Nigeria: Chicago-Based Afrozons Takes Afrobeats Music, Culture to US Radio Station

30 June 2024
Vanguard (Lagos)
By Ayo Onikoyi

AfroZons has officially signed a groundbreaking deal with Superadio, expanding its reach globally and bringing Afrobeats to millions of homes weekly. Nigerian Afrobeat Radio Personality Sheila O. becomes the first African radio personality to secure a syndicated show with global coverage.

This partnership marks a historic first in the market for a syndicated AfroZons radio show, placing it at the forefront of bringing Afrobeat's music and culture to the US and setting a new industry standard.

Produced weekly from their flagship studios at Chicago's WPWX-FM, "AfroZons" targets the prime 18-34 adult demographic, with a secondary focus on adults aged 25-54. The show is hosted by the multi-talented Sheila O., a Grammy Academy member and curator of the Afrozons Pre-Grammy Nominations Celebration in Los Angeles.

The AfroZons show showcases African culture to America by highlighting various African music artists, DJs, designers, activists, entrepreneurs, and more. AfroZons provides a rare platform for African music artists and the Afrobeat genre to gain international exposure via radio airwaves. African sounds and culture are permeating the globe quickly, appealing to both African-born individuals and those who embrace African culture worldwide. Chicago boasts the fifth-largest African population in the United States.

I am excited to be part of the history that brought Afrobeats to mainstream terrestrial radio in the United States," said Sheila O. "Our goal was to showcase our beautiful culture through the lens of music, fashion, and live shows. We are thrilled about this partnership, which will help us amplify our mission to continue bringing Africa to the world on a larger platform."

Eric Faison, President of Superadio, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership: "Finally...The Afrozons brand, with the syndicated radio show at its core, offers tremendous opportunities for affiliation, network radio, digital sales, and collaborative partnerships. A WIN for everyone!"

"AfroZons" is the premier destination for a unique blend of Afrobeat and Hip Hop. The playlist is carefully curated to include trending hits in urban music and Afrobeat, offering a well-balanced and inclusive musical experience. The show features contributions from culture-connected and culture-adjacent personalities, providing expert insights. Extensions of the show include a popular podcast and a branded TV series broadcast in over 44 countries across Africa. Developed in the 2000s and 2010s in Lagos, Nigeria, Accra, Ghana, and the UK, Afrozons combines various sub-genres such as British House music, Hiplife, Hip Hop, Dancehall, Soca, Jùjú music, Highlife, and R&B

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