Skip to content
November 28, 2025
Music Custodian

Music Custodian

Africa's Rhythm, Global Impact.

  • Home
  • About Music Custodian
  • Meet the Team
  • Categories
    • New Music
    • Artist Development Programs
    • Artist Interviews
    • Music Festivals and Events
    • Regional Soundscapes
    • Emerging Artists
    • African Music Legends
    • Music Industry Insights
    • Fresh Releases
    • Collaborative Projects
    • Events
    • Music Festivals and Events
    • Featured Artists
    • Artist Interviews
    • Artist Interviews
    • Music Review
    • Playlists & Podcasts
    • Behind the Lyrics
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Home
  • 2024
  • July
  • 23

Day: July 23, 2024

Chocolate City Music, a leading independent record label in Africa, marks its 20th anniversary with grand celebrations and the launch of two groundbreaking initiatives: the Nutrybe Academy and the Chocolate City Music Founders Fund.
  • Artist Development Programs
  • Events

Chocolate City Music Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Exciting Initiatives

AdminJuly 23, 2024July 23, 202402 mins

Chocolate City Music, a leading independent record label in Africa, marks its 20th anniversary with grand celebrations and the launch of two groundbreaking initiatives: the Nutrybe Academy and the Chocolate City Music Founders Fund.

Read More

Instagram Feed

Music Custodian

musiccustodian

Amplifying Africa’s top-tier soundscapes while nurturing a creative music community through guardianship, skills development, and storytelling 🎙️

Spotify’s 20-year journey has reshaped global mu Spotify’s 20-year journey has reshaped global music culture, but the core question remains: who truly benefits? The platform has billions of streams, millions of uploads, and an entire industry built around its existence; yet many emerging artists still struggle to see meaningful returns. 

As highlighted in The Times’ new video, the creator economy feels more like a saturated lottery than an equal playing field.

Artists now compete not just with today’s stars but with the full history of recorded music. Some, like @lilyallen earn more on platforms like OnlyFans than from their Spotify royalties ; this is a blunt reminder of how uneven the streaming economy remains. 

Meanwhile, Spotify has breathed new life into legacy catalogues, introducing younger listeners to older eras and reviving careers without a single new release.

For fans, however, @spotify is the ultimate winner. For less than the cost of one vinyl, listeners access a limitless library and decades of sound. 

But as founder Daniel Ek’s billions contrast sharply with the realities of emerging artists, the industry faces a clear paradox: unmatched access, yet unresolved equity as Spotify enters its next decade.

#MusicCustodian #SpotifyAnalysis #StreamingEconomy #MusicIndustryReport #DigitalMusicEcosystem #AfricanMusicCommunity #GlobalMusicCulture #EmergingArtists #MusicBusiness #Spotify2025 #MusicJournalism #CreativeEconomyAfrica
Before the world knew the lush, textured sound of Before the world knew the lush, textured sound of @julsbaby_ , there was one beat — a sample, a spark, and a shocker: Jay-Z using the same sample on American Gangster.

What felt like a loss became the first true sign that Juls was building something special.

In this sneak peek from his Music Custodian Session, he reflects on those early uni days: the headphones, the laptop, the curiosity, and the courage to keep going.

Full Story Coming Soon.

#MusicCustodianSessions #JulsBaby #AfricanSoundscape #BeatMakers #CreativeJourneys #AfricanMusicCommunity #Africa #Music #CreativeIndustry #MusicProducer
Afrobeat Rebellion has emerged as one of the most Afrobeat Rebellion has emerged as one of the most culturally significant programmes Lagos has witnessed in recent years — a 12-week sonic, archival, and communal awakening honouring the life, mind, and movement of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. 

Brought home from its globally acclaimed Paris retrospective and reimagined in the heart of Victoria Island, the exhibition expands far beyond nostalgia. 

It becomes an active portal into Fela’s world: the rhythm, the revolt, the restless spirit that continues to shape the identity of African music today. Walking into the Ecobank Pan African Centre, visitors are immediately met with a sensory thrum — a living archive where memory, rebellion, and artistry intersect.

This Lagos edition, curated by the A Whitespace Creative Arts Foundation (AWCA @awhitespacelagos ) with support from the French Embassy and the Kuti Family, transcends traditional exhibition formats. 

