Season 3 of VIP ACCESS podcast to premiere in September

The new season will feature 17 African stars from Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Lesotho and the Netherlands. It will be broadcast simultaneously across Kenya on Nation FM and on all major digital platforms every other Sunday at 6pm CAT.

The podcast will feature a cross-section of acclaimed African storytellers, songwriters and hitmakers. They include Tanzanian hip hop wordsmith Fredrick Mulla, aka Master Manondo, alongside his Umoja Sounds partner Provoke, a renowned Kenyan music producer and executive. South African folk singers Muneyi and Bongeziwe Mabandla, Lesotho soul singer Leomile as well as Kenyan percussionist Kasiva Mutua will address how African folktales provide meaning and healing through music and storytelling.

Kenyan hip hop movers and shakers Boutross, Kayvo KForce and Vallerie Muthoni will also appear on the show alongside their soulful rumba and R&B counterparts Ambasa Mandela, Yaba, Bensoul, Fena Gitu, Mayonde and Sage. Kenyan singer, designer and psychologist based in Amsterdam, Steve Biko, aka Biko O2O, will share his experience living abroad and juggling careers while breaking down what it means to redefine masculinity.

The first four episodes of VIP ACCESS were shot in South Africa with the support of the Gauteng Tourism Authority and Akum Agency.

“Their music style, genres of choice and knack for storytelling defies the normal, proudly and boldly representing independent artists, alternative music and the sanctity of live music performance,” Owoko said.

“How they broke into the music industry and achieved success makes the introductory episodes a perfect sounding board for creatives who haven’t yet established strong brands and are struggling to find their identity. It’s a powerful season that will inspire, educate and once again celebrate African achievement and originality.”

While all artists on the podcast will be sharing expert and personal tips about making it in various facets of the game, Bongeziwe Mabandla, Fena Gitu, Bensoul, Yaba, Kasiva, Kayvo KForce and Boutross will exclusively dive into their latest albums. Sage, Mayonde, Yaba and Ambasa Mandela, on the other hand, will get vulnerable and recall industry highs and lows, particularly what made them get back on their feet after a hiatus or difficulty.

Since 2018, Owoko has interviewed more than 80 African musicians on VIP ACCESS. She is a music and events curator and the founder of Anyiko Public Relations – a Kenya-based artist and culture PR agency that steers campaigns across Africa.