Category: Artist Development Programs
Providing resources and information about programs that support the development and growth of emerging music artists.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
Nyashinski signs landmark deal with Sony Music Entertainment, marking a new dawn for East African Music
In a move that signals a seismic shift for East African music on the global stage, Nyashinski, one of Kenya’s most enduring and influential artists, has signed a groundbreaking recording deal with Sony Music. The partnership inaugurates a new chapter not only for the artist but also for the region’s burgeoning cultural export, positioning East…
Tems’ Leading Vibe Initiative Launches First-Ever In-Person Pan-African Music Program for Women in Lagos
Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, is moving through 2025 with the quiet confidence of an artist who knows she’s making history in real time. Over the past month, she has been steadily expanding her footprint — not only as a performer but as a cultural architect. From launching the first…
5 Hot Kenyan Tracks You Should Have Heard By Now
Kenya’s music scene continues to push creative boundaries. This week’s standout releases blend introspection, swagger, and dance-floor-ready beats—from Bien’s viral confidence anthem to Nadia Mukami’s heartfelt reflection on motherhood, Scar Mkadinali bringing street heat, with Willy Paul, and Bensoul and Kethan adding romantic and summer vibes respectively. Each track offers something unique, capturing the mood…