Category: Artist Interviews
In-depth interviews with established and emerging artists, delving into their musical journeys, influences, and creative processes.
Bakisimbatronics: How Traditional Buganda Rhythms Became Uganda’s New Electronic Sound
Across Africa, artists are increasingly turning to indigenous musical traditions to create entirely new contemporary sounds. In Uganda, that journey has given rise to Bakisimbatronics – a genre pioneered by Maganda Shakul that fuses the rhythmic foundations of Bakisimba with electronic music. In this feature, Furaha Ruguru explores the origins of the movement, the community…
Somi on African Women in Jazz, Grammy Nomination and Spotify’s EQUAL August Cover
Somi became the first African woman nominated in a Grammy jazz category when her live album Holy Room – Live at Alte Oper received a Best Jazz Vocal Album nomination in 2021. She also became the first Rwandan /Ugandan to receive a Grammy nomination. Now, Spotify has named Somi its EQUAL Africa Artist for August…
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…
Liya on Growth, Identity, Finding Her Voice & Redefining Afro-Fusion | Music Custodian Sessions Ep 6
Liya is an Afro-Fusion singer whose music carries emotion, softness, strength, and quiet conviction — and in this episode of Music Custodian Sessions, she opens up about her journey, growth, and the freedom of truly finding her voice. In this intimate conversation, Liya reflects on her early beginnings, her time as the first female artist…
Juls Baby Is Soundtracking the Diaspora & Redefining Global Music — Music Custodian Sessions Returns With a New Episode
Music Custodian announces a brand new episode of Music Custodian Sessions, featuring globally acclaimed producer Juls — the architect behind some of the most distinctive African and diasporic sounds of the last decade. In this intimate sit-down filmed in Nairobi, Juls reflects on his creative evolution, cultural identity, and the sonic philosophy shaping his next…
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…
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…
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