Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx

Tomorrow, April 3, 2026, Omah Lay drops his sophomore album Clarity of Mind. In this prediction episode of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we explore the 12-track project, its themes of emotional clarity, vulnerability, and growth, and what the lead singles like “Don’t Love Me,” “Waist,” and “Holy Ghost” tell us about the full body of work.

With intimate warehouse listening sessions already creating huge buzz and strong production continuity from Tempoe, this could be Omah Lay’s most focused and mature statement yet.

What are your predictions? Which track are you most excited for?

Join the conversation after you listen on April 3.

#OmahLay #ClarityOfMind #Afrobeats2026 #ArtisteHangout

Why do some songs vanish after a few weeks while others quietly define generations?

In this masterclass episode of The Artiste Hangout Podcast with Femi Makx, we dissect the DNA of the 1998 masterpiece “Iris” by Goo Goo Dolls — a song that refuses to die.

Beyond the nostalgia, we peel back the layers: its haunting mandolin-driven arrangement, the emotional pull of its 6/8 time signature, and the raw, vulnerable songwriting that has kept it charting for nearly three decades. Released on April 1, 1998, for the City of Angels soundtrack, “Iris” became the most-streamed song of the entire 1990s in the US in 2025 (337.9 million streams according to Luminate), has surpassed 3 billion streams on Spotify, and continues trending strongly in 2026 thanks to organic moments in Deadpool & Wolverine, the series Shrinking, and viral TikTok nostalgia.

But why should the Afrobeats generation care?

As the Nigerian music industry matures from “viral moments” to building “global legacies,” Femi Makx draws a provocative parallel between this Alternative Rock classic and the future of African sound. We explore:

• The “Iris” Blueprint: How unconventional composition and emotional permanence can outlast any trend.

• Songwriting vs. Vibes: Why Nigerian artistes must move beyond catchy hooks to intelligent, evergreen storytelling — the kind that secures long-term royalties and generational impact.

• The Sonic Bridge: Lessons in cross-genre appeal that can elevate Afrobeats from the dancefloor to timeless catalogues and international Hall of Fame recognition.

• The Power of Intelligent Lyrics: Why well-thought-out, honest songwriting beats rushed studio sessions every single time.

Whether you’re an upcoming artiste recording on a budget or a established act chasing the next big wave, this episode challenges you to create music that doesn’t just trend — it endures.

The Artiste Hangout Podcast with Femi Makx is ranked in the Top 10% of podcasts globally and has charted in over 128 countries. Having recently peaked at #3 on the Apple Music Interview charts in Ghana and trended across 116 countries on Spotify, Femi Makx continues to bridge technical artistry with real-world industry wisdom.

Join the conversation that’s shaping the next era of African music excellence.

Listen now and start building your own evergreen legacy.

Asake is trending globally after viral clips emerged of him performing Umrah in Mecca during Ramadan. In the videos, the Afrobeats superstar navigates massive crowds around the Kaaba, touches the Black Stone, and spends deeply personal moments in prayer inside Masjid al-Haram. Fans across X, TikTok, and Instagram are calling him “Alhaji Ahmed Ololade,” celebrating his humility, faith, and the gratitude energy he radiates.

This moment connects directly to his unreleased track fans know as “Praise Be to God”, “Worship”, or “Alhamdulillah”. In this solo episode of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, I unpack:

• The viral Mecca Umrah clips and why they’re dominating social media

• Fan reactions and the trending #Alhamdulillahi movement

• Lyrics and themes from live previews (Jo’burg, Red Bull Symphonic, IG snippets)

• How the pilgrimage mirrors the song’s core message of faith, gratitude, and humility

• Production insights, choir layers, amapiano influence, and potential international collaborations

• Updated predictions for the track’s release, chart performance, TikTok virality, and its impact on Asake’s artistic evolution

Whether you’re a fan of Afrobeats, exploring spiritual crossover tracks, or following the latest music trends, this episode highlights why “Praise Be to God” could become a timeless anthem for the streets, churches, mosques, and global diaspora alike.

About the Host & Podcast

Oluwafemi Makanjuola is a broadcast producer, reporter, and the host of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, a platform that explores music beyond entertainment. The podcast critically examines how artists and their work reflect the cultural, social, and economic forces shaping contemporary Africa. Available in over 128 countries, and charting top on Apple Podcasts in multiple regions, the show is recognized for insightful analysis, real conversations, and celebrating artistry in context.

Listen and Subscribe

Stream the episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, or your preferred platform. Don’t forget to subscribe, turn on notifications, and share with fellow music enthusiasts to keep up with the latest in Naija music culture, Afrobeats, and unreleased tracks.

#Asake #Alhamdulillahi #PraiseBeToGod #WorshipAsake #Afrobeats #NaijaMusic #UnreleasedAsake #SpiritualAfrobeats #Ramadan2026 #AsakeNewSong #ArtisteHangout #FemiMakx #GlobalAfrobeats #MusicAnalysis #NaijaCulture #ApplePodcastsTopCharts

For decades, Africa’s global story has been defined by commodities such as oil, gold, cocoa, and minerals.

But today another force is reshaping the narrative. Culture.

In this episode of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we explore a question gaining global attention. Is culture now Africa’s most powerful export?

From the global rise of Afrobeats to the worldwide reach of Nollywood, African creativity is influencing music charts, film platforms, fashion, and digital culture. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, and Rema are pulling billions of streams across the world, while African stories continue to expand their audience on platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video.

Beyond entertainment, the African creative economy is growing rapidly. Analysts project the sector could approach 200 billion dollars in value by 2030, creating millions of opportunities for young creatives across music, film, fashion, and media.

But can culture rival traditional exports?

Can creativity become one of Africa’s strongest economic forces?

In this episode, Oluwafemi Makanjuola, broadcast producer, reporter, and host of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, unpacks the numbers, the global influence, and the deeper shift happening in how Africa is seen and heard around the world. The episode explores both the opportunities and the structural challenges shaping the future of African creativity.

Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx continues to spotlight the voices, ideas, and industry conversations driving Africa’s entertainment and creative industries forward.

On this episode of Artiste Hangout, Femi Makx sits down with Ms Jorji for an open and engaging conversation about music, creativity, and building a career in today’s entertainment space.

Ms Jorji shares her journey as an artiste, the inspiration behind her sound, and the realities of finding her voice in a fast moving industry. The conversation explores confidence, creative discipline, and the importance of staying authentic while navigating growth, visibility, and public expectations.

From the creative process to personal development, this episode offers insight into what it takes to evolve as an artiste and remain intentional about your craft. It is a grounded conversation that speaks to musicians, creatives, and listeners interested in the stories behind the art.

Artiste Hangout is a podcast that highlights emerging talents and unpacks culture, creativity, and the journeys shaping today’s music scene.