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Live Learn Inspire Podcast
šļø Akuvi: From Shy Girl in Norway to Afrobeat Star š¬š
In this episode of Live Learn Inspire Podcast, Ghanaian-Norwegian artist Akuvi shares her incredible journey from insecurity and self-doubt to performing for tens of thousands of fans.
We dive deep into:
- Identity & belonging
- Growing up between cultures
- Afrobeat, music & creativity
- Confidence & self-expression
- Working with Stonebwoy
- Building an independent career
- Entrepreneurship & hustle culture
- Representation, race & diaspora experiences
- Following your dreams despite fear
Akuvi explains why she calls her music āAfrobeats for emotional gangstersā blending soulful vulnerability with rhythm, energy, and deep storytelling.
This episode is for anyone chasing a dream, navigating identity, or looking for motivation to take the next step in life.
Featuring conversations about:
Ghana ⢠South Africa ⢠Norway ⢠Afrobeat ⢠African music ⢠Music business ⢠Viral growth ⢠Creative confidence ⢠African culture ⢠Emotional healing ⢠Storytelling ⢠Personal development
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21. SEO/AIO Optimized
02:38:02||Season 2, Ep. 21What is it really like to become a professional footballer and play abroad?In this episode of Live Learn Inspire, we explore the realities of professional football beyond what fans see on the pitch: football contracts, salaries and money, European competition, dressing-room culture, life abroad, discipline, teammates and the lifestyle surrounding professional sport.Our guest shares stories from his professional football journey, including playing in Malta with Gżira United, experiencing European competition and navigating the financial and personal realities of building a football career overseas. The conversation also reveals some unforgettable experiences away from the pitchāfrom teammates with surprising lifestyles to the cultural differences, friendships and situations that come with living abroad as a professional athlete. We discuss the tension between natural talent and discipline, including the story of a teammate whose off-field habits surprised him despite the player's performances on the pitch. This episode explores:⢠Life as a professional footballer⢠Playing professional football abroad⢠Malta and European football⢠Football contracts, salaries and money⢠Dressing-room culture and teammates⢠Talent vs discipline⢠Life away from the pitch⢠The business behind professional football⢠Lessons from an international football careerFor aspiring footballers, athletes and fans interested in professional football, European football, African footballers, football careers, athlete lifestyles and what happens behind the scenes in professional sport, this conversation offers a different perspective on the beautiful game. Live Learn Inspire ā inspiring, informative and educational conversations about sport, business, culture, resilience and personal growth. Sponsored by Kahawa Nzuri Recorded at O3 StudioFollow Live Learn Inspire on Spotify, YouTube, Acast, Instagram and TikTok for more.
19. How do you rebuild your life after losing everything?
01:32:40||Season 2, Ep. 19In this episode of Live Learn Inspire, Hamza Omar opens up about growing up in Norway, being sent to a strict school in Kenya at the age of 15 years old, studying international economics in China, launching a business abroad, surviving the collapse of that business during COVID-19, and rebuilding a successful career back in Norway.This episode explores entrepreneurship, resilience, African identity, leadership, sales, fatherhood, business, and personal development.If you're interested in stories about overcoming adversity, building a meaningful career, entrepreneurship, or navigating different cultures, this conversation delivers practical lessons and powerful inspiration.
Jonis Josef - Almost Quit Comedy After Making It
01:19:49|Comedian Jonis Josef joins Live Learn Inspire Podcast for a powerful conversation about comedy, identity, Somali-Norwegian culture, entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal growth.Jonis shares how he went from finance to stand-up comedy, how performing helped him overcome fear, why he almost quit, and what it takes to build a creative career across Norway, Africa, Europe, and the United States.This episode covers stand-up comedy, African humor, Somali culture, identity, belonging, TV success, Kongen av Gulset, the Cactus tour, New York comedy, and the mindset needed to chase your dreams.A funny, honest, and inspiring episode for anyone interested in comedy, culture, business, creativity, and purpose.
17. Lida joins the Live Learn Inspire Podcast to discuss the courage required to pursue your dreams
54:38||Season 2, Ep. 17Lida joins the Live Learn Inspire Podcast to discuss the courage required to pursue your dreams.From living abroad to building a music career, she shares valuable lessons on confidence, resilience, leadership, creativity and embracing uncertainty.If you're looking for motivation to take the next step toward your goals, this episode is for you.
16. Young Chisto (Young Systo) shares his powerful story
01:07:04||Season 2, Ep. 16Young Chisto (Young Systo) shares his powerful story: born to Ghanaian parents, raised in Italy, and relocated to Norway during the 2008ā2009 economic crisis. He opens up about choosing music despite pressure to follow traditional career paths, and how his Oslo street shows became a platform for expression, community, and opportunity for upcoming artists.We also unpack:Janteloven and confidence in ScandinaviaCreative entrepreneurship + building a studioPerforming across Europe and in New York (Times Square/Brooklyn)Why expression matters for mental healthHis advice for 2026: decision, team, consistency, faithSponsor: Kawwanzuri Premium African Coffe
15. Born in Kenya. Adopted to Norway and now writing music for K-Pop
01:13:16||Season 2, Ep. 15Sondre Mulongo NystrĆøm joins Live Learn Inspire Podcast for an unforgettable conversation about identity, music, resilience and building your own path.Born in Kenya and adopted into a Norwegian family, Sondre shares how growing up between cultures shaped who he became and how music eventually transformed his life.From dreams of becoming a doctor to signing with Sony, competing in MGP, writing songs internationally and developing his own Afrobeat/R&B sound, this episode explores what happens when preparation meets opportunity.Topics:⢠Adoption & identity⢠Kenya ā Norway journey⢠Music industry insights⢠MGP & Eurovision⢠K-pop songwriting⢠Entrepreneurship & passive income⢠Building a creative career⢠Culture, belonging & self-discoveryIf you enjoy inspiring stories, music conversations, entrepreneurship and meaningful life lessons this episode is for you.Follow Live Learn Inspire for more inspiring, informative and educational conversations.
13. In this episode of Live Learn Inspire, we sit down with Oslo-based artist Babasoul to explore a powerful journey of music, identity, culture, and creative expression.
01:10:53||Season 2, Ep. 13In this episode ofĀ Live Learn Inspire, we sit down with Oslo-based artistĀ BabasoulĀ to explore a powerful journey of music, identity, culture, and creative expression.From growing up in Lisbon to building his sound in Norway, Babasoul shares:The journey of finding his voice throughĀ 60ās and 70ās funk and soul, and how he blends it with global rhythmsHow moving across countries shaped his identity and artistryThe challenges of staying authentic in todayās music industryThe importance of energy, performance, and connecting with peopleHis unforgettable experience meeting withĀ Charles BradleyĀ and the impact it had on his musical pathThis episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in:Ā Music & creative journeysĀ Personal growth & self-expressionĀ Cultural identity & global influenceĀ Passion, purpose & artistry
12. What happens when life challenges shape your identity and music becomes your therapy
01:17:03||Season 2, Ep. 12What happens when life challenges shape your identity and music becomes your therapy?In this episode, Salti shares his journey from Tanzania to Norway and how he transformed personal struggles into creative expression.We explore:cultural identity and belongingfamily and personal strugglesentrepreneurship and independencethe power of mindset and disciplineusing music as a tool for healingA deep and inspiring conversation about growth, resilience, and building your own path in life :D