Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx

An artiste can sing, sure. But in our world today, being an artiste goes beyond music. Anyone with a message of value has a song, and that song does not have to sound like Drake, Beyoncé, Tems, Wizkid, or Davido. Your truth can be your song. Your hustle can be your song. That is why on The Artiste Hangout, we are not just spotlighting emerging artistes. We are amplifying voices with something meaningful to say.

This podcast is usually about music and artistry, but sometimes we need to step back and look at the bigger system that shapes every opportunity we fight for: governance. Whether you are an artiste, producer, or young hustler, the policies made in Abuja ripple down to how we live, work, and create.

In this episode, I speak with Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC (Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre), about why youth participation in governance is not just a political matter but a survival issue. With more than 60 percent of Nigeria’s population under 25 and young people still sidelined in decision-making, the gap between policy and reality could not be clearer.

Rafsanjani explains how digital activism, civil society, and grassroots pressure are forcing the doors open for youth inclusion, and why staying silent only guarantees exclusion.

If you have ever wondered why your voice feels unheard or why the hustle in music and beyond is so tough, this conversation connects the dots between governance, opportunity, and the future young Nigerians deserve.

In this episode, we spotlight Isoka II (6AM), the collaboration bringing together Ciza, Tems, Omah Lay, Thukuthela, and Jazzworx. 🇿🇦 🇳🇬

Ciza, born Nkululeko Nciza, is proving he’s more than just music royalty. From his South African roots to his strategic moves in Nigeria, he’s building a career that resonates across borders. And with Tems’ Grammy-winning vocals and Omah Lay’s distinct vibe on this remix, Isoka I (6AM) feels like a bold step into continental and global recognition.

We unpack Ciza’s journey, the weight of Nigeria–South Africa collabs, and why this record has the potential to travel far beyond both countries.

Intro and outro credit: Tony Doe Podcast.

Disclaimer / Fair Use Note

This episode is journalistic commentary and prediction on Isaka II (6AM) by Ciza featuring Tems, Omah Lay, Thukuthela, Jazzworx, and Lekaa Beats. All rights to the music and official artwork belong to their respective owners. The cover art used here is an AI-generated pencil sketch inspired by the song’s theme and is not the official artwork.

This one right here is personal……

Tiwa Savage is about to drop her new album and I’ve got some thoughts. From the title alone you can already tell it’s not just music, it’s a statement. In this episode I break down what this project could sound like, why it feels different from her past albums, and why it might even be the most important one of her career. It’s a prediction, but it’s also a conversation about growth, legacy, and how Tiwa continues to set the pace in Afrobeats.

Big shout to Tony Doe—he’s that veteran Nigerian broadcaster and podcast coach who hosts The Tony Doe Podcast and Into The Podverse. His intro and outro here set the tone right because you know the guy understands storytelling and audio vibes.

Disclaimer / Fair Use Note:

This episode is a journalistic commentary and prediction on Tiwa Savage’s forthcoming album This One Is Personal. All rights to the music and official artwork belong to their respective owners. The cover art used here is an AI-generated pencil sketch inspired by the album’s theme and is not the official artwork.

In this episode, I sat with Toni and Kalhm to talk about something a lot of people have been noticing — gospel music is starting to sound like everything else.

We talked about the pressure to chase virality, how trends are shaping the sound, and what that means for the music’s depth and identity. It’s an honest conversation about where gospel stands today and where it might be heading.

The episode also features an intro excerpt from Pastor Sunday Ogidigbo and an outro excerpt from Minister Dunsin Oyekan that help frame the discussion.

In March 2021, I started The Artiste Hangout Podcast with Femi Makx with one goal — to give artistes and creatives a platform to be heard. My first episode barely got plays, but I kept going. Today, the podcast streams in 109 countries, ranks in the global top 10%, and even bagged the Jollof Radio Media 2024 Team Choice Award.

This episode, The Creator Who Became a Spectator, speaks to anyone who’s ever had the fire to create but ended up just watching from the sidelines. It’s a reminder that consistency matters, you don’t have to be the best to start, and while your first work might not change the world, it will change you.