Category: Artist Development Programs
Providing resources and information about programs that support the development and growth of emerging music artists.
Ahead of BANGER BOY, CKay’s ‘Love Nwantiti’ Continues to Stand as One of African Music’s Greatest Streaming Success Stories
As CKay prepares to usher in a new chapter with his forthcoming album BANGER BOY, one of the defining records of his career is once again in the spotlight. Producer Tempoe recently shared images of a commemorative Spotify plaque recognizing “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah)” for surpassing one billion streams on the platform – a…
INDVSTRY Exchange Launches Artist Accelerator in Nairobi to Connect East African Talent With Global Music Infrastructure
Nairobi continues to strengthen its position as one of Africa’s emerging creative capitals following the launch of the INDVSTRY Exchange Artist Accelerator, a new initiative designed to equip East African artists with the knowledge, networks and professional infrastructure needed to build sustainable international careers. The accelerator brings together music executives, creative entrepreneurs and industry professionals…
Children of Blood and Bone: How African Music Became the Heartbeat of Hollywood’s Biggest Fantasy Epic
When the first trailer for Children of Blood and Bone arrived, audiences were immediately drawn into the breathtaking adaptation of Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel. Beyond its striking visuals and star-studded cast, however, another story has quietly emerged – one that speaks to the growing influence of African creatives across global cinema. More than simply…
Hmusic Unveils the Grounded Universe with New Single, Music App and New Jersey Ghana Music Festival Celebration
Nigerian/Ghanaian executive producer, songwriter and entrepreneur Hmusic (Harrison Ekeoma Osondu Iheke) is preparing to unveil his most ambitious creative vision to date with the launch of the Grounded Universe – a multi-dimensional ecosystem bringing together music, technology, culture and community. Scheduled to launch this September, the Grounded Universe introduces three interconnected initiatives: “Grounded,” a new…
Entertainment Week Africa Returns to Shape Africa’s Music Economy
With Entertainment Week Africa , as African music continues to command global attention, the conversation is gradually shifting beyond cultural influence to a more pressing question: how does the continent build sustainable commercial infrastructure around its creative success? That question sits at the heart of Entertainment Week Africa (EWA) 2026, which returns to Lagos from…
Recording Academy Welcomes Historic New Member Class as Global Music Community Continues to Expand
The Recording Academy has extended invitations to more than 4,000 music creators and industry professionals to join its 2026 New Member Class, marking the largest membership invitation class in the organization’s history. The milestone reflects the Academy’s continued efforts to broaden its global community while strengthening the diversity of voices that contribute to its mission…
Spotify Wants Nairobi to Experience Music Beyond the Algorithm
Spotify Greasy Tunes arrives in Kenya as a 12-day cultural programme celebrating the communities, conversations and creativity shaping one of Africa’s youngest music cities. By Music Custodian For years, streaming has changed the way we discover music. Playlists have become modern mixtapes, algorithms have introduced us to artists we’d never have found otherwise, and a…
CINQ Music Partners With D’Banj’s C.R.E.A.M Platform to Expand Global Pathways for Emerging African Artists
African music’s infrastructure continues to mature as independent music company CINQ Music and D’Banj’s C.R.E.A.M platform announce a partnership aimed at creating new pathways for emerging African artists through talent discovery, development and global distribution. The story of African music’s global rise has often been told through chart-topping singles, sold-out arenas and streaming milestones. Increasingly,…
Custodian Conversations : Mich Straaw on Beautiful Hearts, Faith & Finding His Voice
Nigerian singer-songwriter Mich Straaw joins Music Custodian for an intimate conversation exploring creativity, surrender, faith, integrity and the making of Beautiful Hearts. From the Editor Every so often, Music Custodian encounters conversations that resist being reduced to promotional interviews. This was one of them. What began as a discussion around Beautiful Hearts gradually evolved into…
FOLA, Wizkid, Jorja Smith On New Afrobeats Heat Different
Inside Music Custodian’s “Afrobeats Heat Different” – New Music Friday Edition (4 July 2026) EDITORIAL OVERVIEW Every Friday, African music tells us where it is heading. Sometimes those stories arrive through carefully orchestrated album campaigns. Other times, they emerge without warning – through a surprise collaboration, an unexpected feature, or a record that seems to…