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

1 month 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

3 weeks 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

3 weeks 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

The Paradox of Nigerian Music’s Global Success

On the 11th of October 2025, Travis Scott’s globe-trotting Utopia tour, which has seen him performing in far-flung cities of the world—among them Reading, São Paulo, and Bramham—led him to the 94,000 capacity FNB stadium in South Africa, the largest in Africa. As Travis Scott bounded up the stage, the teeming audience—which, viewed from above, […]

Chibuzo Emmanuel

11 months ago

Uchenna Ugwu’s “I Too, Crave Death” Is A Delicate Reflection On Suicide and Mental Health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 13 per cent of adolescents between 10 and 19 years globally have been diagnosed with a mental disorder. These disorders often trigger social withdrawal, causing loneliness and becoming a catalyst for suicide. A WHO report cited by The Guardian also indicates that one in four Nigerians […]

Adedamola Adedayo

11 months ago

2025 WFF Youth Film Festival: Abdulafiz Opeyemi Shittu’s Short Documentary “Dodo-Ikire” Spotlights Women In Agrifood Systems

In 2007, during a visit to his uncle in Gbongan, Osun state, Abdulafiz Opeyemi Shittu spent some time with someone who made dodo-ikire, a local delicacy derived from bananas. He fell in love with it. He noticed that there was a special storage area for unripe bananas until they were ripe and suitable for the […]

Adedamola Adedayo

11 months ago

Chee Keong Cheung on Bridging Worlds Through Film: The Making of “Son of the Soil”

Son of The Soil, an action thriller film set in Nigeria, had an eventful premiere at the 10th edition of Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF 2025) late September, where it won three awards: Best Film, Best International Showcase, and Best Director. Directed by British-Chinese filmmaker Chee Keong Cheung and co-produced with Andreas Roald (Sovereign […]

Adedamola Adedayo

11 months ago

Lojay’s Debut Album “XOXO” Might Just Be The Latest Playbook For Lagos Playboys

Lojay looks at once excited and embarrassed playing the role of wingman. Draped against deep red curtains that seem even more luxuriant against the warm glow of an ornate orange lamp, he slouches comfortably in his seat, gesticulating elaborately as he treats us to his pedagogy on wooing women. “Ladies and gentleman,” he starts, “I’ve […]

Chibuzo Emmanuel

11 months ago

Adekunle Gold’s “Fuji” Fantasy

It’s impressive how Adekunle Gold keeps evolving and switching sounds to fit the zeitgeist. His debut, Gold, blends urban Highlife and Juju, with batiks and earthy tones matching its cultural outlook. His sophomore, About 30, is a soulful, introspective record that deepens his storytelling and vocal range. His third (Afro Pop Vol. 1), fourth (Catch […]

Michael Kolawole

11 months ago

Timini Egbuson Writes His Own Script in Martell’s Swift Diaries

“I started off in sales and marketing for an e-commerce firm. I was supposed to play it safe. Stable job, good life. But I wanted more, so I quit my job and changed my story.” When Timini Egbuson says this in Martell’s Swift Diaries, his tone is calm, almost casual — but the weight of […]

Naomi Ezenwa

11 months ago

Yomi Adejumo’s “Thicker Than Water” Has A Feeble Plot

Yomi E. Adejumo’s Thicker Than Water is an all-too familiar story. The audience recognizes the bond between Ese (Ada Obi), a journalist and Onome (Bimbo Ademoye), her older sister who has passed away in unclear circumstances. The sisters were super-glue close until Onome left home for personal reasons. A journalist, Ese reluctantly investigates Onome’s death […]

Seyi Lasisi

11 months ago

Custodian Originals

Categories

More Sites

About

Feature

Faridah Folawiyo’s Year of Yes

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

“Starrgirl”: Ayra Starr Trades Becoming for Being

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

What Exactly Is All This Sex Doing in Blood Sisters?

The Paradox of Nigerian Music’s Global Success

Uchenna Ugwu’s “I Too, Crave Death” Is A Delicate Reflection On Suicide and Mental Health

2025 WFF Youth Film Festival: Abdulafiz Opeyemi Shittu’s Short Documentary “Dodo-Ikire” Spotlights Women In Agrifood Systems

Chee Keong Cheung on Bridging Worlds Through Film: The Making of “Son of the Soil”

Lojay’s Debut Album “XOXO” Might Just Be The Latest Playbook For Lagos Playboys

Adekunle Gold’s “Fuji” Fantasy

Timini Egbuson Writes His Own Script in Martell’s Swift Diaries

Yomi Adejumo’s “Thicker Than Water” Has A Feeble Plot

Feature

Subscribe to the Culture Custodian Newsletters