One 54 Podcast
One54, hosted by Akbar Gbajabiamila and Godfrey Daneschmah, is a podcast that spotlights the untold stories of African entertainers, athletes, and business leaders. Through unfiltered conversations, it reveals the challenges and culture clashes of growing up African in America. Akbar is a former NFL player and TV host, while Godfrey is a comedian and actor, both proud of their Nigerian heritage.
Episodes
Beverly Naya Part 2: Becoming a Nollywood Star, Acting, Filmmaking & Building Her Legacy - One54 Africa
Award-winning Beverly Naya joins the One54 Podcast for an inspiring conversation about her remarkable journey from London to Lagos to New York, building one of the most successful careers in Nollywood. Beverly Naya reflects on becoming a Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa honoree, creating her groundbreaking Netflix documentary Skin, and how she continues to evolve as an actress, filmmaker, producer, and s
Beverly Naya Part 1: Nigerian Culture, London vs. New York & Choosing Nollywood Over Hollywood - One54 Africa
Award-winning Beverly Naya joins the One54 Podcast for an inspiring conversation about her remarkable journey from London to Lagos to New York, building one of the most successful careers in Nollywood. Beverly Naya reflects on becoming a Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa honoree, creating her groundbreaking Netflix documentary Skin, and how she continues to evolve as an actress, filmmaker, producer, and s
Princess Sarah Culberson Part 2: Sierra Leone, Royal Family & Black Royalty - One54 Africa
Princess Sarah Culberson joins One54 to share the extraordinary true story of discovering that she was born into African royalty after growing up adopted in a white family in West Virginia. From reconnecting with her biological father in Sierra Leone to learning she was part of a royal family with generations of leaders dedicated to public service, Sarah reflects on the emotional journey that chan
Princess Sarah Culberson Part 1: Adoption, African Princess & Identity - One54 Africa
Princess Sarah Culberson joins One54 to share the extraordinary true story of discovering that she was born into African royalty after growing up adopted in a white family in West Virginia. From reconnecting with her biological father in Sierra Leone to learning she was part of a royal family with generations of leaders dedicated to public service, Sarah reflects on the emotional journey that chan
Lebo M Part 2: $27M Lawsuit, Nelson Mandela & Legacy - One54 Africa
The legendary voice and composer behind Disney's The Lion King joins the podcast for a powerful conversation about music, history, and identity. Lebo M shares what it was like growing up during apartheid, witnessing the Soweto Uprising, leaving South Africa in exile, and eventually becoming one of the most influential figures in African music. Lebo also opens up about his ongoing lawsuit, explaini
Lebo M Part 1: Apartheid, Soweto & The Lion King - One54 Africa
The legendary voice and composer behind Disney's The Lion King joins the podcast for a powerful conversation about music, history, and identity. Lebo M shares what it was like growing up during apartheid, witnessing the Soweto Uprising, leaving South Africa in exile, and eventually becoming one of the most influential figures in African music. Lebo also opens up about his ongoing lawsuit, explaini
$100K Family Trip to Nigeria! - One54 Africa Part 2
In this heartfelt episode of One54, Akbar reflects on an unforgettable nine-day journey through Nigeria, sharing what it meant to reconnect with family, heritage, and identity after decades away. He discusses taking his children to experience their ancestral homeland, the emotional impact of walking where previous generations lived, and why preserving cultural roots matters. The conversation explo
$100K Family Trip to Nigeria! - One54 Africa Part 1
In this heartfelt episode of One54, Akbar reflects on an unforgettable nine-day journey through Nigeria, sharing what it meant to reconnect with family, heritage, and identity after decades away. He discusses taking his children to experience their ancestral homeland, the emotional impact of walking where previous generations lived, and why preserving cultural roots matters. The conversation explo
Joy Reid, Boris Kodjoe, Tiffany Haddish, & More Talk Mental Health | BIPOC
