Wale Davies (Tec): Palmwine Pioneer, Show Dem Camp Legend & BAFTA-Winning Writer of My Father's Shadow
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Show notes
On this episode of Afrobeats Intelligence, Joey Akan sits down with Wale Davies (Tec), one half of the revered rap duo Show Dem Camp, cultural architect of the Palmwine Music movement, and now acclaimed screenwriter whose work on My Father's Shadow has earned major international recognition, including a BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut and multiple AMVCA wins (including Best Writing and Best Movie). Wale reflects on the grind of building a career with full independence in Nigeria’s music industry: early resistance, the deliberate choice to stay independent, and the creation of a loyal, cross-generational community through authentic storytelling and sonic experimentation. He traces the evolution of Show Dem Camp and the Palmwine sound, while unpacking his bold expansion into film, artist development, and cultural documentation. He dives deep into the making of My Father's Shadow — the deeply personal, semi-autobiographical film co-written with his brother Akinola Davies Jr. — its historic Cannes premiere, and the weight of telling intimate Nigerian stories on the global stage. From the realities of creating in Nigeria versus international markets, to the philosophy of “dying empty” by fully realizing one’s creative potential, this conversation is a powerful masterclass in ownership, longevity, legacy, and platforming African narratives. A rich, insightful dialogue about building something meaningful that transcends one industry. Follow Joey Akan for the latest coverage on African music culture and news. Substack: Afrobeats Intelligence Instagram: @joeyakan Tik Tok: @joeyakan Follow Wale Davies Instagram: kingxdavies Created and hosted by award-winning Nigerian journalist and music critic Joey Akan, Afrobeats Intelligence is presented by OkayAfrica, a division of AREYA MEDIA INC, and is sponsored by Martell. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
