Experiences and our interactions with others usually make up the curriculum of our existence, but podcasts offer their own distinct value.
They let you listen, learn, and grow while you’re getting ready in the morning, going for a jog, driving around, or even working on your business.
But, with more than three million podcasts available, how do you choose where to start?
To help you out, we’ve rounded up 11 of the best podcasts in Nigeria. Whether you’re looking for business advice or a motivational push, these top podcasts are worth a listen.
What is a Podcast?
Podcasts are audio series dedicated to sharing insights and tips about business. Typically there will be a host or two who discuss specific business-related topics in episodes that run from 20 minutes up to 1.5 hours, often with a special guest who’s brought on to share their unique perspective on the topic.
Top 11 Best Podcasts in Nigeria
1. Today Africa Podcast
Today Africa Podcast was launched in 2024 and is about learning from the remarkable stories of African entrepreneurs, innovators, business leaders, experts, etc. We interview them and share the stories behind their businesses and careers. In each interview, we ask how they got started, how they grew, and how they run their business today.
These stories are inspiring and also provide specific advice and a blueprint for starting a business. By sharing these stories, we want to help others get started and thrive. You can also watch every episode- in full- on our YouTube channel.
As a bonus, guests on Today Africa Podcast often share their business models, their hobbies, and other information you usually won’t get from other shows.
2. Afrobeats Intelligence
Afrobeats Intelligence started as a Newsletter by award-winning Nigerian music Journalist Joey Akan. The newsletter served a long form in-depth conversation with some of Nigeria’s biggest stars.
The Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast is a spin-off of the popular music newsletter, focused on African music and the sprawling ecosystem that inspires and supports creativity from Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and more.
It explores the intersection of art, humanity and processes that give birth to African sonic excellence. The podcast gives a snapshot into the budding music industry, digging into the past, present and future of African music.
3. Loose Talk
Loose Talk podcast became one of the most listened-to shows in 2016 when the podcast community was still in its infancy. Hosted by media and music veteran journalists Osagie Alonge, Steve Dede and Ayomide Tayo, it became the go-to podcast on all things music and culture over three years and 200 episodes. Loose Talk flourished due to the chemistry among the trio and their in-depth knowledge on the music and entertainment scene.
Read Also: Top 20 Best Business Podcasts in Africa
4. Terms and Conditions
Hosted by the trio of on-Air personality Melody Hassan, music executive Excel Joab, and music journalist Motolani Alake, Terms and Conditions filled a gap in the podcast space when it started in 2021, as they entertained listeners with their witty banter touching on music, culture and worthy culture-related conversations with insights and varying perspectives. Released every Monday on the Pulse Podcast Platform, the trio have been able to create an entertaining show that contains actionable knowledge from music industry professionals.
5. I Said What I Said
The unapologetically bold podcast is rocking the Apple Music charts. Hosted by Feyikemi Abudu and Jola Ayeye, this dynamic duo delivers honest and humorous discussions on everything from pop culture to relationships, all with a Nigerian perspective. Feyikemi and Jola have captured the hearts of listeners, making “I Said What I Said” a top podcast on the Apple Music chart board.
6. The Honest Bunch Podcast
A popular show by Glitch Africa that focuses on real issues affecting millennials and Gen Z. It is known for its unscripted conversations. The podcast features four main personalities – Nedu, Husband Material, Toun, and Ezinne., With a rotating panel of guests, they discuss topics like mental health, career struggles, and lifestyle, providing a platform for raw and honest discussions.
7. The Uncut Podcast
Formally called the BTS Podcast, is a fun and honest show hosted by Beatrice, Tammy, and Sharon. They are best friends who talk about current topics in a playful way. Every Monday, they release new episodes where they give real advice on tough situations and chat about pop culture. Their podcast is becoming more popular and is ranking high on the Apple Music charts.
