Afolasade Samagbeyi Champions African Media Voices Globally

By: Nic Abelian

Rising with Purpose: Afolasade Samagbeyi Redefines African Storytelling

In a global media climate saturated with hyperbole and curated perfection, Nigerian media figure Afolasade Samagbeyi is choosing truth, depth, and representation. Through her signature platform Exclusives with Afolasade, she has forged a space that challenges conventional storytelling and elevates African voices across borders. As a digital strategist, plus-size advocate, and cultural commentator, Samagbeyi’s multifaceted contributions are shifting the narrative around what it means to be African—and visible—on a global stage.

With each episode of her show, Samagbeyi creates space for raw, reflective conversations that center African experiences. Her journey, both personal and professional, is rooted in resilience and a deliberate effort to resist homogenized portrayals of African life and culture. From the boardroom to the camera lens, she remains committed to one core mission: making space where none existed.

Shaping a Platform for Truth in African Media

Exclusives with Afolasade is more than a digital talk show. It is a storytelling ecosystem that prioritizes authenticity over optics. As executive producer and host, Samagbeyi curates interviews with some of Africa’s most influential voices, creating conversations that challenge perceptions and bring lesser-known truths to light.

Her guest roster includes renowned names such as author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, musician and activist Seun Kuti, health advocate Aproko Doctor, and transformation strategist Debola Deji-Kurunmi. By choosing guests who reflect a range of African thought, creativity, and leadership, she offers a nuanced reflection of the continent’s evolving identity.

“The show started as a way to make sense of the stories I wasn’t seeing,” Samagbeyi notes. “Over time, it became a space to hold space—for stories often dismissed, and for people rarely heard.”

Each episode is constructed to go beyond surface-level conversation. The platform explores themes such as identity, mental health, innovation, and empowerment—all told through an unapologetically African lens.

Challenging Industry Norms and Societal Standards

Samagbeyi’s media success is underscored by her defiance of industry conventions. Her rise was marked by challenges, from body image stereotypes to the struggle for representation in a space dominated by Western standards. Instead of yielding to expectations, she chose to embrace her complexity—and, in doing so, became a powerful voice for those navigating similar constraints.

“I represent every girl who was told she was ‘too much,’” she says. “Now we’re exactly what the world needs.”

Her presence as a plus-size woman in a visibility-driven field offers a meaningful counter-narrative. As she continues to advocate for body positivity and inclusivity, Samagbeyi positions herself as more than a media figure; she is a symbol of cultural redefinition and reclamation.

Strategy Behind the Spotlight: A Vision Beyond the Camera

Behind Samagbeyi’s onscreen presence lies an equally strategic mind. With over five years in digital media, she brings a refined understanding of branding, storytelling, and cultural marketing. Her current role as a content strategist at Ayoba—Africa’s MTN-backed super app—further reflects her influence in shaping narratives from both behind and in front of the lens.

At Ayoba, she contributes to content that highlights African ingenuity and amplifies local creators. Her experience working with major global brands such as Puma and OctaFX underscores her ability to bridge creative innovation with brand impact. In every partnership and campaign, she centers cultural integrity, creating work that feels rooted and resonant.

This duality—of creative flair and strategic discipline—is what distinguishes her as a force in African media. She’s not simply telling stories. She’s building frameworks that allow those stories to be seen, heard, and sustained.

From Advocacy to Agency: The Power of Representation

In a world still grappling with inclusive representation, Samagbeyi uses her visibility to normalize African women showing up fully and without apology. Her bold public image—celebrating size, heritage, and individuality—is not accidental but intentional. Through every media appearance, public panel, and social post, she communicates a clear message: representation isn’t optional. It’s essential.

“There’s power in showing up exactly as you are—loud, bold, plus-size, and proud,” she affirms.

This message is echoed throughout her content. Whether interviewing cultural icons or community leaders, Samagbeyi ensures that authenticity remains the anchor of her platform.

Vision for Expansion: Scaling African Narratives

Looking forward, Samagbeyi plans to grow Exclusives with Afolasade beyond Nigeria, positioning it as a pan-African and diasporic media brand. With plans for cross-border interviews and features, she aims to connect African excellence across regions and continents, further amplifying underrepresented stories in global discourse.

“I was once told it wasn’t cool to be African,” she reflects. “Now, I’m creating content that proves otherwise.”

The expansion will mark a new phase for the brand, blending digital storytelling with cultural diplomacy. Samagbeyi envisions partnerships with international broadcasters, pan-African organizations, and cultural institutions to extend the platform’s reach and impact.

A Cultural Disruptor at the Helm of a Movement

Afolasade Samagbeyi represents a new chapter in African digital culture. She is not only leading conversations but also setting new standards for visibility, inclusion, and narrative control. Her work encapsulates the transformative power of media when guided by intention and rooted in authenticity.

As she continues her journey—from Lagos to London, Nairobi to New York—Samagbeyi remains steadfast in her commitment: to tell African stories with the depth they deserve and the dignity they demand.

About Afolasade Samagbeyi

Afolasade Samagbeyi is a Nigerian media personality, digital strategist, and the creator of Exclusives with Afolasade. A prominent advocate for body positivity and representation in media, she currently serves as a content strategist at Ayoba. Her work bridges media, branding, and cultural storytelling to amplify African voices globally.

Visit: afolasade.com

Media Contact

Exclusives with Afolasade
Afolasade Samagbeyi, Media Executive & Talk Show Host
Email: samagbeyiafolasade@gmail.com
Instagram: @afolasade.sam  
LinkedIn: Afolasade Samagbeyi 
YouTube: Exclusives with Afolasade