Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx

In this must-listen premiere episode of the year, Femi delivers a solo deep-dive into Kehlani’s monumental hit “Folded” – the soulful anthem that exploded in June 2025 and continues to dominate in 2026. Peaking at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 (Kehlani’s highest-charting solo single and her first Top 10 entry), earning Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Performance, and igniting the star-studded Homage Pack with vocal legends like Brandy, Toni Braxton, JoJo, Mario, Ne-Yo, and Tank – “Folded” is a cultural force.

Femi expertly unpacks the track’s emotional depth (reclaiming peace amid toxic cycles while embracing vulnerability), Kehlani’s elite vocal mastery – including breathy control, layered harmonies, and those iconic second-chorus riffs and runs that sparked endless viral challenges – plus the flawless production, stripped-back a cappella version, and its role in teasing Kehlani’s anticipated spring 2026 album.

Essential for music lovers, aspiring vocalists, producers, and industry insiders searching for: Kehlani Folded breakdown, Kehlani Folded meaning explained, Kehlani riffs and runs analysis, Folded vocal techniques, Kehlani Homage Pack reactions, Billboard Hot 100 hits 2026, R&B song analysis, or in-depth music storytelling.

🎙️ Hosted by Femi Makx – Journalist | Media Personality | Broadcast Producer | Jollof Radio Team Choice Award Winner in Recognition of Outstanding Performance in Podcasting

📲 Stream now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all major platforms

💬 Comment your favorite “Folded” moment or Homage Pack standout below!

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On this episode of The Artiste Hangout Podcast with Femi Makx, we dive into Shallipopi’s highly anticipated Auracle album. We discuss possible challenges including oversaturation, repeated formulas, album bloat, feature-heavy tracks, and shallow songwriting. Then we explore the exciting potential with standout songs, the Laho series, and collaborations with Burna Boy, Rauw Alejandro, and Gunna.

We predict how Auracle could impact Shallipopi’s career, expand his global reach, and shape the Nigerian and international music scene in 2025.

The podcast episode cover image was generated by AI for illustrative purposes only. It is not intended to replicate or replace the original Auracle album cover, and any quotes or references fall under fair use.

Explore why Nigerian artistes such as Davido, Rema, Falz, and IllBliss are using social media to highlight insecurity across the country. This episode breaks down kidnappings, ransom trends, and the critical role of celebrity voices in shaping national awareness.

We examine why artistes are speaking out about insecurity and how their online reactions reflect the growing crisis in Nigeria. While not a deep dive, the discussion provides an accurate, surface-level understanding of verified incidents including kidnappings, bandit attacks, and rising ransom demands. Analysts now describe these trends as the economy of insecurity.

The episode shows how artistes leverage their social platforms to raise awareness. They are not profiting from these crises but amplifying updates, responding to attacks, and drawing attention to the kidnap-for-ransom epidemic. Documented posts and public statements from Davido, Rema, Falz, IllBliss, and others illustrate this pattern.

Listeners gain insight into how repeated attacks across multiple states, increasing ransom payments, and widespread fear have created a criminal ecosystem that functions like an economy. The conversation also explains why artistes feel compelled to speak publicly and how their online responses influence national awareness.

For a deeper, data-driven analysis, read the full Substack article Nigeria’s Kidnap for Ransom Industry: The Economy of Insecurity here:

In this episode, we break down Young Jonn’s highly anticipated album Blue Disco and dive into the impact of having Rema and Asake featured on key tracks like Lalala. We explore how the album blends emotion, introspection, and dance-ready Afrobeats energy, its potential streaming performance, and what this collaboration signals for Young Jonn’s rise as a front-line Afrobeats artist. From first impressions to chart predictions and listener reception, this episode gives a full, insider look at one of the year’s most talked-about releases.

The Artiste Hangout is the go-to destination for music insights, artist breakdowns, and exclusive Afrobeats discussions. With over 100,000 streams on Audiomack, thousands more across major platforms, top charting in the Bahamas for over a week, and availability in more than 110 countries, we bring listeners closer to the stories behind the music and the artists shaping the Afrobeats sound today.

On this episode of Artiste Hangout with Femi Makx, we take a first look at Tems newly released EP titled Love Is a Kingdom. The project dropped as a surprise earlier today and the music space is already buzzing. This episode gives listeners an early guide before the full review. It explores the timing of the release, the creative direction Tems has been building since Born in the Wild, and the expectations surrounding this new body of work.

This is a pre EP reaction that helps listeners understand the context behind the drop. It highlights Tems artistic growth, her continued global momentum, and the emotional themes hinted at by the title Love Is a Kingdom. It is clear, informative and perfect for anyone searching for updates on Tems, new Nigerian music or the evolution of her sound.

A full breakdown of every track will follow after a proper listen. For now, this episode sets the stage for what Tems has just introduced to the world.