The rise of Nigerian podcast: A look at some scandals, controversies that have emerged

Over the past few years, podcasting has become a popular medium for storytelling, news, and entertainment. In Nigeria, the rise of podcasting has been nothing short of impressive.

The Nigerian podcasting subculture has advanced greatly since its humble beginnings in the early 2010s. What was once a niche format with a small number of early users is now one of the popular formats in Nigeria for news, entertainment, and storytelling. To suggest that podcasting is changing Nigeria's cultural and societal environment is not an exaggeration.

The use of podcasts as a broadcast medium was still in its infancy in the early 2010s. This was caused in part by the limited availability of the internet and the FM radio's prolonged dominance. Many of the podcasters were technologically adept people who were already involved in international online groups and were familiar with the process of creating digital content. Others were journalists and bloggers looking for fresh platforms to share their writing.

Nigerians now have a platform to convey their own stories and experiences in ways that were before impossible thanks to podcasts. Regardless of how taboo or controversial their truth may be, creators may now grow an audience while doing it. Podcasts have helped underrepresented groups speak up and spark important conversations about pressing social concerns.

However, with the rise of podcasts in Nigeria, there have also been some scandalous and controversial moments.

One of the most popular podcasts in Nigeria is ‘The Honest Bunch Podcast’ which features Nigerian on-air personality Nedu Wazobia and his co-hosts who discuss real millennial and Gen z issues with no holds barred. On occasion, a guest is invited to the show to offer their thoughts on subjects that are relevant to their experiences, interests, or personalities. The topics are carefully chosen to include aspects of society, life, relationships and sex, career, culture, religion, finance, and lifestyle with each episode that is produced. The show has gained a cult following in Nigeria, with many fans eagerly awaiting each new episode.

The hosts of the podcast especially the lead-host, Nedu Wazobia, usually comes under heavy criticism and ridicule immediately a new episode of the podcast is released due to the host’s controversial statements and some contents of the podcast.

Somewhere in January 2023, the on-air personality elicited conversations among Nigerians after stating that the ladies who participated in the famous Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) show, only did that to attract more "customers".

According to Nedu, who is the lead-host, most ladies go to BBNaija because they are hungry and hence have only their "vagina" to offer. This remark sparked numerous conversations as people from all walks of life including former housemates of the show rebuked him for making such ill comments about BBNaija female contestants.

There was another explosive revelation on the show which sparked yet another controversy on social media as the revelation implicated a prominent Lagos pastor whose church is located on the Island.

It was revealed on the show that, a popular clergyman, whose name was not disclosed, has been engaging in sexual affairs with female members of his church. This also saw the podcast come under attack as many stated that the host is fond of chasing clout and always wants to be in the news hence, the constant controversial statements.

Another podcast is ‘Rants, Bants and Confessions’ which is hosted by social media influencer Caramel Plugg, Lydia, and Maliya who take listeners on a journey of relaxation, fun, and laughter. Unfortunately, in the very first episode of the podcast, Caramel made a statement that triggered a strong reaction from many people.

During the podcast, Caramel expressed the opinion that women have men in their lives who perform different roles for them and will eventually become submissive to one particular man only when he is able to meet all of her needs, including financial and emotional support.

Many people did not agree with this viewpoint since it seemed to paint women in a negative light as gold diggers who only sell their bodies in exchange for financial support. Lydia, a fellow influencer with Caramel, justified their decision to charge for their privates, asserting that submitting must always be a transaction in relationships and cited instances of animal behavior while on safari.

The podcast conversation sent the internet into a frenzy, with many users venting their frustration and resentment at Caramel and her co-hosts.

Another popular podcasts in Nigeria is "The Receipts" a show hosted by three British-Nigerian women; Tolly, Audrey, and Milena who discuss everything from pop culture, relationships to sex and everything in between. The show has gained a massive following in Nigeria, with listeners tuning in every week to hear the hosts' witty banter and insightful commentary.

Also, another podcast, "Loose Talk" was shut down in 2018 after the hosts made derogatory comments about women and the LGBTQ+ community. The hosts were criticized for their insensitive remarks, and the podcast was eventually taken off the air.

Similarly, another podcast called "I Said What I Said" which is hosted by Feyikemi Abudu and Jola Ayeye, which covers a range of topics from social media trends to Nigerian pop culture also faced backlash after one of its hosts made insensitive comments about mental health. The host later issued an apology, but the incident sparked a conversation about the responsibility of podcast hosts to be mindful of their words and the impact they can have.

These incidents have sparked conversations about accountability in podcasting, and the need for hosts to be mindful of the impact their words and actions can have on their listeners. Hosts therefore ought to use caution while disseminating information and considering the potential effects on their audience.

Despite these controversies, the popularity of Nigerian podcasts continues to grow. With more people turning to podcasts as a source of entertainment and information through the candid conversations and diverse range of topics covered by Nigerian podcast hosts. It is also likely that more Nigerian podcasts will emerge in the coming years; from politics to culture, music to comedy, Nigerian podcasts are covering it all.

GA