Japa Diaries Podcast

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  The Real Cost of Making It Abroad 15.09.2026 1Std. 6Min.

  You made it abroad, now everyone needs something from you 😅Fritz joins us for a very real conversation about black tax, family expectations, and the pressure that can come with being “the one who made it.” He shares his journey from Ghana to the U.S., from a full-ride scholarship and multiple campus jobs to building a career in software engineering.We get into sending money home, guilt, boundaries, and what changes when you start building a family of your own. Because making it abroad is one thing. Figuring out how much of that success you’re actually allowed to keep? That’s another conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Surviving Biafra: The War We Still Don’t Talk About 08.09.2026 1Std. 19Min.

  What happens when your family history is tied to one of the most painful chapters in Nigeria’s history? In the case of filmmakers Leke and Meji Alabi-Isama, they made a documentary about it.Leke and Meji join us to talk about their 2026 BBC documentary, Surviving Biafra, which explores the Nigerian Civil War through the stories of people who lived through it — including their own dad and grandfather, General Alabi-Isama.From uncovering archival footage to confronting the stories we inherited about the war, this conversation looks at what happens when you dig into the history that shaped your family, your community, and your country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  A Japada Story 01.09.2026 1Std. 1Min.

  What happens when you’ve built a life abroad… then realize you want to go home? This week we're sitting down with Desola to talk about her journey from Nigeria to the UK, and eventually, back home again. We talk about career, the realities of moving back home, and why sometimes Japa really can be a round trip. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Don't Worry, I'm a Nigerian ft. Sayo Osikoya 25.08.2026 1Std. 14Min.

  We’re joined by Sayo aka Koj (or Shasco, depending on who you ask 😂) of Submarine and a Roach to talk about his Japa journey from Nigeria to Canada, the loneliness that can come with building a life abroad, and why a good salary doesn’t always equal a good life.We get into identity, community, comedy, and how finding your people (and something that gives you purpose) can make a place start to feel like home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Is Japa Still Worth It? 18.08.2026 58Min.

  We’re back and we’re kicking off season five by asking: what happens when Japa doesn’t feel like a one-way trip anymore?Abimisola and Malik catch up on their own Japa journeys, returning home, changing immigration rules, and the growing desire to keep one foot here and one foot there. Plus, we’re talking Lagos, “touching soil,” aging parents, and what it really means to have options.And because Japa Diaries is growing beyond the podcast, we’re sharing what’s next for the community, from events and screenings to our new street series.Welcome to season five gang! Let’s get into it 💚 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Living Between Worlds: Akinola Davies Jr on Migration, Identity & Grief 17.02.2026 50Min.

  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.🎬 My Father's Shadow is in U.S. theaters now, support African storytelling: mubi.com/myfathersshadow Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Are You Checking Out? 05.11.2025 38Min.

  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, ‘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 ‘I Just Got Backs’.Uncultured is a Culture Custodian Production. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  What a Season! 14.10.2025 56Min.

  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! 💚💚 Enjoyed the season? Leave us a review, it helps more listeners find us!💚 We want to get to know you better! Take our quick listener survey → japadiaries.com/survey💚 If you joined us at our events, we’d love your feedback! Fill out our event survey → japadiaries.com/event Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Staying Rooted While Going Global ft. M.I. Abaga 07.10.2025 1Std. 18Min.

  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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  From Tuition Stress to Scholarships 30.09.2025 1Std. 23Min.

  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. 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  This is a Pan-African Podcast ft. Postcards from Koko 23.09.2025 1Std. 2Min.

  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-edition  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Behind the Scenes of Our First Live Show 16.09.2025 46Min.

  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! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  We're Recovering from our Event, See you Next Week! 09.09.2025

  No new episode this week, we’re still recovering from our very successful community event!Thank you to everyone who came out, we had a timee! If you missed it, don’t worry, we’re sharing all the details in next week’s episode. In the meantime, catch up on past episodes and we’ll see you soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  When Parents Say You’ve Changed 02.09.2025 1Std. 26Min.

