working multiple jobs just to stay afloat. We talk about how Samuel’s journey into finance started during the COVID era, how a famous investor turning $20 million into $2 billion sparked his obsession with markets, and how cold-messaging his way into the industry landed him his first job in finance. Beyond personal stories, this episode dives into Nigeria’s economic future, including bank recapitalisation, government policy shifts, and what sectors may offer real opportunities in the years ahead. Samuel also shares practical insights for young people trying to build wealth, invest wisely, and think long-term in a country where the cost of living keeps rising. If you’ve ever felt confused about money, anxious about the future, or pressured to “figure it all out” too early — this episode is for you.

What happens when the law allows something… but morality questions it?In this episode of Beyond The Base, we sit down with Nimi Edimeh — a corporate commercial lawyer and event host popularly known as “the social lawyer” — to unpack the tension between law, power, and justice in Nigeria.We talk about:What corporate commercial lawyers actually doWhy the legal profession is deeply conservativeWhether lawyers are allowed to have side hustlesThe real meaning of justice in law (and the Latin principles behind it)Presidential pardons in Nigeria — legal power vs moral responsibilityWhy Nigerian leaders often act only when issues become PR crises This episode is honest, reflective, and necessary, especially in a time when legality and morality are no longer synonymous.Plus, we end on a lighter note with the Snack Challenge with Munchit 🍿🎧 Listen, reflect, and tell us what you think.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if this conversation resonates with you.

In this episode of Beyond the Base, it’s just us, Baseman and Ibidapo, reflecting on the year that was, the journey of Season One, our favourite episodes so far, and the story behind getting our very first sponsor.This wasn’t a planned episode. We had a studio booking we couldn’t waste, and what came out of it was a real, laid-back conversation about growth, consistency, friendship, and building something from scratch.If you’ve been part of the Beyond the Base journey since day one (or you’re just finding us), this episode is for you.Thank you for listening, supporting, and growing with us.Here’s to more conversations in 2026.

Merry Christmas, Beautiful People🎄 🎊🎉❤️Beyond The Base is here with a Boxing Day present for you 🎁 (if you’re good at unboxing, you’ll know that our gift is wrapped in a beautiful episode. ) It’s our Christmas episode, and we have a very special guest with us: Grace James, an entrepreneur, climate educator, and social impact activist. Grace is no stranger to the pod. She was actually our very first guest on the show back in April. And she’s here again with a lot of stories and lessons for us. In this episode, we reflect on what winning really looks like, beyond the celebration, the glitz and the glamour. From success and money to expectations, public pressure, and the realities of navigating life in today’s Nigeria, this conversation took turns we didn’t anticipate but needed. It’s an honest, reflective end-of-year discussion about winning, growth, and the conversations no one prepares you for.We ended the episode mentioning all that we’re grateful for.We’re sure you have things you’re grateful for as well. Comment below 2 things you’re grateful for in 2025!

Ladies and gentlemen, Beyond The Base is back for a new season!!Yes, you heard that right!Your faves are back with a banger. We’re starting off our second season by catching up on all the crazy things that happened this year. From overcrowded networking events to the classism based off of people’s phones that , the newest iPhone, and everything in between. We also got our first sponsor 🎉, and this season we are starting a games series. Watch out! You just might be the lucky winner of several prizes we have in store. Trust me, you don't want to miss this season.If you enjoyed this episode like and click the subscribe button, and also share some of your thoughts on listening to the podcast so far. Make sure to follow us on:TwitterInstagramTiktok

Do you know what this podcast is really about?If you've been listening to us for a while now, then you probably get the gist. But just in case you don't, we're here to break it down.We started the Beyond the Base podcast to challenge the harmful Gen Z stereotypes that are so prevalent today. Sadly, older generations see us as lazy, rude or unconventional But in the real sense, we’re a generation that is ambitious, informed, and unapologetically hardworking. Our podcast is here to break stereotypes, share success stories, and provide insights that inspire young people to dream bigger, act smarter, and lead confidently.

