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July 9, 2025
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Tag: Vallerie Muthoni

Vallerie Muthoni Music Custodian
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Vallerie Muthoni Teams Up With Lil Maina and Kahvinya For A Powerful Collab On “Shake”

Nicole MungaiDecember 11, 2024December 11, 202405 mins

Kenyan-American singer-rapper, dancer, and award-winning creative director Vallerie Muthoni, is thrilled to announce the release of  her new track “Shake,”

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  • Artist Development Programs
  • Emerging Artists
  • New Music
  • Regional Soundscapes

Kenyan-American singer-rapper Vallerie Muthoni Releases Highly Anticipated EP ‘Vision 2020’

Nicole MungaiSeptember 26, 2024September 26, 202403 mins

Kenyan-American singer, rapper, dancer, and award-winning creative director, releases her much-anticipated third EP, further solidifying her image as a multi-faceted, genre-fluid artist on the fast-track to worldwide stardom.

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

Top 10 Albums in Nigeria Right Now 🇳🇬🔥 F Top 10 Albums in Nigeria Right Now 🇳🇬🔥

From the streets of Lagos to the playlists of the diaspora, Nigeria’s most-streamed albums on Spotify reveal who’s owning the soundscape in 2025. Olamide’s self-titled return claims the throne, with BNXN, Kizz Daniel, and Davido securing heavy rotations. But it’s Asake who’s proving he’s in a league of his own—three albums in the Top 10 is nothing short of elite domination.

Odumodublvck’s “The Machine is Coming” punches in with sonic grit, while newcomers like Ayo Maff and genre shifters like Wizkid on Morayo are pushing fresh waves into the mainstream. This list isn’t just numbers—it’s a mirror of what Nigerians are really feeling right now: hustle, softness, bounce, and prophecy.

🎨 Slide through the carousel for the full list 👇🏾
🔗 Powered by @MusicCustodian
📈 Source: Spotify Nigeria (July 2025)

#Top10AlbumsNG #SpotifyNigeria #MusicCustodian #Afrobeats2025 #AsakeTakeover #OlamideReturns #BNXN #KizzDaniel #Wizkid #Odumodublvck #Davido #AyoMaff #LunguBoy #Morayo #AfrobeatsCharts #NigerianMusicScene #AfricanMusicCommunity #MostStreamedAlbums
Afrobeats 2025 is flexing its depth—melodic, sou Afrobeats 2025 is flexing its depth—melodic, soulful, and unapologetically African. The first half of the year delivered transformative tracks that tether street credibility to global resonance. 

From Ayra Starr & Wizkid’s sultry “Gimme Dat” to Shallipopi’s atmospheric “Laho,” Davido & Omah Lay’s breezy romance, and a wave of breakout hits, our mid‑year wrap chronicles a sonic shift: musical intimacy over ostentation, melodic stickiness over lyrical complexity.

This isn’t just a chart roundup—it’s a cultural heartbeat. These songs serve as narratives of hustle, love, growth, and identity, narrating Africa’s pulse from Lagos to Nairobi and beyond. 

Explore the full list—these are the tracks echoing through studios, streets, and stages, defining our continent’s musical moment - Link In Bio 🎧

#Afrobeats2025 #MusicCustodian #AfricanMusicEvolution #AfrobeatsWrapUp #PanAfricanSounds #GlobalAfrobeats #CustodianReportage #MidYearMusicReview #AyraStarr #Wizkid #Shallipopi #Davido #OmahLay #SoundsOfTheContinent #FromNigeriaToNairobi
“The UnderDog Story is the Realest Story There I “The UnderDog Story is the Realest Story There Is” – Snoop Dogg

On this Monday, let these words remind you: when you come from nothing, you understand the value of everything.
That’s why creators born from struggle move with a different rhythm—we hustle differently, we love deeply, and we lead with soul.