8. So Nigerian
I’m Nigerian, of course, I… This trend shines no better than on So Nigerian, a podcast discussing the random worries of the average Nigerian mind from a comical point of view. If you enjoy some alone time after a stressful day, have no one to go out with during the weekdays, or just need some buzzing to keep your ears busy while you cook, hosts Aros and Isaac are those two buddies you need to remind you that life is not hard through their chaotic banter.
9. 234 Essential
Hop on the adventure with AOT2 and Ugochi as they chat about pop culture, music, movies, and more. 234 Essential Podcast dips into Nigerian pop culture with a twist. They don’t just talk about the latest social media buzz, they provide historical and social context to give you a deeper understanding of what’s trending online.
10. Tea with Tay
Tea with Tay offers listeners an engaging mix of personal stories, guest insights, and discussions on a wide range of topics relevant to young Africans today. Hosted by the charismatic Taymesan Emmanuel, this podcast draws on his own experiences to touch on issues that resonate with many.
The show features a diverse lineup of guests who share their perspectives on everything from gender issues to broader societal trends in Nigeria and beyond. Whether you’re in search of entertainment or enlightenment, Tea with Tay delivers an enjoyable and insightful podcasting experience.
11. Toke Moments
Toke Moments is a standout podcast in Nigeria, hosted by the renowned media personality Toke Makinwa. This series shines with its insightful conversations on dating, career advice, and personal growth.
Featuring a range of guests from Makinwa’s circle of friends and colleagues, as well as notable figures in the industry, Toke Moments offers a blend of personal anecdotes, expert opinions, and actionable advice. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of dating or seeking career inspiration, Toke Moments provides a wealth of knowledge and entertainment.
Read Also: Top 11 Podcasts in South Africa
How to Start a Podcast in Nigeria
Starting a podcast in Nigeria is a rewarding journey, and it begins with defining your niche and target audience. Decide on the specific topic or area you want to focus on, such as business, technology, lifestyle, or entertainment, and understand the preferences and challenges of your target audience.
1. Plan your content
Plan your content by deciding on the format of your podcast. This could be interviews, solo episodes, or panel discussions. Outline the topics for your first set of episodes, and establish a consistent length for each episode, such as 30 minutes or one hour. Next, choose a unique and memorable podcast name that reflects your theme. Along with this, create a professional logo and cover art, using tools like Canva to help with visual branding.
2. Invest in basic equipment
Invest in basic equipment to ensure good sound quality. Essential items include a microphone (USB microphones like Fifine or Samson Q2U are good options), headphones for clear audio playback, and a recording device such as your computer or smartphone. Accessories like a pop filter and boom arm can further enhance sound quality. Set up a quiet recording space with minimal background noise, and use cushions or curtains to reduce echo for a more professional sound.
3. Record and edit your podcast
Record and edit your podcast using software like Audacity, which is free, or Adobe Audition for more advanced features. Edit out any mistakes and add intros, outros, and background music to polish your episodes. Once your episodes are ready, choose a hosting platform like Anchor, Buzzsprout, or Podbean. These platforms will help you upload episodes and distribute them to major streaming services such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Google Podcasts.
4. Promote your podcast
Promotion is key to growing your audience. Use social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to share updates and engage with listeners. Collaborate with other podcasters or influencers to expand your reach. Additionally, interact with your audience by responding to comments and sharing behind-the-scenes content.
If you want to monetize your podcast, seek sponsorships from local businesses or brands aligned with your niche. Platforms like Patreon can allow listeners to support your work financially. Offering exclusive content or merchandise to loyal fans is another potential revenue stream.
5. Stay consistent
Staying consistent is crucial for success. Release episodes on a regular schedule, whether weekly or biweekly, and actively seek feedback from your listeners to improve your content. Use analytics provided by hosting platforms to monitor listener preferences and adapt your podcast accordingly. With commitment and creativity, you can create a podcast that resonates with your audience in Nigeria and beyond.
Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s dive into the different ways you can monetize your podcast.
How to Make Money from Podcast in Nigeria
1. Sponsorship and ads
One of the most common ways podcasters make money is through sponsorships and ads. In this model, companies pay you to promote their products or services on your show. There are different types of ad formats you can include:
- Pre-roll ads: Ads that play at the beginning of the episode.
