In a landmark moment for Afrobeats and global music at large, Wizkid delivered a transcendent orchestral performance at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on June 22, 2025. The concert, which saw the Nigerian superstar perform with the Color of Noize Orchestra under the direction of Grammy Award-winning bassist and producer Derrick Hodge, marked…
Oontztopia is an event collective worth emulating—not only for their genre-defining music curation, but also for their approach to building a loyal and inclusive community. Prioritizing safety, fairness, and unforgettable experiences, their events go beyond dance—they are spaces for connection. Having attended personally, I can attest to their high standards, including limited-ticket giveaways they run…
When rising South African soulstar Xowié touched down in Kenya for a string of intimate songwriting and collaboration camps and media tour, we knew we had to catch her in motion. Luckily, between studio sessions and soulful exchanges, we carved out time for an inspiring conversation that allowed us to uncover the heart of her…
Long before the spotlight found her, Efe Oraka was already quietly shaping her sound, releasing music in her teens, and crafting songs that carried an intimate kind of magic. Though many were first drawn in by her viral cover performances, her journey had long begun, rooted in a deep love for music and storytelling. Now,…
On the 19th of June, where the industry’s finest showed up and showed out, Olamide brought Lagos to a momentary halt as he hosted a high-profile listening session for his self-titled new album OLAMIDÉ, that dropped yesterday, June 19. The event was a collision of legends, tastemakers, and young stars—from the pioneers who helped shape…
In a landmark moment for African music history, the Recording Academy has officially inducted Fela Kuti ’s seminal 1977 album Zombie into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame, class of 2025. This honor solidifies Fela’s legacy as one of the most influential and uncompromising voices in global music, marking a proud and powerful chapter in the…
The Tribeca Film Festival witnessed a historic moment in African music and cinema as Nigerian global superstar Wizkid premiered his highly anticipated documentary, Long Live Lagos, on June 6, 2025. Screened in the Spotlight+ section under the “Expressions of Black Freedom” theme, the film brought Afrobeats and African storytelling to the heart of New York…
In a landmark moment for global music and sport, FIFA has announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration with Global Citizen for the inaugural halftime show at a FIFA competition. The historic performance will take place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, during the FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium, New York–New Jersey, with Tems, J Balvin,…
The 25th Annual BET Awards, held on June 9, 2025, at the iconic Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, delivered one of the most memorable nights in entertainment history. Titled “Culture’s Biggest Night,” the ceremony marked a quarter-century of Black excellence, legacy, and unstoppable talent. Hosted by the irrepressible Kevin Hart, the show was an electrifying…
At Music Custodian, we’re always curious about how music intersects with the world around us—especially when it comes to climate and environmental sustainability. One surprising area of interest? Plants and sound. You’ve probably heard the old idea that “talking to your plants helps them grow.” But is there any truth to that? Can plants really…