@snoopdogg ‘s message is a call to every African music creator, beatmaker, producer, professor, and cultural worker:
👉🏾 Stay humble.
👉🏾 Stay hungry.
👉🏾 Stay true.

There’s only one you—and the world needs more originals, not copies.

So this week, make art that tells your truth. Teach like your ancestors are watching. And show up like your spirit’s on fire.

#MusicCustodian #MondayMotivation #CreatorsOfAfrica #MondayMotivation #SnoopDoggWisdom #AfricanCreators #StayOriginal #FromNothingToSomething #GlobalBlackVoices #MusicEducators #CreativeInspiration #HustleAndSoul #PanAfricanVoices #CustodianConversations #StayHungryStayHumble #OriginalsOnly #BlackExcellenceDaily
BNXN Leads the Charge on Music Custodian’s Updat BNXN Leads the Charge on Music Custodian’s Updated Afrobeats Heat Different Playlist

The pulse of Afrobeats continues to beat louder and wilder, and this week, Music Custodian turns up the dial with a fire-fresh update to our Afrobeats Heat Different playlist—featuring none other than @bnxn as the cover star.

Following the release of his emotionally honest new record “Laye Mi”, BNXN reclaims his position as one of Afrobeats’ most introspective and melodic voices. This week’s cover honours his sonic boldness and lyrical rawness, setting the perfect tone for a playlist that reflects the genre’s ever-evolving energy.

From Blaqbonez’s chaotic bliss on “Go Crazy” to Fave’s heartfelt COLORS performance on “Intentions”, the playlist dives deep into the genre’s most dynamic expressions. The women are holding their ground strong too—GoodGirl LA delivers vocal authority with “Giga”, while Salle gets emotionally vulnerable on “Psycho”.

This curation represents the duality of Afrobeats: spiritual yet street, romantic yet rebellious, global in sound but rooted in African nuance.

🔥 TRACKLIST HIGHLIGHTS:
	•	BNXN – Laye Mi (Cover Star)
	•	Blaqbonez – Go Crazy
	•	Zlatan – Happy Day
	•	Fave x COLORS – Intentions
	•	GoodGirl LA – Giga
	•	Henggz – Domitila
	•	Charlie Jeer x Bloody Civilian – Nobody
	•	Dremo – Daily 2K
	•	Salle – Psycho
	•	YKB – Yii
	•	The MajeeK – Turn Up

Whether you’re in Lagos traffic, Nairobi studio corners, or Jo’burg rooftops—Afrobeats Heat Different is your sonic passport to the movement’s most vital moments.

🎧 [Stream now on Spotify , AudioMack & Apple Music ]
@spotifyafrica @spotify @audiomackafrica @audiomack 

⸻

#AfrobeatsHeatDifferent #BNXN #MusicCustodianPlaylists #AfrobeatsToTheWorld #NaijaSounds #Blaqbonez #Zlatan #FaveOnColors #BloodyCivilian #GoodGirlLA #YKB #BNXNToTheWorld #AfricanMusicPulse #MusicCustodian #AfricanMusicCommunity
Beninese-French musical powerhouse Angélique Kidj Beninese-French musical powerhouse Angélique Kidjo has secured her place in history, becoming the first African musician ever selected for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

The announcement came via the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce during a July 2 press briefing, placing her alongside luminaries like Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Shaquille O’Neal, Deepika Padukone, and Lea Salonga in the Class of 2026 .

Kidjo’s journey—from singing in the streets of Cotonou to a career that spans more than four decades—is a symphony of genre-blending excellence and cultural elevation. With 16 albums, five Grammy Awards, and accolades like TIME’s “Africa’s premier diva,” her music merges Afrobeat, jazz, funk, traditional West African rhythms, and global influences spanning Latin, gospel, and world music . Albums like Logozo, Eve, Celia, and Mother Nature have solidified her status as a trailblazer who brings African spirit to audiences worldwide .

Read all about it through the link in our bio! 

