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In this bonus episode of Behind the Mic, I’m celebrating a huge milestone in my journey, receiving the 2025 Black Podcasting Awards Legend Award. After more than a decade in podcasting, it still feels surreal to be called a legend. You’ll hear the full acceptance speech from the ceremony, my reflections on what this moment means, and how I’m focusing on helping creators thrive in the growing orange economy.

I also talk about my new podcast, Coop Back Podcast, where I kick it with my cousins Alex and Kevin about life, anime, and the everyday twists of adulthood in Barbados and abroad.

Featured Quote:
“Legend… it’s a powerful word. And when I started podcasting 13 years ago, it was not something that I had in the cards.”

Chapters:
1:48 – Learn about my new podcast Coop Back
3:23 – Acceptance speech
4:35 – Next episode teaser

Thanks for tuning in to Behind the Mic, hosted by Wize Grazette. Follow me on Instagram and Twitter @TheRealWize, and stay tuned for the next episode featuring Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Barbados Central Bank.

Credits:
Special thanks to Storytime Studios for editing and producing this podcast.

Sober Soldiers! One of the culture’s key players pulled up for a proper sit-down. We spoke about his journey through the game; from radio to rap, the highs, the lessons, and everything in between.
Speedsta got candid about legacy, growth, and staying true to himself in an ever-shifting industry. It’s a real conversation with someone who’s seen it all and still moves with love for the culture.
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Africon 2025 was more than an event, it was proof that the diaspora is shaping the creative future.

In this episode, I continue my Africon recap with part two of my conversation with Anna and Odessa on the power of unity across the global Black community. Then I share highlights from my mentorship circle, where young creators explored how podcasting can amplify their stories.

I also sit down with Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism & the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, to talk about the country’s growing “Orange Economy,” and close the night with Anna and Sofi the Oddity on the Icon Gala red carpet.

Featured Quote:

“We’re all African. That’s the message I’m here to share until everyone understands it.” — Odessa

Chapters:

01:34 Part 2 of my conversation with Anna & Odessa
06:49 Mentorship Circle recap and clips
10:26 Interview with Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa
17:19 Anna and Sofi the Oddity red carpet interview

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Follow ⁠@TheRealWize⁠ on Instagram and X.
Behind the Mic: Hosted by Wize Grazette
Special thanks to ⁠Storytime Studios⁠ for editing and production.

On this episode, I take you inside AFRICON 2025, recorded live at REVOLT Studios Atlanta with Anna from First Gems and Odessa from Reasonings with Odessa. We talk about the energy, panels, and connections that made this year’s AFRICON a powerful experience linking the African and Caribbean diaspora.

From the opening night at The Gathering Spot to inspiring moments featuring David Banner, Tuma Basa, and Shaka Zulu, this conversation highlights how AFRICON Atlanta 2025 brought creators, leaders, and innovators together from across the world. You’ll also hear Odessa’s exclusive interview with Nigerian DJ and cultural icon DJ Obi, who shares the story behind Obi’s House, one of Africa’s most talked-about parties celebrating music, culture, and unity.

“We are not just from Barbados. We’re not Jamaican. We are Africans first.” – Odessa

Chapters

01:48 – Africon Experience: Day One Highlights
04:06 – My Conversation with Anna & Odessa at REVOLT Studios
05:05 – Africon Panels and Key Takeaways
15:23 – Investing in the Caribbean and Africa
20:37 – DJ Obi Interview

Follow me on Instagram and Twitter (formerly X 😂) @TheRealWize, and subscribe so you don’t miss Part 2 of the AFRICON 2025 series.

Credits:

Powered by Offscript Podcast Network

Special thanks to Storytime Studios (@storytime.bb) for editing and production.

#podcast #africandiaspora #atlanta