In this special One54 Africa collection for BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, some of the most influential voices across entertainment, business, and culture come together for powerful conversations about mental health, grief, resilience, identity, fatherhood, racism, and healing.Bozoma Saint John opens up about losing her husband, daughter, and loved ones to tragedy, sharing how grief transfor
Drea Okeke - One54 Africa Part 2: $1M Social Media influencer
Nigerian-American creator and comedian Drea Okeke joins to share the journey behind becoming one of the internet’s most recognizable voices celebrating African culture. Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and recognized among Forbes’ Top Creators, Drea opens up about building a global audience through authenticity, comedy, and storytelling rooted in her Nigerian heritage. Drea discuss
Drea Okeke - One54 Africa Part 1: From Nigeria to Forbes
Nigerian-American creator and comedian Drea Okeke joins to share the journey behind becoming one of the internet’s most recognizable voices celebrating African culture. Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and recognized among Forbes’ Top Creators, Drea opens up about building a global audience through authenticity, comedy, and storytelling rooted in her Nigerian heritage. Drea discuss
Gina Yashere - One54 Africa Part 2
Gina Yashere joins One54 to share her extraordinary journey from engineer to international comedy powerhouse, reflecting on the path that led her to co-create and executive produce CBS's Bob Hearts Abishola, the first American network sitcom centered on a Nigerian family. The award-winning Nigerian-British comedian opens up about embracing her Edo heritage, the legacy of the Kingdom of Benin, and
Gina Yashere - One54 Africa Part 1
Gina Yashere joins One54 to share her extraordinary journey from engineer to international comedy powerhouse, reflecting on the path that led her to co-create and executive produce CBS's Bob Hearts Abishola, the first American network sitcom centered on a Nigerian family. The award-winning Nigerian-British comedian opens up about embracing her Edo heritage, the legacy of the Kingdom of Benin, and
David Oyelowo - One54 Africa Part 2
David Oyelowo joins One54 Africa for a conversation about identity, family, faith, Hollywood, and the stories that shape culture. The acclaimed actor, producer, director, and founder of Mansa reflects on his Nigerian roots, explaining the royal history behind the Oyelowo name, growing up between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, and how returning to Nigeria as a child transformed his confidence and
David Oyelowo - One54 Africa Part 1
David Oyelowo joins One54 Africa for a conversation about identity, family, faith, Hollywood, and the stories that shape culture. The acclaimed actor, producer, director, and founder of Mansa reflects on his Nigerian roots, explaining the royal history behind the Oyelowo name, growing up between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, and how returning to Nigeria as a child transformed his confidence and
Bozoma Saint John On Ghana & Kenyan Roots, Marketing Africa, Beyoncé, Boris Kodjoe, Apple, Pepsi
Bozoma Saint John joins One54 Africa Podcast for an inspiring conversation about African identity, cultural pride, global marketing, and building a legacy that extends far beyond corporate success. Bozoma Saint John reflects on her Ghanaian roots and upbringing across Ghana, Kenya, and the United States, sharing how family history, Ghanaian traditions, language, food, and the lasting effects of co
Zimbabwean Comedian Alfred Kainga On Learnmore's $27M Lawsuit, Trevor Noah, Kevin Hart & Lion King
Alfred Kainga joins One54 Africa for a hilarious and thought-provoking conversation about growing up in Zimbabwe, navigating colonial influence, and building a comedy career that has taken him across the world. Alfred reflects on life in Zimbabwe after British colonization, sharing how English names, language restrictions in school, and cultural divisions shaped his upbringing. He opens up about b
Remi Adeleke: Nigerian Millionaire To New York Poverty, Banana Island & Navy SEAL
Remi Adeleke joins One54 Africa for one of the most unbelievable stories ever told on the podcast.Born into wealth in Nigeria, Remi reflects on growing up as the son of a powerful businessman whose vision and engineering plans helped create the land that became Banana Island in Lagos. He opens up about his father’s fight against government corruption, the mysterious circumstances surrounding
Bassem Youssef on Egypt, Black Egyptians, Free Speech & “Jon Stewart of Middle East”