#AngeliqueKidjo #HollywoodWalkOfFame #AfricanMusicLegends #AfrobeatsToTheWorld #GlobalAfricanIcons
“We are the leading vibe, and we’re just getti “We are the leading vibe, and we’re just getting started.”

Global Nigerian star @temsbaby has announced the launch of The Leading Vibe Initiative — a bold, community-driven program designed to amplify the voices of African women in music. Aimed at empowering the next generation of female creatives, the initiative is set to begin this August in Lagos before expanding across the continent.

Announced exclusively via Billboard, the program will bring together 15–20 women for a transformative two-day experience. Participants will connect with industry leaders and creative professionals through songwriting labs, production workshops, studio sessions, meet-and-greets, and targeted mentorship — all engineered to build confidence, skill, and network access for women in Africa’s rapidly evolving music scene.

By providing access, tools and opportunity, we’re creating space for them to find their voices, step into their power and shape the future of music across the continent and globally,” — Tems, founder of The Leading Vibe Initiative

In a compelling video shared across her platforms, Tems speaks directly to the heart of the matter:

“There are thousands of young women just like me — with a voice, a gift, and a desire to be heard. I want to be someone that shows people that there’s hope, because the most heartbreaking thing is to see a light dimmed and a fire never ignited.”

Tems herself is no stranger to navigating uncharted terrain. Her journey from an independent singer-songwriter to a Grammy-winning global icon has been one of self-taught resilience and radical authenticity. Through this initiative, she opens the door for the next generation of producers, engineers, songwriters, vocalists, and visionaries to rise and thrive. @theleadingvibe 

#LeadingVibeInitiative #Tems #WomenInMusic #AfricanCreatives #MusicCustodian #GirlsInMusic #CreativeLeadership #LagosToTheWorld #WomenWhoLead #AfricanMusicNews #ThisIsAfrica #MusicEducation #TheVibeIsFemale
🎥 Watch Tems’ powerful launch message here: 🎥 Watch Tems’ powerful launch message here:

“Now is the time to rise. The time to be seen. The time to be heard. The time to believe. You don’t need to wait any longer. The time is now. So let’s take that leap together.”

—

#LeadingVibeInitiative #Tems #WomenInMusic #AfricanCreatives #MusicCustodian #GirlsInMusic #CreativeLeadership #LagosToTheWorld #WomenWhoLead #AfricanMusicNews #ThisIsAfrica #MusicEducation #TheVibeIsFemale 

How to Apply

If you’re a young woman based in Nigeria with a dream to be seen and a voice waiting to be heard — this is your moment. Visit [link in Tems’ bio] to apply. The deadline is July 13th, 2025.
CUSTODIAN GEMS SPOTLIGHT: XOWIÉ GRACES THE COVER CUSTODIAN GEMS SPOTLIGHT: XOWIÉ GRACES THE COVER WITH “NOBODY’S FOOL”

Fresh off the heels of her stirring Custodian Conversations session, rising star @xowie_music returns to our radar as the cover artist for this week’s Custodian Gems playlist—our curated sonic sanctuary for new-school soul, alternative Afro blends, and the voices redefining music across the continent and diaspora.

Her lead track, “Nobody’s Fool,” is an elegant rebellion—a soft yet searing anthem about self-worth, clarity, and quiet power. It encapsulates everything we love about Xowié: lyrical nuance, arresting melodies, and a vocal tone that lingers like a memory.

The updated playlist brings together a luminous spread of artists making waves in their corners of the scene:

🎧 This Week’s Gems
● Xowié – Nobody’s Fool
● Boydeliann – Suddenly
● Bagetti – Yoro
● Ashidapo – Work It
● Chizzy – Sample You
● Falana – Nostalgia
● Gøshen – Lover Boy
● Rydm – What’s Left
● Vasa – Midnight Convo I
● AnEndlessOcean – River
● M’kiddo – TMS
● Rubby – Overdose

With Custodian Gems, we don’t just chase charts—we archive culture, sound by sound. And with Xowié leading the charge this week, the message is clear: authentic artistry always shines through.

