Category: Emerging Artists
Showcase rising stars and emerging talents within the African music scene.
Tejiri Is the Industry’s Best-Kept Secret and the Blueprint for the Next Generation of Creatives
In our latest Custodian Conversation, we sit with a quietly brilliant mind shaping the contours of today’s most resonant sounds—Tejiri Akpoghene: Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and creative architect behind culture-shifting records like “Wait For U” by Future, Tems, and Drake. Tejiri’s story isn’t the usual linear climb—it’s textured. Woven from the rhythm of his Lagos upbringing,…
Inside the Soul of Xowié: South Africa’s Daring New Voice With a Global Rhythm
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…
Meet Florence Dei: Inside Efe Oraka ’s Reinvention and Creative Journey
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,…
Jeff Akoh Talks Love, Music, and His Journey Through Grace and Grit
In this heartfelt edition of Custodian Conversations, we journey through melodies, memories, and moments with none other than Jeffrey Ufedo Akoh, fondly known as Jeff Akoh, the Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performing sensation whose voice feels like home. From singing in the warmth of family gatherings to echoing through church pews, Jeff’s beginnings were filled…
XOWIÉ AND BENSOUL BRIDGE CONTINENTS WITH NEW SINGLE “BITTERSWEET”.
JOHANNESBURG, SA – Rising South African star Xowié releases her debutEP ALLO today, featuring her new single, “Bittersweet” featuring Kenya’s afro-soulpowerhouse, Bensoul. The track arrives on the momentum of her first single, Nobody’sFool, and as Bensoul rides high on his latest hit Kautamu Fulani, which isdominatingEast African charts. Bittersweet showcases the synergy between their voices while they trade verses aboutlove’s painful contradictions….
Mali Spirit by Lagos in Paris Is the Afro-Electronic Anthem You Didn’t Know You Needed
Discovered on a Random Spotify Scroll, Now I Can’t Stop Playing “Mali Spirit” by Lagos In Paris It was a quiet night. I was deep into one of those spontaneous Spotify scrolls, chasing something unfiltered, something with soul. You know the feeling: half bored, half hopeful. Then bam, “Mali Spirit” came on. I froze. The…
SONY MUSIC WEST AFRICA SIGNEE AMARA RELEASES DEBUT SINGLE “ME & YOU”
Rising Nigerian singer-songwriter Amara officially steps into the spotlight with his debut single “Me & You”, a genre-blending love anthem that introduces his heartfelt, soulful sound to the world. Signed to Sony Music West Africa, the 23-year-old artist (real name Nwaigwe Daniel Amarachukwu Figo) combines Afrobeats, R&B, and pop to create an emotionally rich soundscape…
Afamefuna Is Reimagining Global Music Through East African Sounds
In the dynamic and ever-evolving pulse of East African music, where tradition and innovation seamlessly intertwine, one name is rising above the rest: Afamefuna. A multi-talented Kenyan-Nigerian executive producer, sound engineer, and A&R now based in Brooklyn, Afamefuna has swiftly captured the attention of the global music scene. With the release of his debut EP…
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…