From Underground to Airwaves: The Podcast Genres Dominating Nigeria Right Now

Podcasts have quietly become Nigeria’s new underground media revolution, a space where anyone with a mic, a story, and Wi-Fi can speak to the world. What started as casual kitchen-table recordings has evolved into a fast-growing industry, drawing in celebrities, journalists, comedians, and everyday storytellers. From gossip to politics, the podcast scene is giving Nigerians a new way to listen, laugh, and learn.

The Rise of Nigeria’s Podcast Culture

Just a few years ago, podcasts were seen as niche content for techies and media enthusiasts. Today, they’re everywhere. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Audiomack now feature dozens of homegrown Nigerian shows charting in the top 100. With low entry barriers and rising smartphone access, creators are turning microphones into megaphones for cultural commentary and social connection.

1. Gossip & Entertainment: The Power of “Gist”

In Nigeria, gist is culture and gossip podcasts are leading the wave. Shows like The HonestBunch Podcast and Me, Her & Everything Else have mastered the art of conversational storytelling, blending humor, relationships, and pop culture. These shows thrive because they sound exactly like your friends’ banter on a Friday night. They are bold, funny, and brutally real.

For listeners, it’s escapism. For brands, it’s gold because young, engaged audiences keep coming back weekly for “uncensored truth.”

2. Comedy & Lifestyle: The Relatable Escape

Comedic podcasts are growing fast, fueled by Nigeria’s vibrant skit culture. Creators like Broda Shaggi and Lasisi Elenu have used their platforms to extend humor beyond short videos into longer conversations. These shows mix storytelling with life lessons, creating a mix of laughter and reflection.

Lifestyle podcasts from fitness and food to dating and spirituality also dominate Nigeria’s podcast charts. Listeners tune in not just to be entertained, but to feel seen and understood in a chaotic, fast-paced society.

3. Politics & Social Commentary: Unfiltered Conversations

In an age of censorship and controlled narratives, podcasts offer something mainstream media rarely do. Political and current affairs shows like The Mic On and I Said What I Said explore national issues with rawness and youth perspective.

From governance to gender roles, these creators use their platforms to challenge authority and spark civic conversations. It’s no surprise that young Nigerians often hear breaking perspectives on a podcast before traditional radio ever catches up.

4. Relationship & Therapy Podcasts: Safe Spaces for the Soul

Relationships are a national obsession and podcasts have become the new confession booths. Shows like Toke Moments and Dear Younger Me create emotional spaces where guests open up about love, healing, and growth. The intimacy of audio makes listeners feel like they’re in the room. This is a rare kind of honesty that’s reshaping how Nigerians talk about vulnerability.

The Money & The Movement

Podcasting isn’t just an art. it’s business. With growing audiences, Nigerian podcasters are tapping into sponsorships, live shows, merchandise, and YouTube syndication. Platforms like Spotify’s “Africa Podcast Fund” have also started investing in regional creators, signaling a future where Nigerian voices can compete globally.

The Future: From Bedroom Studios to Broadcast Networks

As the industry matures, expect more collaborations between podcasters and radio stations, video podcast hybrids, and even scripted storytelling series. For many young Nigerians, podcasting isn’t just an outlet, it’s a new path into media entrepreneurship.

Final Thoughts

Podcasts have given Nigerians something beyond entertainment such as freedom to speak, debate, laugh, cry, and connect without permission. Whether it’s gossip, politics, or therapy, the microphones are amplifying the next wave of Nigerian storytellers.

At OtownGist Media, we see podcasts as the new pulse of Nigerian media and the underground that’s already breaking into the mainstream.

Article by Ezegbogu Princewill (Intern at OtownGist)