Chicago · Afro-Global · Community Radio
The Sound
Chicago's Been
Waiting For.
NoLaces Radio is Chicago's first dedicated Afro-global internet radio station — built for the diaspora, by the diaspora. We're live. Help us stay that way.
17% funded — every dollar keeps the frequency alive. Share this page and make it count.
The Story
Chicago has Afro-diaspora. Chicago has the culture. Until now, it didn't have our radio station.
Back This Project →My name is Ade Awolola. I'm a Nigerian-born DJ and cultural curator who's spent years watching music do what nothing else can — break down walls, collapse distances, bring rooms of strangers into one shared moment.
"Growing up Nigerian in Chicago, music held what words couldn't. It was how we stayed connected to where we came from while building something here."
After years of spinning at events across Chicago, one thing became undeniably clear: our community had no dedicated radio home. No curated, 24/7 station carrying Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, Reggae, and Afro House — and no platform for the stories of the people who live this culture every day.
NoLaces Radio is my answer to that gap. It launched April 19, 2026 on Live365. Two anchor shows run weekly. The community is tuning in. The station is real — now help us keep it running.
And eventually, it becomes the foundation for NoLaces Lounge — a physical space where the culture connects in person. But that future starts with this campaign, and with you.
What NoLaces Radio Offers
More Than Music.
A Cultural Home.
24/7 Afro-Global Streaming
Afrobeats to Amapiano, Dancehall to Afro House, Reggae to R&B — nonstop, curated, and alive on Live365.
Global Groove Report
Our weekly anchor show — every Monday at 7 PM CT. Genre spotlights, diaspora sound, and the music that defines the culture.
Speakeasy Session
Live every third Saturday at 3 PM CT. The pre-night ritual — Afrobeats, Amapiano, Afro House, and the moment before the night starts.
Diaspora Spotlight
Platforming Chicago's Afro-diaspora DJs, artists, and creatives — the people doing the work and shaping the culture in this city.
Where Your Money Goes
Every dollar has
a clear purpose.
We covered the core costs to get on air. This goal covers what keeps us running, growing, and protected.
How to Support
Every amount
moves the needle.
Your name in our launch credits and a shoutout on air when we hit the goal. You were here from the beginning.
Everything above, plus access to our curated listener playlist — the same tracks we use to build our shows.
Everything above, plus recognition on nolacesradio.com as a founding supporter of Chicago's first Afro-global station.
You're keeping the lights on. Direct founder access, a VIP invite to our first live Speakeasy Session event, and permanent Station Keeper recognition.
Chicago's Afro-diaspora
deserves its own frequency.
The station is live. The community is tuning in. What we need now is the runway to keep building — and that starts with you.
Donate to NoLaces Radio