video episodes

Ever gone back home after years abroad and suddenly everything feels so familiar but so different? 😭 In this clip, we get real about our first trip back to Lagos. From the nostalgia of seeing old friends, to discovering new versions of ourselves, we talk about what it really means to go home after chasing dreams abroad.

What happens when Sunny Adé becomes your Yoruba teacher… from California? 😂 Jalil shares how his dad’s records turned jam sessions into language lessons and helped him reconnect with his roots... one song at a time. If you’ve ever vibed to Afrobeats and felt something deeper, this one’s for you 🇳🇬

In this clip, we’re putting our Yoruba to the test with Gbajúmọ̀, aka “The Celebrity Game!” 👀 Here’s how it works: celebrity names get translated into Yoruba… and we have to guess who they are. Simple, right? WRONG 😭 Let’s just say some of these translations had us in tears (from laughter, mostly). If you want to play along, check out Awujo! They’ve got the game, classes, and even events to help you reconnect with your roots. 💚 Use code JAPA-AWUJO for 10% off the entire site! https://www.ourawujo.com/ 🎧 Watch, laugh, and see how many names you can guess before we do 👇🏾 Chapters 00:00 - Game rules 01:17 - Game starts

Ever thought about having a destination wedding? Malik shares why he and his wife decided to take their big day outside Nigeria: from avoiding gatecrashers to dodging tardy guests (iykyk 😅). But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Between visa issues, travel logistics, and cultural expectations, this convo is a real peek into the chaos and calm of saying "I do" internationally. 💬 What do you think: would you do a destination wedding or keep it local? Drop your thoughts in the comments! Watch the full episode on our channel for more laughs, hot takes, and heartwarming diaspora stories.

Let’s just say it started with a lot of “this needs to be a podcast!” moments... In this clip, we talk about why we started documenting the African immigrant experience, what community means to us, and why we’re tired of pretending we don’t miss a nice bowl of abula at every event. If you’re African abroad or just love good banter with heart, this one’s for you. 💚 🎧 Watch the full episode for more laughs, hot takes, and real talk on life in the diaspora.

And that's a wrap on season 4! From Afrobeats to activism, community to culture, we reflect on our favorite moments, biggest lessons, and the stories that shaped the season. Join us for a heartwarming, laughter-filled episode as we celebrate how far we’ve come and dream about what’s next 💚 Links & Calls to Action: 🗣️ Listener survey → japadiaries.com/survey 🎟️ Event survey → japadiaries.com/eventfeedback ⭐ Like this video and subscribe to help more people discover the show! -------------------------------------- Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora. Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japa.diaries

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. -------------------------------------- Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora. Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japa.diaries New episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to.

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/LzrZAB Tickets for Press Play game night on Oct 3rd are on sale now: posh.vip/e/press-play-independence-edition -------------------------------------- Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora. Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japa.diaries New episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to.

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 -------------------------------------- Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora. Join our community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japa.diaries New episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to.

We’re giving you the full behind-the-scenes recap of our very first live event! From the nerves of ticket sales to the joy of seeing our community show up in person, we're sharing the real ups and downs of organizing our game show. We talk venue selection, sourcing vendors, and the creativity that went into the actual games. Most importantly, we reflect on the power of bringing our community together face-to-face. A huge thank you to everyone who came out to support, you made this milestone unforgettable! If you missed it, don’t worry: this episode lets you relive the energy, lessons, and love that made the night so special. -------------------------------------- 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.diaries New episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to.

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! japadiaries.com/event

Afrobeats had a massive year, and we’re breaking it all down in this lively “year in review” episode! We welcome back a fan-favorite guest from last season to reflect on the past year in Afrobeats, from the global dominance of artists like Rema and Tems to the rise of fresh voices shaping the genre’s future. We chat about unforgettable moments, the song 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 (linktr.ee/japa.diaries) Don’t forget, our community event is just around the corner, and tickets are on sale now: japadiaries.com/event

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 are almost gone! Get tickets to our game night event 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.diaries New episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to.

