The music of the African continent is shining brightly right now, whether it be Afrobeats, Amapiano or Alté. These sounds have a permanent home over at Oroko Radio.
Transmitting from Accra, Ghana, the station is a conduit for African sounds new and old. As a result, it sparks regular conversation, debate, community building and incredible musical experiences. Whether you’re a local musician or a member of the diaspora, Oroko Radio welcomes your perspective as part of its ethos of being truly inclusive. With residents everywhere from Accra and London to Mexico City and Johannesburg, Oroko is worldly but rooted in the eclectic music it pumps out.
We asked Oroko Radio – represented by Felix Mwitah and Jinan Vyent – to give us a taste of their programming by selecting some of the residents that best represent the station. Scroll down to hear more and to vibe out.
Nandele
“For this edition of Mbau, Mozambican producer and DJ Nandele crafts an expansive sonic journey through electronic, ambient, and experimental textures. As a leading figure in Mozambique’s alternative music scene, Nandele is known for his boundary-pushing approach to sound, blending deep, immersive atmospheres with intricate sonic storytelling.
Beyond his work as a DJ and producer, Nandele plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s evolving musical landscape. He bridges traditional influences with modern electronic experimentation. Mbau is a mix series that reflects this ethos, offering space for deep listening and sonic exploration.
This episode is a testament to his ability to create hypnotic, evolving soundscapes. Moving fluidly between ethereal drones, fractured rhythms and delicate distortions, the mix unfolds like a shifting dream. Sometimes meditative, sometimes unsettling, but always deeply immersive. Through Mbau, Nandele offers not just a mix, but an experience. One that lingers, drawing the listener into his ever-expanding world of sound.” – Felix Mwitah
Kem Kem
“For this edition of Future Memories, London-based DJ and multidisciplinary artist Kem Kem curates a moving tribute to Nigerian icon Onyeka Onwenu. Known for her thoughtful, genre-spanning selections, Kem Kem weaves together soundscapes that bridge eras and cultures. She draws from a deep personal connection to music shaped by her upbringing in Lagos and studies in philosophy at Stanford.
As an artist, Kem Kem plays a key role in fostering cross-cultural sonic exploration. She uses her mixes to tell stories that transcend time and place. Future Memories is a mix series that does just that—excavating musical histories while recontextualizing them for contemporary ears. This particular episode is a stunning homage to Onwenu, whose career as a singer, broadcaster, and activist has left an indelible mark on Nigerian music.
Through a carefully curated selection of Onwenu’s work, from Highlife and Soul to politically charged compositions, Kem Kem captures the breadth of her artistry. The mix moves fluidly between moments of tenderness, nostalgia, and quiet strength. Thus, creating an experience that is both celebratory and reflective. It’s an invitation to not just listen, but to engage with Onwenu’s legacy in a way that feels personal and alive.” – FM
CULTPOP! Worldwide
“CULTPOP! Worldwide is a collective based in Accra, Ghana, dedicated to celebrating, exploring, and expanding pop culture around the world. Their mission is to provide a platform for emerging and established artists to showcase their talents. While also providing a unique and immersive experience for our audience. They create a sense of community by utilizing different disciplines like music, art, fashion, or technology. This is through organising and curating events in and around Accra. Earlier this year they co-curated a DJ workshop, in collaboration with Oroko Radio, Free Forever Collective and Vibrate Space – centering the ballroom scene and its sounds.
Hosts Kwame and Denzel effortlessly go between talking and interviewing to playing music. While also giving a platform to local artists in the community. They provide a glimpse into Accra’s nightlife and invite you to join them in real life at their Thursday events at Aria. Their monthly residency show has a heavy focus on Pop and Alté music. Playing anything from Tems to Normani, Amaarae and Britney Spears. They talk about their life in Accra, their community and the music that inspires them.” – Jinan Vyent
Mamthug
“Mamthug is a sonic curator, producer and artist based in Johannesburg. She explores the African alternative music scene’s various themes and ideologies through the use of sonic and culture-connecting experiences. Her bi-monthly show ThugsGiving dedicates an hour to the unearthing and celebration of femme sonic pioneers that have sculpted the African alternative music landscape.
ThugsGiving is not just a talkshow nor just a music show. It’s a perfect blend of insightful conversations and great tracks. The show incorporates a multitude of genres – Zamrock, Spiritual Jazz, House, New Age and Breakbeat amongst others. Mamthug uses her show as a platform, inviting various artists on each of her shows and giving space to voices and sounds. She supports and uplifts her local community through invitation and collaboration.” – JV
Dindie
“Dindie is an illustrator based in Jakarta, Indonesia. Her mixes have been featured on radio stations worldwide. Tsubaki FM, Hamon Radio, Radio Alhara, Subtle Radio, Steam Radio, UBR FM, Baihui Live, Hong Kong Community Radio and more. She also co-manages the music label 100.000 (Seratus Ribu) and co-curates its mix series.
Dindie’s show Mineral House covers a wide array of genres – there’s shows that feature Ambient and Jazz, Dub and Reggae, Footwork and Juke, as well as soundtracks and field recordings. Most shows are inspired by films, manga and books and Dindie does a great job of taking you along with her to all of these different worlds. No talking, just sounds. Her shows are an endless source of unique and lesser known tracks.” – JV
Lead photo credit: Komla S. Darku