Acclaimed Podcast Explores How the Nigerian Musician’s Art Became a Weapon of Political Resistance, Featuring Interviews with President Barack Obama, Ayo Edebiri, Brian Eno, Burna Boy, David Byrne, Flea, Jay-Z, Paul McCartney, Questlove, Santigold & Many More
Athens, GA (April 9, 2026)—National entertainment group Knitting Factory Entertainment (KFE)media property the Talkhouse has earned a prestigious 2025 Peabody Award nomination in the Arts Category, The Peabody Awards Board of Jurors announced today. Talkhouse received its nomination for the podcast series “Fela Kuti: Fear No Man.”
From the announcement, the awards shared, “’Fela Kuti: Fear No Man’ is a podcast series hosted by Jad Abumrad that explores the life and impact of Fela Kuti through innovative sound design and more than 200 interviews, highlighting the musician’s role in shaping post-colonial Nigeria and the African independence movement. The series intricately weaves personal stories with broader cultural and political narratives, demonstrating the power of art and activism, and has already garnered significant acclaim, making its way into educational curricula.”
“These nominees showcase the power of storytelling at its most urgent and expansive, where art, entertainment, and innovation collide with the defining issues of our time…this work reflects exactly what the Peabody Awards stand for: stories that challenge, illuminate, and push culture forward.” said Jeffrey Jones, Peabody executive director. “Across every category, these nominees reflect the issues of our times and demand we engage more deeply.”
Fela Kuti: Fear No Man is hosted by Jad Abumrad, produced by Talkhouse & Western Sound, and presented by Audible & Higher Ground. Listen HERE.
Talkhouse has been part of the Knitting Factory family of companies since 2014. Record executives Ian Wheeler and Tim Putnam co-founded Partisan Records back in 2007. Wheeler subsequently branched off to found Talkhouse under KFE’s umbrella. KFE CEO Morgan Margolis said, “I’m so proud of Ian and the Talkhouse team. We’ve been collaborating since partnerships with Partisan Records in 2007 and extending into Talkhouse in 2014. The growth has been tremendous, KFE and I are just thrilled to be part of their continued success.”
About Knitting Factory Entertainment
Knitting Factory Entertainment (KFE), since 1987, is a dynamic and innovative independent entertainment company renowned for its multifaceted approach within the live music industry. With a diverse portfolio that spans live music venues, concert production, talent management, hospitality, media, and record labels, KFE has established itself as a significant player in shaping the cultural landscape. Recognized as one of the top 50 concert promoters worldwide, Knitting Factory Presents collaborates with thousands of artists and bands, producing and promoting a broad spectrum of concerts and private events across the nation.
About the Peabody Awards
Respected for its integrity and revered for its standards of excellence, the Peabody is an honor like no other for television, podcast/radio, and streaming media. Chosen each year by a diverse Board of Jurors through unanimous vote, Peabody Awards are given in the categories of entertainment, documentary, news, podcast/radio, arts, children’s and youth, and public service programming.
As radio rose in popularity in the late 1930s, The National Association of Broadcasters formed a committee to establish a prestigious award similar to the Pulitzer Prize for excellence in broadcasting. Lambdin Kay, manager of WSB Radio in Atlanta, asked John Drewry, dean of the University of Georgia’s Grady School of Journalism, to sponsor the awards, upon the recommendation of Lessie Smithgall, a graduate who worked at the station.The first awards were issued in 1941 for excellence in radio programming broadcast in the previous year of 1940.
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