It is a layered journey through rooms that reconstruct Fela’s universe — Kalakuta, Shrine nights, Lagos life, global tours, handwritten notes, photographs, jukebox corners, and installations that echo his uncompromising philosophy. 

As the Official Media and Storytelling Partner, Music Custodian stands at the heart of this cultural moment — preserving its truth, amplifying its vision, and shaping how this historic homecoming will be remembered. 

Our role is not just reportage; it is custodianship. We witness, document, interpret, and honour the lineage of African sound while spotlighting the new voices shaping its future. 

The @afrobeatrebellion embodies everything we stand for: legacy, culture, archival fidelity, community, and excellence in African storytelling. The doors remain open — free, intentional, and communal. 

If you are in Lagos this period, you must experience the Rebellion in full, and rediscover the spirit that changed the continent. 

#MusicCustodian #AfrobeatRebellionLagos #FelaAfroRebellion #Africa #Lagos #FelaKuti #Afrobeat  #Fela #Culture
@temsbaby has ignited the internet once again with @temsbaby has ignited the internet once again with a surprise visual snack for “Big Daddy,” one of the standout records off her newly released EP Love Is a Kingdom. 

Shared via her Instagram bio, the clip has already sparked a wave of excitement across music communities globally — a testament to Tems’ magnetic presence and the world she continues to build around her sound. 
The visual showcases a confident, fluid Tems: her vocals sharp as ever, her movement unexpectedly rhythmic, and her aura unmistakably in command.

Directed by the visionary @jydeajala , the visual teases a cinematic world dripping in mood, texture, and Tems’ signature mystique. 
This creative pairing has amplified the track’s momentum, pushing “Big Daddy” into immediate fan-favorite territory only hours after the drop. 

Viewers are calling the video a moment — a reminder of Tems’ ability to merge softness with strength, stillness with movement, and storytelling with performance in ways that feel distinctly hers.

Industry peers wasted no time celebrating her. @julieadenuga hailed the track as “a winner…1st place,” showering it with flowers, fireworks, and full affirmation. @showdemcamp saluted with: “Their DADDY!!! 🔥,” while alternative music force @cruelsantino declared, “love u my goat.” 

These reactions reflect a broader truth: Tems has crossed into a rare space where her peers don’t just admire her — they revere her. Her impact remains cultural, artistic, and transcontinental.

With Love Is a Kingdom already resonating deeply and “Big Daddy” rising as a clear standout, this moment signals Tems stepping further into her power as a global African storyteller. The energy is different, the confidence is sharper, and the community is watching — intently, proudly, loudly. Link in bio, as she said — and the kingdom is open for entry.

#Tems #LoveIsAKingdom #BigDaddy #TemsNation #NewMusic #Afrobeats #Alté #NigerianMusic #MusicCustodian
Nigerian alt-R&B powerhouse and global superstar T Nigerian alt-R&B powerhouse and global superstar Tems has quietly returned with a surprise seven-track EP titled Love Is a Kingdom. Released November 21, 2025 via RCA Records / Since ’93, the project follows her 2024 debut album Born in the Wild and sees @temsbaby writing, composing, and largely self-producing the new set.

On Love Is a Kingdom, Tems explores love as both refuge and power — the EP blends warm basslines, sparse percussion, and hazy synth textures to create an intimate soundscape.
Tracks like “First” speak to vulnerability and self-worth, while “Lagos Love” is a lush love letter to her city.

This release marks a stylistic shift: Tems moves away from high-energy anthems into a reflective space of self-love, healing, and emotional clarity. Critics are already praising the EP’s minimalism and emotional honesty, calling it a mature and deeply personal chapter in her artistic growth.

#Tems #LoveIsAKingdom #NewMusic #TemsEP #AltRNB #AfricanMusic #MusicCustodian #PanAfricanSound
Afrobeats Rebellion officially ignited Lagos, invi Afrobeats Rebellion officially ignited Lagos, inviting audiences into a vivid multi-sensory world that honours the life, sound, and spirit of Fela Anikulapo Kuti. 