- Mid-roll ads: Ads inserted in the middle of the episode, typically when listener attention is highest.
- Post-roll ads: Ads that play at the end of the episode.
The amount of money you can earn from sponsorships depends on the size of your audience, the type of ads you run, and the brands you work with. Typically, podcasters charge based on CPM (cost per thousand impressions), meaning the larger your audience, the more you can earn. Rates usually range from $18 to $50 CPM, depending on the niche and engagement level of your listeners.
For podcasters just starting, connecting with sponsors might seem daunting. This is where a podcast agency can help. These agencies connect podcasters with potential sponsors, helping you get the right deals based on your audience size and content niche.
2. Listener donations and crowdfunding
If you have a loyal fanbase, listener donations can be an excellent way to monetize your podcast. Platforms like Patreon, Buy Me a Coffee, and PayPal make it easy for fans to support your podcast with small donations. You can set up tiers or membership levels, offering exclusive content or perks in exchange for their support.
Crowdfunding is also a great option for specific projects, like launching a new season or upgrading your equipment. Platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe allow you to create campaigns where listeners can contribute to help you meet your goals.
To make donations and crowdfunding work, you need to have an engaged audience that feels connected to your content. Be transparent about where the money will go and express gratitude to your supporters, reinforcing their value in helping you grow your podcast.
3. Merchandise sales
Selling branded merchandise is another effective way to turn your podcast into a profitable venture. If your podcast has a dedicated following, listeners may be willing to buy items like T-shirts, mugs, stickers, and more that showcase your brand.
Merchandise doesn’t just generate income; it also strengthens your relationship with your audience by giving them a way to feel more connected to your show. Platforms like Teespring, Printful, and Redbubble make it easy to design and sell merchandise without handling any inventory or shipping.
You don’t need a massive audience to start selling merchandise, but it helps to create products that resonate with your listeners. Whether it’s a catchy phrase from your podcast or your unique logo, your merchandise should reflect the personality of your show.
4. Premium content and subscriptions
Offering premium content or subscription services is another way to generate income while providing additional value to your most loyal listeners. Platforms like Patreon, Apple Podcasts Subscriptions, and Supercast allow podcasters to create exclusive content for paying subscribers.
Premium content could include bonus episodes, behind-the-scenes interviews, early access to episodes, or ad-free listening experiences. Many listeners are willing to pay for more in-depth content, especially if they’re passionate about your podcast.
When offering premium content, be sure to strike a balance. While it’s great to offer extras, your free content should still provide value to retain your broader audience.
5. Affiliate marketing
Affiliate marketing is another way podcasters can earn money by promoting products or services. With affiliate marketing, you promote a product in your podcast and include a special link (usually found in the show notes or on your website). If listeners purchase the product through your link, you earn a commission.
Affiliate marketing works best when you recommend products that are relevant to your audience. For example, if your podcast focuses on health and wellness, promoting fitness gear or nutritional supplements through an affiliate link can be a natural fit.
Platforms like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, and CJ Affiliate offer podcasters access to a wide range of affiliate programs, making it easy to find products that align with your content.
Podcasting can be much more than a hobby—it can be a source of income and a viable career option if you explore the right monetization strategies. From sponsorships and affiliate marketing to listener donations and premium content, there are many ways to turn your passion into profit.
What Podcasts Do You Listen to?
As you can see, there’s a variety when it comes to podcasts in South Africa. The more you listen, the more you’ll find you prefer certain hosts over others, or certain formats and lengths. But whatever your preference, podcasts can be helpful companions in your life.
There are a lot of podcasts on this list, and with new ones going live every day, it can be difficult to keep up with all of them. So we’d like to turn it over to you: What podcasts do you subscribe to that have been a huge help in running and growing your business?
Share it with us by leaving a comment below! And if you’re looking for more inspiration, check out these best books for entrepreneurs.
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