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November 7, 2025
Music Custodian

Music Custodian

Africa's Rhythm, Global Impact.

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Lanky Makaveli: Rising Star in Afro-Fusion, Set to Release Game-Changing EP

AdminJuly 17, 2024July 17, 2024012 mins

Lanky Makaveli is a dynamic and emerging force in the Afro-fusion music scene. With a personal background marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of his goals, Lanky embodies the spirit of an artist with a lot of love to give despite the challenges he’s faced.

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Amplifying Africa’s top-tier soundscapes while nurturing a creative music community through guardianship, skills development, and storytelling 🎙️

You tryna know all my secrets, bro?” @julsbaby_ You tryna know all my secrets, bro?” @julsbaby_ teases with a grin — before unraveling his process of digging deep into the world’s sound archives. 

From Detroit to Accra, Chicago to Hackney, he’s constantly tracing frequencies, researching roots, and reimagining what it means to make music that moves thousands.

🎙️ Music Custodian Sessions
Juls Baby: Soundtracking the Diaspora, One Record at a Time

Coming soon.

#MusicCustodianSessions #JulsBaby #SoundtrackingTheDiaspora #AfroFusion #AfricanProducers #CultureInSound #AfricanMusicCommunity #MusicCustodian #AmplifyingAfricanCulture
This week’s Afrobeats Heat Different playlist ra This week’s Afrobeats Heat Different playlist radiates pure sonic fire — a carefully balanced fusion of rhythm, reflection, and rebellion. 

With @showdemcamp gracing our cover, the playlist celebrates the duo’s lyrical mastery and timeless craftsmanship, embodied perfectly in “Italawa” — a record that threads nostalgia and groove through the fine cloth of contemporary Afrobeats storytelling.

Each track in this update embodies the genre’s fearless evolution. @the.cavemen open the set with “Dancing Shoes”, a lush highlife groove that feels both ancestral and fresh, while @seyi_vibez “How Are You” carries raw emotion and grit straight from the street to the soul. 

Global resonance comes alive on “Working II”, where Keith Sweat, @liltunechi , and @qingmadi  bridge R&B nostalgia with Nigerian tenderness. Meanwhile, @2niteflavour and @baabamaalofficial bring a pan-African dialogue to “Afroculture”, and Badshah’s collaboration with @davido on “Wallah Wallah” seals the global Afrobeats continuum.

Across the tracklist, @phynofino , Monaky, Jeriq, and Ice Prince reaffirm that lyrical edge and cultural texture still matter in modern African pop, while @damioniru_ and @oladapoofficial close the rotation on a honeyed note with “What We Call It”. 

This playlist isn’t just a mood — it’s a manifesto of how deep, diverse, and dynamic Afrobeats continues to be.
This is what Afrobeats sounds like when it hits differently — global, grounded, and gloriously groovy.

#AfrobeatsHeatDifferent #MusicCustodian #ShowDemCamp #AfrobeatsCulture #AfricanMusic #NewMusicAfrica #GlobalGroove #HighlifeToTheWorld
Custodian Gems: The Sound of Tomorrow as curated b Custodian Gems: The Sound of Tomorrow as curated by Music Custodian

Every week, Custodian Gems uncovers the emerging sounds shaping the next era of African music — and this week’s update glows with fresh energy. 

Leading the charge is @official_oshamo , our cover artist, whose single “Contour” balances introspection with rhythm, revealing a sonic dexterity that captures the restless heartbeat of today’s alt and Afrobeats fusion scene.

This edition brings together a collective of daring voices — @deelagram “Why Always Me” rides on a wavy groove of defiance and melody; Jamz FR brings heat with “Jamzy Vibe”; while @deolamusic_ shines on “Kawosoke”, a radiant tune steeped in smooth Afro-fusion. @hyce_thegreat “Call My Name” and @iam_soundz “Zoom” offer both tenderness and tempo, bridging soulful hooks with sharp production. 

Elsewhere, @oladapoofficial reaffirms his elegant approach on “Expensive”, and @arathejay , @zenunivrse , and Trigga each deliver distinct textures that reflect the vibrancy of Africa’s new wave — unfiltered, confident, and sonically rich.