Have you ever wondered what life feels like for people born with the unnatural advantage of being limitless, those who grow up surrounded by abundance and privilege, free to take risks others can’t afford? People who don’t believe in financial ceilings because they’ve never had to live under one.This is the life of a Nepo Baby.In this episode of Beyond the Base, Precious, Ibidapo, and Baseman unpacked the realities of Nepo Babies versus Lapo Babies — exploring how privilege shapes ambition and how motivation differs when you’re driven by legacy rather than survival.It’s a candid, thought-provoking conversation about class, opportunity, and the silent pressures behind success.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation.

This week, we’re joined by the one and only Laotan Faji, a scholar, musical composer and all-around fun guy. Laotan is one of the most patriotic and informed people we know and in this episode, we talked about everything from the astronomical inflation in Nigeria to the aviation scandals that happened in August. There are so many issues to address, but we focused on the "big-manism" culture in Nigeria, where you can get away with almost anything if you are financially successful and have enough “connections” in high places. At the end of the day, Nigeria feels like a never-ending reality show; A series you can’t stop watching, sometimes funny, sometimes frustrating, but always unpredictable.Hope you enjoy this episode!!!Make sure to follow us onTwitter: https://x.com/thebaselineblogInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebaseline.pod/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebaseline.pod

A 9 to 5 looks good on paper. Stable job. Steady pay. Respect. But if you’ve ever done it, you know it’s not that pretty.And remote work? Don’t be deceived. It’s still hectic, just a different flavour. Work calls back-to-back, deadlines chasing you even in your bed, and somehow you’re expected to be online 24/7 because “you’re at home.” Work still finds a way to drain you. In this episode, Olu, Ibidapo, and Precious talk about how hectic the grind is. Long hours. Stress everywhere. And if you work in a bank? Double the madness. Targets that don’t make sense, customers shouting, and no time to even breathe.But here’s the thing: Gen Z is not here for that lifestyle. We want balance. We want freedom. We want tools and systems that make life easier, not harder. From tech to creativity, this generation is ready to change how work looks and feels. Hope you enjoy this episode! It’s not just complaints. It’s jokes, banter, and real talk about why the future of work is already shifting. And trust me, you’ll relate.

In this episode, we’ll be talking about art, creative growth and spoken words.Our guests are two creatives and spoken word artists who inspire me a lot. They’re also really good friends of mine.Tishe is a writer, poet and spoken words minister whose work is inspired by the master creator (God). His psalms, songs, and poems have blessed many lives in and out of the country.Byllion is also a storyteller and a spoken word minister. She’s a talented, creative artist whose work spans different mediums. After small talk, both our guests shared what their creative processes are like. Then they spoke about their journeys as storytellers over the years.Moments that stood out for both our creative guests were the moments when they realised that their craft and ministry had powerfully impacted people.Hope you enjoy this episode!!!Make sure to follow us onTwitter: https://x.com/thebaselineblogInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebaseline.pod/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebaseline.pod

Have you ever had to give up on your dream because of some sad realities of life?Well, growing up, it’s almost every boy’s dream to go pro in sports. Unfortunately, only a small number of people actually get to live this dream, and it isn’t really talked about so much. This isn’t constrained to just sports; it’s the nuanced understanding of the world that you’re forced to have the older you get while navigating what’s within your reach and what isn’t. In this episode, we talked about the positive impact of sports on people’s lives and the role sports play in providing community and support for young people. We discussed the gaps in the space and drew parallels to systems in other parts of the world.

