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Japa Diaries Podcast

documenting the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora


Latest episode

  • Living Between Worlds: Akinola Davies Jr on Migration, Identity & Grief

    50:56|
    Filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. left Nigeria at 13 and didn't return for 9 years. In this conversation, he shares what it's like to live between Nigeria and the UK, why he finally made a film about his father, and how creating My Father's Shadow became a healing journey for his entire family.šŸŽ¬ My Father's Shadow is in U.S. theaters now, support African storytelling: mubi.com/myfathersshadow

More episodes

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  • Are You Checking Out?

    38:53|
    Even when we’re out of season, we’re still bringing you good content! In this bonus crossover episode, Abimisola guest hosts Culture Custodian’s Uncultured podcast, diving into the history of japa in Nigeria. We thought you’d enjoy this one. And if you do, be sure to check out more episodes from Uncultured!----------------------------Roses are red, our passports are green, ā€˜Japa’ is migration to a country you’ve never been. Loosely translated from Yoruba, japa means to run away, and it’s what many Nigerians living in the country today aspire to do in the midst of rising inflation, insecurity, and unemployment.On this episode, host Abimisola of the Japa Diaries Podcast, surfs the waves and their ripple effects on our identities. On board with her are Nigerian-American Mrs. Tayo Iyiola and Black British returnee Chef Wunmi Durosinmi-Etti. Follow the trio as they sail back and forth across the Atlantic, visiting former presidents, Nollywood icons, and the most elusive Nigerian of them all - the ā€˜I Just Got Backs’.Uncultured is a Culture Custodian Production.
  • 10. What a Season!

    56:35||Season 4, Ep. 10
    It’s a wrap on this season of Japa Diaries! 🄳 In this finale episode, we reflect on the highs, the lessons, and the laughter that made this season so special. From identity and home to Afrobeats and activism, it’s a mix of real talk, cultural gems, and love for our community.Tune in for laughs and reflections as we close out another unforgettable season! šŸ’ššŸ’š Enjoyed the season? Leave us a review, it helps more listeners find us!šŸ’š We want to get to know you better! Take our quick listener survey → japadiaries.com/surveyšŸ’š If you joined us at our events, we’d love your feedback! Fill out our event survey → japadiaries.com/event
  • 9. Staying Rooted While Going Global ft. M.I. Abaga

    01:18:44||Season 4, Ep. 9
    We’re catching up with rap legend M.I. Abaga! From his U.S. college days to shaping African hip-hop back home, M.I. talks living between two worlds, connecting African creatives, and staying grounded through it all.M.I also teases his upcoming album The Wolf and reminds us why authenticity will always be his superpower.
  • 8. From Tuition Stress to Scholarships

    01:23:07||Season 4, Ep. 8
    Being an international student can be tough... and expensive. In this episode, we talk to John, co-founder of the African Leadership Bridge, about turning his own struggles into a scholarship fund for African students.Ā Then, we hear from Usomine, a current ALB scholar, about how this support is shaping her education and future impact.Ready to give back? Donate to ALB’s endowment fund here: tr.ee/LzrZABTickets for Press Play game night on Oct 3 are on sale now: posh.vip/e/press-play-independence-edition
  • 7. This is a Pan-African Podcast ft. Postcards from Koko

    01:02:43||Season 4, Ep. 7
    This week, Koko joins us to talk all things Pan-Africanism!From its historic roots to the challenges of unity today, we talk diaspora identity and why staying connected to African news and stories matters now more than ever.Tickets for Press Play game night are on sale now: posh.vip/e/press-play-independence-editionĀ 
  • 6. Behind the Scenes of Our First Live Show

    46:30||Season 4, Ep. 6
    We did it! Our first-ever live event was a success, and we can’t thank you enough for showing up and showing love.In this episode, we recap the highs and lows: from ticket-sale nerves to the epic games and the joy of building community in person. Whether you were there in-person or missed it, come relive the energy with us!