If you’re plugged into Kenya’s podcast scene, then chances are you’ve come across the Iko Nini podcast.
The podcast has made a name for its raw, unfiltered discussions on entertainment, politics, and social issues in Kenya.
Mwafreeka is one of four hosts on the podcast, alongside DJ Zaq, Rapcha The Sayantist, and Ian. Still, he stands out as the unmistakable face and voice of the channel.
Recently named one of Kenya’s top 20 podcasters by Africa Uncensored, Mwafreeka has been podcasting consistently since May 2021.
In a recent conversation with fellow podcaster Sajid Vayani, he revealed just how much effort goes into what might look like casual conversations online. He revealed that he uploads at least three episodes a week, strategically breaking them down into digestible pieces for fast consumption.
“Clips are really important,” Mwafreeka explained, “because there are people who can’t consume long-form content. But when they watch a short clip, they get interested in watching the full episode.”
And it works.
One of his viral moments came from an interview with ex-car importer Clement Kimani, who had a well-publicized conflict with dealer Khalif Kairo. A particularly juicy clip that went viral featured Kimani discussing a show with musician Khaligraph Jones.
According to Mwaf, clips give you flexibility. “You can use specific thumbnails that match the topic in the clip. Unlike long-form content where the thumbnail has to be general and kind of vague.”
But what about making a living from podcasting in Kenya?
For Mwafreeka, podcasting is his full-time hustle. “I live off the podcast. I have no 9-to-5. That’s all I do. Like South African podcaster MaC G, all I do is podcast and chill,” he said.
Still, it’s not all smooth sailing. Mwafreeka said that he has, in several situation,s been on the receiving end of heavy backlash, especially from Kenyans on Twitter for inviting controversial guests and airing sensitive topics. “I’ve been canceled multiple times just for holding views different from the mainstream,” he said.
Even so, he stays grounded in his purpose, saying that Iko Nini doesn’t chase trends for the sake of it. Instead, Mwafreeka revealed that the hosts only discuss topics that have a certain level of national interest.
“If 2 socialites decide to fight online, that’s none of my concern. But if the matter is a topic of national interest, we talk about it. Mostly we talk about politics and general life issues,” he said.