📍Stream the playlist now on Spotify, AudioMack & Apple Music via the link in bio. @spotifyafrica @audiomack @spotify @audiomackafrica 
🗞️ Revisit her full feature interview on www.musiccustodian.com (Link In Bio)

#Xowie #CustodianGems #NewMusicAfrica #AfricanAltScene #MusicCustodian #Nobody’sFool #AltéAfrica #NextGenVoices #AfricanMusicCurators #SoundFromTheSource #PlaylistUpdate #CustodianConversations #SupportIndependentArtists #WomenInMusic #PanAfricanSoundscape #AfricanMusicCommunity
Is Jay‑Z Headlining the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Is Jay‑Z Headlining the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime Show? 🏈🎤

Buzz has erupted across the internet—Jay‑Z is reportedly being considered to headline the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on February 8, 2026 . The speculation began when a viral post claimed that Roc Nation founder might step onto the main stage—a historic move, since he’s been the architect behind past halftime lineups, not the performer .

Fans and pundits wasted no time jumping into the conversation. Some greeted the news with enthusiasm—imagining the sheer energy Jay‑Z could bring—while others joked about the surreal twist of a music mogul selecting himself . One Reddit user even noted:

“Hasn’t he said in the past that he wouldn’t do it? I’m not believing a rumor…” 

It’s true: Jay‑Z has previously expressed reluctance to perform on this stage, turning his focus instead toward shaping the cultural direction of the show through his partnership with the NFL via Roc Nation .

⸻

Why the Talk Makes Sense

Since signing a multi-year strategic deal in 2019, Roc Nation has curated every halftime show, including Kendrick Lamar’s record-breaking LIX performance in 2025 . Jay‑Z has often described hip-hop as the world’s dominant musical force, and under his stewardship, the halftime stage has tilted firmly toward rap and R&B, elevating voices that reflect global cultural narratives .

What’s Still Up in the Air

No official word yet—from Jay‑Z, Roc Nation, or the NFL—and the rumor remains just that. Sportsbooks have even adjusted their odds, shifting Jay‑Z up the list of possible performers . But voting or betting aside, the question remains: does Jay‑Z see this as the next definitive moment in his legacy—as curator and now possible performer?

[ CONTINUED IN THE COMMENTS SECTION ]

#JayZ #SuperBowl2026 #HalftimeShow #RocNation #HipHopOnStage #MusicNews #NFLCulture #BlackExcellence #HipHopLegacy #JayZHalftimeShow #CulturalCurator #RapRoyalty #MusicCustodian #AfricanDiaspora #FromStageToStrategy #HovNation #HipHopHistory #SuperBowlRumors #EntertainmentNews #GlobalMusicPower
In our latest edition of Custodian Conversations, In our latest edition of Custodian Conversations, we step into the world of @xowie_music — a rising South African star whose journey from quiet harmonies at home to nationwide stages and now global playlists is nothing short of electrifying.

Born in Benoni and raised in the vibrant cultural sprawl of KwaZulu-Natal, Xowié’s story is one of generational rhythm and raw perseverance. With musical lineage flowing through her family — including an uncle who once toured with Lucky Dube — her voice isn’t just gifted, it’s inherited.

But it was a single moment on Idols SA, a “yes” from Randall, that sparked something deeper. Though she didn’t make it past Theatre Week, it lit a fire: she picked up a guitar, dove into her craft, and returned with a purpose. That bold return culminated in her soul-baring debut EP ALLO (A Little Long Overdue), a body of work born from patience, intention, and resilience.

“That ‘yes’ wasn’t just validation — it was a spark that made me rise.” – Xowié

ALLO isn’t just an introduction — it’s a statement. A genre-fluid blend of soul, soft-pop, and vulnerability, the project explores heartbreak, healing, and hope. Tracks like “Rainy Days” captured audiences far beyond TikTok — they confirmed a star was in formation.