Bassem Youssef joins One54 Africa for a hilarious and deeply insightful conversation on identity, culture, comedy, and the complexities of modern Egypt. The Egyptian heart surgeon turned political satirist reflects on building the most watched television show in Egyptian history, navigating censorship, and using humor as a form of resistance and truth-telling. Often called “The Jon Stewart o
Yaya DaCosta On Being Afro-Latino, Africa & What It Means to Be Black Everywhere
Yaya DaCosta joins One54 Africa for a powerful conversation on identity, culture, and what it truly means to belong. The actress, model, and global traveler reflects on growing up in Harlem in a deeply conscious, activist household and how that shaped her understanding of Black identity across the diaspora. She opens up about her lineage — spanning West Africa, Brazil, and the Caribbean &mda
Korra Obidi on Nigeria, Nollywood, Balancing Motherhood And A Global Career
Korra Obidi joins One54 Africa for a raw, unfiltered conversation about identity, culture, and carving your own path.The Nigerian singer, dancer, and global performer opens up about growing up in Lagos, strict upbringing under a military household, and how that shaped her discipline and mindset. She reflects on starting out in Nollywood, the grind behind the industry, and what it really takes to b
Tiffany Haddish on Eritrean Roots, Nipsey Hussle & Life Beyond Comedy
Tiffany Haddish joins One54 Africa for one of her most personal conversations yet — opening up about identity, grief, and healing.From growing up without her father to eventually finding him later in life, Tiffany shares the emotional journey that shaped who she is today. She reflects on reconnecting with her Eritrean roots, traveling to Africa, and the powerful sense of belonging she feels
David Otunga on Kenya, WWE, Hollywood, Jennifer Hudson & Losing His Father
David Otunga joins One54 Africa for a powerful conversation on identity, loss, and reinvention. Born to a Kenyan father and American mother, Otunga reflects on his father’s journey to the U.S. through the historic African Airlift program — and the discipline and values that shaped his upbringing. He opens up about the devastating loss of his father just as he was accepted into Harvard
Christian Okoye: The Nigerian Nightmare, Kansas City Chiefs, NFL & Surviving War | One54 Africa
NFL legend Christian Okoye joins One54 for a powerful conversation on legacy, identity, and resilience.Known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” Okoye shares his incredible journey from growing up in Nigeria during the Biafran War to becoming one of the most dominant running backs in NFL history.He reflects on discovering American football late, overcoming cultural barriers, and rising to pro
Goapele On South Africa, Apartheid, Oakland, Complexity Of Mixed Identity & Creating Music | One54
Neo-soul pioneer Goapele joins the One54 Africa Podcast for a powerful conversation on identity, legacy, and building a career on her own terms.Born to a South African father who fled apartheid and a German-Jewish mother, Goapele reflects on growing up in Oakland, navigating race and belonging, and uncovering the untold stories of her family’s past.She opens up about the silence surrounding
Marcus Samuelsson on Ethiopia, Racism & Building a Global Food Empire | One54 Africa Podcast
World-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson joins One54 for a powerful conversation on identity, resilience, and building a global legacy through food.Born in Ethiopia and adopted into a Swedish family, Marcus shares his journey from surviving childhood illness and loss to growing up in Sweden and navigating racism at a young age. He opens up about reconnecting with his Ethiopian roots, meeting his biol
Samson Dauda on Mr. Olympia, Nigeria to UK & Becoming the Nigerian Lion | One54 Africa Podcast
Mr. Olympia champion Samson Dauda joins One54 for a powerful conversation about discipline, identity, and what it takes to become the best in the world.Born in Nigeria and raised in the UK, Samson shares his journey from strict boarding school life to discovering rugby, fitness, and ultimately bodybuilding. He opens up about the discipline ingrained in Nigerian culture, the culture shock of moving
Joy Reid on Congolese Roots, America, Africa, War, Politics, Sinners & Reconnecting The Diaspora
Joy Reid joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, history, and the global Black experience. The discussion begins with the 2024 election, Donald Trump, and shifting global power dynamics, including whether the world is entering a “China Century” as America faces growing political division. Reid reflects on her groundbreaking career as the first Black woman to host a
