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

5 Sound Editors and Designers In Modern Nigerian Cinema

Sound design in film is concerned with creating and manipulating sounds to enhance the mood and overall atmosphere of the work. The term is often used interchangeably with sound editing, a concept that refers to the arrangement of already existing sounds instead of creating new ones. Being essential elements of filmmaking, sound design and sound […]

Adedamola Adedayo

2 years ago

“Lisabi: The Uprising” Walks The Fine Line Between History And Storytelling

Based on events of the 18th century in Yoruba society, Lisabi: The Uprising explores the rise of a farmer-turned-warrior and native of Egba land, Lisabi Agbongbo-Akala who unites his people for a bloody rebellion against the oppression of the Oyo Empire and her overzealous tribute collectors, the Ilari. Produced by Oyebade Adebimpe Adedimeji and Victoria […]

Adedamola Adedayo

2 years ago

5 Cinematographers In Modern Nigerian Cinema

Nollywood seems to be experiencing an improvement in the visual and aesthetic quality of her productions, thanks to cinematographers and personnel of the art department. These cinematographers wield diverse hands-on techniques and strategies to manipulate the camera and produce work of commendable picture quality that has gained acceptance beyond the shores of Nigeria. Here are […]

Adedamola Adedayo

2 years ago

Is Wizkid Playing it Too Safe?

Two weeks ago, Wizkid took his most significant step thus far towards the release of his next album, Morayo: a teaser for a new single, Piece Of My Heart, that features American RnB artist Brent Faiyaz. This offering looks to allow Wizkid to float in the sonic room that he built for his last few […]

Patrick Ezema

2 years ago

Meeyas Link Wants to Revolutionize the Nigerian Jewelry Industry

In 2017, Mayomi Ogedengbe launched a luxury jewelry brand born from a vision to create minimalist, affordable pieces. This venture stood in contrast to her mother’s maximalist brand, Jewellery Affair, carving out its own niche in the industry. For Mayomi, jewelry wasn’t just a career choice—it called to her. Even as she pursued studies in […]

Shalom Tewobola

2 years ago

My Life In Nollywood: Heavens Obule

Every week, The Culture Custodian grants you an all-access backstage pass into the lives of Nollywood rock stars. You get to learn about their fascinating backgrounds, the behind-the-scenes stories, and more. This week’s edition features fast-rising independent filmmaker, Heavens Obule, who identifies as an actor, producer, and casting director. Between 2013 and 2017, he studied […]

Adedamola Adedayo

2 years ago

Initiating! Ragee is as Magnetic as His Music

In 2023, by way of his fourth studio album Timeless, Davido set in motion a campaign to reaffirm his place as one of the beacons of the Afropop genre. The campaign proved immensely successful. If doubts about his prowess had started to well up in certain corners, Timeless flattened them in one single motion. The […]

Chibuzo Emmanuel

2 years ago

Big Brother Naija: The End of An Era in Nigerian Pop Culture?

In September 2020, Olamilekan “Laycon” Agbeleshe emerged as the last man standing at the fifth season of Big Brother Naija. One would think that Nigeria had gotten a second independence with the loud cheers from streets corners and houses once the announcement was made on the Sunday night eviction show. His 71-day journey in the […]

Shalom Tewobola

2 years ago