Xowié opens up about the quiet frustrations of the early grind — how her videos barely broke 500 views, and how she wrestled with self-doubt. But she stayed consistent. She stayed real. And in that, she found her power.

“Once I stopped waiting to be seen and started trusting my voice, everything began to shift.”

As Xowié now leads the charge on our updated Custodian Gems playlist as Cover Star, she symbolizes a bold new generation of African artists—unapologetically true to self, globally aware, and deeply rooted in community.

—

🌍 Read the full interview now on www.musiccustodian.com
🎧 Stream the Custodian Gems Playlist featuring Xowié and more breakthrough artists now.

#Xowié #CustodianConversations #SouthAfricanMusic #AfroSoul #WomenInMusic #ALLOEP #MusicCustodian #AfricanMusicRenaissance #BenoniToTheWorld #NewVoices #CustodianGems #SoulInMotion #RisingStar #TikTokToTheCharts #GenZVoices #GlobalAfricanSound
🎯 Monday Motivation — Skills Are the New Curr 🎯 Monday Motivation — Skills Are the New Currency

As a new week kicks off, here’s one truth to carry in your creative toolkit:

“Skills are the gold of the 21st century.” 🧠💡

Whether it’s music production, storytelling, brand strategy, sound engineering, or visual design—the more real, refined, and rooted your skills are, the more doors you’ll open.

It’s not about dabbling. It’s about mastery. Build your skillset, then layer it with another—podcasting meets songwriting, graphic design meets A&R strategy, coding meets touring logistics. 🌍✨

Because when you combine two or three sharp skills by your 20s or early 30s, you create a lane that no one else can replicate—your own industry hybrid.

So this week, instead of chasing clout, chase craftsmanship. Hone the edge. Study the craft. Respect the process.

The world doesn’t belong to those with the loudest voice—but to those with the deepest skill. 🎧🛠️

#MondayMotivation #MusicCustodian #SkillBuilders #CreativeDiscipline #AfricanCreatives #AfrobeatsToTheWorld #MasterYourCraft #21stCenturyGold #CustodianWisdom #BuildYourToolbox
AFRICAN MUSIC LEGENDS — BOB MARLEY 🇯🇲🌍 AFRICAN MUSIC LEGENDS — BOB MARLEY 🇯🇲🌍

From Trenchtown to the heart of Africa, Bob Marley wasn’t just a musician—he was a messenger of liberation. Today, we spotlight the man whose words sparked revolutions and whose sound built bridges across continents.

Born in Jamaica, but spiritually tethered to Africa, Marley made reggae a language of the people. His music—layered with messages of love, resistance, and spiritual awakening—spoke to the struggles of the oppressed across the globe.

In 1980, Marley made history when he performed at Zimbabwe’s Independence Day celebration. That moment wasn’t just symbolic—it was seismic. For many, it was the sound of colonial chains breaking. For Marley, it was a homecoming.

He made reggae more than a genre; he made it a tool for truth-telling. From “Get Up, Stand Up” to “Redemption Song,” his lyrics still ring out in protests and healing circles worldwide.

And his legacy didn’t die—it multiplied. Through his children, the Marley family has become a dynasty of cultural preservation and innovation. Through modern African artists, his energy lives on—in Afrobeats, in roots reggae, in everything that dares to say “we are more.”

Bob Marley was not just a legend. He was a lighthouse. His music remains a soundtrack for justice, for healing, for hope.