  What happens when immigrant parents and kids try to meet in the middle?This week, we’re talking about parents. Immigrant parents, to be exact. How do we balance respect for their sacrifices with the need to live our own lives?We sit down with our Aunty Tayo, a Nigerian mom and doctor, to talk about cultural expectations, independence, and the beauty (and messiness) of intergenerational relationships.If you’ve ever found yourself caught between “I don’t want to disappoint my parents” and “I need to live my own life,” this one’s for you.Our community event is less than a week away! Use code AWOOF to save at checkout! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Afrobeats to the World: A Year in Review ft. Deji Osikoya 26.08.2025 1Std. 14Min.

  Afrobeats had a massive year, and we’re breaking it all down in this lively “year in review” episode! We chat about unforgettable moments, our songs of the summer, and what’s next for Afrobeats as trends shift and expand worldwide. Plus, Deji shares a curated playlist of songs you need to have on repeat. P.S. Our Austin event is less than 2 weeks away, grab your ticket now! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Homecoming: What It Means to Return 19.08.2025 1Std. 11Min.

  This week on Japa Diaries, Timilehin shares his homecoming story returning to Nigeria after 15 years in the U.S. From the grief of losing his grandmother to reconnecting with family, this episode explores identity, belonging, and what it truly means to go home.Early bird tickets to our game night event are almost gone! Cop yours (and your +1s) now: japadiaries.com/event--------------------------------------Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora.Join our immigrant community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japa.diariesNew episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Language Loss & Revival ft. Jalil Anibaba & Awujo 12.08.2025 1Std. 13Min.

  We’re talking language loss, revival, and cultural pride with Jalil Anibaba and Oju, creator of Awujo. Hear how Yoruba speakers and learners in the diaspora are keeping the language alive through community, curiosity, and creativity.And because you know we can’t resist a little fun, we play a Yoruba-themed game by Awujo which was equal parts competitive and humbling.Our listeners get 10% off the entire ourawujo.com website (game, classes and events!) with code JAPA-AWUJO.Plus, tickets are on sale now for our game night event at japadiaries.com/event--------------------------------------Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora.Join our immigrant community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japa.diariesNew episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Weddings Are a Lot, Especially as an Immigrant 05.08.2025 45Min.

  We’re kicking off Season Four with real talk about the immigrant experience! From wedding planning to visa troubles, we’re catching you up on life since Season Three.We dig into why accountability matters when building something bigger than ourselves, and share why destination weddings might just be the secret to sidestepping cultural chaos.Oh, and our first-ever community game night is coming up! Tickets are now live at japadiaries.com/event.So happy to be back with y’all. This season’s going to be a good one. Are you ready?Keywords: immigrant experience, weddings, community, cultural representation, accountability, destination weddings--------------------------------------Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora.Join our immigrant community!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japa.diariesNew episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  S3Finale: Season Highlights, Going Viral + Season 4 Update 09.07.2024 1Std. 14Min.

  And that's a wrap on season 3!In this special episode, we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, revisiting each of our incredible episodes from this season. We also pull back the curtain and share exclusive BTS moments, including the thrilling high of going viral.And what’s a finale without a glimpse into the future? We’re excited to discuss our ambitious plans for Season 4, including how we’re planning to bring YOU, our amazing listeners, into the conversation. Tune in for a heartfelt, fun, and inspiring wrap-up to Season 3. Thank you for being with us every step of the way. Here’s to many more adventures together! Last chance to have your donation matched for DRC and Sudan: gofundme.com/f/japa-sudan-drc.Join our African immigrant community! Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  S3E10: Navigating Immigration and Identity Through Art ft. UzoArt 02.07.2024 1Std. 12Min.

  In this episode, we sit down with the incredible Uzo Art to discuss her journey moving to the US at just six years old. Uzo opens up about the challenges of assimilation and a period where she almost lost herself. We also explore her unique perspective, connecting with both first-generation Americans and recent immigrants. Through it all, Uzo has managed to stay true to her authentic self, channeling her experiences into creating culture-blending art. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on identity, resilience, and the power of self-expression. Only a few weeks left to donate to DRC and Sudan, we're still matching donations: gofundme.com/f/japa-sudan-drc.Join our African immigrant community! Follow us on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok.New episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.