This week, Tems and Tyla – two African artists have earned their place in Spotify’s prestigious Billions Club marking a significant achievement for African music on the global stage. Nigerian singer Tems has joined the club for her contribution to Future’s track “WAIT FOR U,” featuring Canadian superstar Drake. Meanwhile, South African pop sensation Tyla…
We had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented Cyani, a rising Afrobeats star hailing from Cameroon’s English-speaking region and now making waves from Montreal, Canada. Our virtual conversation—bridging time zones between our West African team in Nigeria and Cyani in Canada—offered an intimate glimpse into her artistry and journey as a diasporic…
Saturday, February 15th, was one for the books as NairobiRnB curated a night of sonic magic at Masshouse Nairobi. Dubbed Lovers Rock, the event was a perfect blend of rhythm, nostalgia, and fresh energy, headlined by none other than the phenomenal international artist, Lady Donli. Joining her on stage were Kenyan music icon Fena and…
On January 30th, 2025, The Presenter’s Path made its highly anticipated debut, marking a game-changing moment in the world of presenting. Hosted by the talented Eefoma Elentiya, the event unfolded as an unforgettable 9-hour journey at the University of Lagos’ Julius Berger Hall. This recap, as witnessed by Music Custodian’s event reporter, captures the inspiring…
Kenyan artist Bien has been nominated for ‘Best Artist – East Africa’ at the 2025 Trace Awards, marking Kenya’s sole representation in this prestigious category. Competing against top East African artists like Diamond Platnumz and Zuchu, Bien’s nomination highlights the global influence of East African music. The event, taking place in Zanzibar from February 24-26, will celebrate African music, culture, and creativity. With several other East African artists nominated, including Diamond Platnumz and Young Lunya, the Trace Awards emphasize the region’s growing presence in the global music scene. Fans can support their favorite artists through voting.
The 2025 Grammy Awards took place tonight (Feb. 2) at the iconic Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, just weeks after the devastating wildfires swept through Southern California that left a trail of destruction and over $250 billion in damages. Yet, amidst the chaos, the night was filled with a sense of redemption and resilience. The…
In a groundbreaking move that merges her musical influence with a passion for sports, Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has become a part-owner of San Diego FC (SDFC), ahead of the Major League Soccer (MLS) team’s debut later this month. Through her company, The Leading Vibe, Tems has joined the SDFC ownership group, marking an exciting step…
Chioma Ogbonna is a soulful Nigerian singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose music beautifully blends artistry with advocacy. As the rhythm of 2025’s African music scene unfolds gradually, trends will come and go like the wind, and there are a few precious gems that will remain steadfast in their authenticity. One of such talents is Chioma…
Born Zainab Elizabeth Donli, Lady Donli is a genre-blurring force in contemporary African music. The American-born, Nigerian-bred artist has carved a lane that seamlessly fuses alternative jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and the pulse of neo-African sounds, making her one of the most compelling voices in the Alté movement. Her breakthrough moment came in 2016 with Wallflower,…
Nairobi’s sonic landscape is ever-evolving, and this week’s update to our Nairobi Grooves playlist captures the freshest, most dynamic sounds shaping the city’s music scene. Leading the charge as our cover star is none other than Mordecai Dex, whose latest single “Safari” cements his status as a force to watch in Kenya’s alternative and Afro-fusion…