✨ What’s your favorite Bob Marley song or memory? Let’s celebrate the rebel with a cause. ✊🏾💚 @bobmarley @bobmarleymuseum 

#BobMarley #AfricanMusicLegends #MusicCustodian #JahLives #RootsRockReggae #MarleyForever #RevolutionarySound #PanAfricanVoice #DiasporaIcons #SoundOfFreedom #BlackHistoryDaily #CustodianSpotlight #LegendaryEnergy #AfricaToTheWorld #MusicThatMatters #AfricanMusicCommunity
moments like these between pregnant billionaire @b moments like these between pregnant billionaire @badgalriri and her superstar hubbie @asaprocky gives us more reason to believe in #blackexcellence - this is just too beautiful 🫢💖

#rihanna #asaprocky #blackmusicfamily #badgalriri #musiccustodian #whathappenedthisweekend #music #fashion
🎵 AFROBEATS HEAT DIFFERENT PLAYLIST UPDATE: Ayo 🎵 AFROBEATS HEAT DIFFERENT PLAYLIST UPDATE: Ayo Maff Leads the Charge as This Week’s Cover Star

It’s a new week—and a fresh wave of sonic heat is rising across the continent. Afrobeats Heat Different, our flagship playlist dedicated to curating Africa’s boldest and most resonant sounds, returns with a heavyweight update—and this time, the spotlight falls on one of the genre’s most exciting breakout voices: @ayomaff 🗝️💐

With his latest banger “GANG” featuring street-pop champion Seyi Vibez, Ayo Maff claims this week’s cover artist position. A rising name whose catalogue is fast growing into a sonic diary of grit and ambition, the collaboration is a pulsating, street-born anthem filled with Yoruba cadences, bounce, and a hunger that mirrors Nigeria’s Gen Z wave.

🔥 This Week’s Power Plays:
	•	Burna Boy returns with “Don’t Let Me Drown”, tapping deeper emotional waters as he gears up for the release of No Sign of Weakness.
	•	GoodGirl LA brings her signature blend of raw femininity and R&B realism with “GoodGirl”.
	•	Asake and J Hus flex effortless synergy on “Gold”.
	•	Ghana’s Stonebwoy teams up with Drela on “Dem Dead”
	•	Wizkid resurfaces alongside David Guetta and A7S with “Lighter”, a dance floor-ready fusion of EDM finesse and Afropop poise.
	•	New drops from Mr Eazi, Tekno, Jeriq, Darkoo, and Kemuel show just how genre-fluid and globally poised this new phase of Afrobeats is.

Whether you’re navigating a Lagos commute or hanging out this weekend, Afrobeats Heat Different continues to document the pulse of a continent that refuses to be sonically boxed.

From club-ready scorchers to introspective joints, this week’s curation proves once again: Afrobeats isn’t just a genre—it’s a living, global experience.

🎧 Tap in and press play @spotifyafrica @audiomack @spotify @audiomackafrica 

⸻

#AfrobeatsHeatDifferent #AyoMaff #SeyiVibez #BurnaBoy #DontLetMeDrown #AfrobeatsToTheWorld #Asake #JHus #GoodGirlLA #Wizkid #DavidGuetta #Stonebwoy #AfricanMusicSpotlight #NewMusicAfrica #GenZSounds #MusicCustodian #PlaylistUpdate #AfricanHeat #NigerianMusicScene #GlobalSounds #AltéToStreetPop #SoundtrackingTheContinent #AfricanMusicCommunity
MUSIC + STYLE, Afrobeats x Aesthetics as @heisrema MUSIC + STYLE, Afrobeats x Aesthetics as @heisrema struts Global Power at 424 × Porsche PFW🕺🏽🪩

In a moment that blurred the lines between music, fashion and culture, Nigerian global music export Rema hit the runway at the 424 × Porsche Spring/Summer 2025 Collection during Paris Fashion Week, etching another chapter into the ever-expanding intersection of music, culture, couture, and car.

The Nigerian superstar arrived in sleek all-white, wearing a long trench coat over wide trousers and statement white boots. His trench was left open, proudly showing off his tattooed chest and perfectly layered chains — a vibe that speaks volumes without saying a word. 