Learnmore Jonasi On Zimbabwean Roots, Lion King, America's Got Talent, Comedy, & Finding His Voice
Learnmore Jonasi joins the show for a powerful and hilarious conversation about resilience, identity, and finding purpose through pain. Born and raised in Chimanimani, Zimbabwe, Learnmore reflects on growing up in a small mountain village surrounded by farmland, animals, and community—a childhood rich in freedom and simplicity, even amid economic hardship. He opens up about Zimbabwe’s
Vic Mensa on Ghana, Barack Obama, iShowSpeed, Black Star Line & Navigating Culture | One54 Africa Podcast
Vic Mensa joins One54 for a powerful conversation about identity, activism, and reconnecting the African diaspora.Born Victor Kwasi Mensah, Vic reflects on growing up on Chicago’s South Side and living near figures like Barack Obama and Minister Farrakhan. He opens up about race, redlining, and navigating culture as a Ghanaian-American artist.Vic also discusses launching the Black Star Line
Boris Kodjoe on Ghanaian Roots, Reclaiming African Identity & Navigating Racism | One54 Africa
Boris Kodjoe joins the show for an expansive conversation on identity, culture, and purpose. Born to a Ghanaian father and German mother, Boris opens up about growing up Black in Germany, navigating racism, learning English later in life, and the intentional work it took to build a career in Hollywood.He reflects on his deep connection to Ghana, the emotional impact of returning to Africa, and why
Gabourey Sidibe on Life After “Precious”, Senegalese Roots & Finding Home | One54 Africa Podcast
Academy Award nominee Gabourey Sidibe joins the One54 Africa Podcast for an honest and reflective conversation about identity, heritage, and life beyond Precious. Gabourey opens up about how Precious shaped the way the world sees her, while sharing what it was like growing up Senegalese American in Brooklyn and carrying a name deeply rooted in West African culture. She reflects on reconnectin
Tolú Ekundare on Netflix Fame, Nigerian Identity & Being Called “Too African” | One54 Africa
Tolú joins for an unfiltered conversation about identity, culture, and navigating fame as a Nigerian woman in America. Tolú opens up about her experience on Netflix, including her time on The Trust and Perfect Match, where she became one of the most talked-about personalities. She reflects on winning money on The Trust, the backlash that followed, and the unexpected cr
Ugo Mozie On Styling Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Chris Brown & Michael Jackson’s Influence | One54 Africa
Ugo Mozie sits down for a candid conversation about identity, creativity, and his journey from growing up Igbo to becoming one of fashion’s most influential stylists. Ugo opens up about his childhood, being raised in an Igbo household, and how cultural values, discipline, and self-belief shaped the way he approaches fashion and life. He reflects on navigating two worlds — honoring his
Folake Olowofoyeku On Growing Up In Nigeria, Beauty Standards, Representation In TV & CBS | One54
Award-winning actress Folake Olowofoyeku joins for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about identity, beauty, culture, and carving out space in Hollywood without compromising who you are. Folake opens up about growing up in Nigeria, moving to the United States at 18, attending boarding school, and navigating the pressure to assimilate while holding tightly to her Yoruba roots and name.She reflec
Demetria Obilor on Going Viral, Body Positivity & Pressure Put On Women In Media | One54 Africa
Demetria Obilor joins One54 for a raw, thoughtful, and deeply personal conversation about going viral, navigating online backlash, and standing firm in your identity.Demetria opens up about the moment her life changed overnight after a viral clip sparked intense public attention. She reflects on how quickly social media can magnify opinions, how body image became the center of a national conversat
Festus Ezeli A Nigerian Genius, NBA Champion, Golden State Warriors, Steph, Klay, Meg Thee Stallion | One54
In this powerful episode of One54, Akbar Gbajabiamila and Godfrey sit down with Festus Ezeli for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about identity, resilience, and purpose. From picking up a basketball at 14 to becoming a first-round NBA Draft pick and NBA Champion with the Golden State Warriors, Festus shares a journey that mirrors the paths of global athletes like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Joel E
