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

2 months 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 month 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

1 month 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

3 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

4 months ago

The Nigerian Album Culture is in Dire Need Of A Reset

Albums have become ubiquitous, and indispensable to life in this age. They have become soundtracks to the gentle patter of everyday living, vessels for the joy of music, conjuring it on demand, sometimes with a single tap. They are, for many, bookmarks—cultural artifacts capable of shaping, capturing and summoning the zeitgeist of an era. Their […]

Chibuzo Emmanuel

2 years ago

“Lakatabu”: It’s All Déjà Vu

Odunlade Adekola is the poster boy for star roles in Yoruba films of the home video era. One such archetype, which he has embodied in different so-called Yoruba Nollywood productions over a career spanning decades, is the conceited, “bad boy” protagonist. This protagonist, full of irredeemable pride, is usually a rogue who possesses some form […]

Adedamola Adedayo

2 years ago

Why Are Nigerian Men Obsessed With Trump?

Nigerian men account for a large portion of the positive ratings for Trump. Many of whom have not shied away from declaring their reverence for him on social media.

Culture Custodian Editorial Team

2 years ago

Hijack ‘93 Is Everything A Historical Thriller Should Not Be

Hijack ‘93 begins in an unusual way for what is supposedly a historical drama—with a disclaimer that states that the film is a fictionalized interpretation of real events. An attempt to ward off some of the criticism of the film’s handling of real life events, but it wasn’t really necessary: Hijack ‘93’s many problems as […]

Patrick Ezema

2 years ago

A Decade Into His Career, What is Kizz Daniel’s Legacy in Afropop?

Very few artists in Afrobeats’ dazzling history boast of debut years on par with Kizz Daniel’s introduction to the scene in 2014. Following a run of explosive singles that includes Woju, Laye, Mama, and Jombo, he released his debut album A New Era. If at the time of release, cynics regarded the album’s brazen title […]

Chibuzo Emmanuel

2 years ago

Funke Akindele’s 5 Most Popular Acts

When Funke Akindele first graced our screens as Jenifa, few could have predicted her meteoric rise to become one of Nigeria’s most celebrated filmmakers. Akindele’s career took flight with the late 90s series I Need to Know, but it was the beloved Jenifa franchise that truly captured the nation’s heart. Her portrayal of the titular […]

Shalom Tewobola

2 years ago

Ayanfe is Creating for Her Inner Child

Ayanfe is a captivating personality. She is genteel and yet uncompromising; spirited but measured; equal parts eclectic and hyper-focused. Within the first few minutes of speaking to her, I fell in love with her buoyant ambiance. This, I would soon learn, is a fairly common reaction to Ayanfe; everyone who meets her falls a little […]

Chibuzo Emmanuel

2 years ago

Reinventing Menopause, Tackling stigmas: An Initiative That’s Changing Adulthood For Women In Latin America

By Victoria Mendizabal “You will no longer be able to have children in any way,” they told María Eugenia Zapatero. She was 38 years old and had gone to the gynecologist after a long time of noticing symptoms she didn’t recognize. Although motherhood was already out of her plans, she felt a knot […]

Culture Custodian Editorial Team

2 years ago