Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
This episode of Afrobeats Intelligence is powered by OkayAfrica, the pulse of African culture, and presented by Martell.
On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with Wale Davies (Tec), one half of the revered rap duo Show Dem Camp, cultural architect of the Palmwine Music movement, and now acclaimed screenwriter whose work on My Father's Shadow has earned major international recognition, including a BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut and multiple AMVCA wins (including Best Writing and Best Movie).
Wale reflects on the grind of building a career with full independence in Nigeria’s music industry: early resistance, the deliberate choice to stay independent, and the creation of a loyal, cross-generational community through authentic storytelling and sonic experimentation. He traces the evolution of Show Dem Camp and the Palmwine sound, while unpacking his bold expansion into film, artist development, and cultural documentation.
He dives deep into the making of My Father's Shadow — the deeply personal, semi-autobiographical film co-written with his brother Akinola Davies Jr. — its historic Cannes premiere, and the weight of telling intimate Nigerian stories on the global stage. From the realities of creating in Nigeria versus international markets, to the philosophy of “dying empty” by fully realizing one’s creative potential, this conversation is a powerful masterclass in ownership, longevity, legacy, and platforming African narratives. A rich, insightful dialogue about building something meaningful that transcends one industry.
0:00 - Intro
1:09 - Welcome, Wale Davies
2:24 - Navigating working locally and internationally
7:06 - Working in film
8:30 - Finally getting recognition after a long time
13:28 - “Feel Alright” song
15:13 - Being honest within your group
17:38 - Palmwine music
22:27 - Being labeled Alté
24:54 - Not signing to a label
28:15 - Pride in being independent
29:52 - Artist vs. Record Labels
32:13 - Music Industry and Film Similarities
34:26 - Instant gratification
37:03 - Why Film?
40:20 - The desire to achieve goals
45:03 - Being the first wave in the Alté scene
46:23 - Being labeled “Rich Kids”
49:48 - Freedom
54:04 - Working with Tems
58:24 - Managing
1:01:10 - The benefits of providing a service
1:05:19 - The central theme of the work
1:08:33 - Conclusion/Credits
Discover more about Martell’s journey with Afrobeats: martell.com/en/martell-afrobeats
Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news.
Substack: afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com
instagram.com/joeyakan
instagram.com/afrobeatsintel
Follow Wale Davies: instagram.com/kingxdavies
🌍 For more music, news, and culture from the continent, check out OkayAfrica here: okayafrica.com
Follow us on socials:
Instagram: instagram.com/okayafrica
Facebook: facebook.com/okayafrica/#
X: twitter.com/OkayAfrica
TikTok: tiktok.com/@okayafrica
Join the OkayAfrica Whatsapp channel! : whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEhs9oIN9isCqSED809
Shop OkayAfrica merch here: shop.okayplayer.com/collections/okayafrica-shop
This episode of Afrobeats Intelligence is powered by OkayAfrica, the pulse of African culture, and presented by Martell.
On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with Wale Davies (Tec), one half of the revered rap duo Show Dem Camp, cultural architect of the Palmwine Music movement, and now acclaimed screenwriter whose work on My Father's Shadow has earned major international recognition, including a BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut and multiple AMVCA wins (including Best Writing and Best Movie).
Wale reflects on the grind of building a career with full independence in Nigeria’s music industry: early resistance, the deliberate choice to stay independent, and the creation of a loyal, cross-generational community through authentic storytelling and sonic experimentation. He traces the evolution of Show Dem Camp and the Palmwine sound, while unpacking his bold expansion into film, artist development, and cultural documentation.
He dives deep into the making of My Father's Shadow — the deeply personal, semi-autobiographical film co-written with his brother Akinola Davies Jr. — its historic Cannes premiere, and the weight of telling intimate Nigerian stories on the global stage. From the realities of creating in Nigeria versus international markets, to the philosophy of “dying empty” by fully realizing one’s creative potential, this conversation is a powerful masterclass in ownership, longevity, legacy, and platforming African narratives. A rich, insightful dialogue about building something meaningful that transcends one industry.
0:00 - Intro
1:09 - Welcome, Wale Davies
2:24 - Navigating working locally and internationally
7:06 - Working in film
8:30 - Finally getting recognition after a long time
13:28 - “Feel Alright” song
15:13 - Being honest within your group
17:38 - Palmwine music
22:27 - Being labeled Alté
24:54 - Not signing to a label
28:15 - Pride in being independent
29:52 - Artist vs. Record Labels
32:13 - Music Industry and Film Similarities
34:26 - Instant gratification
37:03 - Why Film?
40:20 - The desire to achieve goals
45:03 - Being the first wave in the Alté scene
46:23 - Being labeled “Rich Kids”
49:48 - Freedom
54:04 - Working with Tems
58:24 - Managing
1:01:10 - The benefits of providing a service
1:05:19 - The central theme of the work
1:08:33 - Conclusion/Credits
Discover more about Martell’s journey with Afrobeats: martell.com/en/martell-afrobeats
Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news.
Substack: afrobeatsintelligence.substack.com
instagram.com/joeyakan
instagram.com/afrobeatsintel
Follow Wale Davies: instagram.com/kingxdavies
🌍 For more music, news, and culture from the continent, check out OkayAfrica here: okayafrica.com
Follow us on socials:
Instagram: instagram.com/okayafrica
Facebook: facebook.com/okayafrica/#
X: twitter.com/OkayAfrica
TikTok: tiktok.com/@okayafrica
Join the OkayAfrica Whatsapp channel! : whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEhs9oIN9isCqSED809
Shop OkayAfrica merch here: shop.okayplayer.com/collections/okayafrica-shop