The exhibition — now live at the Ecobank Pan African Centre — blends immersive installations, archival treasures, and striking visual storytelling to recreate the revolutionary pulse of Afrobeat in a contemporary, experience-driven format.

Running every Thursday to Sunday from October 12 to December 28, the showcase expands Fela’s legacy with powerful Legacy Programmes: live music sets, film screenings, workshops, children’s activities, panel conversations, and more. 

This recent eventreel shared on @afrobeatrebellion captures the vibrancy unfolding inside the space, offering a glimpse of the textures and emotions that define this cultural moment.

As official media partners and storytellers, Music Custodian celebrates the creative team behind this exhibition for bringing Fela’s energy to life with such authenticity and innovation. 

Lagos is truly better for this!

#AfrobeatsRebellionLagos #MusicCustodian #AfrobeatsRebellion #FelaAnikulapoKuti #Lagos #FelaAfrobeatsRebellion
On November 8 2025 at Brooklyn’s historic Kings On November 8 2025 at Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre, Asake made history as the first African artist to headline the U.S. edition of Red Bull Symphonic - a one-night fusion of Afrobeats and classical orchestration, led by conductor Glenn Alexander II and a full 33-piece orchestra. 

The setting was opulent: a tripartite stage where the band, orchestra, and choir/dancers operated in layered harmony, affirming Asake’s transition from street sensibility to symphonic spectacle. 

In a breathtaking fusion of Afrobeats, classical instrumentation, and high-stage theatrics, @mrmoney delivered a career-defining performance at Red Bull Symphonic in New York—reaffirming his status as one of Africa’s most innovative live performers. 

Backed by a full orchestra, choir, and a meticulously arranged soundscape, Asake transformed his signature Fuji-infused melodies into grand, cinematic renditions that stunned the audience. Every detail, of horns swelling around his vocals, strings elevating his sonic grit, and percussions amplified with orchestral precision; all showcased an artist pushing the boundaries of global African music.

The New York crowd responded in full awe, witnessing an Afrobeats star evolve into a world-class performer capable of commanding both the streets and the symphony hall. 

Beyond entertainment, this performance signalled a major cultural moment: Afrobeats was no longer just at the club or streaming charts—it inhabited the concert hall with full orchestral legitimacy. 

Mr Money himself reflected that his music has always been “so much music in it,” pointing to the ease with which he embraced the new format.

For Music Custodian and the global audience, this night in Brooklyn serves as a beacon of how African sound now commands space, orchestration, and legacy.

#Asake #RedBullSymphonic #AfrobeatsToTheWorld #AfricanMusic #LiveMusicNYC #AsakeLive #OrchestralAfrobeats #NigerianMusic #MusicCustodian #KingsTheatre #GlobalAfricanSound
Falz takes centre stage as this weekend’s cover Falz takes centre stage as this weekend’s cover star, embodying the sharp wit, rhythm, and cultural agility that keep Afrobeats fresh and forward-facing. 

This update celebrates the genre’s evolving pulse — from the slick groove of Show Dem Camp & Tems’ “You Get Me” to Soundz’s “Numero” and L.A.X & Olamide’s infectious “Belinda.”

The energy cuts across moods and tempos — Joshua Baraka & JAE5’s “Still Young” balances youthful optimism with London-styled production finesse, while Smur Lee’s “Deliver” blends amapiano drive with unmistakable street flavour. 

From Raybekah’s “Kolobi” to Mavins’ “Waka,” this selection underscores why Afrobeats continues to defy borders, reinventing itself with every rhythm and voice.

🎧 Tap in. Experience the sound. #AfrobeatsHeatDifferent
Burna Boy continues to be a defining force in the Burna Boy continues to be a defining force in the global music conversation, this time bringing his signature charisma and cultural pride to The Jennifer Hudson Show. 

Dressed in all black clean ensemble, the Grammy-winning artist reaffirms why he stands as one of Africa’s most powerful cultural exports.

Beyond the music, Burna’s live band, radiant visuals, and bold sartorial choices paints a vivid picture of Africa’s modern renaissance — one that blends tradition with global sophistication. 

The interaction with Jennifer Hudson was warm and genuine, sparking an exchange that felt less like an interview and more like a celebration of Black excellence on an international stage.

