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

Kugali Media’s and Disney’s “Iwaju” is a Love Letter to Lagos

Two teens begin a friendship made unlikely by their different socioeconomic stations—one lives in the plush Lagos Island, the other in the less glamorous Lagos Mainland. Touring the city’s scruffy parts, the duo encounter a myriad dangers, from which they emerge with new knowledge about themselves and their city. These are the protagonists of Iwaju, an […]

Michael Aromolaran

3 years ago

“Yusful Music Reloaded” Is YKB’s Shot For The Stars

YKB, whose real name is Yusuf Oluwo Gbolaga, first entered public cognizance with the release of the slow-burning Swaggu in 2019, under the moniker Yusufkanbai (one Yusuf like that). A series of co-signs followed which promised to accelerate his budding career: he came under Mr. Eazi’s wing as one of the beneficiaries of emPawa Africa’s […]

3 years 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

3 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 […]

3 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 […]

3 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