The Amsterdam connect

On this episode of Amsterdam Connect, we sit down with Ijeoma Ufomadu, the creator and organizer of NaijaFEST, a celebration bringing Nigerian culture, music, food, community, and that unmistakable Naija energy to the Netherlands.
Ijeoma takes us back to her childhood growing up in Nigeria, the experiences that shaped her, and her journey to the Netherlands. We talk about identity, culture, community, and what it means to stay connected to home while building a life abroad.
We also go behind the scenes of NaijaFEST — how the idea came about, the challenges of organizing a cultural festival, the moments that made it all worthwhile, and her vision for where it can go next.
And of course, we finish with a fun Naija-themed rapid fire covering Nigerian food, music, childhood memories, culture, and plenty of controversial choices 😂🇳🇬🇳🇱

What does it really take to create a hit?
This episode of Amsterdam Connect goes behind the scenes with South Beats, the Netherlands-based producer who has worked with some of the biggest names in Dutch hip-hop, including Boef.
We talk about his journey from Afghanistan to the Netherlands, growing up between cultures, discovering music, and finding his way into the Dutch music industry. South gives us an honest look at what happens behind the beats—the wins, the setbacks, the business, the pressure, the relationships, and the things fans never get to see.
We also dive into the evolution of Dutch hip-hop, the global influence of African music, what makes a hit record, the role of producers, and where the music industry is heading.
Music. Culture. Identity. Business. Creativity.
No filters—just a real conversation with the man behind the sound.

In this episode of Amsterdam Connect, we're joined by two Nigerian entrepreneurs making their mark in the Netherlands—one building a growing fitness accessories brand, the other making waves as a DJ and music entrepreneur.
From navigating life abroad to building businesses from the ground up, we dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, discipline, culture, and chasing opportunities in a foreign country. We also explore the Dutch way of life, the Nigerian community in the Netherlands, the evolution of Afrobeats, nightlife, fitness, and how passion can become a profession.
Expect plenty of laughs, honest opinions, fun debates, rapid-fire questions, and inspiring stories about resilience, ambition, and creating your own path.
Whether you're an entrepreneur, a music lover, a fitness enthusiast, or simply curious about life in the Netherlands, this episode has something for you.

Join us on Amsterdam Connect as we sit down with internationally acclaimed choreographer and creative director Izzy Odigie for an inspiring conversation about creativity, discipline, and building a career that reaches across continents.
Izzy shares her journey from discovering her passion for dance to becoming a globally recognized creative force, working with artists including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, Ayra Starr, Omah Lay, and Asake. We discuss the rise of Afro-dance, what it takes to lead creative teams on some of the world's biggest stages, and why preserving culture while pushing artistic boundaries matters more than ever.
The conversation also explores mentorship, leadership, overcoming challenges, and the mindset required to build a meaningful career in the creative industry. Whether you're a dancer, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone pursuing a dream, this episode offers valuable insights into resilience, purpose, and the power of staying true to your vision.
🎧 Tune in for a conversation about art, culture, leadership, and the journey from passion to global impact.

Today's guest is proof that you don't need a major label to build something real. Coming out of Boston, Massachusetts, he started making music as a teenager and quickly became one of the most talked-about emerging artists in his city.
Inspired by artists like Mac Miller, he released his debut album Lonely, MA in 2017 and hasn't slowed down since. His music has reached millions of listeners, including his breakout track No Mo, which has amassed over 3 million streams on Spotify.
But what really stands out is his independent mindset. From launching the DIY Junkyard Jam Tour across backyards and unconventional venues in America to taking his music internationally with The Gold Standard Tour, he's built his career on authenticity, connection, and doing things his own way.
Today we're talking music, touring, independence, creativity, hip-hop culture, and the journey that's brought him here.
Welcome to Amsterdam Connect — Chase Murphy

In this episode of Amsterdam Connect, we sit down with Amsterdam-based artist and creative voice Georgy Morheafor a deep conversation about music, authenticity, creativity, and the evolving culture surrounding art today.
We talk about her journey into music, the emotional side of creating, and the balance between artistry and identity in a world driven by algorithms and constant content. Georgy also shares insights into Amsterdam’s creative scene, the current state of music globally, and why real human connection still matters in art.
We also dive into Beats Books & Bites — the community-driven creative experience bringing people together through music, conversation, and culture — and explore why spaces like this feel more important now than ever before.
This episode is about more than music. It’s about expression, community, and staying authentic in a fast-moving world.

From Ukraine to the Netherlands: Art, Identity & Finding Home | Yary Zacharukova
In this episode of Amsterdam Connect, we sit down with artist Yary Zacharukova to explore the deeper meaning behind creativity, identity, and starting over in a new country.
Originally from Ukraine and now building her life and artistic journey in the Netherlands, Yary shares how her experiences, emotions, and environment shape the way she creates through drawing and painting.
We talk about her early life, what first pulled her toward art, how moving countries influenced her perspective, and what it means to use creativity as both expression and healing. This conversation goes beyond art—it’s about resilience, self-discovery, and finding your voice through change.
If you’ve ever wondered how life experiences shape creativity, or what it means to rebuild while staying true to yourself, this episode is for you.
 
 
 

Join Sani and co-host Kingsway on Episode 14 of Amsterdam Connect as they sit down with the multi-talented Camille Gribbons — actress, singer, dancer, and UX designer from the U.S., now living in Amsterdam. Camille shares her journey from America to the Netherlands, her experiences in the performing arts, and how she balances creativity with her work in UX design. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about life, art, and making a home abroad.

In this episode, Sani and Kingsway sit down with Shadow Wudu for a real and inspiring conversation about his early life, his deep love for cooking, and how that passion grew into Shadow’s Kitchen. From humble beginnings to building something of his own in the Netherlands, Shadow shares the struggles, lessons, mindset, and motivation behind his journey.
The guys dive into everything — life in the Netherlands, personal growth, culture, business, and of course some fun trivia along the way. It’s honest, insightful, and full of flavour — just like the man himself.
Tune in for a story about resilience, passion, and turning dreams into something you can actually taste.

In this episode of The Amsterdam Connect, Sani sits down with Emmanuel Igwe, a Nigerian entrepreneur based in the Netherlands and the founder of BUILD DAILY, a fitness gear brand focused on discipline, consistency, and growth.
Emmanuel shares his journey from Nigeria to the Netherlands, opening up about his background, mindset, and the experiences that shaped him. We dive into the inspiration behind BUILD DAILY, how fitness plays a central role in his life, and the realities of building a brand while navigating life abroad.
This conversation touches on purpose, motivation, resilience, and what it truly means to show up and build—every single day.
🎙️ Tune in for an honest and inspiring conversation about fitness, entrepreneurship, and life in a new country.