In true Burna fashion, the moment transcended entertainment — it has now become cultural diplomacy. His appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show wasn’t just another TV stop; it was an affirmation that Afrobeats isn’t a trend, but a movement deeply rooted in heritage and pride. 

With every note, Burna is reminded the world that Africa’s rhythm is not just being heard — it’s leading the global soundscape.

#BurnaBoy #TheJenniferHudsonShow #AfrobeatsToTheWorld #AfricanExcellence #MusicCustodian #GlobalStage #CultureAndSound #AfrobeatsHeatDifferent #LivePerformance #BurnaLive #AfricanBrilliance #GrammyWinner #BlackExcellence #MadeInAfrica #BurnaBoyLive #AfrobeatsCulture #WorldStage #MusicNews #CustodianReportage
You tryna know all my secrets, bro?” @julsbaby_ You tryna know all my secrets, bro?” @julsbaby_ teases with a grin — before unraveling his process of digging deep into the world’s sound archives. 

From Detroit to Accra, Chicago to Hackney, he’s constantly tracing frequencies, researching roots, and reimagining what it means to make music that moves thousands.

🎙️ Music Custodian Sessions
Juls Baby: Soundtracking the Diaspora, One Record at a Time

Coming soon.

#MusicCustodianSessions #JulsBaby #SoundtrackingTheDiaspora #AfroFusion #AfricanProducers #CultureInSound #AfricanMusicCommunity #MusicCustodian #AmplifyingAfricanCulture
This week’s Afrobeats Heat Different playlist ra This week’s Afrobeats Heat Different playlist radiates pure sonic fire — a carefully balanced fusion of rhythm, reflection, and rebellion. 

With @showdemcamp gracing our cover, the playlist celebrates the duo’s lyrical mastery and timeless craftsmanship, embodied perfectly in “Italawa” — a record that threads nostalgia and groove through the fine cloth of contemporary Afrobeats storytelling.

Each track in this update embodies the genre’s fearless evolution. @the.cavemen open the set with “Dancing Shoes”, a lush highlife groove that feels both ancestral and fresh, while @seyi_vibez “How Are You” carries raw emotion and grit straight from the street to the soul. 

Global resonance comes alive on “Working II”, where Keith Sweat, @liltunechi , and @qingmadi  bridge R&B nostalgia with Nigerian tenderness. Meanwhile, @2niteflavour and @baabamaalofficial bring a pan-African dialogue to “Afroculture”, and Badshah’s collaboration with @davido on “Wallah Wallah” seals the global Afrobeats continuum.

Across the tracklist, @phynofino , Monaky, Jeriq, and Ice Prince reaffirm that lyrical edge and cultural texture still matter in modern African pop, while @damioniru_ and @oladapoofficial close the rotation on a honeyed note with “What We Call It”. 

This playlist isn’t just a mood — it’s a manifesto of how deep, diverse, and dynamic Afrobeats continues to be.
This is what Afrobeats sounds like when it hits differently — global, grounded, and gloriously groovy.

#AfrobeatsHeatDifferent #MusicCustodian #ShowDemCamp #AfrobeatsCulture #AfricanMusic #NewMusicAfrica #GlobalGroove #HighlifeToTheWorld
Custodian Gems: The Sound of Tomorrow as curated b Custodian Gems: The Sound of Tomorrow as curated by Music Custodian

Every week, Custodian Gems uncovers the emerging sounds shaping the next era of African music — and this week’s update glows with fresh energy. 

Leading the charge is @official_oshamo , our cover artist, whose single “Contour” balances introspection with rhythm, revealing a sonic dexterity that captures the restless heartbeat of today’s alt and Afrobeats fusion scene.

This edition brings together a collective of daring voices — @deelagram “Why Always Me” rides on a wavy groove of defiance and melody; Jamz FR brings heat with “Jamzy Vibe”; while @deolamusic_ shines on “Kawosoke”, a radiant tune steeped in smooth Afro-fusion. @hyce_thegreat “Call My Name” and @iam_soundz “Zoom” offer both tenderness and tempo, bridging soulful hooks with sharp production. 

Elsewhere, @oladapoofficial reaffirms his elegant approach on “Expensive”, and @arathejay , @zenunivrse , and Trigga each deliver distinct textures that reflect the vibrancy of Africa’s new wave — unfiltered, confident, and sonically rich.