Custodian Gems remains a reminder that the continent’s underground is brimming with brilliance — voices waiting to be heard, stories waiting to be sung, and rhythms ready to travel the world.

#CustodianGems #MusicCustodian #NewMusicAfrica #AfroFusion #AltéAfrica #oSHAMO #DiscoverAfrica #EmergingVoices #AfrobeatsNext #SoundsofAfrica #AfricanMusicCommunity
We Celebrate D’Angelo — The Neo-Soul Architect We Celebrate D’Angelo — The Neo-Soul Architect Who Redefined a Generation 🎧🤌🏽

When the world needed a revival of soul, D’Angelo answered — not with noise, but with nuance. 

Emerging in the mid-1990s, he reshaped the language of modern R&B with Brown Sugar, an album that blended hip-hop’s grit, gospel’s spirit, and soul’s intimacy. It wasn’t just a record — it was the birth of a movement. 

D’Angelo’s voice carried warmth and conviction, uniting a generation seeking meaning beyond melody. 
His sound, rooted in the spiritual lineage of Marvin Gaye and Curtis Mayfield, became the blueprint for what we now call neo-soul — a genre that gave depth to rhythm and grace to groove.

With Voodoo (2000), D’Angelo didn’t just expand his art; he redefined it. The album’s raw sensuality and spiritual depth transformed vulnerability into power, with “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” becoming an anthem of emotional honesty in Black music. 

Beyond its Grammy wins and chart success, Voodoo proved that soul could evolve — intimate yet universal, timeless yet contemporary. 

Three decades later, his sonic fingerprint lingers in artists like H.E.R., SZA, Brent Faiyaz, Thundercat, and Daniel Caesar, each channeling that same blend of tenderness and transcendence that D’Angelo embodied.

Across Africa, his influence ripples quietly but powerfully. You can hear traces of his tone and texture in Tay Iwar’s layered harmonies, Nonso Amadi’s romantic introspection, and Obongjayar’s raw expressiveness. 

He bridged continents through sound — proving that soul, in its purest form, has no borders. As we celebrate his legacy, Music Custodian honors D’Angelo not just as an artist, but as a frequency — one that continues to pulse through the heart of modern music, guiding every artist brave enough to feel deeply and tell the truth through rhythm.

#MusicCustodian #AfricanMusicLegends #DAngelo #NeoSoul #SoulMusic #RnBHistory #BrownSugar #Voodoo #GlobalSoul #AltSoul #MusicLegacy #TayIwar #NonsoAmadi #HERSZA #MusicCustodianSpotlight
@asakemusic Turns NPR’s Tiny Desk into a Mini La @asakemusic Turns NPR’s Tiny Desk into a Mini Lagos: Rhythm, Roots, and Reckoning

Asake’s @npr  #tinydesk debut strips back stadium spectacle and replaces it with something closer to home: a living room turned Lagos street party. The Nigerian star delivered a tight, soulful set that folded Afrobeats, amapiano and Fuji into a single, irresistible rhythm — performed live, raw, and unplugged behind NPR’s legendary desk. The performance is now available to watch on NPR Music’s Tiny Desk channel. 

Across a short but mighty set, Asake threaded fan favorites and recent hits into a seamless medley, moving from intimate balladry to percussion-driven grooves. 

From the band’s warmth to soft horns and layered harmonies, this live energy reimagined his studio records for an up-close audience. 
The moment that turned heads came when he picked up mini bongos for “Fuji Vibe,” closing the session with a dance break that felt like a tiny, portable New Afrika Shrine 🚀

Do you want to know why this matters: Asake’s appearance at Tiny Desk is part of a broader cultural shift where African artists are being invited to reinterpret their music in global, low-barrier formats that prioritize craft and context. 

His set demonstrated how Afrobeats and its neighboring currents (amapiano, Fuji) adapt spectacularly to small spaces — amplifying nuance, improvisation, and the communal spirit that underpins so much of West Africa’s live tradition. 

Watch it now and take notes — this is the kind of performance that converts casual listeners into curious students of rhythm. 

