Whether we like it or not, podcasts are the new it-girls of entertainment. Everyone you know is either hosting or listening to one. And while listening to someone talk about their life or experiences for over 10 minutes seems like a chore (and might give off main character syndrome on their part), podcasts seem to be working. But with everyone and their BFF dropping podcasts all over the interwebs, which ones are worth listening to? 

I did a little digging (and listening), and these are the podcasts every Nigerian needs to get into ASAP. You’re welcome, by the way. 

1. Mum’s Worst Day 

Nicole Chikwe is hands down one of the funniest people on Beyonce’s internet. When she’s not dragging her husband and kids for shits and giggles, she’s making fun of herself while reminding us that she’s the most premium pie in Lagos. With all that energy and humour, I’m not surprised that Mum’s Worst Day slaps hard. In a time when women are finally getting the chance to talk about the difficulties of mothering, this podcast is an honest dive into what it means to be a millennial Nigerian mummy. I’m not even a mother (insert meme of Blanca from Pose), but I’m still obsessed with this podcast. 

2. Tea with Tay 

Taymesan found his way into our lives with his hilarious Instagram skits and that damn red mug, but guess what? He’s not done yet. Moving into the podcast space (with the red mug again), Taymesan uses his humour and sincerity to get big stars like Nancy Isime and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu to talk about their feelings. Tea with Tay is like listening in on someone’s therapy session, and I’m not going to lie, this podcast gives my inner amebo life! 

3. Love Life 

While we’re all complaining about fuel scarcity and the rising price of shawarma (yes, everyone with the one that is doing them), some people are out here finding love. Love, in this economy o! If you’re single and want to repeat “God, when?” until he answers you, then listen to Love Life. If you’re in a relationship and want to finally see that your own love is learning work, please listen to Love Life. This podcast reminds us that even in the midst of chaos, Nigerians will still find time to be doing romance up and down. 

4. I Said What I Said 

I Said What I Said shouldn’t even be on this list because you have to be living under Olumo rock not to have heard of it already. Hosted by the self-proclaimed dynamic duo of FK and Jola, I Said What I Said

(ISWIS, if you’re nasty) has become an important part of Nigerian pop culture, reminding us that everyone in Nigeria is not alright, and that’s fine. From insightful conversations surrounding polygamy and queer rights to hilarious takes on Nigerian men and the government, ISWIS always gives what it’s supposed to give. ISWIS is the moment, and she is that girl. 

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5. The Backstory 

The Backstory is for history lovers, aka the guys who knew the car General Murtala Muhammed was driving when he was assassinated or the ones who know the name of all of Lord Lugard’s children. But seriously, history lover or not, The Backstory is an interesting podcast that will help you connect to the past in a fun way. Since they’ve refused to teach proper Nigerian history in schools, we might as well learn from podcasts. 

6. Due Parenting 

Nollywood actor Ibrahim Suleiman already told us how much he loves his son in this episode of Man Like. Still, since that declaration of love wasn’t enough, he started a podcast with his wife, Linda Ejiofor, and we’re here for it. Due Parenting offers a lot of backstory into what it means to be a parent these days. Everything here is as real as possible, from the cute “awww” stories to the “Do I really want a small human?” stories. So who wants to go half on a newborn? 

7. How Far? With Mr. Eazi and Temi Otedola

Like my professor, Davido, once said, “Love is sweet o, but when money enter love is sweeter.” Honestly, that’s all I can say about How Far? With Mr. Eazi and Temi Otedola. Oh, to be rich and in love. Sweet stuff. 

8. Menisms

When I heard two men were hosting a podcast, I immediately started having a headache in my stomach. Fortunately, Menism isn’t filled with the hot Nigerian man takes I was expecting. It finds its sweet spot by not taking itself too seriously, which works really well. Do you want to laugh about post-nut clarity or have an in depth conversation about consent? Anything you want, Menism will serve you with some gin and tonic. But quick question, as a Nigerian man, why are you listening to or hosting a podcast when your mates are out toiling the land and fighting wars? 

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Zikoko amplifies African youth culture by curating and creating smart and joyful content for young Africans and the world.