Custodian Gems remains a reminder that the continent’s underground is brimming with brilliance — voices waiting to be heard, stories waiting to be sung, and rhythms ready to travel the world.

#CustodianGems #MusicCustodian #NewMusicAfrica #AfroFusion #AltéAfrica #oSHAMO #DiscoverAfrica #EmergingVoices #AfrobeatsNext #SoundsofAfrica #AfricanMusicCommunity
We Celebrate D’Angelo — The Neo-Soul Architect We Celebrate D’Angelo — The Neo-Soul Architect Who Redefined a Generation 🎧🤌🏽

When the world needed a revival of soul, D’Angelo answered — not with noise, but with nuance. 

Emerging in the mid-1990s, he reshaped the language of modern R&B with Brown Sugar, an album that blended hip-hop’s grit, gospel’s spirit, and soul’s intimacy. It wasn’t just a record — it was the birth of a movement. 

D’Angelo’s voice carried warmth and conviction, uniting a generation seeking meaning beyond melody. 
His sound, rooted in the spiritual lineage of Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, became the blueprint for what we now call neo-soul — a genre that gave depth to rhythm and grace to groove.

With Voodoo (2000), D’Angelo didn’t just expand his art; he redefined it. The album’s raw sensuality and spiritual depth transformed vulnerability into power, with “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” becoming an anthem of emotional honesty in Black music. 

Beyond its Grammy wins and chart success, Voodoo proved that soul could evolve — intimate yet universal, timeless yet contemporary. 

Three decades later, his sonic fingerprint lingers in artists like H.E.R., SZA, Brent Faiyaz, Thundercat, and Daniel Caesar, each channeling that same blend of tenderness and transcendence that D’Angelo embodied.

Across Africa, his influence ripples quietly but powerfully. You can hear traces of his tone and texture in Tay Iwar’s layered harmonies, Nonso Amadi’s romantic introspection, and Obongjayar’s raw expressiveness. 

He bridged continents through sound — proving that soul, in its purest form, has no borders. As we celebrate his legacy, Music Custodian honors D’Angelo not just as an artist, but as a frequency — one that continues to pulse through the heart of modern music, guiding every artist brave enough to feel deeply and tell the truth through rhythm.

#MusicCustodian #AfricanMusicLegends #DAngelo #NeoSoul #SoulMusic #RnBHistory #BrownSugar #Voodoo #GlobalSoul #AltSoul #MusicLegacy #TayIwar #NonsoAmadi #HERSZA #MusicCustodianSpotlight
@asakemusic Turns NPR’s Tiny Desk into a Mini La @asakemusic Turns NPR’s Tiny Desk into a Mini Lagos: Rhythm, Roots, and Reckoning

Asake’s @npr  #tinydesk debut strips back stadium spectacle and replaces it with something closer to home: a living room turned Lagos street party. The Nigerian star delivered a tight, soulful set that folded Afrobeats, amapiano and Fuji into a single, irresistible rhythm — performed live, raw, and unplugged behind NPR’s legendary desk. The performance is now available to watch on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk channel. 

Across a short but mighty set, Asake threaded fan favorites and recent hits into a seamless medley, moving from intimate balladry to percussion-driven grooves. 

From the band’s warmth to soft horns and layered harmonies, this live energy reimagined his studio records for an up-close audience. 
The moment that turned heads came when he picked up mini bongos for “Fuji Vibe,” closing the session with a dance break that felt like a tiny, portable New Afrika Shrine 🚀

Do you want to know why this matters: Asake’s appearance at Tiny Desk is part of a broader cultural shift where African artists are being invited to reinterpret their music in global, low-barrier formats that prioritize craft and context. 

His set demonstrated how Afrobeats and its neighboring currents (amapiano, Fuji) adapt spectacularly to small spaces — amplifying nuance, improvisation, and the communal spirit that underpins so much of West Africa’s live tradition. 

Watch it now and take notes — this is the kind of performance that converts casual listeners into curious students of rhythm. 