Prince Amukamara on Nigerian Roots, Super Bowl, New York Giants, NFL & Football | One54
Super Bowl champion and former NFL standout Prince Amukamara joins for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation. From growing up Nigerian in America to playing on the biggest stages in sports, Prince opens up about identity, discipline, faith, and what really happens after the lights go off in professional football. Drafted in the first round by the New York Giants, Prince reflects on life inside
Elsa Majimbo On Kenya, Colorism, Going Viral, Beyoncé, Lupita & Rihanna | One54
Global viral sensation Elsa Majimbo joins Akbar and Godfrey for a powerful, hilarious, and deeply honest episode of One54. Born and raised in Kenya, Elsa opens up about her rise from making videos with a bag of chips to becoming an international star embraced by icons like Beyoncé, Rihanna, Steve Harvey, and Lupita Nyong’o. Elsa reflects on growing up in Nairobi, navigating colorism i
Jimmy Akingbola on Bel-Air, Will Smith, James Bond & Becoming a Global Nigerian Icon | One54
Jimmy Akingbola has built a career that spans British theatre, Hollywood television, and global film — but the journey wasn’t easy. In this One54 Africa conversation, the Bel-Air star opens up about breaking into the U.S. industry, navigating identity, and why so many UK actors — from Daniel Kaluuya, Idris Elba, John Boyega, David Oyelowo, Damson Idris, to Cynthia Erivo — a
Olly Sholotan on Bel-Air, Nigerian Roots, Music Genius & Hollywood Hustle | One54
Olly Sholotan — actor, musician, producer, and the breakout star who redefined Carlton Banks in Peacock’s Bel-Air — joins Akbar and Godfrey for a hilarious, soulful, and deeply honest conversation on One54. From Nigerian roots to Hollywood sets, Olly opens up about the journey that shaped him into one of the most compelling young creatives in entertainment today.Born in Atlanta, raised between Nig
Darryl Vega on Nigerian Childhood, Immigration Struggles, Comedy & Finding His Voice | One54
Darryl Vega, Nigerian-born storyteller, creator, and rising comedic voice, joins Akbar and Godfrey for an honest, funny, and deeply personal episode of One54. From losing his mother at a young age to navigating the turbulence of immigration, identity, culture shock, and rediscovering his voice, Darryl’s journey reflects the resilience, humor, and heart found across the African diaspora.Born in Lag
Ling & Lamb: Viral Love, Intercultural Marriage, Nigerian Pride & American Slang | One54
Ling & Lamb—viral creators with 8.5M+ followers and 3B+ views—join Akbar and Godfrey for a laugh-out-loud, culture-rich episode of One54.From palm wine and “chin-chin” debates to Lagos traffic and pronunciation games (“burger,” “squirrel,” Yoruba tones), the couple unpacks life as an intercultural family—blending Nigerian pride, American slang, and the everyday comedy that made them internet f
Emmanuel Acho On Nigerian Roots, Oprah, Uncomfortable Conversations & Matthew McConaughey | One54 Full Episode
Emmanuel Acho, Emmy Award–winning host, New York Times bestselling author, and creator of Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, joins Akbar and Godfrey for a raw and inspiring episode of One54. From NFL locker rooms to national television, Emmanuel shares how his Nigerian roots, faith, and family shaped his journey toward purpose and success.Born to Nigerian parents who immigrated to
Uzo Aduba On Growing Up Nigerian, Code-Switching, Beyoncé, Gap & Orange Is the New Black | One54 Full Episode
Uzo Aduba, the three-time Emmy Award–winning actor, joins Akbar Gbajabiamila and Godfrey Danchimah on this episode of One54. Born to Nigerian parents who lived through the Biafran War, Uzo reflects on how her mother’s courage and work ethic shaped her worldview. She opens up about growing up in Massachusetts, being one of the few Black students in her school, and the painful moment she first heard
Nigerians vs Americans, Colonization, Colorism & Comedy | One 54 Full Episode
In this episode of One 54, hosts Akbar Gbajabiamila and Godfrey Danchimah unpack what it means to grow up African in America, mixing raw honesty with comedy and cultural pride. Godfrey recalls how his Nigerian father made him take out the trash after his first one-hour comedy special and how his dad didn’t truly believe in his career until he saw him on Comedy Central with Tommy Davidson. Godfrey
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