Finding Home Through Music | NKAN on Nigeria, Oakland & Giving Back

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to find home thousands of miles from where you were born? In this episode of Tradition Café, Ana Chavier Caamaño sits down with Nigerian-born Afrofusion artist NKAN to explore the journey that brought her from Lagos, Nigeria, to Oakland, California—and how music, community, and unexpected acts of kindness transformed a new place into home. NKAN shares the story behind her music, the meaning of her name, and the inspiration for her song "California Love." She reflects on the father who first encouraged her to perform, the decade she stepped away from music to raise her late sister's children, and the husband who reminded her that the world still needed to hear her voice. The conversation also explores the role of Yoruba language and storytelling in her songwriting, why she describes her performances as "edutainment," and how growing up as an orphan inspired her lifelong commitment to helping orphaned children pursue an education. This is a conversation about identity, belonging, resilience, gratitude, and using your gifts to create opportunities for others. In this episode:  What Afrofusion music is   The meaning behind the name NKAN   Growing up in Nigeria   Moving from Lagos to Oakland   The story behind California Love  How family and community shape who we become   Returning to music after a decade away   Teaching culture through music and storytelling   Supporting orphaned children through education  Learn more about NKAN: Website: http://nkan.world/ Instagram: @nkanofficial Facebook: Nkaneledua  YouTube: NkanMusic  TikTok: @nkan  X (Twitter): @nkan Support the show Thank you for listening to Tradition Café. Visit www.traditioncafe.com for blog posts, news, and links, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for videos and updates. Video Episodes on YouTube @Tradition_Cafe Facebook: facebook.com/TraditionCafe Instagram: @tradition_cafe BlueSky  ‪@traditioncafe.bsky.social‬