Iyanya sat down with The Afropolitan Podcast for one of the most raw, unfiltered conversations we've ever had.
17 years in the music industry. Project Fame winner. The man behind Kukere. And still here — still evolving.
This episode covers longevity, reinvention, faith, fame, loss, addiction, therapy, and the real business behind building a lasting career in African music.
Iyanya opens up about staying authentic, navigating superstardom, the moment Kukere almost didn't happen, financial mistakes during his peak years, and healing after losing his father, mother, and brother in two years.
A masterclass on resilience, growth, and what it truly takes to survive and evolve while protecting your peace.
Subscribe for more conversations documenting Black brilliance, culture, and the stories shaping Africa and its diaspora.
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X: https://x.com/iyanya
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🎧 Listen
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TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Intro: Talk-singing vs. real singing
00:38 – Loss, betrayal, and rebirth
02:18 – Welcome
02:40 – Being original and authentic
03:52 – First US tour (2013)
05:17 – American vs. Nigerian fans
06:30 – Advice to younger artists on fame
07:53 – The business of music
08:24 – The importance of guidance
10:05 – Falling out and reconciling with Ubi
11:04 – Creative freedom vs. business
13:30 – Growth from Project Fame to now
14:46 – The R&B side of Iyanya
16:17 – "You're singing it too much"
18:02 – Why African artists must adapt
20:18 – New album and his father's legacy
20:44 – Losing his father, winning Project Fame
22:15 – Mentorship from elder artists
24:26 – Sound Sultan's advice
26:08 – Doing TikToks and staying humble
26:55 – Fame as addiction
30:04 – Timeline grief and healing
31:23 – Losing three family members in two years
33:03 – Thoughts on therapy and faith
34:00 – Healing through prayer
38:59 – Cash flow lessons from peak years
39:37 – Ownership, investments, legacy
41:25 – Government appointment in Cross River
43:09 – Afrobeats going global
46:27 – Early US tours and empty venues
49:27 – Why artists need teams
53:19 – The real story behind Kukere
55:02 – Almost quitting before Kukere
59:24 – Ghana's role in Kukere blowing up
1:01:03 – Trusting your partner's vision
1:02:51 – Competition vs. collaboration
1:04:42 – Tekno's work ethic
1:06:47 – Surviving the Dana Air crash
1:08:58 – Relationships, privacy, fame
1:12:10 – Celibacy and honesty in dating
1:16:41 – Longevity in music
1:18:12 – Legacy toast
1:20:13 – Rapid fire questions
1:22:38 – Who's next: Moter Black & Seyi Vibez