E23 Antonio Michael Downing

Honouring Ebo Taylor | Kweku Aacht on EBOFEST 2026 | E25

In this special tribute episode, we honour the life and legacy of Ebo Taylor — Ghanaian guitarist, composer, and one of the founding architects of highlife and Afrobeat music. Ebo Taylor passed away on 7th February 2026, aged 90, leaving behind six decades of music that shaped the sound of an entire continent. We sit down with Kweku Aacht, representative of EBOFEST — the international festival dedicated to Ebo Taylor's legacy — to talk about the man, his music, and the upcoming celebrations honouring both his life and 100 years of highlife music. From his collaborations with Fela Kuti in 1960s London, to producing Pat Thomas and C.K. Mann at Essiebons, to being sampled by Usher, the Black Eyed Peas, and Kelly Rowland — Ebo Taylor's influence stretches further than most people realise. EBOFEST 2026 Events:📍 22nd May — Jazz Café, London📍 10th July — The JAGO, London🌍 27th–28th August — Saltpond, Ghana More info: www.ebofest.com [http://www.ebofest.com] Afro Soul Stories is hosted by Sewor Okudzeto — exploring the roots, rhythms, and creative journeys of African and diaspora artists, where music meets memory and culture meets innovation.

E24 Tempoe

From Lagos to the Grammys: Tempoe on Afrobeats, Global Hits & Creative Growth | E24 Grammy-nominated Afrobeats producer Tempoe joins Afro Soul Stories for an in-depth conversation on his journey from Lagos to the global stage. Best known as the producer behind the worldwide hit “Love Nwantiti” — a record that has generated billions of streams — Tempoe shares the story behind his rise, his creative process, and what it really takes to build music that connects across borders. In this episode, we also explore his recent experiences during Grammys Week in Los Angeles, and his work on Omah Lay’s latest project Clarity of Mind, offering insight into the evolving sound of Afrobeats and the mindset required to stay ahead creatively. This conversation goes beyond the music — touching on discipline, identity, and the drive to keep pushing forward in a global industry. — 🎧 Afro Soul Stories explores the journeys of artists, producers, and cultural voices shaping Africa and the diaspora through music, storytelling, and creativity. Follow and share if you’re tapping into the culture.

E23 Antonio Michael Downing

In this episode of Afro Soul Stories, I sit down with author and musician Antonio Michael Downing, also known as John Orpheus, to explore the story behind his book Black Cherokee. We dive into themes of identity, migration, and what it means to live between Trinidad and Canada—navigating multiple cultures while forming a sense of self. Antonio reflects on how storytelling becomes a way of understanding belonging, memory, and history. We also explore his work as a musician, and how creativity flows between writing and sound, shaping a dual artistic practice that spans both literature and music. At its core, this conversation is about heritage, voice, and the spaces we occupy between worlds.

E22 Lekan Babalola

In this episode of Afro Soul Stories, we speak with Nigerian percussionist and two-time Grammy Award winner Lekan Babalola. From growing up in Lagos and connections to the world of Fela Kuti, to collaborations with artists such as Ali Farka Touré, Roy Ayers and Cassandra Wilson, Babalola reflects on a remarkable musical journey. We also discuss his latest project, The Sacred Arts of Odu Ifa, exploring Yoruba spirituality, music and cultural heritage.

David Kayode: Artist Profile & Ep Launch

In this special episode of Afro Soul Stories, we speak with London-based saxophonist David Kayode about the release of his EP Ade Kayode. The conversation explores the musical influences behind the project, his creative process as an artist, and how African rhythm and jazz continue to shape the evolving sound of the London music scene. An insightful artist profile and EP special exploring music, identity, and creative inspiration.