AFROPOP: The rise of Oklahoma's unique soda brand

In 2022, Jamel Stephens began following his dream of starting a soda pop company, and in Dec. 2023, that dream became a reality with AFROPOP.

“You know, the first time I made soda it wasn’t great, but I continued to practice and make it better,” said Stephens

The whole process started with no background or experience in his kitchen.

“I started mashing whole berries in my kitchen with sugar water and blackberries,” said Stephens.

As he considered the name for his product, Stephens embraced terminology familiar to his location and culture.

“You know, being from the south, we call it pop, so I combined afro-futurism and pop and created AFROPOP,” said Stephens.

It was the community's reactions that reaffirmed his dreams

“So, he tried our soda and it literally brought tears to his eyes and he said I never knew I needed to see myself in a can of soda,” said Stephens. 

He admits that, initially, everything was on him, from concept to distribution, but in just a little over a year, things have taken off.

“We started in 15 locations, and we’ve expanded to 70 locations, and we’re now in conversations with major local grocery stores about carrying our products as well,” said Stephens.

He currently has three flavors distinctly different from anything on the market.

“So, we have 'BLVCKER The BERRY;' it’s a blackberry vanilla soda. And then we have 'Grandma’s House;' it’s a butterscotch cream soda. And then we have 'Summer Nights,' which is the blueberry lemonade soda,” said Stephens.

Stephens is currently working on more soda, including a zero-sugar version.

“I can’t go into much detail about some of the other flavor profiles, but just be on the lookout for some exciting flavors that you’ve never heard of before,” said Stephens.

The product is available in stores all over Oklahoma, and plans are in the works to expand it nationally and internationally. For locations, visit their website at www.afropopco.com.