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.diaries New episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to.

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? -------------------------------------- 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.diaries New episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to.

#africanimmigrant #africanpodcast #africandiaspora 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. -------------------------------------- Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora. Join our African immigrant community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/…

#africanimmigrant #africanpodcast #africandiaspora 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. -------------------------------------- Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora. Join our African immigrant community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japa.diaries New epi…

#africanimmigrant #africanpodcast #usimmigration Japa Diaries is going professional! Tune into our conversation with Aisa Diallo, Esq. from Diallo Law Group, as she breaks down the U.S. immigration system. We discuss U.S. immigration policies, common issues African immigrants encounter, and several viable paths to citizenship. Aisa also shares expert tips for navigating the immigration system. Whether you're an immigrant or just curious about immigration issues, this episode is packed with valuable insights. NOTE: This episode is for informational purposes only. This episode does not and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The season is coming to an end soon, get your donations for Sudan and DRC in: gofundme.com/f/japa-sudan-drc. -------------------------------------- Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora. Join our African immigrant community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/ TikTok: https://…

#africanimmigrant #africanpodcast #creatives In this inspiring episode, we had the pleasure of chatting with Eno, the amazing founder of Naija Comm! Eno shared her incredible journey, from her lifelong passion for creating to building a successful career as a creative entrepreneur. We also dove deep into the heart and soul behind Naija Comm and its mission to uplift African creatives and entrepreneurs who don't want the traditional 9-5 life. Whether you're just starting out or already established, this episode is filled with insights and inspiration you won't want to miss! We're still matching donations for Sudan and DRC at gofundme.com/f/japa-sudan-drc. -------------------------------------- Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora. Join our African immigrant community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japa.diaries New episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you kn…

#africanimmigrant #africanpodcast #burundi In this episode, we sit down with Loïc, a passionate Burundian who made the big move to South Africa to study at the prestigious African Leadership Academy. We dive into Loïc's life in Burundi, his experiences living among other Africans, and our shared dreams for a Pan-African utopia. We also get into a lively discussion about why some Nigerians might find it tough to connect with other Africans. Join us for a fascinating and heartfelt conversation about unity, diversity, and the future of Africa. Donate to our fundraiser fro Sudan and DRC at gofundme.com/f/japa-sudan-drc. -------------------------------------- Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora. Join our African immigrant community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japa.diaries New episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to.

#africanimmigrant #africanpodcast #asylum In this episode, we sit down with a courageous Mercy who shares her incredible journey from Nigeria to Italy. She opens up about her upbringing in Nigeria, the challenges she faced traveling through Libya, and the perilous Mediterranean crossing. Tune in to hear about her resilience, the reality of seeking asylum, and how she’s building a new life in Italy. Trigger Warning: This episode includes discussions of human trafficking, child abuse, and graphic descriptions of death. If you or someone you know is a recently arrived migrant in Italy and might be a victim of trafficking, please contact the Penelope Association at +39 0942 550058 for help and resources. We're matching donations! Support the people of DRC and Sudan at gofundme.com/f/japa-sudan-drc. -------------------------------------- Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora. Join our African immigrant community! Instagram: ht…

#africanimmigrant #africanpodcast #h1bvisa What happens when you miss out on the H1B visa lottery? This week Feyi shares his personal US immigration journey, from navigating the complexities of US visa options to the disappointment of not securing the H1B visa. We also discuss why he ultimately chose to relocate to Canada. We're matching donations! Support the people of DRC and Sudan at gofundme.com/f/japa-sudan-drc. -------------------------------------- Japa Diaries is a podcast that documents the experiences of African immigrants in the diaspora. Join our African immigrant community! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japa.diaries/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japa.diaries New episodes every Tuesday! Go ahead and subscribe -- you know you want to.