Rolling Stone’s “250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century”: A Global Canon and the Call for a More Expansive Sound Memory

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…

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Tems

Tems Ignites Blankets and Wine 2025 in Nairobi

Grammy award winner, Tems, returns to Kenyan for her debut at the blankets and wine festival that blends fashion, culture, and unforgettable performances On Sunday, September 28th, the Laurette Gardens in Kasarani transformed into a sea of music, fashion, and cultural expression as Blankets and Wine 2025 returned for another edition. Thousands flocked to the…

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Vic Mensa ’s Sundiata: A Return to Independence, Heritage, and the Living Archive of African Music

There’s something poetic about watching an artist step into their own light — unfiltered, unbound, and unapologetically in control. For Vic Mensa, that moment has truly arrived. Long celebrated as one of hip-hop’s most fearless thinkers, the Chicago-born, LA-based rapper has spent the last decade weaving through the worlds of music, activism, and art with…

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Francophone Renaissance: From Dakar to Abidjan, the New Age of Rap & Afropop 

At Music Custodian, we’re tuning our ears to new frequencies. As part of a fresh editorial wave, we’re stepping beyond the familiar rhythms of Afrobeats to explore the vibrant, genre-blending soundscapes flourishing across West Africa — with a spotlight on the often-overlooked Francophone regions. From Dakar to Abidjan, a quiet renaissance is reshaping the sonic…

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Ata Kak Breaks 30-Year Silence: Highlife Pioneer Returns with New Album & ‘Obaa Sima’ Remaster

From cult mystery to global icon, Ghana’s elusive pop wizard is back — and he’s bringing a sonic storm with him. In a world of fast fame and fleeting hits, Ata Kak stands as a miraculous anomaly. After three decades of silence, the enigmatic Ghanaian artist is returning with a brand new album, Batakari, due…

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How Afrobeats DJs Are Redefining Stage Energy and African Music Experience

In the ever-shapeshifting soundscape of Afrobeats, one truth rings louder with every drop and drumline: the synergy between DJs and artists is no longer a behind-the-scenes affair—it’s the beating heart of the live experience. From sold-out events in Lagos, Accra to seismic festival stages in Europe, London, Paris, and beyond, Afrobeats DJs have stepped far…

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Spotify

Spotify Introduces Custom Playlist Transitions for Premium Users

Spotify is rolling out a game-changing feature that allows Premium subscribers to add custom transitions between tracks in their playlists. The new tool, currently in beta, offers users the flexibility to either auto-generate transitions or manually create them using preset options, such as fade, rise, and blend. This marks a significant step in Spotify’s ongoing…

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Ebne Hakim Releases “Tsehaye,” a Stirring Ode to Longing and Hope

Rising Ethiopian artist Ebne Hakim returns with his latest single, “Tsehaye,” a poignant meditation on love, memory, and the quiet strength of hope. The track—whose title means “sun” in Amharic—is a deeply personal ballad wrapped in warm melodies and inspired by the energy and rhythms of Tigrigna traditional beats. Released during Ashenda, an annual cultural…

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Nyashinski signs landmark deal with Sony Music Entertainment, marking a new dawn for East African Music

In a move that signals a seismic shift for East African music on the global stage, Nyashinski, one of Kenya’s most enduring and influential artists, has signed a groundbreaking recording deal with Sony Music. The partnership inaugurates a new chapter not only for the artist but also for the region’s burgeoning cultural export, positioning East…

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Women Behind the Beat: Celebrating Female Trailblazers in African Music

Afrobeats is powered by more than just the stars on stage; the brilliant women behind the scenes also shape it.From producers and songwriters to executives and managers, women across West Africa are redefining the sound and spirit of Afrobeats with bold creativity and quiet force. As Marie Claire notes, their influence continues to shine brightly…

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