#MusicCustodian #Asake #TinyDesk #NPRMusic #Afrobeats #Amapiano #FujiVibe #LiveMusic #AfricanSound #CustodianOnGround
The rhythm never stops. This week’s Afrobeats He The rhythm never stops. This week’s Afrobeats Heat Different update brings together the continent’s most magnetic sounds — where cross-continental collaborations, genre-bending records, and fresh sonic textures define the moment.

@tyla takes the cover with “Chanel”, a sultry, fashion-infused record that reaffirms her global reign as Afrobeats’ newest pop export. Around her, a constellation of stars shines bright — @ckay_yo and @mavoswago deliver infectious chemistry on “Body”, while @djmaphorisa @wizkidayo @dj_tunez and @mavoswago bridge amapiano with Afro-luxury on “Money Constant.”

@mavoswago & @davido keep the tempo high with “Shakabulizzy (Remix)”, as @theycallmeshallipopi & @gunna ‘s “Him” and @santandave &  @temsbaby “Raindance” highlight Afrobeats’ growing fusion with global hip-hop and R&B. The underground meets the avant-garde with @prettyboydo ‘s “Which One Be Canada” and @mreazi “Violence”, while @the.cavemen link up with @pa_salieu on “Gatekeepers” for a lush highlife-meets-grime moment.

Elsewhere, @lilkeshofficial & @iamballoranking bring Lagos street heat on “TTGG,” @bhadboi_oml leans into melodic introspection on “Oversability,” and @iamdelb ,  @reekadobanks & @hotkeedfire find groove perfection in “Pattern Am.” The energy rounds up with @bojonthemicrophone @showdemcamp & @1realjoeyb on “Shana,” and @julsbaby_ & @tayiwar closing things out on a dreamy, mid-tempo note with “Magic.”

From amapiano’s bounce to Afropop’s soul, Afrobeats Heat Different remains a celebration of Africa’s sound in constant motion — evolving, genre-fluid, and eternally global.

#MusicCustodian #AfrobeatsHeatDifferent #Tyla #Chanel #Afrobeats #NewMusicFriday #AfricanSound #GlobalMusic #Amapiano #Afropop #MusicCuration
After months of subtle teasers, mysterious wardrob After months of subtle teasers, mysterious wardrobe nods, and cryptic clips, South African global star @tyla has officially released her long-awaited single “Chanel.” The track arrives on the heels of her international breakout success and the viral reign of “Water,” setting the stage for another bold chapter in her evolution as one of the most magnetic voices in African pop.

“Chanel” has been a fixture in Tyla’s teasers for months — from behind-the-scenes studio clips to snippets that left fans begging for a full version. When the pre-save link finally dropped earlier this week, anticipation reached fever pitch across TikTok and Instagram, as fans rallied behind what they believed could be her next viral moment.

But the drop hasn’t come without drama. Shortly before the release, rapper Yung Miami took to social media, claiming Tyla’s new track mirrored her own concept from “Take Me to Chanel.” The debate quickly went viral, creating a split narrative — some fans defending Tyla’s originality and others accusing her of creative borrowing. Regardless of the chatter, the controversy only intensified attention, turning “Chanel” into one of the most talked-about drops of the week.

Musically, the track leans into Tyla’s trademark blend of sleek Amapiano-inspired rhythms and polished pop aesthetics. Her delivery remains sultry yet controlled, embodying the effortless confidence that has come to define her artistry. “Chanel” feels like more than just a fashion-inspired anthem — it’s an expression of luxury, allure, and power, told through the lens of a young African woman owning her narrative on the world stage.

With every release, Tyla continues to blur lines between African-rooted rhythm and global pop sophistication. Whether “Chanel” becomes her next international chart climber or simply another fan favorite, one thing is clear — Tyla isn’t just making music; she’s defining what the future of African global pop sounds and feels like.

#MusicCustodian #Tyla #Chanel #NewMusic #AfroPop #Amapiano #AfricanExcellence #GlobalSound #MusicNews #WomenInMusic
@littlesimz has once again proven why she stands a @littlesimz has once again proven why she stands as one of the most important voices in global hip-hop. On a monumental evening at London’s O2 Arena, the British-Nigerian rapper, actress, and visionary delivered a spellbinding performance that felt both triumphant and deeply personal — a full-circle moment in her meteoric rise.

