Feature Archives

Feature

Explainers, analyses, and essays on government policies, and political trends and movements around the continent

Faridah Folawiyo’s Year of Yes

A recurring theme in Folawiyo’s discussion of her work is accessibility, not as a marketing term but as something closer to a personal correction.

Anjola Akinmade

3 weeks ago

Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, The Custodian of Action and Nollywood’s Voice of Reason

Nollywood actor Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, who has died aged 66 of an unnamed cancer, inspired Nigerian film audiences and industry practitioners with his commanding performances and recorded goodwill. The actor who has stayed away from mainstream attention and conversation was the face of recent conversation after one of his daughters posted a video detailing the […]

Seyi Lasisi

1 day ago

“Starrgirl”: Ayra Starr Trades Becoming for Being

In Starrgirl, Ayra Starr does not ask you to reconsider Ayra Starr. She assumes you already know who she is and expects you to keep up. The title alone sends listeners a message before they press play. Her first two records were titled around age — 19 & Dangerous introduced a fearless, fast-talking teenager; The […]

Anjola Akinmade

4 days ago

Mid-Year Review: The 10 Best Nigerian Songs of 2026

In the spirit of culture curation, Culture Custodian has put together a list of the best songs of 2026, so far.

John Eriomala

2 months ago

What Exactly Is All This Sex Doing in Blood Sisters?

Blood Sisters Understands That Sex Can Tell a Story. It Just Doesn’t Always Know What Story It’s Telling.

Naomi Ezenwa

3 months ago

Obasanjo’s Internet – Feyisetan Ajayi

Did you know that there are approximately 4.66 billion active Internet users worldwide? Can you imagine all the different ways in which we all use the internet? Obasanjo’s Internet is our interview series where we speak to some of our Internet favorites on how they relate to the internet and what it means to them […]

Damilola Oyeleke

2 years ago

My Life in Nollywood: Dare Olaitan

Every week, The Culture Custodian grants you an all-access backstage pass into the lives of Nollywood rockstars. You get to learn about their fascinating backgrounds, the behind-the-scenes stories, and more. This episode is graced by fast-rising scriptwriter, producer and director, Dare Olaitan, who has spent at least seven years making films in Nigeria. A filmmaker […]

2 years ago

What Is Fireboy Doing Wrong?

On Christmas eve in 2021, Fireboy DML presented his fans with an early gift: Peru, his hit single, was getting a remix featuring Ed Sheeran. The industry rippled with the release; even now, when it’s become easier for Nigeria’s biggest stars to pull features with their contemporaries across the world , a collaboration of Sheeran’s […]

2 years ago

5 Nigerian Indie Filmmakers Making Waves

Filmmakers like Funke Akindele, Kunle Afolayan, Biodun Stephen, Kemi Adetiba and Jadesola Osiberu have become household names, as they easily get their accolades for contributions to the Nigerian film industry. But the industry remains a vast arena that accommodates more people that are enthusiastic about the business of filmmaking, including so-called independent (indie) filmmakers famed […]

3 years ago

Bring Back Physical Media For Music Consumption

Just as music is ever-evolving, so too are the ways by which music is consumed. At one point, the only way to hear new music was by attending live shows; and then came radio, then vinyls, CDs, and eventually streaming platforms. Typically, the emergence of a new medium phases out the previously popular one; and […]

Culture Custodian Editorial Team

3 years ago

“Mami Wata” Review: A Black-and-White Field Trip Yields Allegorical Reward and Literary Nostalgia

From his oeuvre, C. J. Obasi’s cinematic traction is obvious. Not only does he make the kinds of films that are uncommon to mainstream Nollywood; he also weaves spirituality into his narratives. On Mami Wata, C. J. Obasi, whose weight as an indie filmmaker is supported by his wife and long-term colleague Oge Obasi, delves […]

3 years ago

7 Nollywood Power Couples You Should Know

While marriage is generally perceived as a metric for success in some parts of the world, it is often more fulfilling to have people who are successful in their own rights come together and get married. Power couples are products of individuals with thriving careers in entertainment or politics. In Nigeria, from the music scene […]

3 years ago

Ten Pioneering African Animation Films

2023 was a breakthrough year for African animation. But the future, starting from 2024, promises even more. The Afrimation industry is expected to be worth $18 billion between 2024 and 2032. Despite this, the notion that animation films are new to Africa still persists. To counter this narrative, here are ten pioneering African animation films. […]

Culture Custodian Editorial Team

3 years ago