Nandi Madida celebrates 100 episodes of Africa Now Radio and reflects on her journey in music and motherhood

For the past two years, Nandi Madida has hosted Africa Now Radio on Apple Music 1, and on June 20, she reached the 100th episode mark.

Apple Music celebrated the milestone by surprising the “Black Is King” actress with an intimate dinner. Instead of a normal dinner with her Apple Music bosses, Madida was greeted with her husband Zakes Bantwini’s face and select media.

"It feels like such an honour," beamed after receiving a 100-rose bouquet in celebration.

Previous Africa Now Radio hosts include Nigerian DJ and musician DJ Cuppy, Nigerian presenter Dadaboy Ehiz and South African presenter Luthando ‘LootLove’ Shosha.

"To be honest, the time has flown by because it’s been so much fun. I’ve simply been a voice for what has already been happening. This is Africa’s natural trajectory,” she shared in our interview.

“It’s seamless because the musicians are so incredibly talented at what they do. I just get to represent this amazing movement."

The Africa to the World wave, she says, is no longer a dream; it's a reality. "It’s happening. The world is looking to us, this beautiful continent, the cradle of humankind and music. 

“Of course, the world had to come back here, to see how we do this music thing. It’s amazing that Africa is now the benchmark.”

On Africa Now Radio, Madida has interviewed some of Africa’s biggest stars, Afrobeats star Oxlade, South African amapiano DJ and producer DBN Gogo and Nigerian rapper ODUMODUBLVCK to name a few.

Reflecting on the state of Afro music today, she urged young creatives to think beyond trends and commercial appeal. "Afro music is its entity, it deserves to be viewed as more than just another commercial genre or podcast soundtrack.

“My whole career has been about that. I’ve always gravitated towards creating new ways, paving new roads for the next generation. I want people, especially young ones, to know they can do things differently and still succeed.

“There’s a quote I love: ‘Who was she and what did she do? She was herself and she did it all.’ That’s what I want to stand for. I’ve enjoyed a unique, beautiful career simply by trusting my gut and following my own path."

These days, Madida’s life is filled with motherhood, podcasting, and intentional living. But fans have noticed a quiet pause in her music and acting projects. 

Her husband, Grammy award-winning musician Zakes Bantwini, was quick to correct her when she spoke of her music career in the past tense. 

“I’ve been so honoured to do music, to act. My husband often reminds me, ‘No, no, you’re still doing music, even if it’s in-house.’ 

“It’s great to have a partner who supports me fully, especially in a society where we’re still unlearning certain patriarchal ideas. He believes in me doing it all.”

Her husband is her biggest cheerleader. In his toast to his wife, Zakes Bantwini reflected on seeing his wife lose out on deals because she would not change her views on certain issues, such as her natural hair.

The house DJ and producer praised Madida’s work ethic, taking time out to research her guests beyond the press pack given to her.

As for acting, Madida hinted that while “Black is King” with Beyoncé was her last major project, there are exciting opportunities on the horizon. "We’re just waiting for the right project. But it’s also about ownership now, owning my time, my story, and empowering other women and mothers to do the same. I want them to feel like they own their narratives, too."

For her, celebrating motherhood is just as necessary as celebrating African music. "Music on the continent is happening, it’s necessary to be part of that. But so is creating space for mothers, for healing, for pride in motherhood. These are the 'parties' I’m showing up for right now."

Whether behind the mic, on screen, or as a voice for motherhood and empowerment, Madida remains committed to shaping new narratives for the continent and inspiring the next generation to do the same, unapologetically and authentically.

IOL Entertainment