Performing to a sold-out crowd, Simz curated an electrifying setlist that bridged her evolution from the gritty introspection of Grey Area to the cinematic grandeur of Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and NO THANK YOU. 

Backed by a live orchestra, the show seamlessly wove together raw lyricism, bold visuals, and a palpable intimacy that left the audience awestruck.

Every moment at the O2 was a celebration of artistic control and cultural pride. Simz’s storytelling, always sharp and soul-baring, carried the essence of North London grit fused with diasporic brilliance. Her performance of Introvert and Point and Kill brought the crowd to its feet — a rousing fusion of identity, power, and presence.

Beyond the music, the night symbolized something greater: a young Black woman commanding one of the world’s biggest stages on her own terms. 

No gimmicks, no compromises — just pure artistry. It was a statement of ownership, of self-determination, and of the creative freedom that Simz has long championed.

As the lights dimmed and the final chords of Woman echoed through the arena, it was clear this wasn’t just another concert — it was history in motion. Little Simz didn’t just perform at the O2; she redefined what it means to arrive.

#LittleSimz #MusicCustodian #O2Arena #BritishMusic #AfricanExcellence #HipHopCulture #BlackCreatives #LivePerformance #WomenInMusic
The Future of Music Streaming in Africa: Progress The Future of Music Streaming in Africa: Progress or Peril in Disguise?

Music streaming has transformed how Africa listens, discovers, and shares sound. What was once the domain of CDs, flash drives, and street-side speakers has now become a vast digital ecosystem powered by smartphones, cheaper data, and global platforms. 

From Boomplay and Mdundo to Spotify, Audiomack, and Apple Music, the continent has witnessed a new era of connection — one where artists can reach fans across townships, borders, and continents in real time. Streaming isn’t just changing the game; it’s rewriting the entire rulebook for Africa’s creative economy.

But behind the buzz and access lies a complex reality. While streaming empowers artists with insights and independence, it also exposes a growing imbalance — where visibility doesn’t always equal viability. 

For many emerging musicians, the numbers don’t translate into sustainable income. Challenges such as limited internet access, low payout rates, and complex payment systems continue to make streaming a double-edged sword. It’s progress, yes — but one that still feels unevenly distributed.

The next frontier for African music isn’t just about global reach; it’s about fair access and equitable reward. Collaboration between telcos, platforms, and policymakers will be crucial in ensuring that innovation leads to inclusion. If the continent can align data accessibility, mobile payments, and fairer artist remuneration, streaming could evolve from a trend into a true cultural infrastructure. Because when the music pays the musician, everyone wins.

#MusicCustodian #AfricanMusicRising #StreamingInAfrica #MusicBusiness #AfrobeatsEconomy #DigitalAfrica #Boomplay #SpotifyAfrica #Audiomack #Mdundo #AppleMusic #CulturalInnovation #FairPlay #CustodianReports #MusicInAfrica #CustodianConversations
The energy was unmatched when Omizzy stepped in fo The energy was unmatched when Omizzy stepped in for his Music Custodian Session. 🎙️

We got real about the music, the grind, and the fire that fuels his sound — a rising voice in Africa’s new wave who’s shaping his lane with bold authenticity. 

From rhythm to reflection, this one’s not just a conversation; it’s a snapshot of passion in motion.

@omizzy_ttw opens up about what it truly means to be recognized by champions across music and sport — and how that love fuels his journey rather than weighs it down. 

From Lagos to the world, his fire speaks louder than words. 🔥

The full conversation drops soon exclusively on Music Custodian. 

Stay tuned — this one’s about purpose, passion, and the power of belief. 🌍🎙️

Produced by @kingjordanabiola for @musiccustodian 

#MusicCustodianSessions #Omizzy #MusicCustodian #AfricanMusicRising #NaijaNext #CultureConversation #NewWaveAfrica #AfricanMusicCommunity
The Afrobeats Heat Different playlist returns this The Afrobeats Heat Different playlist returns this week with a pulsating new update, spotlighting some of the most infectious rhythms and cross-continental collaborations defining the African sound right now. 