A statement collaboration, Rema brought the perfect cultural texture, merging high fashion with Afrobeats swagger and as it is, from music charts to global runways, he continues breaking definitions, proving that Afrobeats isn’t just heard — it’s worn.

This is not the first time music, fashion and automotive world has collided; and in this lineage, Rema represents the Afrocentric evolution of such intersections. No longer passive participants, African talents are now central figures reshaping luxury narratives—from front-row to runway.

This moment marks another shift: where Afrobeats talent isn’t just crossing thresholds in music, but carting them into fashion, culture, and global influence. Rema’s runway debut is more than a look—it’s a sonic style statement. 🙌

📌 Stay close to @musiccustodian for more cross-continental reportage on where music, fashion, and future collide.

#RemaInParis #Rema424xPorsche #ParisFashionWeek #AfrobeatsToTheWorld #RunwayRoyalty #AfrobeatsFashion #StyleInMotion #GlobalCultureMoguls #MusicCustodian #AfricanExcellence #PFW25 #Rema #Raver #CultureInFlux #PorscheFashion #424Brand #SoundToSilhouette
In an extraordinary act of recognition and generos In an extraordinary act of recognition and generosity, global Afrobeats star Tems has once again proven that her magic extends beyond music. The Free Mind singer surprised a female fan with ₦3 million after being deeply moved by a fan-created art piece inspired by her.

The fan, a visual artist who goes by [Odum Ifeoluwa], had posted the artwork on social media—an emotionally resonant and stylistically bold tribute that caught Tems’ attention. Rather than just repost or comment, Tems went a step further: she reached out privately, commended the artist’s brilliance, and then transferred a staggering ₦3 million as a show of support and investment in her creative journey.

“Yo this is unbelievable . You are incredible! I Need It Right Now!  Can I buy it please ? 🥹💖🫶🏽” - Tems shared in adoration message to the artist.

In a cultural landscape where artists often feel unseen or under-appreciated, Tems’ gesture reverberates as a reminder of the importance of affirming the next generation—especially young women creating fearlessly across the continent.

This isn’t the first time Tems has used her platform for more than just entertainment. Whether through her genre-defying sound or her vocal advocacy for women’s agency in music, she’s steadily becoming a symbol of authenticity, depth, and empowerment.

As the recipient took to social media to express shock and gratitude, fans across Africa and the diaspora have been flooding the timeline with admiration, calling Tems “a real one” and “queen behavior.”

From Grammy stage to giving grassroots creatives a lifeline, @temsbaby continues to redefine what it means to be a global African star — grounded, generous, and glowing with purpose. 

Stay with @musiccustodian for more updates on stories that uplift, inspire, and echo across cultures.

#Tems #FanLove #WomenInArt #NigerianCreatives #TemsTheGOAT #AfrobeatsToTheWorld #MusicCustodian #AfricanMusicNews #TemsEmpowers #NaijaWomenCreating #AfricanMusicCommunity
👀 @rugerofficial just ditched the pink crown… 👀 @rugerofficial just ditched the pink crown… A fresh cut. A clean slate 

Is this the soft launch of a whole new Ruger era?
New hair = new sound? Or bro just wanted to feel scalp again? or man’s tired of bleaching?

👇🏾 Sound off below. Let’s poll it:

💈 New Look, Same Vibe
🎧 New Sound Loading
🚿 Tired of Bleaching
🔥 Ruger Reset — Let’s Go

#Ruger #NewRugerWhoDis #AfrobeatsStyle #PinkCrownRetired #MusicCustodian #SoundSwitch #NaijaPopCulture #AfricanMusicCommunity
In a landmark moment for Afrobeats and global musi In a landmark moment for Afrobeats and global music at large, Wizkid delivered a transcendent orchestral performance at the prestigious Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on June 22, 2025. 

The concert, which saw the Nigerian superstar perform with the Color of Noize Orchestra under the direction of Grammy Award-winning bassist and producer Derrick Hodge, marked a bold leap into uncharted sonic territory. For @wizkidayo , it wasn’t just about music—it was about reimagining an entire genre.

