Category: Regional Soundscapes
Explore the diverse musical traditions and contemporary sounds from different regions across Africa
The BET Awards 2025: A Monumental Celebration of Black Culture and Excellence
The 25th Annual BET Awards, held on June 9, 2025, at the iconic Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles, delivered one of the most memorable nights in entertainment history. Titled “Culture’s Biggest Night,” the ceremony marked a quarter-century of Black excellence, legacy, and unstoppable talent. Hosted by the irrepressible Kevin Hart, the show was an electrifying…
Sound, Plants, and the Environment: Can Music Support Climate Action?
At Music Custodian, we’re always curious about how music intersects with the world around us—especially when it comes to climate and environmental sustainability. One surprising area of interest? Plants and sound. You’ve probably heard the old idea that “talking to your plants helps them grow.” But is there any truth to that? Can plants really…
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…
How the African Music Industry Can Drive Creative Climate Action and Sustainable Innovation
The African music industry has long been a powerful force for social change, with artists using their platforms to address pressing issues. In recent years, climate action has emerged as a central theme in the creative expressions of many musicians. From the revolutionary sounds of Fela Kuti to the contemporary advocacy of artists like Cill…
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….
Everything You Need to Know About Hey Neighbour Festival 2025 in Pretoria
The wait is finally over! Hey Neighbour Festival is back for its much-anticipated second season, lighting up the stunning Legends Adventure Farm in Pretoria from 29 to 31 August 2025. After an unforgettable debut in 2023 that captivated over 60,000 music lovers, this vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community is ready to deliver even…
Here Are the 2025 American Music Awards Winners: A Night of Power, Prestige & Black Excellence
The 2025 American Music Awards (AMAs), held on May 26 at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas and hosted by Jennifer Lopez, celebrated a diverse array of musical talents. Billie Eilish emerged as the night’s biggest winner, securing seven awards, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year for Hit Me Hard and Soft, and Song…
Temi Adeniji Makes Billboard’s 2025 Global Power Players List
Temi Adeniji, Managing Director of Warner Music Africa (WMA), has once again earned a spot on Billboard’s prestigious Global Power Players list for 2025, marking her second consecutive year in the spotlight. This recognition underscores another year of dynamic leadership and cultural influence, as Adeniji continues to drive Warner Music’s strategic expansion and impact across…
Gyakie Returns With “Sankofa” Ushers in Her Most Vulnerable Era Yet : A Prelude to the Long-Awaited After Midnight Debut Album
Few voices in African music today cut through with the clarity, soul, and emotional depth of Gyakie. The Ghanaian singer-songwriter returns with her new single, Sankofa, a stirring ballad and the first taste of her long-awaited debut album, After Midnight. Rooted in the meaning of the Ghanaian adinkra symbol — to retrieve what was lost…
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…