Fronted by @zlatan_ibile as our cover artist, the latest curation is a testament to Afrobeats’ ever-evolving energy — from street-certified anthems to smooth crossovers and genre-blending textures.

Leading the pack, Zlatan’s “Oyoyo” sets the tone with his signature street bounce, while @ayrastarr Starr and @heisrema deliver a magnetic duet on “Who’s That Girl.” 

@youngjonn keeps the tempo alive with “Full Control,” and @blaqbonez & @folapondis reimagine global rhythm on “Despacito.” 

There’s also an irresistible groove from @moliymusic & @tyla on “Body Go,” Afro-fusion smoothness from @ajebutter22 , @minznse & @bojonthemicrophone with “Gbe Kini Yen,” and @patorankingfire commanding “No Jonze.”

The lineup stretches from @kizzdaniel , @officialniniola , and @aphrodija to @diamondplatnumz & @focalistic , each artist contributing to a vibrant soundscape that celebrates the range and reach of modern Afrobeats. 

From dancefloor heaters to late-night jams, this update reminds us — Afrobeats doesn’t just play; it hits different.

#AfrobeatsHeatDifferent #MusicCustodian #NewMusicAfrica #Zlatan #AyraStarr #Rema #Tyla #Blaqbonez #Patoranking #KizzDaniel #Niniola #AfricanMusic #PlaylistUpdate
Brenda Fassie — the indomitable Queen of African Brenda Fassie — the indomitable Queen of African Pop — was more than a performer; she was the pulse of a generation. Born in Langa, Cape Town, and affectionately known as MaBrrr, her music captured the heartbeat of South Africa through decades of change. 

From Weekend Special to Vulindlela, Brenda’s voice was a mirror to both the struggle and the spirit of her people — fearless, soulful, and unfiltered. Her electrifying stage presence and audacious charm redefined township pop and pushed it onto global stages with unapologetic authenticity.

Through an illustrious career that spanned over two decades, Brenda Fassie became a symbol of resilience and freedom. Albums like Too Late for Mama, Black President, and Memeza showcased not only her versatility but also her courage to speak truth to power in melody and rhythm. 

She embodied rebellion, beauty, and the fight for joy in equal measure. Today, MaBrrr’s voice still resounds — a timeless reminder that African music has always been bold, brilliant, and boundless. 🌍✨

Visit the link in our bio to more of these stories that shaped Africa as the hub for global music inspiration 🤌🏽🎧🚀

#MusicCustodianSpotlight #AfricanMusicLegends #BrendaFassie #MaBrrr #QueenOfAfricanPop #SouthAfricanMusic #AfricanIcons #TownshipPop #MusicCustodian #PanAfricanSound
When Rolling Stone unveiled its list of the 250 Gr When Rolling Stone unveiled its list of the 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far, it wasn’t merely another chart exercise; it was an attempt to define the sound of a generation. 

The list, headlined by Missy Elliott’s “Get Ur Freak On”, is a sonic mosaic of the past 25 years — a timeline of rhythm, rebellion, reinvention, and resonance. 

In many ways, it mirrors how the century has sounded through the ears of the Western mainstream. But beneath that reflection lies a deeper question: Who gets to define greatness in a global music century?

From the get-go, the top slots read like a familiar roll call — Beyoncé & Jay-Z’s “Crazy in Love”, Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright”, Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well”, The White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army”, Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You”. These are undeniable works of influence and craft. 

Yet, as the list evolves, one begins to see traces of how music has outgrown geography — from Robyn’s electro melancholy to NewJeans’ Korean pop precision, and the digital bedroom revolutions of artists who defined music’s post-industry reality.

For those of us in the global South — from Lagos to Nairobi, Accra to Johannesburg, Kingston to Cape Town — this list reads both as recognition and reminder. Recognition, because many of the production aesthetics that shape modern pop and hip-hop owe their DNA to African and diasporic rhythms. 

Reminder, because even in 2025, too few African songs have been canonized in global lists of this scale. Burna Boy, Wizkid, Tems, Davido, Aṣa, and Sho Madjozi remain cultural architects, yet often on the periphery of Western canonization.

