Category: Emerging Artists
Showcase rising stars and emerging talents within the African music scene.
Banké Is Harmonizing Hope, Heart & a New Era as NAYA Approaches
In this special edition of Custodian Conversations, we’re honored to journey through the blossoming path of Shalom Oluwabanke Adetumbi, known to many simply as Banké, a woman whose voice carries both the tenderness of a lullaby and the fire of a rising phoenix. From the vibrant streets of Lagos to the glittering stages of the…
The Headies Returns To Lagos: US Consulate Hosts Star-Studded Reception In Celebration Of Its 17th Edition
In a vibrant celebration of African music’s global ascent, the United States Consulate in Lagos rolled out the red carpet at the Consul General’s residence in Ikoyi on Thursday, hosting an exclusive reception ahead of the highly anticipated 17th edition of the Headies Awards. A Grand Return: The Headies Comes “Back to Base” After two…
Breaking Barriers: How ‘Fragments’ at Muze Club Empowered Women in Electronic Music
In the heart of Nairobi’s vibrant electronic music scene, Muze Club’s “Fragments” event on March 29, 2025, marked a significant milestone in championing women within the industry. The all-female lineup featured international and local DJs: Joyce Muniz from Brazil, PRISS from Lebanon, and Kenya’s own Tina Ardor and KIRA, each bringing their unique sounds to…
KANG: The DMV Artist Making Global Waves with Room242
Back in 2023, we stumbled upon a gem on the internet Day 5—a track that had us locked in from the jump. That’s when KANG, Abo-Keze Kangndum Ewimbi first landed on our radar, and we’ve been keeping tabs on his journey ever since. Fast forward to 2025, and the DMV-based artist has been relentless in…
Kenyan-Nigerian Producer Afamefuna Announces Debut Single ‘Top’ Featuring Zowie Kengocha, Ahead of Highly Anticipated EP ‘i.r.l’
Rising producer Afamefuna is stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, ‘Top’, featuring the mesmerizing vocals of Zowie Kengocha. Released on March 13, 2025, this track is a vibrant fusion of infectious rhythms and high-energy dance beats. Drawing inspiration from the golden era of ‘80s and ‘90s club music, ‘Top’ brings back the thrill…
Cyani: The Rising Star Who’s Defining the Future of Afrobeats
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…
Nairobi RNB’s Lovers Rock at MassHouse Delivered a Night of Soulful Vibes and Electric Energy
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…
Cill: The Nigerian Artist Fusing Music, Culture, and Advocacy for Change
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…
The Artistry of Clothing: LADY DONLI —The Art of Blending Identity and Fashion
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 Grooves: Mordecai Dex Headlines This Week’s Playlist Update
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…