#MusicCustodian #Asake #TinyDesk #NPRMusic #Afrobeats #Amapiano #FujiVibe #LiveMusic #AfricanSound #CustodianOnGround
The rhythm never stops. This week’s Afrobeats He The rhythm never stops. This week’s Afrobeats Heat Different update brings together the continent’s most magnetic sounds — where cross-continental collaborations, genre-bending records, and fresh sonic textures define the moment.

@tyla takes the cover with “Chanel”, a sultry, fashion-infused record that reaffirms her global reign as Afrobeats’ newest pop export. Around her, a constellation of stars shines bright — @ckay_yo and @mavoswago deliver infectious chemistry on “Body”, while @djmaphorisa @wizkidayo @dj_tunez and @mavoswago bridge amapiano with Afro-luxury on “Money Constant.”

@mavoswago & @davido keep the tempo high with “Shakabulizzy (Remix)”, as @theycallmeshallipopi & @gunna ‘s “Him” and @santandave &  @temsbaby “Raindance” highlight Afrobeats’ growing fusion with global hip-hop and R&B. The underground meets the avant-garde with @prettyboydo ‘s “Which One Be Canada” and @mreazi “Violence”, while @the.cavemen link up with @pa_salieu on “Gatekeepers” for a lush highlife-meets-grime moment.

Elsewhere, @lilkeshofficial & @iamballoranking bring Lagos street heat on “TTGG,” @bhadboi_oml leans into melodic introspection on “Oversability,” and @iamdelb ,  @reekadobanks & @hotkeedfire find groove perfection in “Pattern Am.” The energy rounds up with @bojonthemicrophone @showdemcamp & @1realjoeyb on “Shana,” and @julsbaby_ & @tayiwar closing things out on a dreamy, mid-tempo note with “Magic.”

From amapiano’s bounce to Afropop’s soul, Afrobeats Heat Different remains a celebration of Africa’s sound in constant motion — evolving, genre-fluid, and eternally global.

#MusicCustodian #AfrobeatsHeatDifferent #Tyla #Chanel #Afrobeats #NewMusicFriday #AfricanSound #GlobalMusic #Amapiano #Afropop #MusicCuration
After months of subtle teasers, mysterious wardrob After months of subtle teasers, mysterious wardrobe nods, and cryptic clips, South African global star @tyla has officially released her long-awaited single “Chanel.” The track arrives on the heels of her international breakout success and the viral reign of “Water,” setting the stage for another bold chapter in her evolution as one of the most magnetic voices in African pop.

“Chanel” has been a fixture in Tyla’s teasers for months — from behind-the-scenes studio clips to snippets that left fans begging for a full version. When the pre-save link finally dropped earlier this week, anticipation reached fever pitch across TikTok and Instagram, as fans rallied behind what they believed could be her next viral moment.

But the drop hasn’t come without drama. Shortly before the release, rapper Yung Miami took to social media, claiming Tyla’s new track mirrored her own concept from “Take Me to Chanel.” The debate quickly went viral, creating a split narrative — some fans defending Tyla’s originality and others accusing her of creative borrowing. Regardless of the chatter, the controversy only intensified attention, turning “Chanel” into one of the most talked-about drops of the week.

Musically, the track leans into Tyla’s trademark blend of sleek Amapiano-inspired rhythms and polished pop aesthetics. Her delivery remains sultry yet controlled, embodying the effortless confidence that has come to define her artistry. “Chanel” feels like more than just a fashion-inspired anthem — it’s an expression of luxury, allure, and power, told through the lens of a young African woman owning her narrative on the world stage.

With every release, Tyla continues to blur lines between African-rooted rhythm and global pop sophistication. Whether “Chanel” becomes her next international chart climber or simply another fan favorite, one thing is clear — Tyla isn’t just making music; she’s defining what the future of African global pop sounds and feels like.

#MusicCustodian #Tyla #Chanel #NewMusic #AfroPop #Amapiano #AfricanExcellence #GlobalSound #MusicNews #WomenInMusic
@littlesimz has once again proven why she stands a @littlesimz has once again proven why she stands as one of the most important voices in global hip-hop. On a monumental evening at London’s O2 Arena, the British-Nigerian rapper, actress, and visionary delivered a spellbinding performance that felt both triumphant and deeply personal — a full-circle moment in her meteoric rise.