In this episode, we spoke with a renowned nation builder and social impact activist, Eromosele Peter Adene. Eromosele’s story is unique and inspiring as he has led and been involved in several social impact initiatives and nonprofits over the past decade. On the 7th of November, 2020, he was arrested and detained for participating in the #EndSARS protest. His arrest and detention sparked a wide outcry from Nigerians for his release. After his ordeal, he has remained in the country, making a positive impact through several initiatives and advocacy efforts that are positively impacting the lives of Nigerians. Hope you enjoy this episode!!!Make sure to follow us onTwitter: https://x.com/thebaselineblogInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebaseline.pod/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebaseline.pod

Everyone needs a guardian angel, someone who looks out for them or helps them when they’re in need. In this episode, we talked to two of our really good friends who run charity organizations focused on providing access to quality education to underprivileged children living in slums in Lagos, Nigeria.In a way, they are guardian angels for the children they look out for. Our guests are: Eibra, a multifaceted creative and data scientist, and Tega is an economist and upcoming music executive who currently works as a project manager at MAVIN Records. They both run their NGOs alongside their 9-to-5s and have a lot of amazing stories to tell. Hope you enjoy this episode!!!Make sure to follow us onTwitter: https://x.com/thebaselineblogInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebaseline.pod/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebaseline.pod

In this episode, we’ll be talking about Mental Health Awareness and how to improve the inclusion of special needs children in Nigerian society. We have a very special guest for this episode: Niah Bamishile, a mental health advocate, philanthropist and lifestyle content creator. We talked about the prevalence of mental health issues in Nigeria, Niah’s journey as an advocate, how she started her foundation, and her most memorable moments so far. Hope you enjoy it!!!Make sure to follow us onTwitter: https://x.com/thebaselineblogInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebaseline.pod/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebaseline.pod

In this episode, we talked about storytelling, how to keep your creative side alive while working full-time jobs and the strength of communities in fostering consistency. Our guests are two creatives who inspire us a lot with their work and ability to lead communities.Jesimiel is a writer and poet whose work is inspired by life, identity, and nostalgia. He also runs a mental health and emotional wellness community called **Uncloud.**Kilali is also a writer and a storyteller, and a designer. She also leads a community of believers called “Come as you are” . It’s a fellowship of young Christians growing together in their faith.Hope you enjoy this episode!!!Make sure to follow us onTwitter: https://x.com/thebaselineblogInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebaseline.pod/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebaseline.pod

On this episode we talked about Nollywood movies, their quality over the years, the trends and the ever increasing pipeline of social media influencers turning into actors. Our guest, Ifeolutayo ia a writer and filmmaker who has bylines in some of the most reputable publications in Africa and his films have garnered him some recognition in Africa and outside the continent.Our major discussion was on the issue of how Nigerian films sacrifice social issue engagement for cheap relatability entertainment. Ife was of the opinion that the marriage of these tales with modern issues and complexities offers the promise of a distinctive film tradition, one that speaks familiarity without sacrificing social issue engagement for cheap relatability entertainment. Hope you enjoy it!!!Make sure to follow us onTwitter: https://x.com/thebaselineblogInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebaseline.io/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebaseline.io

In this bonus episode, we dived into the world of games and how our guest, Grace James, uses gamification to teach about climate change. Grace’s entrepreneurship journey has been such an interesting one, and she shared with us what inspired her to leave her 9 to 5 to build her startup full-time.We also talked about her latest achievement: Winning the Stanbic IBTC Fuze Talent show and going home with 7.5 million Make sure to follow us onTwitter: https://x.com/thebaselineblog Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebaseline.io/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebaseline.io

In this Episode, we had our first guest, Grace James, a social entrepreneur and climate activist. We talked about the unhealthy culture of glorifying suffering that is very prevalent in Nigeria and how many people are struggling to survive. Ibidapo shared some of his worries about the side effects of mass migration and the possibility of a national state of emergency.We would love to hear your thoughts. Do you think Nigeria could ever get to that point?

In this episode, we discussed the “Nigerian dream”, which is to Japa 😂😂, and our personal opinions on that dream. We also discussed our individual NYSC experiences, and one of us believed their experience was more valid than others, but we’ll let you decide 😁.We also spoke about how the older generation relates to the current and how there are so many nuances involved. Then, we spotlight someone who made a positive impact on the lives of secondary children during her service year.

Welcome to Beyond The Baseline podcast !!This podcast discusses how business, culture, and technology impact society as seen through the lens of young Nigerian Gen Zs. We share stories on social impact and sustainable development that are shaping societies.