Read the full article on our website www.musiccustodian.com

#MusicCustodian #RollingStone250 #AfricanMusic #BlackMusicExcellence #GlobalSound #CulturalCustodians #AfrobeatsToTheWorld #21stCenturyMusic #SoundOfANewAge #MusicJournalism #CustodianReportage
Solange Opens the Saint Heron Library — Preservi Solange Opens the Saint Heron Library — Preserving Black Literature, One Book at a Time

@solangeknowles has quietly launched one of her most profound projects yet — a free lending library dedicated to rare and out-of-print works by Black and brown writers, artists, and thinkers. Through her creative platform Saint Heron, the Saint Heron Library places cultural preservation directly in the hands of the people. No gatekeepers, no institutional barriers — just access, intention, and community.

The concept is refreshingly simple: readers sign up online, choose from a seasonally curated list of rare first editions, artist catalogues, and critical texts, and receive them straight to their door. Each borrower gets 45 days to engage with the work before sending it back — postage paid — so that another reader can experience it. The honor-based system transforms reading into a shared act of cultural stewardship, circulating knowledge that was once locked away in archives or priced beyond reach.

This initiative is more than a library; it’s a living, breathing archive — a tactile bridge between past and present Black thought. Solange continues to redefine what cultural innovation looks like, turning preservation into participation and reminding us that access is its own form of power. The Saint Heron Library is not just about reading — it’s about reclaiming and reimagining the Black intellectual legacy for generations to come.

Video credit to @malindipress 🤌🏽🎧

#SolangeKnowles #SaintHeron #BlackLiterature #CulturalPreservation #MusicCustodian #BlackCreativity #SaintHeronLibrary #ArtAndArchives #Solange #BlackExcellence #CustodianCulture #InnovationThroughArt
This moment matters deeply for the African creativ This moment matters deeply for the African creative economy. As global attention intensifies on narratives of authenticity, heritage, and multidimensional identity, inclusion in BoF’s elite index is more than a feather in the cap—it’s leverage. 

It opens doors to luxury collaborations, brand partnerships, fashion shows, and influence in industries that historically separated music from fashion. 

For fans, up-and-coming artists, style disruptors, and culture custodians alike, this is proof: your voice, your style, your story can straddle both stages — one built with rhythm, the other with fabric.

#BoF500 #AfricaFashion #MusicMeetsFashion #Tems #AyraStarr #GraceLadoja #CultureInnovators #MusicCustodian #Skepta #Sims #MrEazi #TemiAjibade #AfricanMusicCommunity
With his new EP Sundiata, @vicmensa steps into a r With his new EP Sundiata, @vicmensa steps into a realm of full ownership: this is his first project released independently after parting ways with Roc Nation. 

The title—drawing from the legendary Sundiata Keita of Mali—signals more than reverence; it speaks to his artistic reclamation, tethering personal narrative to the weight of African legacy. 

Through Sundiata, Vic is not chasing charts—he’s anchoring himself within a continuum of Black self-determination and cultural memory. 
The narrative in Sundiata becomes even more potent when viewed through the lens of lineage and continuity. 

In the video for “I Wanna Be Ready”, Mensa is flanked by his father and newborn son, draped in regal Ghanaian kente—a visual bridge between past, present, and future. 
The moment underscores that heritage is not static; it lives, breathes, and evolves through music, ritual, family, and expression. 

But perhaps the boldest move lies in how he’s released it: exclusively via his own website, bypassing traditional distributors and streaming gatekeepers. 

With tiered access packages and direct-to-fan engagement, Vic experiments with a model of creative economy rooted in control and intimacy. In doing so, Sundiata emerges as more than music—it becomes a blueprint for a new diaspora of artists who refuse to cede their narrative or their revenue.

Go read up on it on our website ( www.musiccustodian.com )

#VicMensa #Sundiata #MusicCustodian #EP #NewMusic #BlackExcellence #ArchivingAfricanMusic
In a powerful statement about the convergence of s In a powerful statement about the convergence of sound, style, and storytelling, the Business of Fashion (BoF) 500 Class of 2025 has elevated Africa’s creatives—from musicians to culture innovators—to new heights. 