The Grammy-winning global star performed with a full ensemble, elevating African sound to orchestral heights — a moment that felt like history in motion. Every note, harmony and crowd roar was a reminder: Wizkid is in a league of his own.

The highlight came when Wizkid invited Asake onstage for a powerful rendition of “MMS,” igniting the crowd and proving that this orchestral experiment could still transport the raw, unfiltered energy of an Afrobeats club banger.

This is how you lead. This is how you legacy.

📍Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles , 🎼 Featured the magic of strings, horns, drums, and destiny.

Go on our website to read complete story 🎷

#Wizkid #HollywoodBowl #AfrobeatsToTheWorld #BigWiz #OrchestralDebut #MusicCustodian #MadeInLagos #AfrobeatsLegacy #AfricanExcellence #OjuelegbaToTheWorld #GrammyStageEnergy #CulturalMilestone #WizkidLive #AfricanMusicHistory
🎶✨ CUSTODIAN GEMS | Weekly Playlist Drop ✨🎶

Fresh off her brilliant feature on Custodian Conversations, the spellbinding @efeoraka takes center stage this week as our cover star, leading a powerful playlist that celebrates the rising pulse of African alternative, pop, and soul.

From Nigeria to the world, this curation weaves through soundscapes that feel raw, genre-fluid, and wholly original. It’s a celebration of the new vanguard—creators telling their stories in their own tones.

🔥 This week’s standouts:
🎧 Efe Oraka – “Bstrd” (ethereal & honest)
⚔️ @dai_verse – “Warrior’s Child” (anthemic & defiant)
🌀 @zamirkillingwtf & @prettyboydo – “Boniface” (chaotic genius)
🌍 Feran Banks & M’kido – “TikTok Girls” (a viral banger with bite)
💥 @firstklaz x @zlatan_ibile x @jeriqthehussla – “Arewazobia” (pan-regional heat)

There’s soul, there’s rebellion, there’s clarity. As always—we don’t just follow the sound; we guard it.

Listen now. Share the gems. 🎧💎
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🎶 MUSIC IS MEMORY. MUSIC IS RESISTANCE. Throwb 🎶 MUSIC IS MEMORY. MUSIC IS RESISTANCE.

Throwback: Iranian Band Black Cats Perform Jazz Classic “I Believe in My Soul” in 1970

At a time when global attention is once again fixed on the Middle East—with headlines dominated by conflict, loss, and uncertainty—it is more important than ever to remember the threads that connect us all. And one of those threads is music—the universal language that transcends borders, politics, and generations.

Today, we spotlight a poignant cultural gem from the past: a rare 1970 performance by Black Cats, an Iranian band that once defined the golden age of Tehran’s music scene, soulfully covering the jazz anthem “I Believe in My Soul.” With velvet harmonies, gentle orchestration, and undeniable groove, this performance was more than entertainment—it was an affirmation. A declaration of identity, soul, and artistic agency from a region too often misrepresented or misunderstood.

In sharing this video, we at Music Custodian aren’t just invoking nostalgia. We’re illuminating the historical intersections of East and West, jazz and tradition, struggle and spirit. We’re reminding our community that long before digital virality, there were stages across the world where artists—regardless of geography—sang their truths with elegance and urgency.

🎥 Watch this archival performance and reflect:
What stories are buried in the music of nations we don’t always hear from?
What power does soul music have in the hands of those who’ve known both joy and resistance?

In moments of global unrest, let’s not forget: Art is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline.

#MusicIsUniversal #BlackCatsIran #JazzAcrossBorders #SoulFromTehran #MiddleEastVoices #CulturalMemory #MusicCustodian #SoundAsHeritage #GlobalSoul #ArtInResistance #WorldMusicHistory #EastMeetsWest #ArchivalMoments #MusicAsSanctuary #CulturalCustodians #IranianMusicLegacy
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