Announcing Afrobeats Intelligence Presented by OkayAfrica — and What’s Next at Úrú Collective
There are moments when things quietly shift — not with noise, but with clarity.
This is one of those moments.
Over the past several months, I’ve been reflecting deeply on the kind of platforms we want to build at Úrú Collective. Not just where we want to show up, but how. And what it means to support a voice beyond a stage — to treat it as a legacy in motion.
Today, I’m proud to share a major step forward: Afrobeats Intelligence is now presented by OkayAfrica.
For those who know the show, you understand what a landmark this is. For those who don’t — Afrobeats Intelligence is a longform music journalism podcast hosted by cultural journalist and critic Joey Akan. It’s spent years documenting the rise of African music with nuance, accountability, and care. It’s been the archive before most people even knew an archive was needed. Úrú Collective came on board to help guide the show’s growth: from production, relationship management, brand partnerships to platform development and long-term rollout strategy. The vision was clear — preserve what made it honest, and structure it for scale.
Partnering with OkayAfrica brought even more strength to that vision. Their legacy in documenting and elevating African voices made them a natural home for what we wanted to build. This collaboration isn’t just about more listeners. It’s about deeper reach, sharper storytelling, and a collective belief that African platforms deserve structure, investment, and belief.
Úrú’s Work is Voice-First, Culture-Led
Úrú Collective is a speaker-first agency and culture studio. We represent voices — public thinkers, artists, storytellers — across Africa and the Middle East. But more than that, we build around those voices. We don’t just book talent. We build strategy, narrative, and infrastructure that allows that talent to live and lead across media, partnerships, and platforms.
For us, this isn’t about chasing the moment. It’s about creating the conditions for talent to grow with intention and clarity.
Projects like Afrobeats Intelligence represent what we mean when we say “voice as value.” And what we hope to replicate with other thinkers, leaders, and creatives across the region.
A Collective Effort
This announcement is a milestone — but it’s also part of a much longer build.
Since February, we’ve been running a crowdfunding campaign to support the growth of Úrú Collective. And from the very beginning, it’s been powered by belief. Every share, every message, every contribution has helped us move closer to the vision — a speaker-first agency and culture studio rooted in Africa and the Middle East, building with care and cultural clarity.
If you’ve already supported, thank you deeply. If you’re just discovering us — this is your invitation to be part of something bigger. Help us grow Úrú by sharing the campaign, donating if you can, and getting more eyes on the work we’re doing.
Because platforms like Afrobeats Intelligence aren’t just moments. They’re proof of what’s possible when regional voices are backed with strategy, support, and belief.
We’re Just Getting Started
There’s more to say, and even more to build. But today, I just want to pause and acknowledge the milestone.
To everyone who’s listened, supported, collaborated, or quietly cheered us on — thank you.
The culture deserves infrastructure.
Úrú is here to build it.
With gratitude,
Founder and Managing Director, Úrú Collective