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

What We Can Learn From Nigeria’s Disappointing Night At The Grammys

After much ado, the 66th Grammy ceremony has come and gone, but its ripples in popular culture and conversations have not quite disappeared. Winners on the night haven’t climbed down from the euphoria of clinching the most prestigious award in music, but for the losers, it is a time to reflect and restrategize. Most Nigerians […]

3 years ago

“Orisa” Review: More Tropes, Less Mettle

Odunlade Adekola’s Orisa is the story of a proud king Oba Adefolarin (Odunlade Adekola) who, having been made mentally unstable by a coven of witches, has to defend his kingdom against a familiar marauder Komo-komo (Femi Adebayo) threatening to usurp his throne. Rooted in Yoruba folklore traditions, the film begins with a narrator and sage […]

3 years ago

10 Nigerian Skincare Brands Revolutionizing the Skincare Industry

Two worlds collide in Nigeria’s booming skincare industry: the ancient Nigerian way and the scientifically new. Brands harnessing both in bold ways are altogether reshaping the industry. They fuse time-tested local ingredients like raw shea butter with the innovations of modern skin chemistry to cater to the needs of their Nigerian clientele. These brands bottle […]

3 years ago

20 Anticipated Nollywood Films In 2024

Since the beginning of the current year, Nollywood has been proving its mettle, with films such as Merry Men 3: Nemesis and Adire, both of which debuted in the Nigerian cinemas last year, and Dinner, which was first released in 2016, all appearing on Netflix. More film projects in a variety of genres are, however, […]

3 years ago

4 Lesser-Known Olympic Sports Featuring African Athletes In 2024

The Olympic Games stand out as the world’s largest and most intricate sporting event and they go beyond just honoring athleticism; they embody a celebration of innovation, creativity, humanity, fair play, and sporting excellence. Widely regarded as one of the premier global sporting events, the Olympics predate contemporary competitions like the World Cup and the […]

Tobi Ayinde

3 years ago

Despite Grammy Loss, Davido’s Resurgence Continues

After the release of Stand Strong, Davido’s sole output of 2022 excluding features, fans were initially sceptical about what to do with the peculiar, gospel-leaning track. It took a little while for its essence to settle—Davido had endured a number of high-profile setbacks in his personal and professional life, and this was his rallying cry […]

3 years ago

Six Nigerian Films That Create Awareness About Health Issues

In Nigeria, people who suffer certain illnesses, for instance lifelong, transmissible or mental health problems, tend to be stigmatized, treated as outcasts and may even be deprived of societal or employment privileges. Stakeholders, such as the government and non-governmental organizations, continually make efforts through campaigns and programmes to educate the public on those health conditions. […]

3 years ago

Bloody Civilian Is Out To Defy Societal Constructs, Who Can Stop Her?

Artists have long used music to relay personal experiences and take on topics ranging from love to pain to mental health. These experiences form the crux of the stories of the artists. In 2022, Emoseh Khamofu, known professionally as Bloody Civilian, made a striking entrance into the Nigerian music industry. Her debut single, How To […]

3 years ago