Performing to a sold-out crowd, Simz curated an electrifying setlist that bridged her evolution from the gritty introspection of Grey Area to the cinematic grandeur of Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and NO THANK YOU. 

Backed by a live orchestra, the show seamlessly wove together raw lyricism, bold visuals, and a palpable intimacy that left the audience awestruck.

Every moment at the O2 was a celebration of artistic control and cultural pride. Simz’s storytelling, always sharp and soul-baring, carried the essence of North London grit fused with diasporic brilliance. Her performance of Introvert and Point and Kill brought the crowd to its feet — a rousing fusion of identity, power, and presence.

Beyond the music, the night symbolized something greater: a young Black woman commanding one of the world’s biggest stages on her own terms. 

No gimmicks, no compromises — just pure artistry. It was a statement of ownership, of self-determination, and of the creative freedom that Simz has long championed.

As the lights dimmed and the final chords of Woman echoed through the arena, it was clear this wasn’t just another concert — it was history in motion. Little Simz didn’t just perform at the O2; she redefined what it means to arrive.

#LittleSimz #MusicCustodian #O2Arena #BritishMusic #AfricanExcellence #HipHopCulture #BlackCreatives #LivePerformance #WomenInMusic
The Future of Music Streaming in Africa: Progress The Future of Music Streaming in Africa: Progress or Peril in Disguise?

Music streaming has transformed how Africa listens, discovers, and shares sound. What was once the domain of CDs, flash drives, and street-side speakers has now become a vast digital ecosystem powered by smartphones, cheaper data, and global platforms. 

From Boomplay and Mdundo to Spotify, Audiomack, and Apple Music, the continent has witnessed a new era of connection — one where artists can reach fans across townships, borders, and continents in real time. Streaming isn’t just changing the game; it’s rewriting the entire rulebook for Africa’s creative economy.

But behind the buzz and access lies a complex reality. While streaming empowers artists with insights and independence, it also exposes a growing imbalance — where visibility doesn’t always equal viability. 

For many emerging musicians, the numbers don’t translate into sustainable income. Challenges such as limited internet access, low payout rates, and complex payment systems continue to make streaming a double-edged sword. It’s progress, yes — but one that still feels unevenly distributed.

The next frontier for African music isn’t just about global reach; it’s about fair access and equitable reward. Collaboration between telcos, platforms, and policymakers will be crucial in ensuring that innovation leads to inclusion. If the continent can align data accessibility, mobile payments, and fairer artist remuneration, streaming could evolve from a trend into a true cultural infrastructure. Because when the music pays the musician, everyone wins.

#MusicCustodian #AfricanMusicRising #StreamingInAfrica #MusicBusiness #AfrobeatsEconomy #DigitalAfrica #Boomplay #SpotifyAfrica #Audiomack #Mdundo #AppleMusic #CulturalInnovation #FairPlay #CustodianReports #MusicInAfrica #CustodianConversations
The energy was unmatched when Omizzy stepped in fo The energy was unmatched when Omizzy stepped in for his Music Custodian Session. 🎙️

We got real about the music, the grind, and the fire that fuels his sound — a rising voice in Africa’s new wave who’s shaping his lane with bold authenticity. 

From rhythm to reflection, this one’s not just a conversation; it’s a snapshot of passion in motion.

@omizzy_ttw opens up about what it truly means to be recognized by champions across music and sport — and how that love fuels his journey rather than weighs it down. 

From Lagos to the world, his fire speaks louder than words. 🔥

The full conversation drops soon exclusively on Music Custodian. 

Stay tuned — this one’s about purpose, passion, and the power of belief. 🌍🎙️

Produced by @kingjordanabiola for @musiccustodian 

#MusicCustodianSessions #Omizzy #MusicCustodian #AfricanMusicRising #NaijaNext #CultureConversation #NewWaveAfrica #AfricanMusicCommunity
The Afrobeats Heat Different playlist returns this The Afrobeats Heat Different playlist returns this week with a pulsating new update, spotlighting some of the most infectious rhythms and cross-continental collaborations defining the African sound right now. 

