Africans in Tech Podcast Episode 44 | AI Music, Voice Cloning & Creative Control w/ Ayo Beatz

What does it really take to break into the music industry — and stay there?

In this episode of Africans in Tech, host Sahr Lebbie sits down with Ayo Beatz — UK-based rapper, producer, and global creative — to unpack his journey from freestyling as a teenager in New York to producing a Top 3 UK charting record.

Ayo Beatz shares the real, behind-the-scenes path of building a music career from the ground up: learning production just to get free studio time, balancing artistry with business, and navigating the financial risks that come with chasing global success.

The conversation also dives deep into how AI is reshaping music, creativity, and ownership — from AI-generated vocals and stems to major-label contracts restricting AI usage. Ayo breaks down why understanding music fundamentals still matters in an AI-powered era, and how artists can protect their creativity while leveraging new tools.

This episode covers:

Growing up in London and moving to New York as a teen

How environment and exposure reshaped his mindset

Learning music production without a traditional university path

Producing “See Nobody” by Wes Nelson — a Top 3 UK hit

The business realities of being both an artist and a producer

Budgeting wins, losses, and costly lessons in music

AI in music: ownership, ethics, and future opportunities

Building songs through live layering and collaboration

Touring internationally across the Middle East and Asia

If you’re an artist, producer, creative, entrepreneur, or technologist navigating the future of work, creativity, and ownership — this conversation is a must-watch.

🎧 Stream, learn, and share.