An Interview with Wonu Osikoya
Few voices resonate as authentically as Wonu Osikoya’s. The media personality and creator of the popular podcast “Osikoya Speaks” has carved out a niche for herself by providing insightful commentary on the Nigerian music industry. Notesphere had the privilege of briefly speaking with Wonu to discuss her journey, her passion for music, and her vision for the future.
Wonu’s journey into the media world began shortly after finishing university. She joined NATIVE, a notable media company, in 2021, but left in March 2023 to pursue her own projects. “I’ve always been a music head,” Wonu explains. “I knew I was going to work in entertainment, so I started ‘Osikoya Speaks’ because I wanted a platform to talk about what I love—music.“
Her deep-seated love for music is evident not just in her podcasting job but also in her work as an A&R with the 44DB Collective. “I work with people like Tariq and was involved in the Ejoya Class of 2022 project, working directly with the A&Rs on marketing,” she says.
Despite the myriad ways one can express themselves today, Wonu chose podcasting.
Notesphere: Where did the inspiration to start podcasting come from?
Wonu Osikoya: I wasn’t a big fan of showing my face. I was always more about my voice, so my sister encouraged me to start learning how to record and edit myself. Then I started recording in my room and posting without depending on anyone.
Reflecting on the changes in the media landscape, Wonu acknowledges both the positives and negatives. “New media has many advantages; things aren’t as difficult as before. Now, all I have to do is record, edit, and share on social media,” she notes. This ease of access and control is a far cry from the pre-2010s era, where such streamlined processes were almost unimaginable.
Notesphere: How do you stay ahead of the curve with things happening in the music industry?
Wonu Osikoya: The Wonu Osikoya you see on the podcast is the same in real life. I’m always wanting to have conversations about music, always learning and interacting about things. That’s just who I am, really.
Notesphere: I think it’s very important. Your job, I feel, is to provide artists with critiques of their music, not in a bad way but in a positive way as well.
Wonu Osikoya: Yes, that’s true.
One of the most striking aspects of Wonu’s approach is her authenticity. “The Wonu Osikoya you see on the podcast is the same in real life,” as she says. This genuine nature extends to her interactions with guests and her analysis of the music industry.
When asked Wonu also shares her views on the current challenges facing upcoming artists in Nigeria. “Music consumption is very crazy right now. People don’t really know what they want because the market is so flooded,” she explains.
Notesphere: What do you think artists can do regarding this issue?
Wonu Osikoya: Artists need to keep working cause I know at some point it just takes one song to break the cycle and change the whole soundscape.
Notesphere: How does the industry remain a place that reflects what consumers are taking in? How do fans’ streaming or radio requests actually affect the success of a song?
Wonu Osikoya: I actually think it definitely does reflect. I shot an episode with an artist called LLONA the other day, and he said he’s okay with a hundred people knowing his song rather than a thousand who listen but don’t even understand what he’s saying. So, as an artist, you need to understand where you’re really aiming and what you’re trying to achieve. Are you hoping for people to genuinely love your art, or is it a money-making scheme?
Balancing personal opinions with objective coverage is a very important skill as a media personality and this is a skill Wonu honed during her time at NATIVE. “I have a journalistic background, so it’s easy for me to balance talking and communicating effectively,” she says. Her experience at NATIVE Magazine was instrumental in shaping her as a media personality.
With podcasting gaining popularity in Nigeria and globally, Wonu advises aspiring podcasters to be prepared for hard work. “Sometimes it might seem like there’s no progress, but you have to keep going,” she emphasizes.
As for future projects, Wonu reveals exciting plans.
Notesphere: Do you have any upcoming projects or initiatives that you’d like to share with your audience from Osikoya Speaks?
Wonu Osikoya: Well, Osikoya Speaks is almost done for the season. We have about seven Thursdays left. After that, I’m currently working on a documentary—an Afrobeats documentary, in fact. Haha, you’ll see it soon, and I know people will love it.
Notesphere: The artists you’ve had on your show, who’s the most fun to be around? I’ll guess Shalipopi. I saw a pic of you guys looking like siblings, lol.
Wonu Osikoya: Hahaha, maybe him. I can’t really think of anyone right now, but I remember that picture. It was a stressful day, but it was still kinda fun.
Notesphere: Okay, that’s fair enough.
In closing, Wonu shares a glimpse into her current playlist, mentioning artists like LLONA, Qing Madi, Taves, and Kold. When also asked about her most memorable moments, she humbly states, “Seeing people really enjoying my work is something I hold on to.”