This year’s list doesn’t just celebrate those working behind the runway; it underscores how music creators are shaping global fashion narratives with as much weight and originality as designers themselves. 

The names making waves include Tems, Ayra Starr, Grace Ladoja, Seni Saraki & Teezee Zaccheaus, Daniel Obasi, Ibby Njoya and several others, each bringing their own fusion of sonic identity and sartorial expression.

What stands out isn’t just their talent, but the way these creatives are redefining what it means to be a musician in 2025. Ayra Starr’s bold, futuristic fashion choices complement her musical risks; Tems blends elegance and raw aesthetic truth. Grace Ladoja bridges cultural identity and style strategy through her work with Metallic Inc., while Daniel Obasi pushes visual storytelling through art direction and Afrofuturist aesthetic lenses. 

These figures show up not only in studios and stages, but on red carpets and fashion publications—and they’re doing so on their own terms.

…. Part 1 (post to be continued)

#BoF500 #AfricaFashion #MusicMeetsFashion #Tems #AyraStarr #GraceLadoja #CultureInnovators #MusicCustodian
“You know it’s real friendship when she’s re “You know it’s real friendship when she’s ready to rescue you from an escape room.” 😂

In ELLE’s latest Phoning It In episode, Teyana Taylor calls up Keke Palmer in full panic — claiming she’s trapped in a creepy Hollywood escape room while scouting a venue for her album release party. 

Without hesitation, Keke drops everything, reassuring her, “It’s OK baby, we’re on the way!” … only for Teyana to reveal it’s a prank call for the magazine.

The internet can’t get enough of their sisterhood, quick wit, and pure loyalty. May we all find a friend that rides for us as hard as @keke rides for @teyanataylor. 💕

#TeyanaTaylor #KekePalmer #ELLE #PhoningItIn #MusicCustodian #SisterhoodInSound #BlackExcellence #LaughterInCulture
Tems Expands Her Mission: The Leading Vibe Initiat Tems Expands Her Mission: The Leading Vibe Initiative Lands in Kenya

Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Tems continues to prove that her impact extends far beyond the stage. Through her Leading Vibe Initiative, she’s championing a new wave of empowerment for women in music across Africa — and her latest stop in Kenya marked a powerful step in that journey.

The Nairobi event, hosted in collaboration with Hennessy and Native Instruments, gathered young female creators, producers, and vocalists under one roof for an experience rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and community. In Tems’ own words, “Seeing the artists, hearing their music, and feeling their energy in real life gives me new motivation to keep going.” The session amplified the Initiative’s core mission — creating access to tools, resources, and networks that help women thrive creatively.

Speaking with warmth and conviction, Tems highlighted that “being a woman in music means really having to believe in yourself and stay true to your fire.” @leadingvibeinitiative now stands as one of the most authentic, grassroots efforts to build a sustainable ecosystem for women in the creative industries — an extension of @temsbaby  artistry and purpose to uplift, connect, and inspire across borders.

🎥: @deedsstudio
🤝: @hennessy | @nativeinstruments | @leadingvibeinitiative

🌍 #Tems #LeadingVibeInitiative #MusicCustodian #WomenInMusic #KenyaToTheWorld #AfricanMusicEcosystem #AfricanMusicCommunity
🎧 MONDAY MOTIVATION | Energy Is Contagious “ 🎧 MONDAY MOTIVATION | Energy Is Contagious

“If you sit within 25 ft of a high performer, your performance improves by 15%. But if you sit within 25 ft of a low performer, it drops by 30%…”

At Music Custodian, we believe that proximity is power. The energy, attitude, and vision of those around you are silent architects of your destiny. Every artist, creative, and dream builder must guard their circle — because what you’re near, you become.

As we begin this new week and new month, surround yourself with people who make you sharper, not smaller.
Be in rooms that challenge your potential, not your peace.
Stay close to visionaries who remind you why you started, not those who make you question if you should continue.

This quarter, let’s be intentional with our proximity — because excellence, like rhythm, is contagious.
Let your circle be the beat that keeps your fire alive. 🔥

#MondayMotivation #MusicCustodian #CustodianMindset #CreativeEnergy #ProximityIsPower #AfricaToTheWorld #CustodiansOfSound
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