Fronted by @zlatan_ibile as our cover artist, the latest curation is a testament to Afrobeats’ ever-evolving energy — from street-certified anthems to smooth crossovers and genre-blending textures.

Leading the pack, Zlatan’s “Oyoyo” sets the tone with his signature street bounce, while @ayrastarr Starr and @heisrema deliver a magnetic duet on “Who’s That Girl.” 

@youngjonn keeps the tempo alive with “Full Control,” and @blaqbonez & @folapondis reimagine global rhythm on “Despacito.” 

There’s also an irresistible groove from @moliymusic & @tyla on “Body Go,” Afro-fusion smoothness from @ajebutter22 , @minznse & @bojonthemicrophone with “Gbe Kini Yen,” and @patorankingfire commanding “No Jonze.”

The lineup stretches from @kizzdaniel , @officialniniola , and @aphrodija to @diamondplatnumz & @focalistic , each artist contributing to a vibrant soundscape that celebrates the range and reach of modern Afrobeats. 

From dancefloor heaters to late-night jams, this update reminds us — Afrobeats doesn’t just play; it hits different.

#AfrobeatsHeatDifferent #MusicCustodian #NewMusicAfrica #Zlatan #AyraStarr #Rema #Tyla #Blaqbonez #Patoranking #KizzDaniel #Niniola #AfricanMusic #PlaylistUpdate
Load More Follow on Instagram

Recent Posts

  • Asake Redefines Grandeur: A Night of Orchestral Brilliance & Sonic Mastery at Red Bull Symphonic, New York
  • Rolling Stone’s “250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century”: A Global Canon and the Call for a More Expansive Sound Memory
  • Tems Ignites Blankets and Wine 2025 in Nairobi
  • When Silence Becomes Sound: How Beethoven ’s Legacy Lives Through Modern Music Tech
  • Vic Mensa ’s Sundiata: A Return to Independence, Heritage, and the Living Archive of African Music

Categories

  • African Music Legends (40)
  • Artist Development Programs (126)
  • Artist Interviews (13)
  • Collaborative Projects (35)
  • Emerging Artists (52)
  • Events (42)
  • Music Festivals and Events (36)
  • Music Industry Insights (52)
  • New Music (74)
    • Featured Artists (25)
    • Fresh Releases (23)
    • Music Review (3)
    • Playlists & Podcasts (2)
  • Regional Soundscapes (117)

Find Me On

Trending News

Music Festivals and Events
Asake Redefines Grandeur: A Night of Orchestral Brilliance & Sonic Mastery at Red Bull Symphonic, New York 01
November 14, 2025November 14, 2025
02
Music Industry Insights
Regional Soundscapes
Rolling Stone’s “250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century”: A Global Canon and the Call for a More Expansive Sound Memory
03
Events
Music Festivals and Events
Tems Ignites Blankets and Wine 2025 in Nairobi
04
Artist Development Programs
When Silence Becomes Sound: How Beethoven ’s Legacy Lives Through Modern Music Tech
05
Artist Development Programs
Music Review
Vic Mensa ’s Sundiata: A Return to Independence, Heritage, and the Living Archive of African Music

About Us

We are amplifying Africa’s top-tier soundscapes while nurturing a creative music community through guardianship, skills development, and storytelling.

Email: 
valarmorghulismgt@gmail.com

Tel: +254742179859.

Most Read

  • Asake Redefines Grandeur: A Night of Orchestral Brilliance & Sonic Mastery at Red Bull Symphonic, New York
  • Rolling Stone’s “250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century”: A Global Canon and the Call for a More Expansive Sound Memory
  • Tems Ignites Blankets and Wine 2025 in Nairobi
  • When Silence Becomes Sound: How Beethoven ’s Legacy Lives Through Modern Music Tech
  • Vic Mensa ’s Sundiata: A Return to Independence, Heritage, and the Living Archive of African Music

Categories

  • African Music Legends
  • Artist Development Programs
  • Artist Interviews
  • Collaborative Projects
  • Emerging Artists
  • Events
  • Featured Artists
  • Fresh Releases
  • Music Festivals and Events
  • Music Industry Insights
  • Music Review
  • New Music
  • Playlists & Podcasts
  • Regional Soundscapes
Music Custodian 2025. Powered By BlazeThemes.