The Watendawili member takes a more personal route on his four-track solo EP, Gweth, drawing together faith, love, cultural expression and the determination to keep moving. There is a particular kind of confidence in recognising how far one has travelled without losing sight of how much further there is to go. It is an understanding…
Bien, The Kenyan singer-songwriter begins a new chapter through a joint venture between Quality Control and Courtesy Of, ahead of his forthcoming album, Alusa Continua, scheduled for November 20. Kenyan singer-songwriter Bien has entered a new phase of his solo career through a joint venture between American record label Quality Control Music and Courtesy Of,…
From Blaqbonez and Seyi Vibez to KiDi, Sarkodie, Sofiya Nzau, Phyno and King Paluta, Music Custodian’s latest playlist update captures African music moving confidently across scenes, borders and generations. The final New Music Friday of August does not arrive with one dominant story. That might be its most interesting quality. This week’s Afrobeats Heat Different…
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…
Kenya’s music scene continues to push creative boundaries. This week’s standout releases blend introspection, swagger, and dance-floor-ready beats—from Bien’s viral confidence anthem to Nadia Mukami’s heartfelt reflection on motherhood, Scar Mkadinali bringing street heat, with Willy Paul, and Bensoul and Kethan adding romantic and summer vibes respectively. Each track offers something unique, capturing the mood…
Oontztopia is an event collective worth emulating—not only for their genre-defining music curation, but also for their approach to building a loyal and inclusive community. Prioritizing safety, fairness, and unforgettable experiences, their events go beyond dance—they are spaces for connection. Having attended personally, I can attest to their high standards, including limited-ticket giveaways they run…
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…
Kenyan artist Bien has been nominated for ‘Best Artist – East Africa’ at the 2025 Trace Awards, marking Kenya’s sole representation in this prestigious category. Competing against top East African artists like Diamond Platnumz and Zuchu, Bien’s nomination highlights the global influence of East African music. The event, taking place in Zanzibar from February 24-26, will celebrate African music, culture, and creativity. With several other East African artists nominated, including Diamond Platnumz and Young Lunya, the Trace Awards emphasize the region’s growing presence in the global music scene. Fans can support their favorite artists through voting.
Spotify Paid $10 Billion to Music Industry in 2024 And Nearly $60 Billion Since 2006
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