Rolling Stone’s “250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century”: A Global Canon and the Call for a More Expansive Sound Memory

When Rolling Stone unveiled its list of the 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far, it wasn’t merely another chart exercise; it was an attempt to define the sound of a generation. The list, headlined by Missy Elliott’s “Get Ur Freak On”, is a sonic mosaic of the past 25 years — a…

Read More
Tems

Tems Ignites Blankets and Wine 2025 in Nairobi

Grammy award winner, Tems, returns to Kenyan for her debut at the blankets and wine festival that blends fashion, culture, and unforgettable performances On Sunday, September 28th, the Laurette Gardens in Kasarani transformed into a sea of music, fashion, and cultural expression as Blankets and Wine 2025 returned for another edition. Thousands flocked to the…

Read More

When Silence Becomes Sound: How Beethoven ’s Legacy Lives Through Modern Music Tech

In 1802, a distraught Ludwig van Beethoven penned a letter confessing a secret that would have destroyed most musicians — he was going deaf. Yet, in the years that followed, he composed some of the most transcendent music ever written, including his iconic Ninth Symphony. What’s astonishing isn’t just his perseverance, but how he did…

Read More

Vic Mensa ’s Sundiata: A Return to Independence, Heritage, and the Living Archive of African Music

There’s something poetic about watching an artist step into their own light — unfiltered, unbound, and unapologetically in control. For Vic Mensa, that moment has truly arrived. Long celebrated as one of hip-hop’s most fearless thinkers, the Chicago-born, LA-based rapper has spent the last decade weaving through the worlds of music, activism, and art with…

Read More

Francophone Renaissance: From Dakar to Abidjan, the New Age of Rap & Afropop 

At Music Custodian, we’re tuning our ears to new frequencies. As part of a fresh editorial wave, we’re stepping beyond the familiar rhythms of Afrobeats to explore the vibrant, genre-blending soundscapes flourishing across West Africa — with a spotlight on the often-overlooked Francophone regions. From Dakar to Abidjan, a quiet renaissance is reshaping the sonic…

Read More

Sebuleni X Chenza: Deep House Meets Benga in One Magical Night

Sebuleni X Chenza. Deep house X Benga. Vibe X nostalgia. If I had to sum up the night of 5th September 2025 at Muze Nairobi, those are the words I’d reach for. But honestly, they barely scratch the surface of what turned out to be a cultural feast—one that stirred up music, fashion, art, and…

Read More

SEBULENI COLLECTIVE JOINS CHENZA: BENGA EDITION — A CELEBRATION OF KENYA’S ICONIC SOUND

The Sebuleni Collective has been invited by the visionary teams at Wardrobe Banter and Kilibasi Design Studio to bring its signature flair and underground spirit to the next edition of CHENZA: Benga Edition, happening on Friday, September 5th, at Muze Club, Kenrail Towers, Westlands. Chenza is an annual immersive series that bridges music, set design,…

Read More

Ata Kak Breaks 30-Year Silence: Highlife Pioneer Returns with New Album & ‘Obaa Sima’ Remaster

From cult mystery to global icon, Ghana’s elusive pop wizard is back — and he’s bringing a sonic storm with him. In a world of fast fame and fleeting hits, Ata Kak stands as a miraculous anomaly. After three decades of silence, the enigmatic Ghanaian artist is returning with a brand new album, Batakari, due…

Read More

How Afrobeats DJs Are Redefining Stage Energy and African Music Experience

In the ever-shapeshifting soundscape of Afrobeats, one truth rings louder with every drop and drumline: the synergy between DJs and artists is no longer a behind-the-scenes affair—it’s the beating heart of the live experience. From sold-out events in Lagos, Accra to seismic festival stages in Europe, London, Paris, and beyond, Afrobeats DJs have stepped far…

Read More
Spotify

Spotify Introduces Custom Playlist Transitions for Premium Users

Spotify is rolling out a game-changing feature that allows Premium subscribers to add custom transitions between tracks in their playlists. The new tool, currently in beta, offers users the flexibility to either auto-generate transitions or manually create them using preset options, such as fade, rise, and blend. This marks a significant step in Spotify’s ongoing…

Read More